cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PON Evolution for Residential and Business Applications

This paper reviews Verizon’s architecture and evolution plans for their PON network to support the increasing bandwidth demands of its residential and business customers on a flexible and robust platform for the coming decade.
Understanding and Predicting the Lithium Dendrite Formation in Li-Ion Batteries: Phase Field Model

Lithium (Li) dendrite formation compromises the reliability of Li-metal batteries, either because dendrite pieces lose electrical contract or growing dendrite penetrates the separator and leads to internal short-circuiting. In this paper, a nonlinear phase-field model is formulated to predict Li dendrite formation at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The phase field evolves by electrochemical reaction of which the rate depends on nonlinearly the thermodynamics driving force involving overpotential and ion concentration. A revised Poisson-Nesters-Planck Equation is further solved for ionic transport and local overpotential variation. The model is validated by 1-D fields distribution involving phase field, Lithium ion concentration and electrostatic potential. The 2-D tree-type lithium dendrite during Li deposition was produced if anisotropic surface energy is assumed. Finally, the 2D morphological evolution under different electrochemical conditions specified by the charging current density, and the anisotropy of surface energy was discussed.
Static ataxia: a predictor of alcoholism?

Summary Non-alcoholic college-aged males with and without a family history of alcoholism were compared on a measure of static ataxia (body sway). In two separate studies, subjects with alcoholic biological relatives showed significantly greater body sway than those without such relatives. This effect was independent of alcohol influence and subjects' typical drinking pattern. To the extent that subjects with a family history of alcoholism are at risk to become alcoholic, these results suggest that the previously reported motor impairment of alcoholics may exist prior to chronic alcohol intake. This possibility should be considered cautiously, due to two methodological issues: (a) differences between the two studies in measurement procedures and (b) the use of subjects' self reports for family history classifications. Methodological improvements and future research directions were discussed.
Prevention of High Incidence of Neurally Mediated Ventricular Arrhythmias by Afferent Nerve Stimulation in Dogs

Background—This study tested the hypothesis that the high incidence of ventricular arrhythmias caused by hypothalamic stimulation during acute myocardial ischemia could be attenuated by afferent nerve stimulation and investigated the cardiac mechanisms for those effects. Methods and Results—In 18 anesthetized dogs, stimulating electrodes were implanted in the hypothalamus and in the isolated left peroneal nerve. The chest was opened and approximately 100 plunge needles were inserted into the ventricles for 3-D activation mapping. Each animal underwent 4 episodes of 2.5 minutes of acute myocardial ischemia. The first and fourth episodes served as controls. During the second and third episodes, animals received either hypothalamic stimulation, peroneal nerve stimulation, or both. Hypothalamic stimulation significantly increased the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. This high incidence was reduced 34% by simultaneous stimulation of the hypothalamus and peroneal nerve. 3-D mapping showed a focal origin fo...
The Biome Project: developing a legitimate parallel curriculum for physical education and life sciences

The purpose of this article is to describe the outcomes of a parallel curriculum project between life sciences and physical education. Throughout a 6-week period, students in grades two through five became members of teams that represented different animal species and biomes, and concurrently participated in a season of gymnastics skills and competitions. It was found that both classroom teachers and the specialist physical education teacher believed the organisation of this project led to greater learning of both subject strands than would have been possible if they were taught separately. This was due to both curricular and micro-political elements that worked together to both motivate students and allow for reinforcement of content. It is suggested that the organisational features of Sport Education allow for such shared partnerships to work without trivialising the content of either subject.
A dynamic model for optimal design quality and return policies

Abstract A clearly explained and generous return policy has been established as a competitive weapon to enhance sales. From the firm’s point of view, a generous return policy will increase sales revenue, but will also increase cost due to increased likelihood of return. Design quality of the product has been used as a competitive weapon for a long time. This paper recognizes the relationship between design quality and price of the product, and the firm’s return policy. Quality level in the product would influence the amount of return directly. When the product quality is higher, the customer satisfaction rate will increase and the probability of return will decrease. We develop a profit-maximization model to jointly obtain optimal policies for the product quality level, price and the return policy over time. The model presented in this paper is dynamic in nature and considers the decisions as the product moves through the life cycle. We obtain a number of managerial guidelines for using marketing and operational strategy variables to obtain the maximum benefit from the market. We mention several future research possibilities.
Left ventricular dilatation. Prognostic value in severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease.

