cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in Utilization and Cost of Inpatient Spinal Cord Stimulation: Analysis of Data from 2008 to 2014

Objective In this study, we sought to characterize contemporary trends in cost and utilization of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Methods The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project−National Inpatient Sample was queried for inpatient admissions from 2008 to 2014 where SCS was performed. We then determined the rates and costs of SCS performed in this time frame to treat diagnoses that we classified as device-related complications, degenerative spine disease, pain syndromes, and neuropathies/neuritis/nerve lesions. Least-squares regression was performed to determine the yearly trends for each indication adjusted by the total number of yearly hospitalizations for that diagnosis. Results We identified a total of 6876 admissions in whom an SCS was performed. The overall rate of inpatient SCS procedures performed has decreased by 45% from 2008 to 2014 (14.0 to 7.7 procedures per 100,000 admissions). Adjusted analysis for yearly trends also demonstrated a declining trend for all indications; however, this was not found to be statistically significant, except for device-related complications (P = 0.004). The median inflation-adjusted cost of an admission where SCS was performed increased slightly by 7.4% from $26,200 (IQR: $16,700−$33,800) in 2008 to $28,100 (IQR: $19,600−$36,900) in 2014. Billed hospital charges demonstrated a significant increase with median inflation-adjusted admission charge of $66,068 in 2008 to $110,672 in 2014. Conclusions Despite a declining contemporary trend in inpatient SCS, an increase was noted in admission costs and hospital charges. A significant declining trend was noted in revision SCS implantations due to device-related complications.
Remote community engagement in the time of covid-19, a surging racial justice movement, wildfires, and an election year

Due to wildfires in the fall of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, Sonoma State University lost 50 service-learning courses and, as a result, almost 900 fewer students completed a servicelearning course than in the previous year During the summer of 2020, the Center for Community Engagement began developing service-learning projects that were designed to be done remotely and either address COVID-19 or engage students with involvement in the fall 2020 U S election Later, opportunities to address racial injustice and the wildfires were integrated The opportunities described require active but remote participation within the community;however, it is possible that students find it challenging to connect their remote experiences to real community need and academic and civic learning The flexibility and creativity developed for remote service-learning projects are essential in the ongoing adjustment to the changing needs of students and community partners © The Author(s)
Predictors of Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are major surgeries that may result in significant blood loss and the need for transfusion. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors for blood transfusion in patients undergoing TSA. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify 12,982 patients who underwent TSA (anatomic or reverse) from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016. We compared patients who underwent intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion with those who did not receive a blood transfusion. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent factors associated with blood transfusion. Results The rate of intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion was 3.5% during the study period. Compared with patients who did not receive a blood transfusion, those who did were older (73.4 vs. 68.9 years, P Conclusion In patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, preoperative factors such as ASA classification, smoking, and functional status can be used to identify patients at increased risk for requiring blood transfusion. Level of evidence Level III.
Predicting clothing disposal: The moderating roles of clothing sustainability knowledge and self-enhancement values

Abstract The purpose of the study was to identify factors that predicted clothing disposal with a focus on testing the moderating roles of knowledge (i.e., clothing sustainability knowledge) and personal values (i.e., self-enhancement), while introducing a new concept of consumers' self-perception of owning (SPO). Data were collected from university students through an online survey using Qualtrics. Results showed that the influence of self-perception of owning (SPO) in consumers’ disposal behaviors, specifically how long they keep clothing before disposing of it, was unexpected and contrary to predictions. The direct relationships between amount of clothing purchases and self-perception of owning (SPO) and between SPO and clothing disposal behavior (i.e., duration of keeping clothing items before disposal) were not found in this study. The interaction results, however, indicated that the positive relationship between clothing purchases and SPO existed and was strengthened for participants who had a high level of clothing sustainability knowledge, but not for those participants who had moderate or low level of clothing sustainability knowledge. Additionally, the study found that the negative relationship between SPO and how long participants would keep clothing before disposing of it became even stronger for those participants who valued greatly personal success and achievement in life than those who did not value personal success and achievement as much.
Auditing and Maintaining Provenance in Software Packages

