cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lessons from genetic forms of osteoarthritis for the pathogenesis of the disease

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis (1). Although the precise etiology of the disease in most cases is unknown, it is generally accepted that OA is a multifactorial disorder involving both genetic and environmental components (2). Genetic factors are either mutations or variations in genes that result in defects or variability in cartilage matrix properties and chondrocyte metabolism. In the case of matrix defects caused by mutations in matrix genes, age-dependent cartilage degeneration may occur as a result of even normal mechanical stresses on a joint. In the case of inherited sequence variations in genes, some variations may confer increased risk for OA (3). Environmental factors include obesity, over-loading on joints, repetitive injury involving ligaments and menisci, loss of muscle strength and joint malalignment. These conditions can result in abnormal mechanical stresses on the joint, leading to cartilage degeneration. Since OA can occur as a result of one or a combination of these factors, investigating the detailed pathogenic mechanisms in all these conditions remains a formidable challenge. However, regardless of the nature of the factor(s) that initiate the disease, the pathological progression of OA follows a typical pattern (4). The earliest indication of pathological change is chondrocyte clustering as a result of increased cell proliferation and a general up-regulation of synthetic activity. Increased expression of cartilage-degrading proteinases and matrix proteins suggests an attempt at repair. Gradual loss of proteoglycans appears in the surface region of articular cartilage and this is followed by type II collagen degradation. Cracks develop along the articular surface, producing the histological image termed fibrillation. At later stages of the disease, fibrocartilage forms, probably as a consequence of unsuccessful attempts by chondrocytes to fill in the cracks. Finally, osteophytes, bony structures at the periphery of the joint surface, form.
Selective chemical labeling of proteins in living cells

Labeling proteins with fluorophores, affinity labels or other chemically or optically active species is immensely useful for studying protein function in living cells or tissue. The use of genetically encoded green fluorescent protein and its variants has been particularly valuable in this regard. In an effort to increase the diversity of available protein labels, various efforts to append small molecules to selected proteins in vivo have been reported. This review discusses recent advances in selective, in vivo protein labeling based on small molecule ligand-receptor interactions, intein-mediated processes, and enzyme-catalyzed protein modifications.
Approximating discrete probability distributions with causal dependence trees

Chow and Liu considered the problem of approximating discrete joint distributions with dependence tree distributions where the goodness of the approximations were measured in terms of KL distance. They (i) demonstrated that the minimum divergence approximation was the tree with maximum sum of mutual informations, and (ii) specified a low-complexity minimum-weight spanning tree algorithm to find the optimal tree. In this paper, we consider an analogous problem of approximating the joint distribution on discrete random processes with causal, directed, dependence trees, where the approximation is again measured in terms of KL distance. We (i) demonstrate that the minimum divergence approximation is the directed tree with maximum sum of directed informations, and (ii) specify a low-complexity minimum weight directed spanning tree, or arborescence, algorithm to find the optimal tree. We also present an example to demonstrate the algorithm.
Activities, intracellular localization and kinetic properties of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, pyruvate kinase and malate dehydrogenase in turtle (Pseudemys scripta elegans) liver, heart and skeletal muscle.

Abstract 1. 1. Intracellular localization studies show that in turtle ( Pseudemys scripta elegans ) liver and heart, 99 and 85 per cent of the pyruvate kinase (PK) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities, respectively, are extramitochondrial (24,500 g supernate), while 71 per cent of the liver and 93 per cent of the heart phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities are extramitochondrial. 2. 2. Of the three enzymes assayed, PK shows the highest activity in both liver and heart; PEPCK shows the lowest activity in both organs, While MDH is intermediate in activity. 3. 3. PK and MDH are only one-fourth as active in liver as in heart, while PEPCK is over twice as active in liver as in either heart or skeletal muscle. 4. 4. The apparent K m( PEP ) values for liver (81 μM) and heart (48 μM) PEPCK are smaller than K m( PEP ) values for liver (2141 μM) and heart (172 μM) PK. 5. 5. In the presence of 100 μM fructose-1,6-diphosphate the K m( PEP ) of liver PK decreases to 214 μM.
Great Lakes Ice Thickness Prediction

Abstract Weekly ice thickness data, collected from 24 bay, harbor, and river sites on the Great Lakes, were correlated with freezing degree-day accumulations to develop regression equations between ice thickness and freezing degree-days. The data base at ice measurement sites was 3 to 8 winters in length. Ths standard error of estimate varied for individual regression equations and averaged between 7 and 8 cm for five forms of regression equations. Because the regression equations are empirical, the range of input data used to predict ice thickness should be limited to the range of values used in the derivation.
Retrograde cell degeneration in adult cat after hemidecortication.