This study determines the noninvasive prognostic predictors (using radionuclide angiography) in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (resting ejection fraction ≤35 percent) secondary to coronary artery disease. We retrospectively evaluated 94 such patients using rest and exercise radionuclide ventriculography. At a mean followup of 16 months, cardiac events occurred in 22 patients: ten patients died of cardiac causes, five patients sustained nonfatal myocardial infarction, and seven patients developed severe congestive heart failure (class 4). Results indicate that patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction may be stratified into different risk groups according to left ventricular size. Marked left ventricular dilatation identifies a subgroup at high risk.
Small noncleaved cell lymphoma in an adolescent with the XYY syndrome

A 19-year-old male was diagnosed with stage III abdominal small noncleaved cell (SNCC) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Cytogenetic evaluation of the tumor revealed a complex karyotype which included the t(8;14)(q24;q32), classically associated with this lymphoma histotype, and an extra Y chromosome. After remission was obtained, cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow cells and PHA-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes disclosed a normal karyotype except for the persistence of an extra Y chromosome, diagnostic of the XYY syndrome. This is the first reported case of SNCC NHL in an adolescent with the XYY syndrome.
Materials science of modern steels

Abstract The evolution of steelmaking technology is traced from its primitive origins nearly 4000 years ago to its present highly sophisticated forms. The emergence of physical metallurgy is shown to be largely associated with the burst of activity in the physical sciences in the last 100 years. The suggestion is made that a new era in physical metallurgy has now begun, viz., the era of alloy design, which is characterized by the application of the first principles of materials science to the creation of new and superior engineering alloys. It is postulated that this new era could not have started without a preceding one in which the analytical and experimental tools (prerequisite for an atomistic understanding of solids) were brought to high levels of sophistication. The current status of alloy design is represented by several illustrative examples taken from current research. The “design” of these alloys is shown to consist of a mixture of science, engineering, and empiricism. The remaining but ever-diminishing component of empiricism is considered to be one of the existing challenges in the continuing story of the technology of steel.
Eimeria callosciuri n. sp. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from Prevost's Squirrel Callosciurus prevostii Demarest, 1822 in Malaysia*

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria callosciuri n. sp. is described from Prevost's squirrel Callosciurus prevostii in Malaysia. Its oocysts are 24–31 by 20–2μ with a mean of 21.9 by 28.4μ. Schizogonic and gametogonic stages develop in the tips of the villi of the small intestine, above the nuclei of the host epithelial cells. It is the first species of Eimeria described from the rodent tribe Callosciurini.
The role of frontal cortex-reticular interactions in performance and extinction of the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response in the rabbit

Abstract In order to investigate the behavioral role of interactions between frontal cortex and reticular nuclei, we examined the effects of single and combined lesions of these structures on the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response (NMR) of rabbits. Lesions of frontal cortex decreased latencies of the conditioned NMRs in reacquisition and retarded extinction of the conditioned response. Lesions of nucleus reticularis pontis oralis (NRPO) produced similar effects. In contrast, lesions of nucleus reticularis tegmenti (NRT) increased NMR latencies during reacquisition. The opposite effects of frontal cortex and NRT lesions were abolished when the two lesions were combined, indicating that the two lesion effects summed. In contrast, the deficits due to frontal and NRPO lesions did not sum; combined frontal—NRPO lesions produced deficits very similar in magnitude and time course to those of the NRPO lesions alone. These findings suggest that frontal cortex may exert its inhibitory effects on behavior not by directly interacting with NRT, but by facilitating NRPO, which in turn may inhibit the nucleus of the VIth nerve, the final common pathway to the NMR. NRT may facilitate the motor pathway by modulating the inhibitory effect of NRPO on the VIth nerve nucleus.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of 1,2-Dimethoxyethane/Water Solutions. 1. Conformational and Structural Properties

Molecular dynamics simulations of solutions of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and water have been performed in order to investigate the conformations of DME and the local solution structure as a function of solution composition and temperature. The simulations employ a previously developed force field based upon ab initio quantum chemistry calculations of DME/water interactions. The DME conformer populations show a strong dependence on temperature and solution composition and are quite different in aqueous solutions from those found in the gas phase or neat liquid. An analysis of the dependence of the conformer population distribution on temperature allows us to estimate the relative free energies of solvation for different conformers in water solution, which are found to be primarily energetic in origin for dilute solutions. The conformation dependence of the solvation free energy, resulting in “hydrophilic” and “hydrophobic” conformers, is explained in terms of differences in polar interactions between DME a...
Some observations on pig-kidney DPN-l-gulonate dehydrogenase

