cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Postpartum Worry Scale–Revised: an initial validation of a measure of postpartum worry

Postpartum anxiety is a condition of concern due to associated difficulties for the mother, her relationships, and her infant’s development. We revised one measure of postpartum anxiety symptoms, the Postpartum Worry Scale (PWS) to include items that tap concerns related to infant health and development, important potential domains of postpartum worry. This study presents the initial phase of validation for the PWS-R. An online sample of 1,231 mothers of infants ages birth to 24 months completed the PWS-R as well as a battery of measures. We conducted a split-sample confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the latent factor structure, and a series of models were tested to refine the measure. The newly constructed factors were correlated with theoretically similar measures to test the construct validity. Initial model testing revealed a four-factor structure (i.e., Relationships, Household, Time Allocations, and Health and Development) that included 13 items. Two-group CFA confirmed the latent factor structure. Theoretically similar measures correlated moderately with the newly created PWS-R factors. The psychometric findings for the PWS-R provide preliminary support for its use as a measure of postpartum worry. Next steps in the iterative validation process are considered. Recommendations for the PWS-R’s use in clinical and research contexts are discussed.
Steroid hormones and CNS sexual dimorphisms modulate symptom expression in tourette's syndrome

We present our hypothesis that various steroid hormones play an important role in the symptom expression of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (TS) and that androgenic hormones, in particular, are likely to exacerbate symptoms of the disorder. We review the clinical evidence supporting our hypothesis. Sex steroids establish brain sexual dimorphisms early in CNS development, and we suggest mechanisms whereby androgenic and other hormonal changes later in human development might act at dimorphic brain regions to influence the natural history of TS. Finally, we discuss the various ways in which neuroendocrine studies might assist in genetic and neurobiologic research programs in TS.
“Pensando Mucho” (“Thinking Too Much”): Embodied Distress Among Grandmothers in Nicaraguan Transnational Families

In this paper, I describe an embodied form of emotional distress expressed by Nicaraguan grandmothers caring for children of migrant mothers, "pensando mucho" ("thinking too much"). I draw on ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured exploratory interviews about pensando mucho conducted with grandmother heads-of-household to show the cultural significance of this complaint within the context of women's social roles as caregivers in transnational families. Adopting an interpretive and meaning-centered approach, I analyze the cultural significance of pensando mucho as expressed through women's narratives about the impacts of mother outmigration on their personal and family lives. I show how women use pensando mucho to express the moral ambivalence of economic remittances and the uncertainty surrounding migration, particularly given cultural values for "unity" and "solidarity" in Nicaraguan family life. I also discuss the relationship between pensando mucho and dolor de cerebro ("brainache") as a way of documenting the relationship between body/mind, emotional distress, and somatic suffering. The findings presented here suggest that further research on "thinking too much" is needed to assess whether this idiom is used by women of the grandmother generation in other cultural contexts to express embodied distress in relation to broader social transformations.
Correlation of fractionation tray performance via a cross‐flow boundary‐layer model

The nonequilibrium tray model proposed by Young and Stewart (1990) is used to correlate published fractionation data from sieve tray columns 0.45 m to 1.2 m in diameter. The model contains a dimensionless coefficient a00 to describe the interphase heat and mass transfer, and a Peclet number Pe to describe the lateral mixing of the liquid on the tray. The coefficient a00 is investigated as a function of tray geometry and hydrodynamic variables, using an error-in-variables extension of a multiresponse parameter estimation algorithm. Data from several sources are well correlated by a simple dimensionless relation for a00, with Pe predicted from the results of Bennett and associates (1983, 1991).
Genome‐wide linkage scan for prostate cancer aggressiveness loci using families from the University of Michigan Prostate Cancer Genetics Project

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) is a complex disease that displays variable disease outcome, ranging from a relatively indolent disease to forms that result in death from the disease. One measure of disease severity is the Gleason score. Using the Gleason score as a measure of tumor aggressiveness, several independent genome scans have reported evidence of linkage. As of yet, however, no genes have been implicated. METHODS We report an independent genome scan using the Gleason score as a quantitative trait. We genotyped 405 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in 175 brother pairs from 103 families. RESULTS Our strongest evidence of linkage is to 6q23 at 137 cM (D6S292, P = 0.0009). Other interesting regions (P < 0.005) were on chromosome 1p13–q21 and on chromosome 5p13–q11. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide further evidence that tumor aggressiveness has a genetic component, and that this genetic component may be influenced by several independent genes. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Molecular identification of Acipenser sturio specimens: A warning note for recovery plans

