cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study of the interaction of electron paramagnetic spins with nuclear spins

NMR measurements are reported here on a particular ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$-doped Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ crystal which, when analyzed in the light of existing relaxation theory, yield explicit expressions for the effective magnetic moment of the paramagnetic spin, its associated autocorrelation time, and the contribution of the surrounding shifted nuclei to the second moment of the nuclear-resonance line shape. Additional more direct measurements of this cross second moment using both Mansfield's coherent-double-pulse technique and a free-induction-decay decomposition agree with the moment predicted by the above analysis to within experimental error. Some common pitfalls in the interpretation and comparison with theory of such data are also pointed out. Finally, attention is called to serious inconsistencies between the autocorrelation times resulting from this analysis and impurity-spin-lattice relaxation times obtained from EPR measurements on similar systems.
GATA4 Regulates Estrogen Receptor-α-Mediated Osteoblast Transcription

Estrogens regulate osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. We identified GATA4 as a transcription factor expressed in osteoblasts and directly regulated by 17β-estradiol in this cell type but not in breast cancer cells, another estrogen-responsive tissue. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) reveals that estrogen receptor α (ERα) binds to chromatin near GATA4 at five different enhancers. GATA4 and ERα are both recruited to ERα binding sites near genes that are specifically expressed in osteoblasts and control osteoblast differentiation. Maximal binding of GATA4 precedes ERα binding, and GATA4 is necessary for histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation at ERα binding sites, suggesting that GATA4 is a pioneer factor for ERα. As such, knockdown of GATA4 reduced recruitment of ERα to DNA. Our study illustrates that GATA4 is a pioneer factor for ERα recruitment to osteoblast-specific enhancers.
Boundary behavior near reentrant corners for solutions of certain elliptic equations

The behavior near a reentrant corner of quasilinear non-uniformly elliptic partial differential equations which satisfy certain conditions is examined. For an elliptic equation satisfying a general maximum principle and having «convex barriers», we show that if a solution has radial limits at the corner, these limits have the same qualitative behavior as those for nonparametric minimal surfaces. For certain equations of mean curvature type, radial limits at the reentrant corner are shown to exist.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND pH ON PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION IN ACTOMYOSIN SOLUTIONS

The extent of protein-protein interactions in actomyosin solutions was measured as a change in light scattering absorbance of a solution undergoing change. The extent of the reaction registered as an increase in light scattering absorbance indicating an increase in the size of the macromolecules. In treatments where the extent of protein-protein interaction was extensive, film formation and/or precipitation of the macromolecules occurred. At constant protein concentration the kinetics of the reaction was dependent upon temperature, pH and the type of actomyosin used. In general, the rate and maximum extent of change increased with increasing temperatures and decreasing pH. Below 40° C more change was generally observed in beef actomyosin solution compared to mackerel at the same temperature and pH. However, at higher temperatures, mackerel actomyosin often shows more change than beef under the same conditions. The shapes of the reaction curves were such that the slope of the steepest line that can be drawn from the origin to tangent the curve at the region where the change starts to taper off (the characteristic slope), was a good index of the rate of change and the maximum extent of interaction attained. Arrhenius-type plots of the characteristic slopes showed three possible mechanisms of change predominating within certain temperature ranges, as indicated by well-defined inflections in the curves, reflecting varying activation energies for the reactions. The three temperature zones are: below 40°C; between 40 and 60° C; and above 60° C. Below 40° C the rate and maximum extent of protein-protein interaction is very strongly temperature dependent.
Age differences of multivariate network expressions during task-switching and their associations with behavior.

Abstract The effect of aging on functional network activation associated with task-switching was examined in 24 young (age=25.2±2.73 years) and 23 older adults (age=65.2±2.65 years) using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The study goals were to (1) identify a network shared by both young and older adults, (2) identify additional networks in each age group, and (3) examine the relationship between the networks identified and behavioral performance in task-switching. Ordinal Trend Covariance Analysis was used to identify the networks, which takes advantage of increasing activation with greater task demand to isolate the network of regions recruited by task-switching. Two task-related networks were found: a shared network that was strongly expressed by both young and older adults and a second network identified in the young data that was residualized from the shared network. Both networks consisted of regions associated with task-switching in previous studies including the middle frontal gyrus, the precentral gyrus, the anterior cingulate, and the superior parietal lobule. Not only was pattern expression of the shared network associated with reaction time in both age groups, the difference in the pattern expression across task conditions (task-switch minus single-task) was also correlated with the difference in RT across task conditions. On the contrary, expression of the young-residual network showed a large age effect such that older adults do not increase expression of the network with greater task demand as young adults do and correlation between expression and accuracy was significant only for young adults. Thus, while a network related to RT is preserved in older adults, a different network related to accuracy is disrupted.
Is a threshold-based model a superior method to the relative percent concept for establishing individual exercise intensity? a randomized controlled trial

