cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two Views About Explicitly Teaching Nature of Science

Our focus is on the effects that dated ideas about the nature of science (NOS) have on curriculum, instruction and assessments. First we examine historical developments in teaching about NOS, beginning with the seminal ideas of James Conant. Next we provide an overview of recent developments in philosophy and cognitive sciences that have shifted NOS characterizations away from general heuristic principles toward cogni- tive and social elements. Next, we analyze two alternative views regarding 'explicitly teaching' NOS in pre-college programs. Version 1 is grounded in teachers presenting 'Consensus-based Heuristic Principles' in science lessons and activities. Version 2 is grounded in learners experience of 'Building and Refining Model-Based Scientific Prac- tices' in critique and communication enactments that occur in longer immersion units and learning progressions. We argue that Version 2 is to be preferred over Version 1 because it develops the critical epistemic cognitive and social practices that scientists and science learners use when (1) developing and evaluating scientific evidence, explanations and knowledge and (2) critiquing and communicating scientific ideas and information; thereby promoting science literacy.
Transition metal catalyzed D2/H2O exchange: Distinguishing between the single and double exchange pathways

Abstract Isotopic exchange between D 2 (g) and H 2 O (l) is catalyzed by the water soluble complexes Rh(TPPTS) 3 Cl and Rh(TPPMS) 3 Cl (where TPPTS = tris(3-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine, trisodium salt and TPPMS = 3-sulfonatophenyldiphenylphosphine, sodium salt). This isotope exchange has been monitored by gas chromatographic analysis of the gaseous headspace over the aqueous catalyst solution. Upon binding to the catalyst, the hydrogen isotopologues can either exchange one or both atoms with solvent. Kinetic schemes have been developed for both situations. Analysis of exchange data demonstrates that for both catalysts at pH ≥ 8 the D 2 molecule only undergoes one exchange event per visit to the active site. At lower pH values this changes. Rh(TPPMS) 3 Cl shows evidence of double exchange at pH 7 and below. Rh(TPPTS) 3 Cl shows evidence of double exchange at pH 6 and below. Rate constants for both single and double exchange can be determined and have been analyzed in the pH range from 3 to 12. Mechanistic implications of the rate constants are discussed.
Contributions of the Framingham Study to the Conquest of Coronary Artery Disease

F rom the 1930s through the 1950s the epidemic of cardiovascular disease increased such that it became the leading cause of death. By 1950 one out of every 3 men developed cardiovascular disease before reaching age 60.’ With improvements in sanitation, nutrition and economic conditions in the United States, the infectious and enteric diseases came under control only to be replaced by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Life expectancy from birth had increased steadily in the 1950s and 1960s but there was no increase in length of life beyond age 45 because of unabated cardiovascular mortality. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was the most common cause of this high mortality. One in every 6 coronary attacks presented with sudden death as the first, last and only symptom. Half of all CAD deaths were sudden deaths occurring outside the hospital, out of reach of medical care.2 In 1950, there was no known treatment capable of prolonging life, even in those who were fortunate enough to survive the critical first hour of a heart attack. It appeared that only a preventive approach could make a substantial inroad against this extremely common lethal disease. The contribution epidemiology had made to control of infections and nutritional disease led some public health workers to consider applying this approach to the investigation of cardiovascular disease.3 Accordingly, a study was eventually organized in Framingham, Massachusetts.3 Under the direction of Thomas R. Dawber, MD, chief architect of the study, a representative sample of the town’s adults was selected to be followed for 20 years for the development of initial cardiovascular events in relation to biennially measured personal attributes and living habits suspected of contributing to the occurrence of CAD.
The combustion behavior of retorted shale particles

Abstract The pseudo-steady state and dynamic behavior of a single retorded shale particle exposed to a multicomponent gaseous mixture has been analyzed employing a diffusion and reaction model for the process. The model considers multicomponent heat and mass transfer with heterogeneous, homogeneous and solid—solid reactions taking place in the shale particle. The impact of relevant parameters such as particle size, ambient temperature and pressure on the combustion behavior is discussed. It is shown that there exists a critical value of the ambient temperature and particle size above which the retorted shale particle ignites. Simulations performed over a wide spectrum of operating conditions reveal the structure of the burning time.
Topographic EEG changes with normal aging and SDAT

EEG topography was compared in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT), aged normal controls, and young normal controls to assess regional differences. The square root of absolute power was determined for each frequency using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The normal elderly group showed a reduction in all 4 frequency bands, delta, theta, alpha and beta, at each of 32 leads when compared to the young controls. Z-transformation of the data revealed differences in topography. Older normals showed significantly greater mid-parietal and left mid-temporal delta than the younger controls. A similar pattern was seen for theta activity. Elderly controls showed relatively less occipital alpha and greater mid-parietal alpha. Beta activity demonstrated these same significant topographic differences. The elderly/SDAT comparison was significant for delta only. SDAT patients were characterized by a marked delta asymmetry in temporal regions which was not seen in the elderly normals.
Dose-survival characteristics of mouse jejunal crypt cells

