cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensive ossification of the ligamentum flavum treated with triple stage decompression: a case report.

Abstract Background context Concurrent ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine is a rare occurrence often associated with rheumatologic abnormalities. Although the pathology may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on routine imaging, compression of the cord and surrounding nerve roots can produce myelopathic or radiculopathic symptoms that are best treated with surgical decompression. There is limited evidence to support the use of single versus multistage decompression for tandem ossification at multiple levels, although several factors including duration of symptoms have been associated with a worse prognosis. Purpose To describe the presence of extensive symptomatic tandem OLF with concurrent ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) and its treatment using multistage decompression. Study design Case report and literature review. Methods The authors describe a case of a 35-year-old woman with OLF extending from the cervical to lumbar spine and tandem ossification of the cervical PLL. Her initial presentation was significant for symptoms consistent with thoracic myelopathy in the absence of radiculopathic findings, and initial imaging also demonstrated disc herniation at L4–L5 and L5–S1. Results The patient was first treated with a thoracic laminectomy and fusion from T7 to T11, given her back pain and thoracic myelopathy. Persistence of myelopathic symptoms necessitated further surgical intervention with a posterior cervical decompression and fusion from C3 to T1. Finally, after the appearance of radiculopathic findings, she underwent a microscopic L4–L5 laminectomy with improvements in her symptoms and ambulation. Conclusions Symptomatic OLF in non-East Asian population is a rare occurrence. Its etiology is likely multifactorial, involving both biomechanical and genetic factors. Although early detection and management are necessary, multistage decompression can be an effective intervention for extensive multilevel ossification.
The Genetic Architecture of Biofilm Formation in a Clinical Isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Biofilms are microbial communities that form on surfaces. They are the primary form of microbial growth in nature and can have detrimental impacts on human health. Some strains of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae form colony biofilms, and there is substantial variation in colony architecture between biofilm-forming strains. To identify the genetic basis of biofilm variation, we developed a novel version of quantitative trait locus mapping, which leverages cryptic variation in a clinical isolate of S. cerevisiae. We mapped 13 loci linked to heterogeneity in biofilm architecture and identified the gene most closely associated with each locus. Of these candidate genes, six are members of the cyclic AMP–protein kinase A pathway, an evolutionarily conserved cell signaling network. Principal among these is CYR1, which encodes the enzyme that catalyzes production of cAMP. Through a combination of gene expression measurements, cell signaling assays, and gene overexpression, we determined the functional effects of allelic variation at CYR1. We found that increased pathway activity resulting from protein coding and expression variation of CYR1 enhances the formation of colony biofilms. Four other candidate genes encode kinases and transcription factors that are targets of this pathway. The protein products of several of these genes together regulate expression of the sixth candidate, FLO11, which encodes a cell adhesion protein. Our results indicate that epistatic interactions between alleles with both positive and negative effects on cyclic AMP–protein kinase A signaling underlie much of the architectural variation we observe in colony biofilms. They are also among the first to demonstrate genetic variation acting at multiple levels of an integrated signaling and regulatory network. Based on these results, we propose a mechanistic model that relates genetic variation to gene network function and phenotypic outcomes.
Polarity-dependent electrochemically controlled transport of water through carbon nanotube membranes.

We demonstrate here that water can be efficiently wet and pumped through superhydrophobic aligned multiwalled nanotube membranes by application of a small positive dc bias. At a critical bias (∼1.7 V), with the membrane acting as anode, there is an abrupt transition from a superhydrophobic to hydrophilic state. Interestingly, this phenomenon is strongly polarity dependent; for a negative bias applied to the membrane, 2 orders of magnitude higher bias is required for the transition. The polarity and voltage-dependent wetting that we report could be used to controllably wick fluids through nanotube membranes and could find various applications.
Topic transitions in physician-patient interviews: Power, gender, and discourse change

This article examines the ways topic transitions are made in 12 physician-patient encounters between eight physicians (four men and four women) and eight patients, all women, in private practice settings. The data include visits by the same patient to more than one physician; these data are unique in the literature. I expand both the explicit theoretical frame in which topic transitions have been described and the types of these transitions that need consideration. The two major types of transitions are reciprocal and unilateral activities. Reciprocal topic-transition activities are assumed to share power between physician and patient; unilateral topic transitions are assumed to allocate power to the speaker. Ratios of reciprocal to unilateral activities differ widely by gender of the physician. Change in discourse norms for this event may be in progress, due to increasing numbers of women physicians. (Medical discourse, topic, power, gender, sociolinguistic change, English)
Prostaglandin F2α Regulation of the Bovine Corpus Luteum Endothelin System During the Early and Midluteal Phase