Exercise intensity is arguably the most critical component of the exercise prescription model. It has been suggested that a threshold based model for establishing exercise intensity might better identify the lowest effective training stimulus for all individuals with varying fitness levels; however, experimental evidence is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two exercise training programs for improving cardiorespiratory fitness: threshold based model vs. relative percent concept (i.e., % heart rate reserve – HRR). Apparently healthy, but sedentary men and women (n = 42) were randomized to a non-exercise control group or one of two exercise training groups. Exercise training was performed 30 min/day on 5 days/week for 12weeks according to one of two exercise intensity regimens: 1) a relative percent method was used in which intensity was prescribed according to percentages of heart rate reserve (HRR group), or 2) a threshold based method (ACE-3ZM) was used in which intensity was prescribed according to the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and second ventilatory threshold (VT2). Thirty-six men and women completed the study. After 12weeks, VO2max increased significantly (p 5.9 %) and were categorized as responders. Alternatively, exercise training in the ACE-3ZM group elicited a positive improvement in relative VO2max (Δ > 5.9 %) in 100 % (12/12) of the individuals. A threshold based exercise intensity prescription: 1). elicited significantly (p < 0.05) greater improvements in VO2max, and 2). attenuated the individual variation in VO2max training responses when compared to relative percent exercise training. These novel findings are encouraging and provide important preliminary data for the design of individualized exercise prescriptions that will enhance training efficacy and limit training unresponsiveness. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ID NCT02351713 Registered 30 January 2015.
Psychological Behaviorism and Behaviorizing Psychology

Paradigmatic or psychological behaviorism (PB), in a four-decade history of development, has been shaped by its goal, the establishment of a behaviorism that can also serve as the approach in psychology (Watson's original goal). In the process, PB has become a new generation of behaviorism with abundant heuristic avenues for development in theory, philosophy, methodology, and research. Psychology has resources, purview and problem areas, and nascent developments of many kinds, gathered in chaotic diversity, needing unification (and other things) that cognitivism cannot provide. Behaviorism can, within PB's multilevel framework for connecting and advancing both psychology and behaviorism.
Low-loss switching fabric design for recirculating buffer in WDM optical packet switching networks using arrayed waveguide grating routers

In this paper, we give a new switching fabric design for the recirculating buffer in optical packet switching networks. We note that since a packet to be buffered can be routed to any delay lines, the switching fabric connecting packets to the delay lines can be simplified. We give a design based on the arrayed waveguide grating router, and give a simple linear time-control algorithm for assigning buffer locations to the packets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first switching fabric specifically designed for recirculating buffers which takes advantage of the fact that packets can be routed to any delay lines
Diet of the northern bearded saki (Chiropotes satanas chiropotes): A neotropical seed predator.

Data on the diet of Chiropotes satanas chiropotes, the northern bearded saki, has been collected during several years of primate field observations in the Raleighvallen-Voltzberg Reserve in Suriname. This species feeds predominantly on immature seeds and ripe fruit, mainly the former. Chiropotes is especially fond of the members of the Brazil nut family, Lecythidaceae, and other species with exceptionally hard or tough seed pods. Concomitantly, Chiropotes shows striking dental and gnathic adaptations that facilitate opening and ingesting these well-protected food items. Seed predation in the Old World colobine, Colobus satanas, has been discussed primarily as a strategy for survival in forests characterized by leaves with low nutrient content and high toxicity; however, it now appears that arboreal seed predation is a relatively widespread primate dietary strategy found among higher primate species in a variety of forest types on three continents. It is yet another way of “making a living” in a tropical rain forest.
TGF-β inhibition enhances chemotherapy action against triple-negative breast cancer