Abstract Under certain conditions, diphosphopyridine nucleotide- l -gulonate dehydrogenase from kidney converts l -gulonate and diphosphopyridine nucleotide into stoichiometric quantities of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide, CO 2 , xylulose, and H + . However, under different conditions, the enzyme is capable of converting l -[I- 14 C]gulonate into three unidentified products which are separated by column chromatography. These unidentified products appear to be decomposition products of 3-keto- l -gulonate, a posuulated intermediate of the enzumic reaction. The enzymic reaction is inhibited by reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide competitively with l -gulonate. The reaction appears to be reversible but the equilibrium strongly favors decarboxylation. A role for a dithiol grouping in the enzyme appears likely, as the enzyme is extremely sensitive to CdCl 2 and γ -( p -arsenosophenyl-)- n -butyrate. Inhibition of the enzyme by γ ( p -arsenosophenyl-)- n -butyrate is overcome by 2,3-dimercaptopropanol but not glutathione.
Resolution and light sensitivity tradeoff with pixel size

When the size of a CMOS imaging sensor array is fixed, the only way to increase sampling density and spatial resolution is to reduce pixel size. But reducing pixel size reduces the light sensitivity. Hence, under these constraints, there is a tradeoff between spatial resolution and light sensitivity. Because this tradeoff involves the interaction of many different system components, we used a full system simulation to characterize performance. This paper describes system simulations that predict the output of imaging sensors with the same dye size but different pixel sizes and presents metrics that quantify the spatial resolution and light sensitivity for these different imaging sensors.
Collective behavior and superdislocation motion in L12 alloys

Abstract A simulation of superdislocation motion applicable to L1 2 intermetallic alloys displaying the yield stress anomaly has been developed. The simulations incorporate a cross-slip-pinning mechanism and allow direct study of the spatial and temporal correlations between pinning events. The predicted dislocation structures agree well with available experimental observations. The relationship between the pinning-point correlations and the mechanical properties of the alloys is explicitly investigated. The superdislocations are shown to undergo a stress-driven, non-equilibrium phase transition. The critical exponents of the transition are shown to be related to strain hardening. Theoretical predictions for the exponents are in excellent agreement with the algebraic form of primary creep transients for Ni 3 Al within the temperature range of the flow strength anomaly. The importance of treating dislocation-level phenomena on an equal footing with detailed microscopic mechanisms is stressed.
Outcomes of Clinicians, Caregivers, Family Members and Adults with Spina Bifida Regarding Receptivity to use of the iMHere mHealth Solution to Promote Wellness.

The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding the receptivity of clinicians, caregivers and family members, and adults with spina bifida (SB) to the use of a mHealth application, iMobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) system. Surveys were administered to end user groups in conjunction with a conference presentation at the Spina Bifida Association’s 38th Annual Conference. The survey results were obtained from a total of 107 respondents. Likert scale and qualitative results are provided in consideration of future application of the iMHere system in clinical practice. The results of this survey indicate respondents were receptive and supportive with regard to adopting such a system for personal and professional use. Challenges likely to be encountered in the introduction of the iMHere system are also revealed and discussed.
Two-dimensional material electronics and photonics (Presentation Recording)

Two-dimensional (2D) materials has attracted intense interest in research in recent years. As compared to their bulk counterparts, these 2D materials have many unique properties due to their reduced dimensionality and symmetry. A key difference is the band structures, which lead to distinct electronic and photonic properties. The 2D nature of the materials also plays an important role in defining their exceptional properties of mechanical strength, surface sensitivity, thermal conductivity, tunable band-gap and interaction with light. These unique properties of 2D materials open up broad territories of applications in computing, communication, energy, and medicine. In this talk, I will present our work on understanding the electrical properties of graphene and MoS2, in particular current transport and band-gap engineering in graphene, interface between gate dielectrics and graphene, and gap states in MoS2. I will also present our work on the nano-scale electronic devices (RF and logic devices) and photonic devices (plasmonic devices and photo-detectors) based on graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides.
Route Navigation in the Urban Grand Challenge with Compromised GPS

The DARPA Urban Challenge is providing an opportunity for interested scientists to compete in designing and proving an unmanned vehicle.The autonomous vehicle must avoid collisions, operate in compromised conditions and be robust and independent of human operators. Navigation may be achieved by a varied number of methods. Most will rely on Global Positioning System (GPS) for waypoints, checkpoints and general travel. A route file will be provided for the test site that contains information related to GPS coordinates throughout the course. Vehicles must safely navigate to checkpoints while maintaining road ruleswithsafety.IntheeventthatGPSislostorcompromised,thevehiclesmuststillnavigate to the checkpoints while determining traversable pathways. Optional techniques have been developed in order to navigate without GPS. We build a map of all of the waypoints along with other route information. Whenever we need to navigate to a checkpoint or gate in the absence of GPS, we identify the location we want to head to and use that as a directional bias compared to our current location. We then follow road rules to get through correct gates to the checkpoint using modified orienteering techniques.
Between standard cells and transistors: Layout templates for Regular Fabrics