Science projects are increasingly investing in computational reproducibility. Constructing software pipelines to demonstrate reproducibility is also becoming increasingly common. To aid the process of constructing pipelines, science project members often adopt reproducible methods and tools. One such tool is CDE, which is a software packaging tool that encapsulates source code, datasets and environments. However, CDE does not include information about origins of dependencies. Consequently when multiple CDE packages are combined and merged to create a software pipeline, several issues arise requiring an author to manually verify compatibility of distributions, environment variables, software dependencies and compiler options. In this work, we propose software provenance to be included as part of CDE so that resulting provenance-included CDE packages can be easily used for creating software pipelines. We describe provenance attributes that must be included and how they can be efficiently stored in a light-weight CDE package. Furthermore, we show how a provenance in a package can be used for creating software pipelines and maintained as new packages are created. We experimentally evaluate the overhead of auditing and maintaining provenance and compare with heavy weight approaches for reproducibility such as virtualization. Our experiments indicate minimal overheads.
Network Consequences Due to Oligopolists and Oligopsonists in the Hog Industry, Pollution from Hog Production, and the Failure to Regulate Ecological Criteria

(2004). Network Consequences Due to Oligopolists and Oligopsonists in the Hog Industry, Pollution from Hog Production, and the Failure to Regulate Ecological Criteria. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 38, Papers From The 2004 AFEE Meeting, pp. 483-491.
Education and Medicine

In the last chapter, we dealt with the bulk of the welfare activities of what used to be the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. In this chapter we will take up the remaining parts, education and medicine. The three activities are indeed the largest “welfare” activities undertaken in the United States. The majority of medicine in the United States is still private, but there is a good deal of government finance and continuous talk about more. Education, on the other hand, is largely a government activity, although there is some private education. We will start with education, specifically elementary education.
Measuring Strength at Ultrahigh Strain Rates

The use of uniaxial strain ramp loading experiments to measure strength at extremely high strain rates is discussed. The technique is outlined and issues associated with it are examined. Results for 6061-T6 aluminum are presented that differ from the conventional view of strain rate sensitivity in aluminum alloys.
Engineering Education and the Construction Industry: Modern Trends in Construction Engineering Education

This paper examines the current trends in engineering education towards a first degree in the engineering sciences, and professional training similar to Law and Medicine. In particular this paper looks at the needs of the construction industry in view of these trends in education. It is concluded that with the establishment of an organized job training program the construction industry can greatly benefit from such a program, in that future engineers will be well versed in the basic sciences, and will be able to bring these achievements to the industry, unhampered by preconceived notions of construction hardware.
The Nuclear Matrix as a Site of Anticancer Drug Action

Many nuclear functions, including the organization of the chromatin within the nucleus, depend upon the presence of a nuclear matrix. Nuclear matrix proteins are involved in the formation of chromatin loops, control of DNA supercoiling, and regulation and coordination of transcriptional and replicational activities within individual loops. Various structural and functional components of the nuclear matrix represent potential targets for anticancer agents. Alkylating agents and ionizing radiation interact preferentially with nuclear matrix proteins and matrix-associated DNA. Other chemotherapeutic agents, such as fludarabine phosphate and topoisomerase II-active drugs, interact specifically with matrix-associated enzymes, such as DNA primase and the DNA topoisomerase II alpha isozyme. The interactions of these agents at the level of the nuclear matrix may compromise multiple nuclear functions and be relevant to their antitumor activities.
A new technique for the analysis of a buffered two-node packet radio network

The authors consider a packet radio network with two nodes both of which access a single channel using the slotted-Aloha protocol. This model results in a network of two interfering queues. Such networks seldom have closed-form expressions for the equilibrium probabilities. However, if fixed arrival probabilities are assumed and it is also assumed that one node uses a constant transmission probability, a product-form-solution control (PFS-control) can be found which controls the other node's transmission probability. This is done using the consistency graph method. Under PFS-control, the transmission probabilities approach asymptotic values as the packet backlog increases. It is noted that the PFS-control is intuitively satisfying; the network under PFS-control tends to adjust its transmission probabilities to reduce large unequal packet backlogs. Using the asymptotic values for the transmission probabilities, they also find a set of necessary conditions for network stability. >
Repurposing a leukocyte elastase inhibitor for neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. A new study investigates mechanisms of neuropathic pain initiation and identifies a promising therapeutic currently used for acute respiratory distress syndrome that may also limit acute neuropathic pain.
High density lipoprotein distribution. Resolution and determination of three major components in a normal population sample.