Recent evidence in the cow suggests that endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a role during prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha)-induced luteal regression. We have examined the effects of treatment with PGF(2alpha) during the early and midluteal phases on three components of the endothelin system: endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), ET type A receptor (ET(A)), and ET-1 in the bovine corpus luteum (CL). Cyclic beef cows were injected (0 h) on Day 4 or 10 with either saline or the PGF(2alpha) analogue Lutalyse (15 mg). The CL were collected at 2 (n = 11), 10 (n = 23), 24 (n = 15), or 48 h (n = 12) after treatment. The cows in which CL were removed after 10 h comprised of two experimental groups. The first group (n = 11) received one injection; the second group (n = 12) received two injections, one at 0 h and one at 8 h. The cows in which CL were collected after 24 and 48 h received one injection every 8 h. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the mRNA encoding ECE-1, ET(A), and ET-1. The ECE-1 and ET(A) proteins were evaluated by semiquantitative Western blot analysis. The ET-1 was the most likely component of the endothelin system target for PGF(2alpha) regulation during the midluteal phase. The ET(A) and ECE-1 genes were constitutively expressed in the Day 4 and Day 10 CL. A practical application of this observation is that it may be possible to target the ET-1 gene as a way to manipulate the luteolytic action of PGF(2alpha).
Solid-Phase Extraction and Reversed-Phase Ion-Pair High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Chlorophacinone and Diphacinone Residues in Range Grass

A reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatographic method is developed for the analysis of chlorophacinone and diphacinone in range grass. Chlorophacinone and diphacinone are extracted from range grass with chloroform, and the extracts are subjected to an aminopropyl solid-phase extraction procedure, concentrated, and analyzed by reversed-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography. Chlorophacinone and diphacinone are detected by ultraviolet absorption at 285 nm. The average recoveries from range grass fortified at 0.10,1.0, and 10.0 µg/g chlorophacinone and diphacinone are 94% ± 3 and 97% ± 6. The limit of detection for chlorophacinone and diphacinone in range grass is estimated to be 0.015 µg/g and 0.013 µg/g, respectively.
Effects of random and systematic variations in unresolved cloud on recorded radiance and on target discriminability

The purpose of this investigation has been to study the systematic and random effects of unresolved (i.e., smaller than instrument IFOV) cloud and haze on the ability to discriminate, e.g., vegetated targets using digital recorded radiance in preselected bandpasses. Calculations have, for the sake of example, centered on the discrimination of wheat and of soybeans from targets consisting of soybeans at various levels of stress severity. Calculations have mainly centered on nadir values (the only value of view angle for which reflectance data are available for various levels of disease stress severity), but some calculations of target discriminability for various view angles have been made to serve as examples. While means may be found to determine and to correct for systematic dependence of recorded radiance on view angle, it will not be possible to correct for random variations. Thus, while studies of systematic variations of target radiance with scan angle will lead to data calibration (to improve target discriminability), studies of random variation will indicate the limits imposed by fluctuations in physical factors on target differentiation and quantification. It is suggested that a future aim must be to determine which bandpasses or combinations of bandpasses may best be used to minimize random variations in target radiance, so as to optimize the discrimination of selected targets, in this case stressed from unstressed vegetation.
Caring for orphaned children in China

Caring for Orphaned Children in China examines the social policy and welfare system in China through a very particular lens: the study of orphaned children. Shang and Fisher provide a comprehensive...
Meso/micro scale milling for micro-manufacturing

Meso/micro scale milling is a direct operation to manufacture miniature parts. In this paper, experimental and modelling studies on meso/micro-milling of AL 2024-T6 aluminum and AISI 4340 steel are presented. Experiments include dynamic force measurements. The finite element modelling of meso/micro-milling is also conducted to predict chip formation and temperature fields. Size effects and minimum chip thickness related to edge radius and chip load on the workpiece deformations are also investigated. Process simulations are validated for force predictions.
Review of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) epidemiology and toxicology

The scientific evidence in humans and animals relevant to cancer risks, neurologic disease, reproductive risks, and immunotoxicity of 2,4-D was reviewed. Despite several thorough in vitro and in vivo animal studies, no experimental evidence exists supporting the theory that 2,4-D or any of its salts and esters damages DNA under physiologic conditions. Studies in rodents demonstrate a lack of oncogenic or carcinogenic effects following a lifetime dietary administration of 2,4-D. Epidemiologic studies provide scant evidence that exposure to 2,4-D is associated with soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, or any other cancer. Overall, the available evidence from epidemiologic studies is not adequate to conclude that any form of cancer is causally associated with 2,4-D exposure. There is no human evidence of adverse reproductive outcomes related to 2,4-D. The available data from animal studies of acute, subchronic, and chronic exposure to 2,4-D, its salts, and esters show an unequivocal lack of systemic toxicity at doses that do not exceed renal clearance mechanisms. There is no evidence that 2,4-D in any of its forms activates or transforms the immune system in animals at any dose. At high doses, 2,4-D damages the liver and kidney and irritates mucous membranes. Although myotonia and alterations in gait and behavioral indices are observed after overwhelming doses of 2,4-D, alterations in the neurologic system of experimental animals are not observed with the administration of doses in the microgram/kg/day range. It is unlikely that 2,4-D has any neurotoxic potential at doses below those required to induce systemic toxicity.
Detection of unsafe action from laparoscopic cholecystectomy video