Design rules for small process node become more restrictive and more complex nowadays. The usage of strongly predefined structures for layout design is the way to cope with the complexity of circuit design within the limits of design rules. This paper introduces an approach to design logic blocks within the limits of regular layout using pre-generated layout templates. Proposed technique skips the hierarchy of standard cells and uses templates as minimal functional elements. We introduce logic instrument to describe the functionality of templates and demonstrate examples of template-based synthesis solutions. We show that the template-based approach can significantly reduce design area in comparison with standard cells approach.
Alternate State Variables for Emerging Nanoelectronic Devices

We provide an outlook of some important state variables for emerging nanoelectronic devices. State variables are physical representations of information used to perform information processing via memory and logic functionality. Advances in material science, emerging nanodevices, nanostructures, and architectures have provided hope that alternative state variables based on new mechanisms, nanomaterials, and nanodevices may indeed be plausible. We review and analyze the computational advantages that alternate state variables may possibly attain with respect to maximizing computational performance via minimum energy dissipation, maximum operating switching speed, and maximum device density.
Effects of Thiouracil and Thyroxine on Chick Embryo Development

Abstract ANDREWS and Schnetzler (1945) noted that when thiouracil was fed to hens, the chicks from these hens exhibited thyroid enlargement at hatching time, but hatchability did not appear to be affected. Grossowicz (1946) obtained a delay in hatching of from one to nine days and a retardation in the absorption of the yolk sac by injecting 0.3 to 3.0 mg. of thiouracil into the yolk sac of developing chick embryos. The main effects of the injection of thiourea or thiouracil into the yolk sac of eight day old or older embryos were listed by Adams and Bull (1949) as a retardation of hatching time, lack of retraction of the yolk sac, decreased embryo growth, and hyperemia, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of the thyroid. These principal observations on the effects of goitrogens on embryo development have been confirmed by various investigators (Bennett and Adams, 1952; Vidal, 1952; Adams and Buss, 1952; Kingsbury …
Second Generation Fiscal Federalism: Political Aspects of Decentralization and Economic Development

Summary. — This essay contributes to second generation fiscal federalism (SGFF), which traces the implications of incentives created by political and fiscal institutions. The approach explores how various forms of fiscal federalism work in the presence of political officials who, rather than being benevolent social planners, face various forms of political incentives. The paper focuses on three sets of positive models: First, it explores self-enforcing federalism; that is, how federal systems are held together given various tendencies for federal systems to become centralized or fall apart. Second, it considers how specific political institutions, such as democracy, interact with decentralization. Finally, it studies various political impediments to economic growth, again highlighting the interaction with decentralization. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Analysis of higher order regular polygonal loop antennas

Higher order regular polygonal loop antennas are analyzed. The input impedance of higher order antennas varies gradually when the operating frequency or the order of polygon changes. This behavior of input impedance provides a wide range of input impedance and many resonant points to antenna designers. The higher order regular polygonal loop antenna generally possesses higher directivity but poorer broadband impedance property. As the operating frequency becomes higher its directivity increases remarkably and the broadband property becomes more prominent. To achieve the desired properties one may select one of the many design data sets with a trade-off between broadband property and directivity. >
Two contrasting pressure-temperature-time paths in the Villa de Cura blueschist belt, Venezuela: Possible evidence for Late Cretaceous initiation of subduction in the Caribbean

The Villa de Cura blueschist belt is one of several east-west–trending allochthonous belts comprising the Caribbean Mountain system of northern Venezuela. This blueschist belt consists of four structurally coherent subbelts that also trend east-west; from north to south these are characterized by: (1) pumpellyite-actinolite, (2) glaucophane-lawsonite, (3) glaucophane-epidote, and (4) barroisite. The retrograde pressure-temperature ( P-T ) path of the northern three subbelts generally parallels their prograde path. Such P-T paths are typical for Franciscan-style subduction settings and are characterized by relatively low geothermal gradients indicative of refrigeration during subduction-zone-parallel ascent and exhumation of these rocks. The barroisite subbelt formed at high pressures similar to those of the glaucophane-epidote subbelt, but at substantially higher temperatures, and followed a counterclockwise P-T path. New 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages record peak metamorphism at 96.3 ± 0.4 Ma for the barroisite subbelt and 79.8 ± 0.4 Ma for the northern three subbelts. The Caribbean plate is thought to have been a fragment of the Farallon plate, which together with the “Great Arc of the Caribbean” (Greater Antilles–Aves Ridge–Lesser Antilles–Leeward Antilles) migrated northeastward after a subduction polarity reversal and overrode the young Proto-Caribbean lithosphere that had formed by spreading between North America and South America. The more silicic barroisite subbelt may have been part of the arc that was subducted immediately after polarity reversal, whereas the other three belts formed much later when the geothermal gradient had decreased substantially. The Villa de Cura belt was exhumed in two stages, first by Late Cretaceous arc-parallel extension, and second by Miocene southward thrusting onto the South American continent.
Long-term follow-up of patients with malformations for which definitive surgical repair has been available for 25 years or more

