cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ornithine Is a Novel Amino Acid and a Marker of Arginine Damage by Oxoaldehydes in Senescent Proteins

: Long-lived proteins undergo age-related postsynthetic modifications by glycation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which destabilize them by altering their conformation and charge. It was accidentally discovered that ornithine (orn) increased with age in acid hydrolyzates of human skin collagen and lens crystallins which led us to investigate the source of orn. Here, we detected such modifications of orn in these proteins. Acid hydrolysis of arginine (arg)-base AGE standards produced orn at different yields. The data provide unequivocal evidence for the in vivo formation of orn and its own AGEs in aging proteins, and suggest that arg-based AGEs serve as precursors of orn.
Combustion in a Divided Chamber, Stratified Charge, Reciprocating Engine: Inititial Comparisons of Calculated and Measured Flame Propagation

Abstract A divided-chamber, stratified-charge engine was operated at different speeds and loads, and with two prechamber nozzle sizes. Pressure was recorded and flame propagation was filmed through a transparent head. For each condition, several sets of data were taken and the experimental scatter identified. Pressure and flame propagation were then computed with a two-dimensional model and compared with the measured ones. Several quantities which influence the computed results were not directly measured in the experiment and assumptions had to be made about them in the model. They include amount and state of cylinder air and residual products, turbulence, and wall heat transfer. A turbulent diffusivity, an overall reaction rate, and a wall heat loss proportional to the heat released thus were adopted in the model. The same set of model constants was used for all cases and, through successive iterations, adequate agreement of computed and measured results was obtained. For this specific engine design and ...
Nonlinear Quantum Cascade Lasers: Toward Broad Tunability and Short-Wavelength Operation

We propose new designs for quantum-cascade lasers integrated with resonant intersubband nonlinearities, which promise ultra-broad spectral tuning and room-temperature operation in the hard-to-reach short-wavelength range gamma ~ 2.5-4 mum.
Interleukin- 28B: a prognostic marker in interferon based therapy of chronic HCV patients of the Pakistan with variable treatment response

Unfortunately Pakistan carries one of the world's highest burdens of chronic hepatitis along with mortality due to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Scientists after extensive research have come up with this outcome that host genetics play a vital role in dictating the type of treatment response produced by the patients. In 2009, a genome wide association study (GWAS) revealed that genetic variants in close proximity to the IL28B (IFNL3) gene predicted greater likelihood of achieving sustained virological response (SVR) following treatment with pegylated IFN-alpha (peg INF-α) and ribavirin. IL28B (rs12979860 and rs8099917) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been recently found among the Pakistani population associated with response to chronic HCV infection INF-α + ribavirin therapy. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the IL-28B protein levels in the HCV infected patients. The findings showed that the serum IL28B protein level was higher in HCV infected patients as compared to healthy controls (7.743 ± 1.519 pg/mL versus 1.600 ± 0.06054 [mean ± SEM], p < 0.05). When the chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients were further categorized into SVR and NR (non-responders) on the basis of treatment outcomes, the mean IL28B protein level was higher in NRs (15.54 ± 3.609) than SVRs (4.259 ± 0.3405). Thus, there was a significant correlation between IL28B protein level in varied treatment response (p < 0.05). However, the findings can lead us to propose that IL28B could be used as a prognostic marker. It can help the clinicians to take better pre-informed decisions whether to take combinational therapy of peg IFN ± ribavirin or not. This will in turn prove beneficial for the patient by saving patients' health, treatment cost and undesirable treatment side effects.
Thrombocytopenia and retinopathy of prematurity.

Background Platelets may act as vascular endothelial growth factor scavengers, possibly limiting neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between thrombocytopenia (platelets Methods This was a retrospective 1:1 matched case–control study. Cases required laser; controls developed no or stage 1 ROP and were matched for birth weight within 100 g and gestational age within 1 week. Most recent platelet count before laser (case) and matched postmenstrual age (control) were abstracted. Conditional logistic regression was used. Results A total of 91 cases and 91 controls were reviewed. Of the cases, 25% had thrombocytopenia; of controls, 13% ( P = 0.034; odds ratio [OR] = 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-5.43). Birth weight, gestational age, postmenstrual age, and culture-proven sepsis were not confounders in multivariate analysis. The association was significant for zone 1 (n = 16; OR=9.00; 95% CI=1.14-71.0) but not for zone 2 (OR = 1.43; 95% CI=0.54-3.75) cases and controls. Conclusions Thrombocytopenia was associated with type 1 ROP, primarily among infants with zone 1 ROP. This effect may result from disease location or disease timing because posterior disease occurs at an earlier postmenstrual age. Longitudinal studies are required to further examine the roles of cumulative platelet deficits, thresholds, or critical time windows in the observed association.
Wavelet transform matched filters for the detection and classification of microcalcifications in mammography