Wellness and healthcare are central to the lives of all people, young or old, healthy or ill, rich or poor. New computing and behavioral research can lead to transformative changes in the cost-effective delivery of quality and personalized healthcare. Also beyond the daily practice of healthcare and wellbeing, basic information technology research can provide the foundations for new directions in the clinical sciences via tools and analyses that identify subtle but important causal signals in the fusing of clinical, behavioral, environmental and genetic data. In this paper we describe a system that analyzes images from the laparoscopic videos. It indicates the possibility of an injury to the cystic artery by automatically detecting the proximity of the surgical instruments with respect to the cystic artery. The system uses machine learning algorithm to classify images and warn surgeons against probable unsafe actions.
A Novel Delay Fault Testing Methodology Using Low-Overhead Built-In Delay Sensor

A novel integrated approach for delay-fault testing in external (automatic-test-equipment-based) and test-per-scan built-in self-test (BIST) using on-die delay sensing and test point insertion is proposed. A robust, low-overhead, and process-tolerant on-chip delay-sensing circuit is designed for this purpose. An algorithm is also developed to judiciously insert delay-sensor circuits at the internal nodes of logic blocks for improving delay-fault coverage with little or no impact on the critical-path delay. The proposed delay-fault testing approach is verified for transition- and segment-delay-fault models. Experimental results for external testing (BIST) show up to 31% (30%) improvement in fault coverage and up to 67.5% (85.5%) reduction in test length for transition faults. An increase in the number of robustly detectable critical-path segments of up to 54% and a reduction in test length for the segment-delay-fault model of up to 76% were also observed. The delay and area overhead due to insertion of the delay-sensing hardware have been limited to 2% and 4%, respectively
Graphite encapsulated nanocrystals produced using a low carbon: Metal ratio

Graphite encapsulated nanocrystals produced by a low carbon tungsten arc were analyzed to determine their chemistry, crystallography, and nanostructural morphology. Metallic nanocrystals of Fe, Co, and Ni are in the face-centered cubic (fcc) phase, and no trace of the bulk equilibrium phases of body-centered cubic (Fe) and hexagonal close-packed (Co) were found. Various analytical techniques have revealed that the encased nanocrystals are pure metal (some carbide was found in the case of Fe), ferromagnetic, and generally spherical. The nanocrystals are protected by turbostratic graphite, regardless of the size of the nanocrystals. The turbostratic graphite coating is usually made up of between 2 and 10 layers. No trace of any unwanted elements (e.g., oxygen) was found. The low carbon: metal ratio arc technique is a relatively clean process for the production of graphite encapsulated nanocrystals.
Survivability analysis of networked systems

Survivability is the ability of a system to continue operating despite the presence of abnormal events such as failures and intrusions. Ensuring system survivability has increased in importance as critical infrastructures have become heavily dependent on computers. In this paper we present a systematic method for performing survivability analysis of networked systems. An architect injects failure and intrusion events into a system model and then visualizes the effects of the injected events in the form of scenario graphs. Our method enables further global analyses, such as reliability, latency, and cost-benefit analyses, where mathematical techniques used in different domains are combined in a systematic manner. We illustrate our ideas on an abstract model of the United States Payment System.
Researching Pupil Attending Behavior within Naturalistic Classroom Settings

The study investigated pupil visual attending behavior toward the teacher within naturalistic classroom settings. Eight teachers in traditional classroom settings were asked to select four pupils, subsequently labeled accepted, indifferent, concerned, and rejected. Both teacher lecturing behavior time and pupil visual attending behavior toward the teacher were recorded. Significant differences were found on pupil visual attending behavior between pupil categories, and a significant two-way interaction was found for visual attending behavior with pupil sex and category as main effects. The importance of contextually designed studies of teacher-pupil behavior exchange is discussed.
Mini-track on strategic and competitive information systems

A discussion is given on the continuing evolution and maturation of the study of strategic and competitive impacts of information technology. In particular, the authors address: What is the impact of information technology on the balance between cooperation and competition? How can technology affect the strategies available to firms, or the structure of firms and industries? How have firms used technology competitively? How have they used technology in cooperation with clients or with other firms in their industries? How do firms manage strategic technologies? How are global networks managed? How is the risk of large infrastructure projects controlled? How will information technology affect the balance of power in the distribution of goods and services?. >
Spatially resolved optical measurements of water partial pressure and temperature in a PEM fuel cell under dynamic operating conditions

