cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vapor-liquid equilibrium of hydrogen/tetralin system at elevated temperatures and pressures

A flow type of apparatus is built to give equilibrium gas and liquid samples at elevated pressures and temperatures while minimizing thermal decomposition. Saturated vapor and liquid compositions and K values are determined with this apparatus for the binary system hydrogen/tetralin (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) at four temperatures from 189.6° to 389.1°C, and seven pressures from 20 to 250 atm. Vapor pressures of tetralin are determined with the same apparatus, and values are reported at the four temperatures of this work.
Designing circuits and processes to optimize performance and reliability: metallurgy meets TCAD

Metallization design rules often severely constrain the design of high performance integrated circuits, and also drive the development of increasingly complex back-end processing. These design rules have been chosen so as to make their application simple and often do not take advantage of the high reliability of narrow and short lines. As a result, they are often overly general and are based on a collection of worst-case assumptions and often lead to the production of circuits with excess metal reliability, and a correspondingly reduced circuit performance. The development of design tools and more accurate reliability assessment methodologies that allow for line-length and line-width dependent and process-sensitive design rules is now possible. These tools and strategies will enable significantly more realistic circuit-specific and process-specific reliability assessments, and will also allow the design of processes as well as circuits which lead to optimized performance and reliability.
The shell game: how institutional review boards shuffle words

Concepts like coercion, vulnerability, and dignitary harm have acquired specialized meanings in the research ethics literature. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), also called Research Ethics Committees (RECs), sometimes use these concepts in two different ways without acknowledging or even realizing what they are doing. IRBs mislabel any language that encourages subject participation in trials as “coercive,” then demand its removal as if it were actually coercive in the sense of a threat of force. An example of language that is treated as coercive is the use of the word “hope” in an educational brochure about clinical trials. The concepts of vulnerability and dignitary harm are similarly misused. The regulations instruct IRBs to protect vulnerable groups; but IRBs sometimes use a group’s vulnerability to one threat to protect it against an unrelated and harmless threat, as when homeless people, who are vulnerable to street crime and disease, are protected from the risk of an interview. Finally, the term “dignitary harm” is so vague that IRBs can use it to restrict research that is entirely free of risk, while ignoring the possibility that research might provide the dignitary benefit of contributing to society’s health and welfare. Dignitary harm—usually nonphysical “harm” of which the subject is entirely unaware—can be deemed more important than obtaining information that subjects want or actual risk of physical injury. These vague or shifting definitions permit the IRB to play a shell game without either the board or the investigator realizing what is happening.
Science and Money: Problems and Solutions

Because science is a business replete with many different types of financial interests, eliminating or even drastically reducing them is not a realistic option. The best approach to dealing with financial interests in research is to implement policies designed to minimize or mitigate their impact on scientific integrity.
Crystal structure of the helicase domain from the replicative helicase-primase of bacteriophage T7.

Abstract Helicases that unwind DNA at the replication fork are ring-shaped oligomeric enzymes that move along one strand of a DNA duplex and catalyze the displacement of the complementary strand in a reaction that is coupled to nucleotide hydrolysis. The helicase domain of the replicative helicase-primase protein from bacteriophage T7 crystallized as a helical filament that resembles the Escherichia coli RecA protein, an ATP-dependent DNA strand exchange factor. When viewed in projection along the helical axis of the crystals, six protomers of the T7 helicase domain resemble the hexameric rings seen in electron microscopic images of the intact T7 helicase-primase. Nucleotides bind at the interface between pairs of adjacent subunits where an arginine is near the γ-phosphate of the nucleotide in trans . The bound nucleotide stabilizes the folded conformation of a DNA-binding motif located near the center of the ring. These and other observations suggest how conformational changes are coupled to DNA unwinding activity.
Proteomic analysis of sperm regions that mediate sperm-egg interactions

The sperm interacts with three oocyte-associated structures during fertilization: the cumulus cell layer surrounding the oocyte, the egg extracellular matrix (the zona pellucida), and the oocyte plasma membrane. Each of these interactions is mediated by the sperm head, probably through proteins both on the sperm surface and within the acrosome, a specialized secretory granule. In this study, we have used subcellular fractionation in order to generate a proteome of the sperm head subcellular compartments that interact with oocytes. Of the proteins we identified for which a gene knockout has been tested, a third have been shown to be essential for efficient reproduction in vivo. Many of the other presently untested proteins are likely to have a similarly important role. Twenty-five percent of the cell surface fraction proteins are previously uncharacterized. We have shown that at least two of these novel proteins are localized to the sperm head. In summary, we have identified over 100 proteins that are expressed on mature sperm at the site of sperm-oocyte interactions.
The Impact of Marital and Social Network Support on Quality of Parenting

