cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strong field double-ionization of water

The dissociation of water into OH+-H+ in 40-fs laser pulses shows tunnel ionization out of lower-lying orbitals. Our kinematically-complete experiment identifies ionization pathways by scanning wavelength (266 nm to 800 nm) and intensity.
Increasing utilization of regional nodal irradiation in elderly node-positive women and declining emphasis on demographic factors.

To evaluate the practice patterns for the use of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) in treatment of elderly women with low volume node-positive breast cancer in the setting of breast conservation surgery (BCS). Women aged 70–89 diagnosed with unilateral, pathologic T1-2N1M0 breast cancer from 2004 to 2013, who underwent BCS and received radiotherapy were identified from the National Cancer Database. In 2011, two major trials were presented that helped define indications for RNI. Patients were dichotomized into “early”, i.e. diagnosed up to 2010, and “late” cohorts. Patient and treatment characteristics were compared between the cohorts and logistic regression used to determine independent factors associated with the receipt of RNI. 7228 women met inclusion criteria; 4330 (59.9%) in early and 2898 (40.1%) in late cohorts. Utilization of RNI increased from 33.9% in early to 42.5% in late cohorts (P ≤ 0.001) and was independent of a general increase in RNI utilization. RNI in the early and late cohorts was not different between the study population and younger women (P > 0.05). RNI utilization increased in both cohorts with increasing number of positive lymph nodes. In the early cohort, RNI was also associated with higher grade, white race and lower income. In the late cohort, RNI increased with the presence of multiple, predefined risk factors. There was an increase in utilization of RNI for elderly patients from 2004 to 2013. In more recent years, the primary factors associated with receipt of RNI were tumor related with declining importance of demographic factors.
Proactive and Nondisruptive Channel Probing for Wavelength Switching in Optical Transmission

Proactive and nondisruptive channel probing is investigated for the measurement of channel power, amplifier channel gain, and optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) without disrupting established wavelength-division multiplexed channels. Using a nondisruptive probe signal over a three-span link, wavelength switching-induced power excursions are predicted to be within ±0.2 dB, and OSNR as high as 20 dB is accurately measured with a maximum of 0.5 dB error.
Conversion of Solid Wastes to Fuels and Chemicals Through Pyrolysis

Abstract Pyrolysis is a thermal conversion method to convert solid wastes primarily into bio-oil and biochar in the absence of oxygen. The wastes include agriculture and forestry residues, municipal solid wastes, animal manure, and sewage sludge. Pyrolysis process conditions and reactor types depend on the target products and the properties of the solid wastes. An ever-increasing amount of these wastes can be an important source for pyrolysis because these wastes, in many circumstances, can be considered as a “negative-cost” feedstock. Both bio-oil and biochar have multiple applications that can be replaced for petroleum-based products such as fuels, chemicals, polymers, and activated carbons. This chapter reviews various types of solid wastes, reactor configurations, pyrolysis products' properties and their distributions at different conditions, and applications of pyrolysis products.
On Symmetries of Projections and Sections of Convex Bodies

In this paper we discuss several questions of unique determination of convex (or star-shaped) bodies with projections (sections) satisfying a certain symmetry property.
A Comprehensive Stochastic Design Methodology for Hold-Timing Resiliency in Voltage-Scalable Design

In order to fulfill different demands between ultralow energy consumption and high performance, integrated circuits are being designed to operate across a large range of supply voltages, in which resiliency to timing violation is the key requirement. Unfortunately, traditional timing analysis which focuses on setup timing tolerance for higher performance cannot model the hold violation efficiently across different voltages. In this paper, we proposed a complete flow of computationally efficient methodology for guaranteeing hold margin, which is particularly important for low-power devices, e.g., Internet-of-Things devices. Leveraging both the conventional static timing analysis and a most probable point (MPP) theory, we develop a new hold-timing closure methodology across voltages eliminating expensive Monte Carlo simulation. To improve the efficiency of locating MPP, a novel MPP search method is proposed that employs a set of approximation eliminating the time-consuming iterative search. Several novel modeling techniques, such as the incorporation of nonlinear behaviors of circuit operations and correlation coefficient modeling, are also proposed in this paper to significantly improve the accuracy of the design. With the proposed modeling techniques, a novel hold resilient design technique equipped with the proposed variation-aware timing resilient flip-flop is developed. The proposed design technique eliminates the excessive hold-fixing operation at low voltage and its associated performance degradation at high voltage, whereas still being compatible with the conventional design closure flow. Design example on a voltage-scalable digital signal processor was used to demonstrate the potential of the technique. The result in a 45-nm technology shows that the elimination of more than 20 000 hold buffers, 23% performance improvement at high voltages, and 7% area saving are achieved using the proposed technique compared with the conventional digital design technique.
Staging in Intercalated Graphites, Polymers and Fullerenes

