cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A contemporary update on hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma: compilation of all in-house cases at our institution and a literature review spanning 2015-2020.

Summary Tumors of the head and neck with clear cell features prompt a broad differential diagnosis. A relatively uncommon, but increasingly recognized, entity is hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC). This neoplasm, first described in 1994, consists of clear cells arranged in nests or trabecule with a hyalinized stroma. These are low-grade neoplasms that only infrequently metastasize and rarely recur. They also often harbor a unique EWSR-ATF1 gene rearrangement. As the prognosis is excellent compared with other clear cell neoplasms, the correct diagnosis is key. Here we present all of the cases of HCCC in the past decade from our institution alongside a comprehensive literature review spanning 2015–2020 to further characterize this unusual malignancy.
Lumbar Drains for Vascular Procedures: An Institutional Protocol Review and Guidelines

Background Aortic disease requiring open or endovascular repair may result in spinal cord injury in approximately 2%–10% of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion using lumbar drains (LDs) has been validated as a protective measure to mitigate this complication. Methods This single-institution retrospective study analyzed the implementation of a standardized protocol and subsequent educational intervention for LDs for aortic vascular procedures over a 4-year period. Results In 2016–2019, 45 patients had LDs placed for open or endovascular procedures; group 1 included 19 patients with LDs placed before protocol implementation, and group 2 included 26 patients with LDs placed as per the institutional protocol. Demographics and procedural details in both groups were similar. However, there was a significant difference in the number of patients who had emergent versus planned placement of the LD (group 1, 89.5%; group 2, 50%; P Conclusions Implementation of an institutional protocol for LDs for open or endovascular procedures is feasible and beneficial. Educational modules improve familiarity among all health care providers, which can improve patient care and complication avoidance.
Paravertebral Anesthetic Nerve Block for Pain Control After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Abstract Background And Aims Excess postoperative opioid medication use can delay recovery and is associated with long-term misuse, addiction, and overdose. We aimed to explore the effect of preprocedural thoracic paravertebral nerve block (PNB) on pain-related outcomes after POEM. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients who did and did not receive a PNB prior to POEM were compared. The outcomes were peak and cumulative pain scores, total opioid use during hospitalization, and length of stay. After adjusting for confounders, the associations between nerve block and the outcomes of interest were explored. Results Forty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled; 25 patients received a block whereas the subsequent 24 did not. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the study groups. In unadjusted analyses, there was no significant difference between patients who did and did not undergo PNB in peak pain score (7.8 vs 8.7, P = 0.14), cumulative pain score in the first 12 hours (area under curve 66.5 vs 75.8, P = 0.22), median total opioid use (38.9 mg morphine equivalent dosing vs 42, P = 1.00), and median length of hospitalization (26.5 hours vs 24, P = 0.35). In multivariable regression models, PNB was not associated with a reduction in pain scores, opioid use, or hospitalization. There were no adverse events related to the block. Conclusion In this exploratory, observational study, paravertebral nerve block immediately before POEM did not result in a statistically significant reduction in pain-related outcomes or hospitalization. Additional observational studies may elucidate whether higher anesthetic doses or longer acting formulations would be of value.
Abstract 2577: Metaboendocrine and inflammatory correlates of tumor growth following caloric restriction and vertical sleeve gastrectomy in a mouse model of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women living in the United States, and obesity is a well-established breast cancer risk and progression factor. Identifying interventions that effectively break the obesity-cancer link is therefore of great importance. This preclinical project aims to compare circulating cytokine and metaboendocrine hormone levels in formerly obese mice following dietary and surgical weight loss to identify serum markers potentially contributing to differential tumor mass outcomes. 20 control female C57BL/6 mice were maintained on a 10 kcal% fat diet throughout the study. All other mice were placed on a 60 kcal% diet for 15 weeks to promote diet-induced obesity (DIO), then randomized to receive either: a) vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) with concurrent switch to control diet (16 mice); b) sham surgery and continuation of DIO regimen (18 mice); c) sham surgery with switch to a chronic calorie restricted (CCR; 30% daily calorie reduction) regimen (16 mice); or d) sham surgery with switch to an intermittent calorie restricted (ICR; 14% calorie reduction 5 days per week, 70% calorie reduction 2 non-consecutive days per week) regimen (19 mice). Following 10 weeks of weight loss interventions, serum from fasted animals was collected, and glucose (by glucometer), cytokines (by BioRad Mouse Cytokine 23-plex panel on a BioRad MAGPIX Instrument), and hormones (BioRad Mouse Diabetes 8-plex panel) were analyzed to characterize the systemic metaboendocrine and inflammatory environment immediately prior to orthotopic transplantation of E0771 mammary cancer cells. Surgical or dietary weight loss reduced serum cytokines that are classically induced by obesity, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), compared with DIO mice. Compared with VSG mice, only circulating chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) was significantly lower in serum from both CCR and ICR mice. Moreover, CCR and ICR mice displayed significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels and circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) compared with VSG mice. Therefore, these data suggest that decreased circulating CXCL13, PAI-1 and/or decreased fasted blood glucose may contribute to the superior antitumor effects of CCR and ICR versus VSG. This research was supported by R35CA197627 to S. Hursting. Citation Format: Tori L. McFarlane, Kristina Kalevas Camp, Elaine M. Glenny, Erika Rezeli, Michael F. Coleman, Stephen D. Hursting. Metaboendocrine and inflammatory correlates of tumor growth following caloric restriction and vertical sleeve gastrectomy in a mouse model of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2577.
X-ray Studies of the CDW Ground State and Excitations in High-TC Cuprates