We show that a biorthogonal spline wavelet closely approximates the pre-whitening matched filter for detecting microcalcifications in digitized mammograms. The wavelet transform acts like a bank of such detectors operating at multiple scales. Object shape computed from zero-crossings produced by the same wavelet helps to reduce false alarms. Detection performance is tested on 40 mammograms digitized at 100 /spl mu/m resolution.
Weighted Voting for Operation Dependent Management of Replicated Data

We consider the problem of finding an optimal static pessimistic replica control scheme. It has been recognized that operation mix plays an important role in finding optimal schemes. We demonstrate that voting provides the highest possible availability for fully connected networks and Ethernet systems for the cases of one or two operations. We introduce a technique for reducing the number of operations considered in the analysis. Using this technique we extend the above results to all cases of three operations.
Design, implementation and evaluation of covert channel attacks

Covert channel attacks pose a threat to the security of critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR). To design defenses and countermeasures against this threat, we must understand all classes of covert channel attacks along with their properties. Network-based covert channels have been studied in great detail in previous work, although several other classes of covert channels (hardware-based and operating system-based) are largely unexplored. One of our contributions is investigating these classes by designing, implementing, and experimentally evaluating several specific covert channel attacks. We implement and evaluate hardware-based and operating system-based attacks and show significant differences in their properties and mechanisms. We also present channel capacity differences among the various attacks, which span three orders of magnitude. Furthermore, we present the concept of hybrid covert channel attacks which use two or more communication categories to transport data. Hybrid covert channels can be qualitatively harder to detect and counter than traditional covert channels. Finally, we summarize the lessons learned through covert channel attack design and implementation, which have important implications for critical asset protection and risk analysis. The study also facilitates the development of countermeasures to protect CIKR systems against covert channel attacks.
Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers and Real-time T-rays Imaging at video rate

We report our development of terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers with record performance. Using those high-power lasers as the illumination sources and a focal-plane array camera, we are able to perform real-time THz imaging at video rate.
Importance Of Money And Credit

The thesis of this paper is that the Federal Reserve could better achieve their goals if they paid more attention to quantity targets of both money and credit. The rapid growth in credit that ended in the credit crisis of 2007 and 2008 might have been avoided had the Federal Reserve attempted to incorporate quantitative credit measures in assessing policy. But their focus on short-term interest rates in conducting monetary policy to the exclusion of credit measures led to inaction on their part. The stability of the demand for money and credit determined by this analysis suggests the Federal Reserve could have taken policy steps early in this cycle – jawboning, quantitative and regulatory – to temper the credit bubble and potentially avoid the credit crisis.
Accuracy of the post-Newtonian approximation: Optimal asymptotic expansion for quasicircular, extreme-mass ratio inspirals

We study the accuracy of the post-Newtonian (PN) approximation and its formal region of validity, by investigating its optimal asymptotic expansion for the quasicircular, adiabatic inspiral of a point particle into a Schwarzschild black hole. By comparing the PN expansion of the energy flux to numerical calculations in the perturbative Teukolsky formalism, we show that (i) the inclusion of higher multipoles is necessary to establish the accuracy of high-order PN terms, and (ii) the region of validity of PN theory is largest at relative O(1/c{sup 6}) (3PN order). The latter result suggests that the series diverges beyond 3PN order, at least in the extreme-mass-ratio limit, probably due to the appearance of logarithmic terms in the energy flux. The study presented here is a first formal attempt to determine the region of validity of the PN approximation using asymptotic analysis. Therefore, it should serve as a template to perform similar studies on other systems, such as comparable-mass quasicircular inspirals computed by high-accuracy numerical relativistic simulations.
NCBI Epigenomics: What’s new for 2013

The Epigenomics resource at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has been created to serve as a comprehensive public repository for whole-genome epigenetic data sets (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/epigenomics). We have constructed this resource by selecting the subset of epigenetics-specific data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and then subjecting them to further review and annotation. Associated data tracks can be viewed using popular genome browsers or downloaded for local analysis. We have performed extensive user testing throughout the development of this resource, and new features and improvements are continuously being implemented based on the results. We have made substantial usability improvements to user interfaces, enhanced functionality, made identification of data tracks of interest easier and created new tools for preliminary data analyses. Additionally, we have made efforts to enhance the integration between the Epigenomics resource and other NCBI databases, including the Gene database and PubMed. Data holdings have also increased dramatically since the initial publication describing the NCBI Epigenomics resource and currently consist of >3700 viewable and downloadable data tracks from 955 biological sources encompassing five well-studied species. This updated manuscript highlights these changes and improvements.
Pure Erythroid Leukemia Mimicking Ewing Sarcoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor in an Infant

