cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociology, Teaching, and Reflective Practice: Using Writing to Improve

The scholarly literature on teaching sociology contains relatively little about improving courses from one semester to the next. In this article, I describe a method for continual teaching improvement that is based on writing, the well-established practice of teacher reflection, and classical sociological principles. This method was developed through the analysis of nine semesters of autoethnographic data that I collected in the form of daily reflective notes. The benefits of this sociologically informed reflective practice include grounding evaluations of individual class periods and entire courses in empirical data, becoming more efficient with course preparation, providing one with a stronger sense of mastery as a teacher, and developing as a sociologist by using the classroom as a key site for engaging in praxis. This practice can help teachers refine individual courses, improve as an instructor in an overall sense and more deeply connect sociology to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Improvements in the diagnosis and management of aortoenteric fistula.

Summary To assess the impact of an aggressive approach (early operation, graft removal, and extraanatomic bypass) adopted by us 5 years ago in patients with aortic synthetic grafts and gastrointestinal bleeding, we reviewed our 15 year experience with aortoenteric fistula in 13 patients. The courses of six patients from the recent series (1979 through 1984) were contrasted with those of seven patients from our earlier series (1968 through 1978). Twelve of 13 patients presented with gastrointestinal bleeding (usually low volume), and no patient presented in shock. Six of seven patients in Series I (earlier series) had positive blood cultures, whereas only two of six in Series II (recent series) had this finding. Of the 13 patients, 10 underwent preoperative endoscopy. It was only with consistent visualization of third and fourth portions of the duodenum that a diagnosis of aortoenteric fistula was established (three of four patients 75 percent). Although the upper gastrointestinal series was abnormal more frequently (five of seven patients, 71 percent) than arteriograms (three of nine patients, 33 percent), the latter was more specific for a predisposing lesion. At surgery, nine (70 percent) patients had an anastomotic fistula and four (30 percent), a false aneurysm. Although only one of seven patients in Series I survived (14 percent), four of six patients in Series II were alive at last follow-up in September 1984 (67 percent). Early diagnosis followed by prompt operation with removal of the synthetic graft and extraanatomic bypass is associated with an improved survival for patients with aortoenteric fistula, but the degree of preoperative sepsis as indicated by positive blood cultures appears to be an important prognostic sign.
Porous Silica Xerogel Processing and Integration for ULSI Applications

With a tunable ultra low dielectric constant, porous silica xerogel is an attractive dielectric material for ULSI interconnect applications and is potentially extendable to multiple future technology nodes. Porous silica xerogel films have been processed and integrated into device test structures as ultra low k intermetal dielectrics. A fullyautomated thin film deposition process is recently developed and gives high throughput and good repeatability. A surface modification technique is used to make the films hydrophobic. The film dielectric constant is measured to be less than 2, depending on porosity. Because of the small pore sizes, the films display high dielectric break down strength. With proper shrinkage control, porous silica xerogel shows excellent gapfill capabilities. Integration of the porous silica xerogel material into CMP planarized double level metal (DLM) test structures with both Al and W plugs in a gapfill scheme is successful. Porous silica xerogel structures provide 14% and 35% total capacitance reduction compared to structures with hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) and high density plasma (HDP) oxide respectively. Reliability and current leakage data of porous silica xerogel are comparable to that of HSQ. Feasibility of integrating porous silica xerogel into Cu damascene structures is also demonstrated. Cu/xerogel damascene structures exhibit improvements in both resistance and capacitance compared with convention Al/Oxide gapfill structures.
Binaural beats at high frequencies

Binaural beats have long been believed to be audible only at low frequencies, but an interaction reminiscent of a binaural beat can sometimes be heard when different two-tone complexes of high frequency are presented to the two ears. The primary requirement is that the frequency separation in the complex at one ear be slightly different from that in the other--that is, that there be a small interaural difference in the envelope periodicities. This finding is in accord with other recent demonstrations that the auditory system is not deaf to interaural time differences at high frequencies.
Describing and segmenting scenes from imperfect and incomplete data

Abstract Usually shape description systems assume that a scene has been segmented into objects and that object boundaries are given. This, however, is not realistic when working with intensity images. Such images do not, in general, yield silhouettes corresponding to objects. The boundaries from such images are fragmented and contain surface markings and shadow and noise boundaries. The system we describe works with such input and computes shape descriptions of complex objects. Scene segmentation takes place through shape description. We use ribbons or 2D analogs of generalized cones for the basic shape representation. The key idea in our approach is the Finiteness Observation, which says that an object/object part is not infinite in extent, rather that it is terminated by a boundary or another object part. This observation is embodied in the Principle of Termination developed specifically for ribbons. We also develop the Same-sidedness and the Non-overlapping Observations to obtain parts of compound objects from imperfect and incomplete data. We exploit these observations and principle in the system that we develop. We show results for several synthetic and real intensity images of objects (simple and compound) with broken boundaries in the presence of shadows, reflectance boundaries, texture, and occlusion. The output of our system is useful for object recognition, learning new models, stereo and motion correspondence and navigation, inference of 3D orientation from a single 2D image, and grasping for robot hand-eye coordination.
Dielectric-covered waveguide longitudinal slots