Charge density wave (CDW) in high-TC cuprates has drawn a lot of attention in the field. In this article, we review some of our recent x-ray studies about the ground state and the excitation spectr...
Cutting Edge: Innate Memory CD8+ T Cells Are Distinct from Homeostatic Expanded CD8+ T Cells and Rapidly Respond to Primary Antigenic Stimuli

Innate memory phenotype (IMP) CD8+ T cells are nonconventional αβ T cells exhibiting features of innate immune cells and are significantly increased in the absence of ITK. Their developmental path and function are not clear. In this study, we show hematopoietic MHC class I (MHCI)-dependent generation of Ag-specific IMP CD8+ T cells using bone marrow chimeras. Wild-type bone marrow gives rise to IMP CD8+ T cells in MHCI−/− recipients, resembling those in Itk−/− mice, but distinct from those derived via homeostatic proliferation, and independent of recipient thymus. In contrast, MHCI−/− bone marrow does not lead to IMP CD8+ T cells in wild-type recipients. OTI IMP CD8+ T cells generated via this method exhibited enhanced early response to Ag without prior primary stimulation. Our findings suggest a method to generate Ag-specific “naive” CD8+ IMP T cells, as well as demonstrate that they are not homeostatic proliferation cells and can respond promptly in an Ag-specific fashion.
Gonzales V. Raich: Oh Federalism, Where is Thy Sting?

This is a draft of a column, subsequently published by Trial Magazine (August 2005, p. 52) criticizing the Supreme Court's holding in the medical marijuana case and arguing that under Lopez and Morrison, Congress lacked the power to penalize marijuana possession absent a showing of a connection to interstate commerce.
Growth of Escherichia coli on Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Growth Characteristics of Mutants

The parent Escherichia coli K-12 is constitutive for the enzymes of the glyoxylate bypass and adapts to growth on long-chain fatty acids (C(12) to C(18)). It does not utilize medium-chain (C(6) to C(11)) or short-chain (C(4), C(5)) n-monocarboxylic acids. Several mutants of this strain which grow using short- or medium-chain acids, or both, as the sole carbon source were selected and characterized. One mutant (D(1)) synthesizes the beta-oxidation enzymes constitutively and grows on medium-chain but not on short-chain acids. A second (N(3)) is partially derepressed for synthesis of these enzymes and grows both on medium-chain and on short-chain acids. Secondary mutants (N(3)V(-), N(3)B(-), N(3)OL(-)) were derived from N(3). N(3)V(-) grows on even-chain but not on odd-chain acids and exhibits a lesion in propionate oxidation. N(3)B(-) grows on odd-chain but not on even-chain acids and exhibits no crotonase activity as assayed by hydration of crotonyl-CoA. N(3)OL(-) grows on acetate and propionate but does not utilize fatty acids C(4) to C(18); it exhibits multiple deficiencies in the beta-oxidation pathway. Growth on acetate of N(3), but not of the parent strain, is inhibited by 4-pentenoate. Revertants of N(3) which are resistant to growth inhibition by 4-pentenoate (N(3)PR) exhibit loss of ability to grow on short-chain acids but retain the ability to grow on medium-chain and long-chain acids. The growth characteristics of these mutants suggest that in order to grow at the expense of butyrate and valerate, E. coli must be (i) derepressed for synthesis of the beta-oxidation enzymes and (ii) derepressed for synthesis of a short-chain fatty acid uptake system.
Revisiting the Presumption of Patent Validity

