cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation and Oversight

The chapter begins with a discussion of how difficult it is to stop the communication of information with the immediacy of distribution today. I will then turn to the role of the FCC as the main entity overseeing the broadcast media and its history. Next the chapter will turn to deeper discussion of recent Congressional efforts to regulate online content such as SOPA and PIPA. Finally, the chapter will conclude with a comparative section on European-style public media ownership contrasted with US private ownership, including discussion of chain ownership post-1995 in the US.
Ex Vivo Gene Therapy of a Preadolescent with X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.

X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) results from mutations in IL2RG, which encodes the common gamma chain (γc) shared by receptors for IL-2, 4, 7, 9, 15 and 21. XSCID is best treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-matched sibling. Patients lacking a matched sibling can benefit from a T-cell depleted haploidentical BMT, but some do not achieve adequate immune reconstitution. Ex vivo autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy may be an alternative to haploidentical BMT. In a French trial, 9 of 10 XSCID infants had immune reconstitution following ex vivo transduction of autologous HSC with a retroviral vector encoding γc. Selective development and expansion of T, NK and B cells from progenitors expressing γc was important to the success of this therapy. However, the 2 youngest patients, treated at 1 and 3 months of age, later developed T cell leukemias associated with retrovirus insertions that activated the LMO2 transcription factor. Young age at treatment might have had a role in the development of these adverse events. We have developed an XSCID gene transfer protocol as salvage treatment for older patients who have failed haploidentical BMT. An 11 year-old XSCID patient with no detectable engraftment from prior haploidentical BMTs had lymphocytopenia, growth failure, infections, chronic diarrhea and skin rashes. After G-CSF mobilization and harvest by apheresis, his purified autologous peripheral blood CD34 + cells were transduced daily for 4 days with GALV-MFGS-γc retrovirus in the presence of growth factors and Retronectin ® . Eighty million cells/kg (80% CD34 + ; 40% γc transgene positive) were reinfused. At 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment, provirus marking by PCR of unseparated blood leukocytes was 1.4%, 2.3% and 3 to 3.2 cm 3 . Additional follow up is necessary to know if gene marking and clinical improvement persist and if significant expansion of corrected lymphocytes occurs. Our preliminary results suggest that ex vivo retrovirus-mediated gene therapy, targeting CD34 + cells from peripheral blood, may benefit older children with XSCID who have failed haploidentical BMT.
N-polar GaN Electronics

In this paper, we discuss recent developments in our work on N-polar GaN heterostructure transistors. While most work in GaN devices has been on Ga-polar films, the opposite direction of polarization provides advantages that could be useful for different device applications. We will first discuss implications of the reversed polarization on transistor design.
Prediction of Metastatic Disease and Survival in Patients with Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Tumors: The Incremental Value of PET-CT over PET and the Clinical Role of Primary Tumor Volume Measurements

Rationale and Objectives To investigate the accuracy of M staging (staging of metastatic disease) in esophageal carcinoma based on a visual interpretation and based on tumor volume measurements on positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods Fifty-nine untreated patients with gastroesophageal junction tumors were enrolled, including 36 subcardial gastric tumors (type III according to Siewert classification) and 23 adenocarcinomas of the cardia (AEG, type II Siewert). Patients were grouped in metastasis free (M0 stage, n = 34) and metastatic stages (M1 stage, n = 25). Tumor volume and mean and maximum standardized uptake value were measured on PET-CT. The accuracy of these quantitative tumor volume parameters in distinguishing metastasis-free tumors (M0 stage) from metastatic stages (M1 stage) was compared to the accuracy of a visual analysis with fused PET-CT. Furthermore, accuracy of PET-CT was compared to PET reviewed side by side with CT in a lesion-based analysis of 84 distant metastatic sites. Results In the visual interpretation, PET-CT (accuracy 88%, 74/84) was more accurate than PET (accuracy 78%, 66/84; P = .008) in characterizing the 84 potential metastatic sites in the 59 patients. Among the tumor parameters, the PET-CT tumor volume was the most accurate predictor of M1 stage and overall survival. With a threshold of 39 mL, PET-CT volume was able to predict M1 stage disease with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 85%. The accuracy of M-staging was increased further when combining tumor volume measurements with the results from the visual analysis (combined results: sensitivity 96%, specificity 94%). Conclusions PET-CT was more accurate than PET (reviewed side by side with CT) in characterizing distant metastatic sites of gastroesophageal junction carcinomas. The highest accuracy for M-staging was obtained when combining the results of the visual analysis with the results from primary tumor volume measurements. Primary tumor volume was shown to be an independent prognostic factor.
Gendered Narratives of Marital Dissolution in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale

This essay argues that Shakespeare’s late play The Winter’s Tale (c. 1610–1611) genders its interrelated narratives of blame and its competing genres. First, I argue that The Winter’s Tale presents...
Decreased mortality in patients with isolated severe blunt traumatic brain injury receiving higher plasma to packed red blood cells transfusion ratios.