Several decades of research have demonstrated a link between quality of parenting and child development (Baumrind, 1993; Maccoby, 1992; Maccoby & Martin, 1983). These studies suggest that a parenting style characterized by warmth, inductive reasoning, appropriate monitoring, and clear communication fosters a child’s cognitive functioning, social skills, moral development, and psychological adjustment. In contrast, parenting practices involving hostility, rejection, and coercion have been shown to increase the probability of negative developmental outcomes such as delinquency, psychopathology, academic failure, and substance abuse. These findings point to the importance of studies concerned with identifying the determinants of parental behavior. This chapter presents our model for integrating theory and research on this topic. The model identifies social support as an important cause of variations in quality of parenting.
Lack of Association Between Hypertension and Hypothyroidism in Postmenopausal Women Seen in a Primary Care Setting

Background: Several studies undertaken in hospital-based specialty clinics have reported an association between hypertension and hypothyroidism. This work examines the association between these two common disorders in postmenopausal women seen within a primary care office setting. Methods: Seven hundred seven postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older were studied using a cross-sectional design. Data on thyroid status, hypertension and risk factors, and patient demographics were collected from the office medical record. Results: Overall, 45.4 percent of the population studied had hypertension and 10.9 percent had hypothyroidism. Compared with normotensive women, hypertensive women were significantly older (66.4 years versus 63.0 years, P P Conclusions: In this population of postmenopausal women we did not find hypertension to be associated with hypothyroidism.
Telestroke: Delivery and Design

The time-dependent nature of acute stroke treatment, coupled with overall low rates of rt-PA use, has spurred efforts to facilitate stroke evaluation and management. Telemedicine for stroke (“telestroke”) is one such proposed method that is gaining popularity, especially as a means to maximize appropriate rt-PA use. In this chapter we review the need and evidence for telestroke, and describe its application in various settings, from the prehospital setting to the clinical trial. Practical concerns regarding implementation are addressed as well, including network fundamentals, technologic considerations, and practice models. Barriers and limitations to the use of telestroke are also discussed. Telestroke is a feasible and promising method for disseminating stroke expertise and optimizing the treatment of stroke patients in otherwise underserved areas.
Energy Metabolism of Spermatozoa: III. Energy-Linked Uptake of Calcium Ion by the Mitochondria of Rabbit Epididymal Spermatozoa

PIP: A study of energy-linked calcium (Ca++) uptake by rabbit sperm mitochondria is reported. The respiration rate of hypotonically treated rabbit epididymal spermatozoa with succinate in the presence of oligomycin and rotenone was increased by 50% upon addition of Ca++ and an additional 30% by the introduction of KPi. Compared with mitochondria from other tissues, the uptake with sperm mitochondria is quite inefficient, evidenced by a Ca++ ratio of .3 compared with values of 1.7 to 2.0 with liver mitochondria. This is probably due to an ineffeciency in the Ca++ carrier, during maturation of the spermatozoa, to utilize high energy intermediates generated by substrate oxidation. The uptake of Ca++ was not inhibited by La+++ nor by concentrations of ruthenium red which prevent Ca++ uptake in other mitochondria. The Ca++ uptake reaction is known to be genetically determined in all mammalian mitochondria such that modifications in the Ca++ carrier provide a specific biochemical correlate for the study of alterations in rabbit spermatozoa mitochondria.
Amidine-Mediated Zwitterionic Ring-Opening Polymerization of N-Alkyl N-Carboxyanhydride: Mechanism, Kinetics, and Architecture Elucidation

Zwitterionic ring-opening polymerization (ZROP) of N-butyl N-carboxyanhydrides (Bu-NCAs) has been investigated using 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU), a bicyclic amidine initiator. It was found that poly(N-butylglycine)s (PNBGs) with molecular weight (Mn) in the 3.5–32.4 kg mol–1 range and polydispersity index (PDI) in the 1.02–1.12 range can be readily obtained by systematically varying the initial monomer to initiator feed ratio. The polymerization exhibits characteristics of a controlled polymerization, as evidenced by the linear increase of polymer molecular weight with conversion and the successful enchainment experiments. Kinetic studies revealed that the reaction is first-order dependent on the monomer and the DBU concentration. The rate of initiation is comparable to that of the propagation. Random copolypeptoids of poly[(N-propargylglycine)-r-(N-butylglycine)]s [P(NPgG-r-NBG)s] were also synthesized by DBU-mediated copolymerization of Bu-NCA and N-propargyl N-carboxyanhydride (Pg-NCA). Subsequen...
The Perception of Afghan-American Leaders’ Role in Economic Development Efforts in Afghanistan: A Study of Gender Differences and Repatriation to the Motherland