The results of long-term follow-up studies of patients with five common congenital heart defects are reviewed. The lesions included are ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. A definitive, rather than palliative, operation has been available for each of these lesions for more than 25 years. Therefore many patients who have undergone operation for one of these lesions are now reaching adulthood. Although most of these postoperative patients live a normal life, many have residuae or sequelae that require close observation or treatment. Other persistent abnormalities of the physical examination, electrocardiogram and chest radiogram are obvious but call for no precaution or treatment. We have drawn on our own experience and the published experience of others to identify those findings and historical factors that best reflect the long-term prognosis of these patients. In addition, recommendations concerning the need for continued prophylaxis against infective endocarditis, and the problems of insurability and employability of these postoperative patients are discussed.
Neuroprotective Ganglioside Derivatives

Abstract : TTNatural and semisynthetic gangliosides protect neurons from toxin-induced cell death and salvage neurons after toxin exposure. The hydrophilic property of gangliosides restricts their blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, which hinders their use as neuroprotective agents. Gangliosides semisynthetic derivatives with improved cytoprotective properties and BBB permeability can be produced. Even with gangliosides great therapeutic promise, no study has examined ganglioside functional group derivatives that would provide cytoprotection AND effectively cross the BBB; information that would provide a basis for future studies of neuroprotective mechanisms. This study examined the ability of ganglioside derivatives to be cytoprotective in vitro models using the dopaminergic neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and the SH-SY5Y cell line. Derivatives determined to have therapeutic potential were to be tested in vitro for their ability to cross a brain capillary endothelial cell culture model of the BBB. Finally, derivatives that were both cytoprotective and that effectively crossed the in vitro BBB model were to be tested in vivo for their ability to neuroprotect dopaminergic neurons in both chronic and acute neurotoxicity models using the MPP+ precursor, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The hypothesis is that changes in ganglioside ceramide and/or oligosaccharide functional groups can improve neuroprotection through changes in cytoprotection and BBB transcytosis.
Persistence factors for mobile source (roadway) carbon monoxide modeling

A critical step in the modeling of the carbon monoxide (CO) impacts of mobile sources is predicting an 8-hour CO concentration given a modeled "worst-case" 1-hour concentration. Often, this is done by a multiplicative persistence factor. A meteorological persistence factor (MPF) accounts for the variability over 8 hours of wind speed, wind direction, stability class, and temperature. A vehicular persistence factor (VPF) reflects the lower traffic volumes during the off-peak hours. Hourly meteorological data for ten years for four cities in Florida were obtained from the National Climatic Data Center. The CALINE3 model was used to obtain hourly CO concentrations, which were combined to derive MPFs for each city. Similarly, VPFs were derived from hourly vehicle counts from one busy roadway in each city. The mean VPF multiplied by the second highest MPF was defined as the worst-case total persistence factor (TPF). These worst-case TPFs increased significantly as more hours of nighttime were included in the 8...
Amphetamine selectively enhances avoidance responding to a less salient stimulus in rats

This preclinical study examined the psychological processes affected by amphetamine that contribute to human psychosis. Using a novel avoidance conditioning paradigm involving two conditioned stimuli (CS) with varied salience, we found that acute amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) selectively enhanced avoidance responding to a less salient stimulus, but not to a salient one. These findings suggest that elevated dopaminergic activity selectively enhances the attributions of motivational salience to a less salient stimulus, a process that may bear relevance to the development of human delusional thoughts.
Progressive reduction in norepinephrine overflow during cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation in the anaesthetized dog.

The left ansa subclavia was stimulated at supramaximal intensity at a frequency of 8 Hz in open-chest, anaesthetized dogs for periods of about 10 min. Arterial blood pressure, myocardial contractile force, and coronary sinus blood flow reached peak values after 1 or 2 min of stimulation, and then declined gradually throughout the remainder of stimulation. In hearts that averaged 159± 10 (SEM) g, the norepinephrine (NE) overflow rose to a peak value of 470 ±128 ng/min at the end of 1 min of sympathetic stimulation in the control animals. By the 10th min of stimulation, the NE overflow had diminished to 97±24 ng/min. In animals pretreated with cocaine (5 mg/kg) or with phenoxybenzamine (5 mg/kg), the peak NE overflow rates were 288 ±62 and 980±148 mg/min, respectively, and the rate of NE overflow declined to levels of 104 ± 39 and 128±30 ng/min, respectively, by the 10th min of stimulation. Since there was a profound, progressive diminution in the rate of NE overflow during sustained cardiac sympathetic stimulation regardless of whether or not NE reuptake was suppressed, it is concluded that the reduction in NE overflow reflects a curtailment of neuronal release of NE rather than an acceleration of reuptake.
E‐jing: Using Information Technology to Teach about Chinese Religions