Partial sequences of the cytochrome b gene were generated for six sturgeons caught recently in the historic range of Acipenser sturio. Four samples studied were identified as A. sturio: two individuals from the Gironde River (France), and two individuals caught in the North and Baltic Seas. Two remaining samples were identified as from the clade of fishes which includes the Adriatic sturgeon A. naccarii and Siberian sturgeon A. baerii. Several DNA sequence differences were found between individuals of A. sturio from the Gironde River population and from the North and Baltic Seas. A careful genetic evaluation of each captured putative A. sturio individual which potentially can be used for breeding in restoration projects is recommended.
On the invalidity of fuzzifying numerical judgments in the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Fuzzy set theory has serious difficulties in producing valid answers in decision-making by fuzzifying judgments. No theorems are available about its workability when it is applied indiscriminately as a number crunching approach to numerical measurements that represent judgments. When judgments are allowed to vary in choice over the values of a fundamental scale, as in the Analytic Hierarchy Process, these judgments are themselves already fuzzy. To make them fuzzier can make the validity of the outcome, when the actual outcome is known, worse, as shown by several examples in this paper. Also, improving the consistency of a judgment matrix does not necessarily improve the validity of the outcome. Validity is the goal in decision-making, not consistency, which can be successively improved by manipulating the judgments as the answer gets farther and farther from reality. An example of this is included.
Steady Viscous Flow Past a Circular Cylinder up to Reynolds Number 600

Viscous flow past a circular cylinder becomes unstable around Reynolds number Re = 40. With a numerical technique based on Newton's method and made possible by the use of a supercomputer, steady (but unstable) solutions have been calculated up to Re = 600. It is found that the wake bubble (region with recirculating flow) grows in length approximately linearly with Re. The width increases like Re12 up to Re = 300 at which paint a transition to linear increase with Re begins. At the highest Reynolds numbers we reached, the wake resembles a pair of translating, uniform vortices, both touching the center line. The cylinder; moving in front with the same speed, supplies the vorticity required to balance diffusion.
Hemi-balloon dislodgement during a percutaneous balloon pericardial window procedure: removal using a second pericardial catheter.

We describe retrieval of a balloon fragment from the pericardial space during a percutaneous balloon pericardial window procedure. A second pericardial catheter was placed, and the transfer wire was snared. The second catheter was then used to push the balloon fragment back through the pericardium and out to the skin. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An approach for creating polymeric microstructures with various aspect ratios for cellular analysis applications

Abstract This paper reports a flexible fabrication process to manufacture polymeric microstructures with various aspect ratios using a micro molding process. In this study, a silicon template with deep holes (2 μm in diameter) was fabricated and a two-phase vacuum pressure-assisted process was conducted. The liquid polymer contacting with the template was raised into the deep holes due to the differential pressure between the trapped air in the holes and the ambient pressure. The microstructures were solidified by thermal curing at an elevated temperature (65 °C). The height of the resulting polymeric microstructures, ranging from submicron to more than 10 μm, was controlled by tuning the operation parameters in the micro molding process. A proof-of-principle experiment was carried out in isolated cardiac myocytes to measure the cellular forces towards the polymeric microstructures. Moreover, simultaneous cell alignment and force measurement was demonstrated using an advanced structure fabricated using such a technique. This approach reported here differs from the existing ones in that it enables the “1-to-n” replication, thereby lowering the fabrication cost and complexity. This study has a potential application in a variety of polymer-based micro total analysis systems, especially where the polymer microstructures serve as mechanical sensors.
A neutron scattering study of the role of diffusion in the hydration of tricalcium silicate

Abstract Quasi-elastic neutron scattering was used to monitor the temperature-dependant hydration of tricalcium silicate and Portland cement. Results show that for some samples the degree of hydration is in fact higher at lower curing temperatures. To investigate this effect further, we performed a series of experiments in which samples are initially hydrated at one temperature and then the diffusion process limiting the long-term curing is monitored at a different temperature. The results confirm that the higher the initial curing temperature the more impervious are the product layers to later diffusion. In addition, it was found that the intrinsic activation energy for this diffusion process is much greater than the traditional values obtained using samples initially cured at different temperatures.
An interdisciplinary research model to investigate psychosocial cofactors in disease: Application to HIV-1 pathogenesis

This paper argues for a broader interdisciplinary conceptualization of research on psychosocial risk factors and disease that relies on epidemiology, human laboratory-based studies, animal studies, in vitro and other mechanistic studies and intervention research. A model is proposed that includes the isolation of the active ingredients in the proposed psychological or social contributing factor, and a determination of their neural substrates, peripheral neurophysiological and pathophysiological correlates, and clinical disease outcomes. Research in HIV-1 pathogenesis provides examples of these kinds of studies. The HIV section highlights research that focuses on specific cognitive representations of stressful life experiences as active ingredients that shape the affective and neurophysiological impact of events. Links between these cognitive states and HIV progression, as well as the potential neurophysiologic, virologic, and immunologic mediators of these relationships are described. Implications and extensions of this model are derived for research on psychosocial factors and cancer.
A Spring-Loaded Pole Design for Calibration of Force Platforms