Abstract In an earlier report we identified at least 3 major components within the serum total HDL distribution of normal subjects. In the present study, the serum concentrations of these components, which we designate HDL 2b , d 1.063–1.100 g/ml; HDL 2a , d 1.100–1.125 g/ml; HDL 3 , d 1.125–1.200 g/ml are determined for 160 clinically-screened subjects from a normal population sample. This determination involves graphically fitting reference schlieren patterns for each of the three components to the subjects' total HDL schlieren patterns with the aid of a computer. The mean error of fitting all three reference patterns was low (9 ± 8% (SD) of total area). Mean serum levels of HDL 2b and HDL 2a were significantly higher in females than in males for each of the four age decades surveyed (27–36, 37–46, 47–56 and 57–66 years). Mean HDL 3 serum levels were slightly higher in males than in females for the population as a whole. Regression of HDL 2b , HDL 2a , and HDL 3 levels on each other and on total HDL serum concentration revealed 2 sex-independent trends: (1) HDL 3 levels are negatively correlated ( r = 0.315) with HDL 2b levels, uncorrelated with HDL 2a levels, and are relatively constant (mean level 158 ± 30 mg/dl (SD)); (2) HDL 2b and HDL 2a levels are highly correlated ( r = 0.725) and display a progressive build up with increasing total HDL levels. Since HDL 2b and HDL 2a levels account in major part for the differences in total HDL levels observed, we propose that they may be the critical HDL components determining the reported inverse correlation of HDL cholesterol with coronary heart disease.
Software Architecture Attributes of Multi-agent Systems

Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) introduce a unique software architecture style. MAS developed to date have several common architectural characteristics, even though differences in their design and implementation result in variations in their strengths and weaknesses. In this paper we study software-architectural properties of MAS to support the assessment of their suitability to the solution of computational problems. We present three MAS case-studies to demonstrate architectural properties and their effect on system functionality.
Modeling impact of moving scatterers on Doppler spectrum in wideband vehicle-to-vehicle channels

A three-dimensional (3-D) geometrical propagation model that includes both stationary and moving scatterers around the transmitter and receiver for wideband vehicle-to-vehicle (V-to-V) communications is proposed. Based on the geometrical model, a 3-D reference model for wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) V-to-V multipath fading channels is developed. From the reference model, the corresponding space-Doppler power spectral density is derived. Finally, the theoretical results are compared with measured data in urban environment, the model with only stationary scatterers, and the narrowband channel model with moving and stationary scatterers. The results show the best agreement between the measured and the modelled wideband channel model with stationary and moving scatterers.
The infrared source associated with Sh 2-149

Observations at optical and infrared wavelengths of the bright infrared point source in the direction of Sh 2-149 are used to determine a spectral type (M1) and luminosity class (Ib-II) for the object. These observations contradict the suggestion of Bergeat et al. (1975) that the object is a highly reddened O star. The estimated visual extinction (approximately 5-7 magnitudes) and luminosity class derived from the present observations are used to estimate the distance (about 1-3 kpc) to the infrared source.
NASA Deep Space Network operations organization

The organization of the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN), a network of tracking station control and data handling facilities, is briefly reviewed. It has been designed, constructed, maintained, and operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology in support of NASA lunar and interplanetary flight programs. Some important technological and organizational advances made by DSN since the early development of spacecraft tracking in the 1950s are considered.
Sediment dynamics below retreating cliffs

The retreat of cliffs may constitute the dominant erosional response to base-level fall in arid settings underlain by horizontally-bedded sedimentary rock. These vertical cliffs typically loom above a relatively straight bedrock slope (‘plinth’) that is mantled with a thin layer of sediment and perched near the angle of repose. In detail, a plinth consists of a system of quasi-parallel ridges and channels. We ask how the sediment supplied from a retreating cliff influences the erosion of the plinth hillslopes and channels, and how this affects the rate of cliff retreat. Motivated by field observations and high-resolution topographic data from two sites in western Colorado, we develop a two-dimensional (2D), rules-based numerical model to simulate the erosion of channels draining a plinth and diffusive erosion of the intervening interfluves. In this model, retreat of a cliffband occurs when the height of the vertical cliff exceeds a threshold due to incision by channels on the plinth below. Debris derived from cliff retreat is distributed over the model plinth according to the local topography and distance from the source. This debris then weathers in place, and importantly can act to reduce local bedrock erosion rates, protecting both the plinth and ultimately the cliff from erosion. In this paper, we focus on two sets of numerical model experiments. In one suite, we regulate the rate of rockfall to limit the cliff retreat rate; in most cases, this results in complete loss of the plinth by erosion. In a second suite, we do not impose a limit on the cliff retreat rate, but instead vary the weathering rate of the rockfall debris. These runs result in temporally steady cliff-plinth forms and retreat rates; both depend on the weathering rate of the debris. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Switching on and off the full capacity of an M/M/∞ queue

This paper studies optimal switching on and off the full capacity of an M/M/∞ queue with holding, running and switching costs. The main result is that an average-cost optimal policy either always runs the system or is defined by two thresholds M and N, such that the system is switched on at arrival epochs when the number of customers in the system accumulates to N and it is switched off at departured epoch when the number of customers in the system decreases to M.
Hemodynamic and arrhythmogenic effects of aversive stress during myocardial ischemia.

