cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Researcher and the Media

Publisher Summary Health and medicine are two of the most popular topics among the public—the media covers them daily. Consequently, reporters are constantly searching for new stories, new angles. Whether it is good news or bad news in medical research, the media wants the story. If research shows results that could lead to a promising treatment, people want to know about it. The more impact a disease has on society, the more the public wants to know. Conversely, if something bad happens during research—if a patient dies because of an adverse reaction to the investigational therapy, or a patient suffers because of a protocol that did not comply with regulations or guidelines—the media would still want the story. This chapter discusses the key points that help in successfully dealing with the media. Those at government institutions are obligated to inform the public about their work. National Institutes of Health (NIH) encourages its scientists and researchers to talk with reporters. It adds credibility and reflects well on NIH and the biomedical research community. Upon receiving a call from a reporter, the needed information should be sought before agreeing to the interview. The use of plain language is beneficial in explaining the particular work for the general public. The rest of the points include: develop a core message and various ways to convey it to increase the chances that it will be accurately quoted, assume everything is on the record, be aware of media issues, and contact communications office for assistance.
Bridging the research-practice gap in disaster relief: using the IFRC Code of Conduct to develop an aid model

Bridging the gap between research and practice has been a recognized problem in many fields, and has been especially noticeable in the field of disaster relief. As the number and impact of disasters have increased, there has been a jump in interest from the research community in an attempt to provide tools and solutions for some of the challenges in the field. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Code of Conduct (CoC) for Disaster Operations provides a qualitative set of guidelines that is an excellent building block for operational theory, but is insufficiently rigorous in guiding quantitative decision making. In this paper, we review the CoC, exploring each of the ten core principles and identifying three significant operational trade-offs. We then propose a model framework that can be implemented as a stand-alone model, or can be used as a foundation for other quantitative aid allocation models. Finally, we provide an example of how the proposed model could be used to guide decision making in a Microsoft Excel $$^{{\textregistered }}$$ environment using CoinOR’s OpenSolver $$^{\textregistered }$$ . New insights in the field of aid disbursement are provided by examining the challenges of financial management and investment as dictated by the CoC. This paper fills a unique gap in the literature by addressing the issue of financial allocation as guided by a qualitative standard used by the disaster relief community, and serves as a complement to the work in the field of humanitarian logistics.
Inflation and the evolution of firm-level liquid assets

Abstract This paper shows that inflation has been an important determinant of firm-level liquid asset holdings. Liquid assets as a share of total assets – the cash ratio – for U.S. corporations steadily declined from the 1960s to the early 1980s, and has since steadily increased. Our empirical analysis finds that inflation is a key factor accounting for these changes. We show that these liquid asset holdings are imperfectly hedged against inflation. Hence, changes in inflation alter the real value of a firm’s liquid asset portfolio causing them to readjust these balances.
A Simple Adaptable Blood-Brain Barrier Cell Model for Screening Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Functionality

The blood-brain barrier is a multicellular and basement membrane unit that regulates molecular transport between the blood and central nervous system. Many cerebral pathologies, such as acute stroke and chronic vascular dementia, result in a disrupted blood-brain barrier, increasing its permeability and allowing the entry of potentially neurotoxic molecules. The activation of matrix metalloproteinases mediates further blood-brain barrier damage. The inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases is a potential strategy for stroke therapy. As inhibitors are developed, efficient context-specific screening methods will be required. Models of the blood-brain barrier have been extensively used to study neuropathologies and the effect of various treatment options.Herein, we describe a co-culture model of the blood-brain barrier composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes grown on an artificial basement membrane-coated membrane insert. Our cell model forms a barrier and is a simple first approximation of blood-brain barrier integrity. As currently developed, the model may be applied to testing the effect of matrix metalloproteinases and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors on blood-brain barrier physiology and pathophysiology. The model is a quick and effective evaluation tool for generating nonclinical data in a living cell system before proceeding to animal models.
Changes in the prevalence distribution of hypertension: Connecticut adults 1978–1979 to 1982☆

In the Spring and Summer of 1982 the Second Connecticut Blood Pressure Survey (CBPS-II) was completed. This survey is independent of, but essentially identical in design and implementation to the First Connecticut Blood Pressure Survey reported on by Freeman et al. [1]. This paper compares the results of the two surveys using the same analytic techniques as reported previously [2]. In addition, a model for analyzing the components of hypertension control is utilized in the analysis. Finally, the implications of the survey comparison are discussed in the context of the Connecticut High Blood Pressure Program (CHBP) [3].
Factors Governing and Application of the Cope Rearrangement of 3,3-Dicyano-1,5-dienes and Related Studies.