Abstract The survival of mouse jejunal crypt cells after multiple doses of 60 Co γ-rays has been measured with the microcolony technique. Fractionation protocols were designed with common dose fractions in regimens with different fraction numbers. An average number of 152 clonogens per crypt was estimated from the experiments. The survival curve has a broad shoulder, remaining near-exponential over the initial dose range 0 to 300 rad, with initial slope 1 D 0 = 357 rad. It is not possible to distinguish between the linear-quadratic (LQ) and two-component (TC) survival models on the basis of the results of these experiments.
Band edge electronic structure of transition metal/rare earth oxide dielectrics

Abstract This article addresses band edge electronic structure of transition metal/rare earth (TM/RE) non-crystalline and nano-crystalline elemental and complex oxide high-k dielectrics for advanced semiconductor devices. Experimental approaches include X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) from TM, RE and oxygen core states, photoconductivity (PC), and visible/vacuum ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) combined with ab initio theory is applied to small clusters. These measurements are complemented by Fourier transform infra-red absorption (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Two issues are highlighted: Jahn–Teller term splittings that remove d-state degeneracies of states at the bottom of the conduction band, and chemical phase separation and crystallinity in Zr and Hf silicates and ternary (Zr(Hf)O2)x(Si3N4)y(SiO2)1−x−y alloys. Engineering solutions for optimization of both classes of high-k dielectric films, including limits imposed on the continued and ultimate scaling of the equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) are addressed.
Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Volatile Carbonyl Compounds in Virgin Olive Oils

The enzymatic and chemical oxidation reaction in olive oil produces many volatile carbonyl compounds that contribute to the complex flavor of olive oil. A novel ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method with dynamic headspace sampling and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) derivatization were established to determine the volatile carbonyls in virgin olive oil. Quantification of nine characteristic carbonyls (acetone, hexanal, E-2-hexenal, octanal, E-2-octenal, nonanal, E-2-nonenal, E,E-2,4-nonadienal, and E,E-2,4-decadienal) was achieved using cyclopentanal as an internal standard. This method provides comparable linearity (R(2) = 0.9917-1.0000) and repeatability (less than 7.6% relative standard deviations) with solid phase microextraction gas chromatography (SPME-GC). The relative standard deviations (%RSD) of all applied carbonyl standards were lower than 7.6%. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were in the ranges of 1.6-150.1 and 4.8-906.1 μg/kg. The recoveries obtained for olive oil samples were in the range of 81.0-115.3%. To show the potential of this method on the quantification of other volatile carbonyls that were not included in this study, GC-electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC-EI/MS) was employed to identify the derivatized carbonyls (carbonyl (2,4-DNPH) hydrazones) while peak assignments were made on the basis of elution sequences and peak areas. This method provided feasibility of using LC to determine volatile carbonyls in oil matrices, which can be applied to exam the degree of lipid oxidation and evaluate the sensory properties of VOO and other edible oils.
COUNTERPOINT: Efficacy of adding mitral valve restrictive annuloplasty to coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with moderate ischemic mitral valve regurgitation

Dr Fattouch and colleagues present the first prospective randomized trial on the very controversial group of patients with chronic moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing coronary artery bypass (CAB). They randomized 100 patients with 2þischemic MR to CAB alone and combined CAB plus restrictive mitral annuloplasty. All patients had a prior myocardial infarction (MI) and decreased ventricular function (ejection fraction [EF], 42%), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was 2.3, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was 59 mm, and pulmonary artery pressure was 40 mm Hg. The 5-year survival was 88.8% in the CAB-only group and 93.7% in the combined group. The combined group showed reverse remodeling with resolution of MR at 5 years (mean MR grade, 0.08 � 0.2; LVEDD, 52 mm; left ventricular [LV] EF, 48%; pulmonary artery pressure, 26 mm Hg; and mean NYHA class, 0.6). TheCAB-onlygroup showed an insignificant improvement in functional parameters and worsening of MR in 35%. Exercise echocardiographic analysis was basically normal in the combined group but significantly impaired in the CAB-only group. These results are impressive.
Fire history and climate change in giant sequoia groves.