Abstract Pavlovian conditioning was accomplished in two groups of dogs by following a 30-s tone (the CS+) with a short (≤ 1 s) electric shock). An inflatable occluder was implanted around the left circumflex coronary artery in all animals. The CS+ was presented to Group I dogs ( n = 6) during control (i.e., no coronary occlusion) and at 30 s and 3 min after the onset of a 4-min left circumflex coronary occlusion. The CS+ evoked a robust increase in heart rate and blood pressure in the control state. A conditional cardiovascular response was still evoked during the acute coronary occlusion despite the evolving myocardial ischemia. No increase in ventricular ectopic beats occurred during the CS+. An anterior myocardial infarction (16.8 ± 1.7% of left ventricular mass, mean ± SEM) was created in Group II dogs ( n = 8) at the time of surgery. A CS+ was presented, as above, both alone and 1 min after the beginning of a 2-min left circumflex coronary occlusion. There were significant differences in the conditional response in heart rate, left ventricular (systolic) pressure (LVP) and d(LVP)/d t for trials given during the coronary occlusion compared with no occlusion. These dogs were then classified as ‘resistant’ or ‘susceptible’ to ventricular arrhythmias approx. 4 weeks later using an exercise and coronary occlusion test. Three of five susceptible dogs, but none of three resistant dogs, evidenced increased severity of arrhythmias during the CS+. We conclude that the nature of the cardiovascular response to behavioral stress during myocardial ischemia depends in part upon the timing of the CS+, the presence or absence of a resident myocardial infarction and the status of the autonomic reflexes controlling the heart.
Proton Meter for NAL External Beam Lines

Accurate beam intensity and total charge per accelerator pulse are important data for a number of experiments performed at NAL. The beam-current transformer and its electronics are operable in a beam intensity of 1010 protons, or more, delivered within a time interval of 100 ?s. Special features of the design include both analog and digital outputs. The beam toroid is completely external to the vacuum pipe, giving optimum vacuum conditions. In situ test-signal injection and toroidalcore degaussing are incorporated.
Choice of working fluids for non-azeotropic mixed-refrigerants air conditioning systems

Abstract Non-azeotropic mixed-refrigerants air conditioning is a potential energy saving process of removing heat from a space. Desirable non-azeotropic mixed refrigerants should possess physical, thermodynamic, and chemical properties which permit their efficient operation in air conditioning systems. In addition to economical considerations, there should be no danger to health in case of their escape due to leaks or other causes in an air conditioning system. These physical, thermodynamic, chemical, economical, safety and specific properties are listed and discussed briefly in this paper.
Closer to the Truth: Electronic Records of Academic Dishonesty in an Actual Classroom Setting

Studies of academic dishonesty typically rely on potentially inaccurate self-reports or on actual behavior during less realistic tasks. Eliminating the drawbacks of such approaches, we assessed cheating during completion of actual coursework via electronic records of online behavior. Thirty-six college students completed unproctored, online quizzes. The majority of students responding to a follow-up questionnaire reported that they never considered consulting online sources during the quizzes. Computer logs reveal that although some students accessed relevant online information during the quizzes, many did not: 6 instances over 72 quiz attempts are attributable to 3 or 4 individuals. Although online environments may offer more opportunities for academic dishonesty, electronic records of online activity provide a valuable and objective means of detecting such dishonesty.
Relation of attitude toward body elimination to parenting style and attitude toward the body.

The purpose was to estimate the relation of attitude toward body elimination in 93 college students (27 men and 66 women), to authoritarian personality features, participants' perception of their mothers' parenting style, and attitudes toward cleanliness, sex, and family nudity. Subjects were administered the Body Elimination Attitude Scale, the Four-item F Scale, the Parental Authority Questionnaire Pertaining to Mothers, and the items “Sex is dirty,” Cleanliness is next to godliness,” and “Children should never see other family members nude.” Larger scores for disgust toward body elimination were associated with authoritarian personality characteristics, being less likely to describe mother's parenting style as authoritative (open communication) and more likely to describe it as authoritarian and lower scores for tolerance for family nudity. Implications for further research were suggested.
World Bank: catalyst for Third World urban development

Abstract The World Bank finances projects involving urban development, water supply, sanitation and transportation. These projects are implemented in rural as well as in urban areas, and one can roughly say that the weight which the Bank has given to the rural world is at least comparable to that given to cities and towns. This reflects the importance of the rural population and economy in most developing countries, where commonly rural population and agricultural productivity represent some 70% of the total population and total value added of the country.
Regulation of de novo purine biosynthesis in normal and 8-azaguanine-resistant Chinese hamster cells Effect of glutamine starvation