Pure erythroid leukemia (PEL) is a rare type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a very aggressive clinical course. Presentation as a myeloid/erythroid sarcoma is exceedingly rare. We describe an infantile PEL presenting as a multifocal myeloid sarcoma, clinically and pathologically mimicking Ewing sarcoma/PNET family of tumors. The patient died 8 weeks after the initial presentation due to widespread disease. Our case shows that PEL needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of small round blue cell tumors in infancy. A meticulous workup including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, molecular, and cytogenetic studies was required to reach the diagnosis.
Automated Analysis of Spatial Grids: Motivation and Challenges

Geography is often the only feasible way to tie together disparate data sets into something that can be analyzed together. Geographic information systems (GIS) are software systems that are capable of storing and carrying out spatial operations – operations that make use of geographic coordinates – on spatial grids. However, a GIS is typically employed interactively. Remote sensing offers substantial benefits in observing the environment, but the resulting spatial grids can be difficult to analyze interactively and routinely. If your objective is to deal with dynamic data, or large amounts of data, human interaction does not scale and you might want to consider analyzing the spatial data automatically. Creating an automated algorithm is difficult because interactive processing can build on the amazing capabilities of the human visual system, whereas automated processing has to explicitly encode every relationship. Another challenge with creating automated algorithms to analyze spatial grids is that low-level image processing operations are rarely sufficient, so domain knowledge needs to be incorporated. Hence, in order to create an automated algorithm to operate on geospatial data, it is often necessary to write it – off-the-shelf, general-purpose solutions will rarely suffice. The goal of this book is to give you the ability to do just that.
Integral methods for computational aeroacoustics

New surface integral methods for use in computational aeroacoustics are developed and presented. The methods are derived for moving deformable surfaces. These surfaces may be real, solid surfaces, or computational control surfaces. These methods are derived as extensions to the popular Kirchhoff and Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings methods in use today. The equivalence of these two formulations is also presented. Test calculations are shown to validate the methods for use in jet aeroacoustics studies. However, the methods are presented in a manner that makes them easily applicable in cases where Kirchhoff and Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings methods have been used in the past. (Author)
Polyester powders — Keystone to performance

Coatings applied from powders are now serving many insulating and finish applications, particularly on motors and transformers, and the list of uses is expanding. To meet the needs with products which are strong in the most essential performance characteristics, polyester powders have been specially designed to meet integral insulation and protective coating requirements. They are very well suited in service where long life and outstanding protection against corrosion are required under severe thermal and moisture conditions. Substantial savings through redesign can result when advantage is taken of these high bonding, tough, impact resistant films.
Analysis of load network on wireless energy transfer

To improve the transmission efficiency of resonant wireless power transfer system in high frequency condition,the class E power amplifier is used as a driving source based on the traditional structure of wireless power transfer system. An adjustment method of load network for class E power amplifier in wireless power transmission system is proposed to further reduce the system losses,and then,the optimal matching parameters of load network in soft switching condition are calculated. The effect of load network changes on the system efficiency and the state of soft switching by adjusting the duty cycle of the switch are verified. Result shows that the system output power can get 78 W at 1 MHz frequency,and the system power efficiency is up to 76. 5%.
Re-valuation of the effect on extra-intracranial bypass for ischemic cerebrovascular disease

Objective To re-valuate the effect of EC-IC bypass surgery on ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods The clinical and follow-up data of 30 patients with STA-MCA bypass surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Results The patients' symptoms before surgery were TIA, RIND and atypical cerebral ischemic syndrome. There was no large size of cerebral infarction on CT and MRI, there were regional cerebral blood flow reduced area before surgery on SPECT ?rCBF. The patency rate of bypass surgery was 86. 7% verified by postoperative angiography, and the rate of improved regional cerebral blood flow was 70% postoperatively. There were 2 attacks of TIA in 2 patients and no complete stroke occurred during follow-up. The moderate neurological deficits before EC-IC bypass surgery in 8 patients were recovered partly during follow-up. Conclusion STA-MCA bypass surgery may effect to prevent complete stroke due to hemodynamic cerebral ischemia.
Documenting presence: A descriptive study of chaplain notes in the intensive care unit.