Cope and co-workers reported the [3,3] rearrangement of 3,3-dicyano-1,5-dienes in the early 1940s (“The Cope rearrangement”). However, these original substrates have remained largely unstudied until recently. Herein we explore styrene-deconjugating Cope rearrangements, a diastereoselective Cope rearrangement/deconjugative α-allylation sequence, and factors governing α- vs γ-allylation regioselectivity of Knoevenagel adduct allyl anions. Ultimately, these studies result in the synthesis of diverse and functionally dense polycycloalkane frameworks from abundant reagents using simple chemistry.
A block model for node popularity in networks with community structure

Summary The community structure that is observed in empirical networks has been of particular interest in the statistics literature, with a strong emphasis on the study of block models. We study an important network feature called node popularity, which is closely associated with community structure. Neither the classical stochastic block model nor its degree-corrected extension can satisfactorily capture the dynamics of node popularity as observed in empirical networks. We propose a popularity-adjusted block model for flexible and realistic modelling of node popularity. We establish consistency of likelihood modularity for community detection as well as estimation of node popularities and model parameters, and demonstrate the advantages of the new modularity over the degree-corrected block model modularity in simulations. By analysing the political blogs network, the British Members of Parliament network and the ‘Digital bibliography and library project’ bibliographical network, we illustrate that improved empirical insights can be gained through this methodology.
Developing pictorial asthma action plans to promote self-management and health in rural youth with asthma: A qualitative study

ABSTRACTObjective: Asthma action plans (AAPs) provide asthma management instructions to families; however, AAPs typically are written at a 7th–9th grade reading level, making them less useful in lower literacy families. There is a need to develop simpler AAP formats and content to optimize their utility across all families, including those who are rural and may be at a risk for literacy concerns. Because using pictures can simplify and enhance health education, our study's aim was to develop a pictorial AAP through a series of focus groups with key stakeholders – youth with asthma, caregivers, and physicians. Methods: Fourteen caregiver/youth dyads and four physicians participated in separate focus groups where their preferences for pictorial AAP structure and content were obtained. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, coded with ATLAS.ti, and analyzed for themes. Results: Youth and their caregivers prefer that the AAPs include simple, cartoon-like pictures customized to the patient. Physicians ...
Exploring Retrospective Biases in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: an Experience-Sampling Study

Standard methods of symptom assessment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) entail retrospective report of symptoms over a specified period (e.g., a week, a month). However, such methods may be subject to recall bias, leading to symptom assessments potentially discrepant from actual patient experience. The current study explored potential recall biases in two domains of symptom severity, distress, and interference, using experience-sampling methods (ESMs). Twenty-one adults with a primary diagnosis of OCD rated distress and interference of their two most upsetting obsessions and compulsions four times daily for 6 to 10 days using a modified version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. After the ESM period, participants provided retrospective estimates of the same symptoms. Overall, participant’s retrospective ratings were significantly greater than their average ESM ratings. Results suggest the presence of recall biases of OCD symptom severity, potentially obscuring detection of symptom change and interfering with progress monitoring. Future directions and implications are discussed.
Exercise and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Time for a Change of Heart.

It has been more than a decade since the 35th Bethesda Conference published guidelines recommending against competitive sports participation for individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).1 These recommendations are predicated on the view that vigorous physical exertion creates an unstable substrate that increases susceptibility to sudden cardiac death (SCD). But what precisely is the risk of SCD, and is it really higher in athletic compared with nonathletic patients with HCM? The overall incidence of SCD in young athletic cohorts is exceedingly low, ≈1 to 3:100 000 person years, and is similar to the frequency of SCD in the young general population. Despite this finding, HCM has been thought to convey a disproportionately high risk because of early registry reports that HCM was the most common cause of SCD in young athletes. However, several subsequent studies have challenged this statistic. In the US National Collegiate Athletic Association, HCM accounted for only 8% of all sudden deaths. In a meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies, registries, and autopsy series (1990–2014), structurally normal hearts were the most common finding on autopsies of young victims of SCD (26.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21.0–32.3), with HCM attributed to a much smaller proportion (10.3%; 95% CI, 8.0–12.6).2 A structurally normal heart similarly represented the largest cohort (40%) of SCD in children and young adults in a prospective population study in Australia and New Zealand, even …
Intravascular access devices from an interventional radiology perspective: indications, implantation techniques, and optimizing patency

Central venous access has become invaluable in the treatment of patients with a wide array of acute and chronic disease entities. Central venous catheters provide durable, short-term and long-term access solutions while saving the patient from repeated peripheral needle sticks. Central venous catheters include: non-tunneled central venous catheters, tunneled central venous catheters, and port catheters. Typically, the placement of a central venous catheter is performed by Vascular and Interventional Radiologists. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the role of Interventional Radiology in the placement and management of intravascular or implantable access devices, with a focus on discussing indications for central venous catheter placement, implantation techniques, potential complications, and management of catheter dysfunction.
Absorption and fluorescence data of acetone, 3-pentanone, biacetyl, and toluene at engine-specific combinations of temperature and pressure