Abstract Azaguanine-resistant mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells were isolated following mutagenesis with ICR-170G. Of the eight mutant isolates examined, only one, Ag-5 had detectable hypoxanthine(guanine)phosphoribosyltransferase activity. Under normal conditions of growth, de novo purine biosynthesis in the mutants was not significantly different from wild type. However, when the cultures were starved for glutamine over a 2 h period before measuring 5′-phosphoribosyl formylglycinamide (a relative measure of de novo purine biosynthesis), elevated levels of 5′-phosphoribosyl formylglycinamide accumulated in some of the mutants, and decreased levels in wild type and Ag-5. The level of purine biosynthesis could be related to the levels of glutamine in the pregrowth medium. The rate of purine biosynthesis correlated with 5-phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate levels, which were enhanced in the mutant (Ag-C) following the starvation period. No alterations were found in levels of 5-phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase or glutamine synthetase. The extent of feedback inhibition was normal in both mutant and wild type cells. These data suggest that the hypoxanthine (guanine) phosphoribosyltransferase locus is a regulatory gene.
Down-regulation of protein kinase C activity in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colonic tumors.

Abstract Recent studies by our laboratory have indicated that alterations in protein kinase C activity may be involved in the early stage(s) of malignant transformation in the 1,2-dimethylhydrazine model of colonic adenocarcinoma. In order to further evaluate the possible role of protein kinase C in this multistage process, rats were given subcutaneous weekly injections of this procarcinogen (20 mg/kg body weight) or diluent for 26 weeks. One week after receiving the last injection, animals were killed and control colonic tissue, tumor tissue and tissue at least 1 cm away from these tumors (‘uninvolved mucosa’) were harvested. The activity and distribution of protein kinase C in the cytosolic and membrane fractions of these preparations as well as their 1,2-diacylglycerol mass were then examined and compared. The results of these studies demonstrated that: (1) total protein kinase C activity was reduced by approximately 35% and 60%, respectively, in the ‘uninvolved’ colonic mucosa and tumors of carcinogen-treated rats compared to their control counterpart values; (2) in the ‘uninvolved’ mucosa, this decrease in total activity was secondary to a decrease solely in cytosolic protein kinase C, whereas, in tumors both membrane and cytosolic activities were reduced; and (3) 1,2-diacylglycerol mass was significantly increased in colonic tumors versus control values. Based on these findings, it would appear that alterations in the cellular distribution and total activity of protein kinase C, possibly secondary to increases in 1,2-diacylglycerol mass, may also play a role in the latter stage(s) of malignant transformation in this experimental model.
An XML schema design framework to simplify financial statement validation

Financial statements share a common directed tree model. This common structure simplifies validation of financial statement instance documents and has important implications for the design of business reporting markup languages. Exploiting this a common structure enables different financial statements to share the same validation routine, thereby realizing considerable savings in development and maintenance of validation applications. This paper derives a common schema for financial statements based on a standard directed tree model, and demonstrates its contributions towards standardizing and simplifying validation of financial statements. This efficient framework of taxonomy development can be applied to other domains because many non-financial business documents also have a hierarchical structure expressible as a directed tree.
Planetary science Saturn's retrograde renegade

Data from the Cassini–Huygens mission provide convincing evidence that the saturnian moon Phoebe formed elsewhere in the Solar System, and was only later captured by Saturn's gravitational pull. Phoebe, the outermost large satellite of Saturn, is of particular interest because its unusual orbit suggests that it was gravitationally captured by Saturn, having formed outside the solar nebula where Saturn itself formed. The Cassini–Huygens spacecraft encountered Phoebe on 11 June 2004, and imaging spectroscopy from Cassini was used to detect iron, bound water, trapped CO2, phyllosilicates, organics, nitriles and cyanide compounds on Phoebe. The presence of all these compounds makes Phoebe one of the most compositionally diverse objects in our Solar System, consistent with a surface of cometary origin incorporating primitive materials from the outer Solar System. Further evidence on Phoebe's past comes from density measurements made by two other instrument systems on Cassini. Phoebe's composition is distinctly different from the ice-rich material that formed the intermediate-sized saturnian satellites, and is consistent with formation from the same material out of which Pluto and Triton (archetypical Kuiper-belt objects) formed.
A Pain in the Neck: Non-traumatic Adult Retropharyngeal Abscess

