cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demographic and facility volume related outcomes in radiofrequency ablation for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Background To evaluate outcomes related to disparities in facility volume and patient demographics in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods This is a retrospective study of patients with stage I/II HCC treated with RFA in the National Cancer Database. Independent contributors to overall survival were determined with Cox regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank analyses were used to estimate overall survival and compare survival curves. A propensity score matched cohort analysis was performed. P-values Results In total, 2911 patients were included. Stage II disease (p-value = 0.006), increasing alpha fetoprotein (p-value = 0.007), and increasing bilirubin (p-value Conclusion Treatment at a high-volume center and Asian race were signiﬁcantly associated with improved survival following RFA for early-stage HCC. Governmental insurance, increasing alpha fetoprotein, increasing bilirubin, and higher disease stage were signiﬁcantly associated with worse survival.
Synthesis of activated carbons derived from avocado shells as cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries

Novel mesoporous carbon cathode material for Lithium–Sulfur battery were successfully synthesized from the shells of the avocado fruit. The crystalline structure of the formed carbon was characterized via X-Ray diffraction whilst Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to observe the morphology. The electronic conductivity was determined as a function of pressure and the COOH functional group were quantified via a titration. The mesoporous structure of the formed carbon network allows for good sulfur penetration which is translated by decent electrochemical performance both in terms of cycle life and rate capability. Carbons prepared from waste avocado shells and functionalized with HNO3 offer a good performance in terms of capacity retention (500 mAh/g of sulfur after 100 cycles). This favorable performance may be attributed to the role of functional COOH groups on the surface of the activated carbon.
From Paper Forms to Electronic Flowsheets: Documenting Medical Resuscitations in a Time of Transition

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have a critical role in supporting continuity of patient care and effective clinical decision-making. Although EHRs are widespread today, many emergency departments (EDs) have been slow in adopting them for documenting time-critical scenarios such as resuscitations. Introduction of an electronic flowsheet for documenting medical resuscitations at our research site provided a unique opportunity for studying the nuances of the transition from paper to electronic documentation. We observed 44 medical resuscitations and conducted post-event interviews with 24 nurse documenters to examine their interactions and behaviors with the newly implemented electronic flowsheet. While our findings showed many advantages of electronic documentation, such as improved access to patient records and auto-population of flowsheet sections, we also identified several challenges associated with the flowsheet navigation, technical issues, and lack of practice and use opportunities. We observed different workarounds used by nurse documenters to overcome these challenges, including the use of paper-based mechanisms, free-text fields, and simultaneous documentation by two nurses. Based on our findings, we provide design guidelines for improving the electronic flowsheet to support its use during resuscitations.
Discourse, Power, and Ideology in the Academy:

This article examines Governor Rick Scott’s 2016 Degrees to Jobs Summit, treating it as a collection of discourses with significant cultural and political power to shape the way that students, faculty, administrators, and the public all interact with and view the purpose of higher education in Florida. I localize this discourse primarily within the State University System of Florida’s Strategic plan and university performance standards. Principally, I argue that the Degrees to Jobs discourse impacts student agency, self-conception, and choice within the academy, specifically within the humanities disciplines. My analysis deploys critical discourse analysis (CDA) (Huckin et al.) to scrutinize the situational circumstances and “rich features” (Barton) of the discourse as well as post-structuralist notions of power and knowledge, as framed in the work of Foucault and Bourdieu. This essay also examines the special challenges presented by this discourse for English and Rhetoric & Composition classrooms in Florida, as well professors, administrators, and students within those spaces.
The Student Connection: Thinking Critically on Library Anxiety and Information Literacy

If we wait for students to come to us, we’ve already failed them. In academic librarianship it’s common to talk about “meeting students where they are at” and while that’s certainly an important pr...
Sums and Products of Jointly Distributed Random Variables: A Simplified Approach

Three basic theorems concerning expected values and variances of sums and products of random variables play an important role in mathematical statistics and its applications in education, business,...
Embolization of Basilar Tip Aneurysm via Ascending Cervical Artery.