After an initial response to chemotherapy, many patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have recurrence of drug-resistant metastatic disease. Studies with TNBC cells suggest that chemotherapy-resistant populations of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) with self-renewing and tumor-initiating capacities are responsible for these relapses. TGF-β has been shown to increase stem-like properties in human breast cancer cells. We analyzed RNA expression in matched pairs of primary breast cancer biopsies before and after chemotherapy. Biopsies after chemotherapy displayed increased RNA transcripts of genes associated with CSCs and TGF-β signaling. In TNBC cell lines and mouse xenografts, the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel increased autocrine TGF-β signaling and IL-8 expression and enriched for CSCs, as indicated by mammosphere formation and CSC markers. The TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor LY2157299, a neutralizing TGF-β type II receptor antibody, and SMAD4 siRNA all blocked paclitaxel-induced IL8 transcription and CSC expansion. Moreover, treatment of TNBC xenografts with LY2157299 prevented reestablishment of tumors after paclitaxel treatment. These data suggest that chemotherapy-induced TGF-β signaling enhances tumor recurrence through IL-8–dependent expansion of CSCs and that TGF-β pathway inhibitors prevent the development of drug-resistant CSCs. These findings support testing a combination of TGF-β inhibitors and anticancer chemotherapy in patients with TNBC.
The role of analogies in learning to read

A number of factors contribute to proficient word recognition, including phonological awareness and the ability to make orthographic analogies. The present study considered the relative contribution analogy abilities make toward early reading ability. Two analogy tasks and measures of phonological awareness, orthographic knowledge, visual memory, general language ability, and non-verbal intelligence were administered to 20 second grade good readers and 20 third and fourth grade poor readers. The analogy tasks did make a significant contribution to early reading ability; however, the analogy tasks were not very different from the measures of reading they predicted. In other words, it seems difficult to isolate the use of analogies from basic phonological decoding abilities.
Concept hierarchy based text database categorization in a metasearch engine environment

Document categorization, as a technique to improve the retrieval of useful documents, has been extensively investigated. One important issue in a large-scale meta-search engine is to select text databases that are likely to contain useful documents for a given query. We believe that database categorization can be a potentially effective technique for good database selection, especially in the Internet environment, where short queries are usually submitted. In this paper, we propose and evaluate several database categorization algorithms. This study indicates that, while some document categorization algorithms could be adopted for database categorization, algorithms that take into consideration the special characteristics of databases may be more effective. Preliminary experimental results are provided to compare the proposed database categorization algorithms.
The effect of podcast lectures on nursing students' knowledge retention and application

Abstract Aim. This pilot study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of academic podcasts in promoting knowledge retention and application in nursing students. Background. Nursing education no longer simply occurs in a fixed location or time. Computer-enhanced mobile learning technologies, such as academic podcasts, must be grounded in pedagogically sound characteristics to ensure effective implementation and learning in nursing education. Method. A convenience sample of 35 female undergraduate nursing students was randomized into three groups: a traditional face-to-face lecture group, an unsegmented (non-stop) podcast lecture group, and a segmented podcast lecture group. Retention and application of information were measured through a multiple-choice quiz and a case study based on lecture content. Results. Students in the segmented podcast lecture group demonstrated higher scores on multiple-choice and case-study assessments than those in the other two groups. Conclusion. Nurse educators should be aware o...
Dynamically reconfigurable optical links for high-bandwidth data center networks

State-of-the-art data center networks cannot satisfy the bandwidth requirements of upcoming applications. We explore dynamic reconfiguration of low cost, high bandwidth optical networks that can adapt to application communication patterns.
Start-up and hiring practices of immigrant entrepreneurs: An empirical study from an evolutionary psychological perspective

Strong social ties embedded in ethnic communities of immigrant populations have been considered key assets for immigrant entrepreneurs. However, little research has been done on how biological kinship and the biological theories of altruism influence the behavior of ethnic entrepreneurs. In this study, we have applied a neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory of kinship to examine adaptive functions of kin and ethnic altruism in business start-up and hiring practices of Korean immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States. We confirmed that the patterns of help received by Korean entrepreneurs for business start-ups were congruent with an evolutionary perspective on altruism. However, the results for hiring patterns suggested that customer ethnicity trumped kin and co-ethic interests. We close by offering suggestions for future research.
Identification of Egr1 as the oncostatin M-induced transcription activator that binds to sterol-independent regulatory element of human LDL receptor promoter

Previously, we identified the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) promoter region -17 to -1 as a novel sterol-independent regulatory element (SIRE) that mediates the stimulating effect of oncostatin M (OM). The goal of this study was to identify the OM-induced transcription activator that binds to the SIRE sequence. By conducting a electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) followed by UV crosslinking and SDS-PAGE, we show that a protein with a molecular mass of 85 kDa was present in the OM-induced SIRE DNA-protein complex. Western blotting and supershift assays reveal that the 85 kDa factor is early growth response gene 1 (Egr1). The interaction of Egr1 with the SIRE sequence was further confirmed in vivo by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The functional role of Egr1 in LDLR transcription was assessed by cotransfection of an Egr1 expression vector with an LDLR promoter reporter construct. We show that overexpression of Egr1 significantly increases LDLR promoter activity when cotransfected with CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (c/EBPbeta) or with cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) expression vectors. Our studies clearly demonstrate that Egr1 is the OM-induced transcription factor that binds to the SIRE sequence of the LDLR promoter and also suggest that Egr1 may have a functional role in OM-induced upregulation of LDLR transcription through interaction with other SIRE binding proteins such as c/EBPbeta or CREB.
An invisible problem: Everyday violence against girls in schools