Abstract Background We present the case of a 47-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with complaint of left-sided neck pain. He was thought to have a musculoskeletal sprain on his initial visit. However, he returned the following evening with worsening symptoms. On further investigation, he was found to have a non-traumatic retropharyngeal abscess (RPA), a rare infection in the adult patient population. Objectives This infection has been studied primarily in the pediatric population, and extrapolation of their studies demonstrates the importance of airway stabilization, antibiotic use targeting polymicrobial organisms, and conservative medical management vs. surgical drainage. We aim to summarize this case and review the literature on retropharyngeal abscess. Case Report This patient presented to the ED with complaints of left-sided neck pain. There was no history of trauma or injury to the affected area. He was evaluated and discharged but returned with a deteriorating clinical picture. On further evaluation, he was found to have a non-traumatic RPA. He was admitted to the Otolaryngology service and managed conservatively with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. His condition resolved and he was subsequently discharged from the hospital. Conclusions The majority of data on diagnosis and treatment of adult RPA have come from the pediatric population. However, the same essential treatment principles apply: airway stabilization, resuscitation, initiation of IV antibiotics, and consultation with an otolaryngology specialist.
Synergistic chemical radiosensitization of hypoxic mammalian cells.

Abstract A combination of two compounds, diamide and nifuroxime, which sensitize hypoxic mammalian cells to X-radiation by different mechanisms, was tested for sensitizing ability in vitro . Concentrations of these agents that did not sensitize hypoxic V79 Chinese hamster cells in vitro when the compounds were present separately during irradiation were extremely effective in reducing survival when they were present together. This result indicates that the combination of diamide plus nifuroxime sensitizes synergistically and suggests that radiosensitization of hypoxic tumor cells in vivo may be possible with much lower drug concentrations than presently required for single agents.
Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films for field emission-based science and devices

Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films developed and patented at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) exhibit a unique combination of outstanding mechanical, tribological, electrical, thermal, biological and electron field emission properties, which already resulted in industrial components and devices currently commercialized by Advanced Diamond Technologies, a company co-founded by ANL scientists in 2003. UNCD films are synthesized by a novel patented microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition technique using an Ar-rich/CH4 chemistry that produces films with 2–5 nm grains, thus the name UNCD to distinguish them from nanocrystalline diamond films with 30–100 nm grains produced by H-rich/CH4 plasma chemistry. In relation to the topic of this talk, UNCD films can be made electrically conducting via nitrogen incorporation into the grain boundaries (N-UNCD), which introduces states into the bandgap and allow hoping of electrons for conduction and final field emission through the grain boundaries, or by boron doping via substitutional replacement of C atoms in the diamond lattice. In this talk, a review will be presented of the synthesis of N-UNCD films, and studies to understand the mechanism for electron field emission from them, with studies showing that N-UNCD films exhibit low field emission thresholds (∼ 2–4 V/μm) with long lifetime emission (∼ 1000 hours), with the additional advantages of inherent field enhancement at the nanoscale grain boundaries and low threshold field, even in the presence of residual gases such as O2, in about 10 −4 Torr pressure. The electron field emission performance of N-UNCD fims enable their use as field emitter cathodes for planetary mass spectrometry, specifically, gas-phase ionization of target molecules, in which a low power means of generating an electron beam of the appropriate performance could benefit resource-constrained missions to remote planetary targets throughout the Solar System. On the technological side, the N-UNCD field emitters are promissing enough to be used for field emission displays and for massive parallel electron field emission lithography to fabricate ferroelectric nanostructures for the fabrication of the next generation high-density (Gb to Tb) non-volatile ferroelectric memories.
Changes in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LES) after Stamm gastrostomy.

Previous clinical and experimental reports have implicated placement of a Stamm gastrostomy (SG) as a cause of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children. This study evaluates this problem by measuring alterations in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LES) after SG with and without maintenance of the esophagogastric angle of Hiss. In 20 cats (2.8–3.2 kg) general anesthesia was induced using 20 mg/kg ketamine im. Esophageal manometrics were measured using a continuous perfusion catheter and recording system, evaluating three measurements for each animal. Eight cats (Group I) underwent SG placement in the anterior stomach wall two-thirds of the way down from the fundus. This was tacked to the anterior abdominal wall 3 cm lateral to the midline at the appropriate level. Six cats (Group II) had standard SG tube placement and in addition, two interrupted sutures were placed between the fundus and the esophagus maintaining the gastroesophageal angle of Hiss. Six cats (Group III) had sham laparotomy. After awakening, the animals were fed cat chow and water ad libitum. At 7 and 14 days, the animals were reanesthetized with ketamine and manometrics were repeated. Preoperative LES pressure measured 11.3 ± 4.7 Torr. LES pressure in Group I decreased to 6.61 ± 1.6 Torr at 7 days (P < 0.01) and 4.8 ± 1.6 Torr at 14 days postoperatively (P < 0.01). LES pressure in Group II was slightly decreased to 9.2 ± 3.3 Torr at 1 week (P < 0.1) and 9.1 ± 3.5 Torr at 2 weeks (P < 0.1) and was 9.2 ± 4.3 (P < 0.1) and 9.2 ± 2.7 (P < 0.1) respectively in Group III. SG caused a significant reduction in LES pressure which was prevented by maintenance of the gastroesophageal angle of Hiss. These data suggest that SG predisposes to the development of GER because of an alteration of the gastroesophageal angle.
A dose–response study following in utero and lactational exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP): Non-monotonic dose–response and low dose effects on rat brain aromatase activity