Abstract Introduction Higher transfusion ratios of plasma to packed red blood cells (PRBC) and platelets (PLT) to PRBC have been shown to be associated with decreased mortality in major trauma patients. However, little is known about the effect of transfusion ratios on mortality in patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transfusion ratios on mortality in patients with isolated severe blunt TBI. We hypothesized that higher transfusion ratios of plasma to PRBC and PLT to PRBC are associated with a lower mortality rate in these patients. Methods Retrospective observational study. Patients with isolated severe blunt TBI (AIS head ≥ 3, AIS extracranial Results A total of 385 patients were included. Median age was 32 years (IQR 2–50), 71.4% were male, and 76.6% had an ISS ≥ 16. Plasma:PRBC transfusion ratios ≥ 1 were identified as an independent predictor for decreased in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.43 [CI 0.22–0.81]). PLT:PRBC transfusion ratios ≥ 1 were not significantly associated with mortality (adjusted OR 0.39 [CI 0.08–1.92]). Conclusion This study revealed plasma to PRBC transfusion ratios ≥ 1 as an independent predictor for decreased in-hospital mortality in patients with isolated severe blunt TBI.
MRI proton density fat fraction is robust across the biologically plausible range of triglyceride spectra in adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) estimation requires spectral modeling of the hepatic triglyceride (TG) signal. Deviations in the TG spectrum may occur, leading to bias in PDFF quantification. Purpose To investigate the effects of varying six-peak TG spectral models on PDFF estimation bias. Study Type Retrospective secondary analysis of prospectively acquired clinical research data. Population Forty-four adults with biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Field Strength/Sequence Confounder-corrected chemical-shift-encoded 3T MRI (using a 2D multiecho gradient-recalled echo technique with magnitude reconstruction) and MR spectroscopy. Assessment In each patient, 61 pairs of colocalized MRI-PDFF and MRS-PDFF values were estimated: one pair used the standard six-peak spectral model, the other 60 were six-peak variants calculated by adjusting spectral model parameters over their biologically plausible ranges. MRI-PDFF values calculated using each variant model and the standard model were compared, and the agreement between MRI-PDFF and MRS-PDFF was assessed. Statistical Tests MRS-PDFF and MRI-PDFF were summarized descriptively. Bland–Altman (BA) analyses were performed between PDFF values calculated using each variant model and the standard model. Linear regressions were performed between BA biases and mean PDFF values for each variant model, and between MRI-PDFF and MRS-PDFF. Results Using the standard model, mean MRS-PDFF of the study population was 17.9 ± 8.0% (range: 4.1–34.3%). The difference between the highest and lowest mean variant MRI-PDFF values was 1.5%. Relative to the standard model, the model with the greatest absolute BA bias overestimated PDFF by 1.2%. Bias increased with increasing PDFF (P < 0.0001 for 59 of the 60 variant models). MRI-PDFF and MRS-PDFF agreed closely for all variant models (R2 = 0.980, P < 0.0001). Data Conclusion Over a wide range of hepatic fat content, PDFF estimation is robust across the biologically plausible range of TG spectra. Although absolute estimation bias increased with higher PDFF, its magnitude was small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
The Future of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging: Expanding Our Reach and Enhancing Our Value

In its short life, Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging has become one of the leading journals on the application of imaging in cardiovascular disease. Starting a journal from the ground up that has achieved such success is a singular accomplishment and a real tribute to the outstanding leadership, creativity, and diligence of Marcelo Di Carli and his editorial team. As the incoming Editor-in-Chief, I speak for our entire editorial team that we are very excited and deeply honored to take over the reins of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging from Marcelo and his team and to build on their success. I would also like to add a personal note of appreciation to Marcelo for his invaluable assistance in helping guide our team, particularly me, through the transition. Moreover, I want to thank Joe Hill and the team at Circulation for their gracious and incredibly helpful support and for permitting us to use or modify many of their innovations that have led to the tremendous success of their journal. Finally, I want to acknowledge the invaluable support provided by Mark Estes, the Chair of the Scientific Publishing Committee, Karen Barry, the Director of Journal Operations, and Heather Goodell, the Vice President for Scientific Publishing, throughout this entire process. It is clear that the importance of journals such as Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging will only continue to grow. There are numerous drivers of this growth. For example, given the burgeoning evidence that common cardiovascular diseases represent an amalgamation of constantly evolving subtypes determined, in part, by their epigenomics, macro- and microenvironment, and response to therapy, it is clear that the clinical applicability of preclinical models of various cardiovascular diseases is becoming more limited. As a result, the application of advanced multimodality imaging tools in humans will expand well beyond their typical role of disease detection, risk assessment, …
Extrinsic Phagocyte-Dependent STING Signaling Dictates the Immunogenicity of Dying Cells

The ability of dying cells to activate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is carefully controlled to avoid unwarranted inflammatory responses. Here, we show that engulfed cells containing cytosolic double-stranded DNA species (viral or synthetic) or cyclic di-nucleotides (CDNs) are able to stimulate APCs via extrinsic STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling, to promote antigen cross-presentation. In the absence of STING agonists, dying cells were ineffectual in the stimulation of APCs in trans. Cytosolic STING activators, including CDNs, constitute cellular danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) only generated by viral infection or following DNA damage events that rendered tumor cells highly immunogenic. Our data shed insight into the molecular mechanisms that drive appropriate anti-tumor adaptive immune responses, while averting harmful autoinflammatory disease, and provide a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Abenomics’ Third Arrow: Fostering Future Competitiveness?