. This article discusses ways in which modern online information technologies may be used to enhance students' understanding of Chinese religions and religious texts. This discussion is predicated upon a model of linguistic communication that places significant weight on the structures and “sedimented presuppositions” of language in determining the meanings of discourse. Assignments are presented that use online technologies to give even beginning students insight into the presuppositions of Chinese religious discourse, while also allowing them to explore, kinesthetically, one of Confucianism's central practices, the reading and writing of Chinese characters. Appendices providing additional materials related to the course are available online: http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/journal/article2.aspx?id=14153.
Effect of Arsenic Exposure on Alveolar Macrophage Function .2. Effect of Slightly Soluble Forms of as(III) and as(V)

Abstract The pulmonary toxicity of a substance depends on a number of chemical and physical characteristics, including the solubility of the compounds. In the lung, insoluble forms of metals may be more tumorigenic than soluble forms despite the fact that this effect has not been quantitated and the mechanism of action has not been elucidated. The toxic effects of slightly soluble forms of As(III) and As(V) were evaluated by determining alteration in function of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) following in vivo and in vitro exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used throughout. Twenty-four hours following intratracheal instillation of 1 mg/kg (as arsenic) of either arsenic trisulfide (As(III)) or calcium arsenate (As(V)), PAM were lavaged and analyzed for alterations in superoxide (O-2(-)), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) production. There were no differences in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid TNF-alpha. PAM. lavaged from As(V)-exposed animals showed significant increases in O-2(-) production and in basal release of TNF-alpha. PAM lavaged from animals receiving As(III) did not show significant alterations. To test the direct effects of arsenic, PAM were lavaged from control animals and exposed to concentrations of 0,1 to 300 mu g/ml arsenic in vitro for up to 24 hr. Doses used were not cytotoxic to PAM, since LDH release was not significantly increased. Significant dose-dependent inhibition of O-2(-) production was only evident after 24 hr exposure to arsenicals. Both As(III) and As(V) produced inhibition at concentrations of 10 mu g/ml. Suppression of LPS-induced release of TNF-alpha also occurred at similar concentrations for both arsenicals (4-5 mu g/ml). Neither arsenical inhibited prostaglandin E(2) production. Measurement of soluble arsenic concentrations indicated dissolution of the compounds could not account for all of the effects seen. Arsenic-induced alteration in PAM function may compromise host defense.
Transepicardial or transendocardial injury: controversies regarding angiogenic potential and mechanism of action.

Time for primary review 20 days. Over the past decade, surgical and now catheter-based approaches using various mechanical devices and energy sources aimed to enhance tissue perfusion are being explored as new adjunctive therapies in patients with refractory ischemic coronary disease [1,2]. It has been suggested that the likely mechanism associated with the initiation of angiogenesis is the induction of local inflammatory processes, and that tissue changes trigger endogenous expression of variety of angiogenic cytokines acting in concert to initiate and maintain microvessel formation (i.e. angiogenesis) [3]. The improved collateral pathways may change the local ischemic milieu in a way that may culminate in a long-standing therapeutic effect in selected patients. Since angiogenesis was assumed to be a primary mechanism associated with ‘direct’ myocardial revascularization (DMR) procedures, it has been termed ‘the mechanical approach for myocardial angiogenesis’. Nevertheless, the evidence for a therapeutically significant angiogenesis following mechanical myocardial injury is inconclusive. In the current paper we attempt to review the myocardial response to various mechanical channeling and ablative energy sources being used in practice and/or clinical investigations. Data indicative for angiogenesis in response to direct myocardial injury or to a combination of energy sources with pro-angiogenic pharmacotherapy (i.e. ‘hybrid’ approaches) are also provided and critically assessed. ### 1.1 Myocardial tissue responses to mechanical injury #### 1.1.1 Laser energy Laser energy has specific tissue interactions that are fundamental to our ability to achieve a desirable tissue response and avoid unwarranted excessive myocardial damage. For example, unlike CO2 laser, which provides more precise ‘ablative’ characteristics with some collateral damage [4], the holmium (Ho):YAG laser (currently used in most catheter-based and several surgical DMR protocols) has profound photoacoustic effects and hence a marked thermal and photochemical impact on myocardial tissue [5,6]. Minimizing the energy being directly delivered to the myocardium may predominantly trigger natural tissue processes that may cause local … * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1-202-877-3321; fax: +1-202-877-2715 rxk3{at}mhg.edu
A multi-institutional, propensity-score-matched comparison of post-operative outcomes between general anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care with intravenous sedation in umbilical hernia repair