Eighteen adult cats were hemidecorticated by surgical aspiration and allowed to survive 14 to 54 days. Severe cell loss occurred in the following thalamic nuclei: anterior ventralis; anterior medialis, except for cell retention in the dorsomedial third; ventralis anterior; ventralis lateralis; ventralis posterolateralis; ventralis posteromedialis; lateralis dorsalis; lateralis posterior; posterior; pulvinar; geniculatum laterale, pars dorsalis; and geniculatum mediale, pars principalis. Partial cell loss was found in the anterior dorsalis, ventralis medialis, submedius, reuniens, and geniculatum mediale, pars magnocellularis. Paracentralis retained a lower than normal number of Neurons in its medial half, with scattered cells appearing throughout its lateral half and in the adjacent centralis lateralis. The pale-staining reticular nucleus had nearly a normal complement of cells in its ventral half, whereas the dorsal half retained only scattered cells. No consistent pattern of degeneration was found in medialis dorsalis. The following structures were normal: paratenialis, interanteromedialis, rhomboidens, centralis medialis, parafascicularis, centrum medianum, and geniculatum laterale, pars ventralis. Likewise, no degeneration was displayed by subthalamic and midbrain nuclei. Throughout this study, no differences were discernible which could be ascribed to the variation in postoperative survival times.
PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN A CO-AXIAL PLASMA GUN

Discussion of the physical processes in a co-axial plasma gun and the problem of employing it for propulsion
Munchausen syndrome by proxy complicating ear surgery

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a form of child abuse in which a parent or caretaker produces or simulates illness in a child. Often great lengths are undertaken to diagnose and treat the myriad of symptoms and problems in these children. Unnecessary examinations, treatments, and hospitalizations ensue. Unfortunately, some victims of this syndrome die. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a form of child abuse and should be reported appropriately. The diagnosis of MSBP is difficult to make and must be done with caution as the implications for those involved are serious. Therefore, care must be taken in properly identifying cases. We present a case of MSBP complicating the postoperative course of a boy after undergoing ear surgery for cholesteatoma. Characteristics and potential clues to the diagnosis of MSBP are discussed. The goal of our article is to inform otolaryngologists of this syndrome so they may develop a high index of suspicion to better detect its occurrence. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;122:1377-1380
Multiple, small doses of cholecystokinin octapeptide are more efficacious at inducing taste aversion conditioning than single, large doses

Abstract Using a one-bottle taste aversion conditioning paradigm, sulfated cholecystokinin(26–33) (CCK-8) has again been shown to induce taste aversion conditioning in rats. Even thought the effective doses of CCK-8 are relatively high, they do not induce as strong an aversion as has been demonstrated with LiCl. This pharmacodynamic profile of CCK-8 (i.e., relatively moderate, but not strong, taste aversion induction) may result, in part, from its unusual pharmacokinetic profile. CCK-8 seems to have a plasma half-life of just several minutes, whereas LiCl has a plasma half-life of 6 h in rats. In the present study, CCK-8, CCK-4, or LiCl was administered either as single, large doses immediately following consumption of 0.2% sodium saccharin (SACC), or as 10 half-hourly injections of one-tenth the large dose. Presumably, multiple small doses extended the time CCK-8 and CCK-4 were acting in the body, even though the peak plasma concentrations were quantitatively lower than after the large, single doses. Ten injections of CCK-8 of 10 or 100 nmol/kg (11.4 or 114.3 μg/kg) induced significantly stronger taste aversions than single injections of the same total dose of 100 or 1000 nmol/kg (114.3 or 1143.3 μg/kg), whereas multiple injections of LiCl of 70.8 μmol/kg (3.0 mg/kg × 10) did not induce stronger taste aversions than single injections of 708 μmol/kg (30.0 mg/kg). Neither single nor multiple injections of CCK-4 of 1000 nmol/kg (596.7 μg/kg) × 1, or 100 or 1000 nmol/kg (59.7 or 596.7 μg/kg) × 10 induced any sign of taste aversion conditioning. Therefore, CCK-8-induced taste aversions appear so mild, in part, because of CCK-8's unusually brief pharmacokinetic profile.
Pollution regulation and abatement efforts: evidence from China

Abstract This paper empirically tests pollution abatement efforts of Chinese industries in response to pollution regulations, especially the pollution charge instrument practiced in China for about 20 years. The impacts of pollution regulation on abatement expenditures are examined for one thousand large and medium Chinese industrial polluters. The results show that plant-level expenditures on end-of-pipe wastewater treatment are strongly responsive to the pollution charges. The estimated elasticities of operation cost and new investment with respect to pollution price are 65 and 27%, respectively. Other command-and-control regulatory approaches, however, are not found to have systematic and significant impacts on abatement expenditures.
Hamiltonian Square-Paths