The majority of Afghanistans best educated and experienced generations of workers have become scattered expatriates living throughout the world. This brain-drain has taken place over a thirty-year period due to continuous violence, tragedy, and war throughout Afghanistan. As such, a rebuilding process now largely depends on the international community. This study of 58 male and 42 female Afghan-American respondents analyzes their perceptions regarding development opportunities in Afghanistan as well as their willingness to take part in the rebuilding process. It appears that there are some differences in the responses of males and females. The younger generation seems to be much more willing to go back and help in the rebuilding process. There seems to be a longevity effect: those who have been away from Afghanistan for a longer period of time are less willing to return for the rebuilding initiatives. Results and implications are presented.
Advancements in technology for patients with congenital heart disease: Implantable rhythm devices

Abstract The field of implantable rhythm devices has been evolving rapidly. This advancement has, in part, included leadless pacemakers, subcutaneous ICDs and smaller devices with more capabilities. This review will attempt to discuss a broad range of advancements in implantable rhythm devices as it relates to the care of patients with congenital heart disease.
Assessment of Cardiac Safety for PPARγ Agonists in Rodent Models of Heart Failure: A Translational Medicine Perspective

PPARγ-modulators, a class of anti-diabetic drugs as represented by thiazolidinediones (TZD), have been associated with cardiovascular risks in type-2 diabetes in humans but a similar liability has not been demonstrated in preclinical models. This gap between clinical and preclinical observations may reflect the lack of a translational model for cardiac safety assessment because preclinical efficacy for glycemic control for PPARγ-modulators is routinely conducted in animals with diabetic background while drug safety study is performed in young and health animals with little risk of heart failure, in contrast to the complex pathophysiological conditions of patients subjected to the treatment of TZDs. Therefore, some key steps are important to address this translational gap. First, it is essential to use an appropriate translational model that mimics most of human pathophysiology for the assessment of cardiovascular safety for TZDs. Second, it calls for the discovery of a translational biomarker (most likely a collection of biomarkers due to multiple risk factors contributed to the complex disease) to be able to sensitively detect the disease progression and in response to therapy. Specific examples are provided in this review for the use of a rodent model of myocardial infarction-induced heart failure to address the cardiac safety concern in response to chronic treatment of rosiglitazone. Multiple biomarkers, including physiological, biochemical, pharmacogenomic and imaging biomarkers, were applied to assess the cardiovascular risk in this heart failure model. The data and strategic approach are discussed from translational medicine perspectives.
Diapause of the Southwestern Corn Borer, Diatraea grandiosella: Low Temperature Mortality and Geographical Distribution

The influence of low temperature on the survival and geographical distribution of Diatraea grandiosella was examined. Data from both climatological and laboratory observations indicated that low-temperature mortality of diapause larvae is the principal reason that the species has not colonized northern corn-growing states within the U.S.A. Results showed that diapause larvae are susceptible to freezing and cannot successfully overwinter in field conditions where the 10-year-mean January temperature falls below −7°C. This finding correlated with information obtained about the species' coldhardiness. Diapause larvae were found to freeze at ca. −2°C and to supercool to only ca. −8.5°C. Severe mortality occurred when larvae were exposed to −4°C for 2 or 4 weeks. These results provide a basis for predicting the eventual distribution of the species within the United States.
Radioimmunotherapy-based conditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Another step forward.

Abstract Radioimmunotherapy is increasingly used alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy as a preparative conditioning tool for patients with variety of hematological malignancies before allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplantation. This approach, if optimized, has the potential to close the gap between the benefit and toxicity of conditioning regimens. This article is intended to provide a summary of the basic elements of this approach as well as a concise and up-to-date scoping review of the studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of integrating radioimmunotherapy in the conditioning regimens.
A meta-analysis: Age and second language grammar acquisition

Abstract Although there are many existing reviews of research on age and second language acquisition (L2A) of morphosyntax, none has benefited from the systematicity that results from quantitative research synthesis and meta-analysis. To address this gap, this research quantifies the impact of age and its moderators (i.e., contexts, testing conditions, and modalities) on second language (L2) morphosyntactic ability. Mean differences were obtained for 26 samples with a group-comparison design and 20 with a correlational design. Consistent with previous research, age groups that were younger or older than 11 years were considered as early and late starters in FL contexts; whereas in SL settings, younger than 15 and older than 16 were grouped as early and late learners, respectively. Results reveal small to medium effect sizes for overall effects of age on L2A (d = 0.46 and Zr = −0.40). This relationship varies according to several moderators including context (second vs. foreign language) and testing conditions (timed vs. untimed, aural vs. written). In addition to providing methodological implications and guidance for second language policy, the findings point to the need to further refine models of the relationship between age and second language grammar development.
Is This Broken Bone Because of Abuse? Characteristics and Comorbid Diagnoses in Older Adults with Fractures.

