cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by RING finger protein RNF114.

Normal bone remodeling is a continuous process orchestrated by bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts, which an imbalance in bone remodeling results in metabolic bone diseases. RANKL, a member of the TNF cytokine family, functions as a key stimulator for osteoclast differentiation and maturation. Here, we report that RNF114, previously identified as a psoriasis susceptibility gene, plays a regulatory role in the RANKL/RANK/TRAF6 signaling pathway that mediates osteoclastogenesis. Our results demonstrated that RNF114 expression was significantly down-regulated in mouse osteoclast precursor cells undergoing RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. RNF114 knockout did not affect development or viability of the subpopulation of bone marrow macrophages capable of differentiating into osteoclasts in culture. However, in the presence of RANKL, RNF114 knockout bone marrow macrophages exhibited enhanced cell proliferation and augmented osteoclast differentiation, as shown by an increased expression of mature osteoclast markers, increased osteoclastic TRAP activity and bone resorption. Conversely, ectopic expression of RNF114 inhibited CTSK expression, TRAP activity and bone resorption in RANKL-treated pre-osteoclasts. RNF114 also suppressed RANKL-activated NFATc1 expression and NFAT-regulated promoter activity. RNF114 suppressed TRAF6-, but not TAK1/TAB2-mediated NF-κB activation downstream of RANKL/RANK. In particular, TRAF6 protein levels were down-regulated by RNF114, possibly via K48-mediated proteasome-dependent degradation. These data suggested that RNF114's inhibitory effect on RANKL-stimulated osteoclastogenesis was mediated by blocking RANK/TRAF6/NF-κB signal transduction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Qué tipo de ciencia le sirve al desarrollo auténtico

espanolNo hay resumenes disponiblesRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 39, 1994: 369-382 EnglishNo abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 39, 1994: 369-382
Perceived benefit of a student-led journal club presentation in a pharmacotherapy module.

Abstract Background and purpose The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate student's perceptions of a student led journal club. Educational activity and setting There were four, paired student led journal club sessions throughout the five week Women's and Men's Health Pharmacotherapy course. Journal club topics expanded upon didactic lecture material. A voluntary end-of-course survey was administered. Survey questions pertained to student's perception of the activity. Course and journal club grades were collected to identify correlations between demographics and performance. Findings All 91 students were given the survey (92.3% completion rate). Most students had not completed the journal club elective course or a journal club presentation previously (84.5% and 70.2%, respectively). Post-intervention prior to the course, most students did not feel confident in evaluating primary literature or presenting a journal club (61.9% and 59.5%, respectively). By the end of the course, most students felt an improvement in confidence in evaluating primary literature and presenting a journal club (88.1% and 89.3%, respectively). Most students agreed the journal club activities adequately complemented course material and was a beneficial course component (84.5% and 85.7%, respectively). Students felt better prepared for their Doctoral Candidate Seminar and pharmacy year four experiential rotations (76.1% and 86.9% respectively). Overall students reported that the journal club activity should be included in future courses (79.7%). The only parameter that predicted student confidence to present the journal club was completion of a journal club prior to the course. (p = 0.013) Summary Students perceived the journal club presentation in a pharmacotherapy module to be beneficial and agreed it should be included in future courses.
Attachment of Mycopathogens to Cuticle

Representative members of all major fungal groups have evolved mechanisms required for infection and subsequent development within invertebrates (for review see McCoy et al., 1988). To date, over 700 species within 90 different genera have been determined to be pathogenic to insect and mite hosts (Roberts and Humber, 1981; Samson et al., 1988). In the majority of cases, the spore stage represents the infectious propagule which attaches to and actively gains entry through the exoskeleton by producing penetrant hyphae (Charnley, 1984; see Chapter 6). In nature, the success of an invertebrate mycopathogen will be determined by its ability to produce and deliver infectious propagules to susceptible host systems. In turn, successful delivery will depend on the particular spore-bearing structure and the physical and chemical properties of the infectious propagule. In part, the array of spores and spore structures observed among the pathogenic fungi reflects their adaptation to the diversity of both the target hosts and their respective habitat.
Fundamentals of diagnostic ultrasonography