A hamiltonian square-path (-cycle) is one obtained from a hamiltonian path (cycle) by joining every pair of vertices of distance two in the path (cycle). LetGbe a graph onnvertices with minimum degree?(G). Posa and Seymour conjectured that if?(G)?23n, thenGcontains a hamiltonian square-cycle. We prove that if?(G)?(2n?1)/3, thenGcontains a hamiltonian square-path. A consequence of this result is a theorem of Aigner and Brandt that confirms the case?(H)=2 of the Bollabas?Eldridge Conjecture: ifGandHare graphs onnvertices and (?(G)+1)(?(H)+1)?n+1, thenGandHcan be packed.
Solar coal gasification

Abstract A preliminary evaluation of the technical and economic feasibility of solar coal gasification has been performed. The analysis indicates that the medium-Btu product gas from a solar coal-gasification plant would not only be less expensive than that from a Lurgi coal-gasification plant but also would need considerably less coal to produce the same amount of gas. A number of possible designs for solar coal-gasification reactors are presented. These designs allow solar energy to be chemically stored while at the same time coal is converted to a clean-burning medium-Btu gas.
The Investor Fear Gauge

The Chicago Board Options Exchange9s Market Volatility Index (VIX) is called the “investor fear gauge.” To understand why, it is necessary to understand the index9s construction. To understand how VIX performs its role, it is necessary to examine its history and its relation to stock market returns. In this article, the author describes the construction of the volatility index and examines in movements over the past fourteen years.
The effects of accent familiarity and language teaching experience on raters' judgments of non-native speech

Abstract Rater effects, defined as the construct-irrelevant variation associated with rater characteristics, are critical to the reliability and validity of speaking assessments ( Bachman et al., 1995 ; Kunnan, 2000 ). The current study investigates two under-explored characteristics among untrained raters: familiarity with the speakers' non-native accents and experience in teaching English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL). This study is the first to use a novel, objective measure of accent familiarity, i.e., an accent identification task. It included three groups of raters (n = 22 in each group) who varied on the two characteristics. All raters assigned holistic and three analytical ratings (foreign accents, grammar and vocabulary, and content) to 26 speech files. They also filled out a survey reporting their demographic information, perceived impacts of their background on their ratings, and evaluative features they used for rating. Although there were no significant differences in the three groups' ratings, ESL/EFL teachers self-reported that their background affected their rating decisions, and one third of them also felt that they were more lenient. Compared to non-teachers, ESL/EFL teachers were also better able to separate the analytical dimensions and were less biased by speakers' foreign accents when judging the overall proficiency or the content of their speech.
Simulations of Finite Wings with 2-D and 3-D Ice Shapes: Modern Lifting-Line Theory versus 3-D CFD

Computations were performed to examine the usefulness of Q3D-Wing – a method based on lifting-line theory and a database on the aerodynamics of 2-D airfoil sections with and without ice – to predict the 3-D aerodynamics of clean and iced wings. This was accomplished by comparing results generated by using Q3D-Wing with those generated by using 3-D CFD for the following configurations: rectangular and swept wings with 2-D 212 rime ice, 2-D 944 glaze ice, and an “artificial” 3-D glaze ice. For the clean and the iced wing configurations studied, the lift and drag predicted by Q3D-Wing matched 3-D CFD results remarkably well – within 2 to 5% - except near stall. Nomenclature α = angle of attack β = wing sweep angle c = chord length s = wing span AR = aspect ratio of a wing CL = lift coefficient CD = drag coefficient Cp = pressure coefficient M = Mach number T∞ = freestream temperature P∞ = freestream pressure Rec = Reynold number based on freestream conditions and the chord length
Branch-skipped pipelined microprocessor

A new pipelined microprocessor has been designed. Branch instructions are detected in the early stage of the pipeline and branch target instructions are made available early enough to let the microprocessor skip all branch instructions. The average execution time per instruction is less than one machine cycle.
Asymptotics of rare events in birth-death processes bypassing the exact solutions

We investigate the near-continuum asymptotics of mean first passage times in some one-variable birth–death processes. The particular problem we address is how to extract mean first passage times in the near-continuum limit from their defining finite-difference equations alone. For the simple class of processes we consider here, exact closed-form solutions for the mean first passage time between any two states are available and the near-continuum expansion of these formulae defines the correct limiting behaviour and is used to check the results of asymptotic analysis of the difference equations. We find that in some cases the asymptotic approach does not lead unequivocally to the proper result.
Applied software engineering education

If we are to consider evaluating the available workforce under the spectrums of time, cost, and reliability, the theoretical teaching of software engineering fundamentals is not sufficient to provide the skills and knowledge expectations of the employers. Besides the specialized knowledge, the non-technical skills such as the communication ability within the group for partitioning, assigning, and monitoring task progress are required as part of the background. However, these skills are generally omitted while teaching software engineering due to lack of time, environment, and/or resources. Since traditional lectures are lacking of practical ways of creating software, the focus of this research is to present our experiments during a client-sponsored project in an applied classroom environment at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). Our goal is to provide not only the differences between the theoretical and practical education, but also the impact of a real client and the vital considerations and conditions taken by the development team in order to prevent failure in the project are expressed. Finally, to measure the outcome of the applied teaching and conduct future enhancements, a pre and post-knowledge assessment were conducted.
Screening the role of pronociceptive molecules in a rodent model of endometriosis pain.

