cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gaseous distention of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus with nasal CPAP: a mimicker of pharyngeal perforation and esophageal atresia.

Background: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been used since 1975 as the initial treatment for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in very premature infants. Gaseous distention of the abdomen (CPAP belly) is a common secondary effect of CPAP. Gaseous distention of the hypopharynx is also common. Objective: To determine the incidence of hypopharyngeal distention in infants on CPAP. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective review of the chest radiographs of 57 premature infants treated with CPAP during a 4-week period to find the presence and degree of hypopharyngeal distention. Results: Of the 57 radiographs, 14 (25%) revealed gaseous distention of the hypopharynx and/or cervical esophagus. On occasion, this raised concern for pharyngeal perforation or esophageal atresia. Conclusion: Awareness that CPAP-related hypopharyngeal distention is common should help radiologists avoid erroneous consideration of esophageal atresia or hypopharyngeal perforation.
Early Diaphragmatic Paralysis In Infants with Genetic Disorders

Three infants with recently diagnosed genetic diseases presented with respiratory failure and required assisted ventilation. One infant had spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease), and two had acid maltase deficiency. The cause of the respiratory failure in all was diaphragmatic paralysis, and they became ventilator dependent. Early diaphragmatic paralysis must be considered as a manifestation of genetic neuromuscular disorders.
Calculation of thermodynamic properties of protein in Escherichia coli K‐12 grown on succinic acid, energy changes accompanying protein anabolism, and energetic role of ATP in protein synthesis

Using an average of the results from three methods of calculation, estimations are made of the thermodynamic properties of a unit carbon formula weight (UCFW) of Escherichia coli K-12 protein. These resulted in values fro DeltaG(f) of -38.09 kJ (-9.10 kcal)/ UCFW, for DeltaH(f) of -68.18 kJ (-16.29 kcal)/UCFW, and for DeltaS(f) of -94.2 J (-22.5 cal)/UCFW deg. The absolute entropy of one UCFW of E. coli K-12 protein is calculated to be 73.8 J/UCFW deg. Using these values, the corresponding changes in thermodynamic properties accompanying the anabolism of protein by this microorganism to from one UCFW of protein by this microorganism to from one UCFW of protein are calculated to be 1.97 kJ (0.47 kcal)/UCFW for DeltaG, 0.75 kJ (0.18 kcal)/UCFW for DeltaH, and -4.09 J (-0.98 cal)/UCFW deg for DeltaS. All these values are sufficiently close to zero that they may be considered to be so. The question is raised as to the quantity of ATP energy conserved within the substance of the protein as it is synthesized from succinic acid. It is calculated that only 3.8% of the total free energy available from ATP that is required during protein anabolism can have been conserved within the substance of the protein, there being a net conversion of the remaninder into heat and entropy.
Union bounds to error probabilities of LDPC-coded Q-ary modulation systems over fast fading MIMO channels

Closed-form union bounds are derived for the error performance of low-density parity-check (LDPC) coded Q-ary modulation systems over fast fading multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channels. The LDPC codewords are mapped onto space-time modulation blocks, referred to as associated space-time (AST) codewords, in one-to-one correspondence. Based on this relationship, the distance spectrum of the AST code is identified in a combinatorial manner, and each AST codeword possessing the same distance metric renders the identical pairwise error probability. The union bound is obtained in a closed form and can be efficiently evaluated by the method of polynomial expansion. In addition, the analysis is extended to the system with random coding which contributes to a concise expression of the error exponent. Numerical results are presented for different channel scenarios and modulation schemes, which indicate that the bounds are useful to benchmark the practical performance of iterative detection and decoding algorithms
KFDA e-Learning system for civil Petitions: Technical specifications of the internet certificate issuing

Existing security of Internet has principally focused on preventing leakage of the user's data to others by applying the cryptographic technology to the data transmission and receiving process between the Internet system and the user's computers, and the source-viewing on the web browser. However, with an increasing number of government entities including the “e-government” of the Republic of Korea issuing a wide range of certificates through the Internet, the data security on the users' computers, along with the existing security concept, is becoming ever more important. In other words, the data protection system from the conventional security concept can not prevent data leakage through the output equipment. When being printed out, temporary files are stored inside the computer in the decrypted form, and, adding to the existing web-viewing related security, this calls for a brand-new security measure for the print-out process as well. Accordingly, an Internet Certificate Issuing System for “Civil Petitions e-Learning” needs to be designed so that it only allows a simple source-viewing by the additional use of the other separate code system than the web pages, or it leaves no temporary files behind in the computer during the print-out process.
Retargetable profiling for rapid, early system-level design space exploration