Diagnostic ultrasonography uses acoustical waves in the frequency range of 1 to 20 MHz. These waves obey Snell's law of reflection and refraction, which are rules ordinary to wave behavior. In ultrasound, the analogy to momentum is acoustic impedance. The acoustic impedance, Z, is equal to the density, p, times velocity, v. The ultrasound transducer converts electrical energy into ultrasound energy and vice versa. The transducer usually consists of a piezoelectric crystal composed of such ceramic materials as barium titanate, lead titanate, zirconate, or lead metaniobate. Five basic ultrasonic scanning modes play the major roles in clinical applications. A-mode, or amplitude-mode, scanning measures the tissue discontinuity along the scan axis. B-mode scanning produces a two-dimensional image of the tissue under study by combining A-mode signals from various directions through mechanical transducer scanning. M-mode, or time motion scanning, is an extension of the A-mode approach in which a single stationary transducer is used. The depth of the echo is displayed on the vertical axis; the brightness of the oscilloscope display is modulated by the echo amplitude. Real-time scanning, or rapid B-scanning, techniques provide continuous data acquisition at a rate sufficient to give the impression of the instantaneous motion of moving structures. Doppler scanning relies on the presence of motion. The Doppler effect occurs when there is relative motion between the source of sound and the receiver of the sound, causing a change in the detected frequency of the sound source.
Universal Design for Learning and Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom

Instructional technology (IT) integration hinges on several principles: (a) the technologies should align well with the curriculum, (b) the choice of technology should be based on how well the tool serves classroom learning and teaching needs, and (c) teachers must ensure opportunities for all children to participate and learn in the technology-rich environment. To serve the needs of all young children in a technology-supported curriculum, a framework known as “universal design for learning” (UDL) proves helpful. Early childhood curricula that employ UDL principles are proactive and designed to provide young children with multiple means of (a) engagement, (b) action and expression, and (c) representation. Varying strategies and materials are used in assessments, goals, curricula content, the classroom environment, instructional methods and materials, and interactions with children. Technology use affords early childhood education professionals the opportunity to create such accessible classroom settings. This chapter explores the relationship between information literacy, technology literacy, and universal design for learning in early childhood education. Vignettes illustrating practical classroom applications are presented.
Employee Incentives in Microfinance: Examining the Importance of Diversification and Profit Status

Non-profits across the economy are being pressured to take on the human resource management practices of for-profits, including the use of pay-for- performance. However, the use of pay-for-performa...
Inhibitor of CBP Histone Acetyltransferase Downregulates p53 Activation and Facilitates Methylation at Lysine 27 on Histone H3

Tumor suppressor p53-directed apoptosis triggers loss of normal cells, which contributes to the side-effects from anticancer therapies. Thus, small molecules with potential to downregulate the activation of p53 could minimize pathology emerging from anticancer therapies. Acetylation of p53 by the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain is the hallmark of coactivator CREB-binding protein (CBP) epigenetic function. During genotoxic stress, CBP HAT-mediated acetylation is essential for the activation of p53 to transcriptionally govern target genes, which control cellular responses. Here, we present a small molecule, NiCur, which blocks CBP HAT activity and downregulates p53 activation upon genotoxic stress. Computational modeling reveals that NiCur docks into the active site of CBP HAT. On CDKN1A promoter, the recruitment of p53 as well as RNA Polymerase II and levels of acetylation on histone H3 were diminished by NiCur. Specifically, NiCur reduces the levels of acetylation at lysine 27 on histone H3, which concomitantly increases the levels of trimethylation at lysine 27. Finally, NiCur attenuates p53-directed apoptosis by inhibiting the Caspase 3 activity and cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in normal gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Collectively, NiCur demonstrates the potential to reprogram the chromatin landscape and modulate biological outcomes of CBP-mediated acetylation under normal and disease conditions.
The Safety and Feasibility of Gynecologic Cancer Surgery Combined With Surgery for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES Women with gynecologic cancer may also present with pelvic floor dysfunction that can have a significant effect on quality of life. Combined surgical intervention for both malignancy and pelvic floor dysfunction may improve quality of life with minimal additional risk. We sought to determine the safety, feasibility, and frequency of combined gynecologic cancer surgery and surgery for pelvic floor dysfunction. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study that utilized the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database provided through the American College of Surgeons. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients with a final diagnosis of gynecologic malignancy from 2011 to 2015. Common Procedural Terminology codes for gynecologic oncology procedures and pelvic floor dysfunction surgery were used to identify the study population. Baseline demographics and postoperative complications were abstracted from the database for these patients and compared for patients with combined surgeries versus gynecologic cancer surgeries alone. RESULTS One hundred twenty-nine women underwent combined procedures compared with 25,838 women undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery alone. Patients who underwent combined procedures were older, had lower body mass index, had higher preoperative albumin and hematocrit, and lower morbidity estimates (P 0.1). CONCLUSIONS Combined gynecologic cancer and pelvic floor dysfunction procedures are feasible and can safely be performed without differences in postoperative complications in appropriately selected patients.
Rural-Urban Variation in Weight Loss Recommendations Among US Older Adults with Arthritis and Obesity.

