cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of prenatal event history calendar for black women

ABSTRACT Objectives To identify psychosocial factors that Black women think should be addressed in prenatal care assessment and develop a Prenatal Event History Calendar to assess these factors. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Setting Two inner city hospital prenatal care clinics in Southeastern Michigan. Participants Twenty-two Black women who had attended at least 2 prenatal care visits. Method Three focus groups were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Main Outcome Measure Using the constant comparative method of analysis (Glaser, 1978, 1992) themes were identified that were relevant to Black women during prenatal care visits. Results The women in this study wanted to talk with their providers about psychosocial factors and not just the physical aspects of pregnancy. To "go off the pregnancy" represents pregnant women's desire to discuss psychosocial factors that were important to them during prenatal care. Five themes emerged from the data and were used to develop categories for the Prenatal Event History Calendar: relationships, stress, routines, health history perceptions, and beliefs. Conclusion One vital component of prenatal care assessment is assessing for psychosocial risk factors. Prenatal Event History Calendar was specifically developed to provide a comprehensive and contextually linked psychosocial risk assessment for use with pregnant Black women.
COLLECTION AND EVALUATION OF NORMAL EXFOLIATED URINARY BLADDER CELLS IN MAN USING SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Normal exfoliated urinary bladder cells were collected from midstream urine samples from 21 male patients. Procedures for urine filtration using Millipore® filters of Nuclepore® filters, cell fixation and preparation for scanning electron microscopy investigation were developed. Correlations were made between the surface morphology of exfoliated cells and that of biopsies from different anatomical regions of the urinary bladder. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of exfoliated normal urinary bladder cells proved to be a more sensitive method for discovering cellular surface details than light microscopy. This information forms the basis for further SEM studies of cell surface alterations due to urothelial diseases.
Combination of PO/SBR and the finite element method for scattering from a large PEC target with a small cavity

High frequency methods such as physical optics (PO) and shooting and bouncing rays (SBR) are very effective in calculating the scattering from large perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) bodies. However, pure high-frequency methods cannot deal with small structures such as small cavities mounted on a large PEC body. Under certain circumstances, these small structures may have significant contributions to the scattered field. A promising technique to overcome this shortcoming is to incorporate low frequency methods like the method of moments (MoM) or the finite element method (FEM) to the high frequency methods. The present authors provide such an approach to combine PO/SBR and the FEM to compute the scattering from a large PEC body with a small cavity.
Linking programs incrementally

Linking is traditionally a batch process that resolves cross-references between object modules and run-time libraries to produce a stand-alone executable image. Because most program changes only involve a small part of the program, we have implemented an incremental linker, named Inclink, that processes only the changed modules. Inclink generates a new executable in time proportional to the size of change; in contrast, a batch linker generates an executable in time proporitonal to the size of the program. To minimize updates to the executable, Inclink allocates extra space for every module. By allocating 24 percent more space in the executable for overflows, Inclink can update a module in place over 97 percent of the time. Measurements show that Inclink is more than an order of magnitude faster than the UNIX [2] batch linker and that 88 percent of all links will take less than 2 s of CPU time on a MicroVAX-2, independent of program size.
Loss cone imager digital system design

The Loss Cone Imager (LCI) will sample the energetic-particle pitch-angle distributions relative to the local geomagnetic field vector in the magnetosphere as a part of the Demonstration and Science Experiment (DSX) satellite. A description of the LCI electrical interfaces and data flow will be presented. The pitch angle and energy of energetic particles are recorded by the FSH (Fixed Sensor Head) and HST (High Sensitivity Telescope) sensor electronics using solid state detectors. Energetic particle data must be extracted from the FSH and HST by the DPU (Data Processing Unit) and stored in a format that is practical for ground data analysis. The DPU must generate a data packet that is sent to the experiment computer containing science and housekeeping data, as well as receive ground and time commands from the experiment computer. The commands are used to configure the sensor electronics and change the data acquisition periods of the science data. The instrument works in conjunction with the WIPER (Wave-Induced Precipitation of Electron Radiation) VLF (Very Low Frequency) transmitter on the DSX satellite to view the effects of VLF waves injected in the Earth's magnetic field on the precipitation of electrons into the Loss Cone. The system is designed to operate autonomously with the changing state of the transmitter to provide more appropriate data for examining the effects of the VLF transmitter.
Effect of surface nitridation on the epitaxial growth of few-layer sp2 BN