Objective: To clarify and record their role in the care of patients, hospital chaplains are increasingly called on to document their work in the medical record. Chaplains' documentation, however, varies widely, even within single institutions. Little has been known, however, about the forms that documentation takes in different settings or about how clinicians interpret chaplain documentation. This study aims to examine how chaplains record their encounters in an intensive care unit (ICU). Method: We performed a retrospective chart review of the chaplain notes filed on patients in the adult ICUs at a major academic medical center over a six-month period. We used an iterative process of qualitative textual analysis to code and analyze chaplains' free-text entries for emergent themes. Results: Four primary themes emerged from chaplain documentation. First, chaplains frequently used “code language,” such as “compassionate presence,” to recapitulate interventions already documented elsewhere in a checklist of ministry interventions. Second, chaplains typically described what they observed rather than interpreting its clinical significance. Third, chaplains indicated passive follow-up plans, waiting for patients or family members to request further interaction. Fourth, chaplains sometimes provided insights into particular relationship dynamics. Significance of results: As members of the patient care team, chaplains access the medical record to communicate clinically relevant information. The present study suggests that recent emphasis on evidence-based practice may be leading chaplains, at least in the medical center we studied, to use a reduced, mechanical language insufficient for illuminating patients' individual stories. We hope that our study will promote further consideration of how chaplain documentation can enhance patient care and convey the unique value that chaplains add to the clinical team.
Implementation of a Parallel Linear-Response Coupled-Cluster-Theory Module in ACES III: First Application to the Static Polarizabilities of the C20 Isomers and of the Biphospholylidene Dioxide and Disulfide Oligomers

Abstract In the context of our ongoing implementation of massively parallel coupled-cluster (CC) capabilities for electron spin resonance tensors (Verma et al., 2013 46 ), we present a new massively parallel linear-response CC module to calculate up to second-order properties. This module benefits from the parallel-computing environment in the ACES III program, which includes the super instruction processor and the super instruction architecture language. This implementation is based on a CC response treatment of properties that is discussed in detail. While this module is applicable to any of the aforesaid properties, we illustrate its use through the calculation of the second-order static dipole polarizability tensors and their related average polarizabilities and polarizability anisotropies of large molecules. The investigated molecules include the three stable isomers of the C 20 carbon cluster calculated at the CCSD level and the first three oligomers of the biphospholylidene dioxide and biphospholylidene disulfide polymer series, respectively, calculated at the CCSD (monomers) and MBPT(2) (all oligomers) levels. Analysis of the calculated data indicates that inclusion of high levels of electron correlation via CCSD and use of large Dunning-type basis sets may be necessary to achieve high accuracy. Knowledge of the calculated properties is essential for the construction of electronic devices with C 20 having special optical and/or conductive properties and for the characterization of the biphospholylidene dioxide and biphospholylidene disulfide polymers as conductors. No experimental values of the investigated properties are available for comparison, and the calculated values are, therefore, truly predictive. It is expected that these predictive values will spur the interest to corroborate them by experimental measurements.
Biodiesel Production from Green Microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum via in Situ Transesterification

Microalgae are considered as one of the most promising feedstocks for biofuel production because of their environmental and social benefits. However, challenges exist in converting microalgal lipids into algal biofuels because of the unique characteristics of microalgae and the technologies for processing them. This study aims at exploring an alternative sub-/supercritical methanol (subCM/SCM) process technology that combines lipid extraction from whole microalgae and lipid esterification/transesterification in a single step or in situ transesterification. A high lipid content microalgal strain, Schizochytrium limacinum, was used for in situ transesterification in a batch reactor. Temperature (170, 210, 250, and 290 °C), reaction time (30, 60, 90, and 120 min), and lipid/methanol molar ratio (sRatio; 1:50, 1:75, and 1:100) were investigated for their effects on the conversion efficiency. The temperature appeared as a most positive influential factor. Additionally, the operating temperature over 250 °C cau...
Make a Move Intervention to Reduce Childhood Obesity.

Guided by the social cognitive theory, this randomized controlled trial tested the “Make a Move,” a provider-led intervention for Head Start parents aimed to produce changes in the outcomes of know...
Neural network based optimal placement of base stations in three dimensional plane

The paper proposes a solution to the problem of optimal placement of base stations, with effective utilization of resources. First, it analyzes the placement of base stations in x-y plane. Then this analysis is extended to 3-dimenional system, by including the z coordinate for representing height. This analysis optimizing these xy coordinate values as well as value of z coordinate, as height also contributes in covering the area of base stations. The Hopfield neural network model is used to find the solution to our problem.. Neural network and all parameters, i.e. x, y and z coordinates are used to maximize the coverage area and to minimize the interference, as optimal placement of base stations refer to these two points. In wireless communication system, the placement of base stations requires work force and costly equipments like GPS etc. resulting in loss of time and money. However, with proposed strategy only a laptop or desktop PC will be required to compute the positions of base stations within very less time. The energy equations are developed for our network which shows that the solution resulting from these equations is stable. The computer simulations and graphs are also included to validate the results.
Trauma in a Lived Religion Perspective