This Article seeks to solve the seemingly intractable problem of the Patent Office ('PTO') routinely issuing patents of dubious validity. Some have convincingly argued that the PTO is justified in its “rational ignorance” because most patents are of nugatory value and the judiciary is better placed to perform an accurate screening function. Yet, the statutory presumption of patent validity markedly frustrates the efficacy of the foregoing process, given its reinforcement of erroneously granted patents. The author supports a new form of prosecution in which applicants can elect two forms of review. Those electing a contemporary standard of review would have their applications considered by an examiner in much the same manner as today, but would be awarded a patent with a far lower presumption of validity. Potential infringers who later try to invalidate such patents would only have to prove invalidity on the balance of probabilities. However, a second - and far more scrutinizing - form of review would also be available to a prospective patentee. An applicant electing this route would be required to pay a significant filing fee, would be charged with providing a full, researched report on the prior art, and would be subjected to truly exhaustive scrutiny by the pertinent examiner. Those succeeding on this ground would receive a 'gold- plated' patent enjoying an enhanced presumption of validity. Nevertheless, there is good ground to believe that the prospect of such a presumption alone would lead to sub-optimal use of the 'gold-plated' review process. In particular, submitting one’s application to heightened review front-loads risk of rejection. Moreover, an obscure anticipatory reference may still elude the PTO, which would rationally expend less resources combing the prior art than an accused infringer for whom millions of dollars may be at stake. In the face of an explicit reference - elusive as it may have been - a presumption of validity will have limited prophylactic effect. This Article argues that the anticipatory effect of abstruse prior art is without normative justification in a world where the Patent Office functions at the level of reliability likely to be associated with heightened review. By granting holders of gold-plated patents both a presumption of validity and an immunity from obscure prior art never realistically within their purview, society would encourage inventors of potentially lucrative technologies to submit their applications to scrutinizing review.
Fragile States and US Foreign Assistance: Show Me the Money

The Bush administration has increasingly acknowledged that weak and failing states represent the core of today’s global development challenge. It has also recognized that such states are potential threats to international peace and security. But despite the rhetoric, it has yet to formulate a coherent strategy around fragile states or commit adequate resources towards engaging them. Excluding funding for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and HIV/AIDS, the administration’s FY07 budget request proposes to spend just $1.1 billion in direct bilateral assistance to fragile states—little more than a dollar per person per year. In this new working paper, CGD research fellow Stewart Patrick and program associate Kaysie Brown urge U.S. policymakers to consider increasing aid to fragile states and to think creatively about how and when to engage these troubled countries. The authors also call for the policy community to integrate non-aid instruments into a more coherent government strategy. To put its money where its mouth is, the U.S. should treat aid to weak and failing states as a form of venture capital, with high risk but potentially high rewards.
Quantum Gravity via Manifold Positivity

The macroscopic dimensions of space-time should not be input but rather output of a general model for physics. Here, dimensionality arises from a recently discovered mathematical bifurcation: “positive versus indefinite manifold pairings.” It is used to build actions on a “formal chain” of combinatorial space-times of arbitrary dimension. The context for such actions is 2-field theory where Feynman integrals are not over classical, but previously quantized configurations. A topologically enforced singularity of the action can terminate the dimension at four and, in fact, the final fourth dimension is Lorentzian due to light-like vectors in the four dimensional manifold pairing. Our starting point is the action of “causal dynamical triangulations” but in a dimension-agnostic setting. Curiously, some hint of extra compact dimensions emerges from our action.
Effect of hydration on the mechanical properties and ion conduction in a polyethylene-b-poly(vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium) anion exchange membrane

Abstract Anion exchange membranes (AEM) are promising solid polymer electrolytes utilized in alkali fuel cells and electrochemical energy conversion devices. AEMs must efficiently conduct ions while maintaining chemical and mechanical stability under a range of operating conditions. The ionic nature of AEMs leads to stiff and brittle membranes under dry conditions while at higher hydrations, water sorption causes significant softening and weakening of the membrane. In this work, a new polyethylene-b-poly(vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium) polymer (70 kg/mol) was cast into large (300 cm 2 ), thin (12±3 μm) membranes. These membranes exhibited improved elasticity over previously tested AEMs, minimal dimensional swelling, and moderate ionic conductivity (5±2 mS/cm at 50 °C, 95% RH in the bromide form). Extensional testing indicated a 95% reduction in Young's modulus between dry and hydrated states. Further investigation of the complex modulus as a function of hydration, by dynamic mechanical analysis, revealed a sharp decrease in modulus between dry and hydrated states. Mechanical softening was reversible, but the location of the transition displayed hysteresis between humidification and dehumidification. Conductivity increased after membrane softening; suggesting bulk mechanical properties can identify the hydration level required for improved ion transport. Understanding the relationship between ion conduction and mechanical properties will help guide AEM development and identify operating conditions for sustained performance.
A MATERIALIST TRANSCENDENTAL: on the onto-logy of logics of worlds

Alain Badiou's 2006 Logics of Worlds presents a fascinating attempt to construct an avowedly materialist analysis of the conditions of the intelligibility of appearance. This paper sketches the outlines of the materialist transcendental developed there in order to isolate just what Badiou takes its materialist credentials to consist in. This effort leads to an examination of the analysis of mathematical formalism provided in Badiou's earlier The Concept of Model and ultimately to the conclusion that Badiou's defense of the materialism of the process of mathematical formalization in that text does not supply a satisfactory explanation of the purported materialism of Logics of Worlds.
Water-drinking test in primary angle-closure suspect before and after laser peripheral iridotomy.