Abstract Boron Nitride is a promising 2D dielectric material for use in numerous electronic applications. In order to realize this potential, a process for producing atomically thin layers on microelectronics-compatible substrates is desirable. In this paper we describe an approach to epitaxially grow few-layer sp 2 BN directly on an insulating substrate, using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). We also elucidate the effect of sapphire surface nitridation on the growth characteristics. We compare the effect of nitridation on the growth rate, surface morphology and structure across a wide range of V/III ratios. Depending on the V/III ratio, two different growth modes were identified: at low V/III 3D island growth is dominant and at high V/III the growth transitions to a self-terminating mode. Under self-terminating growth a film thickness of 1.5 nm is typically achieved. Surface nitridation was found to improve nucleation, promoting self-terminating growth, and resulting in atomically smooth films. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) patterns reveal the epitaxial relationship between BN and sapphire to be [1–100]‖[11–20] and [0001]‖[0001]. Growth at low V/III ratios without surface nitridation produced films with large hexagonal holes, which could not be completely filled by extending the growth time. Through surface nitridation, these holes were eliminated, producing continuous smooth films.
C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels After Seizures

Investigators at Tampere University Hospital, Finland measured C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentrations in 31 patients (mean age 34, range 6-58 years) with refractory focal epilepsy while undergoing video-EEG monitoring and compared with 80 healthy controls.
Impact of Improving Water Quality at the Tala Drain on the Rosetta Branch Water Quality

The Tala drain is the second major source of pollution along the Rosetta branch. The Tala drain receives discharge from dairy industry and agricultural drainage, as well as untreated domestic wastewater. This research involved attempting to improve water quality at the Rosetta branch by improving water quality at the Tala drain. Water quality at the Tala drain will be improved through improving effluent water quality from the dairy industry using aluminum chloride (AlCl3) as a coagulant, with injections of carbon dioxide (CO2), and constructing a new WWTP. Results indicated that the optimum aluminum chloride dosage was 225 mg/L at a pH value of 6.15. The estimated treatment cost of 1.0 m3 of dairy wastewater is $0.0425 per day. The river pollutant (RP) modeling was also used to study the effect of improving water quality at the Tala drain in the Rosetta branch water quality. The RP modeling showed that applying the proposed solutions will significantly improve water quality at the Tala drain and at the Rosetta branch.
Structure and superconductivity of BaBiO3 doped with alkali ions

XRD shows that doping BaBiO3 with alkali ions transforms the larger monoclinic parent lattice into a more compact cubic or nearly cubic lattice. This lattice contraction favors the transition from semiconductor to metal. It leads also to superconductivity. Doping BaBiO3 with both K and Rb raises the onset resistivity Tc above those obtained by doping with either K or Rb.
Terahertz Room-Temperature Photonic Crystal Laser

We demonstrate a photonic crystal cavity laser with near-microwatt threshold and employing a surface-passivated InGaAs quantum well. The laser operates at room temperature and produces pulses with FWHM shorter than 3 ps (detector response limited).
Soviet Islam and world revolution

The relationship between Soviet Islam and the Islamic revival outside the U.S.S.R. is neither unidimensional nor definitionally antagonistic. Although bogged down in a costly civil war in Afghanistan, the Soviet leaders have tried to maintain a public stance of tolerance toward Islam. Recent Soviet writings reflect a new sophistication, which demonstrates unblinkered consideration of Islam as both a social and a political force. The quiescent state of Islam in the Muslim regions of the U.S.S.R., where indigenous populations practice a nondoctrinal, heavily ritualistic religion, further makes it unlikely that the Soviets are following aggressive policies in Southwest Asia because they fear Islamic fundamentalism at home.
Field Tests with Several Insecticides for Control of the Pink Bollworm, Boll Weevil, and Bollworm

Insecticides were evaluated for control of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders); boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman; bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie); and tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) in field-plot tests in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1961 and 1962. Of 4 carbamates tested, carbaryl and Bayer 37344 gave the best control of pink bollworm and boll weevil, while Zectran® and Bayer 44646 gave significantly better results against the bollworm-tobacco budworm complex. Imidan®, a phosphorus compound, gave fair control of pink bollworm and boll weevil but was ineffective against the bollworm complex. A standard, dieldrin-DDT mixture, failed to give satisfactory control of boll weevils and bollworm complex in 1 experiment. The chemical definitions of the insecticides with proprietary names mentioned above are: Bayer 37344 (4- (methylthio) -3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate); Bayer 44646 (4-dimethylamino-m-tolyl methylcarbamate) ; Imidan® ( O,O -dimethyl S-phthalimidomethyl phosphorodithioate); and Zectran® (4-dimethylamino-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate).
Low-Temperature Storage as a Postharvest Treatment for Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Eggs on Apple

Complete mortality of red ring stage eggs of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), on mature apples occurred with 36-42 d exposure to 0.1-2.1 o C. Based on these results and those from previous studies, we propose a minimum of 55 d at ≤2.2 o C as a postharvest treatment for Malus domestica Borkh cv. Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. In large-scale efficacy tests of this treatment, none of the treated 35,203 red ring stage eggs survived
Single Wafer Amorphous Silicon Process Evaluation