Quantitative planar laser-induced fluorescence measurements of fuel/air mixing in engines are usually based on the use of fluorescence tracers. The strength of the signals often depends on temperature, pressure and mixture composition. This complicates a quantitative analysis. The use of a small-bore optical engine for fundamental studies of absorption and fluorescence properties of fluorescence tracers is described. The temperature, pressure and composition dependence of the spectra of toluene, acetone, 3-pentanone, and biacetyl are examined under motored conditions to extend the experimental data base for the development of comprehensive models that predict the strength of fluorescence signals for a given condition.
Analysis and finite element approximations of parabolic saddle point problems with applications to optimal control

We present some results concerning boundary optimal control problems and related initialboundary value problems. We prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution, for a general parabolic saddle point problem, as well as the existence and uniqueness of a penalized and an it­ erated penalized saddle point problem. We compare the solutions of the penalized and iterated penalized formulations to the one of the original problem. Moreover, we derive semidiscrete error estimates for the finite element approximation of penalized saddle point problems, and semidiscrete error estimates for penalized and un penalized heat equation with nonhomogeneous boundary data under minimal regularity assumptions. Finally, we use the above results for the analysis and finite element analysis of boundary optimal control problems having states constrained to satisfy parabolic partial differential equations.
The search for the elusive Bing sign.

An extensor toe response can be elicited by a number of maneuvers, each of which has its own eponym. One of them is the Bing sign, which is intuitively appealing as we practice it by poking the dorsum of the great toe with a pin to see if the toe will extend into the pin rather than flexing away. Performing the reflex in this manner seemingly confirms that an upgoing toe is not just a sensitive patient's withdrawal response, as a voluntary withdrawal would not move towards the noxious stimulus. Given our enthusiasm for the Bing sign, we wondered what its reliability and validity would be. Interestingly, as opposed to the Babinski,1–4 Chaddock,1,2,4 Oppenheim,1,2,4 and Gordon,1,4 which have been subject to published studies of reliability and validity, the Bing does not have any published validity studies. More surprisingly, some articles do not even include the Bing sign among the list of such maneuvers, and in DeJong's The Neurologic Examination , it is listed among the minor extensor toe signs and demoted along with other techniques to the category of “clinical parlor tricks.”5 None of the articles that include the Bing sign provides a reference. Because the specific technique to elicit the Bing sign in recent texts is disputed5–10 (table), and standard neurologic examination sources in the intervening period do not include such information,11–18 we sought to clarify what Dr. Bing actually described.
Dural venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: An updated review.

Abstract Background Dural venous sinus stenting (DVSS) is an accepted treatment option in selected patients with medically refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension and obstructive venous outflow physiology prior to cerebrospinal flow diversion (CSFD) surgery. There are no randomized controlled studies focusing on outcomes and complication rates for dural venous sinus stenting. Purpose We present the largest comprehensive meta-analysis on DVSS for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) focusing on success rates, complications, and re-stenting rates to date. We also present a simplified approach to direct retrograde internal jugular vein (IJ) access for DVSS that allows for expedited procedures. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective electronic PubMed query of all peer-reviewed articles in the last 15 years between 2003 to 2018. We included all patients who underwent dural venous sinus stenting for a medically refractive IIH and excluded articles without sufficient data on outcomes, complication rates and re-stenting rates. We also evaluated and compared outcomes in patients undergoing direct retrograde IJ access DVSS to traditional transfemoral vein access. Results A total of 29 papers and 410 patients who underwent DVSS met criteria for inclusion. DVSS was associated with high technical success [99.5%], low rates of repeated procedure [10%], and low major complication rates [1.5%]. Conclusion Our retrospective comprehensive review of DVSS for medically refractory IIH suggests that stenting in appropriately chosen patients is associated with low complication rates, high technical success, and low repeat procedure rates.
Outcomes and Quality of Life Among Men After Anal Sphincter-Sparing Transperineal Rectourethral Fistula Repair