Abstract Chronic pain is a major symptom in patients with endometriosis, a common gynecologic condition affecting women in their reproductive years. Although many proalgesic substances are produced by endometriosis lesions, experimental evidence supporting their relative roles is still lacking. Furthermore, it is unclear whether these proalgesic agents directly activate nociceptors to induce endometriosis pain. To determine their relative contribution to pain associated with endometriosis, we evaluated the intrathecal administration of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) antisense to messenger RNA for receptors for 3 pronociceptive mediators known to be produced by the ectopic endometrium. Two weeks after the implant of autologous uterine tissue onto the gastrocnemius muscle, local mechanical hyperalgesia was observed in operated rats. Intrathecal antisense ODN targeting messenger RNA for the interleukin 6 receptor–signaling complex subunit glycoprotein 130 and the nerve growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor A, but not their mismatch ODNs, reversibly attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia at the implant site. In contrast, intrathecal antisense ODN targeting the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, at a dose that markedly inhibited intramuscularly injected tumor necrosis factor alpha, had only a small antihyperalgesic effect in this model. These results indicate the relative contribution of pronociceptive mediators produced by ectopic endometrial tissue to endometriosis pain. The experimental approach presented here provides a novel method to evaluate for the differential contribution of mediators produced by other painful lesions as well as endometriosis lesions as targets for novel treatment of pain syndromes. Perspective This article presents evidence for the relative contribution of proalgesic mediators to primary hyperalgesia displayed by rats submitted to a model of endometriosis pain. This approach can be used to identify potential targets for the treatment of endometriosis pain.
Modelling Synergy using Manifest Categorical Variables

This paper discusses methods to model the concept of synergy at the level of manifest categorical variables. First, a classification of concepts of synergy is presented. Additive and nonadditive concepts of synergy are distinguished. Most prominent among the nonadditive concepts is superadditive synergy. Examples are given from the natural sciences and the social sciences. Modelling focuses on the relationship between the agents involved in a synergetic process. These relationships are expressed in form of contrasts, expressed in effect coding vectors in design matrices for nonstandard loglinear models. A method by Schuster is used to transform design matrices such that parameters reflect the proposed relationships. An example reanalyses data presented by Bishop, Fienberg, and Holland (1975) that describe the development of thromboembolisms in women who differ in their patterns of contraceptive use and smoking. Alternative methods of analysis are compared. Implications for developmental research are discu...
Minimum Sizes for Viable Population and Conservation Biology

Minimum viable population size implies that there is some threshold for the number of individuals that will ensure at some acceptable level of risk that a population will persist in a viable state for a given interval of time. Fundamental to this concept is the effective population size. The so-called 50/500 rules have been criticized and a reliable minimum size for viable population is hard to obtain. However, this concept is indispensable in ex situ conservation programs like captive breeding. Minimum area requirement can be deduced for reserve plans. Discussions generated by minimum viable population size concept give insights into conservation biology. Keywords: Minimum viable population, Conservation, Effective population size doi:10.3126/on.v1i1.297 Our Nature (2003) 1: 3-9
Effect of Vindicated Criminal Charges on the Choices of Simulated Voters.

(1978). Effect of Vindicated Criminal Charges on the Choices of Simulated Voters. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 106, No. 2, pp. 289-290.
The high affinity selectin glycan ligand C2-O-sLex and mRNA transcripts of the core 2 β-1,6-N-acetylglusaminyltransferase (C2GnT1) gene are highly expressed in human colorectal adenocarcinomas

Background The metastasis of cancer cells and leukocyte extravasation into inflamed tissues share common features. Specialized carbohydrates modified with sialyl Lewis x (sLex) antigens on leukocyte membranes are ligands for selectin adhesion molecules on activated vascular endothelial cells at inflammatory sites. The activity of the enzyme core 2 β1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT1) in leukocytes greatly increases their ability to bind to endothelial selectins. C2GnT1 is essential for the synthesis of core 2-branched O-linked carbohydrates terminated with sLex (C2-O-sLex). Our goal was to determine the expression profiles of C2-O-sLex in the malignant progression and metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinomas. The well characterized CHO-131 monoclonal antibody (mAb) specifically recognizes C2-O-sLex present in human leukocytes and carcinoma cells. Using CHO-131 mAb, we investigated whether C2-O-sLex was present in 113 human primary colorectal adenocarcinomas, 10 colorectal adenomas, 46 metastatic liver tumors, 28 normal colorectal tissues, and 5 normal liver tissues by immunohistochemistry. We also examined mRNA levels of the enzyme core 2 β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT1) in 20 well, 15 moderately, and 2 poorly differentiated colorectal adenocarcinomas, and in 5 normal colorectal tissues by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR).
Identification and characterization of mouse Rab32 by mRNA and protein expression analysis