Purpose: Weight loss is advantageous for individuals with obesity and arthritis. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine if there are differences by rural-urban status among older adults with these conditions who reported being advised by a health care provider to lose weight for arthritis or to ameliorate arthritis symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Respondents reported if they had been diagnosed with arthritis and if they received a provider weight loss recommendation (WLR). The analytic sample was limited to older adults aged 60–79 living in the five states that administered the examined BRFSS arthritis module who had body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and reported having arthritis (n = 2920). The respondent’s county of residence was linked to the corresponding county-level population density from the US Decennial Census to determine rural-urban status. A generalized linear model examined the association between receipt of a WLR and population density, controlling for demographics. Results: The sample was 83.6% white, 57.8% female, and 63.2% received a WLR. Respondents from more urban counties were more likely to receive a WLR (p value for trend <0.001). Additionally, older respondents, men, individuals with less than a high school education, and whites had a decreased likelihood of receiving a WLR. Conclusions: The analysis identified notable rural-urban differences with respondents in more urban counties being more likely to receive a WLR. Furthermore, there were differences in those who received a WLR by age, sex, and education. Reasons for these differences should be explored.
Recalcitrant Paecilomyces keratitis.

A 54-year-old Caucasian woman presented with corneal ulcer of the right eye of 4 weeks duration after scratching her cornea while removing her contact lens and artificial eye lashes. Her visual acuity was 20/32 (left eye) and finger counting (right eye). She had a 3x3 mm epithelial defect with underlying corneal oedema and hypopyon. Right eye cultures grew Paecilomyces species. Topical and systemic antifungal agents were initiated. Due to the sight-threatening disease, the patient underwent surgical intervention with intrastromal injection of amphotericin B and a large conjunctival flap covering 75% of the right eye corneal ulcer. After 3 months of therapy, she had near-complete resolution of the corneal ulcer. Unfortunately, recurrence of the corneal ulcer occurred within 3 weeks of cessation of therapy, prompting reinitiation of ophthalmic and systemic antifungal agents. The patient was advised to continue therapy for 6 months with regular follow-up.
The Self-sufficient Citizen: Ecological Habitus and Changing Environmental Practices:

Past research demonstrates that social practices are not simply a matter of individual choices, but a reflection of social conditions that take place within systems of power. Applying theories of p...
Chromate Effect on Iodate Incorporation into Calcite

Incorporation of iodate into calcite (CaCO3) may be used as an in situ treatment strategy for radioiodine in contaminated soils and groundwater, but the presence of other contaminants may inhibit its efficiency. To this end, the potential for chromate to interfere with iodate incorporation into CaCO3 was investigated as an example of how co-located contaminants may impact in situ remediation efficacy. Here, batch precipitation experiments were periodically sub-sampled over 21 days to determine the kinetic effects of chromate on iodate removal and incorporation into calcite. From these experiments, a decrease in iodate removal from >60 to <40% was observed upon chromate addition (1–112 ppm of chromate) and ≤11% of chromate was removed with a minor dependence upon the initial chromate concentration. Analysis of the solid phase using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy informed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the iodate incorporation mode remains unchanged ...
Starch-phenolic complexes are built on physical CH-π interactions and can persist after hydrothermal treatments altering hydrodynamic radius and digestibility of model starch-based foods

Abstract Leveraging phenolic complexation to optimize starch functionality and digestibility is restrained by the obscurity of their physicochemical nature and molecular basis. To define starch-phenolic complexes under hydrothermal treatments, maize amylopectin and potato starch were complexed with caffeic acid, ferulic acid and gallic acid. Starch hydrothermal stability and digestibility were measured by differential scanning calorimeter and Englyst’s method, respectively. While monosaccharide compositions and glycosidic linkages were analyzed by GC–MS, hydrodynamic radius and proton magnetic resonance of gelatinized complexes were measured by dynamic light scattering and NMR respectively. Compared with native starches, starch-phenolic complexes were not chemically modified and had modestly lower estimated glycemic indexes and significantly lower gelatinization temperatures (p
The Application of Spark Erosion to the Synthesis of Thin Films Containing Ultrafine Particles

We have investigated a new method of preparing granular thin films, which are composed of fine metallic particles embedded in a uniform matrix material. By our method, fine metallic particles are created by spark erosion in an inert gas environment and directly deposited onto a cooled substrate. Magnetron sputtering is employed concurrently thereby building up the matrix. Using such a deposition method, granular thin films are created without the need of any heat treatments and can be made with virtually any material and composition. Furthermore it is even possible to create granular thin films from miscible phases. The size of the particles can be controlled by varying the pressure under which the spark erosion is conducted up to a few Torr of Ar. We have applied our method to the case of magnetic particles in a nonmagnetic matrix. Preliminary TEM measurements on Fe particles in a Cu matrix showed 10 nm diameter Fe particles. SAD patterns show that the film is composed of only the Fe and Cu phases. Similarly for the Gd-Ag system, 10 nm Gd particles were observed in an Ag matrix. Gd-Ag compounds that would be expected to form were not observed. Magnetic measurements for these systems agreed with the nanometer scale microstructure that was observed.
Unresolved issues for amino acid digestibility in poultry nutrition