Monitored anesthesia care with intravenous sedation (MAC/IV), recently proposed as a good choice for hernia repair, has faster recovery and better patient satisfaction than general anesthesia; however the possibility of oversedation and respiratory distress is a widespread concern. There is a paucity of the literature examining umbilical hernia repairs (UHR) and optimal anesthesia choice, despite its importance in determining clinical outcomes. A retrospective analysis of anesthesia type in UHR was performed in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005–2013 database. General anesthesia and MAC/IV groups were propensity-score-matched (PSM) to reduce treatment selection bias. Surgical complications, medical complications, and post-operative hospital stays exceeding 1 day were the primary outcomes of interest. Pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes were compared between the two anesthesia groups using univariate and multivariate statistics. PSM removed all observed differences between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all tracked pre-operative characteristics). MAC/IV cases required fewer post-operative hospital stays exceeding 1 day (3.5 vs 6.3 %, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that overall complication rate did not differ (1.7 vs 1.8 %, p = 0.569), however MAC/IV cases resulted in fewer incidences of septic shock (<0.1 vs 0.1 %, p = 0.016). After multivariate logistic regression, MAC/IV was revealed to yield significantly lower chances of overall medical complications (OR = 0.654, p = 0.046). UHR under MAC/IV causes fewer medical complications and reduces post-operative hospital stays compared to general anesthesia. The implications for surgeons and patients are broad, including improved surgical safety, cost-effective care, and patient satisfaction.
An Improved Technique for the Comparison of Antiseptics by Yeast Fermentation.

Although a number of substances have been reported to inhibit fermentation by yeasts, the suggestion that this phenomenon be used to compare the antiseptic efficiency of various compounds seems to have been first made by Dreser 1 in a study of colloidal silver preparations. Pilcher and Sollmann 2 adopted this method in studying the antiseptic activity of a series of silver compounds, comparing them with silver nitrate as a standard. Their procedure was briefly as follows:
Constraints on the evolution of vertical deformation and Colorado River incision near eastern Lake Mead, Arizona, provided by quantitative structural mapping of the Hualapai Limestone

The 12–6 Ma Hualapai Limestone was deposited in a series of basins that lie in the path of the Colorado River directly west of the Colorado Plateau and has been deformed by an en-echelon normal fault pair (Wheeler and Lost Basin Range faults). Therefore, this rock unit represents an opportunity to study the sedimentological and structural setting over which the Colorado River first flowed after integration through western Grand Canyon and Lake Mead. In this study, we quantify the structural geometry of the Hualapai Limestone and separate the deformation into syn- and postdepositional episodes. Both the Wheeler and Lost Basin Range faults were active during Hualapai Limestone deposition, as shown by thickening of strata and fanning of time lines toward half-graben faults that bound the Hualapai subbasins. The structure is characterized by a prominent reverse-drag fold and broad, shallow syncline adjacent to the Lost Basin Range fault, and a small-magnitude reverse-drag fold and short-wavelength normal-drag fold adjacent to the Wheeler fault. We find ∼450 m of throw between the footwall and hanging-wall Hualapai Limestone sections, suggesting faulting was ongoing after Hualapai Limestone deposition ceased and during Colorado River incision. To investigate a range of possible fault geometries that may have been responsible for Hualapai Limestone deformation, we compared our structural results against surface deflections calculated by a two-dimensional (2-D) geomechanical model. While nonunique, our results are consistent with a scenario in which the Wheeler fault was surface rupturing, or nearly surface rupturing throughout deposition of the Hualapai Limestone, but was inundated at ca. 6 Ma by coalescing paleolakes in Gregg and Grand Wash Basins as sedimentation kept pace with deformation. In contrast, we find evidence suggesting the Lost Basin Range fault was deeply buried by the Hualapai Limestone and likely propagated upward and laterally to break the surface sometime after 6 Ma. Therefore, we interpret the landscape over which the Colorado River first flowed to be of low relief within the terrain bounded by the Grand Wash Cliffs, the Hiller Mountains, and subtle topographic highs to the north and south of our field area. This original low-relief depositional surface was deflected into the structure exposed today by continuing deformation by the Wheeler and Lost Basin Range faults, allowing for calculation of apparent incision rates of the modern Colorado River drainage system that spatially vary between 33 and 42 m/m.y. in the hanging wall and between 108 and 115 m/m.y. in the footwall. Hanging-wall incision rate values are similar to, but faster than, a previously published point measurement, and footwall values are similar to measured incision rates in the western Grand Canyon, suggesting the Wheeler fault system may resolve as much as ∼410 m of Colorado Plateau uplift in the last 6 m.y.
Rooting variables for stem cuttings