Rab proteins, a subfamily of the ras superfamily, are low molecular weight GTPases involved in the regulation of intracellular vesicular transport. Cloning of human RAB32 was recently described. Presently, we report the cloning and characterization of the mouse homologue of Rab32. We show that murine Rab32 exhibits a ubiquitous expression pattern, with tissue-specific variation in expression level. Three cell types with highly specialized organelles, melanocytes, platelets and mast cells, exhibit relatively high level of Rab32. We show that in murine amelanotic in vitro transformed melanocytes as well as in human amelanotic metastatic melanoma cell lines, the expression of Rab32 is markedly reduced or absent, in parallel with the loss of expression of two key enzymes for the production of melanin, tyrosinase and Tyrp1. Therefore, in both mouse and human systems, the expression of Rab32 correlates with the expression of genes involved in pigment production. However, in melanoma samples, amelanotic due to a mutation in the tyrosinase gene, the expression of Rab32 remains at levels comparable to those observed in pigmented melanoma samples. Finally, we observed co-localization of Rab32 and the melanosomal proteins, Tyrp1 and Dct, indicating an association of Rab32 with melanosomes. Based on these data, we propose the inclusion of Rab32 to the so-called melanocyte/platelet family of Rab proteins.
Broken, Inflated Angioplasty Balloon on a Wire

In our hospital, management of poorly functioning dialysis catheters is a daily occurrence. Our algorithm is to first exchange the dysfunctional catheter over guide wires and test the new catheter by rapidly withdrawing blood using a 10-mL syringe. If blood cannot be rapidly aspirated, the new catheter is removed over guide wires and angioplasty of the superior vena cava (SVC) is performed to disrupt the offending fibrin sheath or dilate the caval stenosis. We rarely perform catheter stripping as we have not found this practice to be superior to catheter exchange, and compared with catheter exchange, it is a lengthier and more complex procedure.
Reducing The Downside Risk Of Not Receiving Anticipated Social Security Benefits By Using Personal Accounts

The government is not obligated to pay Social Security benefits and no one has the right to receive such benefits. This paper presents the argument that opting for a personal account in conjunction with traditional Social Security is less risky than opting to have all of ones Social Security taxes go into traditional Social Security. The overall downside risk of receiving lower than anticipated Social Security retirement income is reduced by diversifying to include personal accounts along with traditional Social Security.
Uniqueness and Causes of the California Drought

Abstract The current California drought, which is part of the abnormal to extreme drought conditions affecting much of southwest USA, has lasted for 4 years (2011/12 – 2014/15). It has intensified steadily to what at present is likely the worst Californian drought since reliable instrumental records began in 1895. The uniqueness of this drought is demonstrated by assessing the Oct. – Mar. wet seasons for instances 75th percentile in average temperature. Of the 8 seasons since 1895 that met these percentile conditions, only the present drought satisfied these criteria for more than one season. Predictions of California precipitation and temperature anomalies were made using linear regression (LR), and support vector regression (SVR) with several linear and non-linear kernels, applied to a range of climate drivers and local sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Cross-validated correlations were low (LR) to moderate (SVR) for precipitation, but were high (>0.7) for both temperature LR and SVR, with SVR marginally exceeding LR. The leading predictors were global warming and local SSTs near the California coast. Finally, the cool seasons were classified as dry/not-dry and hot/not-hot using logistic regressions and k-means classification clustering. Again, it was found that predictability was low for dry/not-dry classes but was high (>70% correct) for hot/not-hot classes. This research suggests that the climate system has warmed sufficiently so that drought can no longer be assessed solely by the lack of precipitation, but must consider the combination of low precipitation and abnormal warmth.
Letter by See et al Regarding Article, “Optimizating Clot Retrieval in Acute Stroke: The Push and Fluff Technique for Closed-Cell Stentrievers”

Haussen et al1 present an interesting series demonstrating an improvement in TICI (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction) 3 revascularization using the push and fluff technique (PFT) for deploying the Trevo Retriever device (Stryker, MI) over standard unsheathing technique. PFT is an interesting technique which seems to be an adaptation of techniques first described in the pipeline embolization device, but there are distinct differences in the response of a braided stent and a closed cell laser-cut stent. The authors propose to increase radial force and clot capture of the stent by increasing coaxial force (pushing and fluffing). Although the authors suggest concerns regarding excessive radial force resulting in arterial rupture, we propose that …
Mechanism and Thermodynamics of Reductive Cleavage of Carbon-Halogen Bonds in the Polybrominated Aliphatic Electrophiles.