Background Unusual vascular anatomy can present treatment challenges as traditional approaches may be unfeasible. Case Description In this case we describe a patient who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured basilar apex aneurysm, with an occluded left vertebral artery and severely stenotic right vertebral artery. Coil embolization was performed via catheterization of an ascending cervical artery, with a successful clinical and radiographic outcome. Conclusions This demonstrates novel use of an endovascular technique in the setting of multiple vascular pathologies.
O1D.2 Objective measurement of work-environment carcinogenic exposures in florida firefighters using silicone-based passive sampling wristbands

Firefighters are likely to be exposed to many toxic chemicals in the performance of their work duties such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Chemical exposures may occur through dermal, oral, or inhalation pathways. Passive sampling devices are used to sequester organic molecules through passive diffusion and provide time-weighted averages of chemical concentrations. This pilot study uses silicone-based wristbands as a personal passive sampler to detect known carcinogens during a 24 hour work shift. Twenty-four wristbands were deployed across various fire services throughout South Florida. Prior to deployment, bands were cleaned using a standardized cleaning protocol to remove contamination and optimize the surface for absorption. Wristbands were then packaged in air-tight bags to prevent contamination. Wristbands were worn on fire service personnel and collected at the end of a 24 hour work shift. Chemical contaminants were then extracted from the wristband and analyzed for PAHs—identified using the EPA IRIS, California Proposition 65, and IRAC datasets— using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The average number of chemicals found across all wristbands (n=24) was 23 with 4 categorized as carcinogenic to humans (i.e., Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[j]fluoranthene, Chrysene, and Naphthalene). All bands had at least one PAH present, specifically, 87.5% contained Benzo[b]fluoranthene (mean=5.23 ng/band), 50% contained Benzo[j]fluoranthene (mean=2.05 ng/band), 79.2% contained Chrysene (mean=9.55 ng/band), and 100% contained Napthalene (mean=176.53 ng/band). Actual types of exposure compounds is likely to be larger than the observed data as the group of PAHs detected was limited to three existing datasets. Silicone-based wristbands are feasible to use within the fire service to detect and characterize ambient hazardous chemical compounds. These personal self-samplers used during a 24 hour collection period identified various PAHs in the firefighter work environment. Objective measures of harmful chemical exposures in the fire service should be monitored with a comprehensive surveillance system that includes personal sampler devices.
Effects of corn stalk inclusion rate on rumination and ruminal pH in finishing beef steers

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this experiment was to measure feedlot performance, rumination, ruminal pH, and carcass characteristics of cattle consuming a finishing diet with increasing levels of corn stalks (CS). Materials and Methods Fifty cross-bred steers (initial BW = 302 ± 27 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 5% (5CS; n = 17), 10% (10CS; n = 17), or 15% (15CS; n = 16) CS in a finishing diet based on steam-flaked corn. Experimental design was a randomized complete block, and data were analyzed using generalized random coefficients models. Rumination (min/d) was recorded from all the steers, and half of the steers (n = 27) received an indwelling rumen bolus to monitor pH. Results As CS inclusion rate increased, ADG and G:F decreased (P ≤ 0.05) linearly, whereas DMI of cattle consuming 10CS and 15CS was greater (P ≤ 0.05) than those consuming 5CS. Ruminal pH tended (P Applications Results of this study indicate that optimal dietary roughage inclusion of CS should be between 5 and 10% to optimize feedlot performance while maintaining rumination and ruminal pH.
Spectral Algorithm for Shared Low-rank Matrix Regressions

We consider multiple matrix regression tasks that share common weights in order to reduce sample complexity. For this purpose, we introduce the common mechanism regression model which assumes a shared right low-rank component across all tasks, but allows an individual per-task left low-rank component. We provide a closed form spectral algorithm for recovering the common component and derive a bound on its error as a function of the number of related tasks and the number of samples available for each of them. Both the algorithm and its analysis are natural extensions of known results in the context of phase retrieval and low rank reconstruction. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach for the challenging task of remote river discharge estimation across multiple river sites, where data for each task is naturally scarce. In this scenario sharing a low-rank component between the tasks translates to a shared spectral reflection of the water, which is a true underlying physical model. We also show the benefit of the approach in the setting of image classification where the common component can be interpreted as the shared convolution filters.
Non-mechanical beam steering using reflection-mode readout of volume gratings in a photorefractive material

A method for writing programmable volume phase gratings into photorefractive materials using visible wavelengths in a transmission geometry, and then subsequently probing these gratings in a reflection geometry using infrared (IR) wavelengths to achieve specific angles of reflection of the probe beam is analyzed. The programmable features of these gratings include grating spacing and tilt, or K-vector magnitude and orientation. Relationships have been derived between the incidence angles of the writing beams and the corresponding reflection angles of the IR probe beam. More specifically, for a fixed angle of incidence of the probe beam, two unique writing beam angles can be found which generate a grating with the correct spacing and tilt to reflect and steer the probe beam through a wide field of desired angles.
Revealing the Features of the Oxidative Enzyme Production by White-Rot Basidiomycetes During Fermentation of Plant Raw Materials