Fire scars in giant sequoia [Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindley) Buchholz] were used to reconstruct the spatial and temporal pattern of surface fires that burned episodically through five groves during the past 2000 years. Comparisons with independent dendroclimatic reconstructions indicate that regionally synchronous fire occurrence was inversely related to yearly fluctuations in precipitation and directly related to decadal-to-centennial variations in temperature. Frequent small fires occurred during a warm period from about A.D. 1000 to 1300, and less frequent but more widespread fires occurred during cooler periods from about A.D. 500 to 1000 and after A.D. 1300. Regionally synchronous fire histories demonstrate the importance of climate in maintaining nonequilibrium conditions.
Heat shock proteins as biomarkers for the rapid detection of brain and spinal cord ischemia: a review and comparison to other methods of detection in thoracic aneurysm repair

The heat shock proteins (HSPs) are members of highly conserved families of molecular chaperones that have multiple roles in vivo. We discuss the HSPs in general, and Hsp70 and Hsp27 in particular, and their rapid induction by severe stress in the context of tissue and organ expression in physiology and disease. We describe the current state of knowledge of the relationship and interactions between extra- and intracellular HSPs and describe mechanisms and significance of extracellular expression of HSPs. We focus on the role of the heat shock proteins as biomarkers of central nervous system (CNS) ischemia and other severe stressors and discuss recent and novel technologies for rapid measurement of proteins in vivo and ex vivo. The HSPs are compared to other proposed small molecule biomarkers for detection of CNS injury and to other methods of detecting brain and spinal cord ischemia in real time. While other biomarkers may be of use in prognosis and in design of appropriate therapies, none appears to be as rapid as the HSPs; therefore, no other measurement appears to be of use in the immediate detection of ongoing severe ischemia with the intention to immediately intervene to reduce the severity or risk of permanent damage.
Etoposide combined with interferon alfa-2b: novel exploitation of established etoposide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Purpose To construct an efficient pilot study design to determine whether interferon alfa-2b modifies the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of continuous-infusion etoposide. Patients and methods A two-stage randomized 2 × 2 factorial design was used to evaluate interferon alfa-2b at two doses (2 or 10 MU/m2/day SQ for 3 days) and two schedules (interferon alfa-2b administered before or concurrent with 72-hour continuous-infusion etoposide). Etoposide was administered at 75, 100, or 125 mg/m2/day. In lieu of comparing the experimental arms to an etoposide-alone control arm to determine effect of interferon alfa-2b dose and schedule, a novel analytic approach was used. The effect of interferon alfa-2b on etoposide-induced leukopenia was assessed indirectly by comparison of the observed white blood cell (WBC) nadir to the nadir predicted from an established pharmacodynamic model for single agent etoposide. Results Based on 29 patients, dose-normalized 24-hour total and estimated free etoposide concentrations did not differ with interferon alfa-2b dose or schedule. Patients treated with interferon alfa-2b before etoposide had, on average a WBC nadir 545 ± 225 cells/μl lower than that predicted by a pharmacodynamic model for etoposide alone. An optimal nonlinear model for leukopenia was defined by interferon alfa-2b schedule in addition to 24-hour etoposide concentration. Conclusion A novel study design and statistical analysis provided an efficient preliminary evaluation of the combination of interferon alfa-2b with etoposide in a modest number of patients. Exploitation of a previously validated pharmacodynamic model allowed evaluation of interferon alfa-2b effect and eliminated the need for an etoposide-alone control arm. The pharmacokinetics of continuous-infusion etoposide at doses from 75 to 125 mg/m2/day appear to be unchanged by interferon alfa-2b at the doses and schedules tested and the combination appears to be feasible. We hypothesize that leukopenia may be enhanced when interferon alfa-2b is administered before etoposide, especially at a higher dose of interferon alfa-2b. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 59, 349–359; doi:
A survey of quantitative and qualitative methods of sensitivity analysis for stochastic dynamic systems

In this paper a brief literature survey concerning sensitivity analysis of stochastic dynamic systems described by Ito equations is presented. In the first part of the paper we review the quantitative methods in the time and frequency domain. We quote the definitions of output and moment sensitivity measures and we present applications for linear systems and nonlinear oscillators with stochastic coefficients under Stochastic excitations. The cases of white and coloured noise are considered. This is followed by a discussion of the application of the output sensitivity process to response approximation of nonlinear oscillators. We discuss also the application of sensitivity methods to the approximation of characteristics of the solution of stochastic differential equations. We present another approach to the study of response sensitivity of stochastic systems in the frequency-domain with applications to secondary structural systems. In the second part of the paper we review the qualitative methods. The concept of exponential and practical insensitivity for linear and a class of nonlinear stochastic dynamic systems is presented. We quote the definitions and criteria of the exponential and practical insensitivity which are very close to the definitions of stability concerning selected response variables.
A multi-band WCDMA SAW-less receivers with frequency selective feedback loop

