cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A prospective cohort study of endometriosis and subsequent risk of infertility

Study question Is there a temporal relationship between endometriosis and infertility? Summary answer Endometriosis is associated with a higher risk of subsequent infertility, but only among women age What is known already Endometriosis is the most commonly observed gynecologic pathology among infertile women undergoing laparoscopic examination. Whether endometriosis is a cause of infertility or an incidental discovery during the infertility examination is unknown. Study design, size, duration This study included data collected from 58 427 married premenopausal female nurses Participants/materials, setting, methods Our exposure was laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for infertility risk (defined as attempting to conceive for >12 months) among women with and without endometriosis. Main results and the role of chance We identified 4612 incident cases of infertility due to any cause over 362 219 person-years of follow-up. Compared with women without a history of endometriosis, women with endometriosis had an age-adjusted 2-fold increased risk of incident infertility (HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.76-2.56) that attenuated slightly after accounting for parity. The relationship with endometriosis was only observed among women Limitations, reasons for caution We did not have information on participants' intentions to conceive, but by restricting the analytic population to married women we increased the likelihood that pregnancies were planned (and therefore infertility would be recognized). Women in our cohort with undiagnosed asymptomatic endometriosis will be misclassified as unexposed. However, the small proportion of these women are diluted among the >50 000 women accurately classified as endometriosis-free, minimizing the impact of exposure misclassification on the effect estimates. Wider implications of the findings This study supports a temporal association between endometriosis and infertility risk. Our prospective analysis indicates a possible detection bias in previous studies, with our findings suggesting that the infertility risk posed by endometriosis is about half the estimates observed in cross-sectional analyses. Study funding/competing interests This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant numbers: UM1 CA176726, HD52473, HD57210, T32DK007703, T32HD060454, K01DK103720). We have no competing interests to declare.
Therapeutic Approach of Nanotechnology for Oxidative Stress Induced Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases

Oxidative stress plays a role in many different forms of neurodegenerative ocular disease. The imbalance between the generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their corresponding neutralization by endogenous antioxidant defense systems leads to cellular oxidative stress, oxidation of different bio-macromolecules, and eventually retinal disease. As a result, the administration of supplemental endogenous antioxidant materials or exogenous ROS scavengers is an interesting therapeutic approach for the treatment of forms of ocular disease associated with oxidative stress. Thus far, different dietary antioxidant supplements have been proven to be clinically reliable and effective, and different antioxidant gene therapy approaches are under investigation. In addition, various metal oxide nanoparticles were shown to be effective in defending against oxidative stress-associated injury. These benefits are due to free radical scavenging properties of the materials arising from non-stoichiometric crystal defects and oxygen deficiencies. Here we discuss the application of this approach to the protection of the retina.
High frequency modeling of large composite scatterers of arbitrary shape: Vortex-lens validation

This paper describes a high frequency method that can be used to compute the scattered field produced by electrically large composite (multi-layered) scatterers having boundaries with arbitrary shapes. In this work, the scatterer is comprised of a lossy, dispersive dielectric region backed by a metallic region. The method computes the equivalent currents on the boundaries of the scatterer, making use of the transmission and reflection coefficients, in order to generate the scattered field of the structure. The accuracy of the method has been validated with experimental measurements of a vortex lens operating in reflection mode at millimeter wave frequencies.
Determinants of emerging market correlations

The confluence of several trends has radically altered the nature of capital flows to developing countries over the last decade. Securitization, privatization and capital account liberalization have boosted the supply of assets available to foreign investors. Substantial improvement in market institutions, ranging from insider trading regulations to efficient settlement and registration mechanisms, have reduced micro-risk, while more stable macroeconomic policies have lowered country risk. On the external side, eased restrictions on emerging market investment for institutional investors from developed markets1 and the attractive perceived risk/return tradeoff led to substantial investor interest in emerging markets. In combination, these trends caused a significant shift in the composition of capital flows from public to private and from FDI and bank loans to portfolio, in particular equity, investment.2
The Effect of Structural Quality on Fatigue Life in 319 Aluminum Alloy Castings

