cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stoichiometric lanthanum chromite based ceramic interconnects with low sintering temperature

Abstract Ceramic interconnects for use in solid oxide fuel cells are expected to operate between 800∼1000 °C, sinter between 1400∼1500 °C to allow co-firing and meet a number thermal mechanical requirements. The perovskite type (ABO 3 ) lanthanum chromite based materials have emerged as a leading candidate that will meet these criteria by varying the composition on the A and B sites. A need therefore exists to determine this material's temperature dependent electrical and mechanical properties with respect to these site substitutions. In this investigation, oxide powders were prepared by the glycine-nitrate process. Ionic substitutions were carried out on A sites with calcium or strontium, and B sites with cobalt and aluminum, respectively. Only stoichiometric compositions were considered for the sake of stability. The powders and their sinterability were investigated by XRD, SEM, dilatometry and density measurements. The sintered materials were further examined by SEM, thermal expansion and electric conductivity measurements in order to elucidate the resulting microstructure, electrical and mechanical properties.
Patient understanding of diabetes self-management: participatory decision-making in diabetes care.

Objective: Our aim was to determine whether patient participation in decision-making about diabetes care is associated with understanding of diabetes self-management and subsequent self-care practices. We also identified issues that would impact messaging for use in mobile diabetes communication. Research Design and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with type 2 diabetes patients (n = 81) receiving their care at the University of Maryland Joslin Diabetes Center. A convenience sample of patients were eligible to participate if they were aged 25–85 years, had type 2 diabetes, spoke English, and visited their physician diabetes manager within the past 6 months. In-person patient interviews were conducted at the time of clinic visits to assess patient understanding of diabetes management, self-care practices, and perceptions of participation in decision-making about diabetes care. Results:
Applying the Capital Asset Pricing Model

This note discusses how some of the most financially sophisticated companies and financial advisers estimate the cost of equity capital. It focuses on areas where finance theory is silent or ambiguous and practitioners are left to their own devices. Survey evidence shows that the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is the most widely used model. The note discusses methods companies use to estimate the three key elements needed to apply the CAPM: a proxy for the risk-free rate, an estimate of beta, and an equity-market risk premium. The note is useful for students attempting to apply the Capital Asset Pricing Model.
Facilitating Dialogues about Racial Realities.

Background/ContextFacilitating dialogues about racial issues in higher education classroom settings continues to be a vexing problem facing postsecondary educators. In order for students to discuss...
Cellular Concrete Block Revetment

An experimental revetment of specially designed cellular concrete revetment blocks was constructed on an eroding streambank in western New York. Over a period of 8 yr the 4-in. thick revetment has given satisfactory performance under severe conditions. In contrast, an adjacent revetment of quarried stone riprap has been less effective in withstanding the erosive forces. Square holes run entirely through the depth of the block. These holes serve several purposes: They mechanically hold gravel and crushed stone in place, thus reducing the erosive forces at the surface of the bank; allow planting of vegatative materials on the bank; and reduce the block weight making handling easier. When the blocks are mass-produced and where quarried stone is available locally, the costs of the types of revetments would be approximately the same.
Democracy, Hybrid Regimes, and Infant Mortality: A Cross‐National Analysis of Sub‐Saharan African Nations

Objective There is an extensive literature analyzing the relationship between democracy and infant mortality; however, findings are mixed. Some studies find a significant inverse relationship, while others conclude that no such relationship exists. We seek to take the debate in a new direction, overlooked in prior research, by providing a theoretical rational for and empirical evidence of a quadratic relationship, in which countries with components of both autocracy and democracy have higher infant mortality. Methods We test lagged, cross-sectional models on a sample of 47 Sub-Saharan African nations. Results We find that a quadratic model better explains cross-national variation in infant mortality than the linear alternative. Infant mortality tends to be higher in hybrid regimes, relative to both autocracies and democracies. Hybrids appear to be politically unstable, which may in part account for their greater infant mortality. Conclusion Hybrid regimes exist in precarious positions with detrimental consequences for population health.
Active appearance model and deep learning for more accurate prostate segmentation on MRI

