cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation exposures due to fossil fuel combustion

Abstract The current consensus regarding the potential radiation exposures resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels is examined. Sources, releases and potential doses to humans are discussed, both for power plants and waste materials. It is concluded that the radiation exposure to most individuals from any pathway is probably insignificant, i.e. only a tiny fraction of the dose received from natural sources in soil and building materials. Any small dose that may result from power-plant emissions will most likely be from inhalation of the small insoluble ash particles from the more poorly controlled plants burning higher than average activity fuel, rather than from direct or indirect ingestion of food grown on contaminated soil. One potentially significant pathway for exposure to humans that requires further evaluation is the effect on indoor external γ-radiation levels resulting from the use of flyash in building materials. The combustion of natural gas in private dwellings is also discussed, and the radiological consequences are concluded to be generally insignificant, except under certain extraordinary circumstances.
The effect of sulfhydryl blockade on insulin action and glucose transport in isolated adipose tissue cells

Abstract The effects of sulfhydryl blockade on glucose metabolism have been investigated using isolated adipose tissue cells from the rat and the specific sulfhydryl binding agent, N -ethylmaleimide. According to the conditions of the experiment, there can be (1) an insulin-like effect, (2) inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, and (3) inhibition of basal glucose metabolism. At least the first two effects appear to occur at the level of membrane transport.
Detection of Ne VIII in the Low-Redshift Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium

High-resolution FUSE and STIS observations of the bright QSO HE 0226-4110 (zem = 0.495) reveal the presence of a multiphase absorption-line system at zabs(O ) = 0.20701 containing absorption from H I (Lyα to Lyθ), C III, O III, O IV, O VI, N III, Ne VIII, Si III, S VI, and possibly S V. Single-component fits to the Ne VIII and O VI absorption doublets yield log N(Ne ) = 13.89 ± 0.11, b = 23 ± 15 km s-1, and v = -7 ± 6 km s-1 and log N(O ) = 14.37 ± 0.03, b = 31 ± 2 km s-1, and v = 0 ± 2 km s-1. The Ne VIII and O VI doublets are detected at 3.9 and 16 σ significance levels, respectively. This represents the first detection of intergalactic Ne VIII, a diagnostic of gas with temperature in the range from ~5 × 105 to ~1 × 106 K. Through the entire absorber, N(Ne )/N(O ) = 0.33 ± 0.10. The O VI and Ne VIII are not likely to have been created in a low-density medium photoionized solely by the extragalactic background at z = 0.2, since the required path length ~11 Mpc (assuming [Z/H] = -0.5) implies that the Hubble flow absorption-line broadening would be ~10 times greater than the observed line widths. A collisional ionization origin is therefore more likely. Assuming [Ne/H] and [O/H] = -0.5, the value N(Ne )/N(O ) = 0.33 ± 0.10 is consistent with gas in collisional ionization equilibrium near T = 5.4 × 105 K with log N(H) = 19.9 and N(H)/N(H ) = 1.7 × 106. Various nonequilibrium ionization processes are also considered, because gas with T ~ (1-6) × 105 K cools efficiently. The observations of O VI and Ne VIII in the z = 0.20701 system support the basic idea that a substantial fraction of the baryonic matter at low redshift exists in hot, very highly ionized gaseous structures. Absorption by the moderately ionized gas (including O IV and S VI) is well modeled by gas in photoionization equilibrium with [Z/H] = -0.5 ± 0.2, log U ~ -1.85, T ~ 2.1 × 104 K, nH ~ 2.6 × 10-5 cm-3, P/k ~ 0.5 cm-3 K, and a path length of ~60 kpc. These values suggest that the moderately ionized absorber may be associated with the modestly enriched photoionized gas in a galaxy group or the outermost regions of a galaxy halo.
Racial/ethnic disparities in emergency general surgery: explained by hospital-level characteristics?

Abstract Background To quantify racial/ethnic differences in outcome after emergency general surgery (EGS). Methods Patients receiving a representative EGS (colectomy, small bowel resection, or ulcer repair operation) performed within the first 24 hours of hospital admission were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2000 and 2008. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the overall disparity in odds of death between African Americans (AAs) and Caucasians. Hierarchical models were then used to evaluate association of hospital-level factors and death after EGS. Results A total of 116,344 patients were identified. AA patients had 10% higher odds of dying after EGS than Caucasian patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.10, P = .02). All patients treated at hospitals with greater than 6% AA EGS patients had higher odds of death than those at hospitals with fewer percentage of AA EGS patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.16 to 1.42, P Conclusion There is racial/ethnic disparity in outcome after selected EGS; however, this disparity is explained by hospital-level factors.
The Paradigmatic Shift in the Critical Reception of Terrence Malick's Badlands and the Emergence of a Heideggerian Cinema

When Badlands (1974), Terrence Malick's directorial debut, was theatrically released, there was a significant trend in the critical reception that contextualized the film within popular American ge...
Inhibition of the mono-oxygenase system by butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.