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer which can act as an endocrine disruptor. It has been suggested that in addition to its antiandrogenic effects, DEHP may interfere with estrogen metabolism through suppression of aromatase enzyme activity. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and plays a critical role in brain sexual differentiation. We investigated the effects of two wide ranges of DEHP doses on brain aromatase activity of male and female rat offspring. Wistar rat dams were treated daily with DEHP and peanut oil (control) by gavage from gestation day 6 to lactation day 21 at doses of 0.015, 0.045, 0.135, 0.405 and 1.215mgDEHP/kgbodyweight(bw)/day (low doses) and at 5, 15, 45, 135 and 405mgDEHP/kgbw/day (high doses). Aromatase activity was determined in hypothalamic/preoptic area (HPOA) brain sections from male and female pups on postnatal days (PNDs) 1 and 22. In males on PND 1, aromatase activity was inhibited at low doses and increased at high doses resulting in a non-monotonic dose-response profile which resembled a J-shaped curve. Inhibition was statistically significant at 0.135 and 0.405mgDEHP/kg/day, while increased activity was observed at 15, 45 and 405mg/kg/day. In contrast to findings on PND 1, aromatase activity at weaning (PND 22) was more affected in females than in males. An increase in aromatase activity was observed at only one dose in males (0.405mg/kg/day) while an increase in activity was observed at all doses in the females except for 0.045 and 5mgDEHP/kg/day. Overall, these results indicate that males and females respond differently to DEHP not only in regard to the age at which effects are manifested, but also in the shape of the dose-response curve. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report biological effects of DEHP at doses that overlap with the estimated exposure of the general human population.
The Columbus geoid

The author gives a summary of the preparatory work, collection of the needed gravity material, reduction method used, the gravity anomaly maps of different types needed, and the details of the method of computation of the geoid. Using the available materials, 6679 squares of 1° X 1°, four times larger than was available in 1928, several new gravity formulas have been derived. The globe was divided into 36 longitude zones of 10°. A diagram and table give an idea of the corrections to the International Gravity Formula obtained from different zones. When all gravity observations made in the oceans are available, the equatorial value of gravity may get a small negative correction. The geoid in Europe, where Tanni already had rather good material, will remain nearly unchanged, but the geoid in America, in the Atlantic, and in India changes materially as a result of additional gravity observations, particularly at sea. Sketches of portions of the geoid are given. The astro-geodetically computed geoid of Europe, by Bomford, is compared with the Columbus geoid.
Educators, practitioners and politicians in the European common market

Educational requirements for entry to professions ordinarily develop along insular national lines. These can usefully be examined in the member-nations of the European Economic Community where efforts to harmonize differentials, thereby reducing national barriers to migration of qualified persons, are under way. This effort permits analysis of the extent to which educators participate in the development of public policy regarding educational requirements for entry to professions. Appraisal of EEC Directives for medicine and law and of Draft Directives for pharmacy and architecture demonstrates the major impacts upon public policy formation of representatives of national governments, of national professional associations, and of cross-national liaison committees of national professional associations. Educational interests are shown to play minor roles. International public policy concerning educational requirements for entry to professions is shown to be significantly affected by exchanges between practitioner groups and governments, with educators having a smaller, derivative sphere of influence.
Lithium-induced hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis and mania: a case report

A 46-year-old woman with bipolar affective disorder of 4 year’s duration was admitted for acute onset of agitation, delirium and confusion. She had been placed in 4-point restraints during transfer from another hospital. On admission, the patient was agitated and restless and was verbally abusive to the hospital staff. Her skin was warm and sweaty, clinically dehydrated. She was tachycardic with a heart rate ranging between 97 and 120/min. The rhythm was normal. She had mild bilateral pedal edema and was afebrile. She was oriented to place but not to time or person. She appeared to be experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations and had racing thoughts. Her speech was pressured but not dysarthric. She had a coarse tremor in her upper limbs and brisk tendon reflexes but no ataxia. The patient had been prescribed a number of medications to treat recurrent auditory (hears her dead fathers voice) and visual hallucinations (seeing angels) as well as paranoid delusions. These included ziprasidone and risperidone. Her most recent medication was lithium 600 mg a day. According to her family, the patient’s ability to perform self-care had worsened over the previous year and she no longer took pride in her care. There was no family history of any psychiatric or thyroid illness. Patient’s thyroid function was normal 2 months prior, checked by her psychiatrist. Her abnormal blood count (CBC) and liver panel admission results were: white blood …
Reconsidering Donations for Nonmarket Valuation