Objectives To examine the relationship between individual characteristics and potential correlates of elder abuse in older adults who present with fractures. Design Cross-sectional analysis of deidentified data extracted from medical records. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Individuals aged 65 and with a primary diagnosis of any fracture admitted to an outpatient department or emergency department (ED) in a single southern California medical center over a 36-month period (N = 652). Measurements Participant characteristics included demographic characteristics, number of medical visits, and point of service. Corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes, E-codes, and V-codes were extracted to identify cause, location, and type of fracture. The presence of 13 potential correlates of abuse as captured by ICD-9 codes were extracted and summed. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used for analyses. Results Mean age of participants was 77.2, 58% were female (58%), 60% were white (60%), and 46% had one or more potential correlates of abuse. In bivariate analyses, older age (≥80), dementia, seeking care in the ED (vs inpatient or outpatient clinics), only one visit to a medical facility (vs multiple visits) in the 36-month study period, cause of fracture as something other than a fall, and fractures of the head or face were more likely to have at least one correlate of abuse. In logistic regression, dementia (B = 0.794, standard error (SE) = 0.280); seeking care in the ED (vs outpatient or outpatient clinics) (B = 1.86, SE = 0.302); at least two visits to a medical facility (vs multiple visits) (B = −0.585, SE = 0.343); and fracture of the back (B = 0.730, SE = 0.289), head (B = 1.22, SE = 0.333), and face (B = 1.28, SE = 0.474) were associated with the presence of at least one correlate of abuse. Conclusion Certain characteristics in older adults with fracture are associated with potential correlates of abuse. Medical practitioners should have a heightened awareness when these signs are present.
SU-F-T-101: Insight into Dosimetry Workload and Planning Timelines: A 6 Year Review at One Institution

Purpose: To elucidate realistic clinical treatment planning workload and timelines to improve understanding for patients, payers, and other institutions involved in radiotherapy processes. Methods: A web based tool was developed using Oracle Express (Oracle Corp, Redwood City, CA) which allowed communication between the physicians and staff about the current state of the patient plan. For 6 years, all patient courses were logged and time-stamped in 22 discreet steps which detailed start and stop times for simulation, contouring, and treatment planning tasks. This data was combined with the treatment planning database (TPDB) using the Eclipse Scripting API (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) to cross-identify plans between the two systems. This time data was analyzed across our dosimetry staff and treatment modality. Results: In 6 years, 110,477 patient statuses were time-logged for 9683 courses of treatment using our internal software. The courses contained 8305 unique patients who were binned into one of 11 diagnosis site categories. 8253 courses could be reconciled against the TPDB using timestamp data from patient statuses. The average planning volume per dosimetrist was 375.8 ± 142.4 plans per year with the average number of planning revisions per dosimetrist of 71.0 ± 27.1 plans per year. The median treatment planning times by modality ranged from to 48.3 hours for IMRT plans 5 fields or less to 119.6 hours for IMRT with 8 or more fields. Two arc VMAT, three arc VMAT, and 3D plans median times were 89.1 hours, 113.8 hours, and 50.9 hours respectively. Conclusion: Using our web based tool, we have demonstrated the ability to quantify treatment planning timelines and workloads which could help in setting appropriate expectations for patients, payers, and hospital administration. COI: Author received monies from Varian Medical Systems for research and teaching honorarium.
Legal Issues Related to Photographs and Digital Images

Digital images are constantly being accepted into court cases as evidence. “Processed” digital images are also being accepted into court as valid types of evidence. Qualified experts are ready to put their integrity on the line and testify that no improprieties have been used to produce the images being offered as evidence in court. These photographs have certain standards by which they will be evaluated. They have to fairly and accurately represent the scene as it was originally found. They have to be authentic. They have to be relevant and material, just like any other evidence introduced in the course of the trial. And they cannot unduly bias the juror against either subject in the proceeding, by inflaming the emotions of the juror.
An Unusual Cobalt Azide Adduct That Produces a Nitrene Species for Carbon–Hydrogen Insertion Chemistry

A family of Co(II) complexes supported by the bulky, dianionic bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine pincer ligand pyrr2py [pyrr2py2– = 3,5-tBu2-bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine] are reported in this work. These compounds include 1-OEt2, 1·toluene, and 1-N3Ad (Ad = 1-adamantyl), the latter which is prepared via addition of N3Ad to 1-OEt2 [1 = (pyrr2py)Co]. While complexes 1-OEt2 and 1-N3Ad are four-coordinate systems having a Co(II) ion confined in a cis-divacant octahedral geometry, complex 1·toluene possesses a Co(II) ion in a T-shaped environment where the toluene is interstitial and intercalated between two (pyrr2py)Co molecules. Complex 1-N3Ad is notable in that the organic azide binds to the metal through γ-N in a κ1 fashion. Photolysis of 1-N3Ad results in N2 extrusion and formation of C–H insertion product [(pyrrpypyrrNHAd)Co] (2). We propose complex 2 form via insertion of the nitrene (NAd) into one tBu C–H bond, thus resulting in a pincer ligand having a pendant secondary amine. Complexes 1-OEt2, 1·toluene, and 1-N3Ad and...
The Role of Occupational Therapy within the Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States