Abstract The commonly used food-additive antioxidants, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene, are inhibitors of the hepatic microsomal mono-oxygenase system, as assayed by benzpyrene hydroxylase activity and demethylase activities. Generally, butylated hydroxyanisole is a more potent inhibitor than butylated hydroxytoluene. Both inhibitors bind to cytochrome P-450 and induce “type I” binding spectra. Cytochrome P-450 is tentatively assigned as the site of inhibition.
Atomic Force Microscopy of the Electrochemical Nucleation and Growth of Molecular Crystals

In situ atomic force microscopy reveals the morphology, surface topography, and growth and dissolution characteristics of microscopic single crystals of the low-dimensional organic conductor (tetrathiafulvalene)Br 0.76 9 which are grown by electrocrystallization on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrode in an atomic force microscope liquid cell. The growth modes and the distribution and orientation of topographic features on specific crystal faces, whose identity was determined by "atomic force microscope goniometry," can be correlated with the strength and direction of anisotropic solid-state intermolecular bonding. Growth on the (011) face of (tetrathiafulvalene)Br 0.76 crystals involves the formation of oriented self-similar triangular islands ranging in size from 200 to 5000 angstroms along a side. These nuclei eventually transform into rectangular rafts at larger length scales, where bulk intermolecular bonding interactions and surface energies dominate over nuclei-substrate interactions.
FIRST EVENTS AND PROSPECTS AT THE FERMILAB COLLIDER

A brief description of the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) is given including the detector components and the data acquisition system. The first test run, the first events, and the performance of the detector are discussed. Finally the prospects for future running are reviewed.
Magnetic behavior of a ternary insulating mixed magnet

Abstract Two mixtures of insulating ternary magnetic Co 1− x Mn y Fe x−y Cl 2 ·2H 2 O, well separated in composition space, are examined here by susceptibility and magnetization measurements. Different competitions between anisotropies and exchange interactions occur in such mixtures. High temperature susceptibilities are Curie–Weiss like, while antiferromagnetic maxima appear at low temperatures. Irreversibility effects are also evident, e.g., thermoremanent magnetization decay. Some correlation of observed transitions is possible using pairwise relative binary compositions for ternary mixtures.
Use of probability‐based measures for automated damage assessment

The use of component fragility functions for automatic damage assessment in instrumented buildings is described. Fragility functions used in this study provide a probabilistic mapping between peak structural response parameters and various levels of damage. The approach permits the estimation of damage in various types of components for each story of a building. Two types of fragility functions are used. The first permits the estimation of the probability of being in a certain damage state with knowledge on the level of maximum interstory drift ratio. The second permits the estimation of damage in acceleration-sensitive components by providing estimates of the probability of being in a certain damage state with knowledge on the level of maximum peak floor acceleration. Calculation of the probability of reaching or exceeding a certain damage state as well as of being in a certain damage state are described. An example of a two-story building is used to illustrate the use of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochromic conductive polymer fuses for hybrid organic/inorganic semiconductor memories

We demonstrate a nonvolatile, write-once-read-many-times (WORM) memory device employing a hybrid organic/inorganic semiconductor architecture consisting of thin film p-i-n silicon diode on a stainless steel substrate integrated in series with a conductive polymer fuse. The nonlinearity of the silicon diodes enables a passive matrix memory architecture, while the conductive polyethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonic acid polymer serves as a reliable switch with fuse-like behavior for data storage. The polymer can be switched at ∼2 μs, resulting in a permanent decrease of conductivity of the memory pixel by up to a factor of 103. The switching mechanism is primarily due to a current and thermally dependent redox reaction in the polymer, limited by the double injection of both holes and electrons. The switched device performance does not degrade after many thousand read cycles in ambient at room temperature. Our results suggest that low cost, organic/inorganic WORM memories are feasible for light weight...
Information feedback and the learning multiple-degree-of-freedom activities

The influence of information feedback on the learning of a multiple-degree-of-freedom activity, the overhand throw, was investigated. During learning, feedback was presented in the form of knowledge of results, knowledge of performance, knowledge of performance with attention-focusing cues, or knowledge of performance with error-correcting transitional information. Across 12 practice sessions, performance was assessed with respect to both throwing distance and throwing form. Subjects provided with knowledge of performance along with transitional information demonstrated significant gains in throwing distance, compared with subjects receiving knowledge of performance or knowledge of results alone. Movement form ratings followed the same trend. Providing learners with cues to focus their attention on the relevant aspects of knowledge of performance or directly providing transitional information was a better aid to the acquisition of throwing form than providing knowledge of results or knowledge of performance alone. These results support the hypothesis that knowledge of results may not be the most potent form of feedback in multiple-degree-of-freedom activities and that knowledge of performance, when combined with additional information, can lead to significant gains in skill acquisition.
The Tetrahedron algebra, the Onsager algebra, and the sl2 loop algebra

Let K denote a field with characteristic 0 and let T denote an indeterminate. We give a presentation for the three-point loop algebra sl2⊗K[T,T−1,(T−1)−1] via generators and relations. This presentation displays S4-symmetry. Using this presentation we obtain a decomposition of the above loop algebra into a direct sum of three subalgebras, each of which is isomorphic to the Onsager algebra.
Food, science, expertise.