Gait analysis is an important tool in the diagnosis of movement disorders as well as analysis of prosthetic design and function. 3D motion analysis systems frequently use a combination of motion capture cameras and force platforms (FP). Inverse dynamics can be applied to calculate various kinetic outcomes from the data these systems provide. In order for these outcomes to be accurate, it is essential these systems are calibrated properly in order to provide accurate raw data. This paper reports on a new spring-loaded pole used to determine and minimize the error in force and center of pressure (CoP) data. The spring-loaded pole consists of two short segments of polyvinylchloride (PVC), a universal joint, two springs, a rubber tip and a handle. This spring-loaded pole improves previous instrumented pole designs by replacing expensive force transducers with an inexpensive spring, allowing for a quick analysis of a systems performance and calibration.
Reducing overfitting in genetic programming models for software quality classification

A high-assurance system is largely dependent on the quality of its underlying software. Software quality models can provide timely estimations of software quality, allowing the detection and correction of faults prior to operations. A software metrics-based quality prediction model may depict overfitting, which occurs when a prediction model has good accuracy on the training data but relatively poor accuracy on the test data. We present an approach to address the overfitting problem in the context of software quality classification models based on genetic programming (GP). The problem has not been addressed in depth for GP-based models. The presence of overfitting in a software quality classification model affects its practical usefulness, because management is interested in good performance of the model when applied to unseen software modules, i.e., generalization performance. In the process of building GP-based software quality classification models for a high-assurance telecommunications system, we observed that the GP models were prone to overfitting. We utilize a random sampling technique to reduce overfitting in our GP models. The approach has been found by many researchers as an effective method for reducing the time of a GP run. However, in our study we utilize random to reduce overfitting with the aim of improving the generalization capability of our GP models.
Effect of DNA Coating on Magnetic Relaxation in $\gamma$ Fe $_{2}$ O $_{3}$ Nanoparticles

In this paper, we compare the magnetic relaxation of DNA-coated gammaFe2O3 with that of parent 7-nm gammaFe2O3 particles by measuring the temperature dependence of AC susceptibilities (chi' and chi'') at frequency f = 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 Hz and electron magnetic resonance (EMR) at 9.28 GHz. Changes in the blocking temperature TB (where chi' peaks) with frequency are analyzed using the relation: TB=T0+[Ta/ln(f0/f)] derived from Vogel-Fulcher relaxation, where Ta(T0) measures the effective energy barrier (interparticle interaction). The fit to the data yields f0=1.3times1016 Hz, Ta= 2760 K(2960 K), and T0= 40 K(20 K) for the uncoated (DNA-coated) gammaFe2O3. From the relative shift DeltaTm of Tm (the temperature where chi'' peaks) with change Delta log f in frequency, the parameter Phi=DeltaTm/(TmDelta log f) is determined to be 0.04(0.06) for the uncoated (coated) gammaFe2O3. These results show only minimal changes in the magnetic dynamics of gammaFe2O3 upon DNA coating.
Searching for COPD: are questionnaires the answer?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed and the developing world (1, 2). Although COPD risk factors are well established ...
Electrostatic writing and imaging using a force microscope

A modified force microscope-the electrostatic force microscope (EFM)-has been used to study the charging properties of a polymer surface. A polycarbonate surface was charged by placing a small voltage on a tungsten microscope tip and touching the tip to the surface. It was found that the amount of charge transferred depended on the voltage applied to the tip and, for low voltages, was independent of previous contacts to the surface. The charge transferred was independent of the number of contacts and the contact time. These results are compared with polymer/metal contact electrification data in the literature. >
A high-performance, low-power 2.5 × 2.5 /im emitter transistor

Power dissipation becomes a limiting factor for large-scale integration. Thus, power must be reduced without degrading circuit performance. Reducing the emitter size and thereby the transistor area enables one to operate a circuit at low power levels without degrading its frequency response. The present state of photolithography, however, sets a lower limit on emitter size, which is approximately 2. 5 × 10 µm. We describe a scheme for fabricating transistors reproducibly with 2.5×2.5 µm emitters with present photolithographic capabilities. This scheme follows conventional processing through base diffusion. However, after base diffusion, the base window is convered with a layer of SiO /SiO 2 /Si 3 N 4 . A 2.5 × 10 µm emitter window is first opened in the Si 3 N 4 layer. A second masking step follows using an emitter pattern of the same size, but rotated 90 degrees to form a cross-pattern. Etching the underlying SiO 2 selectively will result in a 2.5×2.5 µm emitter window. As a result of emitter-size reduction, the current level at which f T peaks has been reduced from 5 to 2 mA. The level for maximum current gain has also been reduced, from 1 mA to 100 µA. The collector-base and emitter-base capacitances have been reduced from 0.11 to 0. 06 pF and from 0.1 to 0. 04 pF, respectively.
Emotional intelligence and the relationship to resident performance: a multi-institutional study