ABSTRACT Objective To describe long-term quality of life (QOL) outcomes after rectourethral fistula (RUF) repair. RUF is a debilitating diagnosis and complex surgical dilemma with limited data regarding QOL after repair. Methods Patients at a tertiary referral center undergoing transperineal RUF repair 1/2009-5/2016 were analyzed. Patients were contacted by telephone to assess QOL following repair. Descriptive analysis performed of short-term surgical data (success and complications) and long-term QOL data (novel questionnaire). Results Twenty one men underwent RUF surgery with 95% success after initial repair. Fifty two percent had a history of radiation and/or ablation. Four individuals (19%) experienced a Clavien-Dindo complication within 30 days, with 3 of those being grade III+. Fifteen had postoperative urinary incontinence, of whom 73% underwent artificial urinary sphincter placement. Three previously radiated individuals underwent subsequent urethral stricture surgery. At long-term follow-up (mean 45.6 ± 27.1 months), 53% reported perineal pain, 43% reported problems related to the gracilis flap, and 80% reported urinary incontinence (primarily occasional mild leakage). Twenty one percent were unable to do the things they wanted in their daily lives, while 80% reported that surgery positively impacted their life. None would have opted for complete urinary diversion. Conclusion RUF repair leads to patient satisfaction and improved QOL, despite possible residual issues such as perineal pain and urinary incontinence. Definitive RUF repair should be offered to suitable radiated and nonradiated patients.
Distinct Spatial Distribution of White Matter Hyperintensities Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology and Hypertension. (P3.180)

Objective: The current study was conducted to explore whether the independent association of AD and HTN with WMH volume in older adults, is due to differences in spatial distribution of WMH associated with AD vs. HTN. Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and hypertension (HTN) are risk factors for development of white matter hyper-intensities (WMHs). Preliminary work from our lab demonstrated that AD and HTN are independently associated with WMH volume in older adults. We determined whether the spatial distribution of WMH related to AD and HTN differ. Design/Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid levels (Aβ 1–42 ), HTN status, and quantitative WMH volumes were collected in 62 older adults. Aβ 1–42 was treated as a continuous variable. HTN was defined as a systolic BP>139 mmHg or diastolic BP>89 mmHg. Voxelwise regression analysis was conducted using FSL’s Randomise to determine the spatial distribution of the WMH associated with Aβ 1–42 vs. HTN while controlling for age, sex, and education. Voxelwise results were corrected using FDR as determined by the FSL_fdr utility. Results: Participants (mean age of 74.9±7.4 years, 37% men, mean 16.9±3.1 years of education) had a mean Aβ 1–42 284.8± 95.5 with 54% having HTN. Aβ 1–42 and HTN were associated with WMHs in different areas; 95% of HTN-related WMH voxels and 90% of Aβ 1–42 -related WMH-voxels were unique (i.e., non-overlapping). WMHs associated with HTN were primarily located in the right fronto-occipital association tracts and bilateral periventricular WM along the body of the lateral ventricle. In contrast, WMHs associated with Aβ 1–42 were primarily located within posterior corona radiata bilaterally and in the anterior horn periventricular WM. Conclusions: Hypertension and AD are associated with spatially distinct areas of WMH. Identifying such spatial distributions may improve diagnostic accuracy and optimal selection of treatment strategies. Future studies should explore whether these different spatial patterns are associated with different cognitive profiles and/or clinical outcomes. Study Supported by: NIH P30 AG028383, UH2 NS100606, and R01 AG042419 Disclosure: Dr. Al-Janabi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brown has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bahrani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Murphy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gold has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nelson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wilcock has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goldstein has received royalty, license fees, or contractual rights payments from Henry Stewart Talk and Up To Date. Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jicha has nothing to disclose.
Effect of Polyvinyl Pyrolidone on Morphology and Performance of Cellulose Acetate Based Dialysis Membrane

Polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP) was added as filler in cellulose acetate (CA) to produce mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for hemodialysis operation. Phase separation induced by diffusion (DIPS) was used for fabrication of mixed matrix CA/PVP flat sheet membranes. The effect of adding PVP was investigated on the morphology and permeation efficiencies of CA membranes. The surface arrangement of polymer and additives in pure and blended membrane was studied by FTIR, contact angle and SEM. Results revealed homogenous and significant mixing of PVP content into pure CA matrix. Performance efficiency of blended membranes was investigated by means of pure water flux (PWF), urea clearance and % rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The observable decrease of contact angle from 83° to 69° in CA/PVP MMM membranes of varying composition effectively revealed enhancement in hydrophilicity of MMM membrane surface. For protein rejection, all CA/PVP membranes rejected>90% of BSA relative to 25% for pure CA membrane. Furthermore, urea clearance behavior for CA/PVP membranes was 62.4% in comparison to 52% for pure CA membrane. The incorporation PVP i.e 1% by weight (Mpvp1) significantly improved the hydrophilicity, PWF, BSA rejection and urea clearance percentages of modified CA membrane for dialysis application.
The Dakota Access Pipeline and the Breakdown of Participatory Processes in Environmental Decision-Making

This article employs a close reading of documents related to the permitting process for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and ensuing legal battle in order to argue that extant regulatory framework...
iVAMS 1.0: Polynomial-Metamodel-Integrated Intelligent Verilog-AMS for Fast, Accurate Mixed-Signal Design Optimization.