In 1319, one William Sperlyng of West Hamme was sent to the pillory for selling 'putrid and poisonous' beef to the citizens of London. Sperlyng claimed that his beef was clean and wholesome, and insisted on the case going before a jury. The jury confirmed that the beef was rotten: it was burnt in front of the unfortunate Sperlyng as he stood in the pillory. London was not alone in beginning to regulate the quality of its food: Newbury had its 'Fish and Flesh tasters', Derby its 'Searcher of Flesh', Wareham its 'Car-niters' and Tamworth its 'Flesh Conners'. 1 This concern for food quality was not limited to England, and not limited to meat: think, for example, of the famous Bavarian purity law of 1516, which stated that only water, hops and barley could be used to make beer, a law later amended to include yeast.
Removal of visual feedback lowers structural variability of inter-digit force coordination during sustained precision pinch.

Abstract This study examined the effects of visual feedback on inter-digit force coordination during a precision pinch. Sixteen healthy, right-handed subjects were instructed to pinch an instrumented apparatus for 1 min with a stable force output. Visual feedback was provided for the first 30 s and withdrawn for the second 30 s. Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) methods were used to quantify the time-dependent structures of each digit's force and of the force correlation between the digits. After removing visual feedback, the DFA scaling exponent, αDFA, increased from 1.10 ± 0.12 to 1.29 ± 0.13 for the thumb and from 0.95 ± 0.08 to 1.33 ± 0.13 for the index finger (F1,95 = 372.47, p
Abstract 1813: Evaluation of TBK1 as a novel cancer target in the K-Ras pathway

TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) is a serine/threonine kinase best known for its role in mediating the innate immune response through modulation of the interferon and NF-kB pathways. TBK1 has also been implicated in supporting cancer cell survival and transformation as the downstream effector of the small GTPase RalB, and is overexpressed in lung, breast and colon tumors. Recently, a high-throughput RNAi screen identified TBK1 as a synthetic lethal partner of oncogenic K-Ras, suggesting that small molecule inhibition of TBK1 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for K-Ras mutant tumors. Given the high tractability of kinases as drug targets, we sought to confirm that kinase inhibition recapitulated the synthetic lethal effects observed with shRNA silencing. We examined two small molecule inhibitors of TBK1, BX795 (6 nM) and GSK2292978A (4 nM), in a panel of lung, pancreas and colon cancer cell lines. We found only a small subset of lines that were sensitive to TBK1 inhibition and this sensitivity did not correlate with K-Ras dependence. We then used K-Ras and TBK1 siRNA in a similar panel of cell lines. As anticipated, knockdown of K-Ras using siRNA produced significant growth and signaling defects in K-Ras dependent cell lines. In contrast, knockdown of TBK1 did not result in a significant alteration of growth in any of our cell lines. Neither TBK1 siRNA nor TBK1 inhibitors revealed a sensitivity that correlated with K-Ras dependence in our lung, pancreatic, or colorectal cancer cell lines. Our data disputes the proposed synthetic lethal relationship of oncogenic K-Ras and TBK1 and does not support development of TBK1 inhibitors for treatment of K-Ras driven tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1813. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1813
Capacity fade analysis of a lithium ion cell

Abstract A physics-based single particle model was used to simulate the life cycling data of a lithium ion cell. The simulation indicates that there are probably three stages of capacity fade in a lithium ion cell used at low rates. In the first stage, lithium ions are lost to a film formation reaction (e.g. SEI formation) and, consequently, the cathode becomes less intercalated during cycling. In the second stage, the loss of active cathode material outpaces the loss of lithium ions and the cathode gradually becomes more intercalated at the end of discharge. The anode is the limiting electrode in stages one and two and the change in the anode voltage causes the cell to reach end of discharge voltage. In the third stage, the limiting electrode shifts from the anode to the cathode, and the anode becomes increasingly less discharged at the end of discharge. Thus, more and more “cyclable” lithium ions are left inside the anode, which causes additional capacity fade.
Using EnergyPlus to perform dehumidification analysis on Building America homes

A parametric study was conducted using EnergyPlus version 6.0 to investigate humidity issues on a typical mid-1990s reference home, a 2006 International Energy Conservation Code home, and a high-performance home in a hot–humid climate. The impacts of various dehumidification equipment and controls are analyzed on the high-performance home. The study used the Walker and Wilson (1998) infiltration model to examine the combined effects of infiltration and mechanical ventilation with balanced and unbalanced mechanical ventilation systems. Indoor relative humidity excursions were examined—specifically, the number of excursions, average excursion length, and maximum excursion length. Space relative humidity, thermal comfort, and whole-house source energy consumption were analyzed for indoor relative humidity set-points of 50%, 55%, and 60%. The study showed and explained why similar trends of high humidity were observed in all three homes, regardless of energy efficiency, and why humidity problems are not neces...
The distribution of deoxyribonuclease in the salivary glands and pancreas of various mammals.