Tensile and fatigue life data for 319 aluminum alloy from seventeen datasets reported in four independent studies from the literature have been reanalyzed. Analysis of fatigue life data involved mean stress correction for different R ratios used in fatigue testing, inclusion of survival (runout) data along with failure data, as well as volumetric correction for Weibull distributions for different specimen sizes used in these studies. Tensile data have been transformed into the structural quality index, Q T, which is used as a measure of the structural quality of castings. A distinct relationship has been observed between the expected fatigue life and mean quality index. Moreover, fatigue strengths at 104 and 106 cycles have been found increase with quality index, providing further evidence about the relationship observed between structural quality and fatigue performance. Empirical equations between Basquin parameters and structural quality index have been developed. The use of the comprehensive methodology to estimate fatigue life is demonstrated with an example.
Brief Report: Investigating Relations Between Self-Concept and Performance in Reading and Math for School-Aged Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A typically developing student's perceptions of his or her own capabilities (academic self-concept), is predictive of later academic achievement. However, little is known about academic self-concept in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To understand whether students math self-concept and reading self-concept predicted their performance, 44 school-aged children and adolescents with ASD and 36 age-matched individuals with typical development (TYP) rated their perceived math and reading abilities and were administered standardized achievement measures. Results showed self-concept was predictive of performance in math and reading in the TYP group. For youth with ASD, there was agreement between self-concept and performance only in math. These findings suggest that educators should be cautious when interpreting the self-assessments of reading ability in students with ASD.
Selective Inhibition of the Myeloid Src-Family Kinase Fgr Potently Suppresses AML Cell Growth in Vitro and in Vivo

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is the most common hematologic malignancy in adults and is often associated with constitutive tyrosine kinase signaling. These pathways involve the nonreceptor tyrosine kinases Fes, Syk, and the three Src-family kinases expressed in myeloid cells (Fgr, Hck, and Lyn). In this study, we report remarkable anti-AML efficacy of an N-phenylbenzamide kinase inhibitor, TL02-59. This compound potently suppressed the proliferation of bone marrow samples from 20 of 26 AML patients, with a striking correlation between inhibitor sensitivity and expression levels of the myeloid Src family kinases Fgr, Hck, and Lyn. No correlation was observed with Flt3 expression or mutational status, with the four most sensitive patient samples being wild-type for Flt3. Kinome-wide target specificity profiling coupled with in vitro kinase assays demonstrated a narrow overall target specificity profile for TL02-59, with picomolar potency against the myeloid Src-family member Fgr. In a mouse xenograft mo...
The Association of Previous Prostate Biopsy Related Complications and the Type of Complication with Patient Compliance with Rebiopsy Scheme.

Purpose: Prostate biopsy complications have important consequences that may affect patient compliance with rebiopsy schemes. However, to our knowledge this has not been studied in earnest. Thus, we evaluated whether previous prostate biopsy related complications and the type of complication were associated with repeat prostate biopsy compliance in a clinical trial with study mandated systematic biopsies.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 4,939 men 50 to 75 years old who underwent 2-year prostate biopsy and were recommended to undergo 4-year prostate rebiopsy in the REDUCE (Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events) study. The analyzed biopsy complications were hematuria, urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention and hemospermia.Results: A total of 260 men (5.3%) had a 2-year prostate biopsy related complication, including hematuria in 180 (3.6%), urinary tract infection in 36 (0.7%), acute urinary retention in 26 (0.5%) and hemospermia in 102 (2.1%). A total ...
Measurement of Trace Amounts of Inert Gases in Blood by Gas Chromatography

Although the physical characteristics of biologically inert* gases make them uniquely suitable for a variety of biomedical studies, limitations of methods for quantitating trace amounts of the gases in blood, until recently, have made it feasible to employ only those agents having commercially available radioisotopes (e.g., Kr85 and Xe133). Of particular interest are gases that possess extremely low solubilities in blood, because these gases tend to be excreted quantitatively during a single passage through the lungs and recirculate negligibly when introduced into the blood stream or a specific body tissue. The use of gas chromatography for the analysis of trace amounts of blood gases is a logical extension of the major advances in chromatographic blood gas analysis that have occurred in recent years and have been reviewed so excellently in an earlier volume of this series by Albers and Farhi [*]. These authors covered methods for extraction of gases from blood, injection of the extracted gases into the Chromatograph carrier gas stream, and specific analyses for CO2,O2, N2, CO, and several anesthetic and toxic gases.
The Method Section in Social Science Research Reports

In this chapter I shift my attention from the conduct of Vygotskian research to issues that arise in the reporting of research. I argue that greater attention to the Method section1 would strengthen the account of the conduct of the research for the benefit of both authors and readers, and serve as the nexus for the other sections of the paper’s organization and alignment with one another.
Chaos in breaking waves