ABSTRACTThe occupational injustices experienced by human trafficking survivors lead to immediate occupational performance deficits and promote long-term instability. Experience and previous patterns of behavior contribute to the deficits and instability. The occupational manifestations of complex trauma are reflected in the inability to participate in meaningful and necessary occupations. Occupational therapy intervention can be a means of empowering victims of human trafficking by using the occupational therapy process, occupational therapy theories, and models of practice. Occupational therapy practitioners can enable survivors to address the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to achieving increased overall well-being and occupational performance.
Biomechanics of the Aging Lung Parenchyma

Aging is a process that affects cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), tissues, and organs. The lung is the entry of oxygen into the body and any deterioration in its ability to take up and distribute oxygen uniformly in the parenchyma compromises the cardiovascular system and hence contributes to the aging of the organism. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the biochemical, structural, and biomechanical properties of the aging lung parenchyma. We also discuss several measurement techniques that are suitable to assess the biomechanical properties of the lung. Following a review of general constitutive relations used in lung biomechanics, we derive a specific multiscale constitutive equation for the lung tissue strip that allows us to partition the contributions of collagen, elastin, their volume fraction, and their interaction with the proteoglycan matrix. This model provides a better understanding of how airspace enlargement, local stiffening of ECM fibers and macroscopic lung compliance are related to each other. These constitutive relations have important implications for lung function during aging. Specifically, there is an increase in ECM stiffness due to cross-linking of collagen which influences cellular behavior at the microscale. Despite ECM stiffening, at the scale of thousands of alveoli , parenchymal stiffness may be near normal and lung compliance may even increase in the elderly due to the enlargement alveoli enabling relatively normal gas exchange in the absence of exercise . Finally, we discuss possible new research directions that may help better understand and reduce the risk of pulmonary diseases of old age.
Adverse respiratory effects in rats following inhalation exposure to ammonia: respiratory dynamics and histopathology.

AbstractAcute respiratory dynamics and histopathology of the lungs and trachea following inhaled exposure to ammonia were investigated. Respiratory dynamic parameters were collected from male Sprague–Dawley rats (300–350 g) during (20 min) and 24 h (10 min) after inhalation exposure for 20 min to 9000, 20,000, and 23,000 ppm of ammonia in a head-only exposure system. Body weight loss, analysis of blood cells, and lungs and trachea histopathology were assessed 1, 3, and 24 h following inhalation exposure to 20,000 ppm of ammonia. Prominent decreases in minute volume (MV) and tidal volume (TV) were observed during and 24 h post-exposure in all ammonia-exposed animals. Inspiratory time (IT) and expiratory time (ET) followed similar patterns and decreased significantly during the exposure and then increased at 24 h post-exposure in all ammonia-exposed animals in comparison to air-exposed controls. Peak inspiratory (PIF) and expiratory flow (PEF) significantly decreased during the exposure to all ammonia doses...
Natural History and Tumor Volume Kinetics of Papillary Thyroid Cancers During Active Surveillance

Importance Active surveillance of low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is now an accepted alternative to immediate surgery, but experience with this approach outside of Japan is limited. The kinetics (probability, rate, and magnitude) of PTC tumor growth under active surveillance have not been well defined. Objective To describe the kinetics of PTC tumor growth during active surveillance. Design, Setting, Participants Cohort study of 291 patients undergoing active surveillance for low-risk PTC (intrathyroidal tumors ≤1.5 cm) with serial tumor measurements via ultrasonography at a tertiary referral center in the United States. Intervention Active surveillance. Main Outcomes and Measures The cumulative incidence, rate, and magnitude of the change in tumor diameter or volume, as well as associations with patient and tumor characteristics. Results Of the 291 patients, 219 (75.3%) were women; mean (SD) age was 52 (15) years. During a median (range) active surveillance of 25 (6-166) months, growth in tumor diameter of 3 mm or more was observed in 11 of 291 (3.8%) patients, with a cumulative incidence of 2.5% (2 years) and 12.1% (5 years). No regional or distant metastases developed during active surveillance. In all cases, 3-dimensional measurements of tumor volume allowed for earlier identification of growth (median, 8.2 months; range, 3-46 months before increase in tumor diameter). In multivariable analysis, both younger age at diagnosis (hazard ratio per year, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98; P = .006) and risk category at presentation (hazard ratio for inappropriate, 55.17; 95% CI, 9.4-323.19; P r 2 = 0.75; range, 0.42-0.99). Conclusions and Relevance The rates of tumor growth during active surveillance in a US cohort with PTCs measuring 1.5 cm or less were low. Serial measurement of tumor volumes may facilitate early identification of tumors that will continue to grow and thereby inform the timing of surveillance imaging and therapeutic interventions.
Using the PCaRD digital game-based learning model of instruction in the middle school mathematics classroom: A case study