Electronic circuit behavioral models built with hardware description/modeling languages such as Verilog-AMS for system-level simulations are typically functional models. They do not capture the physical design (layout) information of the target design. Numerous iterations of post-layout design adjustments are usually required to ensure that design specifications are met with the presence of layout parasitics. In this paper a paradigm shift of the current trend is presented that integrates layout-level information in Verilog-AMS through metamodels such that system-level simulation of a mixed-signal circuit/system is realistic and as accurate as true parasitic netlist simulation. The simulations performed with these parasitic-aware models can be used to estimate system performance without layout iterations. We call this new form of Verilog-AMS as iVAMS (i.e. Intelligent Verilog-AMS). We call this iVAMS 1.0 as it is simple polynomial-metamodel integrated Intelligent Verilog-AMS. As a specific case study, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) Verilog-AMS behavioral model and design flow are proposed to assist fast PLL design space exploration. The PLL simulation employing quadratic metamodels achieves approximately 10X speedup compared to that employing the layout extracted, parasitic netlist. The simulations using this behavioral model attain high accuracy. The observed error for the simulated lock time and average power dissipation are 0.7% and 3%, respectively. This behavioral metamodel approach bridges the gap between layout-accurate but fast simulation and design space exploration. The proposed method also allows much shorter design verification and optimization to meet stringent time-to-market requirements. Compared to the optimization using the layout netlist, the runtime using the behavioral model is reduced by 88.9%.
Mediators, Contract Men, and Colonial Capital: Mechanized Gold Mining in the Gold Coast Colony, 1879–1909: by Cassandra Mark-Thiesen, Rochester, NY, University of Rochester Press, 2018, x + 217 pp.

Three years after the region of Wassa in the Gold Coast colony came under British protection in 1874, prospectors discovered gold in the area, attracting a number of both European and indigenous en...
Robust Ozone Governance Offers Lessons for Mitigating Climate Change

The Montreal Protocol is regarded as an example of effective environmental governance—setting the stratospheric ozone hole on the road to recovery by coordinating science, multilateral funding, and private-sector innovation. How robust is the Protocol to emerging threats, and what lessons can it offer for climate governance?
Prognostics As-A-Service: A Scalable Cloud Architecture for Prognostics: A Scalable Cloud Architecture for Prognostics

Comprehensive aircraft system health-state awareness is crit- ical for maintaining safe, efficient growth in global oper- ations, enabling higher levels of autonomy, and facilitat- ing new forms of aviation. Maintainers, vehicle operators, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, pilots, autonomous sys- tems, and other decision-makers must have reliable real-time knowledge of the vehicle health, the health of its critical com- posite systems, predictions of how health changes with time, and forecasts of how its capabilities change with health degra- dation to preserve safety and efficiency. Providing this infor- mation in a reliable manner in computationally constrained environments and across a wide range of vehicles and sys- tems continues to be a challenge. This challenge can be par- tially resolved through cloud computing, where the execu- tion of prognostic and diagnostic algorithms is performed on a network of remote servers hosted on the internet. NASA is developing a cloud computing service, Prognostics As-A- Service (PaaS), that explores the feasibility and challenges of cloud-enhanced prognostics. Though such a system has broad applicability, this research effort is focused on aviation applications.
Fluorous-Phase Ion-Selective pH Electrodes: Electrode Body and Ionophore Optimization for Measurements in the Physiological pH Range.

Because of their low polarity and polarizability, fluorous sensing membranes are both hydrophobic and lipophobic and exhibit very high ion selectivities. Here, we report on a new fluorous-membrane ...
Conduct problems and level of social competence in Head Start children: prevalence, pervasiveness, and associated risk factors

The purpose of the current project was to determine the prevalence of conduct problems, low social competence, and associated risk factors in a sample of 4-year-old low-income children (N = 426) from 64 Head Start classrooms in the Seattle area. Conduct problems and social competence were assessed based on a combination of teacher reports, parent reports, and independent observations of children interacting with peers in the classroom and with parents at home. We examined the relative contribution of a variety of risk factors, including maternal history and socioeconomic background, current levels of stress and social support, mothers' emotional state, and parenting competence in relation to “pervasive” (i.e., at home and school) and “nonpervasive” conduct problems and low social competence. Findings indicated similar risk factors for conduct problems and for low social competence, with an ordered increase in the number of risk factors from normal to “nonpervasive” to “pervasive” groups. Harshness of parenting style (i.e., slapping, hitting, yelling) significantly distinguished between the three groups for low social competence and conduct problems. Positive affect, praise, and physical warmth from mothers were positively related to social competence but unrelated to conduct problems.
Impact of Entrepreneurial Characteristics and Access to Credit on Business Performance of Small Business (Case: Brown Sugar Processing in Agam District)