Abstract This study investigates the chaotic behavior of breaking waves by laboratory experiments and numerical modeling. Repeated laboratory runs with different initial velocity perturbations show that the wave profile before the wave breaks can be accurately reproduced, but the subsequent breaking process varies among runs, indicating the lack of repeatability of breaking waves in reality. Numerical simulations based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method are further carried out to examine the repeatability of wave breaking process. Consistent with the laboratory observation, multiple numerical simulations with variations in initial conditions present highly repeatable velocity field and free surface profile in the potential flow region but considerable variation at the breaking and post-breaking processes. Comparison also shows that 3D vortex structures induced by breaking waves are different among cases. Analysis of particle trajectory reveals that there is a similar trajectory thus a minor trajectory divergence among particles that are initially located at the pre-breaking region and the flume bottom, which are not directly impacted by the breaking process. However, a much more significant particle trajectory divergence is observed among particles that are initially located at the wave-splash region and the bore propagation region. The rate of divergence of particle trajectory under breaking waves is further examined by computing the Lyapunov exponent, a widely used indicator of chaos. This study reveals that different initial velocity perturbations lead to variations of near-surface velocity at the onset of wave breaking, which eventually cause the development of drastically different breaking wave jets and splashes. Therefore, the process of wave breaking, like many other dynamic processes in nature, exhibits a chaotic behavior.
Action, Inaction, and Actionability: Definitions and Implications for Communications and Interventions to Change Behaviors

Persuasive communications and interventions are often designed to change behavior, as when religious ministers solicit financial contributions, campaign managers strive to obtain votes for a candidate, or marketers seek to increase purchase. To be successful, communications to change behaviors require a scientific understanding of the contents that maximize behavioral impact and the degree to which communications are successful in trying to induce actions or inactions. We begin this chapter with a discussion of action and inaction judgments that may affect one’s disposition towards behaviors, such as those recommended in persuasive communications. We then follow with the notion of actionability, or the degree to which a communication or intervention is likely to influence behavior. Specifically, we propose a framework to analyze the factors that make persuasive communications actionable. We define actionability as the property of enabling and motivating recipients to make behavioral decisions based on the intervention content. Actionability comprises the inclusion of behavioral recommendations, the relevance of those recommendations within the context of behavior execution, and the influence of the message on the recipient’s ability and motivation to carry out the recommendations. An intervention is actionable if it includes at least one behavioral recommendation, the recommendation is appropriate for the context, and the intervention promotes recipients’ willingness and ability to carry out the recommendation.
Comparison of FEM and ESM in Modeling Outdoor Sound Propagating Over a Smooth-Random Hard Surface

The propagation of outdoor noise over a semi-infinite domain is computationally challenging, especially for Finite Element Method (FEM) because the number of Degrees of Freedom (DOF) grows cubically with the domain size and resolution, and the resolution grows linearly with frequency or wavenumber. The memory needed to store the FEM matrices and the CPU time thus increase at least cubically. The Equivalent Source Method (ESM) is an alternative to the FEM and can be used to model sound transmission above an arbitrary reasonably smooth surface. The number of additional Equivalent Sources grows quadratically with the domain size and the resolution. We developed an algorithm to place the boundary points and the equivalent sources automatically. The complex magnitudes and phase of the small extra sources are solved using least-squares (LS). The relative error between the two methods for an arbitrary surface is less than 2%. The CPU time also favors the ESM over a significant frequency range, for which we were able to compute the FEM solutions.
A Comprehensive Protection Scheme for the Construction of New Energy Plant Station

In order to solve remote operation and illegal communication of the system manufacturer, a powerful technical monitoring method is proposed to identify this kind of illegal network channel. Here, we first analyze the commonly characteristics of the used remote operation and maintenance software protocol, and then design a network channel detection method to improve the information security management ability of the new energy plant.
UTILIZATION OF AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT FOR SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS REMAINS UNCHANGED IN TRANSCATHETER ERA

Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with dismal prognosis without aortic valve replacement (AVR), yet the utilization of AVR within the transcatheter AVR era has not been examined. Consecutive patients with high gradient severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] ≤1 cm2and mean aortic
Laws of Demand and Supply

I will begin by explaining why the Green Bag is publishing a second almanac ( the Baker Street Almanac) when we are already quite happy, and busy, with our first series (the Green Bag Almanac & Reader). Then I will briefly sketch some of what we have (and have not) done in this volume, and what we hope to do in years to come.
India as database: Response to Reetika Khera

If sociology is ‘missing’ from the Aadhaar debate, to take Reetika Khera’s provocation seriously, the absence may reflect a disciplinary reluctance to accede to normative terms of contest in which ...
Minimally Invasive Therapies for Hepatocellular Cancer: Catheter-Directed Therapies