White rot basidiomycetes (WRB), belonging to one of the most diverse and important groups of living organisms, have the unique ability to completely degrade lignin through an oxidative process catalyzed by extracellular and non-specific lignin-modifying enzymes (LME) consisting of laccase, manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, and versatile peroxidase with the assistance of several auxiliary enzymes. Because LME are capable of oxidizing a wide variety of natural and synthetic compounds, these enzymes have received tremendous attention for a variety of industrial and biotechnological applications. Consequently, the demand for these enzymes has increased in recent years, leading to the search for cost-effective production systems. To increase LME yields, various approaches and strategies, such as exploitation of cheap plant raw materials as growth substrates, optimization of fermentation media and cultivation conditions, and development of better bioprocess technologies, have been widely exploited. Literature date evidence that many factors influence the synthesis and secretion of LME and their isoenzymes, but the effects of these factors differ among the fungal species and we still have to understand the whole spectrum of mechanisms that modulate LME production. In this chapter, we summarize recent literature reports and our data on the physiological features of LME production by WRB, focusing on the diversity, common characteristics, and unique properties of individual fungi as well as on several approaches and strategies that provide enhanced (or reduced) secretion of laccases and peroxidases.
Racial and Other Healthcare Disparities in Patients With Extensive-Stage SCLC

Introduction Systemic treatment with chemotherapy is warranted for patients with extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC). The objective of this study was to determine whether racial and other healthcare disparities exist in receipt of chemotherapy for ES-SCLC. Methods Utilizing the National Cancer Database, 148,961 patients diagnosed to have stage IV SCLC from 2004 to 2016 were identified. Adjusted ORs with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed for receipt of chemotherapy using multivariate logistic regression modeling. Cox regression modeling was used to perform overall survival analysis, and adjusted hazard ratios were calculated. Results A total of 82,592 patients were included, among which chemotherapy was not administered to 6557 (7.9%). Higher education, recent year of diagnosis, and treatment at more than one facility were associated with increased odds of receiving chemotherapy. Factors associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving chemotherapy were increasing age, race, nonprivate insurance, and comorbidities. On multivariate analysis, black patients had lower odds of receiving chemotherapy compared with white patients (adjusted OR, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77-0.93, p = 0.0004). Furthermore, black patients had better survival compared with white patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.89-0.94, p = 0.91). The 1-year survival (median survival) for black and white patients was 31.7% (8.3 mo) and 28.6% (8 mo), respectively. Conclusions Black patients with ES-SCLC were less likely to receive chemotherapy, as were elderly, uninsured, and those with nonprivate insurance. Further studies are required to address underlying reasons for lack of chemotherapy receipt in black patients with ES-SCLC and guide appropriate interventions to mitigate disparities.
Rejuvenation of Senescent Endothelial Progenitor Cells by Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation is a form of the stem-cell therapy that has shown beneficial effects for many diseases. The use of stem-cell therapy, including MSC transplantation, however, has limitations such as the tumorigenic potential of stem cells and the lack of efficacy of aged autologous cells. An ideal therapeutic approach would keep the beneficial effects of MSC transplantation while circumventing the limitations associated with the use of intact stem cells. This study provides proof-of-concept evidence that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles represent a promising platform to develop an acellular therapeutic approach that would just do that. Extracellular vesicles are membranous vesicles secreted by MSCs and contain bioactive molecules to mediate communication between different cells. Extracellular vesicles can be taken up by recipient cells, and once inside the recipient cells, the bioactive molecules are released to exert the beneficial effects on the recipient cells. This study, for the first time to our knowledge, shows that extracellular vesicles secreted by MSCs recapitulate the beneficial effects of MSCs on vascular repair and promote blood vessel regeneration after ischemic events. Furthermore, MSCs from aged donors can be engineered to produce extracellular vesicles with improved regenerative potential, comparable to MSCs from young donors, thus eliminating the need for allogenic young donors for elderly patients.
Quality assurance and accreditation in Afghanistan: exploring sensemaking and sensegiving in policy implementation

This research investigated the implementation of accreditation at public teaching and research universities in Afghanistan. A qualitative multi-case study design was used to interview 46 individual...
Two Strongly Truthful Mechanisms for Three Heterogeneous Agents Answering One Question

Peer prediction mechanisms incentivize self-interested agents to truthfully report their signals even in the absence of verification, by comparing agents’ reports with their peers. We propose two new mechanisms, Source and Target Differential Peer Prediction, and prove very strong guarantees for a very general setting.
Allergy Considerations in Implanted Neuromodulation Devices