Prostate segmentation on 3D MR images is a challenging task due to image artifacts, large inter-patient prostate shape and texture variability, and lack of a clear prostate boundary specifically at apex and base levels. We propose a supervised machine learning model that combines atlas based Active Appearance Model (AAM) with a Deep Learning model to segment the prostate on MR images. The performance of the segmentation method is evaluated on 20 unseen MR image datasets. The proposed method combining AAM and Deep Learning achieves a mean Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of 0.925 for whole 3D MR images of the prostate using axial cross-sections. The proposed model utilizes the adaptive atlas-based AAM model and Deep Learning to achieve significant segmentation accuracy.
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting as a Recurrent Nucleus Pulposus Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Case: Of the many potential causes of nerve compression that lead to radiculopathy, vascular etiologies remain among the most infrequent, with an estimated prevalence of only five to ten per million cases of radiculopathy. In this case report, we outline the clinical presentation, imaging, intraoperative findings, and pathologic findings for a fifty-four-year old patient with an intradural, extramedullary form of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula at the L1-L2 level who presented only with axial back pain and radiculopathy. The radiologist and surgeon initially diagnosed the patient with a herniated nucleus pulposus. However, the intraoperative findings and angiogram were suggestive of an arteriovenous fistula. Methods to identify this rare entity are described for the orthopaedic spine community. Conclusion: The potential for a missed diagnosis is particularly important as many partial discectomy procedures are performed at small surgical centers with limited blood products available and no vascular surgeon on staff. For patients with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is suggestive of vascular malformations (T2 hyperintensity in the lower spinal cord and conus medullaris), we recommend that MR angiography be performed as a secondary diagnostic evaluation. MR angiography has a 95% positive predictive value for specifically diagnosing an arteriovenous fistula.
Ultrafast and band-selective Auger recombination in InGaN quantum wells

In InGaN quantum well based light-emitting diodes, Auger recombination is believed to limit the quantum efficiency at high injection currents. Here, we report the direct observation of carrier loss from Auger recombination on a sub-picosecond timescale in a single InGaN quantum well using time-resolved photoemission. Selective excitations of different valence sub-bands reveal that the Auger rate constant decreases by two orders of magnitude as the effective hole mass decreases, confirming the critical role of momentum conservation.
Love and Strife: Ultimate Motives in Burke's A Rhetoric of Motives

In A Rhetoric of Motives Kenneth Burke revises the traditional understanding of rhetoric as persuasion.He introduces the concept of identification to define persuasion dialectically by locating it in a formal opposition to identification. The ultimate motives that drive this dialectical tension are love and strife. As dialectical creatures, human are drawn toward each other and seek to distinguish themselves from one another. For a world threatened by its own misunderstanding of ambition and its unreflective acceptance of historical identities, Burke9s philosophy of rhetoric offers a way to understand what itmeans to be a dialectical being at a particular point of history, and it does so because it has the practical objective of making the world more just.
How Local Annular Force and Collagen Density Govern Mitral Annuloplasty Ring Dehiscence Risk

Background Annuloplasty ring dehiscence is a well described mode of mitral valve repair failure. Defining the mechanisms underlying dehiscence may facilitate its prevention. Methods Factors that govern suture dehiscence were examined with an ovine model. After undersized ring annuloplasty in live animals (n = 5), cyclic force (F C ) that acts on sutures during cardiac contraction was measured with custom transducers. F C was measured at ten suture positions, throughout cardiac cycles with peak left ventricular pressure (LVP max ) of 100, 125, and 150 mm Hg. Suture pullout testing was conducted on explanted mitral annuli (n = 12) to determine suture holding strength at each position. Finally, relative collagen density differences at suture sites around the annulus were assessed by two-photon excitation fluoroscopy. Results Anterior F C exceeded posterior F C at each LVP max (eg, 2.8 ± 1.3 N versus 1.8 ± 1.2 N at LVP max = 125 mm Hg, p p C at LVP max of 150 mm Hg, margin of safety before suture pullout was vastly higher between the trigones (exclusive) versus elsewhere (4.8 ± 0.9 N versus 1.9 ± 0.5 N, p R 2 = 0.947). Conclusions Despite lower cyclic loading on posterior sutures, the weaker posterior mitral annular tissue creates higher risk of dehiscence, apparently because of reduced collagen content. Sutures placed atop the trigones are less secure than predicted, because of a combination of reduced collagen and higher overall rigidity in this region. These findings highlight the inter-trigonal tissue as the superior anchor and have implications on the design and implantation techniques for next-generation mitral prostheses.
Study on application effect of "Project oriented teaching method" teaching mode in teaching medical nursing