SummaryVariables describing rooting in stem cuttings are generally inadequately defined. When there is any mortality in the propagation environment, several variables, including the commonly used “number of cuttings rooted as a percentage ofthe original number”, are composites of the initial survival of cuttings in the propagation environment and the rooting of survivors. These composite variables can be, and often are, confusing. The non-composite variables are: “the number of cuttings surviving the propagation phase as a proportion of the original number” (SurvP), “the number of cuttings rooted as a percentage of those surviving the propagation phase” (Rooted(%)SurvP), and “the number of roots per rooted cutting” (R/Rc). Their use makes it clear which elements of the propagation system are being evaluated, allows treatment differences to be distinguished reliably and prevents wider misconceptions from arising.
Reclaiming community: an integrative approach to human services.

Taking the community rather than the service system as its starting point, a community-centered approach to service integration seeks to interweave formal and informal systems of care. Working as part of a community-negotiating and building partnerships with families, social networks, and organizations to change problematic patterns and mobilize resources-requires not only collaboration among administrators, but teamwork among front line staff. Team members need to share work, knowledge, and resources, while building collaborative relationships with their counterparts in other organizations, service users, and other residents. Ensuring congruence between new, integrative methods of practice and the way they are introduced and managed may require substantial changes in management behavior. “Resistance” is best understood in this context as feedback to management about its need to change.
Clinical work intensity among physician specialties: how might we assess it? What do we find?

Background: The level of work intensity associated with patient encounters has implications for quality of care, patient safety, practice management, and reimbursement. The utility of available instruments for clinical work intensity assessment is unknown. Objective: We assessed, in the clinical setting, the performance of existing measures of work intensity that are valid for nonclinical contexts. Research Design: A cross-sectional, multimeasure design involving work intensity assessments for the last patient encounter and for an entire half-day clinic session. Subjects: A convenience sample of 14 providers from the following 4 specialties: family medicine, general internal medicine, neurology, and surgery. Measures: Perceived clinical work intensity was measured by the following 3 instruments: National Aeronautic and Space Administration-Task Load Index, Subjective Workload Assessment Technique, and Multiple Resources Questionnaire; stress was measured by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire. Convergent validity was assessed by correlation among the instruments. Results: For the last patient encounter, there was a moderate to high correlation between the work intensity instruments’ scores (Pearson’s r ranged from 0.41 to 0.73) and low to moderate correlation with the distress subscale of the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (Pearson’s r ranged from 0.11 to 0.46), reflecting their stress dimension. Provider personality was associated with reported levels of work intensity and stress. Similar results were obtained when the entire clinic session was the unit of reference. Conclusion: Existing measures of work intensity and stress appear to be valid for use in the clinical setting to generate evidence on perceived intensity and stress experienced by providers in the performance of medical services.
Cold War Kids: Politics and Childhood in Postwar America, 1945-1960

Review of: "Cold War Kids: Politics and Childhood in Postwar America, 1945-1960," by Marilyn Irvin Holt.
Virtual Router Advertise Based on VRRP

Presently,during the implementation of standard Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol(VRRP),virtual address is added to routing table as a host route,which may lead to upstream data flow having a different direction from that of downstream data flow,thus causing packet loss.According to virtual router advertise,virtual address of master device is used to upstream access device,which enables downstream traffics to have the same flow direction with that of upstream traffics via routing.With experiment on ZTE router,it is verified that this method can make traffic flow over the same path.It benefits the optimization of route redundancy backup function.
Recent Studies in AML, RAEB-t, and RAEB at M.D. Anderson Hospital

This chapter will describe M. D. Anderson trials, conducted since 1995, in newly diagnosed AML or MDS. The background for these trials were studies conducted between 1991 and 1995 using (1) idarubicin (12 mg/m2 daily days 1–3) + continuous infusion high-dose ara-C (1.5 g/m2 daily days 1–4), called IA, (2) IA + G-CSF given 1 day before, during, and for 3 days after completion of IA (IA + G), (3) Fludarabine (30 mg/m2 daily days 1–5) + ara-C (2 g/m2 daily days 1–5), called FA, (4) FA + G-CSF given 1 day before FA and continuing until recovery of the neutrophil count to > 1000/µL [FLAG], and (5) FLAG + idarubicin (FLAG + ida) in which fludarabine and ara-C were each administered for 4 days, idarubicin was given at 12 mg/m2 daily in days 2–4, and G-CSF was given as in FLAG but continued only until 8 days after the start of chemotherapy. Patients were assigned to these regimens according to their leukemia cell cytogenetics.