The presence of a dielectric substrate can alter the characteristics of the individual slots and considerably affect the mutual coupling. To analyze or design such an array, a procedure that includes the above effects is presented. It is based on work by R.S. Elliott et al. (1984) on the analysis and design of similar arrays without the dielectric cover. The authors show how the method is used to study the effect of the cover on the slots' resonant length, resonant admittance, and mutual coupling. >
Network meta-analysis for indirect treatment comparisons

I present methods for assessing the relative effectiveness of two treatments when they have not been compared directly in a randomized trial but have each been compared to other treatments. These network meta-analysis techniques allow estimation of both heterogeneity in the effect of any given treatment and inconsistency ('incoherence') in the evidence from different pairs of treatments. A simple estimation procedure using linear mixed models is given and used in a meta-analysis of treatments for acute myocardial infarction.
Effluent Limitations and the NPDES Permit

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is the mechanism developed in the CWA to specify numeric limitations for effluent from both industrial facilities and POTWs. In the 1972 CWA, Congress authorized the newly-organized Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop, promulgate, and enforce NPDES requirements. Uniform numeric limitations for industry are specified in two forms. The first is by substance: EPA is directed to develop a list of allowable limitations for both “conventional pollutants,” which were widely recognized as of 1972, and “priority pollutants,” consisting largely of toxic substances about which information was and is still emerging. The second is by industrial category: numeric limitations are listed for each of a range of industry groups (categories) selected by EPA according to facility types likely to have similar wastewater characteristics and problems, and similarity of the treatment technologies likely to be successful in removing pollutants from wastewater typical of that industry's characteristics. These categorical standards within a given industry recognize two types of discharges: direct discharges into waters of the United States and indirect discharges into municipal wastewater systems, known as “pretreatment” standards, because after onsite treatment, the discharges are intermingled and treated again by the receiving POTW. For some substances in some industry categories, the specified numeric limitations are somewhat different for direct and for indirect discharges. Keywords: clean water act (CWA); publicly owned treatment works (POTW); national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES); conventional pollutants; priority pollutants; pretreatment; best practicable control technologies (BPT); suspended solids; biochemical oxygen demanding substances (BOD); fecal coliform; acidity (pH); best available technology (BAT)
Depth control of some concordant intrusions

Analysis of geologic data from 54 localities, mainly in the western United States, shows that concordant igneous masses intruded zones in nearly flat-lying sedimentary rocks where the thickness of cover was 3000 to 7500 feet. The depth of intrusion was apparently affected by a well-defined parting surface (bedding plane or unconformity), static load of the overburden (lithostatic pressure), and presence of a fluid barrier above the intrusion. Most bodies intruded along well-defined bedding planes in sedimentary rocks and flow surfaces in extrusive igneous rocks; some intruded along unconformities. The range in overburden pressure is about 3000 to 7500 psi for intrusions at depths of 3000 to 7500 feet. Magma pressure for lateral injection at the lower limit of the depth range, therefore, must have exceeded 7500 psi to lift 7500 feet of overburden. A fluid barrier, such as a shale, overlies almost all intrusions studied and tended to retard upward advance of magma. At depths less than 3000 feet, the barrier shales may be brittle and easily ruptured by the fluid pressure, permitting steam and magma to escape to the surface. Below 3000 feet the shales may become ductile.
Contesting Community: The Limits and Potential of Local Organizing – By James DeFilippis, Robert Fisher and Eric Shragge

A review of the book "Contesting Community: The Limits & Potential of Local Organizing," by James DeFilippis, Robert Fisher and Eric Shragge is presented.
MORNINGNESS-EVENINGNESS PREFERENCES OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE RESIDENTS ARE SKEWED TOWARD EVENINGNESS