Abstract Study Objective To test the hypothesis that emotional intelligence, as measured by a BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), the 125-item version personal inventory (EQ-i:125), correlates with resident performance. Design Survey (personal inventory) instrument. Setting Five U.S. academic anesthesiology residency programs. Participants Postgraduate year (PGY) 2, 3, and 4 residents enrolled in university-based anesthesiology residency programs. Measurements Residents confidentially completed the BarOn EQ-i:125 personal inventory. The deidentified resident evaluations were sent to the principal investigator of a separate data collection study for data analysis. Data collected from the inventory were correlated with daily evaluations of the residents by residency program faculty. Results of the individual BarOn EQ-i:125 and daily faculty evaluations of the residents were compiled and analyzed. Main Results Univariate correlation analysis and multivariate canonical analysis showed that some aspects of the BarOn EQ-i:125 were significantly correlated with, and likely to be predictors of, resident performance. Conclusions Emotional intelligence, as measured by the BarOn EQ-i personal inventory, has considerable promise as an independent indicator of performance as an anesthesiology resident.
Enumerative maximum-transition-run codes

A new class of maximum-transition-run (MTR) block codes is presented which is based on a novel enumerative encoding scheme to construct codes with predetermined j and k constraints. These MTR codes are a generalization of Fibonacci codes, and they share a similar optimality property: For a given length N, they contain the maximum number of length-N codewords satisfying the (j; k) constraint. Furthermore, by using a slight modification of the code construction, one obtains practical high-rate modulation codes with limited error propagation.
High energy photon production in nuclear collisions

High energy photons may be produced in nuclear reactions by several mechanisms, including bremsstrahlung from the potential field or from nucleon-nucleon collisions. Using infinite and semi-infinite nuclear matter approximations, we obtain simple expressions for the rates. Nucleon-nucleon collisions provide the more important mechanism for both proton-induced and heavy-ion induced reactions, except for the highest energy photons. The photon cross section calculated with a zero range np interaction agrees well with measurements on proton-induced reactions. For heavy-ion reactions, the initial np collisions only account for a third of the measured cross section. The disagreement may be due to an inadequacy of the infinite matter or the zero range approximations, or it may be that multiple collisions are important.
Coexpression of Intermediate Filaments in Human Epithelial Neoplasms

A wide variety of human neoplasms were examined by immunocytochemical and ultrastructural techniques. In most, one intermediate filament (IF) type was expressed reflecting the tissue of origin. However, multiple classes of intermediate filaments were regularly found in a subgroup of these tumors. We chose to subdivide them into those with a complex or mixed growth pattern, and those which showed a more “monomorphic” histologic growth pattern. This latter group is the subject of this paper. Regular coexpression of cytokeratin and vimentin was observed in tumors of endometrial, thyroid, ovarian and renal origin, and coexpression of cytokeratin and neurofilament was observed in a subgroup of neuroendocrine tumors. Immunocyto-chemical/ultrastructural correlation demonstrated few, if any, observable intermediate filaments in tumors expressing only low molecular weight cytokeratin, whereas vimentin and neural filament characteristically were randomly dispersed or formed whorled bundles of cytoplasmic filaments....
Modeling topological changes in deformable registration

Topological changes are common in brain MR images for aging or disease studies. For deformable registration algorithms, which are formulated as a variational problem and solved by the minimization of certain energy functional, topological changes can cause false deformation in the resulting vector field, and affect algorithm convergence. In this work, we focus on the effect of topological changes on diffeomorphic and inverse-consistent deformable registration algorithms, specifically, diffeomorphic demons and symmetric LDDMM. We first use a simple example to demonstrate the adverse effect of topological changes on these algorithms. Then, we propose an novel framework that can be imposed onto any existing diffeomorphic and inverse-consistent deformable registration algorithm. Our framework renders these registration algorithms robust to topological changes, where the outputwill consist of two components. The first is a deformation field that presents only the brain structural change which is the expected vector field if the topological change did not exist. The second component is a label map that provides a segmentation of the topological changes appeared in input images.
Optimal adaptive estimation: Structure and parameter adaptation

Optimal structure and parameter adaptive estimators have been obtained for continuous as well as discrete data gaussian process models with linear dynamics. Specifically, the essentially nonlinear adaptive estimators are shown to be decomposable (partition theorem) into two parts, a linear non-adaptive part consisting of a bank of Kalman-Bucy filters, and a nonlinear part that incorporates the learning or adaptive nature of the estimator. The conditional-error-covariance matrix of the estimator is also obtained in a form suitable for on-line performance evaluation. The adaptive estimators are applied to the problem of state-estimation with nongaussian initial state and also to estimation under measurement uncertainty (joint detection-estimation). Examples are given of the application of the proposed adaptive estimators to structure and parameter adaptation indicating their applicability to practical engineering problems.
Metal Dusting Corrosion of Nickel-Based Alloys