Techniques have been developed for catheter-directed delivery of therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) since the 1980s, and are still undergoing evolution. Currently, this involves embolization with particles, as well as delivery of chemotherapeutic agents with a variety of materials, and is referred to as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). TACE is made both feasible and effective due to the dual blood supply of the liver. Advances in catheter and guide wire technology have been accompanied by the development of techniques for the superselective placement of catheters for the safe and effective delivery of therapeutic agents to hepatic tumors. TACE is recommended for patients with Intermediate Stage, multi-nodular HCC (Okuda Stage 1–2; Childs-Pugh Stage A-B; Performance Status 0). Combination therapy with RFA and TACE may lead to more extensive tumor necrosis than mono-ablative therapy and may be a more effective treatment for HCC. Further study will be needed to determine the effectiveness of combining RFA and TACE, and in which order. The combination of TACE with antiangiogenic agents, such as sorafenib, is under investigation as well. The use of sorafenib may curtail the post-TACE rise in VEGF-mediated signaling, and simultaneously target tumor foci distant from the site of treatment. Selection parameters and treatment outcomes for locoregional therapies, alone or in combination, such as thermal ablation and TACE, with or without systemic chemotherapy agents will eventually be factored in generating Digital Patient Models (DPMs) to facilitate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, i.e. Model Guided Therapy (MGT) and Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine (PPPM).
Navigating the dynamic landscape of alpha-synuclein morphology: a review of the physiologically relevant tetrameric conformation.

N-acetylated α-synuclein (αSyn) has long been established as an intrinsically disordered protein associated with a dysfunctional role in Parkinson’s disease. In recent years, a physiologically relevant, higher order conformation has been identified as a helical tetramer that is tailored by buried hydrophobic interactions and is distinctively aggregation resistant. The canonical mechanism by which the tetramer assembles remains elusive. As novel biochemical approaches, computational methods, pioneering purification platforms, and powerful imaging techniques continue to develop, puzzling information that once sparked debate as to the veracity of the tetramer has now shed light upon this new counterpart in αSyn neurobiology. Nuclear magnetic resonance and computational studies on multimeric αSyn structure have revealed that the protein folding propensity is controlled by small energy barriers that enable large scale reconfiguration. Alternatively, familial mutations ablate tetramerization and reconfigure polymorphic fibrillization. In this review, we will discuss the dynamic landscape of αSyn quaternary structure with a focus on the tetrameric conformation.
Supratentorial Brain Tumors in Children

Supratentorial brain tumors account for more than half of the brain tumors found in the pediatric population. They comprise a relatively high proportion of benign or semibenign forms, which can be treated surgically with satisfactory results. More effective and currently available diagnostic tools, as well as the improvement in operative and post-operative care, have further contributed to good outcomes. In many cases, collateral treatments still play a secondary role when compared with surgery, either because of the vulnerability of the immature brain (radiotherapy) or the unreliability in controlling the disease over a long period of time (chemotherapy).
The Function of Sleep

Many hypotheses have been put forward for the functions of sleep, but none have been either proved or falsified. Rest and active states are ubiquitous in animals. However, it is impossible to say whether rest states in invertebrates and in ectothermic vertebrates are homologous with nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in endotherms. Once functional correlates of sleep states in endotherms are established, it will be possible to investigate whether those same functions are associated with the rest states in other species. With respect to NREM and REM sleep, there is an assumption that they serve a restorative function. But, what is being restored is not clear. Cognitive abilities degrade with even mild sleep loss; but why it is so is not known. Two major lines of thinking about sleep function are that they are involved in the restoration of brain energy metabolism or that they are involved in processes of synapse and circuit maintenance including the consolidation of memories. These functions are not mutually exclusive, and evidence in support of them is discussed. A critical question that must be asked when considering any putative function of sleep is – Why must the brain be taken off-line to accomplish that function?
The Lepidoptera of White Sands National Monument 7: A New Species of the Genus Areniscythris (Scythrididae), a Recently Discovered Iconic Species from the Monument

A new species of Scythrididae, Areniscythris whitesands sp. nov. Metzler and Lightfoot, is described from a series of specimens that were found active during the daytime on open bare sand of the white gypsum dunes at White Sands National Monument, Otero Co., New Mexico. Adults and genitalia of the male and female are illustrated, and the bionomy of the species is shortly discussed.
The effects of fiber source on extrusion processing parameters and kibble characteristics of dry cat foods.

Cellulose and beet pulp have been commonly used in the pet food industry to increase the dietary fiber content of cat foods. However, pet food companies seek alternatives to these so-called byproducts. Miscanthus grass is grown for its fiber content and may serve as an alternative to traditional fibrous ingredients. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of fiber sources on extrusion processing and kibble structure of cat foods. Three replicate batches of a complete and balanced foods for adult cats at maintenance each containing 10% of Miscanthus grass, cellulose, or beet pulp was mixed and kibbles were produced on a single-screw extruder. Feed rate, preconditioner water and steam, extruder screw speed, extruder water and steam addition, and knife speed were adjusted to achieve a wet bulk density of 330 g/L. After extrusion, kibbles were dried at 115.5 oC to less than 10% moisture. Dried kibbles were coated with chicken fat and flavor enhancer. No effects due to fiber source were reported for extrusion parameters or kibble measurements (P > 0.05) with the exception of compression energy, wherein kibbles produced with cellulose required more energy to compress than those containing beet pulp (6,917 N mm vs. 3,591 N mm, respectively). In conclusion, tested fiber sources had no impact on extrusion parameters and most kibble characteristics. Kibbles containing cellulose required more energy to compress than kibbles containing beet pulp. Miscanthus grass could be used as an alternative to traditional fiber sources used to produce cat foods.
Introduction: Proprietary Developments