Objective To explore the application effect of "Project oriented teaching method" teaching mode in teaching medical nursing. Methods Five hundred and thirty-eight students of nursing major from our school were analyzed. All students were divided into observation group (283 cases) who used project oriented teaching method, and control group (255 cases) who used routine teaching method. Two groups were discharged on degree of satisfaction of learning effect, perfect oneself in nursing process, ability of nursing practice and contrast on the ability of crisis event handling. Exam pass rates were contrasted between two groups. Results The differences of degree of satisfaction of learning effect (89.0% vs 63.1%), perfect oneself in nursing process (94.0% vs 87.5%), ability of nursing practice (96.5% vs 58.0%), contrast on the ability of crisis event handling (91.5% vs 25.9%) between two groups were statistically significant (P 0.005). There were 82.7% and 76.5%, 92.9% and 87.1% exam pass rate after 2 and 4 months of teaching in observation group and control group, respectively, there were significant difference between two groups ( P 0.05). Conclusion The application of project oriented teaching method in medical nursing can improve the effect of classroom teaching.
Electricity Information Acquisition Communication System Based on Power Private Wireless Network

Over the years,the electricity information acquisition lacks the effective communication means.This paper proposes a power wireless private network communication solution based on remote radio head(RRH),constructs the electricity information acquisition communication system.This system splits the traditional base station(BS) into base band unit(BBU) and remote radio unit(RRU) by RRH technology,designs the module blocks of BBU and RRU,and researches the network structure and characteristics of system,lastly summarizes the principles of installation location of BBU and RRU.With the advantages of band and network,the power wireless private network communication based on RRH technology will solve the problem of the last one mile and achieve the goal of special network coverage of the electricity information acquisition.
Central fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature

Concept: Fatigue is a major concern for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A clear definition of MS-related fatigue is a prerequisite for appropriate instruments for fatigue assessment. In turn, accurate assessment of fatigue in MS will enhance exploration of plausible mechanisms underlying this common and distressing symptom.Content/Objectives: To provide an integrative review of the current literature on theoretical models used to study fatigue in MS, instruments used to assess fatigue and other factors that impact fatigue during the various phases of MS.Methods: Data sources: PUBMED, OVID, Ovid Health Star, Ovid MEDINE, CINAHL, Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI), and PsycINFO. Seventeen articles fit the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.Results: Definitions of MS-related fatigue are reviewed. Several studies found a link with neurotransmitter dysfunction, circadian rhythm, and the timing of fatigue. Central fatigue in MS is associated with neurotransmitters disruptions as w...
Temporary thoracotomy wound closure following penetrating thoracic aorta injury

On rare occasions, thoracic injuries require resuscitative efforts including emergent thoracotomy that result in edematous changes to the lungs and heart. Hemodynamic compromise occurs when these organs are placed in their anatomic position and closure of the thoracotomy is attempted. Adaptation of a temporary abdominal closure to a thoracic injury is described.
Long-term morphologic and hemodynamic evaluation of the left ventricle after cardiopulmonary bypass. A comparison of normothermic anoxic arrest, coronary artery perfusion, and profound topical cardiac hypothermia.