Quantum-mechanical computations revealed that, despite the presence of electron-withdrawing and/or π-acceptor substituents, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) of the polybromosubstituted aliphatic molecules R–Br (R–Br = C3Br2F6, CBr3NO2, CBr3CN, CBr3CONH2, CBr3CO2H, CHBr3, CFBr3, CBr4, CBr3COCBr3) are delocalized mostly over their bromine-containing fragments. The singly occupied molecular orbitals in the corresponding vertically excited anion radicals (R–Br•–)* are characterized by essentially the same shapes and show nodes in the middle of the C–Br bonds. An injection of an electron into the antibonding LUMO results in the barrierless dissociation of the anion–radical species and the concerted reductive cleavages of C–Br bonds leading to the formation of the loosely bonded {R•···Br–} associates. The interaction energies between the fragments of these ion–radical pairs vary from ∼10 to 20 kcal mol–1 in the gas phase and from 1 to 3 kcal mol–1 in acetonitrile. In accord with the concerted mec...
The efficacy of problem-based learning of plus-size design in the fashion curriculum

As obesity rates have grown in the past decades, so has interest in plus-size fashion. With more than 50% of US and Canadian women reporting that they wear a size 14 or higher, it is critical to address this demographic. To respond to this trend, fashion designers and merchandisers have been encouraged to incorporate plus-sizes into their lines [Kim, H. Y., Jolly, L., & Kim, Y. K. (2007). Future forces transforming apparel retailing in the United States: An environmental scanning approach. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 25(4), 307–322. 10.1177/0887302X07306851)]. Plus-size options are available although there are challenges for apparel designers and merchandisers when trying to create the ideal fit and inviting retail experience. To help undergraduate apparel students gain confidence, learn about critical issues and problem-solving approaches for the plus-size market, a project was created and implemented in an undergraduate design course at a US university in the Pacific Northwest. In the course...
Post-Formation Shrinkage and Stabilization of Microfluidic Bubbles in Lipid Solution

Medical ultrasound imaging often employs ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), injectable microbubbles stabilized by shells or membranes. In tissue, the compressible gas cores can strongly scatter acoustic signals, resonate, and emit harmonics. However, bubbles generated by conventional methods have nonuniform sizes, reducing the fraction that resonates with a given transducer. Microfluidic flow-focusing is an alternative production method which generates highly monodisperse bubbles with uniform constituents, enabling more-efficient contrast enhancement than current UCAs. Production size is tunable by adjusting gas pressure and solution flow rate, but solution effects on downstream stable size and lifetime have not been closely examined. This study therefore investigated several solution parameters, including the DSPC/DSPE-PEG2000 lipid ratio, concentration, viscosity, and preparation temperature to determine their effects on stabilization. It was found that bubble lifetime roughly correlated with stable siz...
Hackathons as an Informal Learning Platform

Hackathons are fast-paced events where competitors work in teams to go from an idea to working software or hardware within a single day or a weekend and demonstrate their creation to a live audience of peers. Due to the "fun" and informal nature of such events, they make for excellent informal learning platforms that attract a diverse spectrum of students, especially those typically uninterested in traditional classroom settings. In this paper, we investigate the informal learning aspects of Ohio State's annual hackathon events over the past two years, with over 100 student participants in 2013 and over 200 student participants in 2014. Despite the competitive nature of such events, we observed a significant amount of peer-learning -- students teaching each other how to solve specific challenges and learn new skills. The events featured mentors from both the university and industry, who provided round-the-clock hands-on support, troubleshooting and advice. Due to the gamified format of the events, students were heavily motivated to learn new skills due to practical applicability and peer effects, rather than merely academic metrics. Some teams continued their hacks as long-term projects, while others formed new student groups to host lectures and practice building prototypes on a regular basis. Using a combined analysis of post-event surveys, student academic records and source-code commit log data from the event, we share insights, demographics, statistics and anecdotes from hosting these hackathons.
Gastrin and growth of the alimentary tract in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat

Mucosal growth in small intestine of the streptozotocin-diabetic rat is increased; insulin treatment decreases growth toward normal. Gastrin is trophic to the alimentary tract. Therefore, we measured gastrin and growth of the alimentary tract in controls, diabetics, and insulin-treated diabetics. Mucosal growth of the small intestine increased at 10 days of diabetes and increased further by 20 days. Serum and antral gastrin did not respond to diabetes at 10 days. At 20 days, mean antral gastrin was increased in all diabetic groups, but the increase was significant only for a hyperphagic ad libitum-fed diabetic group, which also showed increased serum gastrin. Insulin treatment decreased serum gastrin but only partly reversed the increased mucosal growth in diabetics. We conclude that 1) gastrin is not the primary cause for increased small intestinal mucosal growth in diabetes, inasmuch as gastrin did not respond to diabetes at 10 days when mucosal growth was increased, and decreased serum gastrin in insulin-treated groups was associated with increased mucosal growth; and 2) diabetes appears to increase gastrin.
On a Solution of the General Biquadratic Equation