Abstract The present study demonstrates that there is wide variation in the activity of DNase in extracts of the parotid gland and the pancreas of sixteen species of mammals. In some organs no detectable DNase activity could be observed. The findings suggest that homologous glands in different species of mammals do not necessarily have identical functions. An inverse relationship appears to exist between the DNase activity of the parotid gland and the pancreas. Except for the guinea pig, no DNase activity could be observed in the submaxillary glands of any of the species studied.
MK-801 Interferes with Nutrient-related Signals for Satiation

Abstract We previously reported that MK-801, a non-competitive N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, increased food intake by rats. Increased intake occurred only when deprivation or presentation of a highly preferred food had initiated feeding. MK-801 did not cause initiation of food intake. We hypothesized that MK-801 might increase food intake by interfering with nutrient-related feedback signals generated during ingestion (within meal). To test this hypothesis, we administered MK-801 at several times during the course of a deprivation-induced meal. We found that MK-801, administered early in the meal, increased food intake dramatically, but only slightly when given late in a meal. The antagonist was ineffective for increasing intake when given after the meal had ended. In a second experiment, we examined the effect of MK-801 on deprivation-induced intake of 0·2% saccharin as compared to that of 15% sucrose, or sucrose adulterated with bitter sucrose octa acetate (SOA). MK-801 increased intake of 15% sucrose or sucrose adulterated with SOA. It did not increase intake of the sweet, non-nutritive 0·2% saccharin solution. These results suggest that NMDA receptors participate in the process of satiation and that MK-801 delays satiation by interfering with feedback from nutritive components of a meal.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met allele impairs basal and ketamine-stimulated synaptogenesis in prefrontal cortex.

Background Knock-in mice with the common human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism have impaired trafficking of BDNF messenger RNA to dendrites. It was hypothesized, given evidence that local synapse formation is dependent on dendritic translation of BDNF messenger RNA, that loss-of-function Met allele mice would show synaptic deficits both at baseline and in response to ketamine, an N -methyl-D-aspartate antagonist that stimulates synaptogenesis in prefrontal cortex (PFC). Methods Whole-cell recordings from layer V medial PFC pyramidal cells in brain slices were combined with two-photon laser scanning for analysis of wildtype, Val/Met, and Met/Met mice both at baseline and in response to a low dose of ketamine. Results Val/Met and Met/Met mice were found to have constitutive atrophy of distal apical dendrites and decrements in apically targeted excitatory postsynaptic currents in layer V pyramidal cells of PFC. In addition, spine density and diameter were decreased, indicative of impaired synaptic formation/maturation (synaptogenesis). In Met/Met mice the synaptogenic effect of ketamine was markedly impaired, consistent with the idea that synaptogenesis is dependent on dendritic translation/release of BDNF. In parallel behavioral studies, we found that the antidepressant response to ketamine in the forced swim test was blocked in Met/Met mice. Conclusions The results demonstrate that expression of the BDNF Met allele in mice results in basal synaptic deficits and blocks synaptogenic and antidepressant actions of ketamine in PFC, suggesting that the therapeutic response to this drug might be attenuated or blocked in depressed patients who carry the loss of function Met allele.
Observability of Neural Network Behavior

We prove that except possibly for small exceptional sets, discrete-time analog neural nets are globally observable, i.e. all their corrupted pseudo-orbits on computer simulations actually reflect the true dynamical behavior of the network. Locally finite discrete (boolean) neural networks are observable without exception.
Best tracking and regulation performance under control effort constraint

This paper studies optimal tracking and regulation control problems, in which objective functions of tracking error and regulated response, defined by integral square measures, are to be minimized jointly with the control effort, where the latter is measured by the plant input energy. The problems are solved explicitly by deriving analytical expressions for the best achievable performance. Besides the plant nonminimum phase zeros, time delays, and unstable poles, the results reveal and quantify how the lightly damped poles, the anti-resonant zeros, and the bandwidth of the plant may all affect the performance. These effects are nonexistent when the control effort is not taken into account.
Damage and distortion measurement for HR, low-loss mirrors to 100+ MW/cm 2 CW laser intensity

By high-finesse cavity enhancement, we achieve 101plusmn9 MW/cm2 cw intracavity intensity on the surfaces of the cavity mirrors. No permanent damage to the mirrorspsila coating is found and distortion measurement of mirrorspsila surfaces is performed.
Decentralized algorithms using both local and random probes for P2P load balancing