In order to assess the long-term effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in combination with popular methods of myocardial protection, 37 dogs were placed on CPB for 100 minutes with the use of a bubble oxygenator without hemodilution. A separate group (I) of eight normal dogs served as a control for assessment of hemodynamic changes. The operative groups were as follows: II, continuous coronary perfusion with an empty, beating heart for 60 minutes at 35° C.; III, hypothermic anoxic arrest (aortic occlusion) for 60 minutes with topical cold saline lavage (4° C.); IV, anoxic arrest for 60 minutes at 35° C. Subgroups of Groups III and IV received intracoronary perfusion with Ringer's lactate or Sacks' solution during aortic occlusion and were compared with those animals receiving no perfusion. Survival in Groups II and III was significantly better than in Group IV (82 and 92 per cent vs. 45 per cent). Coronary perfusion with Ringer's lactate or Sacks' solution did not influence survival. The 23 survivors from all groups underwent left heart catheterization and LV cineangiography 5 months after operation. All three operative groups had significant elevation of LVEDP and depression of maximum developed dp/dt when compared with normal dogs. Ejection fraction was significantly depressed in Groups III and IV, and there was evidence of left ventricular hypokinesia and/or akinesia in all three operative groups. Differences in function between Groups II, III, and IV were not significant. The use of intracoronary solutions during anoxic arrest did not significantly influence these functional alterations. Evidence of subendocardial fibrosis was found in each of the operative groups, with the most marked changes found in the normothermic arrest group. Moderate fibrosis was present, however, in some survivors in both the continuous coronary perfusion and topical hypothermic arrest groups. These data indicate that although survival is greatly enhanced when coronary artery perfusion or topical hypothermia is used, neither method prevents chronic deterioration in ventricular function nor the development of subendocardial fibrosis.
6 – Atmospheric CO2 Enrichment and Enhanced Solar Ultraviolet-B Radiation: Gene to Ecosystem Responses

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physiological and ecological aspects of combined effects of elevated CO2 and ultraviolet-B radiation. Elevated atmospheric CO2 and enhanced solar UV-B are components of global climatic change. Although increasing atmospheric CO2 and stratospheric ozone depletion are the results of anthropogenic emissions, the simultaneous occurrence of these global-change problems is coincidence. Atmospheric CO2 and UV-B may interact at various levels. First, there may be some direct effects of enhanced solar UV-B on photosynthesis and plant primary production, which might interact with the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on photosynthesis. Second, by influencing plant secondary chemistry (the formation of a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as lignin, cellulose, and various phenolic compounds), enhanced solar UV-B may indirectly affect many processes in ecosystems. Among these processes are the decomposition of plant litter and various plant–microorganism and plant–animal interactions. In this way, elevated solar UV-B may (indirectly) affect the net release of atmospheric CO2, carbon storage, and other features of ecosystems. Atmospheric CO2 is an essential resource to plants, and many effects of enhanced CO2 are regarded beneficial, although long-term effects may differ from short-term CO2 enrichment effects.
Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitors: A New Class of Antithrombotic Agents

Abstract 369 Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a prototypical member of a large family of oxidoreductases that catalyze posttranslational disulfide exchange necessary for proper protein folding. Despite having an ER retention sequence, PDI has been identified at cellular locations outside the ER. PDI is secreted from platelets and endothelial cells upon agonist stimulation or vascular injury. Secreted PDI is essential for platelet thrombus formation and fibrin generation in vivo. Inhibition of PDI with a non specific thiol inhibitor bacitracin A or a specific inhibitory anti-PDI antibody RL90 leads to decreased thrombus formation and fibrin generation in vivo in the laser injury model of thrombosis in mice (Cho J. et al, 2008, J. Clin. Invest. 118:1123; Jasuja R. et al, 2010 Blood116:4665). We screened a 5000 compound library of known bioactive compounds using an insulin reduction assay with turbidimetric end point to identify potent and selective small molecule inhibitors of PDI. The screen identified 18 inhibitory compounds representative of 13 separate chemical scaffolds, including 3 flavonols. Rutin, a glycoside of the flavonol quercetin, was the most effective inhibitor and inhibited PDI reductase activity with an IC50 of 6.1 μM. Inhibition of PDI by rutin was confirmed in an additional fluorescence-based reductase assay using oxidized glutathione coupled to di-eosin (Di-E-GSSG). Rutin specifically inhibited PDI activity and did not affect reductase activity of other thiol isomerases ERp57, ERp72, ERp5, thioredoxin or thioredoxin reductase. PDI inhibition by rutin was fully and rapidly reversible, indicating that rutin does not covalently bind PDI. Evaluation of rutin binding to immobilized PDI using surface plasmon resonance indicated a KD of 2.8 μM. Quercetin-3-glucuronide, an abundant metabolite of rutin found in plasma, demonstrated an IC50 of 5.9 μM (3.5–10.1 μM, 95% confidence interval). Isoquercetin, hyperoside, and datiscin, other flavonols with a 3-O-glycosidic linkage also inhibited PDI reductase activity. Metabolites of rutin that lack a 3-O-glycoside such as tamarixetin, isorhamnetin, diosmetin, or quercetin did not inhibit PDI reductase activity, whether or not they are hydroxylated or methoxylated at the 39 and 49 positions on ring B of the flavonol backbone. Activation of washed human platelets induced by 50 μM AYPGKF, a PAR4 agonist, was reversibly inhibited by rutin in a dose-dependent manner. Rutin effectively blocked fibrin generation from laser activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells bathed in plasma with an IC50of approximately 5 μM and 95 % reduction in fibrin formation at 10 μM rutin (P Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A New 5-Phase Equation of State for Carbon