Objectives Allergic reactions are rare and poorly understood complications of neuromodulation device implantation. There are currently no guidelines for management of allergic reactions to these devices and their components. Here we review the published cases of allergic reactions to implanted neuromodulatory devices and leverage the experiences of other specialties that deal with similar complications to formulate recommendations for prevention and management. Materials and methods A review and assessment of the literature. Results Allergic reactions to a number of implantable devices have been observed and published. In dentistry and orthopedics, metals such as nickel are the most frequent cause of allergic reactions. In interventional cardiology, where devices closely resemble neuromodulatory devices, titanium, silicone, and polyurethanes are the most common causes of allergic reactions. In neurosurgery, allergic reactions to implantable neuromodulatory devices are rare, and we summarize 13 cases published to date. Such allergic reactions generally present as local dermatitis, erythema, and pruritus, which can be difficult to distinguish from surgical site infection. In one published case, symptoms resolved with corticosteroid treatment, but all other cases required explantation. The successful reimplantation with a modified device was reported in some cases. Conclusions Patients should be screened for a personal history of contact allergy before implantation procedures. A multidisciplinary approach to suspected cases of postoperative allergic reactions involving collaboration between neurosurgeons and other implanting physicians, dermatologists or allergists, and device manufacturers is recommended. In cases where an allergic reaction is suspected, an infectious etiology should be ruled out first. Clinical suspicion can then be supported with the use of patch testing, interpreted by an experienced dermatologist or allergist. If patch testing supports an allergic etiology, the implanting physician and the device manufacturer can work together to modify the device for safe reimplantation.
Outcomes, Time-Trends, and Factors Associated With Ancillary Study Use for the Determination of Brain Death.

OBJECTIVES: Brain death determination often requires ancillary studies when clinical determination cannot be fully or safely completed. We aimed to analyze the results of ancillary studies, the factors associated with ancillary study performance, and the changes over time in number of studies performed at an academic health system. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Multihospital academic health system. PATIENTS: Consecutive adult patients declared brain dead between 2010 and 2020. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 140 brain death patients, ancillary studies were performed in 84 (60%). The false negative rate of all ancillary studies was 4% (5% of transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, 4% of nuclear studies, 0% of electroencephalograms, and 17% of CT angiography). In univariate analysis, ancillary study use was associated with female sex (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.21-5.01; p = 0.013) and the etiology of brain death being hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.43-5.88; p = 0.003), nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21-0.96; p = 0.039), or traumatic brain injury (odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04-0.8; p = 0.031). In multivariable analysis, female sex (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.56-15.86; p = 0.004), the etiology of brain death being hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-8.8; p = 0.015), and the neurologists performing brain death declaration (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.004-0.64; p = 0.034) were factors independently associated with use of ancillary studies. Over the study period, the total number of ancillary studies performed each year did not significantly change; however, the number of electroencephalograms significantly decreased with time (odds ratio per 1-yr increase, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49-0.90; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: A large number of ancillary studies were performed despite a clinical determination of brain death; patients with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury are more likely to undergo ancillary studies for brain death determination, and neurologists were less likely to use ancillary studies for brain death. Recently, the use of electroencephalograms for brain death determination has decreased, likely reflecting significant concerns regarding its validity and reliability.
Peter Geithner: An Appreciation

Peter F Geithner, for decades a pivotal figure in the Ford Foundation’s programmes in Asia and a long-time catalyst for the development of philanthropy in the region, died in July 2016
Rapid protection from COVID-19 in nonhuman primates vaccinated intramuscularly but not intranasally with a single dose of a recombinant vaccine

Abstract The ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to exert a significant burden on health care systems worldwide. With limited treatments available, vaccination remains an effective strategy to counter transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent discussions concerning vaccination strategies have focused on identifying vaccine platforms, number of doses, route of administration, and time to reach peak immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we generated a single dose, fast-acting vesicular stomatitis virus-based vaccine derived from the licensed Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV, expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the EBOV glycoprotein (VSV-SARS2-EBOV). Rhesus macaques vaccinated intramuscularly (IM) with a single dose of VSV-SARS2-EBOV were protected within 10 days and did not show signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. In contrast, intranasal (IN) vaccination resulted in limited immunogenicity and enhanced COVID-19 pneumonia compared to control animals. While IM and IN vaccination both induced neutralizing antibody titers, only IM vaccination resulted in a significant cellular immune response. RNA sequencing data bolstered these results by revealing robust activation of the innate and adaptive immune transcriptional signatures in the lungs of IM-vaccinated animals only. Overall, the data demonstrates that VSV-SARS2-EBOV is a potent single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate that offers rapid protection based on the protective efficacy observed in our study. One sentence summary VSV vaccine protects NHPs from COVID-19 in 10 days
Stock Exchange Disclosure and Market Liquidity: An Analysis of 50 International Exchanges