Intercalation compounds of graphite formed by the incorporation of alkali metals into the interlayer van der Waals gaps have been studied extensively and are now known to exhibit a number of ordered phases with a variety of interesting structural and electronic properties. The review articles by Dresselhaus and Dresselhaus [1], and a more recent review by Safran [2] summarize a large body of experimental and theoretical data on these systems. Over the last several years it has become increasingly apparent that there are related structural phenomena associated with alkali doping of many conjugated polymers (e.g. of polyacetylene, polyparaphenylenevinylene, and related polymers) and even of the alkali doped fullerenes. These are also examples of synthetic metals which can be obtained from a reference insulating state, and in the case of the fullerenes this process can even lead to a conducting phase with superconducting ground state. Structurally, the alkali doped polymers are known exhibit at least two types of ordering of the alkali ions into “channel structures” which break the symmetry of the undoped host polymers. Stoichiometric phases of AxC60 with x = 1,2,3,4, and 6 have already been observed, and there is some preliminary experimental evidence for additional ordered phases in this guest host system.
Comments on the activity of carbon in liquid iron

Existing data on the activity of carbon in liquid iron have been critically assessed and interpreted by using new equations derived by the author. These equations are the standard Gibbs energy of melting of graphite, the graphite-liquid iron saturation equation, and the interrelationship in the Margules equation. The resulting equation is g 2 = 130,330 − 32.19 T − (108,330 − 15.47 T) x 1 2 − (344,000 − 220.4 T) x 1 2 x 2 + (512,500 − 380.3 T) x 1 2 x 2 2 where g 2 is the partial excess Gibbs energy of dissolved carbon in J/mol, T is the temperature in K, and x 1 and x 2 are the mole fractions of iron and carbon in the melt, respectively. g 2 refers to graphite as the standard state so that g 2 = R T In γ2 = − R T In x 2 (at graphite saturation), where R is the gas constant, and γ 2 is the activity coefficient. From the preceding equation, g 1 for iron has been obtained
Cross-dressing as a defense mechanism against loss in a bisexual male

Cross-dressing is the wearing of clothes traditionally worn by members of the other sex. It is a practice documented for centuries, and one often linked stereotypically with perversion, fetishism, ...
Relationships Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Status in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor adult health and immune dysregulation. The impact of ACEs on patients with autoimmune disease is unknown. The present study was undertaken to compare the prevalence of ACEs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to a population-based survey estimate and to investigate relationships between ACEs and SLE outcomes. Methods Data derived from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (CLUES), a sample of adult patients with SLE. Participants completed a 10-item ACE questionnaire covering 3 domains (abuse, neglect, household challenges). We estimated ACE prevalence in 269 CLUES participants compared to geographically matched respondents from the 2015 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which was standardized to CLUES participant characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity). We examined associations of patient-reported and physician-assessed health status measures with overall ACE levels and domains using multivariable linear regression, controlling for sociodemographics, nephritis, and juvenile-onset SLE. Results Although specific domains varied, overall ACE levels were similar for CLUES and BRFSS respondents. Among SLE patients, 63.2% had ≥1 ACE, and 19.3% had ≥4. ACEs were more prevalent in those who were older, women, Latino or African American, and without college degrees, but not in those with lupus nephritis. In adjusted models, higher ACE levels and ACE domains were associated with worse patient-reported SLE activity, depression, and health status but were not significantly associated with physician-assessed SLE activity, damage, or severity. Conclusion Given the association between ACE levels and important patient-reported outcomes in SLE, our study reinforces the need for prevention of ACEs in childhood and for clinical interventions to promote resilience among adults who have experienced ACEs.
Individual versus Small Group Instruction of Computer Applications: A Quantitative and Qualitative Comparison

AbstractThis study seeks to answer two questions. First, how does learning of computer applications in a group setting affect individual achievement and attitude? Second, what distinctive group processes are demonstrated by groups learning computer applications? University students were randomly assigned to work individually or as members of dyads to learn word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Quantitative data revealed that individuals and dyads had essentially identical scores on the assignments and the performance test. There were no between group differences on the attitude measures. Qualitative data indicate that groups appeared to engage in more planning activities and to have a better conceptual understanding of the applications. Dyadic learning of computer applications is discussed as a viable method of classroom instruction.Nearly two-thirds of the educators responding to a 1985 national survey attributed changes in their teaching practices to computers (Becker, 1986). Most common was inc...
Four-dimensional computed tomography-based biomechanical measurements of pulmonary function and their correlation with clinical outcome for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy patients