Metal dusting corrosion of nickel-based alloys (i.e. Inconel 600, 601 and 693) has been simulated in high carbon activity environments over a temperature range from 450 to 750oC. Overall, Ni-based alloys corrode by a combination of carbon diffusion and precipitation in the alloy interior and atom migration through surface carbon deposits. The formation of protective surface oxide films provides initial protection against metal dusting, but local rupture of surface Cr-rich oxide films allows rapid carbon diffusion into the alloy. The focus of this research is to advance the understanding of the corrosion mechanisms of Ni-based alloys by characterizing interfacial processes at the nanometer level. In addition to the effect of temperature and environmental chemistry, the mechanistic aspects of metal dusting are discussed with particular attention to the stages of microstructure evolution as degradation proceeds.
Small-angle scattering as a tool for the study of microemulsion structure

Determination de la structure de la microemulsion eau/NaCl/alcane/(heptyl-1 nonyl) benzenesulfonate de sodium/isobutanol
Carding Fiber Load Measurement

An optical means is presented for measuring areal fiber density on-line on com mercial carding elements. The splitting fractions of the various elements have been evaluated through a process of peeling fiber loads from the elements, and these fractions have subsequently been used in instrument calibration. The optical device is used to monitor fiber loading of the main cylinder while doffer fiber loading and feed roll speed are also being monitored. The instrumentation itself has been studied for sen sitivity, reproducibility, limitations, and possible sources of internal and external noise. The instrumentation is then used on-line to study mechanisms of fiber transfer and storage. Results of dynamic testing under conditions of varying feed rates offer insight into the process of carding. The complex nature of element loading and unloading has been partially elucidated. Hypotheses are proposed and experimental results pro vided as supporting evidence.
Strong transport and mixing of deep water through the Southwest Indian Ridge

TheIndianOceanharboursanimportantbutpoorlyunderstood part of the global meridional ocean overturning circulation, which transports heat to high latitudes 1 . Understanding heat exchange in the Indian Ocean requires knowledge of the magnitudes and locations of both meridional deep-water transport and mixing, but in particular the latter is poorly constrainedatpresent 2,3 .Herewepresentdetailedmeasurements of transport and mixing in the Atlantis II fracture zone in the Southwest Indian Ridge, one of the main conduits for equatorward-flowing deep water 4,5 . We observe a northward jet of deep and bottom water extending 1,000m vertically with a transport rate of 3 ! 10 6 m 3 s " 1 . Turbulent di! usivity within the jet was up to two orders of magnitude above typical deep ocean levels in our measurements. Our results quantify the flow through this narrow fracture zone to 20 to 30% of the total meridional overturning circulation in the Indian Ocean, and provide an example of elevated turbulence in a deep shearedflow that is not hydraulically controlled, in contrast to many other fracture zones 6‐9 . The lower limb of the Indian Ocean meridional overturning circulation (MOC) consists of northward-flowing deep and bottom water from the North Atlantic and Weddell Sea that ultimately returns south as lighter deep and intermediate waters before continuing on a global trajectory 1 . Estimates of the total rate of overturning integrated across the basin vary widely, ranging from 4Sv (ref. 10) to 27Sv (ref. 5), with rates from most recent studies clustering around 10‐12Sv (refs 2,11,12).
RECOGNIZING STRONG RANDOM REALS

The class of strong random reals can be defined via a natural conception of effective null set. We show that the same class is also characterized by a learning-theoretic criterion of ‘recognizability’.
Vertical Strabismus after Cataract Surgery

Abstract Purpose: To compare anesthesia methods with resultant strabismus patterns in patients with vertical diplopia after cataract surgery. Methods: The authors analyzed 28 consecutive patients with acquired vertical diplopia after cataract surgery to identify the strabismus pattern. The method of anesthesia administration was available in 21 patients. Three orbital dissections with simulated retrobulbar blocks were performed on cadavers to ascertain the possibility of injuring the vertical rectus muscles at the time of injection. Results: Fifty percent of the involved muscles were overactive, 39% were restricted, and 11 % were paretic. Eleven patients received retrobulbar, and ten received peribulbar anesthesia. The inferior rectus in 17 patients and the superior rectus muscle in 11 were involved. The odds of damaging the inferior rectus, as opposed to the superior rectus muscle, with peribulbar anesthesia was 4.8 times higher than with retrobulbar blocks. Cadaveric dissections showed the likelihood of direct needle injury to either vertical recti with retrobulbar blocks. Conclusions: In this patient population, permanent vertical strabismus after cataract surgery results more often from overacting or restricted muscles than from primary muscle paresis. Both the superior and inferior recti can be injured with retrobulbar anesthesia, but peribulbar injections affect the inferior rectus muscle more frequently.
Cost Effectiveness in Context