We describe the development of SESAME 7835, a new tabular equation of state (EOS) for carbon containing the diamond, bc8, simple cubic, simple hexagonal, and liquid/plasma phases. We compare the EOS against a wide variety of experimental data and simulation results, including static compression, dynamic compression, specific heat, and thermal expansion. To the extent that the reference data agree amongst themselves, the results are satisfactory in all cases.
Buried Charge at the TiO2/SrTiO3 (111) Interface and Its Effect on Photochemical Reactivity.

High-temperature annealing in air is used to produce SrTiO3 (111) surfaces with two types of atomically flat terraces: those that promote photoanodic reactions and those that promote photocathodic reactions. Surface potential measurements show that the photocathodic terraces have a relatively more positive surface potential than the photoanodic terraces. After depositing thin TiO2 films on the surface, from 1 to 13 nm thick, the surface of the film above the photocathodic terraces also has photocathodic properties, similar to those of the bare surface. While a more positive surface potential can be detected on the surface of the thinnest TiO2 films (1 nm thick), it is undetectable for thicker films. The persistence of the localized photocathodic properties on the film surface, even in the absence of a measurable difference in local potential, indicates that the charge associated with specific terraces on the bare SrTiO3 (111) surface remains localized at the TiO2/SrTiO3 interface and that the buried charg...
Testing the Ret and Sema3d genetic interaction in mouse enteric nervous system development

For most multigenic disorders, clinical manifestation (penetrance) and presentation (expressivity) are likely to be an outcome of genetic interaction between multiple susceptibility genes. Here, using gene knockouts in mice, we evaluated genetic interaction between loss of Ret and loss of Sema3d, two Hirschsprung disease susceptibility genes. We intercrossed Ret and Sema3d double null heterozygotes to generate mice with the nine possible genotypes and assessed survival by counting various genotypes, myenteric plexus presence by acetylcholinesterase staining and embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) intestine transcriptome by RNA-sequencing. Survival rates of Ret wild-type, null heterozygote and null homozygote mice at E12.5, birth and weaning were not influenced by the genotypes at Sema3d locus and vice versa. Loss of myenteric plexus was observed only in all Ret null homozygotes, irrespective of the genotypes at Sema3d locus, and Sema3d null heterozygote and homozygote mice had normal intestinal innervation. As compared with wild-type mice intestinal gene expression, loss of Ret in null homozygotes led to differential expression of ∼300 genes, whereas loss of Sema3d in null homozygotes had no major consequence and there was no evidence supporting major interaction between the two genes influencing intestine transcriptome. Overall, given the null alleles and phenotypic assays used, we did not find evidence for genetic interaction between Ret and Sema3d affecting survival, presence of myenteric plexus or intestine transcriptome.
Understanding magnetic focusing in graphene p − n junctions through quantum modeling