Summary The purpose of this article is to review and discuss several issues concerning amino acid digestibility in poultry nutrition which are not totally resolved. Some issues are more resolved than others. These issues are as follows: Which method should be used to determine amino acid digestibility? Are amino acid digestibility values determined with cecectomized roosters similar to and interchangeable with broiler chicken ileal digestibility values? Should apparent or standardized amino acid digestibility values be used in feed formulation (which is preferable?)? which type of basal endogenous amino acid correction should be used for standardized amino acid digestibility values? Which type of indigestible marker should be used and how should digestibility values be calculated when using a marker? What to do about the effect of bird age on amino acid digestibility in feed formulation? And, what values should be used for digestible amino acid requirements?
Value Locality Based Approximation With ODIN

Applications suited to approximation often exhibit significant value locality, both in terms of inputs as well as outcomes. In this early stage proposal - the ODIN: Outcome Driven Input Navigated approach to value locality based approximation, we hypothesize that value locality based optimizations for approximate applications should be driven by outcomes i.e., the result of the computation, but navigated with the help of inputs. An outcome-driven approach can enable computation slices, whose outcomes are deemed (approximately) redundant or derivable, to be entirely eliminated resulting in large improvements to execution efficiency. While such an approach provides large potential benefits, we address its design challenges by aiding the outcome-driven approach with input-navigation - attempting to map the value locality characteristics within inputs to that of the outcomes. To enable this, we build a novel taxonomy to categorize value locality and use it to analyze benchmarks from the PERFECT suite. We show that with oracle prediction and an ideal design, more than 80 percent of computations can be eliminated at an SNR of 17.8 or a 90 percent accuracy, thus capable of tremendous performance and energy benefits. Finally, we discuss directions towards achieving optimal benefits.
Rosai-Dorfman disease in a patient with cervical lymphadenopathy and associated Serratia marcescens infection

Abstract Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), also known as Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), is a rare idiopathic, non-neoplastic proliferative disorder of histiocytes with an unknown etiology that most often presents as bilateral painless cervical lymphadenopathy. In this report, we highlight an unusual case of RDD pathology in a 7-month-old immunocompetent male that presented with a two-week history of cervical lymphadenopathy and fevers. Our case is an indication that while RDD in general is rare, the disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cervical lymphadenopathy associated with rare pathogens such as Serratia marcescens.
Patterns of recent deformation of the western Maracaibo block, northern Colombia and western Venezuela, based on integration of geomorphic indices with regional geology

AbstractThe Maracaibo block is a triangular, continental tectonic terrane that includes two isolated Andean ranges of northern Colombia and western Venezuela: the Sierra de Santa Marta Massif (SSMM...
Searching for biosignatures in sedimentary rocks from early Earth and Mars

The recognition of past habitable environments on Mars has increased the urgency to understand biosignature preservation in and characterize analogues of these environments on Earth. In this Review, we examine the detection and interpretation of potential biosignatures preserved in deposits rich in carbonates, silica and clay. Many of the earliest chemical, textural and morphological evidence of life on Earth are found in carbonates and carbonate-hosted phases. Early diagenetic chert within carbonate deposits can exceptionally preserve microbial body fossils, and clay minerals that form in ultramafic terrains can protect organic matter. On Mars, similar deposits older than 3.5 billion years could contain biosignatures or remnants of prebiotic processes that have long been erased from Earth. Terrestrial analogues for the deposition of magnesium carbonate minerals in Jezero crater, Mars, present patterns that can guide the collection of samples with the highest astrobiological potential by the Perseverance rover. Continued characterization of terrestrial analogue sites and rigorous examination of the processes that impact the preservation of isotopic signals, organic compounds, and microbial textures and fossils will advance the interpretation of Martian deposits. With the landing of the Perseverance rover and the search for biosignatures on Mars, it is important to understand how these signs of life can be preserved and interpreted. This Review describes these signatures on Earth and how terrestrial analogues can inform the search for signs of life on early Mars.
Interpersonal Trauma, Therapeutic Alliance and Relationship Satisfaction: A Dyadic Examination