Background This study aimed to investigate whether performing a laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspects had an effect on the intraocular pressure response during the water-drinking test. Design Prospective study in a hospital setting. Participants Primary angle-closure suspects scheduled for a laser peripheral iridotomy. Methods Primary angle-closure suspects were evaluated before the laser peripheral iridotomy and 2 weeks after. On each visit, subjects underwent the water-drinking test. Intraocular pressure was measured every 15 min within a 1-h period. Main outcome measures Intraocular pressure fluctuations during the water drinking test. Results Twenty patients were enrolled. The mean age was 58.1 years (±10.2 SD), predominantly female (n = 14, 70%). Average intraocular pressure range (maximum-minimum) during the water-drinking test increased significantly from 2.6 ± 1.1 mmHg before the laser peripheral iridotomy to 3.5 ± 1.5 mmHg after (P = 0.04). The mean difference between peak and last intraocular pressure measurements increased after the laser peripheral iridotomy was performed, from 2.5 mmHg (±1.27 SD) to 3.3 mmHg (±1.66 SD), (P = 0.057). There was no change in mean peak intraocular pressure (maximum-baseline) before and after the laser peripheral iridotomy (P = 0.87). Conclusions Primary angle-closure suspects who underwent the water-drinking test had a slightly more pronounced recovery of intraocular pressure after the laser peripheral iridotomy was performed, which may be attributed to increase in the area of exposed trabecular meshwork following treatment. Differences in intraocular pressure curves before and after laser peripheral iridotomy were minimal, and therefore, the water-drinking test had limited value as a provocative test in this patient population.
Risk of Childhood Cancer for Infants with Birth Defects I. A Record–Linkage Study, Atlanta, Georgia, 1968–1988

To evaluate the risk of childhood cancer among infants with serious birth defects, the authors linked records of the population-based registry of the Georgia Center for Cancer Statistics for 1975 to 1988 with records of the population-based Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program for 1968 to 1987. During the study period, birth defects were diagnosed in 19,373 infants younger than 1 year of age, and cancer was diagnosed in 400 children younger than 15 years of age. The observed number of children with a defect who developed cancer was compared with the number expected on the basis of the cancer registry rates. Of the 19,373 children with birth defects, 31 developed cancer (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-3.2). Two associations were found: of 532 children with Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), three developed acute leukemia (SIR = 50.8, 95% CI 10.5-148.5) while of 746 children with pyloric stenosis, four developed cancer (SIR = 7.5, 95% CI 2.0-19.3). These data show that children with selected birth defects are at increased risk for specific childhood cancers. Such record-linkage can reveal new associations, which can in turn help researchers understand underlying mechanisms common to teratogenesis and carcinogenesis.
Cytoplasmic pH and Goblet Cavity pH in the Posterior Midgut of the Tobacco Hornworm Manduca Sexta

In the larval lepidopteran midgut, the major energy-requiring step of transepithelial K + secretion occurs across the goblet cell apical membrane. Studies of vesicles of goblet cell apical membrane suggest that K + secretion across this membrane is a secondary active process in which electroneutral K + /H + antiport is driven by primary electrogenic H + secretion. Transbasal K + movement is thermodynamically passive under standard conditions, but the presence of an active process is revealed in hypoxic solutions or at low extracellular K + concentration. We measured the pH of cytoplasm and goblet cell cavities, together with the corresponding transmembrane voltages, using double-barreled pH and voltagesensing microelectrodes. For short-circuited midguts in standard bathing solution (pH 8.0) the weighted mean of cytoplasmic pH was 7.14±0.06 (mean±S.E.M.), an average of 0.34 units more acid than expected for electrochemical equilibrium with the hemolymphal solution. The mean pH of goblet cavities was 7.23±0.11, 1.62 units more acid than expected for equilibrium with the luminal solution. The pH gradient across the goblet cell apical membrane is thus of the wrong polarity to drive K + secretion by electroneutral K + /H + antiport; however, if the exchange ratio were two or more H + per K + , the cavity-positive electrical potential could drive H + back to the goblet cell cytoplasm coupled to K + secretion from cytoplasm to the goblet cavity. Insensitivity of the goblet cavity pH to the change in the transvalve voltage caused by open-circuiting suggests either that the goblet cavity pH is well regulated or that the valve connecting the cavity to the gut lumen poses a significant barrier to protons. Transbasal potential and cytoplasmic pH were insensitive to a decrease of hemolymphal pH to 6.8, suggesting that the basal membrane is relatively nonconductive to H + . Intracellular pH was unaffected by a decrease of hemolymphal K + to 5 mmol l −1 , suggesting that K + /H + exchange is not important for transbasal K + uptake.
Ultra-strong thermoresponsive double network hydrogels†

Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels are widely studied smart materials, particularly for biomedical applications, but are limited by their mechanical strength. In this study, double network (DN) hydrogels were prepared with an asymmetric crosslink design and inclusion of an electrostatic co-monomer, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). These P(NIPAAm-co-AMPS)/PNIPAAm DN hydrogels were sequentially formed with a tightly crosslinked 1st network comprised of variable levels of AMPS (100 : 0 to 25 : 75 wt% ratio of NIPAAm:AMPS) and a loosely crosslinked 2nd network comprised of PNIPAAm. The impact of AMPS content in the 1st network on the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT), morphology, deswelling–reswelling kinetics and mechanical properties was evaluated. Without substantially altering the VPTT of conventional PNIPAAm hydrogels but with improving thermosensitivity, the DN hydrogel formed with 25 : 75 wt% of NIPAAm:AMPS achieved exceptional strength, high modulus and high %strain at break.
Modeling of surface and subsurface crack behavior under contact load in the presence of lubricant