Background: Functional image guided radiotherapy allows for the delivery of an equivalent dose to tumor targets while sparing high ventilation lung tissues. In this study, we investigate whether radiation dose to functional lung is associated with clinical outcome for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) patients. Methods: Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) images were used to assess lung function. Deformable image registration (DIR) was performed from the end-inhale phase to the end-exhale phase with resultant displacement vectors used to calculate ventilation maps. In addition to the Jacobian-based ventilation we introduce a volumetric variation method (Rv) based on a biomechanical finite element method (FEM), to assess lung ventilation. Thirty NSCLC patients, treated with SBRT, were evaluated in this study. 4DCT images were used to calculate both Jacobian and Rv-based ventilation images. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to assess the predictive power of functional metrics. Metrics were calculated over the whole lung as well as high and low ventilated regions. Results: Ventilation in dose regions between 1 and 5 Gy had higher AUC values compared to other dose regions. Rv based ventilation imaging method also showed to be less spatially variant and less heterogeneous, and the resultant Rv metrics had higher AUC values for predicting grade 2+ dyspnea. Conclusions: Low dose delivered to high ventilation areas may also increase the risk of compromised pulmonary function. Rv based ventilation images could be useful for the prediction of clinical toxicity for lung SBRT patients.
Cerebrospinal Fluid IgG and T Cell Subpopulations in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract In 60 patients with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) correlations between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG concentration, IgG/albumin ratio and electrophoretic findings (γ/β globulin ratio, number of bands representing oligoclonal gammopathy) and the percentage of CSF and peripheral blood (PB) rosetting T cells, T cell subpopulations (Fcγ cells, 0KT8+ and 0KT4+ cells) and PB B cells were studied. Examination of correlations between the quantitative and qualitative aspects of CSF gamma globulins and the proportion of CSF and PB immunocompetent cells represents a more sensitive indicator of ongoing immunopathologic mechanisms than comparison of the corresponding mean values in MS patients and controls. Because of the complexity of the correlations followed, a computer analysis is essential in their periodic evaluations.
Geographies of vulnerability: a research note on human system adaptations to climate change in the Caribbean

Caribbean small island communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While climate policy is often formulated at the national level, climate impacts are first felt in lo...
A Threshold Moment, Preserving Patient Dignity, and the Value of a Time-Limited Trial

What happens when attending autonomy is unchecked? Learn shared decision-making techniques with families. Ask for help from multiple disciplines and support services. Learn the importance of a time limited trial when the outcome is uncertain or there is disagreement about prognosis among colleagues.
Will gene-edited and other GM crops fail sustainable food systems?

Abstract The role of genetically modified (GM) crops in supporting sustainable food systems is an ongoing controversy. Underlying this controversy, I will argue, are radically different definitions of agricultural sustainability. One is a narrow definition, based on amelioration of current unsustainable practices, such as the use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture. The other is a broad definition, based on the long-term promotion of human and ecosystem health. To assess the sustainability impacts of GM crops, this review first provides (1) a brief summary of the sustainability impacts of herbicide-tolerant and Bacillus thuringiensis pesticidal GM crops and (2) an overview of GM plant breeding, with a focus on the problem of unintended traits (UTs) in commercial GM crops. These UTs, I argue, are a major yet underappreciated contributor to their lack of sustainability. The review asks next whether new and complex GM traits such as biofortification, or the subset of new GM techniques called gene editing, can benefit sustainable agriculture. Golden Rice provides a case study of UTs in GM crops carrying complex traits. Given the failings of Golden Rice, caused in part by UTs, a key question is whether gene editing techniques are more precise and their outcomes more predictable. To address this, the review summarizes the known unintended effects of gene editing and their potential for introducing UTs. I conclude that, despite the promise of new traits and techniques, GM crops, including gene-edited crops, are unlikely to meet either the narrow agronomic or broader social and environmental requirements of sustainable agriculture. The review ends with a discussion of how plant breeders can best support and promote sustainable agriculture, and thus help create sustainable food systems.
Limited Left Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy Effectively Silences Refractory Electrical Storm

Abstract Background An electrical storm (ES) is a life-threatening condition that affects up to 20% of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. In this small retrospective study, we report our results with left video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy/ganglionectomy (VATSG) to treat refractory ES in low–ejection fraction patients who were not candidates for catheter ablation. Methods We identified 12 patients who presented with ES and underwent a total of 14 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy/ganglionectomy, including 3 patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We reviewed demographic data, survival to discharge, number of cardioversions (before and after VATSG), need for readmissions, and need for right-sided procedures. Results In the 30 days before a left VATSG, mean number of shocks was 22.67 for all patients. For the patients who survived to discharge, the mean was 3.55 since surgery and the median was zero shocks after a median follow-up of 358 days. Six patients did not experience further cardioversions since the last VATSG and 5 were not readmitted for ventricular tachycardia. Two patients had staged bilateral procedures owing to recurrences; of those, 1 did not require further cardioversions. Conclusions Limited left VATSG is an appropriate and effective initial treatment for ES patients who are not candidates for catheter ablation, including those on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for hemodynamic support.
Measuring Pre- and Post-Copulatory Sexual Selection and Their Interaction in Socially Monogamous Species with Extra-Pair Paternity