Fast and accurate estimation is critical for exploration of any design space in general. As we move to higher levels of abstraction, estimation of complete system designs at each level of abstraction is needed. Estimation should provide a variety of useful metrics relevant to design tasks in different domains and at each stage in the design process.In this paper, we present such a system-level estimation approach based on a novel combination of dynamic profiling and static retargeting. Co-estimation of complete system implementations is fast while accurately reflecting even dynamic effects. Furthermore, retargetable profiling is supported at multiple levels of abstraction, providing multiple design quality metrics at each level. Experimental results show the applicability of the approach for efficient design space exploration.
Review of "The Table Comes First: family, France, and the Meaning of Food" by Adam Gopnik

Author(s): Pachucki, Mark C | Abstract: AbstractScholars of flavour and food preferences have shown us that a surprisingly difficult question to answer is, "why do you eat what you eat?" In "The Table Comes First: Family, France, and the Meaning of Food," Adam Gopnik attempts to address this and a similarly vexing question, "why do we care so much about our food?" by tracing the roots of what happens at the dinner table. Written with both everyday eaters and scholars of food in mind, Gopnik interweaves ideas about the development and meanings of taste with the historical and social circumstances around which we make choices about food and evaluate flavors.
Human whole blood and parotid saliva concentrations of oral and intramuscular promethazine

Ten healthy male subjects received 25 mg of promethazine intramuscularly, followed within 3 weeks by oral administration of 25 mg. Whole blood and parotid saliva were collected over a 12-hr period after drug administration. Promethazine was quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography. After intramuscular administration, the promethazine concentrations were 3.0–22.4 ng/ml in blood and 0.9–2.8 ng/ml in parotid saliva. After oral administration, the promethazine concentrations were 1.4–5.5 ng/ml in blood and 0.2–0.8 ng/ml in parotid culiva. The peak blood promethazine concentration after the intramuscular dose was four times higher than that following the oral dose, which indicates that promethazine possesses an extensive first-pass effect. The mean parotid saliva to whole blood ratio (S/B) was calculated to be 0.24 after the intramuscular route and 0.20 after the oral route over the 12-hr period. The calculated percentage of free drug in the blood was 20–24% of the whole blood concentration determined from the S/B ratio.
Diagnosis and Management of Myocardial Ischemia (Angina) in the Elderly Patient

Coronary artery disease is a major problem in the elderly population. Approximately 60% of all acute myocardial infarctions in the United States occur in people 65 years or older, and 30% occur in persons older than 75 years. Morbidity and mortality are high in elderly patients who sustain a myocardial infarction. Due to the atypical presentation of myocardial ischemia and absence of classic symptoms, coronary artery disease may not be diagnosed in many of these patients until an acute myocardial infarction occurs. Early diagnosis of coronary artery disease and reduction of all coronary risk factors are beneficial in reducing future coronary events in older as well as in younger patients. Many studies have shown that anti-ischemic and acute myocardial infarction therapies have been underutilized in the elderly population. The principles of drug therapy for myocardial ischemia are the same as those for younger patients. Aggressive therapy, including early coronary angiography and revascularization, has been found to be as beneficial in high-risk, unstable older patients as in younger patients. Therapy should be individualized according to the patient's clinical condition. On the basis of current knowledge, elderly, high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes may be treated with a combination of intensive medical therapy and early coronary angiography with revascularization.
Native and exotic earthworms affect orchid seed loss

Non-native earthworms have invaded ecosystems around the world but have recently received increased attention as they invaded previously earthworm-free habitats in northern North America. Earthworms can affect plants by ingesting seeds and burying them in the soil. These effects can be negative or positive but are expected to become increasingly negative with decreasing seed size. Orchids have some of the smallest seeds of any plants, so we hypothesized that earthworm consumption of seeds would decrease seed viability and lead to burial of ingested seeds. We used a combination of mesocosms and field measurements to determine whether native and non-native earthworms would affect Goodyera pubescens seed germination by decreasing seed viability through digestion or burial. To determine soil depths at which seed burial would decrease chances of germination, we used field measurements of the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi needed for G. pubescens ger- mination at different soil depths. We found that the combined effects of earthworm ingestion and burial would be expected to result in a loss of 49 % of orchid seeds in mature forests and 68 % of those in successional forests over an average year. Differences in seed ingestion and burial among soils from mature and successional forests were probably driven by differences in their ability to support earthworm biomass and not by differences in earthworm behaviour as a function of soil type. The combined effects of earthworm ingestion and burial have the potential to result in substantial loss of orchid seeds, particularly in successional forests. This effect may slow the ability of orchids to recolonize forests as they proceed through succession. Determining whether this strong effect of earthworms on G. pubescens viability and germination also applies to other orchid species awaits further testing.
Black/White Disparities in Receipt of Treatment and Survival Among Men With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Purpose To examine the extent of black/white disparities in receipt of treatment and survival for early-stage breast cancer in men age 18 to 64 and ≥ 65 years. Patients and Methods We identified 725 non-Hispanic black (black) and 5,247 non-Hispanic white (white) men diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer from 2004 to 2011 in the National Cancer Data Base. We used multivariable logistic regression and calculated standardized risk ratios to predict receipt of treatment and a proportional hazards model to estimate overall hazard ratios (HRs) in black versus white men age 18 to 64 and ≥ 65 years, separately. Results Receipt of treatment was remarkably similar between blacks and whites in both age groups. Black and white older men had lower receipt of chemotherapy (39.2% and 42.0%, respectively) compared with younger patients (76.7% and 79.3%, respectively). Younger black men had a 76% higher risk of death than younger white men after adjustment for clinical factors only (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.78), but...
Microaerobic growth and anaerobic survival of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum.