Single wafer amorphous silicon deposition was characterized through process modeling and film characterization for application in semiconductor production. DOE methodology was used to determine the main deposition parameters, and the responses were limited to device production requirement properties of surface roughness, deposition rate and degree of crystallinity of the as-deposited film. The data trends and models show that deposition temperature and silane flow are the main factors. Increasing either or both factor increases the deposition rate and the surface roughness. The surface morphology, evaluated by AFM, SEM and TEM, was found to be rougher at extreme growth conditions than the poly crystalline film formed after anneal. The as-deposited surface morphology was not a result of pre-anneal crystal formations as determined by TEM cross sections of samples before and after anneal. Lack of crystalinity is important for impurity diffusion considerations. Device application of the single wafer a-Si process will be a compromise between growth rate (and associated throughput) and surface roughness that can be tolerated.
The Bound State Problem in QED-Taming the Bethe-Salpeter Equation

The theory of bound states in quantum electrodynamics is described, with particular emphasis on the formulation of the problem of treating recoil corrections.
Archaeofaunal Diversity and Broad Spectrum Diets in Late Paleolithic Southwest Europe

Chapter 4 showed that subsistence strategies from Late Paleolithic Southwest Europe differed by region. If diets broadened in Southwest Europe at the Pleistocene–Holocene transition, it seems they did so regionally. Zooarchaeological studies focused on specific sites and/or localities support this hypothesis, both descriptively and quantitatively: many have observed broad spectrum diets in the earliest Upper Paleolithic in the Mediterranean bioclimatic region of Iberia, while in southern France, some suggest broader diets appear in response to the Bolling/Allerod warming around 13 kya BP. In Euro-Siberian Iberia there may be increasing diet breadth in early Holocene, though there is evidence of resource intensification much earlier. In this chapter, I use the richness, evenness, and nestedness of archaeological faunas to explore the if, when, how, and why of increasing diet breadth in Late Paleolithic Southwest Europe.
MICROCOSMS AS ECOSYSTEMS FOR TESTING ECOLOGICAL MODELS

Several microcosm types are currently in use, most to study the fate and effects of toxic substances. An example of the use of microcosms for testing and further development of a model for methoxychlor is described. The finding of an additional dominant process previously unconsidered for methoxychlor is discussed. Three simple ecosystems are considered and compared for their steady state values.
Herpes Simplex Virus

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases globally, and is associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity. However, upwards of 90% of infected individuals are unaware they are infected. Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). While there are differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2, both strains can cause ocular, oral, cutaneous and genital infections. HSV must come in contact with mucosal surfaces or abraded skin to initiate infection. Once infected, HSV persists indefinitely in a dormant state within sensory nerve ganglia until it is reactivated and causes a recurrent infection (Herpes simplex virus infections. 2. 2nd ed. Detroit: Charles Scribners & Sons; 2010. p. 823–828; Groves Am Fam Physician 93(11):928, 2016; Solomon et al. N Engl J Med 375(7):666, 2016; Bernstein et al. Clin Infect Dis 56(3):344–51, 2013) The herpes virus typically causes painful ulcerations at the site of infection, but these lesions do not have to be present to transmit the infection (asymptomatic shedding). On the basis of clinical examination, it is often impossible to determine definitively whether a first symptomatic episode of genital herpes is initial or recurrent disease. There are several different modalities to test for HSV infection, but PCR has emerged as the most reliable and sensitive method to confirm infection. A primary episode of HSV should be treated with oral antiviral therapy to prevent prolonged clinical illness with severe genital ulcerations. Prevention of genital HSV should primarily focus on decreasing overall HSV transmission and decreasing the morbidity and psychological stress for those already infected.
Arsenic and Immune Response to Infection During Pregnancy and Early Life.

Arsenic, a known carcinogen and developmental toxicant, is a major threat to global health. While the contribution of arsenic exposure to chronic diseases and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes is recognized, its ability to impair critical functions of humoral and cell-mediated immunity—including the specific mechanisms in humans—is not well understood. Arsenic has been shown to increase risk of infectious diseases that have significant health implications during pregnancy and early life. Here, we review the latest research on the mechanisms of arsenic-related immune response alterations that could underlie arsenic-associated increased risk of infection during the vulnerable periods of pregnancy and early life. The latest evidence points to alteration of antibody production and transplacental transfer as well as failure of T helper cells to produce IL-2 and proliferate. Critical areas for future research include the effects of arsenic exposure during pregnancy and early life on immune responses to natural infection and the immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines.
FFT-based macromodeling of power delivery network with uncertainties using latency insertion method