Very often in mathematical work does one wish to write out without waste of time the value of the unknown in a given biquadratic equation. Nowhere in text-books or mathematical writings do I find the solution to a biquadratic given in such form that one by merely substituting in a fornula may get the roots. I have fouid the formula here given convenient and I do not know that the formula or this particular method of getting the result has ever before been published. Let the general biquadratic be
The Larval Retreat and Food of Arctopsyche; with Phylogenetic Notes on Feeding Adaptations in Hydropsychidae Larvae (Trichoptera)

Arctopsyche larvae generally construct somewhat cornucopia-shaped dwellings at the top and sides of large rocks in swift mountain streams and spin a capture net across a U-shaped frame at the anterior end of the larval abode. There is an increase in net mesh size in successive larval instars. The individual meshes of mature larval capture nets are the largest found to date in the Hydropsychidae. Based on larval foregut contents, 2nd instars are about 50% plant detritivores and 50% predators. In the last 2 instars foregut contents consisted of ca. 90% insect fragments and 10% plant material. The structure of the nets and larval abodes supports the placement of the Arctopsychinae as primitive Hydropsychidae. In the evolution of hydropsychid larvae there is a tendency toward more complicated larval feeding structures and smaller capture net mesh sizes.
Life after the Telescope Conjecture

We discuss the chromatic filtration in stable homotopy theory and its connections with algebraic K-theory, specifically with some results of Thomason, Mitchell, Waldhausen and McClure-Staffeldt. We offer a new definition (suggested by the failure of the telescope conjecture) of the chromatic filtration, in which all of the localization functors used are finite.
Patrick Branwell Brontë, [‘A Letter to the Editor of Blackwood’s Magazine ’] (1835), in The Brontës , vol. i , pp. 133–4

And would to Heaven you could believe it true, for then you would attend to and act upon it.
The Law of the Republic versus the 'Law of the Brothers': A Story of France's Law Banning Religious Symbols in Public Schools

"The Law of the Republic versus the 'Law of the Brothers'" aims to complicate the human rights narrative about the 2004 French law banning religious symbols in public schools, and to place this issue firmly within the context of contemporary struggles over and with religious fundamentalisms. This human rights law story is based on field research conducted in France, and features interviews with women's rights activists, journalists, religious figures and scholars of Muslim, Arab or North African heritage living in France who support the law. Their voices have been mostly left out of the Anglophone debate on this topic. For many of them, the 2004 law may be understood as a way to counter the parallel, informal "law" of brothers, fathers and neighbors - and fundamentalist groups - who sometimes seek to impose the headscarf and constrain women's choices about dress. Finding the right balance for addressing the issue of headscarves in school in the contemporary moment is admittedly difficult. However, the concerns raised by those interviewed in this chapter need to be considered in formulating any human rights account of the 2004 Law.
Production of agricultural commodities in the United States

We are approaching the time when the needs of the world must be met using sustainable methods. Agriculture will be at the forefront of this movement. It will help us to meet the food and feed needs of an ever growing population and it will play at least a part of the environmentally friendly energy used by the next generation. However, the current availability of agricultural material depends on food demand, due to increased population and economic development, as well as effective strategies to utilize bio energy and mitigate climate change.
Measuring Changing Educational Contexts in a Changing World: Evolution of the TIMSS and PIRLS Questionnaires

With each TIMSS and PIRLS assessment, IEA’s TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center at Boston College has improved the quality of the context questionnaire data collected about educational policies and practices. Over the 20 years that TIMSS and PIRLS have measured trends in educational achievement, the questionnaire data have been evolving to measure a stable set of policy-relevant constructs. With trends in valid and reliable context questionnaire scales, changes in students’ achievement from one assessment cycle to the next can be examined in relation to changes in the policies and practices of interest to determine whether there are patterns. TIMSS 2015 provided trend results for about a dozen such scales (e.g., Instruction Affected by Resource Shortages, Safe and Orderly School, and Early Literacy and Numeracy Activities) and PIRLS 2016 is expected to provide similar results.
A study on enhanced hyperthermia treatment for liver cancer using magnetic nanoparticles

Hyperthermia has been in use as a potential alternative method in cancer treatment. RF and microwave radiation have been used in hyperthermia to raise the tumor temperature to around 42°C without causing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. One of the greatest technical challenges in hyperthermia has been the development of a means of selectively heating deep-seated tumors. In this paper we present a study of new enhanced hyperthermia procedure for liver cancer through the use of magnetic nanoparticles. Iron oxide nanoparticles are injected into the tumor and due to their magnetic properties they help raise the tumor to the desired level in a shorter period of time. They can be injected via arterial embolization to avoid the circulation of the nanoparticles within healthy tissues. The effect of various nanoparticle parameters such as their magnetic susceptibility and concentration are evaluated in order to determine the effect on the SAR distribution and the temperatures in the tumor and surrounding tissue.
An introduction to ecologies of engaged scholarship: stories from activist-academics