When females copulate with multiple males, pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection may interact synergistically or in opposition. Studying this interaction in wild populations is complex and potentially biased, because copulation and fertilization success are often inferred from offspring parentage rather than being directly measured. Here, I simulated 15 species of socially monogamous birds with varying levels of extra-pair paternity, where I could independently cause a male secondary sexual trait to improve copulation success, and a sperm trait to improve fertilization success. By varying the degree of correlation between the male and sperm traits, I show that several common statistical approaches, including univariate selection gradients and paired t-tests comparing extra-pair males to the within-pair males they cuckolded, can give highly biased results for sperm traits. These tests should therefore be avoided for sperm traits in socially monogamous species with extra-pair paternity, unless the sperm trait is known to be uncorrelated with male trait(s) impacting copulation success. In contrast, multivariate selection analysis and a regression of the proportion of extra-pair brood(s) sired on the sperm trait of the extra-pair male (including only broods where the male sired ≥1 extra-pair offspring) were unbiased, and appear likely to be unbiased under a broad range of conditions for this mating system. In addition, I investigated whether the occurrence of pre-copulatory selection impacted the strength of post-copulatory selection, and vice versa. I found no evidence of an interaction under the conditions simulated, where the male trait impacted only copulation success and the sperm trait impacted only fertilization success. Instead, direct selection on each trait was independent of whether the other trait was under selection. Although pre- and post-copulatory selection strength was independent, selection on the two traits was positively correlated across species because selection on both traits increased with the frequency of extra-pair copulations in these socially monogamous species.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Revisional bariatric surgery is a growing subset of all bariatric procedures. Although revisions can be associated with higher morbidity rates and less optimal outcomes than those seen with primary procedures, they can be safely performed, with excellent outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. Facility and familiarity with revisional principles and techniques are necessary components of bariatric surgical practice.
Paradoxical response of pulmonary slowly adapting units during constant pressure lung inflation.

Typically, unit discharge of slowly adapting receptors (SARs) declines slowly when lung inflation pressure is constant, although in some units it increases instead—a phenomenon hereinafter referred...
Examining the Impact of Stigmatized Social Identities and LGBT Status on Employee Job Satisfaction in the Federal Workforce

How does the influence of stigmatized social identities affect worker job satisfaction in the federal workforce? This study seeks to compare perceptions of job satisfaction between minorities with stigmatized visible social identities and LGBT employees with stigmatized invisible social identities. Minorities and women face discrimination and prejudice in the workforce due to social stigma related to their visible social identities. Individuals that identify as LGBT face similar forms of discrimination and stigma, however, disclosure of these invisible social identities represent a personal choice for many employees in the workplace. This research will examine potential differences in self-reported job satisfaction and perceptions of diversity management, and skill utilization among visible minorities and LGBT federal workers with stigmatized social identities. This cross-sectional study will conduct quantitative analysis of the U.S. Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) LGBT data release 2015, to measure the influence of stigmatized social identities on job satisfaction in the federal workforce. Utilizing structural equation modeling, I will examine reported levels of job satisfaction for workers that represent stigmatized social identity groups. This research seeks to explain differences in the affective job satisfaction of federal workers, and present recommendations for managing social stigma within federal workplace.
Neuronal mimicry generates an ecosystem critical for brain metastatic growth of SCLC

ABSTRACT Brain metastasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Here we investigated mechanisms allowing small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells to grow in the brain. We show that SCLC cells undergo a cell state transition towards neuronal differentiation during tumor progression and metastasis, and that this neuronal mimicry is critical for SCLC growth in the brain. Mechanistically, SCLC cells re-activate astrocytes, which in turn promote SCLC growth by secreting neuronal pro-survival factors such as SERPINE1. We further identify Reelin, a molecule important in brain development, as a factor secreted by SCLC cells to recruit astrocytes to brain metastases in mice. This recruitment of astrocytes by SCLC was recapitulated in assembloids between SCLC aggregates and human cortical spheroids. Thus, SCLC brain metastases grow by co-opting mechanisms involved in reciprocal neuron-astrocyte interactions during development. Targeting such developmental programs activated in this cancer ecosystem may help treat brain metastases.
Green and Sustainable Chemistry – The Case for a Systems-based, Interdisciplinary Approach

Summary While the concepts underpinning green chemistry have evolved over the past 30 years, the practice of green chemistry must move beyond the environmental and human health-related roots of green chemistry towards a more systems-based, life cycle-informed, and interdisciplinary practice of chemistry. To make a transition from green to sustainable chemistry, one must learn to think at a systems level, otherwise green chemistry-inspired solutions are unlikely to be sustainable. This perspective provides a brief description of why the current situation needs to change and is followed by how life cycle thinking helps chemists avoid significant systems-level impacts. The transition from batch to continuous flow processing and novel approaches to isolation and purification provide a case for interdisciplinary collaboration. Finally, an example of end-of-useful-life considerations makes the case that systems and life cycle thinking from an interdisciplinary perspective needs to inform the design of new chemical entities and their associated processes.
The Potential of Gene Therapy as a Treatment Strategy for Intra-uterine Growth Restriction

Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Growth-restricted fetuses are also at higher risk for developing diabetes, obesity, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and dyslipidemia later in adult life. Placental insufficiency, or abnormal placental vascular development or function, accounts for up to two-thirds of IUGR. Despite the relatively high prevalence of IUGR and the frequent perinatal morbidity and mortality and the potential for serious long-term sequelae, there is still no effective treatment for IUGR due to placental insufficiency. However, placental gene therapy that aims to overexpress transgene to compensate for deficient native gene expression in placenta tissues is a potential new therapeutic strategy. Placental gene therapy has numerous advantages including gene transfer to discarded tissue at the end of gestation, avoidance of fetal and maternal gene transfer, high level of transgene levels in target cells in placenta for duration of pregnancy, and the potential for long-term reprogramming of the fetal metabolic response to prevent long-term sequelae of IUGR. There are, however, a number of obstacles to be overcome before clinical translation of placental gene transfer can be considered as short- and long-term safety, efficacy, potential of germ line gene transfer, and insertional mutagenesis. In this chapter we review the etiologies of IUGR, management and treatment options, and the potential for gene therapy as treatment strategy.
More than Just Hot Air?: Oral History, Cultural Rhetoric, and the Preservation of Lexington’s Scottish Bagpipe Heritage

Though Lexington, Kentucky, is an extremely diverse city, few residents actually know the unique histories behind the ethnic communities that enrich it. When I discovered the oral history of Scottish activist and pipe band founder William “Bill” Reid in my writing course, I was amazed that such an incredible tale of cultural preservation in the Bluegrass could go unheard. The following essay contextualizes Bill Reid’s story with primary-source interviews of family members and musicians and analyzes those histories through Kenneth Burke’s theory of identification, as outlined in A Rhetoric of Motives. This case study argues how the continuance of Reid’s pipe band stands out as a symbol of the cultural rhetoric used to forge unique ethnic identities across the states and highlights a rhetorical pattern of identification useful to scholars studying modes of assimilation and acculturation.
An Experimental Test of the Pigovian Hypothesis

Implementation of Pigovian taxation relies on the presumption that individuals follow self-interested Nash equilibrium predictions of behavior when making decisions. Experimental evidence indicates that, while Nash predictions perform quite well in impersonal exchange, in other environments, subjects behave in ways inconsistent with these equilibria. The predictive power of game-theoretic results with respect to an optimal subsidy in a common-pool resource game (CPR) remains an open question. This paper presents an experiment with training and a simplified decision task, allowing more tractable computerized CPR experiments. In this experiment, subject behavior converges to the Nash prediction, but it takes a number of periods to reach convergence. In addition, this paper provides the first experimental test of theoretical predictions of behavior under an optimal subsidy in CPR games. I find that a Pigovian subsidy effectively moves subject behavior to the pre-subsidy social optimum. Finally, this paper provides evidence of a small and non-persistent effect of information provision in moving subjects toward the social optimum.
Peripartum Pneumocephalus Associated With Epidural Anesthesia For Labor (P5.207)

Objective: To describe the rates, clinical and neuroimaging features of pneumocephalus associated with spinal/epidural anesthesia for labor. Background: Headache resulting from dural puncture in spinal/epidural anesthesia is usually secondary to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, but can also be associated with pneumocephalus. Though the risk factors for a CSF leak and pneumocephalus may overlap, their rates, clinical features and treatments may be different. Methods: Consecutive inpatient neurology consultations for acute headache in pregnant and postpartum women at an urban, tertiary hospital setting were captured from 7/1/09 through 8/12/13 in a retrospective chart review approved by our institutional review board. Results: We evaluated 110 pregnant patients with acute headache, including 2 patients with pneumocephalus (1.8%). Two women (age 30, 32), only one of whom had infrequent migraine without aura, underwent lumbar anesthesia (epidural, combined spinal/epidural) for term delivery. Within seconds of catheter insertion, both patients experienced a sudden, explosive, maximal at onset right frontal headache and neck pain. The first patient’s headache was remarkably worse during recumbency and improved when upright, and the second patient had an orthostatic headache. Both patients had nuchal rigidity, and the first patient had a right third cranial nerve palsy. Brain MRI revealed hypointensity on gradient-echo sequence in the suprasellar cistern in both patients, and in the left lateral ventricle in the first patient, confirmed to be air (pneumocephalus) on subsequent CT. Symptoms resolved gradually with high flow oxygen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the first patient, and opioids, caffeine sodium benzoate, and cyclobenzaprine in the second patient. Conclusions: Though thought to be rare, peripartum pneumocephalus may be more common than previously recognized and should be considered as an occasional etiology of headache following lumbar spinal/epidural anesthesia. Our patients with pneumocephalus had the defining characteristic of immediate and unilateral headache onset at catheter insertion. Disclosure: Dr. Reddi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Honchar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation for activities with Medlink.
Task-free presurgical mapping using functional magnetic resonance imaging intrinsic activity