We study randomized algorithms for placing a sequence of n nodes on a circle with unit perimeter. Nodes divide the circle into disjoint arcs. We desire that a newly-arrived node (which is oblivious of its index in the sequence) choose its position on the circle by learning the positions of as few existing nodes as possible. At the same time, we desire that that the variation in arc-lengths be small. To this end, we propose a new algorithm that works as follows: The kth node chooses r random points on the circle, inspects the sizes of v arcs in the vicinity of each random point, and places itself at the mid-point of the largest arc encountered. We show that for any combination of r and v satisfying rv iÝ c log k, where c is a small constant, the ratio of the largest to the smallest arc-length is at most eight w.h.p., for an arbitrarily long sequence of n nodes. This strategy of node placement underlies a novel decentralized load-balancing algorithm that we propose for Distributed Hash Tables (DHTs) in peer-to-peer environments.Underlying the analysis of our algorithm is Structured Coupon Collection over n/b disjoint cliques with b nodes per clique, for any n, b ≥ 1. Nodes are initially uncovered. At each step, we choose d nodes independently and uniformly at random. If all the nodes in the corresponding cliques are covered, we do nothing. Otherwise, from among the chosen cliques with at least one uncovered node, we select one at random and cover an uncovered node within that clique. We show that as long as bd ≥ c log n, O(n) steps are sufficient to cover all nodes w.h.p. and each of the first Ω(n) steps succeeds in covering a node w.h.p. These results are then utilized to analyze a stochastic process for growing binary trees that are highly balanced -- the leaves of the tree belong to at most four different levels with high probability.
Sea surface drag and the role of spray

[1] Motivated by the possible effects of spray on the drag felt by the ocean surface in high winds, we use direct numerical simulation coupled with Lagrangian particle tracking to investigate how suspended inertial particles alter momentum flux in an idealized turbulent flow. Turbulent Couette flow is used for this purpose since the momentum flux profile is constant across the domain height; a characteristic similar to the constant-flux layer in the atmospheric surface layer. The simulations show that when inertial particles are introduced into a turbulent flow, they carry a portion of the total vertical momentum flux, and that this contribution can be significant when the particle concentration is sufficiently large. The numerical setup is also used to evaluate a dispersed phase model that treats spray effects as equivalent to an increase in stable atmospheric stratification. Our simulations suggest that in the range of droplet sizes typically found near the air-sea interface, particle inertial effects dominate any particle-induced stratification effects.
Using participant observation to study the meaning of occupations of young children with autism and other developmental disabilities

Understanding the individual meaning of daily activities for children with developmental disabilities such as autism is both important and challenging for researchers and practitioners. Rigorous participant observation offers a method for developing this knowledge base by including the child's perspective. Through literature and examples from an ethnography of young children with autism, this article illustrates the application of participant observation to children with developmental disabilities. Specific strategies can promote valid interpretations despite developmental, linguistic, and perceptual differences between adult researchers and child participants.
Removing the boundaries : Composition and rhetoric internet resources from classical Greece to the present day

ABSTRACT Rhetoric is one of the oldest disciplines in the world. Throughout its long history rhetoric has been applied to speech, writing, and electronic media. Not only is the Internet transforming the theory and practice of rhetoric and composition; it is also providing new modes of expression. This article examines websites about rhetoric and composition covering a variety of topics from its origins to new applications using technology.
Antineoplastic drug activity in the mitotic cycle—effects of six agents on macromolecular synthesis in synchronous mammalian leukemic cells

Abstract The direct effects of six antineoplastic agents on DNA, RNA, protein and glycoprotein synthesis were measured in synchronized populations of mouse leukemic cells L5178Y. L5178Y cells were synchronized by excess thymidine treatment (S block) followed by colcemid treatment (M block). After release from the M block, aliquots of synchronized cells were exposed to the antineoplastic agents at two concentrations, and the drug effects on macromolecular synthesis were measured. Camptothecin was mitotic cycle specific, the most sensitive portion of the mitotic cycle being the S phase; DNA and RNA synthesis was inhibited maximally in the S period of the L5178Y mitotic cycle. Ethidium bromide inhibited macromolecular synthesis throughout the mitotic cycle with primary inhibition occurring at early time periods after mitosis. Hydroxyurea was cell cycle specific with primary effects in the G1 period and the early and mid S periods of the mitotic cycle. Azaleucine inhibited DNA synthesis primarily in the early to mid S time period, RNA synthesis throughout the mitotic cycle, and protein synthesis in time periods exclusive of the G1 period. d -Glucosamine inhibition of macromolecular synthesis occurred primarily in the G1 and early S time periods. l -Asparaginase inhibited protein and glycoprotein synthesis throughout the mitotic cycle; primary inhibition occurred in the S time period of the L5178Y mitotic cycle.
Strain-Gated Piezotronic Logic Nanodevices