Currently there are few pedagogical models available for mathematics teachers who are interested in digital game‐based learning. The Play Curricular‐activity Reflection and Discussion (PCaRD) model attempts to address this, but lacks the needed exploratory research on its implementation within formal mathematics classrooms. Through the use of semi‐structured interviews, this study examined three middle school teachers' initial experience using PCaRD, the influence of this experience on their digital game‐based learning knowledge, and their perceptions on how teaching with digital games impacts student achievement. The findings showed teachers feel PCaRD is a sound Pedagogical model, but needed more practice using it to fully realize its usefulness. Also teachers felt the need to make adaptions to PCaRD based on the composition of their class, and had difficulty implementing the reflection and discussion phases. Finally, teachers felt their low achieving students benefitted most from the use of digital games. Future directions for research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Thermodynamics of Aqueous Mixed Electrolytes

Studies of the thermodynamic properties of aqueous mixed electrolyte solutions have been very useful in increasing our understanding of the nature of specific ion interactions in solution. From both an experimental and theoretical point of view it is convenient to treat these mixtures in terms of the way in which the properties of the mixture differ from the properties of the component pure electrolyte solutions. Thus one studies the change on mixing of the desired thermodynamic property (e.g.,Δ m GE,Δ m HE,Δ m VE,etc.) at constant total molal ionic strength.
Income Inequality and Unequal Political Representation in the American States

Do state governments respond to citizens as political equals when implementing public policies? Numerous studies have found that state policy outputs tend to be responsive to aggregated public opinion. I ask: Responsive to whom? Using three different measures of political representation – responsiveness, opinion-policy proximity, and policy winning/losing – I find that policy tends to be least responsive to citizens with low incomes (those with an annual family income less than $35,000 per year) for both general policy liberalism and specific policies. These findings suggest that the relationship between economic inequality and political inequality documented at the national level extends to the states as well. Using the opinion-policy proximity measure, I also rank the states based on the extent to which the political opinions of the poor are least reflected in state public policies. This measure could be useful in future studies that try to explain what political conditions allow for a more equal weighting of citizens’ preferences.
Rapid and transient induction of cyclo-oxygenase 2 by epidermal growth factor in human amnion-derived WISH cells

The central enzyme in the prostaglandin (PG) biosynthetic cascade is PGH2 synthase or cyclo-oxygenase (COX). At present, two distinct isoforms of PGH2 synthase/COX have been identified: COX-1 and COX-2. In many systems, COX-1 is a constitutively expressed isoform that is responsible for normal physiological production of PGs, whereas COX-2 is an inducible isoform that responds to cytokines, endotoxin and growth factors by producing high levels of PGs. The regulation of COX-2 mRNA and protein, and the subsequent production of PGE2, were therefore examined in amnion-derived WISH cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF). Treatment of WISH cells with EGF (0.01-100 ng/ml) elicited dose-dependent synthesis of COX-2 mRNA and protein de novo. In addition, stimulation of WISH cells with EGF (10 ng/ml) induced steady-state levels of COX-2 mRNA and protein that appeared within 30 min and then declined rapidly to near baseline levels within 2-4 h. In contrast, COX-1 protein was unchanged in response to treatment with EGF. PGE2 production was also rapid and transient. Preincubation of cells with the novel COX-2 enzymic inhibitor NS-398 (10(-5)-10(-10) M) completely prevented PGE2 formation in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation of cells in dexamethasone (Dex; 0.1 microM), however, resulted in only a 31% decrease in PGE2 formation in response to EGF (10 ng/ml) while completely attenuating PGE2 biosynthesis in tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-stimulated cells. In addition, Dex (0.1 microM) was only partly effective at preventing EGF-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression de novo, whereas Dex completely inhibited TNF-alpha-promoted COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. Thus the results presented here demonstrate that EGF induces the rapid but transient expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein and the subsequent production of PGE2 in WISH cells.
Comparing the Effects of Additives on Protein Analysis Between Desorption Electrospray (DESI) and Electrospray Ionization (ESI)