For frequency division duplex (FDD) wide band code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, transmit (TX) signal leakage at the receiver input degrades the receiver performance. Previously, to cancel the TX leakage, a frequency selective feedback was proposed, but it had the unpredictable feedback loop characteristic due to the uncertainty of the duplexer impedance. This paper proposes a new method to achieve a predictable feedback loop characteristic. In addition, to achieve the TX leakage cancellation for multi-band, a local oscillator (LO) phase shift technique is also presented. The proposed receiver which was composed of high- and low-band LNAs and mixers, the TX canceller, and the LO shifter was implemented using 0.18-µm CMOS process and is under fabrication. Simulation results met the required specifications which were delivered from the WCDMA specifications.
Mechanistic and Bifurcation Analysis of Anode Potential Oscillations in PEMFCs with CO in Anode Feed

A detailed mathematical analysis is performed to understand the anode potential oscillations observed experimentally in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with H 2 /CO feed (Ref. 9). Temperature and anode flow rate are found to be key bifurcation parameters. The time dependence of all the key surface species must be accounted for in order for the model to predict the oscillatory behavior, while the time dependence of CO concentration in the anode chamber need not necessarily be considered. The bifurcation diagram of CO electro-oxidation rate constant agrees very well with the effect of temperature on the oscillation pattern. The oscillator model is classified as a hidden negative differential resistance oscillator based on the dynamical response of the anodic current and surface species to a dynamic potential scan. A linear stability analysis indicates that the bifurcation experienced is a supercritical Hopf bifurcation.
The use of polyethylene glycol-modified interleukin-2 (PEG-IL-2) in the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and melanoma: A Phase I study and a randomized prospective study comparing IL-2 alone versus IL-2 combined with PEG-IL-2

Background. Conjugation of polyethylene glycol to recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) results in a compound, polyethylene glycol-modified IL-2 (PEG-IL-2) that retains the in vitro and in vivo activity of IL-2, but exhibits a markedly prolonged circulating half-life. In mice, one dose of PEG-IL-2 results in tumor regression comparable to that achieved with multiple bolus doses of IL-2. Based on these preclinical studies, a Phase I study with PEG-IL-2 was undertaken in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and melanoma. Then, to exploit the higher peak levels attained with IL-2 and the improved trough levels of PEG-IL-2, a combination regimen beginning with bolus IL-2 followed by low dose maintenance PEG-IL-2 was devised and tested for efficacy. Methods. Patients with measurable metastatic melanoma or RCC were entered in a Phase I dose escalation trial of PEG-IL-2 given once a week by intravenous bolus. This trial then was repeated using a twice-a-week schedule. After determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and a safe outpatient regimen for PEG-IL-2, a hybrid regimen combining an initial high dose IL-2 cycle followed by chronic maintenance with weekly PEG-IL-2 was devised. This regimen was compared with a standard regimen consisting of two cycles of high dose unconjugated IL-2 in a randomized prospective clinical trial. Results. When given by intravenous bolus once a week, the MTD of PEG-IL-2 was 12 million IU/mZ, with
Long-term field studies: positive impacts and unintended consequences

Long-term field studies of wild primates can have far-reaching impacts that transcend their contributions to science. These impacts can benefit not only the study animals, study areas, and local human communities, but they can also have unintended, potentially negative consequences. Examples of some of the positive impacts from the Northern Muriqui Project of Caratinga, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, include contributions to conservation efforts on behalf of this critically endangered species, capacity building through the training of Brazilian students, and employment opportunities for local people through our collaboration with a locally administered NGO that is facilitating ecotourism, education, and reforestation programs. Some concerns about unintended consequences of the research include the effects of our trails and trail traffic on surrounding vegetation and other aspects of the environmental "footprints" that both long-term researchers and short-term visitors may leave. In addition, although precautions against potential health risks from routine exposure to human observers are now standard protocol, little is known about the other ways in which our long-term research presence can affect the primates' experiences or alter their perceptions of their social and ecological environments. Risk analysis, which weighs both the positive and negative impacts can provide useful perspectives for addressing the ethical considerations that can arise during long-term field studies.
Hyperexcitability and reduced low threshold potassium currents in auditory neurons of mice lacking the channel subunit Kv1.1.

A low voltage-activated potassium current, IKL, is found in auditory neuron types that have low excitability and precisely preserve the temporal pattern of activity present in their presynaptic inputs. The gene Kcna1 codes for Kv1.1 potassium channel subunits, which combine in expression systems to produce channel tetramers with properties similar to those of IKL, including sensitivity to dendrotoxin (DTX). Kv1.1 is strongly expressed in neurons with IKL, including auditory neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). We therefore decided to investigate how the absence of Kv1.1 affected channel properties and function in MNTB neurons from mice lacking Kcna1. We used the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique to record from MNTB neurons in brainstem slices from Kcna1-null (−/−) mice and their wild-type (+/+) and heterozygous (+/−) littermates. There was an IKL in voltage-clamped −/− MNTB neurons, but it was about half the amplitude of the IKL in +/+ neurons, with otherwise similar properties. Consistent with this, −/− MNTB neurons were more excitable than their +/+ counterparts; they fired more than twice as many action potentials (APs) during current steps, and the threshold current amplitude required to generate an AP was roughly halved. +/− MNTB neurons had excitability and IKL amplitudes identical to the +/+ neurons. The IKL remaining in −/− neurons was blocked by DTX, suggesting the underlying channels contained subunits Kv1.2 and/or Kv1.6 (also DTX-sensitive). DTX increased excitability further in the already hyperexcitable −/− MNTB neurons, suggesting that −/−IKL limited excitability despite its reduced amplitude in the absence of Kv1.1 subunits.
Memory abstractions for parallel programming