The aim of this study was to use the dyad as the unit of analysis in exploring the associations between interpersonal trauma and its impact on the development of the therapeutic alliance and relationship satisfaction in early sessions of couple therapy. The sample consisted of 110 different-gender couples who were seeking treatment at an on-campus midwestern university Couple and family therapy clinic. The results showed that interpersonal trauma had an impact on the development of alliance in therapy, such that male’s own trauma was negatively associated with their bond score, while their partners’ trauma was positively associated. Likewise, for male partners, when their female partners have experienced more trauma, their relationship satisfaction decreases early on and then increases by the 5th session. However, it does not reach the same level of satisfaction as male partners whose female partners have had no experience of trauma. Couple and family therapists can strengthen the therapeutic alliance, which is essential for treatment outcome, and tailor their therapeutic approach, by considering the underlying relational mechanisms when treating couple clients who report histories of interpersonal trauma.
Safety of Modified Nimodipine Dosing in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND Nimodipine improves outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, the impact of alternative dosing strategies on outcome remains unclear. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted with aSAH to an academic referral center from 2016 to 2019. Patients with a confirmed aneurysm cause who received nimodipine were included; patients who died or had withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment within 24 hours of admission were excluded. Univariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to identify predictors of using modified nimodipine dosing (30 mg every 2 hours) versus standard dosing (60 mg every 4 hours). Inverse probability weighted and modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) for outcome measures, with poor outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale score 4-6 at 3 months. RESULTS We identified 175 patients with aSAH who met eligibility criteria (mean [SD] age = 57 [13.2] years, 62% female, 73% White); 49% (n = 86) received modified nimodipine dosing. A modified dose was used more frequently in women (RR 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.89, P = 0.02), patients with vasospasm (RR 3.47, 95% CI 1.84-6.51, P < 0.001), and patients who required vasopressors (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.3-2.32, P < 0.001). Modified dosing was not associated with poor functional outcome (inverse probability weighted RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.8-1.4, P = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS Modified dosing of nimodipine is well tolerated and may not be associated with worse functional outcome. Prospective studies are needed to better assess the relationship between nimodipine dosing and outcomes in patients with aSAH.
Isolation of Mitochondria from Brain Tissue and Cells

Mitochondria are one of intracellular organelles acting as the main energy providers of the cell. Increasing evidences have demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunctions in respiratory chain function, oxidative stress, dynamics (shape, size, fission-fusion, distribution, movement, etc.), calcium-handling capacities, and protein mutation play a central pathogenic role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Protocols developed for the isolation of pure and intact mitochondria will contribute considerably to the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders.
Using Lego mindstorms across the computer science curriculum

Participants will learn how to use the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System as an active-learning platform for teaching topics ranging from Programming 101 to Computer Architecture to Operating Systems to Artificial Intelligence. Participants will learn how to use Java, C/C++, and Lisp to control and program Mindstorms robots. No personal kits are required; participants will use a workshop-supplied MindStorms kit and pre-built robots.
Atomic flux divergence-based AC electromigration model for signal line reliability assessment

In this paper, we develop an AC electromigration (EM) model for signal lines manufactured with copper dual damascene process. For the first time, the healing factor of AC EM is quantitatively modeled. To measure EM reliability of interconnects considering timing margins we introduce AC EM functional lifetime. We also develop an atomic flux divergence (AFD)-based void growth model to explain the resistance curves of measured results and calculate the functional EM lifetime of AC signal lines without extracting parameters from experiments. We demonstrate fidelity of the proposed model with measured results for both the healing factor and the rate of resistance change.
Why Do Vacant Houses Sell for Less: Holding Costs, Bargaining Power or Stigma?

This article introduces Nash bargaining into a search model to identify various channels through which vacancy affects selling price and liquidity in the resale market for houses. The model shows the various vacancy effects in the form of greater seller holding cost, lower seller bargaining power and unobserved negative attributes or stigma. We use a 20-year data series on house transactions to test for these effects in a simultaneous model of price and liquidity, using the long data series to allow for variation across market phases. The robust vacancy effects on price and liquidity across all market phases primarily reflect greater seller holding cost and diminished bargaining power. Repeatedly, vacant houses also exhibit significant stigma effects in the rising market but not in stable or declining market phases. At the same time, vacant houses enjoy stronger shopping externality effects from surrounding houses for sale than do their occupied counterparts.
Global and regional integration of the Middle East and North African (MENA) stock markets

Abstract We investigate financial integration of MENA region to facilitate a more in-depth exploration of the structure of interdependence and transmission mechanism of stock returns and volatility between MENA and world stock markets. The EGARCH-M models with a generalized error distribution are employed to consider both leverage effect of negative shocks and leptokurtosis prevalent in the MENA stock markets. The estimation results of multivariate AR-GARCH models indicate that there are large and predominantly positive volatility spillovers and volatility persistence in conditional volatility between MENA and world stock markets. Own-volatility spillovers are generally higher than cross-volatility spillovers for all the markets.
Bubble Dynamics and Channel Formation for Cathode Initiated Discharges in Transformer Oil