This study examines associations between measures of stock exchange disclosure and market liquidity at the 50 member stock exchanges of the World Federation of Exchanges. We focus on stock exchange disclosure systems (rather than actual company disclosures) because this approach links stock exchange and government policy with desired outcomes related to market quality factors, such as liquidity. We find strong support for the hypothesis that strength of disclosure system (disclosure rules, monitoring and enforcement, and information dissemination) is positively associated with market liquidity, after controlling for stock exchange size, legal system and several other proxies for extent of market development and the information environment.
Anything But a Breeze: Moving Forward Without NFIP Wind Coverage

The storm season of 2005, with the indelible images of Hurricane Katrina stuck in our minds forever, left much of the Gulf Coast devastated. The aftermath of the storm also caused serious damage to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP or the Program), which provides federally subsidized flood insurance to communities participating in the Program. Following the storms of 2005, many home and building owners and insurance companies began to disagree about the terms of their agreements and the cause of damage upon these structures. The main point of dispute was whether damage could be attributed strictly to flooding, to wind, or to a combination of both. In an effort to eliminate similar disputes and to enhance the ability for home and business owners to obtain relief for their losses, lawmakers have proposed including wind coverage within the NFIP. This Note will examine the NFIP and the idea of adding multiple peril coverage to the Program. This Note will attempt to explain why adding wind coverage to the NFIP will only further exacerbate the problems for an already fiscally irresponsible program.
Employment programming and psychiatric disabilities.

Recent technical advances in psychiatric vocational rehabilitation and related developments have dramatically increased the ability of persons with psychiatric disabilities to attain and maintain competitive employment.
Prompt survey for pulsars in globular clusters

Abstract A search for pulsars has been conduucted in a sample of 31 globular clusters. A prelimimary analysis has revealed no new pulsars.
Thionitroxides, RSNHO: The Structure of the SNO Moiety in "S-Nitrosohemoglobin", A Possible NO Reservoir and Transporter

Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in many biological processes. S-Nitrosothiols have long been believed to have significant roles in NO biochemistry. The modified cysteine residue of hemoglobin was previously identified as a distorted S-nitrosothiol (RSNO) or an S-hydroxyamino radical (RSN•OH). Here we show that a thionitroxide (RSNHO•, S-aminyloxyl radical) is likely the observed species. Computational studies show that the thionitroxide is the only structure consistent with the electron density in the hemoglobin Cysβ93-SNO structure previously reported. Although a metastable adduct, the thionitroxide in a hydrogen-bonding environment can form readily and release NO upon exposure to an aqueous environment. The thionitroxides could be responsible for the biological effects attributed to S-nitrosothiols or could serve as precursors to S-nitrosothiols in oxidative conditions.
Flexible Solar Cells for Micro-Autonomous Systems Technology

Insensitivity to edge recombination is observed in GaAs-based InAs/InGaAs quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) solar cells by comparing their current-voltage (IV) plot to GaAs control samples. The edge recombination current component is extracted by analyzing devices of different areas and then compared to DWELL cells of comparable dimensions. The results demonstrate that GaAs-based solar cells incorporating a DWELL design are relatively insensitive to edge recombination by suppressing lateral diffusion of carriers in the intrinsic layer, and thus promising for applications that require small area devices such as concentration or flexible surfaces. Preliminary studies on the integration of these cells onto flexible surfaces such as Kapton and nanopaper are discussed including weight considerations for all the integrated materials.
DX centers in Al0.34Ga0.66As amorphous thin films

Al0.34Ga0.66As amorphous thin films doped with Si have been prepared for studying common features of DX type of defects in crystalline and amorphous semiconductors. We have observed in these materials the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effect at T < 250 K. The four energies which characterize the DX levels in these materials have been determined. A large Stokes shift with a value which is comparable with that of DX centers in crystalline AlxGa1−xAs has been observed. Our results suggest that the existence of the DX centers as well as of PPC is not simply a consequence of the band structure. Our results also suggest that there may exist a common description for DX type defects in crystalline and amorphous semiconductors.
A fluorescamine assay for submicrogram quantities of protein in the presence of Triton X-100.

Abstract The sensitivity of the fluorescamine assay is increased by hydrolysis of the protein sample in 2 n NaOH. The assay is linear from 0.125 to 10 μg of protein and can measure concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/ml. The presence of several detergents including Triton X-100 in both the protein sample (up to 10%) and in the fluorescamine assay itself (up to 0.33%) does not interfere.
Effect of Stimulation of Autonomic Outflow to Urinary Bladder of Rhesus Monkey.