A memory abstraction is an abstraction layer between the program execution and the memory that provides a different "view" of a memory location depending on the execution context in which the memory access is made. Properly designed memory abstractions help ease the task of parallel programming by mitigating the complexity of synchronization or admitting more efficient use of resources. This dissertation describes five memory abstractions for parallel programming: (i) cactus stacks that interoperate with linear stacks, (ii) efficient reducers, (iii) reducer arrays, (iv) ownership-aware transactions, and (v) location-based memory fences. To demonstrate the utility of memory abstractions, my collaborators and I developed Cilk-M, a dynamically multithreaded concurrency platform which embodies the first three memory abstractions. Many dynamic multithreaded concurrency platforms incorporate cactus stacks to support multiple stack views for all the active children simultaneously. The use of cactus stacks, albeit essential, forces concurrency platforms to trade off between performance, memory consumption, and interoperability with serial code due to its incompatibility with linear stacks. This dissertation proposes a new strategy to build a cactus stack using thread-local memory mapping (or TLMM), which enables Cilk-M to satisfy all three criteria simultaneously. A reducer hyperobject allows different branches of a dynamic multithreaded program to maintain coordinated local views of the same nonlocal variable. With reducers, one can use nonlocal variables in a parallel computation without restructuring the code or introducing races. This dissertation introduces memory-mapped reducers, which admits a much more efficient access compared to existing implementations. When used in large quantity, reducers incur unnecessarily high overhead in execution time and space consumption. This dissertation describes support for reducer arrays, which offers the same functionality as an array of reducers with significantly less overhead. Transactional memory is a high-level synchronization mechanism, designed to be easier to use and more composable than fine-grain locking. This dissertation presents ownership-aware transactions , the first transactional memory design that provides provable safety guarantees for "open-nested" transactions. On architectures that implement memory models weaker than sequential consistency, programs communicating via shared memory must employ memory fences to ensure correct execution. This dissertation examines the concept of location-based memory fences, which unlike traditional memory fences, incurs latency only when synchronization is necessary. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
An RNA-aptamer-based assay for the detection and analysis of malachite green and leucomalachite green residues in fish tissue

A robust screening assay employing solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by a novel aptamer-based procedure is presented for the rapid detection and semiquantitation of the triphenylmethane dye, Malachite Green (MG) and its primary metabolite Leucomalachite Green (LMG) in fish tissue. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported use of an RNA aptamer for the development of a diagnostic assay for the detection of chemical residues in food. The aptamer based screening assay is found to be highly specific for MG; but has negligible affinity for the LMG metabolite. However, because the LMG metabolite is lipophilic and known to be highly persistent in tissues, an oxidation step has been incorporated within the sample cleanup procedure to ensure that all LMG residues are converted to MG prior to measurement. This article provides evidence that an oligonucleotide aptamer can be used as an alternative recognition element to conventional antibodies with application to the detection of residues in food. Furthermore, this finding has the future potential to reduce the number of animals currently being used in the production of antibodies for immunodiagnostic kits.
Risk of chronic and end stage kidney disease in patients with nephrolithiasis

Purpose: We examine kidney stone disease as a potential risk factor for chronic kidney disease, end stage kidney disease and treatment with dialysis.Materials and Methods: The NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 2007-2010 database was interrogated for patients with a history of kidney stones. Demographics and comorbid conditions including age, gender, body mass index, diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, hypertension, gout and smoking were also assessed. Multivariate analysis adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities was performed to assess differences in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and treatment with dialysis between the 2 groups. History of nephrolithiasis was assessed with the question, “Have you ever had kidney stones?” Chronic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m2 and/or a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio greater than 30 mg/gm. Statistical calculations were performed using Stata® software with dete...
Micromirrors for wafer-scale fabrication of electrically-pumped VECSELs

We describe the performance of a compact electrically-pumped vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) that is designed for mass production. Instead of using a bulk external mirror, we have incorporated a micromirror fabricated by wafer-scale precision molding.
Primary Care: Specialists or Generalists