Representative strains of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum (MAIS) grew at equal rates in laboratory medium at 21% (air) and 12% oxygen. Growth in 6% oxygen proceeded at a 1.4–1.8-fold lower rate. Colony formation was the same at 21% (air) and 6% oxygen. The MAIS strains survived rapid shifts from aerobic to anaerobic conditions as measured by two experimental approaches (Falkinham (1996) [1]). MAIS cells grown aerobically to log phase in broth were diluted, spread on agar medium, and incubated anaerobically for up to 20 days at 37 °C. Although no colonies formed anaerobically, upon transfer to aerobic conditions, greater than 25% of the colony forming units (CFU) survived after 20 days of anaerobic incubation (Prince et al. (1989) [2]). MAIS cells grown in broth aerobically to log phase were sealed and vigorous agitation led to oxygen depletion (Wayne model). After 12 days anaerobic incubation, M. avium and M. scrofulaceum survival were high (>50%), while M. intracellulare survival was lower (22%). M. avium cells shifted to anaerobiosis in broth had increased levels of glycine dehydrogenase and isocitrate lyase. Growth of MAIS strains at low oxygen levels and their survival following a rapid shift to anaerobiosis is consistent with their presence in environments with fluctuating oxygen levels.
Risk Reduction Education: Voices From the Field

Teens with disabilities need information about risk topics such as addiction, abuse, sex, and delinquency to make healthy choices as they participate in mainstream society. This article presents questionnaire-based information provided by special educators in secondary schools about their efforts, limitations, and needs in providing risk reduction education to their students. In a qualitative analysis of teacher feedback, implications for parents, principals, and district administrators are discussed.
Determination of thin metal film thickness by x-ray diffractometry using the Scherrer equation, atomic absorption analysis and transmission/reflection visible spectroscopy

Abstract Direct applicaion of a “modified” Scherrer equation, B = Kλ/D cos θ, is made in the determination of the mechanical thickness of thin highly oriented gold films. A relationship between the measured width at half intensity, B, of the observed x-ray diffraction profile, and the linear crystallite dimension, D (in this case the film thickness), is utilized. The constant K was evaluated experimentally to be 0.9118 from a series of gold films under 600 A in thickness. From a rederivation of the equation, a value of K equal to 0.8859 is adopted for use in this study. The value obtained by Scherrer in the original formulation was 0.9394. Accuracy of this method is dependent on the success in measuring the actual width, at half intensity, of a diffraction peak obtaiend from the gold thin film. Broadening of the observed Au(111) peak profiles, used in the analysis, were found to be appreciable relative to bulk gold sample profiles. An empirical instrumental broadening correction was applied to the data to obtain improved results. Calculated film thicknesses were compared to those obtained by flame atomic absorption analysis and transmission/reflection visible spectroscopy and were found to be in good agreement. Results from a series of gold film thickness determinations is given, and a description of the methodology is provided regarding determinations of metal film thicknesses in the 100–500 A range.
Jugular venous distension on ultrasound: sensitivity and specificity for heart failure in patients with dyspnea

Abstract Background Accurately diagnosing congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients with dyspnea can be difficult because clinical history and physical examination are often nondiagnostic and may be inaccurate, especially when patients have complicated comorbid conditions. Objective To prospectively assess jugular venous distension on ultrasound (JVD-US) performed by emergency physicians for identifying CHF on echocardiography by the department of cardiology (C-ECHO) in patients with dyspnea. Measurements This was a secondary analysis of a previously collected data set from a prospective study of JVD-US in ED patients with dyspnea due to suspected CHF. C-ECHO results were obtained and used as the criterion standard. Results Jugular venous distension on ultrasound had a sensitivity of 99% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.2%-100%), specificity of 59% (95% CI, 40.9%-74.4%), positive likelihood ratio of 2.4 (95% CI, 1.6-3.6), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.01 (95% CI, 0.0007-0.20) for identifying CHF on C-ECHO in patients with dyspnea. Conclusion This initial study suggests that JVD-US by emergency physicians is predictive of CHF using echocardiography performed by the department of cardiology as the criterion standard.
Comparison of 5- and 30-Minute Status Epilepticus

Investigators at Boston Children's Hospital and other centers compared the characteristics of patients with status epilepticus (SE) lasting 5-29 min with those with SE lasting >30 min.
The Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychology of Declarative and Nondeclarative Memory