The development of cathode initiated low density channel formation and propagation leading to self breakdown in transformer oil is investigated using high speed electrical and optical diagnostics in a coaxial system with a point/plane axial discharge at various hydrostatic pressures. A cathode initiated channel formation and propagation model based upon single bubble dynamics has been presented by Kattan [1]. Experiments based on high-speed shadowgraphy were conducted to decide if the principles that govern single bubble dynamics could be applied to cathode initiated channel formation. These experiments show bubble motion away from the cathode, with separation velocities on the order of 10's m/s. This separation is similar for single bubbles generated at the cathode and for bubble chains developing into low-density channels. Lifetimes of these channels are recorded and show good correlation with the Rayleigh model [2] used to predict lifetimes of single bubbles. Experiments at reduced hydrostatic pressure reveal a critical pressure below which low density channel expansion occurs, further corroborating the presence of a gas phase. Finally, the pressure dependence of the breakdown voltage due to the expansion of the low density channels is examined and a model for this dependence is presented. The experiments conducted confirm the presence of a gas phase channel, its correlation with single bubble dynamics, and its importance to final breakdown.
THE EFFECT OF CO2 AND 02 CONTENT OF THE BLOOD ON THE FREEZING POINT OF THE PLASMA

1. The effect of CO2 and 02 on the osmotic pressure of plasma has been estimated by measuring the freezing point depression of plasma whose blood had been equilibrated at 38° C. with gas mixtures of different composition. 2. At constant oxygenation, for each millimol of CO2 added to one kg. of water of the blood, the osmotic pressure of plasma rises by 0·9 milliosmols per kg. of water. 3. If the CO2 content of blood is kept constant, the reduction of one millimol of haemoglobin (m. wt. 17,000) per kg. of water lowers the osmotic pressure of blood by about 0·3 milliosmol per kg. of water. 4. The biochemical implications of these findings are discussed.
Characterizing CO2 storage reservoirs and shallow overburden for above‐zone monitoring in Texas Gulf Coast EOR fields

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) through carbon dioxide (CO2) injection provides an excellent opportunity for commercial sequestration of anthropogenic CO2. A fluvio-deltaic, deep-seated salt dome and a strand-plain, roll-over anticline from the Gulf Coast region are currently under investigation for the design and implementation of monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) plans, in coordination with the commercial surveillance of independent, large-volume (>1 million ton/year) CO2-EOR operations. Characterization with wireline logs demonstrates the vertical extent and areal continuity of reservoir sands and geometries of faults that offset the reservoir. To develop the monitoring plan, we focused on several elements: (i) characterization of the zones above the confining unit for above-zone pressure monitoring, (ii) collection and development of input data for ‘quick-look’ dynamic modeling of CO2 plume extent and pressure elevation, and (iii) identifying intersections of faults with wellbores in intervals above the regional confining unit for thermal monitoring. Other uncertainties addressed during characterization are the upper extent of faults and the juxtaposition of layers to assess the potential for cross-fault fluid migration. Successful use of such techniques for MVA, based on uniting elements of existing regulatory monitoring expectations, would lead to the establishment of commercial best practices for effective and rapid characterization of EOR sites in the Gulf Coast region. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
How Much Time Do Low-Income Patients and Primary Care Physicians Actually Spend Discussing Pain? A Direct Observation Study

BACKGROUND We know little about how much time low-income patients and physicians spend discussing pain during primary care visits.
Technology mapping for FPGAs with complex block architectures by fuzzy logic techniques

This paper describes a technology mapper for FPGAs with the complex structure of logic blocks. Most technology mappers developed so far are not effective for such complex logic block architectures as XILINX XC4000 series. The proposed mapper applies a constructive mapping algorithm and fuzzy logic rules to balance such criteria as area, timing, routability and others. Performance of the mapper is demonstrated on the set of MCNC benchmarks.
Applying Pure Mathematics

Much of the current thought concerning mathematical ontology and epistemology follows Quine and Putnam in looking to the indispensable application of mathematics in science. A standard assumption of the indispensability approach is some version of confirmational holism, i.e., that only "sufficiently large" sets of beliefs "face the tribunal of experience." In this paper I develop and defend a distinction between a pure mathematical theory and a mathematized scientific theory in which it is applied. This distinction allows for the possibility that pure mathematical theories are systematically insulated from such confirmation in virtue of their being distinct from the "sufficiently large" blocks of scientific theory that are empirically confirmed.
An annotation model for making sense of information quality in online video