A critical appraisal of the literature on the cost and quality trade-offs of primary care provided by specialists in comparison with that provided by generalists is presented.
The Challenges of TV in Education

The future excellence of our educational system will depend largely upon the extent to which the capabilities of modern technology are exploited. TV in particular promises to play an important role by solving many problems in elementary, secondary, and higher education. MPATI, a large scale educational experiment involving a TV transmitter in an aircraft, is beginning operations this spring.
Phenylhydroxylamine: Role in Aniline-Associated Splenic Oxidative Stress and Induction of Subendocardial Necrosis

To elucidate the role of N-phenylhydroxylamine (PHA, N-hydroxylated metabolite of aniline) in the selective toxicity of aniline to the spleen, dose-dependent studies were conducted with PHA in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given four doses each (1 dose/day) of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mmol/kg PHA in 0.5 ml of aqueous agar (0.25%) by gavage. The control animals received an equal volume of vehicle only. The animals were euthanized 24 h following the last dose. PHA toxicity in the blood was evident from a dose-dependent increase of methemoglobin. The most affected organ was spleen, which appeared dark and enlarged (splenomegaly) and showed increased spleen-to-body weight ratios, which were 28, 40, 66, and 87% at PHA doses of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/kg, respectively. Splenic lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde content) was higher in all PHA-treated groups, whereas splenic protein oxidation (carbonyl content) increased in only the 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/kg groups. The total iron content in the spleen also showed increases of 88, 135, 168, and 209% at PHA doses of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/kg, respectively. These biochemical changes were accompanied by a dose-dependent vascular congestion in the spleen, a characteristic feature of aniline toxicity. Although the ratio of organ to body weight increased for both testes and heart at the highest dose, striking morphological changes were observed only in heart. The cardiac lesions consisted of a both acute and resolving multifocal subendocardial necrosis involving predominently the left ventricle. Our results suggest that PHA is a splenotoxin and thus contributes to the toxicity of aniline, while at a high dose, it is also cardiotoxic, perhaps due to anoxia associated with the marked methemoglobinemia. These results further support the involvement of oxidative stress in the splenotoxicity of aniline which may be caused by its reactive metabolite(s) such as PHA.
High-Frequency Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Interconnects and Implications for On-Chip Inductor Design

This paper presents a rigorous investigation of high-frequency effects in carbon nanotube (CNT) interconnects and their implications for the design and performance analysis of high-quality on-chip inductors. A frequency-dependent impedance extraction method is developed for both single-walled CNT (SWCNT) and multiwalled CNT (MWCNT) bundle interconnects. The method is subsequently verified by comparing the results with those derived directly from the Maxwell's equations. Our analysis reveals for the first time that skin effect in CNT (particularly MWCNT) bundles is significantly reduced compared to that in conventional metal conductors, which makes them very attractive and promising material for high-frequency applications, including high-quality (Q) factor on-chip inductor design in high-performance RF/mixed-signal circuits. It is shown that such unique high-frequency properties of CNTs essentially arise due to their large momentum relaxation time (leading to their large kinetic inductance), which causes the skin depths to saturate with frequency and thereby limits resistance increase at high frequencies in a bundle structure. It is subsequently shown that CNT-based planar spiral inductors can achieve more than three times higher Q factor than their Cu-based counterparts without using any magnetic materials or Q factor enhancement techniques.
Comparative genome sequencing identifies a prophage-associated genomic island linked to host adaptation of Lawsonia intracellularis infections

Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of proliferative enteropathy (PE). The disease is endemic in pigs, emerging in horses and has also been reported in a variety of other animal species, including nonhuman primates. Comparing the whole genome sequences of a homologous porcine L. intracellularis isolate cultivated for 10 and 60 passages in vitro, we identified a 18-kb prophage-associated genomic island in the passage 10 (pathogenic variant) that was lost in the passage 60 (non-pathogenic variant). This chromosomal island comprises 15 genes downstream from the prophage DLP12 integrase gene. The prevalence of this genetic element was evaluated in 12 other L. intracellularis isolates and in 53 infected animals and was found to be conserved in all porcine isolates cultivated for up to 20 passages and was lost in isolates cultivated for more than 40 passages. Furthermore, the prophage region was also present in 26 fecal samples derived from pigs clinically affected with both acute and chronic forms of the disease. Nevertheless, equine L. intracellularis isolates evaluated did not harbor this genomic island regardless of the passage in vitro. Additionally, fecal samples from 21 clinically affected horses and four wild rabbits trapped in horse farms experiencing PE outbreaks did not show this prophage-associated island. Although the presence of this prophage-associated island was not essential for a virulent L. intracellularis phenotype, this genetic element was porcine isolate-specific and potentially contributed to the ecological specialization of this organism for the swine host.
An undergraduate systems engineering design project for using constructive and virtual simulation for an armed UAV design