Objective: To determine the morningness-eveningness (ME) distribution of emergency medicine (EM) residents. Method: A voluntary, modified ME questionnaire was administered to all EM residents in the United States at the time of the 1995 American Board of Emergency Medicine's annual In-Training Examination. Results: Seventy-eight percent (2,047/2,614) of the surveys were returned. ME scores ranged from 24 to 76, with a median score of 49 (interquartile range 44, 56). The scores were distributed differently from those of the normal population (p < 0.001), being skewed toward eveningness. There was a correlation (r = 0.13, p < 0.0001) between resident age and ME score, with older residents being more morning-oriented. Males were more morning-oriented than females (p = 0.005), and respondents with children living at home also were significantly more morning-oriented (p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression showed that the influence of age, gender, and children was cumulative (r = 0.19) but accounted for only 4% of the observed variability. Conclusion: EM residents are distributed differently from the normal population in terms of their ME preferences, tending slightly toward eveningness. The importance of this distribution in EM residents is unknown. A longitudinal follow-up of this cohort may help to determine the association of ME preference with overall practice satisfaction, tolerance of shift work, and career longevity. The authors thank Barbara McClusky and Jayna Ross for data entry and management, Linda L. Smith for manuscript preparation, James C. Impara, PhD, and Ted Carter, Buros Institute of Mental Measurements, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for their statistical assistance, and the staff at SAEM (particularly Mary Ann Schropp). This study was performed under the authorization of the Inservice Examination Survey Task Force of SAEM.
Choosing Between Promising and Crowded Industries: How Does the Venture Capital Industry Fare in Each?

Incredible profits from Initial Public Offerings have been highly emphasized. This paper refutes these profits as being standard and supports the market's return to normalcy by stratifying annual and cumulative returns for different industries: Biotechnology; Communications; Computer Related companies; Medical, Health and Life Science industries; Non-High-Technology companies; and Semiconductor and Other Electronics Industries. This paper tests whether an entrepreneur has greater potential for success in continually promising fields or whether one should slug it out in a risky but potentially very rewarding industry. A comparison of success is made between already competitive businesses and those, which are young and growing.
Geologic implications of microfossils in submarine volcanics

Samples of basalt and palagonite tuff-breccia dredged from the East Pacific Rise and Eickelberg Ridge in the northeast Pacific contain Foraminifera, diatoms, and other microorganisms associated with sediments. Microfossils are found in large vesicles in the interior of the rock. Palagonite tuff-breccias include sediments containing microfossils. It is shown that these fossils and sediments were incorporated in the basalts and palagonite tuff-breccias during eruptions. Samples from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and from Iceland substantiate this thesis. A model for submarine eruptions, which is an extension of Nayudu’s hypothesis for the origin of guyots, is presented. This model suggests that considerable reworking of sediments occurs during submarine eruptions. It is further concluded that: (1) Turbidity currents are generated by submarine eruptions; (2) These turbidity currents provide a mechanism for transport of volcanic material on the sea floor, which may produce graded sediments; (3) Low-velocity layers on the margins of the ridges, rises, and sea-mounts are primary pillow-palagonite tuff-breccias with intercalated sediments ranging in density from 2.00 – 2.6 g/cc. (4) Interpretation of the age of truncation of some seamounts based on fossils contained in volcanic breccias are questionable. On the contrary, these fossils may suggest the maximum age of the eruption. Observations presented on the role of submarine volcanism further suggest that some interpretations of age relations in the geologic column may need re-evaluation.
Assessment of beech scale resistance in full- and half-sibling American beech families

A beech bark disease infested American beech tree (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) and two uninfested trees were selected in a mature natural stand in Michigan, USA, and mated to form two full-sib familie...
Decisional Capacity of Patients With Schizophrenia to Consent to Research: Taking Stock

With the growth in recent years of studies of decisional capacity for research among people with schizophrenia, this is an opportune time to ask three questions: What have we learned from these studies? What remains to be learned? And what normative issues still need to be resolved? Among the things learned are that patients with schizophrenia, as a group, have lower scores on measures of decisional capacity than normals, but higher performance than patients with dementia. However, performance is highly variable within the group, correlates most strongly with neuropsychological impairment, and seems susceptible in many patients to successful remediation. The issues that remain in need of exploration include the development of a brief screening instrument for decisional capacity that can be used routinely, and the identification of those patients most likely to benefit from more intensive informational procedures. Finally, among the normative issues still in need of resolution are the degree of capacity needed to consent to research participation, how to deal with fluctuating capacity during research projects, and the legitimate extent of surrogate consent for participation of incompetent patients in research.
Distribution of Matrix Cracks in a Uniaxial Ceramic Composite

Conventional shear-lag analyses of matrix cracking and debonding in uniaxial composites loaded in tension predict that the matrix stress varies only very slowly with position except near existing cracks. It therefore follows that the location of subsequent cracks is very sensitive to minor local variations in matrix strength, leading to significant statistical variation in crack spacing. This question is investigated using a discrete random process model of a composite and by direct experimental measurements of crack spacing. In the limit of a completely homogeneous composite, it is shown that the crack spacing distribution tends to an inverse square distribution between the theoretical maximum spacing and half that value. The random process model recovers this behavior in the limit and exhibits an approximately Weibull distribution of crack spacings when the matrix strength has significant variance. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results obtained for a unidirectional ceramic-matrix composite (SiC fibers in a calcium aluminosilicate matrix). The experimental results exhibit features similar to those predicted by the model and are compatible with a matrix strength whose standard deviation is of the order of 40% of the mean strength. An important point is that, with this magnitude of strength variation, the material exhibits a significant size effect and it is essential to take this into account in estimating the mean crack spacing from the corresponding mean matrix properties.
An RFID Based Smart Feeder for Hummingbirds