In situ non-intrusive measurements of water vapor partial pressure and temperature were performed simultaneously along two gas channels on the cathode side of a PEM fuel cell using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. This measurement technique developed by us was utilized earlier to make measurements in a single bipolar plate channel of a prototype PEM fuel cell. The current study examines the variation of water partial pressure and temperature near the flow inlet and outlet during operation under both steady state and time-varying load conditions. For steady-state operation, an increase in the water vapor partial pressure was observed with increasing current density due to electrochemical production of water. As expected, the measurement channel near the inlet of the flow path showed a lower water vapor partial pressure than the outlet under identical load conditions; however, the quantitative distribution of water content across the cell is important to understanding operational behavior of a PEM fuel cell. These quantitative water concentration differences between two measurement channels are reported with variations in cell load and temperature. Temperature in the gas phase remained constant due to thermal equilibrium of the fuel cell. For time varying operation, no phase lag was observed between the load and the water vapor partial pressure. The outlet measurement channel showed higher partial pressure than the inlet with larger differences for increasing cell load. The transient data matched the steady-state measurements at the same conditions. A temperature rise from the controlled value was observed at high current densities for the unsteady operation; thus, the temperature did not equilibrate on the same time scale as the water partial pressure.
Transcriptional regulation of three EIN3-like genes of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. Improved White Sim) during flower development and upon wounding, pollination, and ethylene exposure

Using a combination of approaches, three EIN3-like (EIL) genes DC-EIL1/2 (AY728191), DC-EIL3 (AY728192), and DC-EIL4 (AY728193) were isolated from carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) petals. DC-EIL1/2 deduced amino acid sequence shares 98% identity with the previously cloned and characterized carnation DC-EIL1 (AF261654), 62% identity with DC-EIL3, and 60% identity with DC-EIL4. DC-EIL3 deduced amino acid sequence shares 100% identity with a previously cloned carnation gene fragment, Dc106 (CF259543), 61% identity with Dianthus caryophyllus DC-EIL1 (AF261654), and 59% identity with DC-EIL4. DC-EIL4 shared 60% identity with DC-EIL1 (AF261654). Expression analyses performed on vegetative and flower tissues (petals, ovaries, and styles) during growth and development and senescence (natural and ethylene-induced) indicated that the mRNA accumulation of the DC-EIL family of genes in carnation is regulated developmentally and by ethylene. DC-EIL3 mRNA showed significant accumulation upon ethylene exposure, during flower development, and upon pollination in petals and styles. Interestingly, decreasing levels of DC-EIL3 mRNA were found in wounded leaves and ovaries of senescing flowers whenever ethylene levels increased. Flowers treated with sucrose showed a 2 d delay in the accumulation of DC-EIL3 transcripts when compared with control flowers. These observations suggest an important role for DC-EIL3 during growth and development. Changes in DC-EIL1/2 and DC-EIL4 mRNA levels during flower development, and upon ethylene exposure and pollination were very similar. mRNA levels of the DC-EILs in styles of pollinated flowers showed a positive correlation with ethylene production after pollination. The cloning and characterization of the EIN3-like genes in the present study showed their transcriptional regulation not previously observed for EILs.
IMAGING: RADIOGRAPHY—1

This is the first article in a series on imaging. An overview of principles involved in imaging by survey radiography, contrast radiography, and fluoroscopy is presented. Anatomic and functional information available by these imaging modes are compared. Survey radiography is convenient and relatively inexpensive but often provides limited anatomic and functional information. Contrast radiography often increases anatomic information and, when used with sequential exposures, enhances functional assessment of various organs. Fluoroscopy provides a continuous but non-permanent image used in evaluation of organ motion or as a localizing tool. Permanent records are obtained by spot radiographs, spot film cameras, cine fluorography, and/or video tape/ disc systems.
It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Genetics Anymore! (Part 2)

In a companion article, I discussed recent developments in genetics and the inadequacies of eight common claims made by biology teachers, followed by suggested replacement language for those statements. In the present article, I address nine more claims, about such topics as whether or not most human characteristics are inherited as simple Mendelian traits (determined by one gene with a dominant and a recessive allele), problems with the Central Dogma of Biology, misunderstandings about the inheritance of traits such as eye color, the relative importance of genetics versus the environment, “genes FOR” language, and junk DNA.
Modelled changes in arctic tundra snow, energy and moisture fluxes due to increased shrubs