www.MaterialsViews.com C O M Strain-Gated Piezotronic Logic Nanodevices M U N By Wenzhuo Wu , Yaguang Wei , and Zhong Lin Wang * IC A IO N A self-powered [ 1 ] autonomous intelligent nanoscale system should consist of ultrasensitive nanowire (NW) based sensors, [ 2–5 ] integrated high-performance memory and logic computing components for data storage and processing as well as decision making, [ 6–12 ] and an energy scavenging unit for sustainable, self-suffi cient, and independent operation. [ 1 , 13–20 ] The existing semiconductor NW logic devices are based on electrically-gated fi eld-effect transistors, which function as both the drivers and the active loads of the logic units by adjusting the conducting channel width. [ 22 , 23 ] Moreover, the currently existing logic units are “static” and are almost completely triggered or agitated by electric signals, while the “dynamic” movable mechanical actuation is carried out by another unit possibly made of different materials. Here, we present the fi rst piezoelectric triggered mechanicalelectronic logic operation using the piezotronic effect, through which the integrated mechanical electrical coupled and controlled logic computation is achieved using only ZnO NWs. By utilizing the piezoelectric potential created in a ZnO NW under externally applied deformation, strain-gated transistors (SGTs) have been fabricated, using which universal logic components such as inverters, NAND, NOR, XOR gates have been demonstrated for performing piezotronic logic calculations, which have the potential to be integrated with the NEMS technology for achieving advanced and complex functional actions in applications of vital importance in portable electronics, medical sciences and defense technology, such as in nanorobotics for sensing and actuating, in microfl uidics [ 24 ] for controlling the circuitry of the fl uid fl ow, in other micro/nano-systems for intelligent control and action. ZnO is unique because of its coupled piezoelectric and semiconductor properties, which is the piezotronic effect dealing with the piezoelectric potential (piezopotential) tuned/gated charge carrier transport process in a semiconductor material. [ 25–27 ] The piezopotential created inside a ZnO NW under strain can be effectively used as a gate voltage, which has been applied for fabricating a range of piezotronic nanodevices, [ 26 , 28 ]
Successful Treatment of Pericarditis in a Pregnant Llama

Objective:To describe the diagnosis and treatment of a pregnanat llama with perticardlts. Summary:A 2-year-old female llama presented for lethargy of several days' duration. Partinent physical examination findings included tachycardia. muffled heart sounds, tachpnea and lethargy. Electrocardiography revealed tachycardia, second-degree AV block and electrical alternans. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of pericardial effusion and cardiac compromise. Thoracic sonogram revealed pleural effusion. Treatment included intravenous fluids, systemic antimicrobials, systemic anti-inflammatories, thoracocentesis and eventual pericardiocentesis with daily drainage and lavage. No etiological agent was identified. The llama reponded well to therapy well to therapy and a 3.5-month and 2-year follow-up revealed no cardiac problems. New information provided:This is the first case report of pericarditis in a llama with treatment and a favorable outcome.
Review: Mechanisms of How the Intestinal Microbiota Alters the Effects of Drugs and Bile Acids

Information on the intestinal microbiota has increased exponentially this century because of technical advancements in genomics and metabolomics. Although information on the synthesis of bile acids by the liver and their transformation to secondary bile acids by the intestinal microbiota was the first example of the importance of the intestinal microbiota in biotransforming chemicals, this review will discuss numerous examples of the mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota alters the pharmacology and toxicology of drugs and other chemicals. More specifically, the altered pharmacology and toxicology of salicylazosulfapridine, digoxin, l-dopa, acetaminophen, caffeic acid, phosphatidyl choline, carnitine, sorivudine, irinotecan, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heterocyclic amines, melamine, nitrazepam, and lovastatin will be reviewed. In addition, recent data that the intestinal microbiota alters drug metabolism of the host, especially Cyp3a, as well as the significance and potential mechanisms of this phenomenon are summarized. The review will conclude with an update of bile acid research, emphasizing the bile acid receptors (FXR and TGR5) that regulate not only bile acid synthesis and transport but also energy metabolism. Recent data indicate that by altering the intestinal microbiota, either by diet or drugs, one may be able to minimize the adverse effects of the Western diet by altering the composition of bile acids in the intestine that are agonists or antagonists of FXR and TGR5. Therefore, it may be possible to consider the intestinal microbiota as another drug target.
Magnetic Circular Dichroism And X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Studies Of Magnetoresistive Oxides

We report the results of temperature dependent, Mn K-edge X-ray Absorption measurements: Magnetic X-ray Circular Dichroism (MXCD) for local magnetic properties and X-ray Absorption Near Edge (XANES) for electronic and structural properties of Mn-based oxide magnetoresistive compounds La1-xSrxMnO3. This is the first report of an MXCD signal of the Mn K-edge in Mn oxide systems. By studying the integrated peak intensity of the first peak in the MXCD signal, it can be determined that the magnetic properties of the system are independent of temperature in the range 94 to 223K.
Activation of C6 glioblastoma cell ceruloplasmin expression by neighboring human brain endothelia-derived interleukins in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model system