The state of Japan’s economy played a significant role in the 2017 House of Representatives election, but not in the way that it had during the almost three decades since economic growth slowed dramatically in the early 1990s. The “third arrow” of Abenomics was not a point of electoral vulnerability for the LDP, and did not see significant electoral contention. However, Japan has witnessed an impressive number of reforms. Much of the specific industrial technology targeting resembles previous historical industrial policy, but there is at least normative support for many of the underlying institutions of the Silicon Valley model in finance, human capital, university-industry-government ties, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Augmentative–Alternative Communication

Augmentative–alternative communication (AAC) are devices that can be produced through either high-level or low-level technology. These devices are used to provide communication for those individuals who have (1) deafness or hearing loss such that it precludes the use of speech; (2) neuromuscular disorders affecting speech; (3) paralysis affecting the vocal mechanisms; (4) visual impairment to the extent that the ability to read print is impaired; and (5) cognitive abilities that prevent them from normal communication. This article focuses on AAC necessary to maximize the fullest potential of students with special needs.
Dopamine D3 Receptors

The discovery of dopamine receptor subtypes provides an opportunity to develop receptor subtype-specific drugs which could improve the therapeutic index (TI) associated with dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson’s disease. The first generation ergot-derivative direct-acting dopamine receptor agonists are fairly nonspecific agonists of all dopamine receptors. A number of second generation direct-acting dopamine receptor agonists have recently received marketing approval. Among these, ropinirole and pramipexole show appreciable affinity for D3 receptors; indeed, pramipexole appears to be D3 receptor-preferring. Using these agents, it may be possible to determine if D3 receptor agonists confer a therapeutic advantage over the first-generation dopamine receptor agonists.
Technology as a mediating tool: videoconferencing, L2 learning, and learner autonomy

This study qualitatively and quantitatively investigated synchronous (real-time) computer-mediated communication (SCMC), via Zoom (https://zoom.us) videoconferencing, to explore second language (L2...
Aristotle East and West: Between Aristotle and Plotinus

The story of the diffusion of Aristotelianism during the centuries after Aristotle's death is a long and tangled one. The works making up the Corpus Aristotelicum as we know it seem to have originated as notes written for lectures to students in the Lyceum. Aristotle also wrote a number of more popular works, the so-called “exoteric” writings which today survive only in fragments. Among these is the Protrepticus , whose treatment of energeia was discussed in Chapter 1. There is general agreement that the exoteric works were in circulation during the Hellenistic period, and that as late as the second century a.d. they still formed the main basis for the educated public's understanding of Aristotle. The fate of the school treatises is more obscure. According to a story told by Strabo and Plutarch, “Aristotle's books” passed at his death into the hands of Theophrastus, Aristotle's student and colleague, and the second head of the Lyceum. Theophrastus in turn bequeathed them to Neleus of Skepsis, who removed them to his hometown. There they languished in obscurity until they were recovered toward the end of the second century b.c. by Apellicon, a bibliophile who brought them to Athens. He published a faulty and apparently little noticed edition. Finally, about the middle of the first century b.c. , a corrected edition was published by a professional Aristotelian scholar named Andronicus of Rhodes. All subsequent manuscripts of the school treatises ultimately rely on this Andronican edition.
Medical Management of Gastroparesis: Diet and Medications

Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying with associated symptoms of nausea, postprandial fullness, bloating, upper abdominal pain, early satiety, and, with more severe disease, vomiting in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The most common causes of gastroparesis are idiopathic, diabetic, and postsurgical. Metoclopramide is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of gastroparesis. In patients with diabetic gastroparesis, incretin-based medications (e.g., the amylin analog, pramlintide) and GLP-1 analogs (e.g., exenatide, liraglutide) may delay gastric emptying. The general principles of dietary management are based on measures that optimize gastric emptying (e.g., blenderized, low-fat, low-fiber diet) while meeting the patient’s nutritional requirements. There is still considerable unmet need for the medical management of gastroparesis. Novel pharmacotherapy with prucalopride and relamorelin is promising, and endoscopic or laparoscopic interventions (considered elsewhere in this book) may change the landscape of therapeutic interventions for treatment of gastroparesis.
Compensation vs. Qualified Dividends for Shareholder-Employees After the TCJA