In arctic tundra, shrubs can significantly modify the distribution and physical characteristics of snow, influencing the exchanges of energy and moisture between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere from winter into the growing season. These interactions were studied using a spatially distributed, physically based modelling system that represents key components of the land–atmosphere system. Simulations were run for 4 years, over a 4-km2 tundra domain located in arctic Alaska. A shrub increase was simulated by replacing the observed moist-tundra and wet-tundra vegetation classes with shrub-tundra; a procedure that modified 77% of the simulation domain. The remaining 23% of the domain, primarily ridge tops, was left as the observed dry-tundra vegetation class. The shrub enhancement increased the averaged snow depth of the domain by 14%, decreased blowing-snow sublimation fluxes by 68%, and increased the snowcover's thermal resistance by 15%. The shrub increase also caused significant changes in snow-depth distribution patterns; the shrub-enhanced areas had deeper snow, and the non-modified areas had less snow. This snow-distribution change influenced the timing and magnitude of all surface energy-balance components during snowmelt. The modified snow distributions also affected meltwater fluxes, leading to greater meltwater production late in the melt season. For a region with an annual snow-free period of approximately 90 days, the snow-covered period decreased by 11 days on the ridges and increased by 5 days in the shrub-enhanced areas. Arctic shrub increases impact the spatial coupling of climatically important snow, energy and moisture interactions by producing changes in both shrub-enhanced and non-modified areas. In addition, the temporal coupling of the climate system was modified when additional moisture held within the snowcover, because of less winter sublimation, was released as snowmelt in the spring.
Exploring sponge-derived terpenoids for their potency and selectivity against 12-human, 15-human, and 15-soybean lipoxygenases.

To sharpen the search for new lipoxygenase inhibitors, we designed a screen to probe for both potency and selectivity. The assay utilized 12-human (12-HLO), 15-human (15-HLO), and 15-soybean (15-SLO) lipoxygenases. The IC50 value data obtained provided new insights about structure−activity relationships (SAR) for redox and nonredox inhibitors. All of the compounds tested were isolated from sponges and consisted of a novel terpenoid, hyrtenone A (1), and 12 known terpenoids. Potent compounds were defined as those having IC50 values < 1 μM, and selectivity was assessed from the three possible IC50 value ratios. One of the four terpenoid redox inhibitors studied, puupehenone (2), was equivalent to or better in potency than the well-known redox inhibitor nordihydroguarierate acid (NDGA, 14). However, none of the terpene redox inhibitors exhibited a selectivity ratio on a par with that of 14. Several potent nonredox inhibitors were identified, and one, dimethoxypuupehenol (5), exhibited notable selectivity. Th...
Simulation of quench dynamics in SRF cavities under pulsed operation

As has been well verified both theoretically and experimentally in steady state, the thermal stability of SRF (superconducting radio-frequency) cavities strongly depends on the material properties of niobium such as RRR (residual resistivity ratio) and the presence of material defects on the surface. Recently, SRF technology has been chosen for pulsed machines such as the Tesla Test Facility (TTF), the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and the European Spallation Source (ESS). In order to guide the selection of operational limits and materials, an understanding of dynamics of quenching in pulsed operation is important. For this purpose, a universal thermal stability analysis algorithm is set up. With the help of 3D FEM codes, a series of transient, non-linear and self-correlated analyses are carried out. This scheme may be used for any stability analysis in SRF cavities with arbitrary conditions such as 3D structure, varying material properties, transient behavior, non-linear material properties, etc.
Challenges of social good in the world of Grand Theft Auto and Barbie: a case study of a community computer center for youth

This paper presents a case study of a community technology center (CTC) located in a lower income neighborhood of a high-tech city. Participant observation and interview-based research determined that while the CTC was popular among its targeted constituents, its use was not consistent with what the center’s supporters and policymakers envisioned. The emergent discrepancy between policymaker rhetoric and actual use is analyzed in light of different understandings of how internet access is perceived as a social good by policymakers, funders, and among disadvantaged communities. The article raises questions and suggests policy implications regarding how those most at-risk use community technology centers, how those centers may be funded, and how the relationship of computers and the social good must be reconceptualized to better address the issues of the digital divide that extend beyond the technological realm.
Linguistic Resources for 2011 Knowledge Base Population Evaluation.