The hippocampus and anatomically related structures in the medial temporal lobe support the capacity for declarative memory (Squire and Zola-Morgan 1991; Eichenbaum and Cohen 2001). Declarative memory refers to the capacity to recollect facts and events and has the defining features of being consciously accessible and flexible in its expression. Declarative memory can be contrasted to a collection of nondeclarative forms of memory that includes skills and habits, priming, and simple forms of conditioning. These forms of memory are supported by brain structures outside the medial temporal lobe. Nondeclarative memory is expressed through performance rather than recollection and what is learned is nonconscious and dependent on the original learning conditions for full expression.
Family Capacity as State Capacity

Since 2000 when I started my dissertation on the role of family in public policy, I have been haunted by a dogged conceptual misunderstanding: family is not political. I heard this comment at the same time Republicans were aggressively asserting that they were the party of “family values;” during the heated debates over same-sex marriage (from the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act to the landmark 2013 ruling in US v. Windsor); throughout immigration and tax reforms where family status had huge consequences for policy outcomes; and all the while scholars were producing rich theoretical and empirical work on the place of family in American politics. In this paper, I summarize what I have learned from this body of scholarship as it applies to the concept of state capacity. I show in what ways family promotes state capacity and the limitations of relying on this seemingly private institution for public ends.
Mba Writing Diagnostic

This note delineates proper writing mechanics--issues of style and organization--in a business-school context. Rather than touch up on the many forms of business writing, it focuses instead on how to write cogently, succinctly, and correctly in a business, and business school, setting.
Risk and Reward in Venture Capital

This note describes the payoff structure of investment in individual venture capital-backed companies and in venture capital portfolios. Venture Capital investments are characterized by high failure rate (over 50%) and a small number of given successes (greater than 10% returns). As an asset, class, venture capital has produced high cyclical returns that mirror trends in capital markets and in markets for new technology. There is a large disparity in median and upper quantize performance. A small number of funds do well on a constant basis. Overall returns on venture capital have been low for the decade ending in 2009.Learning Objective:The purpose of this note is to expose students to real data in payoffs for individual venture capital investment sand the portfolios across the past 30 years.
Assessing growth and response to therapy in murine tumor models.

Abstract Rodent models provide an important means of assessing antitumor activity vs toxicity for new cancer therapies. Tumors are often grown subcutaneously on the flank or back of animals, allowing accurate serial determination of tumor volume with calipers by measuring the tumors in three dimensions. The advantages of assessing tumor volume in subcutaneous tumors must be balanced against the potential artifacts induced by growth of tumor cells in subcutaneous tissue. Various orthotopic models have been developed. However, they are more labor-intensive and generally do not allow accurate assessment of tumor growth and/or response unless investigators have access to small animal cross-sectional imaging. Use of small-animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows one to assess the growth and response of intracavitary tumors, but the cost and labor-intensive nature of MRI limits its use in drug testing. Another approach to intracavitary solid tumor models is the intravenous injection of tumor cells, which can produce lung, liver, or bone metastases (depending on the cell line used), whereas direct injection of tumor cells into the femur or tibia of mice can cause local growth in bone. Progression of both lung metastases and bone lesions can be assessed by small-animal analog X-ray techniques that are more easily available and less labor-intensive to use, and are proving useful for selected therapeutic and biological studies.
Charleston's newfound “entertainment zone”: should we be concerned?

This CIT Research Letter addresses issues related to the night-time economy and the rapid proliferation of bars along a section of a tourism oriented city's main street. Merely 10 years ago, locals did not frequent the area, it was of no interest to tourists, and it was regarded as a neighbourhood where one would not want to walk, especially at night. However, with the area's transformation to the nightlife centre of the city, issues have arisen that are of concern to city government officials. This paper considers these concerns.
Tilletia Lycuroides: Biological Implications of Nuclear Behavior in the Basidium

In 1973, Prof. J. F. Hennen, Purdue University, and I collected a species of Tilletia on a grass near Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico, alt. 2,377 m. The paucity of material and the effects of the parasite on panicles precluded host identification, but in 1974 and 1976, I made ample collections at the same locale and identified the host as common wolftail (Lycurus phleoides H. B. K.). According to Hitchcock (7), the host is an important perennial forage grass in parts of Colorado, Utah, Texas, Arizona, and southern Mexico. After germinating teliospores of the fungus and demonstrating nuclear conditions of basidial components with HCl-Giemsa staining, I concluded that this fungus was different from existing species (4) and that a new species of Tilletia should be described. Ustilago lycuroides Griff., known only from Arizona, USA is the only smut fungus reported on Lycurus (6, 12). Details of nuclear behavior in the basidium were demonstrated using blocks of agar on which the teliospores had germinated. The blocks were inverted and affixed to microscope slides flooded with a 1:40 mixture of Haupt's adhesive and 4% formalin (1). Immediately thereafter, the agar blocks were dried on a slide warmer at 40-45 C for 24-48 h. The dried blocks were then a) hydrated for 5-8 min in 60 C water, b) immersed in 60 C HCl (5 N) until the hydrated agar dissolved, c) rinsed in four changes of phosphate buffer, pH 6.5, d) stained 10-15 min in 1 part Giemsa stock solution (11) and 25 parts phosphate buffer, and e) rinsed in phosphate buffer and dipped in a dilute aqueous solution of Tween 20. To differentiate nuclei and dehydrate the preparations 449
De novo synthesis and elongation of fatty acids by subcellular fractions of monkey aorta