One important question facing shareholder-employees of small, closely-held C corporations is how to pay themselves for working in and/or running their corporations. Traditionally, C corporation shareholder-employees have been advised to pay themselves compensation instead of dividends, because compensation is generally deductible by the corporation, whereas dividends are not. The payment of compensation has been viewed as one way to mitigate the double taxation of C corporation net income. The combined amount of individual and corporate income taxes and employment taxes if the payment is in the form of compensation was typically smaller than if the payment were made in the form of qualified dividends. Thus, there has been a tendency for corporations to pay compensation rather than dividends to shareholder-employees. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) has changed all that beginning in 2018. The reduction in the marginal tax rate for C corporations to 21 percent (down from 35 percent), the reduction in individual tax rates, and the retention of special low tax rates on qualified dividends substantially reduce the combined amount of taxes on qualified dividends relative to that on the same amount of compensation. We found that the combined amount of taxes on qualified dividends is less than that on compensation in many instances, especially when the amount of the payment to the shareholder-employee is $150,000 or less. This finding is significant because most small business owners take a yearly salary of less than $100,000.
Exposing Study on Secessionism in Indonesia

The purpose of this paper is to systematically explore literatures on secessionism in Indonesia. The archipelagic country is well known for having a long history of dealing with the problem of secessionism. With the perennial problem of secessionism coupled with ethnic and religious conflicts erupting in many parts of the country, particularly during the 2000s, some observers even wondered whether Indonesia would be able to survive and to maintain its unity. Despite a considerable analysis has been given to the problem, at present, none of works has paid attention to draw a map regarding the landscape of the study. As a result, we know little about the nature of study on secession in Indonesia. This paucity is strange particularly when one considers that an exploration on the issue is important to help observers to find the gap within the recent researches. This paper finds a review of relevant literatures on the topic in general can be summed up into three groups based on their analysis units: secessionist groups, the state, and international community or foreign powers. The first cluster of researches focuses on secessionist movements such as their tactics and strategies as well as organizational structure. The second cluster discusses state’s counter-policies against secessionists. The third cluster explores the roles as well as the impacts of external actors or foreign powers in secessionist conflicts.
Optimal spatial aggregation of space–time models and applications

Abstract Cancers are serious health concerns for every country. In the U.S. various cancer data are collected, monitored, and studied by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Since the data involves both spatial and temporal components, space–time models are useful for their analyses. Often these data (such as cancer rates) from varying geographical or political areas will be aggregated spatially to correspond to larger regions for analysis at that spatial scale. Methods to compare spatial aggregation schemes and to identify the optimal spatial aggregation are introduced. Specifically, some useful theorems and algorithms to determine the aggregation scheme that results in the minimum aggregate model error will be given, and they are demonstrated using the U.S. ovarian cancer incidence.
$L$ -Band Ocean Surface Roughness

Surface wave spectral properties of centimeter to decameter (cmDm) wavelengths are of great interest to microwave remote sensing of the ocean. They are obviously different from the high-frequency extension of the wind-wave spectrum models developed for ocean science and engineering applications, which focus on the longer waves in the energetic peak region of the wave spectrum. For more than six decades, the cmDm waves are generally considered to be in the equilibrium range, and its spectral function has a constant slope: −5 or −4 in the 1-D frequency spectrum, and −3 or −2.5 in the 1-D wavenumber spectrum. The observed wind-wave spectral slopes, however, are not constant. As a result, the cmDm wave properties are significantly different from those inferred from an equilibrium spectrum model. Surface slope measurements are more suited for studying the cmDm waves. Microwave radar backscattering cross sections have been used to study the shorter range of cmDm waves. L-band lowpass-filtered mean square slope (LPMSS) is contributed by waves longer than about 0.6 m, here referred to as the decimeter to decameter (dmDm) waves. The analysis of LPMSS has improved the modeling of dmDm waves. Ultimately, the spectral slope variation is a critical characteristic of cmDm waves. The wave spectrum model formulated with the variable spectral slope consideration produces very good agreement with L-band scatterometer and reflectometer measurements.
Emergent properties of branching morphologies modulate the sensitivity of coral calcification to high PCO2.

ABSTRACT Experiments with coral fragments (i.e. nubbins) have shown that net calcification is depressed by elevated PCO2. Evaluating the implications of this finding requires scaling of results from nubbins to colonies, yet the experiments to codify this process have not been carried out. Building from our previous research demonstrating that net calcification of Pocillopora verrucosa (2–13 cm diameter) was unaffected by PCO2 (400 and 1000 µatm) and temperature (26.5 and 29.7°C), we sought generality to this outcome by testing how colony size modulates PCO2 and temperature sensitivity in a branching acroporid. Together, these taxa represent two of the dominant lineages of branching corals on Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Two trials conducted over 2 years tested the hypothesis that the seasonal range in seawater temperature (26.5 and 29.2°C) and a future PCO2 (1062 µatm versus an ambient level of 461 µatm) affect net calcification of an ecologically relevant size range (5–20 cm diameter) of colonies of Acropora hyacinthus. As for P. verrucosa, the effects of temperature and PCO2 on net calcification (mg day−1) of A. verrucosa were not statistically detectable. These results support the generality of a null outcome on net calcification of exposing intact colonies of branching corals to environmental conditions contrasting seasonal variation in temperature and predicted future variation in PCO2. While there is a need to expand beyond an experimental culture relying on coral nubbins as tractable replicates, rigorously responding to this need poses substantial ethical and logistical challenges.
Metabolism of deoxycholic acid in bile fistula patients