The Knowledge Base Population (KBP) is an evaluation track of the Text Analysis Conference (TAC) workshop series organized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The KBP evaluation includes two tasks that target information extraction and question answering technologies: Entity Linking and Slot Filling. Cross-lingual Entity Linking and Temporal Slot Filling were introduced in 2011 to evaluate systems’ abilities to recognize multilingual and temporal information. Linguistic Data Consortium (LDC) supports the TAC KBP evaluation by producing linguistic resources including data, annotations, system assessment, tools and specifications. This paper describes the resource creation efforts in support of KBP 2011, with an emphasis on annotation and assessment procedures and methodologies.
Providing sustained transgene induction through affinity‐based drug delivery

Small molecule drug activators of gene expression have been used in applications ranging from gene therapy, to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One concern is that for sustained gene expression, a long-term, controlled delivery system is needed. Insoluble polymers containing a high proportion of cyclodextrin (CD) affinity groups have been shown to prolong drug delivery far beyond that capable of polymers relying on diffusion alone. In this study we evaluate the capacity of such polymers to deliver the transgene inducer doxycycline. Our results show that initial drug loading is proportional to affinity, with ∼8% loading in high-affinity γ-CD polymers; ∼7% loading in moderate-affinity β-CD polymers; and only ∼4.5% loading in the non-affinity control polymer made from linear dextran. When release aliquots from these polymers were incubated with cells genetically modified for inducible transgene expression we observed activation of transgene expression for up to three weeks from samples released by affinity-based polymers. We showed that drug stability is maintained over the course of the study using a bacterial zone of inhibition assay where again affinity-based polymers show sustained availability of drug, weeks longer than non-affinity controls. Lastly we provide theoretical calculations of strength of binding interactions between cyclodextrins and many additional transgene inducers demonstrating the broad utility of this delivery platform.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Evidence-Based Medicine, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. The initial trauma triggers a complex cascade of cellular and tissue changes with subsequent secondary injury of the vulnerable brain. Injury can result from derangements of multiple physiological parameters including blood pressure, intracranial pressure, oxygenation, and temperature. The monitoring and treatment of the multiple physiological derangements that can result after TBI are an important aspect of the intensive care management of this patient population, but the specific treatment thresholds for each variable and their relationship to outcome are varied. The focus of this chapter is on severe traumatic brain injury and its treatment with an emphasis on the recommendations from the guidelines of the Brain Trauma Foundation.
Interrogation in the Swamp

This article discusses Montejo v. Louisiana, currently pending in the Supreme Court. In Montejo, the defendant was arraigned for murder and counsel was appointed. Subsequently the police got him to write a letter to the victim's wife in which he made incriminating statements. The issue is whether the police can question such a defendant without going through counsel. This issue raises questions under both the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
The ν2 + ν4 band of 12CF4☆

Abstract From a high-resolution diode laser spectrum of cooled 12CF4, line assignments in ν2 + ν4 at 1066.4 cm−1 have been made for tetrahedral subspecies to J = 20, and in many cases to higher J. Spectroscopic constants have been obtained from a least-squares fit of the Hamiltonian, and the relative intensities of the assigned lines have been calculated. The ground- and excited-state rotational constants, Coriolis constant, and splitting of the F1 and F2 vibrational substates have the values a.The CF bond length in the ground vibrational state is thus r 0 = 1.31752 ± 0.00007 A . The analysis of a combination band such as this provides a method of obtaining ground-state spectroscopic constants of spherical-top molecules directly from the infrared spectrum, without the necessity of measuring weak “forbidden” transitions. The assignments allow accurate predictions of the frequencies emitted by the CO2-pumped CF4 laser.
Chlordimeform as a Synergist for Insecticides Against the Tobacco Budworm

Chlordimeform synergized many insecticides against larvae of an insecticide resistant population of Heliothis virescens (F). Types of insecticides synergized included organophosphates, pyrethroids, a carbamate, a chlorinated preparation, and an insect growth regulator. Levels of synergism were 2- to 3-fold with methyl parathion and monocrotophos, insecticides highly toxic to Heliothis , and as much as 17-fold with less toxic chemicals such as pyrethrins and TH 6040.
Extrinsically smooth direction fields

We consider the problem of finding a unit vector field (i.e., a direction field) over a domain that balances two competing objectives, smoothness and conformity to the shape of the domain. Common examples of this problem are finding normal directions along a curve and tangent directions over a surface. In a recent work, Jakob et al. observed that minimizing extrinsic variation of a tangent direction field on a surface achieves both objectives without the need for parameter-tuning or the use of additional constraints. Inspired by their empirical observations, we analyze the relation between extrinsic smoothness, intrinsic smoothness, and shape conformity in a continuous and general setting. Our analysis not only explains their observations but also suggests that an extrinsically smooth normal field along a curve can strike a similar balance between smoothness and shape-awareness. Our second contribution is offering extension of, justification for and improvement over the optimization framework of Jakob et al. In our experiments, we demonstrate the suitability of extrinsically smooth field in a variety of applications and compared with existing solutions. Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted HighlightsTheoretical analysis of extrinsically smooth direction field for different settings.Extrinsic variation can be decomposed into intrinsic variation and bending term.An effective optimization framework is provided.
New insights into decapping enzymes and selective mRNA decay