This article shows how ‘normalized masculinity’ and its effects are operative but invisible in public discussions of targeted violence against girls. In school shootings, dating violence and sexual...
Use of MRI for Lobar Classification of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Potential Phenotypic Biomarkers for Research on Treatment Strategies.

OBJECTIVE. We present an MRI classification of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for use as a phenotype biomarker in the study of proposed therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSION. Six patterns of BPH distribution were identified. Illustrations are provided for each classification type.
The regulation of bidirectional mitochondrial transport is coordinated with axonal outgrowth

Although small molecules such as ATP diffuse freely in the cytosol, many types of cells nonetheless position their mitochondria in regions of intense ATP consumption. We reasoned that in the highly elongated axonal processes of growing neurons in culture, the active growth cone would form a focus of ATP consumption so distant from the cell body as to require the positioning of mitochondria nearby via regulated axonal transport. To test this hypothesis, we quantified the distribution and transport behavior of mitochondria in live, aerobically respiring chick sympathetic neurons. We found that in the distal region of actively growing axons, the distribution of mitochondria was highly skewed toward the growth cone, with a sevenfold higher density in the region immediately adjacent to the growth cone than in the region 100 microns away. When axonal outgrowth was blocked by substratum-associated barriers or mild cytochalasin E treatment, the gradient of mitochondrial distribution collapsed as mitochondria exited retrogradely from the distal region, becoming uniformly distributed along the axon within one hour. Analysis of individual mitochondrial behaviors revealed that mitochondrial movement everywhere was bidirectional but balanced so that net transport was anterograde in growing axons and retrograde in blocked axons. This reversal in net transport derived from two separate modulations of mitochondrial movement. First, moving mitochondria underwent a transition to a persistently stationary state in the region of active growth cones that was reversed when growth cone activity was halted. Second, the fraction of time that mitochondria spent moving anterogradely was sharply reduced in non-growing axons. Together, these could account for the formation of gradients of mitochondria in growing axons and their dissipation when outgrowth was blocked. This regulated transport behavior was not dependent upon the ability of mitochondria to produce ATP. Our data indicate that mitochondria possess distinct motor activities for both directions of movement and that mitochondrial transport in axons is regulated by both recruitment between stationary and moving states, and direct regulation of the anterograde motor.
Diffusion study of a polymer–diluent system using the optical mass transport method

Thermotropic polymers and low-molecular-weight mesogens share many common textural features. This circumstance is exploited to determine diffusion coefficents in a system consisting of a cholesteric polymer and a low-molecular-weight nematogen using the recently developed optical mass transport method. The self-diffusion coefficient and its concentration dependence were determined by using a distance–time approach, whereas the time dependence of the mutual diffusion coefficient was evaluated by a conventional concentration–distance analysis of the diffusion profile. Comparison with literature data indicates satisfactory agreement. The coefficient of the scaling law relating the self-diffusion coefficient and concentration is in accord with the value predicted by de Gennes for semidilute polymer solutions.
a CAPpella: programming by demonstration of context-aware applications

Context-aware applications are applications that implicitly take their context of use into account by adapting to changes in a user's activities and environments. No one has more intimate knowledge about these activities and environments than end-users themselves. Currently there is no support for end-users to build context-aware applications for these dynamic settings. To address this issue, we present a CAPpella, a programming by demonstration Context-Aware Prototyping environment intended for end-users. Users "program" their desired context-aware behavior (situation and associated action) in situ, without writing any code, by demonstrating it to a CAPpella and by annotating the relevant portions of the demonstration. Using a meeting and medicine-taking scenario, we illustrate how a user can demonstrate different behaviors to a CAPpella. We describe a CAPpella's underlying system to explain how it supports users in building behaviors and present a study of 14 end-users to illustrate its feasibility and usability.
Animal Practices, Ethnicity, and Community: The Turkish Pigeon Handlers of Berlin:

Though largely overlooked by scholars of ethnicity and culture, animal practices can structure and reflect identity and social relations. Based on individual and group interviews and observations in Berlin, Germany, this study examines how a group of Turkish men experience and assign significance to the activity of caring for domestic pigeons. Building on approaches to ethnicity that follow the “cognitive turn,” as well as recent studies of human-animal interaction and cultural examinations of nature and the environment, this article demonstrates how: (1) these men frame their animal practices within their understandings of ethnicity, culture, and territory; and (2) communal relationships formed through pigeon caretaking reinforce definitions of Turkish ethnicity and culture for participants. Beyond offering in situ data on the link between animal practices and ethnicity, the analyses and case suggest how and why sociologists should consider animals and nature as potential constitutive objects of ethnic identity and culture.
A SWARM ENGINEERING APPROACH TO MOBILE SENSOR NETWORK DESIGN TOWARDS COLLABORATIVE PHOTOTAXIS WITH A SLOWLY MOVING LIGHT SOURCE

Swarm robotics is an innovative approach to the control and coordination of multi-agent systems that use naturally inspired swarm intelligent methods to perform tasks. A swarm based approach can decrease the complexity and the cost of designing a cooperative multi-robot system. This paper proposes a general engineering approach to develop a robotic swarm that focuses on how to synthesize an emergent behavior and the associated inputs to this end. We validate our methodology by engineering a swarm to simultaneously rendezvous on a stationary light source. Furthermore, we also considered the case when the light source is slowly moving. The design is simulated in NetLogo, an agent-based modeling software, and implemented on the MASnet robot platform. This work demonstrates the basic knowledge and tools required to engineer a robotic swarm.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 Putative Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) Binding Domain Does Not Mediate JAK3 Association or Activation in B-Lymphoma or Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1) has an intermediate domain between the two cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domains that are critical for transforming B-lymphocytes into lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). The intermediate domain has been implicated in Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) association and activation. We now find that LCLs transformed by EBV recombinants that express Flag-LMP1 with the putative JAK3 binding and activating intermediate domain deleted and LCLs transformed by Flag-LMP1 EBV recombinants have similar levels of phosphotyrosine-activated JAK3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), or STAT5 and similar very low levels of JAK3 associated with LMP1. Further, transient Flag-LMP1 expression in a B-lymphoma cell line transduces signals that upregulate TRAF1 levels but does not alter JAK3 levels or activation state. Although these data indicate that the LMP1 putative JAK3 binding and activating intermediate domain does not mediate JAK3 association or activation in B-lymphocytes, JAK3 association with LMP1 could be significant, particularly in cells in which LMP1, JAK3, or a JAK3-associated protein is expressed at high levels.
Respiration response curve analysis of heart rate variability

A noninvasive study was conducted on intact awake humans to characterize the dynamic response of the heart to the vagus during slow-, comfortable-, and fast-paced respiration (8, 12, and 18 breaths/min), under both sitting and standing conditions. The respiration response curve (RRC) of respiration-associated vagal effects on the heart was estimated, and characteristics of entrainment and frequency dependence on respiration were demonstrated. It was shown that the degree of entrainment and magnitude of phase resetting decrease with increase of pacing rate from 8 to 18 breaths/min. Further, the RRC was examined by overlapping equivalent phase shifts in different respiration cycles. This examination of the RRC can help one not only to find the common pattern underlying the RRC during different respiration cycles but also to perceive its variation related to degree of entrainment.
Optical and ultrasonic monitoring of laser-generated intracellular contrast agents: initial cell culture studies

Acoustically monitored laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) can be used its an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in living cells. With properly controlled laser parameters, optical breakdown is a minimally invasive means to target a single, transient, acoustically detectable contrast agent bubble within a cell without affecting its viability. With different laser parameters, optical breakdown can effectively destroy a target cell. Simultaneous real-time acoustic and optical microscopy can monitor this range of effects. In this study, experiments were performed on a monolayer of cells cultured on a glass coverslip. To initiate and monitor intracellular photodisruption in real time, we have developed a system integrating an ultrafast laser with optical and acoustic microscopy. A regeneratively amplified Ti:sapphire laser produced the breakdown, and a high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasonic transducer, confocal with the laser, monitored the resultant bubble via continuous pulse-echo recordings. The photodisruption was also observed using optical microscopy, and the viability of each cell was assessed after laser exposure using conventional live/dead staining. By varying laser pulse fluence (from 7 J/cm/sup 2/ to 112 J/cm/sup 2/) as well as the number of applied pulses, a broad range of intracellular effects was studied. When up to 5000 laser pulses were applied at the minimum fluence, a small (1/spl mu/m) transient bubble was generated. Cells targeted in this regime retained viability several hours after laser exposure. In contrast, with even a few laser pulses at high fluence, at large (>6/spl mu/m) stable bubble was induced, and cells were consistently killed in this regime. Geometric targeting within cells can thus generate acoustically detectable microbubbles without introducing exogenous agents. Furthermore, by incorporating biochemical targeting agents, this system can also be used as a powerful tool for minimally invasive molecular diagnostics (e.g. detecting targeted molecular agents without affecting cell viability) and therapy (e.g. by destroying labeled cells without damaging cells in the vicinity).
Non-Book Items in U.S. Public Libraries