Although it has been assumed that the secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid is not rehydroxylated by the human liver, little direct evidence is available to support this assumption. To investigate the metabolism of deoxycholic acid in man, deoxycholic acid-(14)C was given intravenously to two patients with complete external bile fistulas. After hydrolysis of the bile salts and chromatographic separation of bile acids, more than 94% of the radioactivity was found in deoxycholic acid and the remainder was scattered in several small unidentified peaks, none of which was cholic acid. Approximately 85% of deoxycholate was excreted as glycine conjugates and 13% as taurine conjugates in this experiment. No detectable sulfate esters were found. These results indicate that the metabolism of deoxycholic acid in man involves only the reconjugation with glycine and taurine without rehydroxylation to cholic acid or sulfation.
Racial residential segregation and risky sexual behavior among non-Hispanic blacks, 2006-2010.

Abstract Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have disproportionately affected the non-Hispanic black population in the United States. A person's community can affect his or her STI risk by the community's underlying prevalence of STIs, sexual networks, and social influences on individual behaviors. Racial residential segregation—the separation of racial groups in a residential context across physical environments—is a community factor that has been associated with negative health outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine if non-Hispanic blacks living in highly segregated areas were more likely to have risky sexual behavior. Demographic and sexual risk behavior data from non-Hispanic blacks aged 15–44 years participating in the National Survey of Family Growth were linked to Core-Based Statistical Area segregation data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Five dimensions measured racial residential segregation, each covering a different concept of spatial variation. Multilevel logistic regressions were performed to test the effect of each dimension on sexual risk behavior controlling for demographics and community poverty. Of the 3643 participants, 588 (14.5%) reported risky sexual behavior as defined as two or more partners in the last 12 months and no consistent condom use. Multilevel analysis results show that racial residential segregation was associated with risky sexual behavior with the association being stronger for the centralization [aOR (95% CI)][2.07 (2.05–2.08)] and concentration [2.05 (2.03–2.07)] dimensions. This suggests risky sexual behavior is more strongly associated with neighborhoods with high concentrations of non-Hispanic blacks and an accumulation of non-Hispanic blacks in an urban core. Findings suggest racial residential segregation is associated with risky sexual behavior in non-Hispanic blacks 15–44 years of age with magnitudes varying by dimension. Incorporating additional contextual factors may lead to the development of interventions that promote healthier behaviors and lower rates of HIV and other STIs.
Metastasis of soft-tissue myoepithelial carcinoma to clivus.

The differential diagnosis for masses involving the clivus is broad. The authors present a case of myoepithelial carcinoma metastatic to the clivus, a lesion that has not been reported to their knowledge. This 14-year-old girl with a history of myoepithelial carcinoma originating in the soft tissues of the left hip and metastatic to the lung presented with left lateral gaze palsy. Imaging demonstrated a 3 × 3–cm osteolytic mass in the clivus. Microscopic transsphenoidal resection with endoscopic assistance was performed. Pathological findings were consistent with the previously diagnosed myoepithelial carcinoma. Within 4 weeks postoperatively and 2 weeks into a chemotherapeutic regimen, the tumor exhibited progression. Radiation therapy was started and growth of the tumor was halted. Myoepithelial carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for clival masses, especially in patients with previously diagnosed myoepithelial carcinoma. The primary management of this tumor should be with chemoth...
Toxic factors in human urine that injure urothelium.

Aim: Loss of the lower urinary permeability barrier and passive potassium cycling into tissue are an initiating event in interstitial cystitis. We tested whether a low molecular weight cytotoxic fraction from normal urine causes sensitivity to intravesical potassium in rats and whether the sulfated anionic polysaccharide pentosan polysulfate can neutralize this fraction's cytotoxic activity. Methods: A low molecular weight (> 100 < 3500) toxic urinary fraction was prepared from normal human urine by dialysis and the lyophilized, salt free product (toxic factor) further investigated. Anaesthetized adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received intravesical sodium or potassium, and urodynamic parameters, including number of voids and non-voiding contractions, were recorded. Then protamine sulfate, rehydrated toxic factor, or toxic factor plus pentosan polysulfate was infused, followed by potassium, and urodynamic measurements repeated. The toxic factor was evaluated in a commercial cytotoxicity protocol using cultured rat urothelial cells. Results: Rat bladder non-voiding contractions increased markedly over baseline when potassium was infused after toxic factor (1.681 ± 0.1131 non-voiding contractions/min; P = 0.0004) but not after toxic factor premixed with pentosan polysulfate. Toxic factor had a significant (P < 0.001) cytotoxic effect in cultured rat bladder epithelial cells; toxic factor plus pentosan polysulfate was significantly less cytotoxic than toxic factor alone (P < 0.007). Conclusions: Normal urine contains a cationic cytotoxic factor that increases urothelial permeability by injuring the mucosa, allowing potassium to penetrate the urothelium and depolarize the underlying nerves and muscles. Pentosan polysulfate neutralizes the toxic factor, attenuates urothelial damage, and suppresses potassium-mediated bladder hyperactivity.
Interpretation and the Problem of Domination: Paul Ricoeur's Hermeneutics.