Removal of the 5' end cap is a critical determinant controlling mRNA stability and efficient gene expression. Removal of the cap is exquisitely controlled by multiple direct and indirect regulators that influence association with the cap and the catalytic step. A subset of these factors directly stimulate activity of the decapping enzyme, while others influence remodeling of factors bound to mRNA and indirectly stimulate decapping. Furthermore, the components of the general decapping machinery can also be recruited by mRNA-specific regulatory proteins to activate decapping. The Nudix hydrolase, Dcp2, identified as a first decapping enzyme, cleaves capped mRNA and initiates 5'-3' degradation. Extensive studies on Dcp2 led to broad understanding of its activity and the regulation of transcript specific decapping and decay. Interestingly, seven additional Nudix proteins possess intrinsic decapping activity in vitro and at least two, Nudt16 and Nudt3, are decapping enzymes that regulate mRNA stability in cells. Furthermore, a new class of decapping proteins within the DXO family preferentially function on incompletely capped mRNAs. Importantly, it is now evident that each of the characterized decapping enzymes predominantly modulates only a subset of mRNAs, suggesting the existence of multiple decapping enzymes functioning in distinct cellular pathways. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1379. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1379 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Activation of MEK/ERK signaling contributes to the PACAP-induced increase in guinea pig cardiac neuron excitability.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase (PAC)-activating polypeptide (PACAP) peptides (Adcyap1) signaling at the selective PAC1 receptor (Adcyap1r1) participate in multiple homeostatic and stress-related respo...
Libraries Protecting Privacy on Social Media: Sharing without "Oversharing"

Libraries have increasingly adopted social media as an integral means of connecting with their users. However, social media presents many potential concerns regarding library patron privacy. This article presents the findings from a study of how librarians and library staff perceive and handle issues of patron privacy related to social media marketing in libraries. The study reports the results from a mixed-methods online survey, which used a nonprobability self-selection sampling method to collect responses from individuals employed by libraries, without restrictions on position or library type. Nearly three-quarters of respondents reported working in libraries that have either an official or unofficial social media policy. Approximately 53% of those policies mention patron privacy. The findings suggest that many respondents’ views and practices are influenced by the perception of the library’s physical space and social media presence as public places. The findings also suggest a lack of consensus regarding the extent of the library’s obligation to protect patron privacy on library social media sites and what would constitute a violation of privacy.
A survey of the opinions of obesity experts on the causes and treatment of obesity

A survey of opinions on the causes and effectiveness of treatment of obesity was carried out on 50 physicians and scientists involved in obesity research. Responses were grouped by region (Europe, North America, and United Kingdom), sex, age (30-50 and greater than 50 y) and degree (MD or PhD). Genetic factors were considered the most important causes of obesity overall. Females viewed lack of physical activity, carbohydrate craving, and weight cycling as significantly more important causes than did their male colleagues and viewed exercise as a more effective treatment. There were regional variations in the assessment of the importance of metabolic defects and weight cycling as causes of obesity and in the usefulness of diet in the treatment of obesity. The older group of respondents rated low-fat diet more highly as a treatment than did their younger colleagues. All groups viewed serotonergic and thermogenic drugs as effective treatments whose usefulness would increase during the next 10 years.
Evaluating Multipulse Integration as a Neural-Health Correlate in Human Cochlear Implant Users: Effects of Stimulation Mode

Previous psychophysical studies have shown that a steep detection-threshold-versus-stimulation-rate function (multipulse integration; MPI) is associated with laterally positioned electrodes producing a broad neural excitation pattern. These findings are consistent with steep MPI depending on either a certain width of neural excitation allowing a large population of neurons operating at a low point on their dynamic range to respond to an increase in stimulation rate or a certain slope of excitation pattern that allows recruitment of neurons at the excitation periphery. Results of the current study provide additional support for these mechanisms by demonstrating significantly flattened MPI functions in narrow bipolar than monopolar stimulation. The study further examined the relationship between the steepness of the psychometric functions for detection (d’ versus log current level) and MPI. In contrast to findings in monopolar stimulation, current data measured in bipolar stimulation suggest that steepness of the psychometric functions explained a moderate amount of the across-site variance in MPI. Steepness of the psychometric functions, however, cannot explain why MPI flattened in bipolar stimulation, since slopes of the psychometric functions were comparable in the two stimulation modes. Lastly, our results show that across-site mean MPI measured in monopolar and bipolar stimulation correlated with speech recognition in opposite signs, with steeper monopolar MPI being associated with poorer performance but steeper bipolar MPI being associated with better performance. If steeper MPI requires broad stimulation of the cochlea, the correlation between monopolar MPI and speech recognition can be interpreted as the detrimental effect of poor spectral resolution on speech recognition. Assuming bipolar stimulation produces narrow excitation, and MPI measured in bipolar stimulation reflects primarily responses of the on-site neurons, the correlation between bipolar MPI and speech recognition can be understood in light of the importance of neural survival for speech recognition.
The potential for civility: Labour and love among British pacifists in the Second World War