The generation of frequency-domain macromodels for passive interconnects such as power delivery networks can be computationally expensive. In this work, macromodels are constructed through the Latency Insertion Method in the time-domain before conversion to the frequency domain via the Fast Fourier transform. Results show an improvement in the simulation time as well as good accuracy over the frequency range of interest. The method is used to characterize a power delivery plane with uncertainties in geometry and material properties.
Circadian Computing: Sensing, Modeling, and Maintaining Biological Rhythms

Human physiology and behavior are deeply rooted in the daily 24 h temporal structure. Our biological processes vary significantly, predictably, and idiosyncratically throughout the day in accordance with these circadian rhythms, which in turn influence our physical and mental performance. Prolonged disruption of biological rhythms has serious consequences for physical and mental well-being, contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and mental health problems. Here we present Circadian Computing, technologies that are aware of and can have a positive impact on our internal rhythms. We use a combination of automated sensing of behavioral traits along with manual ecological momentary assessments (EMA) to model body clock patterns, detect disruptions, and drive in-situ interventions. Identifying disruptions and providing circadian interventions is particularly valuable in the context of mental health—for example, to help prevent relapse in patients with bipolar disorder. More generally, such personalized, data-driven tools are capable of adapting to individual rhythms and providing more biologically attuned support in a number of areas including physical and cognitive performance, sleep, clinical therapy, and overall wellbeing. This chapter describes the design, development, and deployment of these “circadian-aware” systems: a novel class of technology aimed at modeling and maintaining our innate biological rhythms.
High temperature infrared absorption cross sections of methane near 3.4 µm in Ar and CO2 mixtures

Abstract The absorption cross-sections of CH4 at two wavelengths in the mid-IR region: λpeak = 3403.4 nm and λvalley = 3403.7 nm were measured. Data were taken using three different compositions of non-reactive gas mixtures comprising CH4/Ar/CO2 between 700
Microhardness and microstructure correlations in SiC/SiC composites

Abstract We report the microhardness of SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites produced by a transient eutectic phase (TEP) hot-press consolidation process. The internal microstructure of the composites was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and microhardness variations were determined, showing that both matrices and fibers have hardness values that are independent of geometrical features. This verification is of special interest for the production of SiC/SiC composite structures with more complicated geometries for prospective nuclear applications.
Small Structures: A Laboratory for Studying Strongly Interacting Systems

We review some recent experimental and theoretical work on transport through a quantum dot. We emphasize the importance of Coulomb interaction between electrons in a confined geometry and point out that these small structures may serve as new probes of correlation effects in strongly interacting systems.
Synchronization of estrus in beef cattle: II. Effect of an injection of norgestomet and an estrogen in conjunction with a norgestomet implant in heifers and cows

Abstract A series of 11 trials involving 735 heifers and 425 cows were conducted in an effort to improve synchronization of estrus using a 9-day progestin implant and an injection of estrogen and/or progestin. Ninety-five percent of 42 heifers treated during the first 5 days of the estrous cycle with an ear implant containing 6 mg of 17α-acetoxy-11β-methyl-19-nor-preg-4-ene-3,20-dione (norgestomet) and also injected with 5 mg of estradiol valerate (EV) and 1 mg of norgestomet showed estrus by 120 hr after implant removal compared to 74% of 39 heifers that were implanted and were injected only with 1 mg of norgestomet. Therefore, it appeared that EV was needed in this treatment regime. This was further verified with 44 heifers in Trial 2. In the third trial 94% of the 37 heifers treated on the second or third day of the estrous cycle with an implant plus an intramuscular injection (IM) of norgestomet and EV showed estrus by 120 hr after implant removal compared to 87% of 39 heifers receiving the implant and IM injection of EV. In addition, the precision of synchronization was improved in heifers receiving the injection of norgestomet and EV compared to those receiving only EV injection. Synchronization was not improved when 2 implants were used compared to use of one implant. Fertility did not differ significnatly (P >.05) in Trial 4 and 5 among control heifers or heifers treated with implant, injection of EV and norgestomet and bred either 12 hr after estrus was detected or force-mated 60 hr after implant removal. Injection of .5 mg of estradiol-17β (E 2 ) at time of implant removal had no beneficial effect on synchronization or fertility. In Trials 6 and 7 synchronization of estrus and fertility was determined following an implant for 9 days and IM injection of 3 mg of norgestomet plus various levels of EV or estradiol benzoate (EB). No differences in synchronization or fertility were noted with either EV or EB in the treatment regime. However, fertility was significantly lowered (P Two trials were conducted to determine the feasibility of synchronizing estrus with the implant and intramuscular injection of 6 mg of EV and 3 mg norgestomet given at the time cows were implanted. In Trial 10 more than 90% of the cows were in estrus in the 5-day period after implant removal and 60% conceived at first service in one group and 70% in another. No controls were utilized in this trial, so the effect of treatment on fertility could not be determined. In Trial 11, 93% of the cows which were cycling and 85% of the cows which were anestrous at the time of treatment showed estrus during the 5-day period after implant removal. Conception rates to first service were 68%, 60%, 84% and 69% for treated cycling cows, treated anestrous cows, control cycling cows and control anestrous cows, respectively. Synchronization in cows was excellent with most cows showing estrus between 36 and 60 hr after implant removal. This would indicate breeding at a fixed time could be a possibility.
DYT4, Autosomal Dominant Type Dystonia or Whispering Dysphonia