Iron transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) involves the cooperation of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) and their neighboring astrocytes. Astrocytes secrete a soluble form of ceruloplasmin (sCp) which, in turn, acts to export iron from ferroportin (Fpn) on the basolateral surface of BMVEC. Although regulation of astrocyte sCp gene expression has been demonstrated to be influenced by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), the role of neighboring BMVEC in this regulation has yet to be determined and is the basis for this work. We provide evidence that human BMVEC (hBMVEC) IL-1β and IL-6 positively influence the expression of sCp transcript by neighboring C6 glioma cells (astrocytes). The effect of hBMVEC on C6 glioma sCp expression at the level of transcript and protein was repressed via the addition of IL-1β and IL-6 pathway inhibitors (IL-1 receptor antagonist protein and SC144, respectively). Stimulation of hBMVEC interleukin gene expression by apical exposure to bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide significantly enhanced hBMVEC-mediated C6 glioma sCp gene expression. hBMVEC influence the gene expression of neighboring C6 glioma sCp. This change in gene expression is mediated by the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from hBMVEC. Furthermore, the hBMVEC-induced increase in neighboring C6 glioma sCp gene expression leads to an increased rate of hBMVEC iron efflux. Taken together, our results indicate that hBMVEC-secreted cytokine activity increases the gene expression of neighboring C6 glioma sCp, which reciprocally acts on basolateral hBMVEC Fpn to enhance brain iron import.
The role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of pain in chronic pancreatitis

The biological basis of pain in chronic pancreatitis is poorly understood. Mast cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pain in other conditions. We hypothesized that mast cells play a role in the pain of chronic pancreatitis. We examined the association of pain with mast cells in autopsy specimens of patients with painful chronic pancreatitis. We explored our hypothesis further using an experimental model of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) -induced chronic pancreatitis in both wild type (WT) and mast cell deficient mice (MCDM). Archival tissues with histological diagnoses of chronic pancreatitis were identified and clinical records reviewed for presence or absence of reported pain in humans. Mast cells were counted. The presence of pain was assessed using von Frey Filaments (VFF) to measure abdominal withdrawal responses in both WT and MCDM mice with and without chronic pancreatitis. Humans with painful chronic pancreatitis demonstrated a 3.5-fold increase in pancreatic mast cells as compared with those with painless chronic pancreatitis. WT mice with chronic pancreatitis were significantly more sensitive as assessed by VFF pain testing of the abdomen when compared with MCDM. Humans with painful chronic pancreatitis have an increased number of pancreatic mast cells as compared with those with painless chronic pancreatitis. MCDM are less sensitive to mechanical stimulation of the abdomen after induction of chronic pancreatitis as compared with WT. Mast cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pain in chronic pancreatitis.
Modeling and minimization of interconnect energy dissipation in nanometer technologies

As the technology sizes of semiconductor devices continue to decrease, the effect of nanometer technologies on interconnects, such as crosstalk glitches and timing variations, become more significant. In this paper, we study the effect of nanometer technologies on energy dissipation in interconnects. We propose a new power estimation technique which considers DSM effects, resulting in significantly more accurate energy dissipation estimates than transition-count based methods for on-chip interconnects. We also introduce an energy minimization technique which attempts to minimize large voltage swings across the cross-coupling capacitances between interconnects. Even though the number of transitions may increase, our method yields a decrease in power consumption of up to 50%.
Influence of hydropattern and vegetation type on phosphorus dynamics in flow-through wetland treatment systems

a b s t r a c t Phosphorus (P) flux from wetland soil can be a significant factor affecting overall wetland treatment per- formance. The purpose of our study was to quantify the effects of water level drawdown on P exchange between surface water and organic soil in a constructed wetland. We used 12 fiberglass mesocosms filled with 30 cm of peat soil to quantify nutrient exchange between surface water and organic soil in a wet-dry-wet cycle. Six mesocosms were planted with emergent macrophytes and six mesocosms were maintained free of emergent vegetation. We evaluated four treatments including continuously and intermittently flooded treatments, both with and without emergent macrophytes. Each treatment was replicated three times and every mesocosm was plumbed to monitor flow volumes and water chemistry. Effluent P concentrations were similar for all four treatments prior to first drawdown period. However, upon re-flooding, all intermittently flooded tanks exhibited a three to fourfold increase in surface water P concentration, which lasted for a period of up to ten weeks. The magnitude of nutrient flux to surface water and the time period over which P release took place were season dependent, with longer dura- tion of high nutrient flux during dry-season drawdowns. Results of repeated measures analysis indicated that hydropattern was the dominant factor affecting P-flux to overlying surface water, while presence or absence of emergent vegetation had no significant influence on effluent concentrations. Organic and particulate phosphorus fluxes were substantially higher in treatments lacking emergent macrophytes, subsequent to the dry-season drawdowns. Intermittently flooded treatments with no emergent vege- tation generated the most dissolved and particulate phosphorus. Our results indicate that maintaining saturated soil is sufficient to retain stored P, while plants played no significant role in P retention for a wetland receiving P-loading rate on the order of 0.1 g week −1 during a wet-dry-wet cycle.
Experimental animal models of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an infrequent, but extremely serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis. The cause of EPS is unclear, but the low incidence suggests that it i...
Gratitude to the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection From the Aortic Community