Is civility an end in itself, or a means to other ends? The relationship between means and ends marks theoretical debates about the meanings and implications of civility. This article addresses how...
Images of death and dying in ISIS media: A comparison of English and Arabic print publications:

Images of death and dying in the media around the globe have a symbiotic relationship with nation states as they can bolster state control by defining who has the right to take lives in the interests of the community, by identifying enemies of the state, by demonstrating dominance over enemies, and by lending a moral posture to the state’s war efforts. Previously, the growing corpus of research on media’s display of death and about to die images has focused almost exclusively on media outlets that bolster established states on the global stage. By analyzing 1965 death and about to die images displayed in Dabiq, ISIS’s English-language magazine, and al-Naba’, the same group’s Arabic-language newspaper, this study adds an understanding of the messaging strategies deployed by groups striving to challenge, rather than reinforce, existing national boundaries. The findings suggest that while ISIS adopts some standard media practices, it also utilizes unique and audience targeted approaches regarding the frequen...
A Survey of Elementary Totally Disconnected Locally Compact Groups

The class of elementary totally disconnected locally compact (t.d.l.c.) groups is the smallest class of t.d.l.c. second countable (s.c.) groups which contains the second countable profinite groups and the countable discrete groups and is closed under taking closed subgroups, Hausdorff quotients, group extensions, and countable directed unions of open subgroups. This class appears to be fundamental to the study of t.d.l.c. groups. In these notes, we give a complete account of the basic properties of the class of elementary groups. The approach taken here is more streamlined than previous works, and new examples are sketched.
Introduction of New Natural Enemies: Methods

Carrying out biological control programs based on the introduction of new species of natural enemies involves several steps, each of which contributes to the overall effectiveness of such programs. Many of the technical and biological considerations related to acquiring and shipping entomophagous and phytophagous arthropods have been described by Bartlett and van den Bosch (1964), Boldt and Drea (1980), Klingman and Coulson (1982), Schroeder and Goeden (1986), and Coulson and Soper (1989). This chapter discusses the following steps: (1) conducting the exploration and collection; (2) shipping natural enemies; (3) quarantine processing of foreign material; (4) ensuring the safety of natural enemy introductions; and (5) field colonization of natural enemies and initial program evaluation.
Building a retrospective collection in pharmacy : a brief history of the literature with some considerations for U.S. health sciences library professionals

This paper argues that historical works in pharmacy are important tools for the clinician as well as the historian. With this as its operative premise, delineating the tripartite aspects of pharmacy as a business enterprise, a science, and a profession provides a conceptual framework for primary and secondary resource collecting. A brief history and guide to those materials most essential to a historical collection in pharmacy follows. Issues such as availability and cost are discussed and summarized in checklist form. In addition, a glossary of important terms is provided as well as a list of all the major U.S. dispensatories and their various editions. This paper is intended to serve as a resource for those interested in collecting historical materials in pharmacy and pharmaco-therapeutics as well as provide a history that gives context to these classics in the field. This should provide a rationale for selective retrospective collection development in pharmacy.
Actin-Related Proteins

Actin-related proteins (Arps) are a class of proteins found in all eukaryotes and many species of bacteria and archaea. Arps are defined by their degree of similarity to actin (conventional actin), a ubiquitous, eukaryotic cytoskeletal protein. All Arps are built around a common structural fold. This actin fold binds and hydrolyzes adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In most Arps, ATP hydrolysis is converted into a conformational change that regulates assembly and/or function of multiprotein complexes. Conventional actin assembles into two-stranded helical filaments that form structural scaffolds used to organize the intracellular space and to drive cell division, shape change, and cell locomotion. Eukaryotic Arps fall into 10 groups that can be loosely grouped into two categories: (1) cytoskeleton-associated Arps (Arp1, Arp2, Arp3, and Arp10) that regulate the assembly and function of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons; and (2) chromatin-associated Arps (Arp4–Arp9) that regulate the structure and function of eukaryotic chromatin. Prokaryotic Arps were discovered only recently and their functions are not well understood. The best-characterized prokaryotic Arps (MreB, Mbl, and the plasmid-encoded protein, ParM) polymerize into filaments required for proper cell shape and DNA segregation. The primary sequences of prokaryotic Arps are highly divergent from those of the eukaryotic Arps but we include them in this discussion based on the similarity of their biochemical activities and cellular functions to conventional actin and the eukaryotic Arps. The presence of Arps in chromatin-remodeling complexes and the importance of prokaryotic Arps in DNA segregation suggest that their role in the handling of DNA is as ancient and well conserved as their more well-known cytoskeletal functions.