Walsh describes her core interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary contributions in developing an embodied metaphorical correlational method for application in lived religion studies of trauma. She focuses particularly on poetics as a connection between the humanities, the sciences, and the social sciences, innovating the term material poetics and advocating for the replacement of the term “worldview” with a more richly embodied cultural “world/sense.” She also introduces lesser known theories from psychology for use in religious and spiritual studies: neuroaffective trauma studies, attachment and bereavement studies including continuing bonds, relational-cultural theory, narrative theory, internal family systems theory, and liberation health theory. She argues that these theories are more suited for embodied metaphorical correlation across academic disciplines and for cultural meaning-making and sociocultural power analysis in the aftermath of violent trauma.
Heterogeneous Pyrolysis: A Route for Epitaxial Growth of hBN Atomic Layers on Copper Using Separate Boron and Nitrogen Precursors

Growth of hBN on metal substrates is often performed via chemical vapor deposition from a single precursor (e.g., borazine) and results in hBN monolayers limited by the substrates catalyzing effect. Departing from this paradigm, we demonstrate close control over the growth of mono-, bi-, and trilayers of hBN on copper using triethylborane and ammonia as independent sources of boron and nitrogen. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and reactive force field molecular dynamics, we show that the key factor enabling the growth beyond the first layer is the activation of ammonia through heterogeneous pyrolysis with boron-based radicals at the surface. The hBN layers grown are in registry with each other and assume a perfect or near perfect epitaxial relation with the substrate. From atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization, we observe a moire superstructure in the first hBN layer with an apparent height modulation and lateral periodicity of ∼10 nm. While this is unexpected given that the mo...
Learning to swim: role of gender, age and practice in Latino children, ages 3–14

Objective We evaluate the effectiveness of a swim skill acquisition intervention among Latino youths, ages 3–14, a minority population at increased risk of drowning. Methods Parents were recruited through community institutions to have their children participate in group swim lessons. Each child9s swim ability was assessed at baseline, and they were then exposed to swim lessons over an 8-week period, taught by trained professionals. The swim skill curriculum focused on water safety, flotation and endurance, at five levels of increasing skill acquisition. Final swim ability was assessed on the last day of the child9s participation. Programme effectiveness was measured using direct pre–post comparisons with and without adjustment for key moderators (age and gender) and a mediator (number of practices). We also present a bias-adjusted estimate comparing low with high practice volume relying on a propensity score analysis. Results Among the 149 participating children, average acquisition was 12.3 swim skills (95% CI 10.7 to 14.1). Skill acquisition varied by age category (3–5, 6–9 and 10–14 years) and by gender. We found a strong practice intensity effect, with skill acquisition accelerated for those participating in 10 or more swimming lessons. The propensity-adjusted estimate of the impact of 10 or more compared with 9 or fewer lessons was 8.2 skills (95% CI 4.8 to 11.8). Conclusions An 8-week swim intervention is effective at building skills in a community-based sample of Latino children, ages 3–14 years. The number of swimming lessons was a far stronger correlate of skill acquisition than were age or gender.
Sexual health needs and educational intervention preferences for women with cancer.

To assess sexual/vaginal health issues and educational intervention preferences in women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer. Patients/survivors completed a cross-sectional survey at their outpatient visits. Main outcome measures were sexual dysfunction prevalence, type of sexual/vaginal issues, awareness of treatments, and preferred intervention modalities. Descriptive frequencies were performed, and results were dichotomized by age, treatment status, and disease site. Of 218 eligible participants, 109 (50%) had a history of gynecologic and 109 (50%) a history of breast cancer. Median age was 49 years (range 21–75); 61% were married/cohabitating. Seventy percent (n = 153) were somewhat-to-very concerned about sexual function/vaginal health, 55% (n = 120) reported vaginal dryness, 39% (n = 84) vaginal pain, and 51% (n = 112) libido loss. Many had heard of vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, and pelvic floor exercises (97, 72, and 57%, respectively). Seventy-four percent (n = 161) had used lubricants, 28% moisturizers (n = 61), and 28% pelvic floor exercises (n = 60). Seventy percent (n = 152) preferred the topic to be raised by the medical team; 48% (n = 105) raised the topic themselves. Most preferred written educational material followed by expert discussion (66%, n = 144/218). Compared to women ≥50 years old (41%, n = 43/105), younger women (54%, n = 61/113) preferred to discuss their concerns face-to-face (p = 0.054). Older women were less interested in online interventions (52%, p < 0.001), despite 94% having computer access. Female cancer patients/survivors have unmet sexual/vaginal health needs. Preferences for receiving sexual health information vary by age. Improved physician–patient communication, awareness, and educational resources using proven sexual health promotion strategies can help women cope with treatment side effects.
The playful and gendered use of insults and criticisms in romantic couples’ everyday banter