This special edition of the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, ‘Ecologies of engaged scholarship: stories from activist-academics,’ is a product of a distinct form of peer r...
Surgical Treatment of Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease, as noted in this book, has very serious consequences for those affected. Accurate endocrine diagnosis is crucial as often the adenomas causing the ACTH excess are not large enough to be visualized on imaging studies. While a pituitary adenoma is causative in over 85 % of patients, this often needs confirmation with petrosal sinus sampling and measurements of circulating ACTH. Surgery with the intent of complete removal of the adenoma is usually the first-line of treatment. This is almost always done via a transsphenoidal approach with either microscopic or endoscopic techniques. In this chapter, we will discuss the imaging and surgical techniques for these microadenomas, as well as the more common reasons for failure of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In Search of Space: The Trope of Escape in German Electronic Music around 1968

‘In Search of Space’ explores the history of Krautrock, a futuristic musical genre that began in Germany in the late 1960s and flowered in the 1970s. Not usually explicitly political, Krautrock bore the unmistakable imprint of the revolt of 1968. Groups arose out of the same milieux and shared many of the same concerns as anti-authoritarian radicals. Their rebellion expressed, in an artistic way, key themes of the broader countercultural moment of which they were a part. A central theme, the article argues, was escape – escape from the situation of Germany in the 1960s in general, and from the specific conditions of the anti-authoritarian revolt in the Federal Republic in the wake of 1968. Mapping Krautrock's relationship to key locations and routes (both real and imaginary), the article situates Krautrock in relationship to the political and cultural upheavals of its historical context.
Testimonial Advertising on Social Networks to Existing Customers and New Customers

The use of testimonials from existing customers has always been an important technique in traditional marketing communications. However, it is not clear whether attempts by firms to promote customer testimonials in social media will be equally effective. First, often the reach of a firm on social media depends on customers explicitly opting into receiving communications from the firm. Such customers are presumably familiar with the firm, so it is not clear that further testimonials will be effective. Second, given the already social nature of communications in social media, it is not clear that adding an explicit testimonial will increase social media advertising effectiveness. This paper uses data from field experiments conducted by two gourmet food vendors. It finds evidence that while testimonial marketing can work to an existing customer base, it backfires when such communications make too-broad claims regarding representativeness.
Postoperative outcomes of open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Abstract Background Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common indications for non-elective surgery in the neonatal population. Multiple small prospective trials have shown that postoperative outcomes for laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy are equivalent or slightly better with the minimally invasive approach. This study uses a prospective national database to compare postoperative complications and length of stay for infants undergoing laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy. Methods Infants undergoing either open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for HPS were identified from the 2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Pediatric Participant Use File. Post-operative complication rates for an open versus laparoscopic approach were compared using chi square or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Operative time and post-operative length of stay were compared using the Wilcoxon two-sample test. Results A total of 3256 infants were identified from the 2013 and 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Pediatric Participant Use File who underwent pyloromyotomy for HPS. Of these, 1182 were open and 2074 were laparoscopic. Postoperative outcomes are depicted in Table 2 . Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was associated with statistically significant decrease in overall morbidity (2.4% versus 1.2%, P = 0.007). Conclusions We have demonstrated that post-operative outcomes after laparoscopic pyloromyotomy are equivalent or superior to an open approach. The minimally invasive approach to pyloromyotomy is a safe and feasible option in the treatment of HPS in infants.
SonoGames: Effect of an Innovative Competitive Game on the Education, Perception, and Use of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound

Objectives Gamification is a powerful tool in medical education. SonoGames is a competitive games-based event designed to educate and inspire emergency medicine (EM) residents about point-of-care ultrasound. We sought to describe: (1) the perceived effectiveness of a competitive event on both immediate learning and long-term education; and (2) the resultant attitudes of participants and program directors regarding ultrasound training. Methods The SonoGames Organizational Committee designed 2 surveys: 1 for SonoGames V EM resident participants and a second for EM program directors. Survey questions used a 5-point Likert scale to assess overall perceptions and attitudes about ultrasound, changes in self-reported content knowledge and competency, effects on clinical use, and perceived impacts of a competitive game format on education. Results Seventy-three resident participants and 42 program directors responded to the survey. Ninety-four percent of participants thought that the competitive gaming format of SonoGames was effective in making the event an educational experience. Participants reported that their ultrasound knowledge increased (81%), their enthusiasm for ultrasound increased (87%), and their clinical use of ultrasound increased (61%). Residency program directors reported similar increases to a lesser degree. Greater advancement through the event was associated with more positive responses. Residencies that participated in the event saw greater increases in the use of ultrasound by residents than those that did not. Conclusions A competitive games-based educational event focused on point-of-care ultrasound is an effective educational tool. SonoGames increases EM residents' knowledge, enthusiasm, and clinical use of ultrasound both during and after the event.