Researchers employing the stated-preference technique of contingent valuation have a history of using donations to value public goods despite conceptual differences between willingness to pay and willingness to donate. The practice is justified based on an understanding that willingness to donate can serve as a theoretical lower bound of the appropriate measure of Hicksian surplus. This paper shows that the basis for this understanding in the literature is incomplete and potentially misleading. If donations are used in valuation surveys, greater attention is needed to ensure consistency between the way stated preferences are elicited and donations would occur in practice.
Study of 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate in perennial rhinitis assessed by subjective and objective parameters

Summary The efficacy of a 2% solution of sodium cromoglycate has been assessed in the treatment of chronic perennial rhinitis by a double-blind group comparative trial over a period of 4 weeks. The solution was administered to the nose as a fine spray delivered by a metered device at a frequency of six times a day; thus the daily dose of active drug was approximately 31.2 mg. The patients' response was measured by both subjective and objective parameters; in addition nasal smears were examined for eosinophils before and after treatment. Analyses of the subjective data demonstrated a significant difference between the active and placebo solutions at the end of the trial. The objective data was obtained by measurement of nasal resistance and flow at weekly intervals; there was a highly significant difference between the two treatment groups compared to the baseline measurements after only 1 week's treatment. There was a reduction of eosinophils in the nasal smears in those patients allocated the SCG solution, there was virtually no change in those who received placebo; the difference was significant. This study has demonstrated that a 2% solution of SCG is effective in the treatment of perennial rhinitis. It has been shown that measurements of nasal airways resistance and flow are sensitive indices of changes in the mucous membrane of the nose and that beneficial effects of SCG solution can be detected after 7 days treatment.
Surface roughness on the Greenland Ice Sheet from airborne laser altimetry

High resolution airborne laser altimetry is used to determine the small-scale surface relief in central Greenland and estimate the contribution from spatial noise to stratigraphic records. The standard deviation of the surface roughness is 1.6 cm water equivalent, corresponding to a standard deviation of annual layer thickness of 2.3 cm we. This estimate agrees with an independent assessment of the spatial variability (2.5 cm we) based on nine shallow ice cores. The agreement suggests that the statistical nature of the surface in central Greenland remains unchanged throughout the year. By conducting airborne altimetry around proposed drilling sites, the expected noise level in the core can be evaluated and sites selected where this level is lowest.
Conservationist government policies and intergenerational equity in an overlapping generations model with renewable resources

Abstract This paper shows that in overlapping generations models incorporating renewable natural resources, competition may lead to perpetually declining living standards in environments in which it is technically feasible to achieve intergenerationally equitable distributions of consumption. First- and second-best conservationist government policies are examined. These include forced nationalization of the entire stock of natural capital, government open market purchases and sales of natural capital, taxation of industrial use of resources, and subsidies to private investments in natural capital.
Self-sputtering runaway in high power impulse magnetron sputtering: The role of secondary electrons and multiply charged metal ions

Self-sputtering runaway in high power impulse magnetron sputtering is closely related to the appearance of multiply charged ions. This conclusion is based on the properties of potential emission of secondary electrons and energy balance considerations. The effect is especially strong for materials whose sputtering yield is marginally greater than unity. The absolute deposition rate increases ∼Q1∕2, whereas the rate normalized to the average power decreases ∼Q−1∕2, with Q being the mean ion charge state number.
DEVELOPING EMPATHY AMONG COMMUNITY COLLEGE COUNSELORS THROUGH SOCIOCULTURAL POETRY

Sociocultural poetry can be used in conjunction with a counselor empathy model to assist community college counselors to build cultural competence, to understand lived experiences of clients from c...
Differentiating Among Motives for Norm Conformity

Two studies investigated why individuals conform to social norms. The authors propose that individuals conform to social norms to satisfy 3 general motives: accuracy, self-related, and other-related. Building on previous behavior prediction models, Study 1 found that measures of norms that identify specific motivational goals predicted behavior and intention better than did standard measures of social norms that consider only other-related motives for conformity. Study 2 investigated whether variations in the situational context are associated with alterations in motivational reasons for conforming to norms. Results indicated that one's motives for conforming to norms are sensitive to situational constraints. The findings from both studies suggest that, when predicting normative influences on behavior, research should address multiple motives underlying conformity with social norms.