A new mathematical model for lubricated elastic solids weakened by cracks is proposed. Surface and subsurface cracks are taken into account, and the interaction of lubricant with elastic solids within cavities of surface cracks is regarded as the most interesting aspect of the problem. The boundary conditions characterizing the behavior of lubricant within crack cavities such as pressure rise in crack cavities fully filled with lubricant as well as other boundary and additional conditions are derived. The problem is reduced to a system of integro-differential equations with nonlinear boundary conditions in the form of alternating equations and inequalities. A new iterative numerical method is developed for solution of the proposed problem. The method guarantees conservation of lubricant volumes trapped within closed crack cavities and allows for all three functions (normal and tangential displacement jumps and normal stress applied to crack faces) characterizing the problem solution to be determined simultaneously. Examples of numerical results for surface and subsurface cracks are presented and numerical and asymptotic results for small subsurface cracks are compared to each other. The numerical analysis indicates that depending on a surface crack orientation its normal stress intensity factor may be two or more orders of magnitude higher than the one for a similar subsurface one.
Modeling of High Homologous Temperature Deformation Behavior Using the Viscoplasticity Theory Based on Overstress (VBO): Part I— Creep and Tensile Behavior

The viscoplasticity theory based on overstress (VBO) is a state variable theory without a yield surface and without loading/unloading conditions. It contains two tensor valued state variables, the equilibrium (back) stress and the kinematic stress that is a repository for work hardening (softening). The scalar valued isotropic or time (rate)-independent stress models cyclic hardening (softening). For application to high homologous temperature, the effects of diffusion which counteracts the hardening of inelastic deformation has to be accounted for. Recovery of state terms are introduced in the growth laws for the state variables. A high homologous temperature VBO model is introduced and applied to the creep and tensile tests of Alloy 800 H between 750°C and 1050°C. Primary, secondary and tertiary creep as well as tensile behavior were well reproduced. It is shown that the transition to fluid state can be modeled with VBO.
Trisomy Correction in Down Syndrome Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human trisomies can alter cellular phenotypes and produce congenital abnormalities such as Down syndrome (DS). Here we have generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from DS fibroblasts and introduced a TKNEO transgene into one copy of chromosome 21 by gene targeting. When selecting against TKNEO, spontaneous chromosome loss was the most common cause for survival, with a frequency of ~10(-4), while point mutations, epigenetic silencing, and TKNEO deletions occurred at lower frequencies in this unbiased comparison of inactivating mutations. Mitotic recombination events resulting in extended loss of heterozygosity were not observed in DS iPSCs. The derived, disomic cells proliferated faster and produced more endothelia in vivo than their otherwise isogenic trisomic counterparts, but in vitro hematopoietic differentiation was not consistently altered. Our study describes a targeted removal of a human trisomy, which could prove useful in both clinical and research applications.
Groshong catheter-related complications in children with cancer.

Background Children with cancer undergo intensive treatments requiring reliable vascular access. Central venous catheters (CVCs) reduce discomfort due to venipuncture and the risks of extravasations from chemotherapy administration. The aim of our retrospective study was to assess safety and complications of Groshong devices in children with cancer. Patients and Methods One hundred ninety Groshong CVCs were placed in 166 children over a 5-year period. Early complications, and infectious and mechanical events were collected. Results The mean period of permanence of the CVCs was 330 days per patient (range 7–1,037). Of the febrile episodes, 36 (34.6%) were CVC-related, with an incidence rate of 0.56 per 1,000 CVC days. Severe neutropenia conditions most of all complicated CVC-related infectious events (94.4%) and Gram-negative bacteria were those most often isolated (55%). Twenty CVCs were affected by mechanical or thrombotic complications, with an incidence of 0.33 episodes per 1,000 CVC days. Mechanical complications led to CVC removal in 6 (3.1%) cases, while CVC-related infective episodes were responsible for 10 (5.2%) CVC removals. Conclusions The long in situ duration of this device allowed it to be safely employed from the beginning to the end of the treatment period in most children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:947–951 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermoelectric Power of Gray Tin

Thermoelectric power measurements on gray tin filaments in the temperature range from 77 to 270\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are described. Data are presented for pure samples and for $n$-type and $p$-type samples having various impurity concentrations. Pure samples are always $n$ type, and exhibit a maximum of approximately -100 \ensuremath{\mu}v/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the neighborhood of 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Other $n$-type samples have a maximum of about -160 \ensuremath{\mu}v/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K at somewhat higher temperature, and this maximum shifts to higher temperature as the impurity concentration is increased. The $p$-type samples also exhibit a maximum of the order of 140-160 \ensuremath{\mu}v/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K which occurs in the range 90-100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. All $p$-type samples become $n$ type as the temperature rises, and the crossover point shifts to higher temperature as the impurity concentration increases.
Decidability of stit theory with a single agent and Refref Equivalence

The purpose of this paper is to prove the decidability ofstit theory (a logic of “seeing to it that”) with a single agent andRefref Equivalence. This result is obtained through an axiomatization of the theory and a proof that it has thefinite model property. A notion ofcompanions to stit formulas is introduced and extensively used in the proof.
Effect of glucagon on the acinar portion of the pancreas.