Small businesses' performance needs to be improved because it plays an essential role in driving economic growth and development. This study focuses on examining the effect of entrepreneurial characteristics on small business performance. Data was collected through a survey by giving questionnaires to 100 small business entrepreneurs processing brown sugar. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was chosen to ensure the relationship between variables. Empirical findings indicate that entrepreneurial characteristics affect business performance directly and indirectly through credit access, entrepreneurial characteristics affect credit access, and credit access affects business performance. Business performance improvement of brown sugar entrepreneurs needs government assistance and building networks.
Molecular dynamics simulation of vacancy-solute binding free energy in periclase

The free energy of binding between a cation vacancy and charge-balancing tetravalent cation in MgO is calculated from molecular dynamics simulations, at temperatures of 1200–2400 K and pressures of 0–25 GPa. The entropy of binding, obtained from the temperature dependence of the binding free energy, is found to be independent of pressure and to have a value of 13(5) J/mol K (2σ). The binding volume, obtained from the pressure dependence of the binding energy, is independent of temperature and has a value of 1.7(3) cm3/mol (2σ). These results are in excellent agreement with experimental estimates for several different trivalent cations, showing that the binding entropy and volume are not strongly dependent on the identity or charge of the cation. The binding energy is predicted to increase with depth along a mantle adiabat, leading to lower concentrations of unbound vacancies, and correspondingly slower diffusion rates for unbound cations.
Tibial epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas (EHE) represent less than 1% of all bone tumors. They often present in the long tubular bones or in the axial skeleton, but are often multifocal in nature and can present in the liver and lung. This paper presents a case of EHE in a 51-year old man with multifocal disease in the tibia and liver with lung nodules highly suspicious for metastases. Use of immunohistochemical markers such as CAMTA1 are essential to differentiating EHE from its histologic mimics.
High dose naloxone for acute tizanidine overdose in the emergency department: a case report.

To the Editor, A 27 year old female intentionally ingested 12 tablets of tizanidine (4 mg) after an argument at home. She became dizzy and drowsy and was brought to the emergency department (ED). H...
Farm-waste-derived recyclable photothermal evaporator

Summary Interfacial solar steam generation is emerging as a promising technique for efficient desalination. Although increasing efforts have been made, challenges exist for achieving a balance among a plethora of performance indicators—for example, rapid evaporation, durability, low-cost deployment, and salt rejection. Here, we demonstrate that carbonized manure can convert 98% of sunlight into heat, and the strong capillarity of porous carbon fibers networks pumps sufficient water to evaporation interfaces. Salt diffusion within microchannels enables quick salt drainage to the bulk seawater to prevent salt accumulation. With these advantages, this biomass-derived evaporator is demonstrated to feature a high evaporation rate of 2.81 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun with broad robustness to acidity and alkalinity. These advantages, together with facial deployment, offer an approach for converting farm waste to energy with high efficiency and easy implementation, which is particularly well suited for developing regions.
Radical Resistance or Active Agency - The Case of Korangi Town

This paper explores the idea of housing the masses as a modernist agenda of social reform, starting from two key notions that are related to both the World Wars: the concept of postcolonial nation building and the need for accommodating refugees through resettlement projects. The mass housing schemes were presented as universal solutions by the developed West to the under-developed South during the inter- and postwar era. This research posits that the modernist approach of architecture and planning aspired to fix the problems through the ‘normalization’ of the physical space to reorganize society. For this purpose, the case of a particular post-World War II refugee resettlement project of mass housing — Korangi Town in Karachi, Pakistan — has been examined. The project has existed for more than half a century now. It has not only become a part of the urban fabric in this region but also has changed overtime, through users’ own efforts and forces outside the professions of architecture and planning. A morphological analysis of land use and building typology is conducted. From the analysis, it is concluded that the alterations reflect the reaction of the residents to the planning objectives and can be seen as forms of resilience of active agents. This study adds to the literature on the subject, especially to the critique on modernist planning and architecture, that mostly portrays the communities for whom the projects were designed, as passive recipients of the urban visions imposed upon them from outside.
Social agent identity cells in the prefrontal cortex of interacting groups of primates.