Leung 1 present an extensive and detailed analysis of the cost effectiveness of various approaches to cancer screening for women in Hong Kong. This article includes much more information than is typically reported in cost-effectiveness analyses in the medical literature, and the difference is worthy of both commendation and comment. A typical medical cost-effectiveness article considers only a single intervention in comparison to no intervention or to some representation of usual practice. Such an article typically presents a cost-effectiveness ratio and explicitly or implicitly concludes that the intervention is (or, less commonly, is not) sufficiently cost effective to warrant adoption. Another segment of the cost-effectiveness literature will examine a single intervention in varyingdegreesofintensity(typicallyfrequency),andcalculatethe incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for each step-up in intensity. In either situation, the criterion of cost-effectiveness is either an arbitraryfigure(often$100,000or$50,000perqualityadjustedlife year[QALY])orisbasedoncomparabilitytothecost-effectiveness ratios of practices believed to be widely in use. The problem with those approaches is that they ignore the context within which cost-effectiveness analysis is applied. Cost effectiveness analysis was developed to guide decision makers in the optimal allocation of a fixed budget of resources. 2 The greatest healthbenefitcanbeextractedfromagivenbudgetbystartingwith the activity that has the lowest cost per QALY, and working one’s wayuptheleaguetable,addingtheactivitywiththelowestremaining cost per QALY as far as one can go until the budget is consumed. The remaining activities cannot be undertaken without exceeding the budget or displacing other, more productive, activities.ThisistheapproachtakenbyWooetal. 1 Byperformingthese analyses using common assumptions and approaches, the rank ordering of the programs they suggest is more reliable than one deriving from a league table filled in from numerous, separate single-intervention analyses. 3
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after myocardial infarction in the community.

Background Myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequent and share common risk factors. Yet, studies on MI patients reported limited and conflicting results on the prevalence of COPD, its impact on outcome, and how these may have changed over time. We examined, in a geographically defined community, the prevalence of COPD in patients with MI, its impact on mortality, and how these associations changed over time. Methods Residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who experienced an MI meeting standardized criteria from 1979 to 2007 were included (3,438, 42% women, mean age 68 ± 15 years). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was ascertained from the medical records. Results Of 3,438 patients, 415 (12%) had COPD. During the study, COPD prevalence increased from 7% in 1979-1985 to 15% in 2000-2007 ( P P P Conclusions In a large community of patients with MI, the prevalence of COPD increased over time and was associated with a markedly increased risk of death after MI independently of age, risk factors, and comorbidity. This underscores the importance of this condition and the need to optimize care for these high-risk patients.
Social Media and Speed-Driven Journalism: Expectations and Practices

To examine how journalists use, and are affected by, social media in their pursuit for speed, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 11 journalists from various U.S. national, metropolitan, and local newspapers. Findings revealed an industry-wide expectation that journalists engage with audiences on social media. But in terms of practice, most interviewees reported that they mainly use Twitter to facilitate news work (i.e., contact hard-to-reach sources) and communicate with other journalists; audiences are rarely their focus on social media. The interviewees were also asked about their perception of how Twitter affects audiences. Most interviewees were unsure of its impact on credibility, but believed that it may promote news use, although not contribute to news organizations’ bottom line. This study offers five reasons why social media are not saving the newspaper industry, and discusses managerial implications regarding the gap between social media expectations and practices.
Complicated abdominal pregnancy with placenta feeding off sacral plexus and subsequent multiple ectopic pregnancies during a 4-year follow-up: a case report

Abdominal pregnancy (pregnancy in the peritoneal cavity) is a very rare and serious type of extrauterine gestation that accounts for approximately 1.4 % of all ectopic pregnancies. It also represents one of the few times an ectopic pregnancy can be carried to term. Early strategic diagnosis and management decisions can make a critical difference with regards to severity of morbidity and mortality risk. After an extensive search of the English language medical literature, we are unaware of any case of abdominal pregnancy in which the placenta was receiving its vascular supply from the sacral plexus. A 26-year-old African-American woman, primigravida, at 16 weeks 4 days’ gestation, presented to our Emergency Department with abdominal pain. She did not complain of any vaginal bleeding. A physical examination revealed mild abdominal tenderness and no blood in the vaginal vault. Laboratory findings corresponded to an increased level of beta human chorionic gonadotropin; magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an abdominal pregnancy. She underwent feticide, administration of methotrexate and a laparotomy was done which was immediately deferred due to perceived increased bleeding risk. She was found to have an intra-abdominal ectopic pregnancy with the placenta attached to her omentum, cul-de-sac and rectosigmoid, with unusual and extensive vascularity from the sacral plexus. A repeat laparotomy was performed 11 weeks later, aimed at removal of the gestational sac and placenta that were left in situ on the first laparotomy. This time, we achieved successful removal of the peritoneal gestation, lysis of adhesions, ligation of vascular supply and cautery of the diminished vasculature. Subsequently, she had two ectopic pregnancies, which were managed with both medical and surgical interventions. Ectopic pregnancies should be identified early and evaluated for the etiology of the presentation. Rarely, an ectopic pregnancy implants at an extratubal location. Today, early intervention saves lives and reduces morbidity, but ectopic pregnancy still accounts for 4 to 10 % of pregnancy-related deaths and leads to a high incidence of ectopic site gestations in future pregnancies. Medical management has emerged as a safe alternative to surgery and holds promise for preservation of future fertility; however, surgery remains an acceptable modality. We found that careful and strategic choice of management pathway can make all the difference to a favorable outcome. As emergency physicians, we need to be aware of the possibility of abdominal ectopic pregnancy in such presentations and its severe consequences if it remains undiagnosed.
Opioid-induced gut microbial disruption and bile dysregulation leads to gut barrier compromise and sustained systemic inflammation