Chapter 1, “Proprietary Developments,” discusses how young people’s technosocial development links up with broader socioeconomic restructuring, provides an overview of the motivations and operations of the My Digital Footprint Project, and outlines the book’s chapters and main themes. This introduction discusses how informational capitalism, or informationalism, involves an ongoing process of opening up new avenues to track, own, and remotely shape daily life for purposes of control and profit. The social reproduction of children and youth is discussed as central to this process and the digital experiences of youth are presented as both early indicators of cultural change and agents of radical possibility.
Towards a Quantitative Understanding of Protein–Lipid Bilayer Interactions at the Single Molecule Level: Opportunities and Challenges

Protein-lipid interfaces are among the most fundamental in biology. Yet applying conventional techniques to study the biophysical attributes of these systems is challenging and has left many unknowns. For example, what is the kinetic pathway and energy landscape experienced by a polypeptide chain when in close proximity to a fluid lipid bilayer? Here we review the experimental and theoretical progress we have made in addressing this question from a single molecule perspective. Some remaining impediments are also discussed.
Allocation Optimization for Subscription Box Services

The subscription-based models are getting increasingly popular. The most well-known examples are streaming services, food services and monthly subscription boxes. This study considers a hypothetical company with subscription-based customized package as a product. In this type of systems, the demand is for the subscribed packages provided by the company based on the customer preferences, and the company needs to determine the product assortment in the package at each period. We propose two mixed integer programming models for the optimal selection of products to subscription bags while minimizing the total cost of operations or maximizing subscriber satisfaction. We compare cost and satisfaction scores of models to provide insights. We define a general framework for creating a mathematical optimization model for subscription-based services. We segment product by brand value, such as luxury, mid-tier and affordable, to create flexibility and better understand the customer satisfaction and cost. We define a success metric for satisfaction per cost to compare various scenarios with and without product segmentation. We observed that affordable products are a good way to keep the cost down and satisfaction levels adequate.
Chasing Butterflies and Rainbows: A Critique of Kruglanski et al.'s “Fully Committed: Suicide Bombers' Motivation and the Quest for Personal Significance”

Despite some recent progress, psychological approaches to the study of ter rorism remain narrow and underdeveloped. For the most part this is still due to the same unresolved issues that have plagued psychological perspectives on terrorism for many years. According to psychologist Colin Wastell: "We are absolutely in need of more research that engages with the phenomenon, with the problem as it really exists. Not as we would characterize it, or caricature it" (quoted in Kerin, 2006). Likewise, for Jeff Victoroff (2005), psychological research on terrorism remains "largely characterized by theoretical speculation based on subjective interpretation of anecdotal observations" (p. 3). Kruglanski, Chen, Dechesne, Fishman, and Orehek's research on the psychol ogy of suicide terrorism is about understanding terrorist motivation. In particular, the authors' concern is that the multiplicity of motivational sources identified in the terrorism studies literature should be subsumed into a simpler set of categories. The researchers do this by focusing primarily on the individual actor in an effort to "connect the dots" between the ideological, personal, and social motivations for suicide terror and aggregate various motives under the umbrella term of a quest for personal significance. While an ambitious endeavor, there are significant problems with the case they construct as well as how as they construct it. The arguments and evidence used to support the authors' claims betray a limited understanding and narrow interpreta tion of terrorist psychology, a failure to acknowledge the severe limitations with the evidence identified to support their premise, and a failure to acknowledge the complexity of how motivation is conceptualized in contemporary psychology.
An Augmented k -ary Tree Multiprocessor with Real-Time Fault-Tolerant Capability

We present a real-time fault-tolerant design for an l-level k-ary tree multiprocessor and examine its reconfigurability. The k-ary tree is augmented by spare nodes and spare links. By utilizing the capabilities of wave-switching communication modules of the spare nodes, faulty nodes and faulty links can be tolerated. We consider two modes of operations. In the strict mode, the multiprocessor is under heavy computation or hard deadline and therefore we use a fast and local reconfiguration scheme to tolerate the faulty nodes. In the relaxed mode, where light computation or soft deadline is encountered, a global reconfiguration scheme is used to maximize the utilization of spare nodes, both in this mode as well as in the next strict mode. Both theoretical and simulation results are examined. Our simulation results, in the relaxed mode of operation, reveal that our approach can tolerate significantly more faulty nodes than other approaches, with a low overhead and no performance degradation.
Test stand performance of a convertible engine for advanced V/STOL and rotorcraft propulsion