We present an interdisciplinary effort to record feeding behaviors and control the diet of a hummingbird species (Phaethornis longirostris, the long-billed hermit or LBH) by developing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based smart feeder. The system contains an RFID reader, a microcontroller, and a servo-controlled hummingbird feeder opener; the system is presented as a tool for studying the cognitive ability of the LBH species. When equipped with glass capsule RFID tags (which are mounted on the hummingbird), the smart feeder can provide specific diets for predetermined sets of hummingbirds at the discretion of biologists. This is done by reading the unique RFID tag on the hummingbirds and comparing the ID number with the pre-programmed ID numbers stored in the smart feeder. The smart feeder records the time and ID of each hummingbird visit. The system data is stored in a readily available SD card and is powered by two 9 V batteries. The detection range of the system is approximately 9–11 cm. Using this system, biologists can assign the wild hummingbirds to different experimental groups and monitor their diets to determine if they develop a preference to any of the available nectars. During field testing, the smart feeder system has demonstrated consistent detection (when compared to detections observed by video-recordings) of RFID tags on hummingbirds and provides pre-designed nectars varying water and sugar concentrations to target individuals. The smart feeder can be applied to other biological and environmental studies in the future.
Commentary on the Chapter by Penner and CadwalladerOlsker, “Gender Differences in Mathematics and Science Achievement Across the Distribution: What International Variation Can Tell Us About the Role of Biology and Society”

In their chapter, Penner and CadwalladerOlsker combine TIMSS data with country data from the United Nations, World Bank, and other resources to give two primary results related to mathematics performance by sex. First, they cast doubt on the utility of biological causes as an effective explanation of gender differences in mathematics performance on the TIMSS. Second, since gender differences in math scores depend on social factors, they investigate which country-level factors matter most in explaining those differences. The argument provides far greater insight to the question of gender and mathematics than simple comparison studies, establishing an excellent model for future research. At the same time, the results are macro-level results for a field that has struggled historically with macro-level solutions, thus raising the issue of the implications of this work for addressing gender equity.
Imaging spinal infection

Abstract Infection involving the vertebral column, including the bone, intervertebral disk, and paravertebral soft tissues is critical and early diagnosis and directed treatment is paramount. Different infectious organisms present with variable imaging characteristics, which when examined in conjunction with the clinical history, can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and ultimately prevent patient morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the pathophysiology of infection of the vertebral column, as well as the imaging findings of bacterial, tuberculous, and fungal spondylitis/spondylodiskitis. We review the imaging findings utilizing plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as a discussion regarding advanced imaging techniques.
Management of tic douloureux.

No one medical regimen or surgical procedure has proved ideal for treating tic douloureux. However, gratifying relief from the severe pain is possible with one or more of the therapeutic measures discussed here.
Environmentally friendly procedure for the aqueous oxidation of benzyl alcohols to aldehydes with dibromodimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) and cyclodextrin: Scope and mechanistic insights

ABSTRACTReported herein is an environmentally friendly procedure for the oxidation of benzyl alcohols to aldehydes using an inexpensive, commercially available reagent, 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH), and a variety of cyclodextrin additives under fully aqueous solvent conditions. This reaction proceeds with moderate to good yields for a broad scope of benzyl alcohol substrates, with the cyclodextrin acting to enhance the desired reactivity and limit undesired aromatic bromination side products. The reported experiments provide substantial mechanistic insight that will drive further reaction optimization and have broad-reaching applications.
Gene mutations analysis for rifampin resistance determining region of 47 mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated in Jilin province

Objective To understand the gene mutations characteristics for rifampin resistance determining region(RRDR) of mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB).Methods MTB strains were isolated from sputum samples collected from clinical pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) patients in Jilin province during 2008-2009 by Lwenstein-Jensen(L-J) medium culture.The acid-fast bacilli were then identified by medium contained p-nitrobenzoate(PNB),then drug susceptibility testing(DST) was performed with proportion method.22 rifampin resistance strains,22 rifampin susceptive strains and 3 cut-off strains were selected based on the DST result and polymerase chain reaction(PCR) was carried out to amplify partial rpoB gene which covered RRDR,then sequence analysis and Bioedit software was used to identify the gene mutations.Results Among 22 rifampin resistance strains,16 were resistant to isoniazid,which was one among the 22 rifampin susceptive strains.95%(21/22)of the rifampin resistance strains were found to have gene mutations in RRDR,among them,the 531 codon mutation percent was 50%,which of the 526 codon was 27%,and which of 533 codon,516 codon and 513 codon was 9%,4.5% and 4.5% respectively;Among the 22 rifampin susceptive strains,no gene mutations were observed in RRDR;Among the three cut-off strains,one had mutation in the 531 codon,the other had mutation in the 533 codon and the last had no mutation observed.Conclusion The occurrence of gene mutation in RRDR is highly consistent with rifampin resistance;Isoniazid resistance is highly correlative with rifampin resistance.
Paul Ricoeur: a ética da solicitude questiona a educação