Subcellular fractions of aorta of squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) were examined for their ability to synthesize and elongate fatty acids. High-speed supernate (HSS) incorporated substantial quantities of malonyl CoA into fatty acids while acetyl CoA was much less effectively utilized. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity exceeded the amount of acetyl CoA incorporated into fatty acids and thus does not account for the low incorporation of this substrate. Microsomes used malonyl CoA and acetyl CoA equally well; mitochondria incorporated either acetyl CoA or acetate. The amounts of substrate incorporated into fatty acids (m micro moles/mg of protein per hr) were 2.3 for HSS, 1.2 for microsomes, and 0.9 for mitochondria. The synthesized fatty acids were separated by gas-liquid chromatography, radioassayed, extracted from the scintillation fluid, and decarboxylated. HSS completely synthesized palmitic and stearic acids from malonyl CoA. Microsomes and mitochondria utilized acetyl CoA to elongate endogenous fatty acids and gave mainly palmitic, stearic, and C(18) and C(20) monoenoic acids, with lesser amounts of other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. A significant quantity of malonyl CoA was utilized by microsomes to yield a fatty acid tentatively identified as docosapentaenoic. Radioactive fatty acids are incorporated into various lipid classes by the particulate preparations. These studies demonstrate that aortic tissue in a nonhuman primate is able to carry out several processes of fatty acid metabolism and that the aortic synthesis and elongation of fatty acids may play an important role in providing fatty acids for incorporation into aortic lipids.
One-Stage Colectomy for Acute Diverticulitis

In the developed case of acute diverticulitis, obstructive symptoms that fail to subside within a reasonable period probably mandate surgery. However, close observation may enable a simpler and safer one-stage operation, such as the one demonstrated, to be performed in preference to a two- or three-stage procedure. Medical management of the underlying disease, complications, and surgical criteria are detailed.
Surgical palliation for pancreatic cancer.

A number of surgical techniques are available to manage the complications of pancreatic cancer. Jaundice may be relieved simply with a loop cholecystostojejunostomy or, if the gallbladder is not suitable, with a choledochojejunostomy. Almost all of these patients should have a gastrojejunostomy during the same operation, even if gastric outlet obstruction is not yet evident. Pain may be managed safely by celiac ganglion destruction by injection of ethanol.
Concept Learning in Culturally Disadvantaged Children as a Function of Verbal Pretraining

While research indicates that verbal pretraining has a positive influence on the discrimination learning performance of subjects of normal intelligence, a comparable influence has not been shown for other types of conceptual tasks for retarded subjects. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of stimulus pretraining on concept learning by subjects who had a “high risk” of being classified as mentally retarded at some future time. A group of 27 “higher risk” and 21 “lower risk” subjects was randomly divided into three pretraining groups: verbal label, attention, and control. Subsequent to pretraining on the stimuli used for Transfer Task 1, subjects in each group were presented with a concept learning task (Transfer Task 1). After reaching the criterion of learning on Transfer Task 1, subjects were presented with a second, new, concept learning task. Analysis of the data revealed that there were no significant performance differences between risk groups and that pretraining had a sign...
Measuring the Impulse Response Function in Nonlinear Optics

We review advances in nonlinear optical materials characterization and the improvements in understanding that have resulted. In many cases, the “nonlinear” optical response can be analyzed in ways that are usually reserved for linear systems.
Simultaneous topographic and chemical patterning via imprinting defined nano-reactors

Simultaneous topographic and chemical patterning has attracted extensive attention in energy harvesting, sensing, and tissue engineering applications. However, it is still challenging to find a universal topographic-chemical patterning method that applies to arbitrary reactions, and offers tunability on the scale of chemical reactions. Herein, we develop a novel strategy to introduce spatially defined ultra-small reactors based on polymer carriers and imprinting lithography to realize simultaneous topographic and chemical patterning. We present two applications to demonstrate the patterning ability of our method, including synthesizing an ultrafine structured layer of photoluminescent Eu(III) complex on polymer substrate, as well as creating a freestanding poly(maleic anyhydride-alt-1-octadecene)-polyvinyl alcohol copolymer nanostructure. Further studies show that chemical reactions at polymer interfaces were confined within zepto-liter to atto-liter spaces, which corresponded to 103 to 106 molecules. The scale of chemical reactions can be readily tuned through varying imprinting conditions such as pattern geometry, imprinting time, etc. Compared to current patterning techniques, our strategy possesses higher chemical flexibility and compatibility, and allows for better control over the chemical reaction. Not only will this method facilitate fundamental studies of diffusion, reaction dynamics and interfacial chemistry, but it is also highly desired for engineering applications including surface modification, conformal coating and nanofabrication.
Case 33-2016. A 30-Year-Old Woman with Severe Lower Abdominal Pain and Chills