Discussion and conclusionsThese data indicate that stimulation of the hypogastric nerves, unlike those previously recorded in the cat and dog, and by others in the monkey (1,2), were largely ineffective. The usual response was a weak contraction which appeared after 15 to 20 seconds of stimulation and was always difficult to distinguish from normal, spontaneous rhythm of the bladder. Often there was no response to sympathetic nerve stimulation. On the other hand, excitation of pelvic nerves evoked contractions similar in almost all respects to those obtained in the cat and dog and by others in the monkey (1,2).Altering the frequency of the current, changing intravesical pressure, or section of the nerves and stimulation of their peripheral cut ends, had no effect upon the response following either hypogastric or pelvic nerve stimulation. Bladder responses in both males and females apparently were the same.
Nanocrystal formation in annealed a-SiO0.17N0.07:H films

Silicon nanocrystals have been fabricated by annealing amorphous hydrogenated silicon-rich oxynitride (SRON) films in vacuum for 4 h over the temperature range 850–1150 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the composition of the film to be SiO0.17N0.07. Glancing angle x-ray diffraction results revealed consistent silicon crystallite sizes of nm for films annealed at temperatures , increasing to nm for films annealed at 1150 °C. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra of the samples annealed at 850 and 950 °C comprised luminescent peaks from silicon nanocrystals and luminescence from the defects in Si–O system. However, only peaks from defects in Si–O system were present in the luminescence spectra from samples annealed at temperatures greater than 950 °C. For the samples annealed at 850 and 950 °C, the presence of strong Si–N bonds prevented the coalescence of smaller silicon crystallites into larger crystallites. Larger, non-luminescent silicon crystallites were only formed in films annealed at temperatures greater than 950 °C, where the energetics of coalescing particles overcame the strong Si–N bonding in SRON films. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of silicon nanocrystallites. A proposed growth mechanism of silicon nanocrystals is discussed.
Prostaglandin production by rat vaginal tissue, in vitro, in response to ethanol, a mild mucosal irritant

Toxicological testing of vaginal irritants currently involves in vivo testing in rabbits. While chemical-induced irritation or inflammation involves numerous biologic responses, these responses appear to be to a large extent mediated by prostaglandin release. Since vaginal tissue of the rat produces prostaglandins, this tissue was studied in vitro to determine if it would respond to ethanol, a mild irritant. Small vaginal segments were rinsed in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.0) and exposed to various concentrations of ethanol. The segments were then transferred to fresh buffer and incubated for 30 min in a shaking 37 degrees C water bath. Ethanol (70%) exposure for 30 sec increased prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha production by vaginal tissue. While ethanol exposure resulted in increases in prostaglandin production regardless of the stage of the cycle from which the tissue was derived, the relative increase was greatest in tissues from the diestrous stage of the cycle. The prostaglandin production response of vaginal tissue, and of cervical and uterine tissue, was related to the concentration of ethanol to which these tissues were exposed. Indomethacin blocked this response in a dose-dependent manner. These experiments demonstrate that vaginal tissue responds to ethanol by increasing production of PGF2 alpha and PGE2. This in vitro system may prove useful as an alternative to live-animal testing in the screening of irritants of the vaginal mucosa or other tissues as well.
Automated design of misaligned-carbon-nanotube-immune circuits

Carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) are promising candidates as extensions to silicon CMOS due to excellent CV/I device performance. An ideal CNFET inverter fabricated using a perfect CNFET technology can have 5.1 times faster FO4 delay and 2.6 times lower energy per cycle compared to a 32 nm silicon CMOS inverter. Two fundamental challenges prevent us from creating CNFET-based logic designs with the advantages quoted above: 1. misaligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and 2. Metallic CNTs. Misaligned CNTs can result in incorrect logic function implementations. This paper presents a technique for designing CNFET-based arbitrary logic functions that are guaranteed to be correct even in the presence of a large number of misaligned CNTs.
Toxicity studies in isolated hepatocytes from selenium-deficient rats and vitamin E-deficient rats