Hermeneutics, or the science of interpretation,is well accepted in the humanities. In thefield of education, hermeneutics has played arelatively marginal role in research. It isthe task of this essay to introduce thegeneral methods and findings of Paul Ricoeur'shermeneutics. Specifically, the essayinterprets the usefulness of Ricoeur'sphilosophy in the study of domination. Theproblem of domination has been a target ofanalysis for critical pedagogy since itsinception. However, the role of interpretationas a constitutive part of ideology critique isrelatively understudied and it is here thatRicoeur's ideas are instructive. Last, theessay radicalizes Ricoeur's insights in orderto realize their potential to disruptasymmetrical relations of power in education. To this extent, the author contributes to thebuilding of a critical brand of hermeneutics,or the interpretation of domination.
Accessibility in the Field of Education

Accessibility of documents in electronic format is an important element of the e-inclusion process. An aspect that needs further investigation is the connection between the general problem of accessibility and the specific application domains. An interesting example is represented by Education, because an intense use of the ICT is foreseen in it. By means of the use of scenarios, a description of the relationships between technologies for Education and Accessibility is analyzed in three different situations: a current class with typically employed technologies, a class where all existing technologies are used and a third scenario in which the learning environment is an intelligent environment. The comparison highlights in particular the differences between technologies, accessibility problems and approaches for their solution.
Surviving Exemption: Should the Church Exemption to ERISA Still Be in Effect?

The question of the religious exemption to the Employee Retirement Income Security Program, commonly known as ERISA, is particularly appropriate now in light of the current sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church (the Church). ... C. Reasoning Behind the Church Plan Exemption ... Another reason for exemption may be that churches were not seen as part of the pension plan crisis that was contemporary with ERISA's enactment. ... However, it is important to note that the recommendations of the USCCB in regards to clergy retirement are not binding, as each diocese is financially separate from any national body, as well as the Vatican. ... Chicago has no insurance of their pension fund, as there is no perceived threat of bankruptcy or challenge to the pension funds. ... The year 2002 saw the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, paying out $14.25 million to thirty-six sexual abuse victim claims, while the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, paid out almost $15 million in settling eleven lawsuits. ... Knowing negligence suits against a diocese on the conduct of a priest and his superiors, or criminal sexual charges against individual priests will not reach as far as the Pope on the liability trail, plaintiffs and prosecutors have attempted class action lawsuits, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) suits, and federal Mann Act (transportation across state lines for an immoral purpose) lawsuits, in an effort to expand the liability.
Fine structural studies of capillaries in NZB-NZW mice.

Abstract The fine structure of capillaries in young (12 weeks) and aging (40–52 weeks) NZB NZW F1 mice, using Strong A mice of the same sex and similar ages as controls, was studied. Electron dense deposits and irregularly thickened basement membranes were noted in glomerular capillaries of the aging NZB NZW mice. Irregular thickening of the basement membranes was present in the choroidal capillaries of aging NZB NZW mice, but electron dense deposits were not seen. Myocardial capillaries in aging mice of both strains contained an increased number of pinocytotic vesicles.
Effect of Nisin in Combination with EDTA, Sodium Lactate, and Potassium Sorbate for Reducing Salmonella on Whole and Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe

Nisin (50 microg/ml), EDTA (0.02 M, disodium salt), sodium lactate (NaL, 2%), and potassium sorbate (KS, 0.02%) were tested individually and in various combinations as sanitizer treatments for reducing Salmonella on whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe. Whole cantaloupe and fresh-cut pieces were inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of Salmonella to give 4.76 +/- 0.23 log CFU/cm2 and 3.42 +/- 0.13 log CFU/g, respectively. Inoculated whole melons and fresh-cut pieces were stored at 5 degrees C for 7 days. Washing treatments were applied to inoculated whole melons at days 0, 3, and 7 of storage, and surviving bacterial populations were determined. The effect of the washing treatments on transfer of Salmonella to fresh-cut pieces prepared immediately after treatment was also determined. Directly inoculated fresh-cut pieces were treated at day 0, and surviving bacteria were enumerated at days 0, 3, and 7 of storage. The combination treatments of nisin-EDTA, nisin-NaL, nisin-KS, NaL-KS, and nisin-NaL-KS all resulted in reductions of approximately 3 log CFU/cm2 at day 0 for whole melons. When tested alone, all compounds, along with water washes, were ineffective. After 3 and 7 days of storage, the five combination washing treatments were less effective, resulting in reductions of approximately 2 log CFU/cm2. None of the combination treatments completely eliminated transfer of pathogen survivors to fresh-cut pieces. The combination treatments nisin-NaL, nisin-KS, NaL-KS, and nisin-NaL-KS, but not nisin-EDTA, gave significant (P < 0.05) reductions of Salmonella directly inoculated onto fresh-cut pieces. Washing with nisin-NaL-KS was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than the other three combination treatments, resulting in a reduction of 1.4 CFU/g. Inhibition by the four effective treatments carried over from day 0 through day 7 of storage, with no increase in the population of Salmonella on the stored fresh-cut pieces. Sensory evaluations indicated that treatment of fresh-cut pieces with nisin-NaL and NaL-KS, but not nisin-KS or nisin-NaL-KS, were acceptable in terms of appearance, odor, and overall acceptability. After the required regulatory approval, treatment of whole cantaloupe with nisin in combination with EDTA, NaL, KS, or NaL and KS and of fresh-cut pieces with nisin-NaL or NaL-KS could help ensure the microbiological safety of fresh-cut cantaloupe.
Recognition and treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

NMS remains a serious and unpredictable reaction to central nervous system dopamine blockade. Use of the more recent, flexible definition of NMS will ensure that patients with this syndrome receive prompt effective diagnosis and treatment. Supportive care, discontinuation of the neuroleptic drug, and administration of bromocriptine are the keys to appropriate management. For patients with hypertension, nifedipine may be a useful alternative or adjunctive treatment. Because these patients may not be able to communicate, the role of the emergency nurse includes not only administration of supportive and pharmacologic care but also reassurance that this frightening disorder is treatable, with improvement likely within 1 day.
Effect of exogenous progesterone on the rates of uterine blood flow and oxygen consumption of sheep in early pregnancy.

Progesterone was administered to 33 ewes which were between the 30th and 55th days of gestation, to see if it could change the rate (ml./kg/min) of uterine blood flow. In acute and in chronic experiments, rates were lower in treated animals. Administration of progesterone also appeared to be associated with a diminution in the rate of oxygen consumption (ml./kg/min) of the uterus and its contents. The significance of these observations to the interpretation of differences in rates of uterine blood flow and oxygen consumption which occur in normal pregnancy is discussed.
A study of the complexes of tetraphosphate with alkaline earth metal ions by acidimetric pH titrations

Abstract The complexes of sodium, potassium and lithium ions with tetraphosphate ion have been identified and their complexity constant have been evaluated on the basiss of the pH lowering due to complex formation during the titration of tetraphosphate ion with hydrogen ion. In the presence of an excess of metal ion the (1:1) complexes, to which one proton could be added, were predominant. The complexes and their over-all complexity constants at 25° with ionic strength adjusted to unity with tetramethyammonium chloride are KP4Ostaggered135−, β kpq = 101·71; K(HP4O13)4−, β k (hpq) = 101·11 NaP4O135−, β napq = 101·79; Na(HP4O13)4−, β na(hpq) = 101·10 LiP4O135−, β lipq = 102·64 . Li(HP4O13)4−, β lihpq = 101·59 The apparent acidity constants of tetraphosphoric acid in which metal complex formation was ignored were also determined. In the presence of 0·1, 0·3 and 1·0 M NaNO3 at 25°C pK6 had values of 7·54, 7·07 and 6·48 respectively, pK5 had values of 5·95, 5·52 and 4·96, while pK4 had values of 2·20, 1·78 and 1·30. No further protonation was detected.
Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and subsequent risk of HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic description of long-term adverse health effects of childhood sexual abuse is lacking, despite estimates that perhaps 30 percent of adults have experienced sexual assault in childhood. METHODS: In an adult cohort enrolled to investigate causes of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, we identified current behaviors affecting risk of infection that were associated with a history of early sexual abuse. One hundred and eighty-six individuals provided information on the occurrence of abuse and subsequent sexual and drug using activities. RESULTS: Approximately half of the women and one-fifth of the men reported a history of rape during childhood or adulthood. Twenty-eight percent of the women and 15 percent of the men recalled that they had been sexually assaulted during childhood. People who reported childhood rape compared with people who did not were four times more likely to be working as prostitutes (90 percent confidence interval = 2.0, 8.0). Women were nearly three times more likely to become pregnant before the age of 18 (90% CI = 1.6, 4.1). Men who reported a history of sexual abuse had a twofold increase in prevalence of HIV infection relative to unabused men (90% CI = 1.0, 3.9). CONCLUSIONS: The disturbing prevalence of early sexual abuse and its possible health-related consequences call for prompt and routine investigation of sexual abuse histories. Identification of sexual victimization may be an important component for management of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus. Language: en
Alcohol binding to the odorant binding protein LUSH: multiple factors affecting binding affinities.