Este ensaio busca apresentar a etica da solicitude de Paul Ricoeur como um questionamento para a educacao. Ricoeur buscou em sua etica distinguir a moral da etica, priorizando essa, mas colocando a moral como nucleo dela. Para o autor, trata-se de visar a vida boa com o outro em instituicoes justas. O autor insere a questao etica no problema da identidade narrativa de si mesmo como um outro. Ricoeur caracteriza a etica como um aceitar o outro como um si mesmo, visto que, se posso me perceber como um outro, posso tambem aceitar o outro como a mim mesmo. Esse movimento implica na justica, quando referido as instituicoes.
Preliminary Soft-Tissue Distraction with the Digit Widget TM in the Management of Advanced Dupuytren Contracture at the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

Flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint remain a challenge. The Digit WidgetTM (Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc., Sacramento, CA) is an important tool for soft-tissue correction of flexion contractures at the proximal interphalangeal joint caused by Dupuytren disease. Soft-tissue distraction using the Digit WidgetTM allows gradual lengthening of the soft tissues and the neurovascular bundles. The lengthening maximizes correction by the Digit WidgetTM as compared to conventional methods employed for contracture release.
Die Wettbewerbsstrategischen Rahmenbedingungen des Mobile Commerce

Unternehmen, die in der „Wireless Economy“ erfolgreich bestehen wollen, mussen sich umfassend mit den wettbewerbsstrategischen Rahmenbedingungen des Mobile Commerce auseinandersetzen. Durch die Erschliesung von Individualisierungs-, Schnelligkeits-, Innovations- und Reputationspotenzialen sowie die Senkung von Transaktionskosten konnen Unternehmen ihren Kunden einen hohen Mehrwert bieten und sich wirkungsvoll vom Wettbewerb abgrenzen. Nur wenn die Mobile-Commerce-Anwendungen der jeweiligen Zielgruppe einen entsprechenden Nutzen bieten, konnen die gegenwartig noch bestehenden Barrieren des Mobile Commerce auser Kraft gesetzt werden und nur dann kann diese neue Disziplin als Entwicklungstreiber des Electronic Commerce fungieren.
Experimental Investigation of Liquid Carry-Over in GLCC© Separators for 3-Phase Flow

Prediction of the Operational Envelope (OPEN) for liquid carry-over is essential for optimized performance of Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC©1) compact separators. This study extends the previous GLCC liquid carry-over studies from 2-phase flow to 3-phase gas-oil-water flow incorporating pressure and level control configurations. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of a 3″ diameter GLCC in terms of OPEN for liquid carry-over. Both light oil and heavy oil were utilized, with watercuts ranging from 0 to 100%. The liquid level was controlled at 6″ below the GLCC inlet. A significant effect of watercut on the OPEN for liquid carry-over for three-phase flow was observed. As the watercut reduces, the OPEN for liquid carry-over reduces too. Also, the OPEN for heavy oil reduces as compared to light oil, which could be primary due to the effect of viscosity. Finally, the annular mist velocity increases with the increment of watercut and viscosity.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Age-related changes in spatial and temporal features of resting state fMRI

Development and aging are associated with functional changes in the brain across the lifespan. These changes can be detected in spatial and temporal features of resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data. Independent vector analysis (IVA) is a whole-brain multivariate approach that can be used to comprehensively assess these changes in spatial and temporal features. We present a multi-dimensional approach to assessing age-related changes in spatial and temporal features of statistically independent components identified by IVA in a cross-sectional lifespan sample (ages 6-85 years). We show that while large-scale brain network configurations remain consistent throughout the lifespan, changes continue to occur in both local organization and in the spectral composition of these functional networks. We show that the spatial extent of functional networks decreases with age, but with no significant change in the peak functional loci of these networks. Additionally, we show differential age-related patterns across the frequency spectrum; lower frequency correlations decrease across the lifespan whereas higher-frequency correlations increase. These changes indicate an increasing stability of networks with age. In addition to replicating results from previous studies, the current results uncover new aspects of functional brain network changes across the lifespan that are frequency band-dependent.
Characterization of a mine fire using atmospheric monitoring system sensor data

Atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS) have been widely used in underground coal mines in the United States for the detection of fire in the belt entry and the monitoring of other ventilation-related parameters such as airflow velocity and methane concentration in specific mine locations. In addition to an AMS being able to detect a mine fire, the AMS data have the potential to provide fire characteristic information such as fire growth - in terms of heat release rate - and exact fire location. Such information is critical in making decisions regarding fire-fighting strategies, underground personnel evacuation and optimal escape routes. In this study, a methodology was developed to calculate the fire heat release rate using AMS sensor data for carbon monoxide concentration, carbon dioxide concentration and airflow velocity based on the theory of heat and species transfer in ventilation airflow. Full-scale mine fire experiments were then conducted in the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division's Safety Research Coal Mine using an AMS with different fire sources. Sensor data collected from the experiments were used to calculate the heat release rates of the fires using this methodology. The calculated heat release rate was compared with the value determined from the mass loss rate of the combustible material using a digital load cell. The experimental results show that the heat release rate of a mine fire can be calculated using AMS sensor data with reasonable accuracy.
Ocular biometry and determinants of refractive error in a founder population of European ancestry.

Background: The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide. Previous studies have found a positive association between myopia, education, and near activities, while others have noted a negative a...
Compartmentalized cAMP responses to prostaglandin EP2 receptor activation in human airway smooth muscle cells.

Background and Purpose Previous studies indicate that prostaglandin EP2 receptors selectively couple to AC2 in non-lipid raft domains of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, where they regulate specific cAMP-dependent responses. The goal of the present study was to identify the cellular microdomains where EP2 receptors stimulate cAMP production. Experimental Approach FRET-based cAMP biosensors were targeted to different subcellular locations of primary human ASM cells. The Epac2-camps biosensor, which expresses throughout the cell, was used to measure bulk cytoplasmic responses. Epac2-MyrPalm and Epac2-CAAX were used to measure responses associated with lipid raft and non-raft regions of the plasma membrane respectively. Epac2-NLS was used to monitor responses at the nucleus. Key Results Activation of AC with forskolin or β2-adrenoceptors with isoprenaline increased cAMP in all subcellular locations. Activation of EP2 receptors with butaprost produced cAMP responses that were most readily detected by the non-raft and nuclear sensors, but only weakly detected by the cytosolic sensor and not detected at all by the lipid raft sensor. Exposure to rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, unmasked the ability of EP2 receptors to increase cAMP levels associated with lipid raft domains. Overexpression of AC2 selectively increased EP2 receptor-stimulated production of cAMP in non-raft membrane domains. Conclusions and Implications EP2 receptor activation of AC2 leads to cAMP production in non-raft and nuclear compartments of human ASMs, while β2 adrenoceptor signalling is broadly detected across microdomains. The activity of PDE4 appears to play a role in maintaining the integrity of compartmentalized EP2 receptor responses in these cells.
Suicidality in panic disorder: a comparison with schizophrenic, depressed, and other anxiety disorder outpatients

Abstract Recent findings by Weissman, Klerman, Markowitz, and Ouellette (1989) that subjects with panic disorder, with and without comorbid conditions, may be at increased risk for suicide attempts have been controversial. In an attempt to further investigate this finding, we utilized the original National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) suicide questions in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. We examined patients with panic disorder n = 101 , other anxiety disorders n = 47 , schizophrenia n = 22 , and major depression n = 19 . No significant differences were found among all four groups on any of the ECA suicide ideation questions. Only two (2%) of the panic disorder patients and none of the other groups made a suicide attempt in the past year. While 17% of patients with panic disorder and 9% of patients with other anxiety disorders reported having made a suicide attempt at some other time in their life, the schizophrenic (33%) and depressed groups (40%) reported significantly greater histories of suicide attempts. In a forward stepwise regression analysis for panic disorder patients, a history of substance abuse and comorbid depression predicted suicidality. The actual clinical risk for suicide attempts in panic disorder patients appears to occur when they suffer with comorbid diagnoses. These results highlight the need to aggressively treat panic disorder patients so they do not suffer the all-too-common sequelae of depression and substance abuse.
Immune biomarkers and anti-HIV activity in the reproductive tract of sexually active and sexually inactive adolescent girls.