Making sense of the information quality of online media including things such as the accuracy and validity of claims and the reliability of sources is essential for people to be well-informed. We are developing Videolyzer to address the challenge of information quality sense-making by allowing motivated individuals to analyze, collect, share, and respond to criticisms of the information quality of online political videos and their transcripts. In this paper specifically we present a model of how the annotation ontology and collaborative dynamics embedded in Videolyzer can enhance information quality.
Introduction to a special issue on “inequality, politics and power”

consists of three papers originallypresented at the III World Bank Conference on Inequality, which was held inWashington, DC, in June 2006. Twenty-one papers – selected from among morethan one hundred submissions – were presented at the 2-day conference, which wasorganized by the Research Department and the Poverty Reduction and EconomicManagement Network of the World Bank. The conference theme was “Inequality,Politics and Power”, and the idea was to showcase research that shed new lighton the inter-relationships between economic and political inequalities. The selectedpapers covered a much wider array of sub-topics than we had anticipated, leading toconference sessions on “Land and Power”, “Elections and Revolts”, “Education andPolitics”, and so on.The three papers selected for publication in this issue – albeit after independentrefereeing and the resulting revisions – retain the diversity of topics and perspectiveswhich characterized the conference. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani’s, “Poverty, inequalityand populist politics in Iran” is a careful empirical investigation of the dynamicsof poverty and inequality in Iran since the 1979 Revolution, using a rich set ofhousehold surveys that has hitherto been under-explored (at least outside Iran). Thepaper reports a signiﬁcant increase in poverty during the eight-year war with Iraq,followed by a marked decline thereafter, as economic growth resumed. However, theﬁndings regarding income inequality are more ambiguous: after an initial decline, theGini coefﬁcient (for consumption expenditures) remained broadly stable at around0.42–0.45, between 1983 and 2005. The claim is frequently made that a shift towardseconomic populism in Iran’s politics around 2005 may have been caused by risingpoverty and inequality. The author concludes that this claim “is not grounded infacts”, although it does appear to be true that the Iranian government has not beenas successful in lowering inequality as it has been in reducing poverty.
Augmentation of Coronary Blood Flow With Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Counter-Pulsation

A78-year-old woman with reduced left ventricular contractile function underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (3 saphenous vein grafts and an internal mammary artery graft) and mitral valve repair. Inotropic support and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation were required for weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. The intra-aortic pressure and ECG tracings (Figure 1⇓) on day 2 after surgery are shown. During continuous atrioventricular sequential pacing and 2:1 …
Eosinophilic granuloma in the pediatric spine.

Background/Aims: Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) involving the vertebrae in the pediatric population presents a difficult management scenario. Issues of surgical versus nonsurgical inte
Applying spatial thinking in social science research

Spatial methods that build upon Geographic Information Systems are spreading quickly across the social sciences. This essay points out that the appropriate use of spatial tools requires more careful thinking about spatial concepts. As easy as it is now to measure distance, it is increasingly important to understand what we think it represents. To interpret spatial patterns, we need spatial theories. We review here a number of key concepts as well as some of the methodological approaches that are now at the disposal of researchers, and illustrate them with studies that reflect the very wide range of problems that use these tools.
Myrmidons, Dolopes, and Danaans: Wordplays in Aeneid 2

As Aeneas begins his story of Troy's fall he wonders if in relating it even her enemies, such as the Myrmidons or Dolopes or the soldiers of Ulysses, could refrain from tears (Aen. 2.6–8). The reference to a weeping soldier of Ulysses is a subtle allusion to Vergil's Homeric model, but why are the Myrmidons and Dolopes mentioned? The usual explanation that these were the soldiers of Neoptolemus, who plays a central role in Aeneas' account of Troy's fall, is not entirely satisfactory.In Homer the Myrmidons inhabit Phthia (cf. Il. 2.683–4) and are thus naturally linked with Achilles and Patroclus, but the Dolopes seem to play no role at all in the fighting. Their name occurs only once in the Iliad (as the people ruled by Phoenix) and not at all in the Odyssey.
Specific Heat and Scaling of 4 He Confined in a Planar Geometry

We report measurements of the specific heat of thick helium films to test scaling predictions near the superfluid transition, Tl. These films, bounded by two silicon wafers, range in thickness from 0.107 to 0.692 mm. The specific heat of the films is suppressed relative to that of bulk helium, and the difference of the data from bulk helium scales well with the exponent of the correlation length. We propose an empirical scaling function which fits the data well for T . Tl, and yields the surface specific heat. We also compare the data with various theoretical calculations and experiments. We find that the calculations underestimate the effect of confinement. [S0031-9007(97)02843-3] The motivation for this work was to study effects of confinement on the heat capacity of liquid 4 He near the superfluid transition temperature, Tl. Compared to bulk helium, the heat capacity of a finite sample is suppressed, and the maximum is rounded and shifted below Tl. The magnitude of these effects depends on the confinement size L, boundary conditions, and, if appropriate, the lower crossover dimension of the confined system.
Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Left Atrial Myxoma