Libraries tend to be associated with books, but in practice they have lent a variety of media to meet the interests and media practices of their users. Early in the twentieth century, public libraries circulated images, e.g. photographs, prints, and lantern slides. They also lent music scores and player piano rolls. Early in the twenty-first century, audio recordings and video disks account for roughly 25% of public libraries' total circulation. Libraries have adapted to media change in the past and they are likely to continue to adapt to media change in the future.
Interactive Science Homework: An Experiment in Home and School Connections:

A quasi-experimental study was conducted on whether family involvement in homework in the middle grades benefits students. Results suggest that well-designed interactive homework assignments positively engage parents and promote student achievement. Findings should be useful to middle school administrators and teachers for improving curriculum decisions and homework designs in science.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in the pediatric patient

Abstract Background Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) data in children are limited. We investigated the management of SPM at our institution. Methods We reviewed children with pneumomediastinum treated from January 2011 to October 2014. Primary (no precipitating factors) and secondary (underlying respiratory disease) SPM patients were included. Admission data and clinical outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 129 patients were included. Average age was 11.6 ± 4.6 years; 90 males (70%). Frequent presenting symptoms were chest pain (n = 76) and dyspnea (n = 51). Of the total, 89 patients (69%) were admitted. No patient required additional interventions. Of those, 85 patients (65.9%) had follow-up. Patients with secondary SPM (n = 58) were more likely than primary (n = 71) to be admitted (84% vs 56%, P = .001), receive oxygen (69% vs 35%, P = .04), and have longer stays (2 days [interquartile range, 1 to 3] vs 1 day [interquartile range, 0 to 1], P Conclusions Differentiating types of SPM is important as clinical course differs. Secondary SPM patients are more frequently admitted than primary SPM patients.
The Freedom of Information Act in the Information Age: The Electronic Challenge to the People's Right to Know

While the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guarantees the American people access to information in federal records, the legislation predates the proliferation of computers in federal agencies. While FOIA applies to information in electronic records, the full impact of FOIA on computerized records is not clear. This paper traces the case law on how FOIA relates to the records of the new technology, discusses the unanswered questions, and outlines three possible scenarios for the resolution of these public issues.
Two Approaches to the Theory of Spin Relaxation: I. The Redfield Langevin Equation; II. The Multiple Time Scale Method

Spin relaxation is one example of a general class of relaxation processes where the subsystem of interest is weakly coupled to a large bath or reservoir. The essential feature of such processes is the wide separation in the characteristic time scales of relaxation of the subsystem and the bath. If the coupling of the spin subsystem to the bath is ‘weak’ one finds that the spins relax on a ‘slow’ time scale relative to the lattice motion of the bath. One consequence of this separation of time scales is that the spin subsystem density matrix, to a certain degree of approximation, may be described by a master equation. To lowest order this equation of motion is only valid on the ‘slow’ time scale and is known as the Redfield equation. Another consequence is the existence of simple linear laws for the relaxation in the magnetization or other dynamical variables of interest. For many spin systems, in lowest order, the equations of motion for the macroscopic magnetization have the form of the Bloch equations which are also only valid on the slow spin time scale. A third consequence of the separation of time scales is that the relaxation times which appear in the Bloch or Redfield equations may be expressed as Fourier transforms of time correlation functions. To lowest order the time dependence of the correlation functions involves only the fast lattice motion.
Stability analysis of a two-dimensional linear system: accommodation and convergence

The interactive dual feedback of accommodation and convergence is considered a twodimensional linear system. In matrix form, system stability is determined by calculating the trace and determinant. Parameters affecting stability are shown.
Problems of Content Analysis in Foreign-Policy Research: Notes from the Study of the Origins of Cold War Belief Systems