Density function theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to investigate the binding of alcohols to the odorant binding protein LUSH from Drosophila melanogaster. LUSH is one of the few prot...
Femininity Ideology and Sexual Health in Young Women: A focus on Sexual Knowledge, Embodiment, and Agency

ABSTRACT Traditional femininity ideology is associated with diminished sexual agency in women; yet we know little about its connection to sexual knowledge or experiences of one's body during sex. This study examined how femininity ideology related to sexual health knowledge, body comfort during sex, condom self-efficacy, and sexual assertiveness in college-age women. Femininity ideologies were related to decreased sexual-risk knowledge and lowered body esteem during sex. Femininity ideologies were also related to decreased sexual assertiveness and condom use self-efficacy. Results highlight the importance of understanding the association between femininity ideologies and sexual knowledge acquisition as an aspect of sexual agency, as well as sexual embodiment, in addition to the more commonly studied sexual self-efficacy and assertiveness.
Confidentiality-preserving optimal power flow for cloud computing

In the field of power system engineering, the optimal power flow problem is essential in planning and operations. With increasing system size and complexity, the computational requirements needed to solve practical optimal power flow problems continues to grow. Increasing computational requirements make the possibility of performing these computations remotely with cloud computing appealing. However, power system structure and component values are often confidential; therefore, the problem cannot be shared. To address this issue of confidential information in cloud computing, some techniques for masking optimization problems have been developed. The work of this paper builds upon these techniques for optimization problems but is specifically developed for addressing the DC and AC optimal power flow problems. We study the application of masking a sample OPF using the IEEE 14-bus network.
Statistical mechanics of gravity and the thermodynamical origin of time

The lack of a statistical and thermodynamical theory of the gravitational field is pointed out. The possibility of developing such a theory is discussed, as well as its theoretical and cosmological relevance. The connection between this problem and the problem of physical time in (compact space) general relativity is emphasized. The idea that a preferred physical time variable is singled out by the statistical properties of the state is proposed. A scheme for a generally covariant statistical thermodynamics is put forward, by extending the Gibbs formalism to the presymplectic, or constrained, dynamical systems. This scheme is based on three equations. The first characterizes any statistical state; the second is the definition of a vector flow in terms of the statistical state; the third is an intrinsic definition of equilibrium. The vector flow of an equilibrium state is denoted thermodynamical time, and the suggestion is made that thermodynamical time is the internal time that carries all the 'common sense' characterizations of the notion of time. Finally, it is suggested that the issue of the second law of the thermodynamics could be reconsidered within this generally covariant framework.
Spurious changes in the ISCCP dataset

The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) data set for July 1983-December 1990 exhibits a long term decrease in mean cloud optical depth and mean cloudtop temperature which is large compared to the mean for this period. It is here suggested that this decrease is an artifact of incomplete normalization of the visible channel on successive polar orbiters employed as the ISCCP's calibration standard; more accurate calibration techniques are required for the establishment of long-term climate trends.
ARRHENIUS MODELING TO PREDICT GEOSYNTHETIC DEGRADATION

Abstract A methodology for the determination of the degradation of polymeric materials used in long-term applications such as landfill liners and covers, vertical and lateral expansions of solid waste facilities, retaining wall and slope reinforcement, etc., is the focus of this paper. Attention is placed on geomembrane barriers, but geotextile filters, geonet and geocomposite drains, geogrid and geotextile reinforcement and plastic pipe might also be involved. The predictive technique most widely used for polymer degradation (and explained throughout this paper) is based on a time-temperature superposition principle, and is called ‘Arrhenius modeling’ in this paper. It uses high-temperature incubation of the polymeric material in question followed by some type of laboratory testing, in order to extrapolate the experimental behavior to the site-specific, and lower, temperature. The tacit assumption involved is that the material's behavior within the high-temperature incubation range (as indicated by the activation energy, ‘Eact’) is constant within this range and can be extrapolated to the lower temperature behavior of practical interest. Assuming this to be the case (it is obviously a critical assumption and promises to be difficult with oriented geosynthetic products), the nature of the experiments used to identify the amount of degradation becomes very significant. We have outlined 13 candidate tests (there are undoubtedly more) for the evaluation of polymers commonly used to manufacture geosynthetics. They are grouped in the mechanical, physical and chemical test method categories. Each test method is described in some detail. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to predict how the various responses might behave in their elevated temperature test environments. Using these trends, an Arrhenius plot can be generated, and a prediction of degradation to a site-specific temperature should be possible to obtain. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate discussion (and even controversy) and, if warranted, an intensive research effort in this area. With a strong enough effort, a single geosynthetic material can be investigated by a number of different testing techniques to see if a consensus regarding degradation times is reached. At the minimum, such a broad-based approach should identify which testing method is preferred for use in Arrhenius modeling. At this point, that particular method(s) can be used on all of the different polymer materials used in a particular application to see which one possesses the best resistance to a specific type of degradation.