Two patients with left atrial myxomas detected with one-dimensional echocardiographic studies were evaluated before and after surgery with real-time phased-array two-dimensional echocardiographic studies. This latter technique provided relatively quantitative information regarding the size, shape, and mobility of the tumor and its effect on cardiac function. In case 1, the two-dimensional echocardiogram showed a relatively immobile tumor measuring 3 × 4.5 cm in diameter in the left atrium only. At surgery a 2 × 4.5-cm myxoma that was attached to the left atrium by a broad-based short stalk was removed. In case 2, the left atrial mass appeared to be 3 × 4 cm in diameter, with much movement during the cardiac cycle. At surgery a 3 × 4-cm left atrial myxoma that was attached to the interatrial septum by a long stalk was removed. In both cases, masses in other cardiac chambers were excluded, the mitral valves were normal, and left ventricular function was normal, all of which were confirmed at surgery and by postoperative echocardiograms. In one patient the information obtained by two-dimensional echocardiographic studies was believed to be sufficient to preempt the need for cardiac catheterization. These cases illustrate that this new noninvasive technique may provide sufficient quantitative preoperative detail in patients with left atrial tumors to obviate the risk and expense of cardiac catheterization.
Synthesis and Electronic Properties of Aldehyde End-Capped Thiophene Oligomers and Other α,ω-Substituted Sexithiophenes

A series of α,ω-aldehyde end-capped oligomers of thiophene with three, four, five, six, and eight thiophene units have been synthesized using the palladium-catalyzed Stille's coupling reactions. The UV−vis spectral data indicate that these aldehyde end-capped oligomers have longer conjugation lengths as evidenced by the higher λmax values than the corresponding unsubstituted oligothiophenes. The λmax value increases as the number of thiophene units is increased. The intrinsic conductivity of the solution-cast films of the aldehyde end-capped oligothiophenes is generally higher than that of their corresponding unsubstituted counterparts. Other α,ω-substituted sexithiophenes, such as n-dodecanoyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, hydroxymethyl, and [(n-butoxyethoxy)ethoxy]methyl sexithiophenes, have also been synthesized. α,ω-Bis([(n-butoxyethoxy)ethoxy]methyl)sexithiophene has a remarkably high solubility in chloroform (1.8 g/L) and a conductivity (1 × 10-6 S/cm) comparable to the unsubstituted sexithiophene.
AIRS impact on the analysis and forecast track of tropical cyclone Nargis in a global data assimilation and forecasting system

Tropical cyclones in the northern Indian Ocean pose serious challenges to operational weather forecasting systems, partly due to their shorter lifespan and more erratic track, compared to those in the Atlantic and the Pacific. Moreover, the automated analyses of cyclones over the northern Indian Ocean, produced by operational global data assimilation systems (DASs), are generally of inferior quality than in other basins. In this work it is shown that the assimilation of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) temperature retrievals under partial cloudy conditions can significantly impact the representation of the cyclone Nargis (which caused devastating loss of life in Myanmar in May 2008) in a global DAS. Forecasts produced from these improved analyses by a global model produce substantially smaller track errors. The impact of the assimilation of clear-sky radiances on the same DAS and forecasting system is positive, but smaller than the one obtained by ingestion of AIRS retrievals, possibly due to poorer coverage.
The aftermath of 9/11. What light through yonder window breaks? [free-space laser link]

The local communication infrastructure was hit hard by the events of September 11. Financial corporations with an urgent need to transmit high-speed data between offices in physically separate locations were particularly affected, and scrambled to come up with viable alternatives to disrupted fiber-optic cables and RF-based wireless networks. According to a report in Conformity (December, 2001), Merrill Lynch turned to free-space optics for setting up a communication link between its office in lower Manhattan and backup offices across the river in Jersey City, New Jersey. The data were transmitted across the 1.6-mile distance via a laser beam. While free-space optics has been around for over thirty years, and has been investigated for many exotic applications such as satellite-to-satellite communication, it has not been used widely in mainstream applications. Merrill Lynch opted for a free-space laser link because such a system could be up and running within a few hours, following a disaster such as the WTC collapse.
Reproducibility and Reliability of Volumetric Measurements of Olfactory Eloquent Structures

Rationale and Objectives. The authors assessed the reliability and reproducibility of volumetric measurements of olfactory bulbs and tracts (OBTs) and temporal lobes (TLs) with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Methods. Repetitive MR imaging of two phantoms and OBTs and TLs of patients was performed. Regions of interest were manually drawn around the relevant structures, and their volumes were measured at workstations. Intra- and interobserver variability for the two readers were measured. Intraclass and Pearson correlation coefficients and mean percentage differences were calculated. Results. The measured phantom volumes were within 1.9%–12% of the true volumes with a variability of ≤5%. Intraclass and Pearson correlation coefficients were ≥0.919 for measurements by a single reader and ≥0.924 for measurements by different readers. The inter- and intraobserver variabilities were ≤4.2% for TL and 11.3%–14.6% for OBTs. Conclusion. Volumetric measurements of the olfactory apparatus can be reliably and accurately reproduced from MR images.