This paper presents a design project for undergraduate systems engineering students in which Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (AUAV's) are designed, using the systems engineering design process taught at the United States Military Academy, and tested using constructive and virtual simulation. These results are compared to theoretical results obtained through applying Lanchester analysis. Students first analyze the stakeholders' needs and develop alternatives. The students research commercial off the shelf (COTS) UAV airframes, sensors and weapon systems that meet the stakeholders' needs. Using design of experiments and response surface optimization, laboratory experimentation is conducted using Janus simulation and Janus Evaluator Tool Set (JETS) software to test the feasible alternatives under varying weather conditions and altitudes to examine performance against a predetermined threat. The students evaluate the alternatives using multi-attribute utility theory and encompassing all the objectives defined in the stakeholder analysis. Sensitivity analysis is applied and a recommendation is made to the decision maker.
Type I Adenylyl Cyclase Mutant Mice Have Impaired Mossy Fiber Long-Term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) at the mossy fiber→CA3 pyramidal cell synapse in the hippocampus is an NMDA-independent form of LTP that requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity and can be induced by forskolin, a general activator of adenylyl cyclases. Presynaptic Ca2+ influx and elevated cAMP may be obligatory for mossy fiber LTP. Because the Ca2+-stimulated type 1 adenylyl cyclase (AC1) is expressed in the dentate gyrus and CA3 pyramidal cells, it is hypothesized that AC1 may be critical for mossy fiber LTP. To test this hypothesis, we examined several forms of hippocampal LTP in wild-type and AC1 mutant mice. Wild-type and AC1 mutant mice exhibited comparable perforant path LTP recorded in the dentate gyrus as well as decremental LTP at the Schaffer collateral→CA1 pyramidal cell synapse. Although the mutant mice exhibited normal paired pulse facilitation, mossy fiber LTP was impaired significantly in AC1 mutants. High concentrations of forskolin induced mossy fiber LTP to comparable levels in wild-type and AC1 mutant mice, indicating that signaling components downstream from the adenylyl cyclase, including PKA, ion channels, and secretory machinery, were not affected by disruption of the AC1 gene. These data indicate that coupling of Ca2+ to activation of AC1 is crucial for mossy fiber LTP, most likely via activation of PKA and enhancement of excitatory amino acid secretion.
The Integrated Time and Stress Measurement Device Concept

This paper addresses the measurement of physical stress on devices, components, and assemblies in an operational environment. It is within the scope of current state-of-the-art semiconductor technology to incorporate stress measurement subsystems that are small enough and inexpensive enough to be included as an integral part in most military equipment and some comercial equipment. The collection of physical stress data is obviously important for the correlation of the cause/effect relationship between stress and failure mechanisms. Equally important is the possibility of isolating instances where the application environment exceeds the design environment. This leads to the possibility of an effective method of warranty verification. The system hardware and software design are discussed, as are the various sensors and sensor technologies required for the Time and Stress Measurement Device applications.
The Use of Acupuncture in a Pediatric Chronic Care Setting: Clinical Applications

Abstract Background: Children with disabilities have a complex array of distressing symptoms that decrease their quality of life. Many of the mainstays of modern biomedicine can also impose significant side-effect burdens on patients and their families. There has been a paucity of studies examining acupuncture for reducing the symptom burden on these patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case series highlights patients referred for acupuncture or palliative care at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul, MN. In the past year, 52 unique patients received 136 acupuncture treatments in the clinic or hospital setting. Patients received treatments based upon their backgrounds and presenting complaints along with energetic work, biomechanical treatment (surface release technique, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and/or auriculotherapy. Results: This case series highlights how 9 of the 52 patients with a variety of presentations received benefits from acupuncture. Conclusions...
A Revised Taiji Diagram to Convey the Unity of World Phenomena

Surprisingly, the quantum computer, which utilizes the most advanced computing technology today, reveals its ultimate computing principle at the most fundamental level, the quibit, which is based on the primordial dual structure, the binary 0.1. that interacts in complementary contradiction. World phenomena can be clearly explained in a revised Confucian-Taoist metaphysical scheme to show its mathematical beauty and philosophical appeal.
Bank v. America, or How to Destroy a Community

How can we combat the foreclosure crisis outside of the law? The communities that are hit hardest by foreclosure tend to also have other socio-economic problems. Is this being spurred on by the consumer driver culture in America? Is there a new way to approach living the "American Dream" and what does this mean now for future home ownership?
The Legend of the Privateer Airship and the Currents That Lifted It