Object Low-frequency components of the spontaneous functional MR imaging signal provide information about the intrinsic functional and anatomical organization of the brain. The ability to use such methods in individual patients may provide a powerful tool for presurgical planning. The authors explore the feasibility of presurgical motor function mapping in which a task-free paradigm is used. Methods Six surgical candidates with tumors or epileptic foci near the motor cortex participated in this study. The investigators directly compared task-elicited activation of the motor system to activation obtained from intrinsic activity correlations. The motor network within the unhealthy hemisphere was identified based on intrinsic activity correlations, allowing distortions of functional anatomy caused by the tumor and epilepsy to be directly visualized. The precision of the motor function mapping was further explored in 1 participant by using direct cortical stimulation. Results The motor regions localized based...
Ion Transport by Heart Mitochondria: XX. FACTORS AFFECTING PASSIVE OSMOTIC SWELLING OF ISOLATED MITOCHONDRIA

The swelling of isolated bovine heart and rat liver mitochondria has been compared in various suspending media in the absence of a source of metabolic energy. It is concluded that mitochondria will swell under these conditions in the presence of a permeant anion and a permeant cation, provided that the internal pH is not restrictive. Mitochondria show a high selectivity for cation penetration in the absence of energy, but almost no selectivity in the presence of respiration or of exogenous ATP. It is concluded that no monovalent cations penetrate the mitochondrion by simple diffusion in the absence of energy, but that an exchange diffusion system permits Na+ to be exchanged for internal H+. Lipid-soluble amines, such as NH3, can penetrate the mitochondrion and, in the presence of reagents that acidify the interior, such as free acetic acid or the protonated form of an uncoupler, can generate a cation (NH4+). The combination of NH4+ plus an uncoupler, therefore, represents a means of allowing cation accumulation in the matrix which is equivalent to the presence of the valinomycin-K+ or the gramicidin-Na+ complex. Certain anions, such as nitrate, appear to diffuse into the mitochondrion at neutral pH when cation penetration is induced by one of the above mechanisms. Bovine heart mitochondria show little, if any, tendency to admit substrate anions by the specific exchange diffusion systems found in rat liver mitochondria. All anions tested, however, are able to penetrate the bovine heart mitochondrion in the presence of a penetrating cation by a pH-dependent mechanism. This pathway for anion penetration can also be demonstrated in liver mitochondria at high pH, but it is not as striking as in the heart mitochondria in the range of pH 7.2 to 7.5. Uncoupled mitochondria swollen in the ammonium salts of nitrate, trichloracetate, fumarate, succinate, or malate can be contracted by either exogenous ATP or respiratory substrate as previously described for NH4Cl.
Design and Construction Experience with Collet end Clamps for 50 mm Aperture SSC Collider Dipoles

Collet end clamps employed on full length and model SSC dipole magnets designed and built at Fermilab are described. Experimental data are presented for the baseline Fermilab design. Tests using pressure-sensitive film to register the midplane and pole coil pre-stresses in the end clamp region are reviewed. Theoretical calculations address end clamp mechanics at room temperature, liquid helium temperature, and under magnetic excitation.
Band-aid patching

Testing vendor-issued patches remains one of the major hurdles to their speedy deployment. Studies have shown that administrators remain reluctant to quickly patch their systems, even when they have the capability to do so, partly because security patches in particular are often incomplete or altogether non-functional. We propose Band-aid Patching, a new approach for concurrently testing application patches. Using binary runtime injection techniques, we patch binaries such that when program execution reaches a program segment that has been affected by an issued patch, two (or more) program execution threads are created. These threads speculatively execute both parts of the code (patched and unpatched). Our system then retroactively selects one of the execution threads based on a variety of criteria, including obvious faultiness, prior history, and user input. We believe this approach to offer significant advantages to accelerating deployment of hot fixes while providing some assurance to system administrators. In this paper, we describe our initial thoughts on the system architecture, and provide some preliminary indications on the feasibility and performance impact of our scheme.
Oxygen radical-dependent epoxidation of (7S,8S)-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene in mouse skin in vivo. Stimulation by phorbol esters and inhibition by antiinflammatory steroids.