The ability to interact effectively within social groups is essential to primate and human behavior. Yet understanding the neural processes that underlie the interactive behavior of groups or by wh...
How ants shape biodiversity

Summary In between Earth’s poles, ants exert impacts on other biota that are unmatched by most animal clades. Through their interactions with animals, plants, fungi and microbes, ants have cultivated — or succumbed to — relationships ranging from metabolic mutualisms to exploitation by social parasites. The diversity of these relationships implies that ants are keystone taxa in many habitats, directly or indirectly supporting a menagerie of other species. Yet, beyond these interactions is a less obvious but arguably as significant impact: through their collective ecological pressure, ants have imposed survivorship bias on the species that we observe inhabiting terrestrial environments. If life on land has passed through an ant-shaped selective filter, it is imperative we understand how these insects have sculpted ecological communities and are enmeshed within them. Here, we describe how ants have shaped biodiversity, and the often-devastating consequences of humanity’s impact on these social insects.
Acidic Microenvironment Determines Antibiotic Susceptibility and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most prevalent bacterial species that contribute to cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory failure. The impaired function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator leads to abnormal epithelial Cl- /HCO3- transport and acidification of airway surface liquid. However, it remains unclear why the CF lung is most commonly infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa versus other pathogens. We carried out studies to investigate if lower pH helps Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapt and thrive in the CF-like acidic lung environment. Our results revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa generally forms more biofilm, induces antibiotic resistance faster in acidic conditions, and can be reversed by returning the acidic environment to physiologically neutral conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa appears to be highly adaptive to the CF-like acidic pH environment. By studying the effects of an acidic environment on bacterial response, we may provide a new therapeutic option in preventing chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and colonization.
Are unemployment insurance systems in Europe adapting to new risks arising from non-standard employment?

This paper addresses the question to what extent social protection systems in different European countries do succeed in coping with the risks arising from non-standard forms of employment. Focusing on the examples of part-time and temporary employment, the paper will examine ex-clusionary transitions and the access to unemployment insurance benefits of workers concerned by these forms of employment. The European Community Household Panel Data (ECHP) will be used. The general hypothesis is that the adaptability of unemployment insurance systems varies between welfare regimes. Therefore, four countries will be compared: Denmark, Ger-many, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Understanding Minority Patients’ Beliefs About Hypertension to Reduce Gaps in Communication Between Patients and Clinicians

Our objective was to gain a better understanding of minority patients’ beliefs about hypertension and to use this understanding to develop a model to explain gaps in communication between patients and clinicians. Eighty-eight hypertensive Black and Latino adults from four inner-city primary care clinics participated in focus groups to elucidate views on hypertension. Participants believed that hypertension was a serious illness in need of treatment. Participants’ diverged from the medical model in their beliefs about the time-course of hypertension (believed hypertension was intermittent); causes of hypertension (believed stress, racism, pollution, and poverty were the important causes); symptoms of hypertension (believed hypertension was primarily present when symptomatic); and treatments for hypertension (preferred alternative treatments that reduced stress over prescription medications). Participants distrusted clinicians who prioritized medications that did not directly address their understanding of the causes or symptoms of hypertension. Patients’ models of understanding chronic asymptomatic illnesses such as hypertension challenge the legitimacy of lifelong, pill-centered treatment. Listening to patients’ beliefs about hypertension may increase trust, improve communication, and encourage better self-management of hypertension.
A Methodology for Exploring, Documenting, and Improving Humanitarian Service Learning in the University

Through the use of service learning in higher education, universities hope to both provide real benefit to the partnering community and allow students to develop a greater understanding of course curriculum, their discipline, and their personal positioning within society. Through these educational activities, service learning seeks to engage students in critical thinking processes while simultaneously achieving a greater sense of civic and social responsibility through targeted participation in meaningful community service activities. However, in practice, service learning can take a variety of forms predicated on technical, cultural, societal, and political constraints. Thus, while some work shows positive effects on students’ attitudes, social behaviour, and academic performance, less research has demonstrated long-term community impact. Nor has much research shown that participation in service learning has a long-term impact on students' ethical perspectives and frameworks, and whether those ethical frames carry on to their professional careers. Moreover, as institutions partner with such humanitarian service groups as Engineers Without Borders USA, we know considerably less about the institutional cultures and climates that are developed through such partnerships and how sustainable they are, given those inherent technical, political and cultural limitations. As a first step towards these goals, this paper proposes a methodology for investigating the impacts of service learning activities on both the students and communities involved.
Predictors of esophageal dilatation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been considered as a cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but an exact relationship is unclear. Because the increased elastic recoil of fibrotic lungs can transmit negative intrathoracic pressures to the esophagus, we aimed to examine factors associated with esophageal dilatation in IPF patients. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional review at a private and public hospital. Subjects had a classic usual interstitial pneumonitis pattern on computed tomography (CT) scan, no serologic evidence of connective tissue disease, and no other associated causes of interstitial lung disease. We performed logistic regression on the presence of esophageal dilatation on CT using pulmonary function test (PFT) results within three months of the scan, as well as demographic factors. Results: The 30 subjects were predominantly male (73%), Hispanic (63%), and from a private hospital setting (73%). Mean PFT results for FEV1, forced vital capacity, and diffusion of carbon monoxide (DLCO) were 75, 64, and 39 percent of predicted, respectively. 14 patients (47%) had esophageal dilatation on CT. Factors associated with esophageal dilatation included male sex (odds ratio [OR] 7.93, p=0.07), lower DLCO (OR 2.18 per 10-percent decrease, p=0.06), and public hospital setting (OR 16.95, p=0.06). Discussion: Lower DLCO and male sex are associated with esophageal dilatation on CT scans of IPF patients, and patient-specific factors at a public hospital (race, socioeconomic status, education) might play a role as well. These risk factors might prompt clinicians to search for esophageal dilatation and resultant GER that might accelerate the progression of IPF.
5,5‐Dimethyl‐1‐(Phenylmethyl)‐3‐Pyrazolidinone