The United States last issued a letter of marque in 1942. It authorized the Goodyear Company to deploy a helium filled blimp to hunt Japanese submarines off the Pacific coast. At least, that is the story reported in newspapers in the 1940s and embellished in books and articles over the following decades. But the story is not true – there were no letters of marque issued in World War II. The legend seems to have emerged from journalistic confusions, spawned by larger wartime controversies over legal limits on private involvement in military operations. The debates of that era have reemerged in our time – along with the notion of using letters of marque to unleash high tech combatants.
Abstract 3637: Virtual Histology Using Intravascular Ultrasound In Assessment Of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques: Correlation With Angiographic And Histopathological Findings

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaque composition and structure varies in different patients and correlates with risk of plaque rupture and embolization. Virtual histology (VH)-intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) is the modality of choice for in vivo imaging of the vessel wall of the coronary arteries. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation between VH-IVUS, angiographic, histopathological, and macroscopic findings in intracranial vessels. METHODS Twelve different postmortem intracranial vessels; including middle cerebral artery, basilar artery, and anterior cerebral artery, were randomly selected. Contrast enhanced angiographic images were acquired. Then IVUS catheter (Eagle Eye Gold, 20 MHZ Digital, s5 Imaging System, Volcano Corp.) advanced within the arteries to obtain gray-scale and VH at regions of interest. The vessels were subsequently transected to obtain macroscopic images with Nikon Digital Camera DXM 1200C. The tissue was fixed, processed, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Finally, IVUS images were compared with angiographic, direct visualization, and histopatholical findings; regarding luminal stenosis, vessel wall thickness, and plaque content. Plaque content was categorized as: dark green, fibrous; yellow/green, fibrofatty; white, calcified; red, necrotic lipid core plaque on images. RESULTS Out of 12 samples, 10 had atherosclerotic plaques in direct visualization. Angiographic stenosis was seen in 3 of these 10 arteries. Five arteries had outside protrusion of the plaque without any intraluminal stenosis. In the remaining 2 samples there was neither stenosis nor outer protrusion. Plaques were visualized in gray-scale IVUS as increased wall thickness, outer wall irregularity, protrusion, and/or hyperdense signal. The accuracy of IVUS to identify plaques was 100% compared with macroscopic visualization of the vessels. Fibrous and lipid deposition in the intima of the arterial wall seen in the histological sections was highly correlated (Pearson’s coefficient of 0.93) with VH-IVUS findings (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS These findings support new application of VH-IVUS in intracranial vessels especially with externally protruding angiographically negative plaques with the anticipated availability of smaller and more navigable IVUS catheters. Figure 1. A: a cross-sectional macroscopic view of anterior cerebral artery showing plaque within the vessel wall. B: Histological section of the vessel. C: VH-IVUS image from the same location.
Variability in length of stay after uncomplicated pulmonary lobectomy: is length of stay a quality metric or a patient metric?†.

Objectives Previous studies have identified predictors of prolonged length of stay (LOS) following pulmonary lobectomy. LOS is typically described to have a direct relationship to postoperative complications. We sought to determine the LOS and factors associated with variability after uncomplicated pulmonary lobectomy. Methods Analysing the State Inpatient Databases, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality database, we reviewed lobectomies performed (2009-11) on patients in California, Florida and New York. LOS and comorbidities were identified. Multivariable regression analysis (MVA) was used to determine factors associated with LOS greater than the median. Patients with postoperative complications or death were excluded. Results Among 22 647 lobectomies performed, we identified 13 099 patients (58%) with uncomplicated postoperative courses (mean age = 66 years; 56% female; 76% white, 57% Medicare; median DEYO comorbidity score = 3, 55% thoracotomy, 45% thoracoscopy/robotic). There was a wide distribution in LOS [median LOS = 5 days; interquartile range (IQR) 4-7]. By MVA, predictors of prolonged LOS included, age ≥ 75 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-2.0], male gender (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5-1.7) and other comorbidities, Medicaid payer (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.1) versus private insurance, thoracotomy (OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.8-3.3) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/robotic approach and low hospital volume (OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1-2.6). Conclusions Variability exists in LOS following even uncomplicated pulmonary lobectomy. Variability is driven by clinical factors such as age, gender, payer and comorbidities, but also by surgical approach and volume. All of these factors should be taken into account when designing clinical care pathways or when allocating payment resources. Attempts to define an optimal LOS depend heavily upon the patient population studied.
The Earthquake of October 21, 1965 and Precambrian Structure in Missouri

A revised location, origin time, and hypocentral depth for the Missouri earthquake of October 21, 1965, were calculated for various crustal models. The depth is small, less than 15 km. The intensity data from the earthquake show a clear connection to the major Precambrian structure in the central part of the state. The areas of perceptibility and damage are shifted to the northwest, relative to the epicenter, along a major structural lineament. Low intensities coincide with the Tertiary and Quarternary sediments of the Mississippi embayment, to the southwest of the epicenter.