A variable inlet guide vane (VIGV) convertible engine that could be used to power future high-speed V/STOL and rotorcraft was tested on an outdoor stand. The engine ran stably and smoothly in the turbofan, turboshaft, and dual (combined fan and shaft) power modes. In the turbofan mode with the VIGV open, fuel consumption was comparable to that of a conventional turbofan engine. In the turboshaft mode with the VIGV closed, fuel consumption was higher than that of present turboshaft engines because power was wasted in churning fan-tip air flow. In dynamic performance tests with a specially built digital engine control and using a waterbrake dynamometer for shaft load, the engine responded effectively to large steps in thrust command and shaft torque.
Importance of asymptomatic shedding of Clostridium difficile in environmental contamination of a neonatal intensive care unit.

A survey of C. difficle in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was conducted. Approximately 25% of infants in the NICU were colonized with Clostridium difficle . Environmental surface cultures were obtained from the NICU and compared with cultures taken from infant, adolescent, and hematology/oncology units. From 150 surface cultures, C difficle was recovered exclusively from the NICU. Of the 16 different types of surfaces cultured, diaper scales and the surrounding area were contaminated most often at 50%.
On the norm of an idempotent Schur multiplier on the Schatten class

We show that if the norm of an idempotent Schur multiplier on the Schatten class S p lies sufficiently close to 1, then it is necessarily equal to 1. We also give a simple characterization of those idempotent Schur multipliers on S p whose norm is 1. We study norms of idempotent Schur multipliers defined on the Schatten p-class with 1 < p < 1 , p 6 2. For any idempotent Schur multiplier � , we show that if the norm oflies sufficiently close to 1, then it is necessarily equal to 1.More precisely, ifis an idempotent Schur multiplier on the Schatten p-class, then � = 0, kk = 1, or kk � 1 + � p, wherep is a positive constant that depends only on p. We also obtain a simple characterization of those idempotent Schur multipliers whose norm is equal to 1. When p = 1 or 1 , these results have been obtained by Livshits (2), while for p = 2, every nonzero idempotent Schur multiplier has norm 1. To state our results more explicitly, we need to fix some standard terminology. For every real number p in the range 1 � p < 1 , denote by S p the Schatten p-class over the Hilbert space `2; it is the Banach space of all compact operators x : `2 ! `2 with finite norm
A control oriented modeling methodology for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition processes

This paper reports on work in progress towards developing a control oriented modeling methodology for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes with an emphasis on spatial deposition rate uniformity. The authors' strategy contains three components: (1) a detailed computational model, (2) a control oriented reduced order model with an associated uncertainty model, and (3) experiments. The authors' computational model is based on the software package FLUENT, and as a preliminary result the authors distinguish two types of deposition rate nonuniformities. The reduced order model is derived using a Galerkin method and an associated uncertainty model is derived using a maximum principle.
Use of Monte Carlo Simulation Techniques in Accident Reconstruction

A straight-forward, automated approach to performing sensitivity analyses using Monte Carlo simulation techniques is described in this paper. Probability distributions are assigned to key input parameters, and results are expressed in the form of probability distributions of each of the desired output parameters. With this technique, it is possible to obtain quantitative results regarding the probability of results being within selected ranges. The approach is fast and automated, and provides a rational basis for dealing with uncertainty and ranges of parameters in accident reconstruction analyses.
The heterogenicity of the vascular endothelium

The vascular endothelium has long been considered to be a homogeneous cell type. It is only recently that its remarkable heterogeneity has been shown. The selective and organ-specific adhesion of cells of the immune system, of metastasizing tumor cells and of microorganisms underscores the central position of the endothelium between the circulation and each organ. The use of antibodies and lectins led to the recognition of species-, organ-, and age-specific endothelial cell surface receptors. Identification of the endothelial adhesion molecules and -mechanisms, which are part of the "endothelial organ- and tissue address" would lead to the possibility of blocking the adhesion of cells, such as e.g. tumor cells.
Schizophrenia in late life : aging effects on symptoms and course of illness

Older adults with schizophrenia have been a largely neglected population, and only since 1990 has any systematic effort been made to study them. Schizophrenia in Late Life helps fill the void in the literature. This volume presents a uniquely comprehensive picture of the current research about this population. With normal aging used as the point of comparison, Harvey explores several issues in the domain of schizophrenia and aging. The central issue is that of age-related changes in the clinical features of schizophrenia, which include delusions, hallucinations, emotional changes, cognitive impairments, and adaptive life skills. The text also examines whether the course of schizophrenia changes over time and considers the implications of pharmacological and behavioral treatments for schizophrenia.
Time‐resolved noncontrast enhanced 4‐D dynamic magnetic resonance angiography using multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency (TrueSTAR)