Abstract (7S,8S)--Dihydroxy--7,8--dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene ((+)-BP-7,8-diol) is epoxidized to (7S,8R)-dihydroxy-(9S,10R)-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene ((+)-syn-BPDE) by cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes and to (7S,8R)-dihydroxy-(9R,10S)-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene ((-)-anti-BPDE) by peroxyl free radicals. 32P postlabeling analysis of the diastereomeric BPDE-DNA adducts was used to investigate the pathways of (+)-BP-7,8-diol oxidation in mouse skin in vivo. The pattern of deoxynucleoside 3',5'-bisphosphate adducts in epidermal scrapings from female CD-1 mice indicated that cytochrome P-450 was the major oxidant. Similar results were obtained when the tumor-promoting phorbol ester tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (TPA) was coadministered with (+)-BP-7,8-diol. However, when animals were pretreated with TPA 24 h before coadministration of TPA and (+)-BP-7,8-diol, the pattern of BPDE-DNA adducts indicated that peroxyl radicals made a major contribution to (+)-BP-7,8-diol epoxidation. Peroxyl radical-dependent epoxidation was maximal when the time between the two TPA administrations was 24-72 h. No increase in (-)-anti-BPDE-DNA was observed when the non-tumor-promoting phorbol ester 4-O-methyl-TPA was substituted for TPA. The calcium ionophore A23187 stimulated peroxyl radical generation when substituted for the first, but not the second, TPA treatment. The antiinflammatory steroid fluocinolone acetonide inhibited (-)-anti-BPDE-DNA adduct formation when coadministered with the first but not the second TPA treatment. These findings demonstrate the existence of two independent pathways of metabolic activation of (+)-BP-7,8-diol in mouse epidermis, one dependent on cytochrome P-450 and the other dependent on peroxyl free radicals. The results also suggest that repetitive topical administration of tumor-promoting phorbol esters remodels epidermal metabolism leading to a significant increase in free radical generation.
The material growth and present condition of the United States

(1898). The material growth and present condition of the United States. Scottish Geographical Magazine: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 169-187.
Gene Expression Profile of Dendritic Cell-Tumor Cell Hybrids Determined by Microarrays and Its Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy

Background. Dendritic cell- (DC-) tumor fusion cells stimulate effective in vivo antitumor responses. However, therapeutic approaches are dependent upon the coadministration of exogenous 3rd signals. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms for inadequate 3rd signaling by electrofused DC-tumor cell hybrids. Methods. Murine melanoma cells were fused with DCs derived from C57BL/6 mice. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine relative changes in Th (T helper) 1 and Th2 cytokine gene expression. In addition, changes in gene expression of fusion cells were determined by microarray. Last, cytokine secretion by fusion cells upon inhibition of signaling pathways was analyzed by ELISA. Results. qPCR analyses revealed that fusion cells exhibited a downregulation of Th1 associated cytokines IL-12 and IL-15 and an upregulation of the Th2 cytokine IL-4. Microarray studies further showed that the expression of chemokines, costimulatory molecules, and matrix-metalloproteinases was deregulated in fusion cells. Lastly, inhibitor studies demonstrate that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway could restore the secretion of bioactive IL-12p70 by fusion cells. Conclusion. Our results suggest that combining fusion cell-based vaccination with administration of inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway may enhance antitumor responses in patients.
Performance and Activation Behavior of Surface-Doped Thin-Film La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 − δ Cathodes

La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3-δ (LSM) film electrodes of thickness 100, 450, 650, and 700 nm were fabricated on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte pellets by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. In addition, 650 nm thick LSM electrodes with a surface doped with La-, Sr-, or Mn-nitrate were studied. Electrodes were deposited on both sides of the YSZ pellets in a symmetric arrangement. The individual electrode impedance spectra were measured at 973 K in laboratory air using a reference electrode placed on the free electrolyte surface. The open-circuit polarization resistance of the pure LSM and Sr and Mn surface-doped electrodes decreased significantly after initial application of cathodic current. In contrast, the La-doped sample showed no activation, with an initial polarization resistance similar to the activated, undoped LSM film. This indicates that surface La species play an important role in LSM electrode activation. All of the electrodes showed a strong, nonlinear decrease in polarization resistance accompanied by a linear decrease in ohmic resistance with increasing applied cathodic current. These changes are attributed to the introduction of a bulk-ion-transport path in the LSM film due to reduction of LSM under polarization. A minimum polarization resistance of 0.17 Ω cm 2 was measured for the La surface-doped 650 nm thick electrode at 250 mA/cm 2 .
Perceptions of Speech-Language Pathologists Linked to Evidence-Based Practice Use in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Purpose This study explored whether perceptions of evidence or organizational context were associated with the use of external memory aids with residents with dementia in skilled nursing facilities...
VALUE TRANSFER IN CONCURRENT-SCHEDULE DISCRIMINATIONS BY PIGEONS