In 1985, a large multigenerational Australian family with whispering dysphonia which either remained focal or became segmental in most cases was described. Other features, including severe dysphagia, dementia, and psychosis, were prominent. This is the only DYT4 family to date. As there was parent-child transmission with many affected family members, it was presumed to be autosomal dominant with high penetrance. Two of the family members were shown to have Wilson disease, although it was argued that two other members had normal liver biopsy. Linkage to the loci responsible for DYT1, DYT6, and DYT7 dystonia and the Wilson's disease locus were excluded. A new autosomal dominant inherited gene may underlie the torsion dystonia of this family; however, both the transmission pattern and whether this is indeed primary dystonia are uncertain. Questions about the phenotype of primary dystonia are raised by the diagnosis of Wilson disease in the two individuals and the prominent bulbar, cognitive, and psychiatric features in others.
Dealing with digital traces: Understanding protective behaviors on mobile devices

Abstract With increasingly digitization, more and more information is collected from individuals and organizations, leading to several privacy concerns. These risks are further heightened in the mobile realm as data collection can occur continuously and ubiquitously. When individuals use their own devices in work settings, these issues become concerns for organization as well. The question then is how to ensure individuals perform proper information protection behaviors on mobile devices. In this research, we develop a model of mobile information protection based on an integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the information privacy literature to explore the antecedents of the attitude of individuals towards sharing information on their mobile devices, their intentions to use protective settings, and their actual practices. The model is tested with data from 228 iPhone users. The results indicate that mobile information protection intention leads to actual privacy settings practice, and that attitude towards information sharing and mobile privacy protection self-efficacy affect this intention. Determinants of attitude towards information sharing include mobile privacy concern and trust of the mobile platform. Finally, prior invasion experience is related to privacy concern. These findings provide insights into factors that can be targeted to enhance individuals’ protective actions to limit the amount of digital information they share via their smartphones.
(Mis)Alignments in Mentorship: Exploring Challenges to Preservice Science Teacher Preparation

The mentoring relationships between preservice teachers and their cooperating teachers have been established as critical to the retention or attrition of novice teachers (Clarke, Triggs, & Nielsen,...
Serum Metabolites and Cardiac Death in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Cardiovascular death is the leading cause of mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, traditional risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, and other comorbidities, do not fully account for this excess risk. Uremic toxins, substances that accumulate in patients with kidney failure
Exploration of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in a Latinx Population

Abstract Objective The purpose was to explore contributing factors of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in Latinx residing in Southwest Ohio to inform the development of future interventions. Design This was a qualitative study utilizing focus groups. Participants and Setting Latinx participants were recruited from local churches, community centers, and universities to participate in 1 of 6 focus groups (n = 43). Phenomenon of Interest Individual, relational, community, and sociocultural factors related to SSB consumption. Analysis Constant comparative analysis of focused, axial, and selective coding to develop themes. Memo writing assisted with conceptualization of the data. Themes mirrored the Socioecological Model. Results SSB consumption is rooted in cultural identity and social norms. Other factors include availability, taste, and energy. Suggestions for change consisted of finding acceptable substitutions, creating socially appropriate support networks, developing community and workplace policies, and countering the impact of advertising. Conclusion and Implications This study highlights factors across the ecological model that contribute to Latinx SSB consumption in Southwest Ohio. Similar studies in other geographical areas in the US are warranted to confirm these findings. Individual, intrapersonal, community, and societal factors may be utilized in tailoring SSB interventions for Latinx adults to enhance cultural capital and create behavior change. Future interventions may explore and test these factors using the Model of Cultural Change.
Multifaith Perspectives on Family Therapy Models

Researchers used thematic analysis to identify participant perceptions of the alignment between their faith traditions and family systems theory, structural family therapy, Bowen’s multigenerationa...
InAs/GaSb type II superlattices: A developing material system for third generation of IR imaging