Morphine and its pharmacological derivatives are the most prescribed analgesics for moderate to severe pain management. However, chronic use of morphine reduces pathogen clearance and induces bacterial translocation across the gut barrier. The enteric microbiome has been shown to have a critical role in the preservation of the mucosal barrier function and metabolic homeostasis. Here, we show for the first time, using bacterial 16s rDNA sequencing, that chronic morphine treatment significantly alters the gut microbial composition and induces preferential expansion of Gram-positive pathogenic and reduction in bile-deconjugating bacterial strains. A significant reduction in both primary and secondary bile acid levels was seen in the gut, but not in the liver with morphine treatment. Morphine-induced microbial dysbiosis and gut barrier disruption was rescued by transplanting placebo-treated microbiota into morphine-treated animals, indicating that microbiome modulation could be exploited as a therapeutic strategy for patients using morphine for pain management.
VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS IN HOSPITALIZED HFPEF PATIENTS

Non sustained Ventricular arrhythmias (NSVA) are frequently noted in patients admitted with acute decompensated diastolic heart failure. However, the long term predictive value of NSVA in this setting is unclear. The objective was to elucidate the burden of ventricular arrhythmias in patients
Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening in high incidence populations: A synthesis of qualitative evidence

Despite the efficacy and availability of screening and treatment for cervical cancer, it remains the leading cause of death for women in many low resource countries. The inability or reluctance of women to use screening and treatment is the largest contributor to cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. The aim of the author in this article is to determine knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that facilitate or hinder women's use of screening in high incidence countries through a synthesis of qualitative research. CINAHL, Medline, AnthroSource, Sociological Abstracts, Social Service Abstracts, GenderWatch, Ethnic News Watch, and ASSIA databases were queried for qualitative research published from 2008 to 2013. Ten studies meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Barriers to cervical cancer screening included fatalism, mistrust of non-traditional healthcare providers, masculine/feminine beliefs, limited knowledge, and misunderstandings of causes of cervical cancer. Facilitators included knowledge of sexual risk factors, recognition of signs and symptoms, and community/social support. Pragmatic solutions suggested by this synthesis, that may decrease barriers and enhance facilitators, involved cultural humility (a continual commitment to cultural competence), promotion of gender equality, collaboration among stakeholders, and the translation of evidence-based practices from low to high incidence populations.
The management of meniscal tears in the ACL-deficient knee.

This article discusses the cause, recognition, and management of meniscal tears in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee. An algorithm summarizing the authors’ preferred management of such tears is presented. Because meniscal repairs are at a higher risk for retear in the ACL-deficient knee, it is recommended that ACL reconstruction be performed in the otherwise appropriate candidate. Nevertheless, repair of a meniscal tear considered reparable is not contraindicated in the ACL-deficient knee that does not undergo ACL reconstruction.
Drug delivery and targeting

When a pharmaceutical agent is encapsulated within, or attached to, a polymer or lipid, drug safety and efficacy can be greatly improved and new therapies are possible. This has provided the impetus for active study of the design of degradable materials, intelligent delivery systems and approaches for delivery through different portals in the body.
Exmaple for an Application: Calcium Release Channel

Thus far, different three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions have been mentioned only in passing, to illustrate certain arguments or steps of the analysis. It will be useful to conclude this book with an outline of the processing steps used in one selected application, the reconstruction of the calcium release channe, (CRC) of the fast-twitch skeleton muscle by Radermacher et al. (1994a, b) who used the random-conical reconstruction technique. The CRC was independently reconstructed by (Serysheva et al. (1995) using the angular reconstitution technique, of van Heel (1987b). The importance of this channel in the function of muscle is evident from a passage in the beginning paragraph, in the article by Radermacher et al. (1994b): The CRC is an intracellular integral membrane protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Depolarization, of the sarcolemma causes the CRC to open ( thereby releasing calcium which triggers muscle contraction—the author ) by mechanisms whose elucidation represents the central remaining problem in understanding excitation-contraction coupling.
Perspectives on the Mechanism of Osmosis and Imbibition