An attempt has been made to determine the mechanism by which glucagon produces degranulation of the acinar cells of the pancreas. By histologic examination, a progressive decrease in zymogen granules was found in sections of pancreas of rats treated with repeated injections of glucagon suspended in corn oil, reaching 75% degranulation at 12 hours, and 90 % at 18 hours. Fasting neither caused degranulation nor prevented degranulation after glucagon injection. Five hours after sc injection of glucagon in alkaline solution, a 33 % degranulation was found, and there was a 32% decrease in amylase concentration in the homogenates of these pancreases. Adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy or atropinization did not alter the degranulation after glucagon injection. In contrast, there was a 19% increase in the zymogen granules of pancreases of cortisone acetate- treated rats compared with the controls. The pancreatic ducts of rabbits were cannulated and the pancreatic juice was collected. No apparent difference was found b...
Emergency Celiac Revascularization for Supramesocolic Ischemia During Pancreaticoduodenectomy : Report of a Case

Occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the celiac artery may be diagnosed late during pancreatic resection, inducing a sudden ischemic threat to the liver, stomach, pancreas, and new anastomoses. Failure to identify and correct the insufficient supramesocolic flow can result in serious morbidity. We report the case of a 64-year-old man in whom sudden and unexpected visceral ischemia occurred while Whipple's procedure was being performed to resect a cephalopancreatic mass. We diagnosed occlusion of the celiac trunk and achieved celiac revascularization by performing an end-to-side transposition of the celiac artery onto the superior mesenteric artery, which had been dissected during the lymphadenectomy. We describe this technique as an alternative treatment for acute supramesocolic ischemia caused by celiac axis occlusion. It is important that surgeons performing pancreatic surgery are aware of the possibility of this complication because the test occlusion of the gastroduodenal artery, which must always precede its ligation, can be negative.
Singular perturbations and time scales (SPaTS) in discrete control systems-an overview

This paper presents an overview of recent developments in the theory of singular perturbations and time scales (SPaTS) in discrete control systems. The focus is in three directions: modeling, analysis, and control. First, sources of discrete models and the effect of the discretizing interval on the modeling are reviewed. Then the analysis of two-time scale systems is presented to bring out typical characteristic features of SPaTS. Finally, in the control of the two-time scale systems, the important issue of multirate sampling is addressed. The bibliography containing over 100 titles is included.
Effects of rhythmic and melodic alterations and selected musical experiences on rhythmic processing

This study investigated the psychological dimensions underlying auditory processing of monotonic and melodic-rhythmic patterns, and influences of musical experiences on the dimensionality of 38 university music students' rhythmic processing. Apparent alterations in tempo, duration and pitch characteristics, melodic and rhythmic phrase patterning, and monotony were shown to be organizers of rhythmic processing. Both major performing instrument and classification of major performing instrument significantly affected the dimensionality of subjects' rhythmic processing. Analyses of variance also showed slight effects of generic style music listening preference, music course experience, and hours music listening on rhythmic processing. The importance of each organizer for subjects depended in part on the objective ordering of the rhythmic and tonal information, and in part on past musical experiences.
A Study of a Cream Separator Bowl Which is Cleaned by Centrifugal Flushing

Tracy and Tuckey (8) in 1938 conducted a number of experiments with the English machine. The purpose of these early experiments was to study the automatic cleaning principle of this separator and ascertain its practical usefulness under farm conditions. The machine was used on two different farms near the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station for periods of 5 to 7 days. Its operation also was studied in the dairy laboratories of the Experiment Station and results compared with those of a well-known American separator. The bacterial quality of the cream and skim milk was determined.. The results of 24 separations, involving 12 comparisons, indicated that the English machine compared favorably with the American machine when both were operated under comparable conditions. This preliminary investigation indicated that the English separator was cleaned easily, that it was practical, that dairymen were interested in its development, and that the two farmers who used the separator were pleased with its performance. The separator was returned to England and World War II delayed further developments.
Corona-producing cirrus cloud properties derived from polarization lidar and photographic analyses.