In this issue of the Journal , Pape et al. [(1)][1] from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) group analyzed trends in the presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of aortic dissection over the 17-year history of IRAD. They found that the following occurred between 1999 and
Modeling of ground motion from a 1994 Northridge aftershock using a tomographic velocity model of the Los Angeles Basin

The 1994 Northridge mainshock and its aftershocks show a complex pattern of peak accelerations at stations located in the Los Angeles Basin. The waveforms contain multiples of body-wave phases and extensive surface waves at frequencies mostly below 1 Hz. In particular, for stations at distances greater than 18 km, secondary arrivals show larger accelerations than the direct S-wave arrivals. The mainshock waveforms are further complicated by irregularities of the source rupture. We use 2D finite difference to evaluate the effect of lateral variations in seismic velocity on the amplitude of shear-wave energy and to distinguish the effects of source and propagation path. We model waveforms from one aftershock recorded at nine stations deployed along a 60-km-long profile extending into the Los Angeles Basin. We use a two-dimensional slice through the 3D tomography model of the Los Angeles Basin in the 2D finite-difference calculations. These synthetic waveforms fit the aftershock waveforms significantly better than corresponding waveforms determined from simple 1D velocity models. With the addition of a thin low-velocity surface layer above the tomography model, the finite-difference synthetics reproduce most of the important features of the recorded data, in particular, the large-amplitude arrivals 7 to 10 sec following the direct S arrival. These arrivals correspond to the SS arrival, which is sharply refracted at the basin edge, and the S-wave with multiple legs trapped by the dipping near surface gradient. For large earthquakes located either inside or outside the basin, these phases can be the cause of the largest and hence potentially most hazardous shaking in the Los Angeles Basin.
90Y-Ibritumomab (Zevalin®) therapy of refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Clinical experience

1678 Objectives: The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006 there will be about 58,870 new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the United States. Radioimmunotherapy has been shown in clinical trials to be an effective treatment for refractory/relapsed NHL. One of the available agents is Zevalin®, a 90Y radiolabelled chimeric antibody targeting CD20 receptors present on the surface of lymphocytes. We present our clinical experience with Zevalin® in the management of refractory/relapsed NHL. Methods: This is a retrospective study (Jan 2000 – Jul 2006) of 31 patients with NHL, who were treated with Zevalin® for refractory/relapsed disease. This NHL patients cohort consisted of follicular (15), mantle cell (8), diffuse large B-cell (6), marginal zone (1) and immunoblastic (1) disease subtypes. The group included 23 men and 8 women, with age range of 36 - 85 years (average: 56.9±13.3). The patients were pre-loaded with Rituximab® (250mg/m2) on day 1 and 7, followed by a diagnostic dose (5 mCi) of 111In. The administered therapeutic doses of Zevalin® ranged 17-34 mCi (average: 28.5 ± 4.45). Results: Zevalin® induced objective responses in 24 of the 31 patients (77.4%). Complete response was noted in 10 patients (32.2%), partial response in 10 patients (32.2%) and mixed response in 4 patients (12.9%). There were 4 patients (12.9%) with stable disease and 3 patients (9%) with disease progression. The average decreases at post-therapy nadir were 53.2% ± 0.32 for platelets, 38.3% ± 0.38 for leukocytes and 10.7% ± 0.11 for hemoglobin. Grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicity occurred in 18 patients (58%), but was reversible. Conclusions: Our study suggests that clinical practice of Zevalin radioimmunotherapy is an effective and safe adjunctive treatment for patients with NHL refractory/relapsed to conventional treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Access Program for Emergency Physicians, Nurses, and Corpsmen (Technicians) at a Military Hospital

ABSTRACT Background: Peripheral intravenous (PIV) access is a common procedure in the emergency department (ED). However, conditions such as obesity and hypovolemia can often make access difficult by the traditional landmark technique. The use of ultrasonography has improved the success of PIV placement in this setting. Objectives: A novel Ultrasound (US)-Guided PIV Access program was initiated in our ED to train emergency nurses, U.S. Navy corpsmen, and physicians. Methods: This was an observational study of emergency providers performing US-guided PIV placement. After a training session, all ED providers began utilizing the US for difficult intravenous access patients. All complications, location of access, and previous experience level were recorded. The choice of a transverse, longitudinal, or a combination approach was also recorded. Results: We did not observe significant differences in ability with US-guided PIV access when comparing success rates between emergency physicians, nurses, and technicia...
Missing data in two-way analysis of variance

We previously described a regression approach to analysis of variance computations that permitted analysis of unbalanced designs and experiments with missing data in two-way (or higher) analyses of variance Am. J. Physiol. 255 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 24): R353-R367, 1988. That approach can only be used correctly under a set of narrow, and relatively uninteresting, circumstances. In fact, in the example we worked, we extended that approach beyond its intended scope and incorrectly computed F statistics for testing hypotheses about the main effects of strain of rat and nephron site in a study of renal Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase. This paper presents the correct approach, which can be generalized to most situations likely to be encountered when two-way, or higher, analyses of variance are used.