The present study focuses on the gendered and playful ways that insults and criticisms are formulated by young adult romantic couples in their natural interactional contexts. A discourse analytic approach was used to examine how twenty young adult heterosexual romantic couples (ages 19–26) use gender to playfully pursue insults and criticisms in their natural ecological contexts. This study is motivated by a burgeoning arena of research that suggests that conflicts among contemporary young adults may often be sociable in nature, and thus may not pose the kind of adversarial face-threats for young adult intimates in the ways that would be traditionally expected. The analyses demonstrate three conspicuous patterns. First, that the vast majority of the insults and criticisms are gendered. Second, that nearly all of the excerpts involve the creative use of various forms of irony, laughter, rekeyings, abrupt non-sequiturs and topic shifts to allow the gendered insults/criticisms to appear playful. And finally, the analyses show how these gendered and playful insults/criticisms are consequential as preliminaries for affiliation.
The submerged plot and the mother’s pleasure from Jane Austen to Arundhati Roy

How can the daughter discover her mother’s story? The answer, argues Kelly A. Marsh in The submerged plot and the mother’s pleasure from Jane Austen to Arundhati Roy, will enable the daughter to pr...
An Age of Tyrants: Britain and the Britons, A.D. 400-600, by Christopher A. Snyder. (University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1998. Pp. 403.)

The title of this book is a misnomer. A more accurate, if less intriguing, title would be An Evaluation of the Historical and Archaeological Sources of Sub-Roman Britain. Snyder does not offer a narrative history of Britain after Rome and prior to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, but instead discusses the methodology of these studies. This work is divided into four sections: the history of Roman Britain, the literary sources of sub-Roman Britain and the language of the sources, the archaeological record of various sites, and a discussion of who the "Britons" were. While this method of presentation covers the overall topic from many angles, it also leads to repetition and a loss of interest on the part of the reader.
JOHN WILD AND PHENOMENOLOGY

John Wild, who was born on April 10, 1902, in Chicago, where he received his early education in philosophy at the University of Chicago, and then after a Master of Arts degree from Harvard University, returned to the University of Chicago for his doctoral study which he completed in 1926, was always a maverick in philosophy. Apart from a brief period at the University of Michigan most of his university life was spent in the faculty of philosophy at Harvard University, until he came to Northwestern in 1961, and then left for Yale almost immediately thereafter in 1963.
Family Violence Pathways and Externalizing Behavior in Youth

While studies suggest that youth who experience violence in the home are more likely to engage in externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression, substance use, rule breaking), research is needed to understand factors that may explain how family violence is linked to externalizing, and whether there may be gender-specific trajectories to this outcome. The present study used a cross-sectional design and multigroup, path analytic modeling to test the degree to which personality traits (negative emotionality, constraint) in boys and girls (Model 1), as well as status offending primarily in girls (Model 2), may help explain relationships between exposure to familial adversity (witnessing family violence and child abuse) and adolescent externalizing behaviors in a mixed-gender, community sample with both caregiver and youth reports (N = 237, 57% female, 10-17 years old). Results indicated that personality traits fully explained the relationship between witnessing family violence and externalizing and partially explained the relationship between child abuse and externalizing among youth. Despite theory suggesting a female-specific trajectory involving status offenses, both models were similarly relevant for boys and girls. These findings have implications for understanding processes by which adverse family circumstances may relate to externalizing behavior in youth. Preliminary suggestions are provided for future longitudinal research, policy changes, and clinical techniques that may be essential in preventing the progression to long-term adverse outcomes among youth.
A Design Strategy for Phased Arrays

The application of ultrasonic phased arrays in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is receiving more and more attention. By virtue of the electronic control of multiple elements, phased arrays are capable of dynamic steering and focusing, which brings about great advantages over conventional ultrasonic techniques.
Is China’s Development Finance a Challenge to the International Order?

China is a major funder of developing country infrastructure, lending $40 billion annually through policy banks. Lending does not favor the belt and road above other regions. China’s lending is indifferent to risk, that is, it is uncorrelated with indices of political stability and rule of law. Some major borrowers with poor governance are beginning to have debt sustainability problems, while other borrowers are in good fiscal shape. Chinese banks have been reluctant to follow global environmental norms but seem to be evolving in that direction. Chinese actions seem more a revision of the global system than a challenge to it.
Risk-Informed Bridge Ranking at Project and Network Levels

AbstractA novel method is proposed to rank bridges for maintenance priorities based on the risk posed by structural deterioration. The proposed method integrates structural reliability analysis, pu...
Contraceptive Options for the Perimenopausal Woman