(1; R = Phenyl) [131391-08-7] C12H16N2O (MW 204.27) InChI = 1S/C12H16N2O/c1-12(2)8-11(15)13-14(12)9-10-6-4-3-5-7-10/h3-7H,8-9H2,1-2H3,(H,13,15) InChIKey = KBMWKEOSRZOLCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2; R = 1-Naphthyl) [365456-19-5] C16H18N2O (MW 254.33) InChI = 1S/C16H18N2O/c1-16(2)10-15(19)17-18(16)11-13-8-5-7-12-6-3-4-9-14(12)13/h3-9H,10-11H2,1-2H3,(H,17,19) InChIKey = GILBDVXQSQIEHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N (N-acylhydrazonium precursor used in the synthesis of α-hydrazino acids and bridged bicyclic hydrazines, or as an achiral auxiliary in combination with chiral Lewis acids for enantioselective Diels-Alder reactions, conjugate hydroxylamine additions, nitrone cycloadditions, nitrile oxide cycloadditions, and conjugate radical additions) Alternate Name: (1) 1-benzyl-5,5-dimethyl-3-pyrazolidinone; (2) 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-3-pyrazolidinone. Physical Data: (1) mp 107–108 °C; (2) mp 152–154 °C. Solubility: soluble in most polar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: white crystalline solid. Purification: recrystallized from hexane. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: no special handling or storage precautions are necessary. There is no known toxicity. These compounds may be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption and may cause skin or eye irritation.
102 PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF METHIOMYL HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE AND/OR OXANDROLONE IN TURNER SYNDROME

To evaluate the efficacy of methionyl human growth hormone (hGH) and oxandrolone (OX), alone and in combination (COMB), in the treatment of Turner syndrome, 71 patients were entered into a randomized, prospective study. After a 6-month observation period, subjects were randomly assigned to either no treatment (CONTROL), OX (0.125 mg/kg/day), hGH (0.125 mg/kg tiw) or COMB. The table shows mean growth rates in cm/yr ± SD (n): All treatment modalities resulted in significant growth acceleration over baseline, and growth velocities were significantly greater than in the control group at both 6 and 12 months (p < 0.0001). COMB was superior to either OX or hGH at both 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05). The mean advance in bone age at 6 months was: CONT 0.2 yrs, OX 0.5 yrs, hGH 0.4 yrs, COMB 0.4 yrs. No significant adverse effects of any treatment modality have been observed to date. These data indicate that hGH, alone or in combination with oxandrolone, promotes short term growth acceleration in Turner syndrome.
The lonely raccoon at the ball: designing for intimacy, sociability, and selfhood

Designing for sociable systems requires, among other abilities, a sensitivity to the meanings, structures, and nuances of technology-mediated experiences that are simultaneously felt by users to be intimate and also social. Such a sensitivity is not easily acquired, and design researchers have recommended the use of social theories to guide designers' readings of technology-mediated social experiences. We use philosopher Michel Foucault's theory of identity (and social power, discourse, sexuality, creativity, and style) known as "the care of the self," as a scaffold with which to produce a sensitive interpretation of the intimacy (and expert social creative) practices of adult users of the virtual world Second Life (SL). This reading sheds light on several skilled and creative intimacy practices in SL. It also offers a philosophically grounded hermeneutic strategy for designers interested in analyzing intimate experiences.
Cost-effective treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: A decision tree analysis

Purpose: We determined the optimal treatment for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction based on cost using a decision tree model.Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search for articles addressing surgical correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction was performed and data were abstracted on operative time, hospital stay, complications and success rate. The overall cost and individual cost centers at our institution for antegrade endopyelotomy, retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy, Acucise (Applied Medical Resources, Laguna Hills, California) endopyelotomy, laparoscopic pyeloplasty and open pyeloplasty were compared. A decision tree model estimated the cost of treatment and followup for each modality using commercially available software. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of individual treatment variables on overall cost.Results: Based on cost center review retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy was the least costly procedure ($2,891). In the decision tree ...