Purpose The goal of this study was to introduce a new noncontrast enhanced 4D dynamic MR angiography (dMRA) technique termed multibolus TrueFISP-based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency (TrueSTAR). Methods Multibolus TrueFISP-based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency was developed by taking advantage of the phenomenon that the steady-state signal of TrueFISP is minimally disturbed by periodically inserted magnetization preparations (e.g., spin tagging) that are sandwiched by two α/2 RF pulses. Both theoretical analysis and experimental studies were carried out to optimize the proposed method which was compared with both pulsed and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling-based dMRA in healthy volunteers. Optimized multibolus dMRA was also applied in a patient with arteriovenous malformation to demonstrate its potential clinical utility. Results Multibolus dMRA offered a prolonged tagging bolus compared to the standard single-bolus dMRA, and allowed improved visualization of the draining veins in the arteriovenous malformation patient. Compared to pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling-based dMRA, multibolus dMRA provided visualization of the full passage of the labeled blood with the flexibility for both static and dynamic magnetic resonance angiography. Conclusion By combining the benefits of pulsed and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling-based dMRA, multibolus TrueFISP-based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency can prolong and enhance the tagging bolus without sacrificing imaging speed or temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 71:551–560, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Cytotoxicity Receptor CRACC (CS-1) Recruits EAT-2 and Activates the PI3K and Phospholipase Cγ Signaling Pathways in Human NK Cells

The CD2-like receptor-activating cytotoxic cell (CRACC) is a cell surface receptor of the CD2 family that triggers NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity through an undefined signaling pathway. CRACC contains cytoplasmic tyrosine-based motifs, immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motifs, which resemble those found in the NK cell receptor 2B4. In 2B4, these motifs recruit the adaptor signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP), which initiates a signaling cascade mediating cytotoxicity. However, CRACC does not recruit SAP. In this study, we demonstrate that, upon activation, CRACC associates with a homolog of SAP, Ewing's sarcoma's/FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2), in human NK cells. We show that association of EAT-2 induces the phosphorylation of CRACC and that this process is partially reduced by a pharmacological inhibitor of Src kinases. We identify PLCgamma1, PLCgamma2, and PI3K as the major signaling mediators downstream of CRACC/EAT-2 implicated in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, EAT-2 also associates with 2B4 predominantly in resting NK cells, whereas SAP preferentially binds 2B4 upon activation. These results outline a new signaling pathway that triggers CRACC-mediated cytotoxicity and modulates 2B4-mediated activation.
The Danish Cartoon Controversy and the Challenges of Multicultural Politics: A Discussion of The Cartoons That Shook the World

Jytte Klausen's The Cartoons That Shook the World offers an interesting political science account of the Danish cartoon controversy and of a broader set of tensions between multiculturalism, civility, and freedom of expression. The book is also a fascinating case study of how political science can itself become the object of dispute, due to Yale University Press' decision to publish the book without any reproductions of the controversial cartoons.We have thus asked a range of political scientists to comment on the Danish cartoon imbroglio, the book's analysis of it, and the controversy over the book itself.—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Regulation of Nitrate Reductase in Excised Barley Roots

When excised barley roots (Hordeum distichum L.) are appropriately pretreated, the level of nitrate reductase in the roots increases upon exposure to nitrate. Relatively low levels of nitrate (10 mum) gave maximum induction of nitrate reductase. This increase was inhibited by inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis, indicating that de novo protein synthesis is probably involved. Induction of nitrate reductase by nitrate is partially prevented by the inclusion of ammonium, an eventual product of nitrate reduction, in the incubation medium. Under the experimental conditions used, ammonium did not inhibit the uptake of nitrate by excised barley roots. It is concluded, therefore, that ammonium, or a product of ammonium metabolism, has a direct effect on the synthesis of nitrate reductase in this tissue.
JETS: Language and System Support for Many-Parallel-Task Workflows

Many-task computing is a well-established paradigm for implementing loosely coupled applications (tasks) on large-scale computing systems. However, few of the model's existing implementations provide efficient, low-latency support for executing tasks that are tightly coupled multiprocessing applications. Thus, a vast array of parallel applications cannot readily be used effectively within many-task workloads. In this work, we present JETS, a middleware component that provides high performance support for many-parallel-task computing (MPTC). JETS is based on a highly concurrent approach to parallel task dispatch and on new capabilities now available in the MPICH2 MPI implementation and the ZeptoOS Linux operating system. JETS represents an advance over the few known examples of multilevel many-parallel-task scheduling systems: it more efficiently schedules and launches many short-duration parallel application invocations; it overcomes the challenges of coupling the user processes of each multiprocessing application invocation via the messaging fabric; and it concurrently manages many application executions in various stages. We report here on the JETS architecture and its performance on both synthetic benchmarks and an MPTC application in molecular dynamics.
The Construct of Grooming in Child Sexual Abuse: Conceptual and Measurement Issues