When pigeons are trained on a discrete-trial simultaneous discrimination, some of the value associated with the positive stimulus appears to transfer to the negative stimulus (Zentall & Sherburne, 1994). Pigeons preferred a negative stimulus that had been discriminated from an always-positive stimulus (S+) over a negative stimulus that had been discriminated from a sometimes-positive stimulus (S±). A very different finding (suggestive of transitivity of preference or contrast) was reported by Belke (1992). On concurrent probe tests of stimuli associated with equal variable interval (VI) schedules but originally trained in alternative concurrent pairs (one with a richer schedule, the other with a poorer schedule—VI 20 sec vs. VI 40 sec and VI 40 sec vs. VI 80 sec), the stimulus originally paired with the poorer schedule was preferred. But Belke’s results may have been obtained because the pigeons had been trained to peck the VI 40 sec paired with the poorer schedule and they had been trained not to peck the VI 40 sec paired with the richer schedule. In the present experiment, we avoided this bias by training pigeons on two concurrent schedules in which the tested stimuli both had been associated with the poorer schedule of the pair [A(VI 20 sec) vs. B(VI 80 sec) and C(VI 40 sec) vs. D(VI 80 sec)]. Evidence for value transfer was demonstrated when on probe trials pigeons preferred B over D.
Influence of processing strategies on porosity and permeability of β nucleated isotactic polypropylene stretched films

Abstract Microporous polymer membranes were produced from β nucleated isotactic polypropylene using a solvent-free process involving extrusion and biaxial stretching. Pore formation, previously shown to depend upon the quantity of perfected β crystalline material in the film, was found to also depend upon stretching temperature. The pore structure of membranes produced under a variety of processing conditions was investigated by SEM, flow porometry, and gas permeation techniques. The mechanism of gas transport through the membrane was determined using permeability experiments and the film pore size distribution. Gas permeability was correlated with film porosity and compared to the permeability of an array of porous polypropylene films. High quality microporous membranes were produced without the use of the strict process control required for traditional extruded films, and such membranes exhibit performance comparable to commercially available Celgard films. This process flexibility provides an avenue toward coextruded composite membranes for a range of high-value applications.
The discovery of feedback inhibition

Abstract In the following article Zacharias Dische describes how he discovered the phenomenon that we now know as ‘feedback inhibition'. Commenting on this discovery, Cohen [1] has written: ‘In a paper that had passed almost unnoticed, Dische, in 1940, described the inhibition by mono- and di-phosphoglyceric acid of the spontaneous and coupled phosphorylation of glucose in intact erythrocytes. The title of the paper as well as the discussion prove that Dische was aware of the importance of his observation.'
Transient Outward Currents in Subendocardial Purkinje Myocytes Surviving in the Infarcted Heart

Background Altered electrical activity of subendocardial Purkinje fibers contributes to arrhythmias in the 48-hour infarcted canine heart. Changes in the transmembrane action potentials of these fibers include marked action potential prolongation. The ionic basis for these changes is unknown. Methods and Results We used whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques to study 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)–sensitive voltage-dependent transient outward currents (Ito1) in Purkinje myocytes isolated from LV subendocardial (n=14) and free-running (n=15) bundles of the normal canine heart. Ito1 in these two groups of control cells (normal-zone Purkinje cells [NZPCS]) did not differ. NZPCS Ito1 was then compared with Ito1 of Purkinje myocytes dispersed from subendocardium of infarcted hearts 48 hours after total coronary artery occlusion (IZPC48, n=14). Ito1 amplitude and current density were significantly reduced (P<.01) in IZPC48s (1650±389 pA, 9±2 pA/pF) compared with NZPCS (2917±267 pA, 20.2±2 pA/pF) at Vt=+55 mV, Vh=−60 mV, w...
Gonadal hormones and mating behavior in the adult golden hamster

Abstract Nine female and 10 male adult golden hamsters were tested intact and gonadectomized with identical doses of heterologous and homologous gonadal hormones for mating behavior, investigatory behavior, aggressive patterns, and “marking.” All experimental animals were tested under all hormone treatments with both intact male and estrous female test partners. Lordosis responses were shown by females under conditions of natural and induced estrus. Lordosis responses were shown by castrated males after administration of estrogen and progesterone, estrogen alone, and testosterone propionate. The males showed lordoses most consistently after estrogen and progesterone, but even under this condition the lordoses were of significantly shorter duration than those shown by females. Mounting behavior of males was independent of hormonal state, although intromissions and ejaculations were only seen when the males had some source of androgen. Only one female hamster displayed mounting behavior. These data are interpreted in light of the “organizational theory of sexual behavior” as currently proposed.
Exercise might favor reverse cholesterol transport and lipoprotein clearance: Potential mechanism for its anti-atherosclerotic effects

Abstract Livers of C57 BL/6 mice exercised for 2 weeks showed a dramatic increase in scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1), CD36 and low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and a decrease in acetyl LDL receptor gene expression. These effects on lipoprotein receptors are reminiscent of the effects mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) ligands.