The Pharaohs left to posterity one of the greatest wonders of human endeavor, epitomized in the pyramids. We read in “Daily Life in Ancient Egypt” by Waley-el dine Sameh (107): “What secret methods enabled the craftsmen of the Nile valley to work the great blocks of stone and the enormous statues of granite and diorite with tools of comparative soft bronze? Hewn blocks, (Fig. 1), weighing hundreds of tons were transported for miles from the mountains over desert sand, soft ploughed land and the Nile.”
Joint control and the generalization of selection-based verbal behavior

Although the acquisition of selection-based verbal behavior can be ascribed to the acquisition of a conditional discrimination, such an account cannot explain any generalization of the behavior to novel verbal stimuli. The problem is that printed and spoken words and phrases do not vary on continuous dimensions that would support stimulus generalization. Both conceptual analysis and empirical evidence suggest that an alternate form of stimulus control, joint control, can more readily account for acquisition and generalization of these performances. The fact that joint control depends on topography-based behavior implies that generalized selection-based behavior is not an alternative to topography-based behavior but depends on its prior development.
Is Information Literacy Instruction Essential to Graduate Students? - A Perspective Based on the Review of Research Literature on Graduate Students’ Information Behavior

This is a review of research literature on graduate students’ information behavior. It aims at determining emergent patterns on graduate students’ information behavior, based on which recommendations are made as to whether graduate students need information literacy instruction and, if yes, what kinds of instruction are needed. Cette communication est une revue de la litterature de recherche sur les comportements informationnels des etudiants universitaires de 2e et 3e cycle. L’objectif est d’identifier des modeles emergents du comportement informationnel de ces etudiants, en fonctions des criteres de recommandation permettant de determiner s’ils ont ou non besoin de formation en maitrise de l’information et, si oui, le type de formation necessaire.
An 18S rDNA Perspective on the Classification of Criconematoidea

In the nematode family Criconematidae, a taxonomy primarily based on cuticle characters has created classifications that are notoriously volatile. Molecular characters may lead to their stabilization. A phylogenetic tree of Criconematoidea was constructed using 166 new near full-length 18S rDNA sequences and 58 sequences from GenBank. Bayesian and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses produced trees with similar topologies. Major features include a strongly supported clade that includes Criconematidae and Hemicycliophoridae, excluding Paratylenchidae and Tylenchulidae. Another well-supported clade groups Criconema, Ogma, Crossonema, and Hemicriconemoides plus Xenocriconemella, combining nematodes with cuticular scales with those without scales at any life stage. Mesocriconema, Discocriconemella limitanea, Hemicaloosia, and Lobocriconema are recognized as monophyletic groups, but Criconemoides is paraphyletic. Both trees support an unexpected sister relationship between Bakernema and Hemicycliophora. The 18S rDNA dataset was insufficient for distinguishing genus boundaries between Criconema, Ogma, and Crossonema. The relationships depicted by the 18S rDNA phylogeny suggest that key morphological characters used in the classification of Criconematidae are not homologous.
Acute septic arthritis of the knee: A rare case report of infection with Parvimonas micra after an intra-articular corticosteroid injection for osteoarthritis.

Acute bacterial mono-articular septic arthritis affects most commonly the lower extremity joints in adult population and most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Various risk factors determine susceptibility to infection including host immunity, medical co-morbidity and joint structural abnormality and other organisms may be involved. Parvimonas micra (P. micra) is among the rare organisms that may be associated with atypical septic arthritis and primarily affects the native knee joint. Only 3 case reports in the literature have reported on pyogenic pyogenic joint infection caused by this organism. We hereby present our experience with a case of knee septic arthritis caused by P. micra in a patient with knee osteoarthritis following a recent intra-articular injection with corticosteroids. In susceptible patients, Intra-articular corticosteroid injection and crystal induced arthritis may propose a potential risk of contracting infection with P. micra.
Does the Hour of Day Affect Learning Statistics

Introduction: This study investigates the interactive effect of class attendance and class time-of-day on students’ academic performances in a small all-male liberal arts college. Understanding the interrelationship between class attendance, time-of-day and instructional method is crucial as it ultimately affects academic performance.Method: Using data on the students enrolled in twelve sections of Basic Statistics-I course taught by the author over a period of six years, two OLS regressions were run to study the effect of absence from class (ABS) and time-of-day of class (TOD) individually as well as jointly on academic performance (AP). Three sections belonged to the morning hours and three to the afternoon hours. Panel data study was also conducted to study individual heterogeneity among students affecting their academic performances.Results and Conclusion: Both in the additive and in the interactive model absences significantly impacted academic performance of the students. The afternoon hours impacted academic performance significantly and in a negative manner in the additive model and jointly with absences in a similar manner in the interactive model.