A 30-year-old woman presented to this hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, and chills. Evaluation showed tachycardia, bilateral lower-quadrant abdominal tenderness, leukocytosis, and an elevated CA-125 level. Imaging studies showed adnexal cysts. A diagnosis was made.
Media Characters, Parasocial Relationships, and the Social Aspects of Children’s Learning Across Media Platforms

From television to computers to new mobile touchscreen devices, children’s social interactions and relationships are increasingly embedded in media. This chapter will summarize how children learn from screens, emphasizing the importance of social factors in their learning. We argue here that the one-sided, emotionally tinged relationships that children form with media characters, known as parasocial relationships, influence children’s acquisition of information presented on screens. More specifically, these parasocial relationships can be instrumental in aiding children in their understanding of concepts that are essential for success in school, including language learning and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topic areas. We then turn to future research directions in which we highlight robots and intelligent agents as technologies that will increasingly blur the lines between what is real and what is not. The implication is that social influences that occur through real people also apply to children’s learning from favorite media characters, providing an important avenue for teaching essential educational concepts in twenty-first century homes and classrooms across numerous media platforms.
Passing the Torch

This issue is my last as editor in chief of AI Magazine. It was a tremendous honor and privilege for me to lead AI Magazine, which I have done since 1999. It was a special pleasure to work with an outstanding team of volunteers—-the editorial board, column editors, and others—-and with the authors and reviewers, as well as with Mike Hamilton, managing editor, and the AAAI staff. As my administrative duties have expanded at Indiana University, where I am now executive associate dean of the School of Informatics and Com- puting, the time has come for me to pass the torch.
Using small area analysis to describe county-level disparities in mammography

B7 Prior studies have used national health survey data to analyze the associations of age, race, and ethnicity with cancer screening on the national and state levels; yet, research is needed on subpopulations defined by geographic units smaller than the state, such as the county. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which geographic disparities exist in mammography utilization across counties in the continental United States. County-level prevalence of recent mammography (past two years) for women 40-79 years old was estimated using synthetic-regression, a small area estimation method. The 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2000 Decennial Census, and Area Resource File were merged by BRFSS respondent’s county of residence. Separate analyses were conducted to produce county-level prevalence estimates for each race and age group. Geographic variation existed in mammography utilization for women 40-79 years old (range, 69.6-84.0%). The location and magnitude of geographic disparities differed by race and age category. Non-white women showed the lowest prevalence of mammography and widest range in county-level estimates (range for Black, 65.0-92.0%; range for other non-White race, 36.0-83.0%). Women aged 40-49 had less variability in prevalence of mammography and overall lower prevalence than other age groups (range, 56.7-79.8%). Women aged 65-79 showed the greatest variation in county-level estimates of mammography (range, 53.0-88.0%). Small area estimation using BRFSS data is advantageous for surveillance of mammography utilization on the county-level. This method allows documentation of geographic disparities and improves our understanding of the spatial distribution of mammography prevalence. By considering this county-level geographic variation in future interventions, public health practitioners will be able to more efficiently and appropriately target women in the neediest of counties.
Augmentation of S-Nitrosoglutathione Controls Cigarette Smoke-Induced Inflammatory–Oxidative Stress and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Emphysema Pathogenesis by Restoring Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Function

Abstract Aims: Cigarette smoke (CS)-mediated acquired cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dysfunction, autophagy-impairment, and resulting inflammatory–oxidative/nitrosative stress leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-emphysema pathogenesis. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) signaling regulates lung function decline, and low serum NO levels that correlates with COPD severity. Hence, we aim to evaluate here the effects and mechanism(s) of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) augmentation in regulating inflammatory-oxidative stress and COPD-emphysema pathogenesis. Results: Our data shows that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) colocalizes with aggresome bodies in the lungs of COPD subjects with increasing emphysema severity (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] I − IV) compared to nonemphysema controls (GOLD 0). We further demonstrate that treatment with GSNO or S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR)-inhibitor (N6022) significantly in...
Automating judgment? Algorithmic judgment, news knowledge, and journalistic professionalism:

Journalistic judgment is both a central and fraught function of journalism. The privileging of objectivity norms and the externalization of newsworthiness in discourses about journalism leave littl...
How kinetochore architecture shapes the mechanisms of its function