There have been claims that some child molesters engage in a “seduction stage” prior to committing abuse. These behaviors, commonly known as “grooming,” are understood as methods child molesters use to gain access to and prepare future victims to be compliant with abuse. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding exactly what this process entails and how it is clearly distinguished from normal adult–child interactions. It is important to devise an accurate definition of grooming for scientific, clinical, and forensic purposes. We critically evaluate the various definitions and reveal problematic heterogeneity. Furthermore, there are no methods of known psychometrics to validly assess grooming. We review the empirical literature regarding the occurrence of grooming and propose future directions for research.
Algorithms for simultaneous sparse approximation: part I: Greedy pursuit

A simultaneous sparse approximation problem requests a good approximation of several input signals at once using different linear combinations of the same elementary signals. At the same time, the problem balances the error in approximation against the total number of elementary signals that participate. These elementary signals typically model coherent structures in the input signals, and they are chosen from a large, linearly dependent collection.The first part of this paper proposes a greedy pursuit algorithm, called simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit (S-OMP), for simultaneous sparse approximation. Then it presents some numerical experiments that demonstrate how a sparse model for the input signals can be identified more reliably given several input signals. Afterward, the paper proves that the S-OMP algorithm can compute provably good solutions to several simultaneous sparse approximation problems.The second part of the paper develops another algorithmic approach called convex relaxation, and it provides theoretical results on the performance of convex relaxation for simultaneous sparse approximation.
Toxicity of hemoglobin solutions: hemoglobin is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding protein which enhances LPS biological activity.

Administration of αα-crosslinked stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH) as a cell-free resuscitation fluid is associated with multiple organ toxicities. Many of these toxicities are characteristic of the pathophysiological effects of bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). To better understand the potential role of LPS in the observed in vivo toxicities of SFH, we examined mixtures of SFH and E. coli LPS for evidence of LPS-SFH complex formation. LPS-SFH complexes were demonstrated by three techniques: ultrafiltration through 300 kDa cut-off membranes, which distinguished LPS in complexes (87–89% 300 kDa); density centrifugation through 5% sucrose, which distinguished denser LPS alone from LPS-SFH complexes; and precipitation by 67% ethanol, which demonstrated 2–3 fold increased precipitability of complexes compared to SFH alone. Interaction of LPS with SFH was also associated with markedly increased biological activity of LPS, as manifested by enhancement of LPS activation ...
EXTERNAL JUGULAR PHLEBOGRAM AS REFLECTING VENOUS AND RIGHT ATRIAL HEMODYNAMICS.

Abstract The usefulness, reproducibility and reliability of the jugular phlebogram recorded from the external body surface in reflecting the hemodynamic events of the right side of the heart were studied in various ways: (1) Simultaneous right atrial pressure and external venous jugular phlebograms demonstrate that the curves are qualitatively similar. The a and v wave peaks are similar in form with a constant time-lag of the phlebogram in the normal patient of 0.02 sec. (2) Effect of respiration : In addition to a marked decrease in the relative amplitudes of all waves with expiration, various interrelationships between the waves are altered. (3) Position changes : the degree to which the upper body is elevated above the horizontal, changes in the position of the probe and the degree of neck rotation were correlated with changes in the slopes, relative amplitudes and peak-to-peak intervals of the curves. (4) Pathologic conditions : recordings from patients with proved heart lesions accurately reflected altered hemodynamics; in particular, the absence of either the venous systolic or diastolic collapse in patients with dominant mitral insufficiency showed various hemodynamic effects on the right heart which can obtain. (5) Cardiac arrhythmias : consistent changes in phlebograms produced by heart block, and disturbances of rhythm where the pacemaker is not in the sinoatrial node accurately reflected circulatory changes. The various changes observed in these studies are explained in terms of the physiology of the venous return to the heart and suggest a new hypothesis for the generation of the c wave.
HFS92: A program for relativistic atomic hyperfine structure calculations

Abstract We describe a program for the computation of magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole diagonal ( A J , B J ) and off-diagonal ( A J , J −1 , B J , J −1 , B J , J −2 ) hyperfine interaction constants. Approximate atomic wavefunctions are assumed to be linear combinations of configuration state functions, which are, in turn, constructed from four-component spin-orbitals to be many-particle eigenfunctions of the parity and angular momentum operators.