It is frequently said that DESI-MS follows a similar ionization mechanism as ESI because of similarities usually observed in their respective mass spectra. However, practical use of DESI-MS for protein analysis is limited to proteins with lower molecular weights (< 25 kDa) due to a mass-dependent loss in signal intensity. Here we investigated commonly used volatile acids and their ammonium salt buffers for DESI-MS analysis of protein. We noticed that, surprisingly, some additives influence the analysis differently in DESI compared to ESI. Improved signal intensities with both DESI and ESI were obtained when acetic and formic acid were added into aqueous methanol spray solvents with both DESI and ESI. On the other hand, while with ESI the addition of ammonium salts into spray solutions strongly reduced both signal and S/N, with DESI signal intensities and S/N were improved dramatically. Ammonium bicarbonate when used with DESI reduced the total amount of adduction and delivered excellent signal-to-noise ratios with high intensity; however, it also denatures protein. When native state protein mass spectra are preferred, ammonium acetate would also deliver reasonable adduct removal and improved S/N. The amount of total adduction of individual adducting species and of all species could not be correlated with differences in either solutions pH values or with proton affinities of the anions. An obvious difference between DESI and ESI mass spectrometry is the effects of protein solubility during droplet pickup (desorption), but differences in the sizes, velocities, and composition of ionizing droplets were also discussed as important factors.
Impact of a Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP®) on growth in infants with CHD.

BACKGROUND Growth failure is prevalent among infants with CHD. A Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan was introduced at Boston Children's Hospital's cardiac medical ward to identify patients with growth failure, evaluate relevant contributing conditions, and recommend a management plan including collaboration with nutrition physicians. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether enrolled patients had improved growth compared with historical controls. METHODS A total of 29 patients were enrolled in the period July, 2013-June, 2014. In all, 42 historical controls who met eligibility criteria for enrolment were selected for comparison from patients admitted to the same ward in the period June, 2010-June, 2011. Patients with CHD aged <1 year , with growth failure defined as weight-for-age z-score <-2, or failure to sustain adequate weight gain were eligible for participation. Primary outcome was change in weight-for-age z-score from enrolment to most recent weight measurement among patients with at least 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS Control patients were older at baseline admission weight (118 versus 95 days, p=0.33), and had a higher weight-for-age z-score, -2.9 (-3.1, -2.6) versus -3.7 (-4.3, -3.0) (p=0.02), compared with enrolled patients. Enrolled patients had greater gain in weight-for-age z-score, 2.7 (2.0, 3.4) versus 1.8 (1.5, 2.2) (p=0.03), from baseline to most recent follow-up. CONCLUSION Patients enrolled in a nutrition-focused protocol had greater weight improvement than historical controls. Identification of growth failure and collaboration with a nutrition support team was associated with improved weight gain among CHD patients experiencing growth failure. CHD programmes should consider a structural approach, including nutrition expertise to address growth failure.
Durable top-k queries on temporal data

Many datasets have a temporal dimension and contain a wealth of historical information. When using such data to make decisions, we often want to examine not only the current snapshot of the data but also its history. For example, given a result object of a snapshot query, we can ask for its "durability," or intuitively, how long (or how often) it was valid in the past. This paper considers durable top-k queries, which look for objects whose values were among the top k for at least some fraction of the times during a given interval---e.g., stocks that were among the top 20 most heavily traded for at least 80% of the trading days during the last quarter of 2017. We present a comprehensive suite of techniques for solving this problem, ranging from exact algorithms where k is fixed in advance, to approximate methods that work for any k and are able to exploit workload and data characteristics to improve accuracy while capping index cost. We show that our methods vastly outperform baseline and previous methods using both real and synthetic datasets.
Re)Imagining an Undergraduate Integrating Technology with Teaching Course

The purpose of this article is to provide information from a research study that looked at the (re)imagining of a learning technologies course, Integrating Technology with Teaching (ITT). The course was (re)imagined to meet the needs of students who will be preservice and future teachers. Course design for the (re)imagined course was based on 1) current literature related to TPACK, ISTE Standards and current issues in classroom technology integration and 2) a design framework including ADDIE principles and blended learning. The study was conducted during Spring 2018 in a face-to-face (F2) version of the ITT course at a Southwestern university in the US. Evaluation and feedback were collected from twenty-two students who completed the course. In addition to providing study findings, the article concludes with recommendations for the next course iteration and faculty members interested in (re)imagining learning technology courses.
People With Central Vision Loss Have Difficulty Watching Videos

Purpose People with central vision loss (CVL) often report difficulties watching video. We objectively evaluated the ability to follow the story (using the information acquisition method). Methods Subjects with CVL (n = 23) or normal vision (NV, n = 60) described the content of 30-second video clips from movies and documentaries. We derived an objective information acquisition (IA) score for each response using natural-language processing. To test whether the impact of CVL was simply due to reduced resolution, another group of NV subjects (n = 15) described video clips with defocus blur that reduced visual acuity to 20/50 to 20/800. Mixed models included random effects correcting for differences between subjects and between the clips, with age, gender, cognitive status, and education as covariates. Results Compared to both NV groups, IA scores were worse for the CVL group (P < 0.001). IA reduced with worsening visual acuity (P < 0.001), and the reduction with worsening visual acuity was greater for the CVL group than the NV-defocus group (P = 0.01), which was seen as a greater discrepancy at worse levels of visual acuity. Conclusions The IA method was able to detect difficulties in following the story experienced by people with CVL. Defocus blur failed to recreate the CVL experience. IA is likely to be useful for evaluations of the effects of vision rehabilitation.
Trauma-Informed Adult Primary Care