Problem Adolescent girls are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, accounting for 22% of all new HIV infections globally. Yet little is known regarding the immune microenvironment of the adolescent female reproductive tract, especially regarding differences among sexually active and inactive girls, a critical parameter to evaluate HIV susceptibility associated with young age and sexual debut. Methods Cervico-vaginal lavage (CVL) was collected from sexually active (10) and inactive (8) girls aged 11-19 years and analyzed by ELISA for inflammation-associated biomarkers IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MIP-3α, IL-1α, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, as well as anti-HIV mediators, Elafin, SLPI, human beta-defensin 2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP) 1 and 2. Cervical ectopy was analyzed using Volocity. Anti-HIV activity was determined by TZM-bl assay. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism and R. Results Sexually inactive girls had significantly higher levels of TNF-α (P = .029) in CVL compared to sexually active girls. In contrast, sexually active girls showed a trend toward higher levels of IL-1α (P = .051) compared to the sexually inactive girls. Heat-map correlations between cervical ectopy and immune biomarkers were also distinct between the 2 populations with significant positive associations between % ectopy and inflammation-associated biomarkers IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, MIP-3α, MMP-8, and MMP-9 observed in the sexually inactive but not sexually active group. Conclusion Higher pro-inflammatory biomarker TNF-α, as well as a distinct inflammation-associated immune clustering in sexually inactive girls, can potentially increase risk for infections including HIV upon sexual debut. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to characterize the immune parameters associated with sexual activity.
Single-Molecule Flow Platform for the Quantification of Biomolecules Attached to Single Nanoparticles

We describe here a flow platform for quantifying the number of biomolecules on individual fluorescent nanoparticles. The platform combines line-confocal fluorescence detection with near nanoscale channels (1–2 μm in width and height) to achieve high single-molecule detection sensitivity and throughput. The number of biomolecules present on each nanoparticle was determined by deconvolving the fluorescence intensity distribution of single-nanoparticle–biomolecule complexes with the intensity distribution of single biomolecules. We demonstrate this approach by quantifying the number of streptavidins on individual semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots); streptavidin was rendered fluorescent using biotin-Alexa647. This flow platform has high-throughput (hundreds to thousands of nanoparticles detected per second) and requires minute amounts of sample (∼5 μL at a dilute concentration of 10 pM). This measurement method is an additional tool for characterizing synthetic or biological nanoparticles.
Spinal canal meningioma mimicking posterior fossa ischemia on CT perfusion: A CT perfusion pitfall.

Abstract The recent approach to treat acute stroke is to extend treatment window in patients with salvageable peri-infarct ischemia which increases the application of the perfusion imaging, specifically computed tomography perfusion (CTP). In this paper, I am presenting a case of left middle cerebral artery infarction which was evaluated by CTP under “code stroke.” The patient had an incidental spinal canal meningioma which was out of field of view in CTP but mimicked right cerebellar ischemia on CTP. Although ischemia has been previously reported within the peripheral parenchymal edema surrounding a meningioma, in this patient there was no evidence of edema in the right cerebellum on magnetic resonance imaging. I believe the CTP findings are secondary to steal phenomena at right vertebral artery or compression upon the venous plexus. Recently, by using modern computed tomography scanners, it is common to cover the entire brain in CTP. The emergency radiologist should be aware of this pitfall that spinal canal pathologies which are out of field of view can mimic posterior fossa ischemia.
An Introduction to Privacy-Preserving Data Mining

The field of privacy has seen rapid advances in recent years because of the increases in the ability to store data. In particular, recent advances in the data mining field have lead to increased concerns about privacy. While the topic of privacy has been traditionally studied in the context of cryptography and information-hiding, recent emphasis on data mining has lead to renewed interest in the field. In this chapter, we will introduce the topic of privacy-preserving data mining and provide an overview of the different topics covered in this book.
Nearness: Family Life and Digital Neighborhood

Nearness influences why we communicate with others, what our obligations to them are, and what might emerge from these interactions. In this chapter, I unpack more carefully what nearness means when supporting interactions mediated by technology, through an analysis of the use of Wayve, a home messaging device. For remote families, the device was a way of enacting family relationships, allowing members to meet their felt obligations to stay in touch by creating common ground and highlighting opportunities for conversation. For those whose lives were more closely entwined, the device was used to highlight opportunities for action and to cement existing relationships. In either case, it is apparent that there is more to nearness than mileage; ideas of friendship and family are interwoven with propinquity, seen here as a mingling of lives, a knowledge of routine, or a need to co-exist.
Corporate Information Strategy and Management: The Challenges of Managing in a Network Economy (Paperback version)