Introduction Despite an increasing number of available contraceptive options, about 49% of the annual U.S. pregnancies remain unintended.1 Surprisingly, over a third of all pregnancies in women in their forties are unintended. Perhaps due to safety considerations and co-existing medical conditions, these patients may be directed toward less effective, compliance dependent methods. In addition to reliable contraception, perimenopausal women may need to stabilize hormonal fl uctuations and minimize irregular heavy menstrual fl ow. The ideal contraceptive for the perimenopausal woman would be compliance independent and provide non-contraceptive benefi ts. With the perimenopausal woman’s needs in mind , we will discuss all contraceptive options currently available in the United States, review the risks and benefi ts of each and describe the transition from contraception to postmenopausal hormone therapy. We include a summary of the effi cacy of various contraceptives in Table 1. As women enter their perimenopausal years, they are often faced with contraceptive decisions along with the onset of new medical conditions. These conditions include cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Cardiovascular disease increases dramatically with age and is the leading cause of death among adult women in the U.S. Cardiovascular risk factor management is therefore a critical component in the care of perimenopausal women. It is prudent to educate women seeking contraceptive counseling about the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking. It is known that coronary artery disease in women who undergo natural menopause occurs about 10 years later than men. However, women who undergo early natural menopause or bilateral oophorectomy develop coronary artery disease at a younger age. The decline in ovarian function is related to changes in the lipid profi le and subsequent risk for developing coronary artery disease.2 Studies have not shown an increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke in women who are current users of oral contraceptives containing less than 50 ug of EE.3 However, women older than 35 years of age who smoke and have a history of hypertension are at increased risk for myocardial infarction and stroke.4 Women with a history of diabetes but no other risk factors such as hypertension or vascular disease including nephropathy are candidates for combination oral contraceptives. Those who have diabetes in addition to multiple other cardiac risk factors should be offered progestin only or nonhormonal contraceptives. In short, from the standpoint of medical eligibility, combination estrogen-progestin contraception is most appropriate for lean, healthy, non-smoking women without signifi cant cardiovascular risk factors. Women with multiple cardiovascular risk factors are ineligible for combination estrogen-progestin contraceptives. These women need to be counseled regarding a healthy lifestyle and management of risk factors and ideally be offered progestin only or non-hormonal contraceptives.5
Assessment of Childhood and Adolescents Body Composition: A Practical Guide

Quantifying the main body components is integral to the study of growth, as the assessment of human physical characteristics is important both in the anthropological and medical fields (Forbes 1962). The human body consists of over thirty components, sometimes also referred to as compartments, distributed across four main organisational levels: atomic, molecular, cellular and tissue system (Wang et al. 1992). The sum of all components at each level of body composition is equivalent to total body mass (Wang et al. 1995). Body composition is influenced by endogenous and environmental factors, and is a valid indicator of pathological changes especially when diagnosing obesity and other nutritional disorders (i.e.: bulimia and anorexia) in humans (Frisancho 1984). Studies of body composition and various risk factors in growing children should have important implications for preventive medicine (Forbes 1987).
Burnout in Ophthalmology Residency: A National Survey

Purpose To determine prevalence of burnout in ophthalmology residents in the United States using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey and to identify factors associated with burnout and wellness. Methods Anonymous survey distributed to residents via residency program directors. Results Ninety-one programs out of 113 (80.5%) confirmed survey distribution. Of 267 included respondents, 23 (8.6%) met criteria for high burnout, and 169 (63.3%) met criteria for at least one aspect of burnout. Longer work hours, longer hours spent on call, higher number of consults seen on call, fewer hours of sleep on call, and not meeting recommended physical activity minimums were associated with higher emotional exhaustion. Most common factors cited to improve wellness included physical activity, nurturing relationships, and co-resident support, whereas most commonly cited factors that contributed to burnout included sleep deprivation, call, and workload. Conclusion Burnout in ophthalmology residents is common, occurring at similar rates as reported in residencies of other specialties.
The experience of maltreatment in young children whose mothers have borderline personality disorder: reflections in their narrative representations

Child maltreatment is an etiological factor in borderline personality disorder (BPD), which may be transmitted to the children of mothers with BPD. We assessed maltreatment in 36 children aged 4-7 whose mothers have BPD and in 34 normative comparisons. Children whose mothers have BPD were more likely to have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect than were normative comparisons. Mothers' self-reported borderline features were significantly correlated with children's maltreatment. Neglect was associated with mothers' affective instability, identity disturbance, negative relationships, and self-harm; sexual abuse was associated with mothers' identity disturbance, and negative relationships; and physical abuse was associated with mothers' self-harm. Maltreatment mediated the relationship between all four of mothers' borderline features and children's narrative representations of the caregiver-child relationship, which included fear of abandonment, role reversal, and mother-child relationship expectations. The authors discuss results in the context of risk for developing BPD in early adulthood and early preventive interventions targeting children's representations.
Muscle Pain Conditions