The eukaryotic kinetochore is a sophisticated multi-protein machine that segregates chromosomes during cell division. To ensure accurate chromosome segregation, it performs three major functions using disparate molecular mechanisms. It operates a mechanosensitive signaling cascade known as the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to detect and signal the lack of attachment to spindle microtubules, and delay anaphase onset in response. In addition, after attaching to spindle microtubules, the kinetochore generates the force necessary to move chromosomes. Finally, if the two sister kinetochores on a chromosome are both attached to microtubules emanating from the same spindle pole, they activate another mechanosensitive mechanism to correct the monopolar attachments. All three of these functions maintain genome stability during cell division. The outlines of the biochemical activities responsible for these functions are now available. How the kinetochore integrates the underlying molecular mechanisms is still being elucidated. In this Review, we discuss how the nanoscale protein organization in the kinetochore, which we refer to as kinetochore 'architecture', organizes its biochemical activities to facilitate the realization and integration of emergent mechanisms underlying its three major functions. For this discussion, we will use the relatively simple budding yeast kinetochore as a model, and extrapolate insights gained from this model to elucidate functional roles of the architecture of the much more complex human kinetochore.
Thoracic/Lumbar Deformity (Tumor) MIS Surgery Complication

Spinal metastases are becoming a more common operative condition as patients live longer, more effective therapies are developed, and data showing that surgical treatment in certain cases is superior to radiation alone has emerged. Surgical treatment often includes decompression, stabilization, and anterior column reconstruction for thoracolumbar metastasis. The utilization of minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques may lead to less pain postoperatively, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays for patients.
Instructional Design as Manipulation of, or Cooperation with, Learners?

We present a qualitative study of the tension between manipulative and cooperative approaches to instructional design. We found that our participants struggled to resist manipulative tendencies in their work contexts. More specifically, our findings suggest that our participants sought to design with their learners in mind to foster a more cooperative approach. In doing so, participants in our study reported asking themselves key questions in their design practice that had to do with (a) inviting learners to engage through relevant and meaningful instruction, (b) imagining what learners are thinking and feeling, and (c) putting themselves in their learners’ shoes to understand possible learner experience with the designed instruction. For designers in similarly constrained work contexts, we recommend self-questioning that leads toward cooperative (and less manipulative) instructional design practices.
Justice Ideology and Social Legitimation

Many issues involving justice are contained in the following situation: “John receives a salary of $3.50 per hour.” In its present form, however, we cannot answer the central question, whether this situation is just or fair, without having more information. As we reflect on the kinds of additional information we require, we realize that questions of justice cannot be answered with psychological information alone. We must also attend to features of the larger social world in which the justice-making process resides (see Berger, Zelditch, Anderson & Cohen, 1972; Jasso & Rossi, 1977).
Keratotic lesions of the foot

Keratotic lesions are widely encountered in daily podiatric practice. These conditions may represent widespread systemic illness, local and occult neoplastic disease, disorders of a genetic nature, or acquired states. Algorithms facilitate the categorization and final diagnosis of the plantar keratoses. Patients may return to normal lifestyles when mechanical, weight-dispersive, pharmacologic, or surgical therapeutic methods are employed to decrease or shield the thickened corneum.
Thermal (Or Endothermic) Aggregation of Sickle Cell Hemoglobin (Hb S) During Sickling

The human hemoglobin molecule consists of 4 polypeptide chains, one pair designated the α’s and the other the β’s. Sickle cell hemoglobin (Hb S) differs from the normal by a single amino acid substitution at the 6th position in each β chain. It further appears that there is a hydrophobic pocket in each of the a chains which is complementary to the β-6-Valyl region, allowing deoxygenated sickle cell hemoglobin (Hb S) tetramers to stack by hydrophobic interactions. When oxygenated, the β chains move closer to each other by about 5 angstroms and the stacking crumbles because the goodness of fit is lost, This is unsickling by conformational change. There is another unsickling mechanism which involves an entropy change. In 1957 I reported that Hb S has a negative temperature coefficient of aggregation, i.e., a deoxygenated Hb S solution at 0° gels when warmed to 38° C but liquefies reversibly when replaced in the ice bath. Thus, the sickling phenomenon involves a thermal (or endothermic) aggregation of Hb S. The energy of activation for this reaction (ΔH*) is 17.3 kCal mole-1 and the entropy change amounts to 55 e. u. It appears reasonable to assume that the same entropy change is required to set a molecule of water free from the hydration layer about the hydrophobic residues as is required in the melting of ice.
Guidance of Intra-Operative Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation during LVAD Implantation with Pre-operative Cardiac MRI