Abstract Isolated hepatocytes from selenium-deficient, vitamin E-deficient, and control rats were treated with cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH), phorone (diisopropylene acetone), acetaminophen, and diquat. The effect of these chemicals on cell viability, glutathione synthesis and release, and lipid peroxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive substances was determined during a 4-hr incubation in a complete medium under 95% O 2 :5% CO 2 at 37°C. CuOOH-treated (0.5 m m ) selenium-deficient and vitamin E-deficient hepatocytes lost viability sooner than control hepatocytes. Thus, loss of selenium or vitamin E from the hepatocyte resulted in a cell more susceptible to damage by CuOOH. Phorone treatment (1.65 m m ) resulted in depletion of intracellular glutathione in all three groups to approximately 20% of that in untreated hepatocytes. Cell viability and TBA-reactive substances were the same in treated and untreated hepatocytes. Thus, lowering of intracellular glutathione did not result in the spontaneous loss of cell viability or increased lipid peroxidation in selenium-deficient or in vitamin E-deficient hepatocytes. Acetaminophen appeared to be less toxic to selenium-deficient hepatocytes than to controls. This finding is in agreement with whole animal studies reported previously showing that selenium deficiency protects rats against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. A potential explanation of this result is stimulation of glutathione synthesis by selenium deficiency. Severely vitamin E-deficient hepatocytes were protected from cell death by 12.5 and 25.0 m m acetaminophe, apparently by its antioxidant properties, while 50.0 m m acetaminophen was toxic to them. At all concentrations used, acetaminophen decreased the TBA-reactive substances present in the hepatocyte suspensions. Diquat (0.1 m m ) caused more rapid cell death and higher levels of TBA-reactive substances in selenium-deficient hepatocytes than in control hepatocytes. Diquat toxicity in selenium-deficient isolated hepatocytes was not as severe as its toxicity in selenium-deficient whole animals, however.
A complete system for identifying inhibitors of creatine kinase B.

We have developed a complete system for discovery of lead compounds as inhibitors of creatine kinase B. In this article, we describe production and purification of the recombinant protein, conditions and features of an optimized high-throughput screening assay, and results of our implementation of the system using a diverse compound library.
Theophylline blood levels after insufflation of micronized aminophylline powder.

Abstract 1.1. Theophylline enters the circulation within 5 minutes after insufflation of aminophylline powder into the lungs of rabbits. 2.2. Associated with this rapid absorption are high blood levels of theophylline which appear early and remain elevated several hours. 3.3. There is a gradual disappearance of theophylline from the blood stream over a period of 24 hours.
Steep-Slope Devices: From Dark to Dim Silicon

Although the superior subthreshold characteristics of steep-slope devices can help power up more cores, researchers still need CMOS technology to accelerate sequential applications, because it can reach higher frequencies. Device-level heterogeneous multicores can give the best of both worlds, but they need smart resource management to realize this promise. In this article, the authors discuss device-level heterogeneous multicores and various resource-management schemes for reaching higher energy efficiency.
Accumulation of Hypothiocyanite Ion during Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxidation of Thiocyanate Ion

An oxidized form of thiocyanate accumulated during incubation of lactoperoxidase or myeloperoxidase with thiocyanate ion and low concentrations of peroxide. Addition of one mole of peroxide resulted in loss of one mole of thiocyanate and formation of one mole of the oxidation product. The oxidation product reacted with two moles of sulfhydryl to yield one mole of disulfide and one mole of thiocyanate. The same product was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of thiocyanogen. The product is proposed to be hypothiocyanite ion. The peroxidases may catalyze the oxidation of thiocyanate to hypothiocyanite, or to thiocyanogen. Hypothiocyanite may be the antimicrobial agent formed during peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of thiocyanate. Hypothiocyanite decomposed slowly with a second-order rate constant of 0.1 M−1 s−1 at 25°C. When the amount of peroxide added approached the amount of thiocyanate, the yield of hypothiocyanite reached a maximum and then declined. This result suggested that hypothiocyanite was oxidized by excess peroxide. Efforts to produce high concentrations of hypothiocyanite were unsuccessful, even when thiocyanate was well in excess of peroxide. As the hypothiocyanite concentration approached 0.5 mM, decomposition was accelerated and small amounts of cyanide were produced. Hypothiocyanite reacted stoichiometrically with cyanide to give products that did not oxidize sulfhydryls. Hydrolysis of thiocyanogen at neutral pH also resulted in rapid decomposition and formation of cyanide.
Liquid Capital and Market Liquidity

This article considers how the supply of liquid capital affects the liquidity of asset markets. The article views the former notion as a technological property of real investments and the latter as an endogenous property of financial market equilibrium, and describes a channel by which the two are linked. When agents hold more wealth in technologically liquid investments, a marginal adjustment to portfolio holdings alters discount rates less, causing a smaller price impact. Thus, even without intermediaries or frictions, the stock of transformable capital may be a crucial determinant of the resilience of financial markets.
Other Peoples’ Scriptures: Mythical Texts of Imagined Communities

The essays in this issue of Numen exemplify a shift in the comparative study of scriptures, highlighting their evanescence, their non-informative dimensions, and the ways in which they and the people who hold them sacred are reimagined across religious boundaries.
High Efficiency Germanium Immersion Gratings