Muscle pain is common but its causes are not always clear. Treatment principles for muscle pain from direct injury are well established. This chapter summarizes etiology, diagnosis and treatment for other common painful muscle conditions, with an emphasis on myofascial pain.
Role of chronic macrophage activation in patients with primary breast cancer.

e13042 Background: Breast cancer progression has been associated with altered immune function and macrophage activation. Neopterin (Neo), a GTP metabolite, is secreted by interferon-γ activated mac...
Predictors of unsatisfactory patient outcomes in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Despite favorable clinical and functional results for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), there remains a group of patients without postoperative complications who demonstrate poor improvement and overall outcome. Methods Using a single surgeon shoulder arthroplasty registry, we identified patients who underwent RSA from 2013 to 2016 with minimum of 2-year postoperative follow-up. Patients with intra- and postoperative complications were excluded. Poor postoperative clinical outcome was defined as those patients within the bottom 30th percentile for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Poor postoperative improvement was defined as the bottom 30th percentile of ASES improvement, measured preoperatively to the 2-year postoperative mark. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to determine preoperative characteristics (e.g., demographics, comorbidities, preoperative ASES score) associated with poor outcome. Results A total of 137 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Multivariable logistic regression modeling found that prior shoulder surgery, the majority (75%) of which were arthroscopic, was the only independent factor associated with both poor improvement (adjusted odds ratio, 2.46 [1.03-5.83]) and outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 4.92 [1.74-14.96]). Preoperative opioid use was associated with poor outcomes only, whereas the high preoperative ASES score was associated with poor postoperative improvement. Conclusions Prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery was strongly associated with poor clinical improvement and outcome after RSA. No other factors correlated with both poor improvement and outcome. This association is important to decision making for any shoulder surgery, given the long-term implications.
High-intensity drinking by parental status: Differences by age and sex.

Abstract Aims To examine differences in high-intensity drinking (HID) by parental status, parent age, and parent sex, including two- and three-way interaction effects of these parent demographic categories. Methods The present study included individuals ages 18–50 from the National Epidemiologic Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (2012–13), a sample of non-institutionalized adults in the US (N = 22,278). We calculated weighted estimates of past-year HID (≥10/≥8 standard drinks for men/women on a single occasion) for each parental status group (parents of young children Results Prevalence of HID varied considerably by parental status, with 14.84% of parents with kids under age 5, 12.72% of parents with kids 5 to 17, and 23.15% of non-parents reporting HID. The strength of the associations of parenthood and HID were strongest for females and for older parents. Conclusions While parents engage in HID less than those who are not parents, a portion of parents of young and adolescent children do report heavy drinking. Younger parents and male parents, in particular, are at high risk for HID. Given the risks to children and parents, interventions focused on preventing HID among parents, especially fathers, could have significant public health impacts.
Impact of 2 Weeks of Monitored Abstinence on Cognition in Adolescent and Young Adult Cannabis Users.

Objectives Previous research suggests recovery from cannabis-related deficits in verbal learning and memory functioning after periods of cannabis abstinence in adolescents. Here, we examine how cannabis cessation affects cognitive performance over 2 weeks of monitored abstinence compared to controls in adolescents and young adults. Methods Seventy-four participants (35 cannabis users) aged 16-26 ceased all cannabis, alcohol, and other illicit substance consumption for a 2-week period; abstinence was monitored via weekly urinalysis, breath, and sweat patch testing. Starting at baseline, participants completed weekly abbreviated neuropsychological batteries. Measures included tests of attention, inhibition, verbal working memory, and learning. Repeated measures assessed within and between subject effects for time and group status, while controlling for past year alcohol and nicotine use. Results Cannabis users showed increased performance compared to controls on sustained attention tasks after 2 weeks of cannabis use. Conclusions Deficits in attention, but not verbal learning and memory, recovered after 2 weeks of monitored abstinence. This differs from previous literature, suggesting that other cognitive domains may show signs of recovery after periods of cannabis cessation in adolescents and young adults.
Chapter 11 – Cluster Headache

Cluster headache and the cluster headache variants are grouped as one of the primary headache disorders. These headaches are rarely compared to migraine or tension-type headache, although the associated pain and disability are substantial. All of the disorders are characterized by relatively short-duration headaches that are strictly unilateral and are associated with autonomic symptoms typically in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Treatment tends to be similar to migraine in many aspects but with a greater reliance on preventive therapy. With these headaches, procedural options may be more important than in migraine because of the historically poor response to preventive medications over the life of the disorder.