Why did the U.S. view of the Soviet Union as a difficult but trustworthy ally change to one of a totalitarian state bent on unlimited subversion and conquest? I applied content analysis techniques to historical documents to infer the timing and direction of changes in U.S. policymakers' beliefs about the Soviet Union from 1944 to 1947. This article presents the design, methods, and major findings of the content analysis study. The results showed that Truman did not change his beliefs until after the pressure of events forced him to reorient U.S. foreign policy from cooperation to containment, and that Harriman, Byrnes, and Truman did not have coherent belief systems. I then consider problems likely to be encountered in studies that use verbal content to make inferences about cognitive variables, including the lack of applicable theoretical categories, the difficulty of making both replicable and valid inferences about people's beliefs from instrumental communications, and the task of validating inferences for psychological constructs. I conclude by pointing out the relevance of these reflections for researchers studying related questions.
The diffusion of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) more than the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) in Africa: The influence of coercion and emulation:

In 1989, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a seminal instrument in protecting the rights of children. Uniquely, this convention was the only one to receive near universal ratification, with African countries comprising half of the first 20 to sign the convention. Ghana was first among these countries to ratify the convention. This set off a bandwagon effect of other African countries quickly ratifying the convention. However, a year later, African governments reacted to their low involvement in the drafting process of the UNCRC and also to what they thought to be an inadequate representation of the real experience of the African child in the UNCRC. Consequently, this group adopted their own version of the convention – the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). However, unlike the experience with the UNCRC, African nations were not quick to ratify their own Charter; the ACRWC is hardly discussed in public and policy forums in Africa, and ...
Dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization to investigate aneuploidy in sperm from 33 normal males and a man with a t(2;4;8)(q23;q27;p21) *

Objective To establish the relative frequency of aneuploidy in sperm from normal and abnormal subjects using dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization and probes for six different chromosomes. Design Semen from 33 normal males and a patient with a translocation was studied using dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes for chromosomes 4, 7, 8, 12, 18, X and Y. The frequency of aneuploidy for each chromosome is compared with one another and with the patient who had a t(2;4;8)(q23;q27;p21). Setting Specimens were obtained from patients at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Results The percentage of sperm with disomy or nullisomy in normal subjects ranged from 0.2% to 0.6% for each of the chromosomes studied. No statistically significant differences were observed between these chromosomes. The frequency of aneuploidy in sperm from a patient with a t(2;4;8) was 3.3% and 4.8% for chromosomes 4 and 8, respectively. Conclusion Fluorescence in situ hybridization was useful to establish the normal range of nullisomic and disomic sperm for six different chromosomes and to study a patient with a clinically significant chromosome abnormality. In normal males, no difference in the frequency of meiotic nondisjunction was observed among the chromosomes studied.
Progesterone: Lessons from the progesterone receptor knockout

Progesterone has long been regarded as a pre-eminent hormone regulating female fertility, exerting diverse effects in ovarian, uterine, and mammary function to control implantation, pregnancy, and lactation (1). The major site of progesterone production is the ovary, where, in response to the leuteinizing hormone (LH) surge, production of this steroid increases in proestrous follicles and is followed by higher levels of progesterone secretion by corpora lutea during diestrous and pregnancy (2). A role for progesterone in ovulation was first demonstrated by Mori et al. (3), whose studies showed that injection of antiprogesterone antise-rum reduced the number of ovulations in the PMSG, hCG-induced rat model. Furthermore, the inhibition could be reversed by a dose of progesterone, but not by estradiol. Studies by Snyder et al. (4) and Lipner and Greep (5) showed that inhibiting 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (the enzyme that converts preg-nenolone to progesterone) with either epostane (4) or cyanoketone (5) blocked ovulation in rats. Furthermore, the block in ovulation could be overcome by exogenous administration of progesterone (4).
Analysis of process and temperature variations on a 2.4 GHz RF CMOS down conversion subthreshold mixer

The effect of process and temperature variations are becoming more dominant with technology scaling, especially for RF circuits, wherein even the minute variability in FETs and passive devices have a significant impact on the overall circuit behavior. Due to stringent power and performance specification requirements in the latest Wireless/RF applications, reasonable compensation for the process, voltage and temperature variations, is even more critical. In this paper, the design of a 2.4GHz operated, ultra-low power CMOS down-converting active mixer fabricated in standard 180 nm RF CMOS technology has been presented. The mixer is based on double balanced Gilbert-cell resistor-loaded topology. The effects of process and temperature variations on the designed mixer have been investigated and various compensation techniques relevant to the current design have been analyzed.
Properties of iron sulfide, hydrosulfide, and mixed sulfide/hydrosulfide cluster anions through photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations

A new magnetic-bottle time-of-flight photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) apparatus is constructed in our laboratory. The PES spectra of iron sulfide, hydrosulfide, and mixed sulfide/hydrosulfide [FeSm(SH)n−; m, n = 0–3, 0 < (m + n) ≤ 3] cluster anions, obtained at 2.331 eV (532 nm) and 3.492 eV (355 nm) photon energies, are reported. The electronic structure and bonding properties of these clusters are additionally investigated at different levels of density functional theory. The most probable structures and ground state spin multiplicity for these cluster anions are tentatively assigned by comparing their theoretical first vertical detachment energies (VDEs) with their respective experiment values. The behavior of S and (SH) as ligands in these iron sulfide, hydrosulfide, and mixed sulfide/hydrosulfide cluster anions is investigated and compared. The experimental first VDEs for Fe(SH)1−3− cluster anions are lower than those found for their respective FeS1−3− cluster anions. The experimental first VDEs for ...
IMPLEMENTATION OF A RAI-FRAILTY SCREENING ACROSS SURGICAL CLINICS: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE

Background The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a pre-operative screening tool to identify frail patients at risk for post-operative complications and mortality. Prior to this initiative, no frailty screening existed within the local setting. Objectives The global aim is to standardize pre-operative screening for frailty across surgical clinics by utilizing the RAI. The specific aim is to attain 80% RAI-Frailty screenings by surgery providers within 12 weeks of implementation for patients scheduled for elective surgery. Methods This initiative was piloted within a vascular surgery clinic at a southeastern medical center. Implementation strategies were developed, and the Model for Improvement with sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles was utilized to achieve project aim. A cause-and-effect diagram was completed to understand the lack of RAI-Frailty screenings and identify areas for improvement among surgery providers. Interventions included: audit and feedback, RAI REDCap link integration within Electronic Health Record (EHR), and creation of a RAI-Frailty screening template. Results PDSA Cycle 1 demonstrated a below target mean of 26.3%. During PDSA Cycle 2 and 3, a special cause variation was demonstrated by a shift of 15 points above the mean prompting the split of P-chart control limits. After splitting the control limits, a common cause variation revealed the change was sustained. Conclusions RAI-Frailty screening was successfully implemented and sustained in the vascular surgery clinic utilizing audit and feedback and EHR modifications as strategies for change. Based on these findings, this screening initiative is being implemented across surgical clinics. Outcome measures are being evaluated to determine the clinical implications of this screening initiative.
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy

Resting-state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) is a technique that identifies connectivity between different brain regions based on correlations over time in the blood-oxygenation level dependent signal. rs-fcMRI has been applied extensively to identify abnormalities in brain connectivity in different neurologic and psychiatric diseases. However, the relationship among rs-fcMRI connectivity abnormalities, brain electrophysiology and disease state is unknown, in part because the causal significance of alterations in functional connectivity in disease pathophysiology has not been established. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique that uses electromagnetic induction to noninvasively produce focal changes in cortical activity. When combined with electroencephalography (EEG), TMS can be used to assess the brain's response to external perturbations. Here we provide a protocol for combining rs-fcMRI, TMS and EEG to assess the physiologic significance of alterations in functional connectivity in patients with neuropsychiatric disease. We provide representative results from a previously published study in which rs-fcMRI was used to identify regions with abnormal connectivity in patients with epilepsy due to a malformation of cortical development, periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH). Stimulation in patients with epilepsy resulted in abnormal TMS-evoked EEG activity relative to stimulation of the same sites in matched healthy control patients, with an abnormal increase in the late component of the TMS-evoked potential, consistent with cortical hyperexcitability. This abnormality was specific to regions with abnormal resting-state functional connectivity. Electrical source analysis in a subject with previously recorded seizures demonstrated that the origin of the abnormal TMS-evoked activity co-localized with the seizure-onset zone, suggesting the presence of an epileptogenic circuit. These results demonstrate how rs-fcMRI, TMS and EEG can be utilized together to identify and understand the physiological significance of abnormal brain connectivity in human diseases.
Examining the Relationship Between Civic Education and Partisan Alignment in Young Voters

As American politics becomes more polarized, it is increasingly necessary for teachers to understand the relationship between education and partisan behavior. Using data from a 2012 CIRCLE survey of 18–24-year-olds, I examine the relationship between students’ educational experiences (focusing on exposure to high-quality civics instruction and high school democratic climate) and their propensity to exhibit alignment between party identification, ideology, issue opinions, and candidate choices as young adults. I find that participants who report both a high number of quality civic education experiences and a highly democratic school climate show a reduced likelihood of extreme political alignment. I discuss the implications of this finding and highlight directions for further investigation.