We have fabricated several germanium immersion gratings by single crystal, single point diamond flycutting on an ultra-precision lathe. Use of a dead sharp tool produces groove corners less than 0.1 micron in radius and consequently high diffraction efficiency. We measured first order efficiencies in immersion of over 80% at 10.6 micron wavelength. Wavefront error was low averaging 0.06 wave rms (at 633 nm) across the full aperture. The grating spectral response was free of ghosts down to our detection limit of 1 part in 10{sup 4}. Scatter should be low based upon the surface roughness. Measurement of the spectral line profile of a CO{sub 2} laser sets an upper bound on total integrated scatter of 0.5%.
The implications of distributed data in a commercial environment on the design of hierarchical storage management

Abstract This paper explores the implication of distributed data on the design of data storage management systems. We developed file system measurement programs that collected static file system data from commercial UNIX systems. This sampling of 46 systems, 267 file systems, 151 000 directories and 2 300 000 files is greater than any previously reported study. We developed an analysis technique termed collective cumulative distribution function and applied it to collections of file systems. The results provide insight into file system characteristics and the design of hierarchical storage management systems. Important factors influencing performance are: (1) small files dominate in count but large files dominate secondary storage consumption, (2) file I/O is biased toward reads rather than writes, and (3) directory based storage management is problematic.
A Numerical Model of Random Packing of Spheres

A NUMERICAL approach using a digital computer has been used to construct a simple model of the unit cell in a randomly packed bed of identical hard spheres. The cell is built up by introducing spheres tangent to a central one at random positions around it. Each added sphere is accepted and its position recorded only if it does not overlap with any of the ones previously accepted. When there is no room for additional spheres, the cluster is complete and the volume of the unit cell is found. This unit is defined as the polyhedron formed by the perpendicular bisectors of the lines connecting the centre of the original sphere with its neighbours. There is some ambiguity in defining a unit cell in a random packing. The prescription used here has the justification that it is correct for the regular lattices with one sphere per unit cell such as the simple cubic, face centred cubic, and hexagonal close-packed arrangements.
Photoviscous analysis of two-dimensional laminar flow in an expanding jet

This paper presents experimental measurements of the velocity profiles in an expanding fluid jet. The data were obtained from analysis of birefringence measurements over the flow field. A new method of photoviscous analysis to determine the pertinent flow information from isochromate data alone was developed as part of the investigation.
Are there implications from the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy study for anemia management in dialysis patients

Purpose of review Publication of the first large randomized placebo-controlled study of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis, the Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT) along with recent changes in the regulatory environment and reimbursement policies related to ESA treatment have prompted reexamination of clinical ESA use in patients with CKD, including those on dialysis. This review addresses this and other recent studies of ESA treatment for renal anemia to higher hemoglobin (Hgb) targets above the range of 10-12 g/dl. Recent findings TREAT and other recent large randomized, controlled trials of ESA treatment in patients with CKD have not demonstrated a clinical benefit in terms of mortality, morbidity, or quality of life improvement of targeting Hgb levels greater than 12-13 g/dl. Some of these studies have demonstrated increased risk of stroke, vascular access thrombosis, hypertension, and other events. These findings are generally consistent with those of an earlier study of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Summary ESA treatment for renal anemia should be aimed at reducing transfusion risk, with a treatment target in most patients of 10-12 g/dl; therapy should be individualized, rapid increases in Hgb level should probably be avoided, and lowest appropriate ESA doses should be used. Temptation to increase ESA doses to very high levels in an attempt to overcome ESA hypo responsiveness should be resisted.
APPLICATION OF MARKOV PROCESSES TO THE CONCEPT OF STATE1

The purpose of this paper is to outline some applications of a mathematical concept known as a Markov Process to the study of such developmental concepts as state and state changes. Vocalization states were defined which reflected the joint occurrence of an infant's behavior (or condition) along with some associative event(s) in the infant's immediate environment. (The infants were three months old.) These concepts were then applied to data sequences collected in a naturalistic setting (the infant's home) for the purpose of studying the types of mother-infant interactions that occur in vocalization behavior.
Altered lymphatic drainage following lymphadenectomy

Radionucleotide scanning with colloidal 198Au and 99Tc sulfur colloid was used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative lymphatic drainage in 10 patients with primary malignant melanoma of the trunk. After an intradermal injection of radionucleotide around the primary melanoma site, tomographic scanning was performed to identify the regional lymph nodes to which the radionucleotide drained. Approximately one year following lymphadenectomy, each patient was rescanned to see if the lymphatic drainage had changed. Of the 10 patients tested, 8 had postoperative drainage patterns that differed from the preoperative scans. Three patients had no drainage to the lymphadenectomy site, while two patients retained some drainage to the lymphadenectomy sites but also showed drainage to a new site. One patient retained drainage to only one of two preoperative sites, and 2 patients had no identifiable lymphatic drainage postoperatively. Thus, interruption of lymphatic channels is temporary, and new routes that may differ from preoperative ones generally develop within one to two years.