Introduction Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is common in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Ablation maybe required to reduce ICD shocks and improve the quality of life. Preoperative VT mapping is an invasive electrophysiologic study prior to the surgery which heart failure patients may not tolerate. Substrate modification is usually done in an open epicardial approach during LVAD implantation. Non-invasive mapping techniques have not been described before. In this case pre-operative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was used to plan VT scar mapping and guide intra-operative cryoablation that was done while performing LVAD implantation. Case Report 69-year-old man with ICM (ejection fraction of 23%) and biventricular cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). He has history of VT, four ablations, and on mexiletine and amiodarone. He had VT-related syncope terminated with anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). ICD interrogation showed 15 appropriate shocks and >100 ATP therapies since the device implantation 6 months prior. In hospital he had slow monomorphic VT (slow cycle length 650 msec) with left bundle-branch morphology and superior axis positive in AVR. Milrinone was started for cardiogenic shock (cardiac index of 1.81 L/min/m2). He was not a transplant candidate so he was scheduled for destination therapy LVAD. Before the procedure he had sustained monomorphic VTs refractory to ATP requiring ICD shock. Cardiac MRI showed large chronic infarct with marked remodeling and transmural delayed enhancement in the inferoseptal, inferior, and inferolateral segments at the base a mid-ventricular portions of the left ventricle (LV) extending into the inferior aspect of the apical LV. Six myocardial segments equivalent was involved with transmural infarct. We decided to do an intra-operative VT ablation during LVAD implantation. Intraoperatively the LVAD ring was anchored to the apex with sutures. LV incision was made, and cryoablation of the inferoseptal towards inferolateral wall was performed using Cryo3 cryoICE catheter. Corresponding to the scar on MRI ablation lesions were created and the lesions were overlapping (from 3 to 9 o'clock position). The incision site was also cryoablated with a total of ten cryoablations. Conclusion This is the first case to use cardiac MRI for preoperative VT mapping and did correspond to the lesions seen intra-operatively. This is a novel non-invasive mapping tool for heart failure patients undergoing surgical cryoablation . At 1 month follow up the patient has had 68 episodes of non-sustained VT, and 8 episodes of VT, successfully treated with ATP.
Cp* Noninnocence Leads to a Remarkably Weak C–H Bond via Metallocene Protonation

Metallocenes, including their permethylated variants, are extremely important in organometallic chemistry. In particular, many are synthetically useful either as oxidants (e.g., Cp2Fe+) or as reductants (e.g., Cp2Co, Cp*2Co, and Cp*2Cr). The latter have proven to be useful reagents in the reductive protonation of small-molecule substrates, including N2. As such, understanding the behavior of these metallocenes in the presence of acids is paramount. In the present study, we undertake the rigorous characterization of the protonation products of Cp*2Co using pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques at low temperature. We provide unequivocal evidence for the formation of the ring-protonated isomers Cp*(exo/endo-η4-C5Me5H)Co+. Variable temperature Q-band (34 GHz) pulse EPR spectroscopy, in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) predictions, are key to reliably assigning the Cp*(exo/endo-η4-C5Me5H)Co+ species. We also demonstrate that exo-protonation selectivity can be favored by using a...
Flood City, USA: Ellicott City Faces Latest Historical Flooding

FLICKR/MARYLAND GOVPICSEllicott City is a quaint town on the shores of the Patapsco River, 10 miles west of Baltimore, Maryland. It is steeped in history, with long, winding streets lined with rows...
Santa Clara Conduit – a Case History of the Calaveras Fault Crossing

ABSTRACT Santa Clara Conduit is a segment of the San Felipe system that supplies municipal and industrial water to the San Jose, California area. The large diameter waterline serves as a lifeline for several major cities. Special design problems are created when large diameter buried conduits cross active fault zones. The pipeline must be designed to accommodate both horizontal and vertical displacements that can occur continuously at the fault zone. The design of the pipe and pipe joints are the keys to providing the flexibility required in a pipeline for a long service life. The pipeline must be designed to cross the active Calaveras fault in an area with harsh environmental conditions that include high ground water and corrosive soils. The design parameters for the fault crossing that will be discussed are: 1. Selection of the crossing angle of the fault to the pipeline alignment 2. Selection of the 66-inch-diameter pipe options 3. Operation and maintenance requirements that allow the pipeline performance to be monitored and repair work to be accomplished quickly 4. The use of a unique harness assembly on the inside of the pipe which allows flexibility and limits the distortion of the pipeline 5. Design of structures on either side of the fault crossing to anchor the pipeline A synopsis of the design and construction of the Calaveras fault crossing in Santa Clara County, California, will be presented.
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF 2-BROMO-4-HYDROXYPYRIDINE: HYDROGEN AND HALOGEN BONDING

The crystal structure of 2-bromo-4-hydroxypyridine (1 )at 120 K is reported. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C 2/c with a = 15.6770(6) A, b = 3.86471(13) A, c = 18.0645(7) A and β = 90.916(3)°. The compound exhibits both the 4-hydroxypyridine and 4-pyridone tautomers as exhibited by the disordered proton which occupies the O-H and N-H positions equally. Hydrogen bonding links the molecules into chains parallel to the ac -face diagonal. Halogen bonds [Br … O = 3.0809(15) A] roughly parallel to the a -axis link the chains into layers roughly parallel to the bc -face diagonal. π-stacking interactions complete the stabilization of the structure.