Abstract The idea of type II InAs/GaSb superlattice (T2SL) was first proposed by Sai-Halasz and Esaki in the 1970s. The superlattice is formed by alternating the InAs and GaSb layers over several periods. For practical realization of superlattices, the materials that are grown on top of each other need to be closely lattice-matched. Fortunately, InAs and GaSb, along with AlSb, belong to a family of III-V compounds that is called 6.1 A family since they all have lattice constants that are close to 6.1 A. Similar lattice constants, fairly similar growth conditions, and the availability of GaSb substrate have made possible the growth of superlattices using this material system with low density of defects and dislocations. The type II broken-gap alignment leads to the separation of electrons and holes into the InAs and GaSb layers, respectively. The charge transfer gives rise to a high local electric field and strong interlayer tunneling of carriers without the requirement of an external bias or additional doping. Large-period superlattices behave like semimetals, but if the superlattice period is shortened, the quantization effects are enhanced causing a transition from a semimetal to a narrow-gap semiconductor. The resulting energy gaps depend upon the layer thicknesses and interface compositions.
The Efficacy of Lenvatinib Plus Everolimus in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Exhibiting Primary Resistance to Front-Line Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy.

Background Patients with primary refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have a dismal prognosis and poor response to subsequent treatments. While there are several approved second-line therapies, it remains critical to choose the most effective treatment regimen. Patients and methods We identified 7 patients with clear cell mRCC who had primary resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination therapy. The patients were treated with lenvatinib (a multitargeted TKI) plus everolimus (a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor). Among these 7 patients, 2 had prior TKI therapy, 3 had prior ICI therapy, and 2 had prior TKI and ICI therapy. We collected the patients' clinical characteristics, molecular profiles, treatment durations, and toxicity outcomes. Results The median time to progression on prior therapies was 1.5 months. Lenvatinib plus everolimus was used either as a second-line (n = 4) or third-line (n = 3) therapy. As best responses, 3 patients had partial responses and 3 achieved stable disease. Patients were followed for ≥17 months; progression-free survival ranged from 3 to 15 months, and overall survival ranged from 4 to 17 months. Conclusion These 7 cases provide real-world data for the use of lenvatinib plus everolimus in patients with mRCC with primary resistance to first-line VEGF-targeted TKIs or ICI combination therapy.
13 – Digital Halftoning

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with digital halftoning. In terms of photolithography, halftoning involved projecting light from the negative of a continuous-tone photograph, through a mesh screen, such as finely-woven silk, onto a photosensitive plate. Later versions of the halftoning process employed screens made of glass that were coated on one side by an opaque substance. Later still, the glass plate mesh was replaced altogether with a flexible piece of processed film, placed directly in contact with the unexposed lithographic film. This contact screen had direct control of the dot structure. The screen controlled the screen frequency, the dot shape, and the screen angle. This chapter discusses three types of halftonig—amplitude-modulated (AM) halftoning, frequency-modulated (FM) halftoning, and AM-FM hybrids. In AM halftoning, halftone screen has been replaced in digital printers with a raster image processor (RIP) that converts each pixel of the original image from an intermediate tone directly into a binary dot. In FM or stochastic screening techniques, dots of constant size but variably spaced according to tone, are available to digital printers. AM–FM hybrids produce dot clusters that vary according to tone in both their size and spacing.
Interaction of Thermal Phonons with Interfaces

In this chapter we will first explore the connection between interface scattering and thermal transport using the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE). It will be shown that Boltzmann transport provides a convenient method for considering boundary scattering in nanochannel structures. For internal interfaces such as grain boundaries found in polycrystals, it is more natural to consider transmission and reflection across a single boundary. In this regard we will discuss theories related to interface thermal resistance. Our qualitative discussion of the theories of phonon transport will be followed by a discussion of experimental techniques for measuring thermal transport. We end this chapter by giving a detailed description of two complementary experimental techniques for measuring the influence of interfaces on thermal phonon transport.
Understanding HD Psychosis: An Analysis from the ENROLL-HD Database

Background: Psychosis is considered rare in Huntington’s Disease, with an estimated prevalence of 3–11%. However, it has a profound impact on quality of life and disease burden. This study uses the Enroll-HD database to determine the prevalence, onset, and severity of psychosis in Huntington’s Disease and to determine demographic and disease characteristics associated with psychosis. Methods: Data were obtained from Enroll-HD. Adults with manifest Huntington’s Disease were included. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Simple logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval for association with each characteristic. Results: 7,966 manifest Huntington’s Disease participants were analyzed, and 12.95% had a history of psychosis. Mean age of psychosis onset (48.34 years, SD 13.26) mirrored Huntington’s Disease onset. Family history of psychosis in a first degree relative was documented in 23.6% of participants with psychosis. Variables significantly (p Discussion: Psychosis in Huntington’s Disease is more prevalent than many prior studies have reported. It is associated with several demographic & psychiatric features, decreased cognitive capacity, and worse functional outcomes. Highlights: Psychosis in HD is more prevalent than prior studies have reported. It is associated with a range of demographic and psychiatric variables, worse cognition, and worse functional outcomes suggesting several features that may be used to predict onset of psychosis and improve understanding and management of psychosis in HD.
A Tale of Drug-Carrier Optimization: Controlling Stimuli Sensitivity via Nanoparticle Hydrophobicity through Drug Loading