Corporate Information Strategy and Management: The Challenges of Managing in the Internet Age, 6/E is written for students and managers who desire an overview of contemporary information systems technology (IT) management. It explains the relevant issues of effective management of information services activities and highlights the areas of greatest potential application of the technology. No assumptions are made concerning the reader’s experience with IT, but it is assumed that the reader has some course work or work experience in administration or management. It is a paperback derivative product that contains the same text portion found in Corporate Information Strategy and Management: Text and Cases, 6/e, but without the Harvard cases. Table of contents Introduction: The Challenges of Managing in the Information Age Module 1: Information and Strategy Section 1-1. Effects of IT on Strategy and Competition: Historical Perspectives Section 1-2. Electronic Commerce: Trends and Opportunities Module 2: Information and Organization Section 2-1. Crafting Information Age Business Models Section 2-2. Developing Information Age Capabilities Section 2-3. Designing Digital Business Infrastructure Section 2-4. Valuing Investments in a Digital Infrastructure Module 3: Building Robust Operating Capabilities Section 3-1. Understanding Internetworking Architectures Section 3-2. Assuring Reliable and Secure IT Service Delivery Section 3-3. Managing Diverse IT Infrastructures Section 3-4. Operating and Innovating: Balancing Control and Agility Module 4: Implementation Section 4-1. Organizing and Leading the Information Technology Function Section 4-2. Managing IT Outsourcing Section 4-3. A Portfolio Approach to Information Technology Development Conclusion: The Challenges of Managing in the Information Age Revisited
The Print Media and the American Party System: Evidence from the 2016 US Presidential Election

The Print Media and the American Party System: Evidence from the 2016 US Presidential Election
Geriatric chest wall injury: is it time for a new sense of urgency?

Geriatric trauma has become an increasingly recognized management concern for trauma centers, and hospitals alike, on a national scale. The population of the United States is aging, as life expectancy rates have demonstrated a steady climb to an average of 78.8 years of expected life. With pervasive efforts of medical screening, prevention and chronic medical condition management, more elderly people will lead more active lifestyles and will be more predisposed to injury. As best practice guidelines specific for the geriatric trauma population have yet to be developed, many researchers have identified management strategies that have offset complications and mortality rates inherent to this patient population after injury. The impact of rib fractures in the 65-year and older patient population has been well documented, as have the mortality and pneumonia rates yet, historically, little attention has been directed to curtailing these adverse outcomes with more advanced treatment options. With the advent of rib plating for rib fracture fixation and chest wall stabilization, the practice paradigm for rib fracture management is shifting, as a viable operative intervention now exists. In this review, we focus on the characteristics of the geriatric trauma patient, areas of management where improvement opportunities have been identified, chest wall injury in the elderly patient, rib plating as a treatment option and offer our data to facilitate a better understanding of rib plating’s impact in the geriatric trauma patient.
Learning from Our Patients: Training Psychiatry Residents in Refugee Mental Health

Psychiatric residents are increasingly called upon to work cross-culturally, serving diverse populations including refugees. This study aims to (1) understand the training experience of psychiatry residents working with refugees and (2) assess the level of satisfaction of refugees, most of whom are Iraqi, who seek psychological treatment at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)’s Refugee Mental Health Program of Colorado (RMHPC). Using qualitative methodology, over a 1-year period, independent evaluators interviewed a group of nine residents who chose to participate in an RMHPC elective and also interviewed ten Iraqi refugee patients who sought services at the clinic. Recordings of the interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Emerging themes were identified for both resident and refugee patient interviews. Five major themes emerged summarizing residents’ experiences: (1) adapting practices to meet refugee needs, (2) value of supervision, (3) cultural barriers, (4) need for extra resources, and (5) effect on future practice. Four major themes emerged summarizing Iraqi refugees’ experiences: (1) reasons for seeking treatment, (2) barriers to treatment, (3) residents’ knowledge of culture and needs, and (4) quality of treatment. This study’s findings highlight the complexities of effectively treating refugee patients and suggest ideas for training residents. Additionally, they offer important frameworks for developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally responsive practices in the context of training psychiatry residents and other mental health professionals. An essential key to this process was giving voice to refugees who accessed and engaged our services.
Mexico’s Ratification of ILO Convention Number 98 and the Future of Protection Contracts

This note reviews and analyzes the impacts of Mexico’s September 2018 ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 98 on the right to organize and collective bargaining. Specifically, it focuses on what Mexico’s ratification of the instrument means for the future of the pro-tection contract system in terms of international law. Mexico’s ratification of Convention 98 closes the doctrinal gap on protection contracts which was left by Convention 87, on freedom of association. Although Convention 98 does not cover the armed forces, the police, and public servants employed in state administration, according to international law, its ratification should invalidate much of the Mexican protection contract regime. Convention 98 is not self-enforcing, but ratification of the instrument subjects Mexico to the full scrutiny of the ILO’s supervisory system regarding compliance with norms. Moreover, Mexico’s domestic jurisprudence governing compliance with ratified international human rights treaties bodes well for effective judicial enforcement of the convention. With the ratification of Conventions 87 and 98, international law mandates the implementation of an authentically democratic labor relations system in Mexico. With the additional ratifications of Convention 29 on forced labor, Convention 100 on equal remuneration, Convention 105 on the abolition of forced labor, Convention 111 on discrimination in employment and occupation, Convention 138 on the minimum age for work, and Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labor, Mexico is bound by international law to comply with all globally recognized core labor standards.