Polarization lidar data are used to demonstrate that clouds composed of hexagonal ice crystals can generate multiple-ringed colored coronas. Although relatively uncommon in the mid-latitude cirrus sample, the coronas are associated with unusual cloud conditions that appear to be effective in generating the displays. Invariably, the cirrus cloud tops are located at or slightly above elevated tropopauses at temperatures between -60 and -70 C. The cloud top region also generates relatively strong laser backscattering and unusually high 0.5-0.7 linear depolarization ratios. Color photograph analysis of corona ring angles indicates crystals with mean diameters of from 12 to 30 microns. The cirrus cloud types were mainly subvisual to thin cirrostratus, but also included fibrous cirrus. Estimated cloud optical thicknesses at the 0.694-micron laser wavelength ranged from about 0.001 to 0.2, where the upper limit reflects the effects of multiple scattering and/or unfavorable changes in particle characteristics in deep cirrus clouds.
Longitudinal voice outcomes following laryngeal reinnervation via vagus-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis after vagal nerve sacrifice: a case series.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe longitudinal voice outcomes of vagus-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis following operative vagal nerve sacrifice. METHODS Two patients who underwent anastomosis were assessed by a multidisciplinary voice team at 1, 4, 9, 12, and 18 months after vagal sacrifice. RESULTS Long-term changes in voice function based on auditory perceptual measures of voice quality and visual perceptual changes in glottal closure were observed and maintained for 18 months after vagus-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis in 2 patients with proximal vagal nerve sacrifice. Patients achieved acceptable voice outcomes and elected not to undergo further treatment, which was supported by Voice Handicap Index scores. CONCLUSION Gradual restoration of voice following operative vagal sacrifice can be achieved over an 18-month period using vagus-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis and warrants further investigation in appropriately selected patients.
Racial Violence and Socioeconomic Changes Among Blacks in the United States

This paper reports an inquiry into the relationship between racial violence and the socioeconomic gains among blacks that occurred in the United States during the 1960s. The few previous studies of the effects of racial disorders are limited in scope and are marred by methodological problems. We take the resource management framework, which conceptualizes violence as a potential political resource for its users, as a substantive warrant to examine this relationship. We also locate the analysis in the general (though largely neglected) arena of violence and social change. We argue that the effects of violence are likely conditional on other factors, and develop hypotheses concerning the differential influence of racial disorders according to the political structure of American cities and the public versus private sector location of socioeconomic changes. We analyze the effects of racial violence frequency and severity on changes between 1960 and 1970 in three socioeconomic variables: nonwhite income, unemployment rates, and the racial composition of selected occupations. These analyses are estimated separately for cities in the South and those in other regions. Our results consistently indicate no relationship between racial violence and black socioeconomic gains at the local level. These findings suggest that earlier evidence of reform responses to disorder in some cities may have reflected attempts to cool out black protest but did not result in substantive changes. Our conclusions on the effects of racial violence therefore parallel those on its causes: if there were socioeconomic consequences, they must have operated at the national level and affected blacks uniformly across local communities. *Financial support for this research was provided by NIMH Grant # MH29817-01 to the authors for a study of "Racial Violence and Social Change: U.S. Cities, 1960-75." The Political Science Research Laboratory and the Quantitative Methods Training Program (Department of Sociology), Indiana University, also provided financial assistance in acquiring portions of the data used here. We are grateful to Larry Griffin, Paula Hudis, Larry Isaac and an anonymous referee for comments. All views expressed here are solely the responsibility of the authors. ? 1980, University of North Carolina Press. 0037-7732/80/030739-60$02.20
A circuit model for filament eruptions and two-ribbon flares

A circuit model is derived for solar filament eruptions and two-ribbon flares. In the model the filament is approximated as a line current and the current sheet as infinitely thin. The model reproduces the slow energy buildup and eruption of the filament and the energy dissipation in a current sheet at the top of postflare loops during the two-ribbon flare. The two circuits considered are that of the filament and its return current and that of the current sheet and its return current. These circuits are inductively coupled, and free energy stored in the filament in the pre-flare phase is found to be transferred to the sheet during the impulsive phase and rapidly dissipated there. In the solutions for the evolution of the filament current sheet system four phases are distinguished: (1) a slow energy buildup, (2) a 'metastable' state, (3) the eruptive phase, and (4) a postflare phase. These phases are described in detail.
Personality and Vocational Behavior: A Selective Review of the Literature, 1993-1997.

Abstract We provide a selective review of the literature on personality and vocational behavior from 1993 to 1997. We framed the personality aspects of the research in terms of the Five-Factor Model of personality whenever possible, to enhance synthesis across the literature. Major clusters of literature reviewed included the links of personality to choice-related processes (i.e., interests, aspirations, attitudes and values, maturity, and decision-making), general career processes (i.e., job searches, career progression and changes, multiple roles, career commitment, congruence, and mentoring), occupational satisfaction and well-being (i.e., job satisfaction, occupational stress, strain, and burnout), and organizational outcomes (i.e., job performance, other desirable and undesirable outcomes). Neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness emerged most frequently in associations with vocational behavior. We summarize other themes and provide recommendations for future research in this domain.
Ligand substitution reactions of tetrachlorobis(triphenylphosphine)technetium(IV)