Interactions between drug molecules, nanocarrier components, and surrounding media influence the properties and therapeutic efficacies of nanomedicines. In this study, we investigate the role that reversible covalent loading of a hydrophobic drug exerts on intra-nanoparticle physical properties and explore the utility of this payload control strategy for tuning the access of active agents and, thereby, the stimuli sensitivity of smart nanomaterials. Glutathione sensitivity was controlled via altering the degree of hydrophobic payload loading of disulfide-linked camptothecin-conjugated sugar-based nanomaterials. Increases in degrees of camptothecin conjugation (fCPT) decreased aqueous accessibility and reduced glutathione-triggered release. Although the lowest fCPT gave the fastest camptothecin release, it resulted in the lowest camptothecin concentration. Remarkably, the highest fCPT resulted in a 5.5-fold improved selectivity against cancer vs noncancerous cells. This work represents an advancement in drug carrier design by demonstrating the importance of controlling the amount of drug loading on the overall payload and its availability.
Opioid Prescribing in the 2016 Medicare Fee-for-Service Population

Background and objectives Opioid use and misuse are prevalent and remain a national crisis. This study identified beneficiary characteristics associated with filling opioid prescriptions, variation in opioid dosing, and opioid use with average daily doses (ADDs) equal to 120 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) or more in the 100% Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) population. Design, setting, participants, and measurements In a cohort of FFS beneficiaries with 12 months of Medicare Part D coverage in 2016, we examined patient factors associated with filling an opioid prescription (n = 20,880,490) and variation in ADDs (n = 7,325,031) in a two-part model. Among those filling opioids, we also examined the probability of ADD equal to 120 MMEs or more via logistic regression. Results About 35% of FFS beneficiaries had one or more opioid prescription fills in 2016 and 1.5% had ADDs equal to 120 MMEs or more. Disability-eligible beneficiaries and beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to fill opioids, to have higher ADDs or were more likely to have ADD equal to 120 MMEs or more. Beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were more likely to fill opioids (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.46-1.47), have higher ADDs (rate ratio = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.06-1.06) when filled and were more likely to have ADD equal to 120 MMEs or more (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.21-1.24). Finally, black and Hispanic beneficiaries were less likely to fill opioids, had lower overall doses and were less likely to have ADDs equal to 120 MMEs or more compared to white beneficiaries. Conclusion Several beneficiary subgroups have underappreciated risk of adverse events associated with ADD equal to 120 MMEs or more that may benefit from opioid optimization interventions that balance pain management and adverse event risk, especially beneficiaries with COPD who are at risk for respiratory depression.
Reverse Engineering of Object Oriented Systems to ALF

In Model Driven Software Engineering (MDSE), Action Language for Foundational UML (ALF) is a new standard for specifying the structure and behavior of a system textually. To update/transform existi...
Taxes, Transfers, Progressivity, and Redistribution: Part 2

The amount of redistribution induced by a fiscal system depends on both its progressivity and its size of a fiscal system. Policymakers can induce any given amount of redistribution through a larger tax-and-transfer system with limited progressivity or through a smaller tax-and-transfer system with greater progressivity. Indeed, they can induce significant redistribution with a regressive tax system if the transfer system’s progressivity offsets the tax system’s regressivity. Political liberals who want to increase redistribution must decide whether to emphasize policies that expand taxes and transfers or policies that make taxes and transfers more progressive. Political conservatives who want to reduce redistribution must decide whether to emphasize policies that contract taxes and transfers or policies that make taxes and transfers less progressive. We show that some other developed countries induce greater redistribution than the United States by using tax systems that are larger, but less progressive, than the U.S. tax system, with the additional redistribution primarily delivered by the larger transfer payments financed by the larger taxes. We analyze some of the factors that should affect the choice between alternative redistributive policies and we examine the ongoing policy debate in the United States, calling attention to practices that tend to tilt the debate in favor of a relatively smaller, more progressive fiscal system.
A Cell Culture Model of BK Polyomavirus Persistence, Genome Recombination, and Reactivation