This chapter will address trauma-informed care in adult primary care settings. While a substantial body of literature exists on implementing trauma-informed care in mental health and pediatric settings, less has been written about best practices and strategies for adult primary care settings. In the United States, primary care providers manage adults with chronic pain, substance use, and comorbid mental health conditions. Patients with these conditions have a high prevalence of trauma exposure, which adversely impacts their health and complicates their care. While collaborative care, or integrated behavioral health care, is becoming more widespread, many primary care providers manage these challenging patients alone without access to adequate mental health support. Despite the prevalence of trauma and the comorbidity and complexity of adult primary care patients visit length is often short, and providers frequently carry large panels of patients. High levels of burnout have been reported among PCPs, and access to primary care is poor in many parts of the country. Trauma-informed care approaches hold promise for improving patient care and mitigating some of the challenges commonly experienced by both patients and clinicians.
Exploring the Relationship between Self-Determination Theory and Physical Education Teachers Meeting Recommended Weekly Physical Education Minutes.

Physical activity (PA) continues to decrease and obesity rates continue to rise among children and adolescents. Researchers, along with other organizations, have recommended schools to be ideal venues to help increase overall childhood PA. However, research reports K–12 physical education (PE) is not required in the majority of states and most students do not achieve the recommended amount of weekly PE minutes. This can have a devastating effect on not only the students but also the teachers. PE teachers need to have competence, autonomy, relatedness, support, and resources available to teach an effective PE curriculum. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate if schools are meeting recommended total weekly PE minutes and the effect of meeting recommended total weekly PE minutes on PE teachers’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In this study, the majority of PE teachers worked in schools that met the recommended weekly PE minutes, but teachers who worked in schools that did not meet the recommended weekly PE minutes felt that there was a lack of resources at their schools and felt they were less competent in their abilities to implement effective PE courses. If teachers are not given the proper amount of time or resources to teach the necessary content, then they will not believe they are competent to teach a course that is effective.Subscribe to TPE
Defund the Police: Moving Towards an Anti-Carceral Social Work

This article addresses social work’s place in the movement to “defund the police.” We argue that social work’s collaboration with police and use of policing constitutes carceral social work. In def...
The Study of Vehicle Safety Aspects Influencing Malaysian Urban Consumer Car Purchasing Behaviour

As the amount of accidents on the road increases in tandem with the increase in the amount of cars on the road every year, vehicle safety aspect now plays the primary role which influences consumer choice when making a new vehicle purchase. In one of the research quoted by Koppel et.al, (2008), the most important aspect which influences a consumer's choice of vehicle was safety. The aim of this study is to fine out: 1) describe the thoughts of Malaysian consumers about the safety level of their vehicle, 2) describe the type of vehicle safety system consumers are putting an emphasize on, and 3) describe what are the top three advanced vehicle safety system preferred in their cars.
Work, race and breastfeeding outcomes for mothers in the United States.

Author(s): Whitley, Margaret D; Ro, Annie; Palma, Anton | Abstract: BackgroundIn the United States, mothers' employment status and occupation are related to breastfeeding. However, it is unclear whether not working leads to longer breastfeeding duration even when compared to professional/managerial jobs, which tend to accommodate breastfeeding better than service/manual labor jobs. Furthermore, occupation and breastfeeding are racially patterned, and it is possible that race could moderate the relationships between mother's work and breastfeeding.MethodsUsing data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we modeled breastfeeding duration based on mother's employment/occupation (not working, professional/managerial work, or service/labor work) during the first 6 months postpartum, as well as mother's race (White, Black or other) and other potential confounders. We used zero-inflated negative binomial regression models and tested an interaction between employment/occupation type and race. Predictive margins were used to compare breastfeeding duration among subgroups.ResultsMothers working in service/labor occupations had the shortest breastfeeding duration of the three employment/occupation groups, and there was no significant difference in duration between not working and professional/managerial occupation. White mothers had longer breastfeeding duration than Black mothers on average. When we included an interaction between employment/occupation and race, we found that among White mothers, non-working mothers breastfed the longest, while mothers in service/labor work breastfed for the shortest duration, but among Black mothers, mothers in professional/managerial work breastfed for longer than mothers in the other two work categories.DiscussionRace moderated the relationship between employment status/occupation type and breastfeeding such that, for White mothers, not working was the most advantageous circumstance for breastfeeding, in line with traditional work-family conflict theory. In contrast, for Black mothers, professional/managerial work was the most advantageous circumstance. These findings support the idea of the Market-Family Matrix, which allows that different work scenarios may be more or less advantageous for parenting behaviors like breastfeeding, depending on mothers' circumstances.