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of tetrachlorobis (dimethyl sulfoxide)technetium(IV), tetrachlorobis (pyridine)technetium(IV), trichlorotris(pyridine)- technetium(III), trichlorotris(4-methylpyridine)technetium(III), and trichlorotris(3,5-dimethylpyridine)- technetium(III) are described, as well as the reaction of tetrachlorobis(triphenylphosphine)technetium(IV) with acetonitrile. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and cyclic voltammetry studies of the new complexes are reported. The Tc(IV) and Tc(III) species are paramagnetic, but the latter give well-resolved contact-shifted 1H NMR spectra.
Intraspecific host discrimination and larval competition in Microplitis croceipes, Microplitis demolitor, Cotesia kazak (Hym. : Braconidae) and Hyposoter didymator (Hym. : Ichneumonidae), parasitoids of Heliothis virescens (Lep. : Noctuidae)

Intraspecific host discrimination and larval competition were studied forMicroplitis croceipes (Cresson),Microplitis demolitor Wilkinson,Cotesia kazak (Telenga), andHyposoter didymator (Thunberg), solitary endoparasitoids of the tobacco budworm,Heliothis virescens (F.). In ovipositional choice tests between unparasitized and parasitized hosts, the mean number of ovipositions for unparasitized hosts was significantly higher than the mean number of ovipositions for hosts parasitized once by a conspecific female forC. kazak andH. didymator, demonstrating that females of these two species discriminate against hosts recently (within a few seconds) parasitized by a conspecific female. No significant difference in oviposition occurred between these two kinds of hosts forM. croceipes andM. demolitor. Mean percent parasitization by a second conspecific female was determined at 24, 48, and 72 h delays in time between the first and second female attack, and with no delay. Except for the 0 h time delay forC. kazak andH. didymator, percent parasitization by a second conspecific female generally decreased as the delay in time between the first and second female attack increased. When the second parasitization immediately followed the first, one parasitoid larva always eliminated the other by physical combat. With a 24 or 48 h delay between the first and second parasitization, the younger larva was the victor over the older larva forM. croceipes, M. demolitor andC. kazak in at least 50% of the cases. Elimination of older larvae by younger larva was by physical attack. However, forH. didymator, the older instar was the victor, and elimination of younger larvae by older larvae was probably through physiological processes. Further, older larvae ofH. didymator apparently killed the eggs of the second female by physiological processes.
An Active Form of Oxygen

AN active form of oxygen, presumably monatomic, has been produced by passing oxygen gas saturated with water vapour through a discharge tube. The oxygen was generated electrolytically and subjected to a discharge of about 1000 volts at a gas pressure of 0.4 mm. of mercury. The gas was removed from the discharge tube through a side arm, and its density measured by passing it through a small hole which was located at a distance of 25 cm. from the discharge tube. Pressure measurements at the small hole indicated a decrease in the density of the gas corresponding to about 8 per cent. monatomic oxygen. A platinum calorimeter mounted over the hole showed a decided rise in temperature during the passage of the discharge. These effects were continuous throughout one 3-hour experiment. This work is being continued with the object of determining the most favourable conditions of studying the chemical properties of this gas. It is also hoped that a measurement of the heat of association may soon be completed.
A Thermally Stable Silicon Rich Amorphous Silicon Nitride Alloy for Electronic Device Applications

We have developed an alloy of silicon rich amorphous silicon nitride as a linkable interlevel metal dielectric. This material is thermally stable through a heat treatment of 425°C for 30 minutes. The hydrogen content remains at approximately 21 at.%, even after this heat treatment. The breakdown potential is 1.9 x 106 V/cm at which point a metallic filament link forms between the metal contacts. The index of refraction is 2.43 and the HF permittivity is 9 Co-One important property is its ability to store polarized charge like an electret. This feature could allow it to be used in memory applications like MNOS. The alloy is also photoconductive with a response time of less than 5 μs, allowing it to be used as part of an optically sensitive circuit element.
New Optoelectronic Materials

Optoelectronics is a very materials dependent technology. The metastable growth of new alloy materials and strain have significantly increased the performance and addressable wavelength regions due to these materials technology enhancements. The growth technologies, new materials and resulting devices are described.
Cellular distribution of lesions in Batten disease

One of the characteristic manifestations of chronic neuronal lipofuscinosis (Batten disease) is a marked predisposition for epileptic seizures. The management of these seizures is very difficult. The present study was initiated to determine what mechanisms could account for the seizure disorder. Tissue was examined from a patient with a history of Batten disease that was histologically verified. Reduced silver and Golgi impregnations were done on the parietal cortex of the patient. There was no evidence of the marked dendritic abnormalities seen in classic epileptic foci. Instead there was marked swelling and dilatation of the axon hillock and initial segment. This finding suggested that inhibition of these pyramidal neurons was markedly attenuated due to disruption of initial segment inhibitory synapses. Studies are continuing to determine if the GABA decreases seen in Batten disease may in part be due to trophic sequences brought about by loss of these critical inhibitory synapses.