Abstract BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a small non-enveloped DNA virus that establishes a ubiquitous, asymptomatic, and lifelong persistent infection in at least 80% of the world’s population. In some immunosuppressed transplant recipients, BKPyV reactivation causes polyomavirus-associated nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis. We report a novel in vitro model of BKPyV persistence and reactivation using a BKPyV natural host cell line. In this system, viral genome loads remain constant for various times post-establishment of persistent infection, during which BKPyV undergoes extensive random genome recombination. Certain recombination events result in viral DNA amplification and protein expression, resulting in production of viruses with enhanced replication ability. Importance BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) generally establishes a persistent subclinical infection in healthy individuals but can cause severe disease in transplant recipients. While an in vitro model to study acute replication exists, no practical model with which to study BKPyV persistence is currently available. We established a BKPyV persistence model in cell culture. Our model reveals that the virus can persist for varying periods of time before random recombination of the viral genome leads to enhanced replication.
Cancer vaccines from cryogenically silicified tumour cells functionalized with pathogen-associated molecular patterns

The production of personalized cancer vaccines made from autologous tumour cells could benefit from mechanisms that enhance immunogenicity. Here we show that cancer vaccines can be made via the cryogenic silicification of tumour cells, which preserves tumour antigens within nanoscopic layers of silica, followed by the decoration of the silicified surface with pathogen-associated molecular patterns. These pathogen-mimicking cells activate dendritic cells and enhance the internalization, processing and presentation of tumour antigens to T cells. In syngeneic mice with high-grade ovarian cancer, a cell-line-based silicified cancer vaccine supported the polarization of CD4+ T cells towards the T-helper-1 phenotype in the tumour microenvironment, and induced tumour-antigen-specific T-cell immunity, resulting in complete tumour eradication and in long-term animal survival. In the setting of established disease and a suppressive tumour microenvironment, the vaccine synergized with cisplatin. Silicified and surface-modified cells from tumour samples are amenable to dehydration and room-temperature storage without loss of efficacy and may be conducive to making individualized cancer vaccines across tumour types.
Mineralization Inhibitors and Promoters

Studies of idiopathic Ca urolithiasis suggest that in stone formation, macromolecular components of urine and organic matrix may behave both as promoters and inhibitors of crystallization. In general, when present at low levels in supersaturated solutions of the mineralizing salt, inhibitor molecules may adsorb at active growth sites on the developing crystals, thereby reducing the rate of both growth and dissolution reactions. However, if the density of adsorbed moieties on the crystal surface is sufficiently low, the growth steps may advance over the inhibitor molecules and incorporate them into the crystal lattice. Small ion constituents such as citrate, magnesium, and pyrophosphate are also capable of inhibiting the rate of mineral formation but have not been found to promote nucleation.
On Optimum Nose Curves for Superaerodynamic Missiles

I A RECENT NOTE, 1 Dennis has pointed out that the optimum missile-nose curve for superaerodynamic regime obtained under the assumption of regular molecule reflection is precisely that for the hypersonic regime derived according to Newtonian slip flow. While the above-observed coincidence between superaerodynamic and hypersonic missile-nose shape is obviously of important significance, there is no such coincidence for the case of random molecular re-emission, which, to certain extent, is actually a more realistic model. Thus, it seems that a more thorough statistical investigation of the actual manner of free-molecular reflection should be conducted next. On the other hand, it seems not without interest at this stage to compare the two curves corresponding to these two different assumptions. The integrations are briefly indicated in what follows, together with tabulated results and curves drawn to scale. As already noted, the fairing of nose tip beyond y' = \/k does not merit discussion because this point can always be brought as close to the axis as we like by a simple change of scale. The differential equation for the missile-nose curve is given by
An information security control assessment methodology for organizations' financial information

In an era where dependence of information systems is significantly high, the threat of incidents related to information security that could jeopardize financial information held by organizations is serious. Alarming facts within the literature point to inadequacies in information security practices, particularly the evaluation of information security controls in organizations. Research efforts have resulted in various methodologies developed to deal with the information security controls assessment problem. A closer look at these traditional methodologies highlights various weaknesses that prevent an effective information security controls assessment in organizations. This paper develops a methodology that addresses such weaknesses when evaluating information security controls in organizations' financial systems. The methodology uses the fuzzy set theory which allows for a more accurate assessment of imprecise criteria than traditional methodologies. It is argued that using the fuzzy set theory to evaluate information security controls in organizations addresses existing weaknesses identified in the literature and leads to a more precise assessment. This, in turn, results in a more effective selection of information security controls and enhanced information security in organizations. The main contribution of this research is the development of a fuzzy set theory-based assessment methodology that provides for a thorough evaluation of information security controls in organizations. Overall, the methodology presented herein proved to be a feasible technique for evaluating information security controls in organizations' financial systems.