We present a quantum model which provides enhanced understanding of recent transverse magnetic focusing experiments on graphene $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}n$ junctions. Spatially resolved flow maps of local particle current density show quantum interference and $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}n$ junction filtering effects, which are crucial to explaining the device operation. The Landauer-B\"uttiker formula is used alongside dephasing edge contacts to give exceptional agreement between simulated nonlocal resistance and the recent experiment by Chen et al. [Science 353, 1522 (2016)]. The origin of positive and negative focusing resonances and off-resonance characteristics are explained in terms of quantum transmission functions. Our model also captures subtle features from experiment, such as the $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}{p}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ to $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}{p}^{+}$ transition and the second $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}n$ focusing resonance.
Directional Statistics on Permutations

Distributions over permutations arise in applications ranging from multi-object tracking to ranking. The difficulty in dealing with these distributions is caused by the size of their domain, which is factorial in the number of entities (n!). The direct definition of a multinomial distribution over the permutation space is impractical for all but a very small n. In this work we propose an embedding of all n! permutations for a given n in a surface of a hypersphere defined in R(n−1) 2 . As a result, we acquire the ability to define continuous distributions over a hypersphere with all the benefits of directional statistics. We provide polynomial time projections between the continuous hypersphere representation and the n!-element permutation space. The framework provides a way to use continuous directional probability densities and the methods developed thereof for establishing densities over permutations. As a demonstration of the benefits of the framework we derive an inference procedure for a state-space model over permutations. We demonstrate the approach with applications and comparisons to existing models.
Oncostatin M: Potential Implications for Malignancy and Metabolism.

Background The gp130 cytokine, oncostatin M (OSM), serves several physiological and pathological functions. At the molecular level, OSM can directly or indirectly participate in tumorigenesis and insulin resistance development. Although OSM was initially found to be anti-proliferative in tumors, numerous tumorigenic roles for OSM have been reported in a variety of cancers. In metabolic diseases, OSM signaling may be required for homeostasis in both the liver and the adipose tissue, since abrogation of OSM signaling causes obesity, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. This review aims to: 1) examine the current literature regarding the role of OSM in the development of cancers and insulin resistance; and 2) propose a possible link between cancerassociated OSM and the development of the insulin resistance observed with cancer cachexia. Conclusion In light of the potential links between cancer-associated OSM and cachexia-related insulin resistance, additional research is needed, especially given the possible link between these disease states. When considering OSM as a pharmaceutical target, its tumorigenic effects and role in tissue homeostasis must be carefully considered.
Cardiac sodium channel antagonism - Translation of preclinical in vitro assays to clinical QRS prolongation.

Abstract Introduction Cardiac sodium channel antagonists have historically been used to treat cardiac arrhythmias by preventing the reentry of the electrical impulse that could occur following myocardial damage. However, clinical studies have highlighted a significant increase in mortality associated with such treatment. Cardiac sodium channel antagonist activity is now seen as an off-target pharmacology that should be mitigated during the drug development process. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between in vitro/ex vivo assays that are routinely used to measure Nav1.5 activity and determine the translatability of the individual assays to QRS prolongation in the clinic. Methods A set of clinical compounds with known Nav1.5 activity was profiled in several in vitro/ex vivo assays (binding, membrane potential, patch clamp and the Langendorff isolated heart). Clinical data comprising compound exposure levels and changes in QRS interval were obtained from the literature. Sensitivity/specificity analysis was performed with respect to the clinical outcome. Results The in vitro assays showed utility in predicting QRS prolongation in the clinic. Optimal thresholds were defined for each assay (binding: IC20; membrane potential: IC10; patch clamp: IC20) and sensitivity (69–88%) and specificity (53–84%) values were shown to be similar between assay formats. Discussion The data provide clear statistical insight into the translatability of Nav1.5 antagonism data generated in vitro to potential clinical outcomes. These results improve our ability to understand the liability posed by such activity in novel development compounds at an early stage.
Physiological Responses to Overdressing and Exercise-Heat Stress in Trained Runners

ABSTRACTHeat acclimation is the best strategy to improve performance in a hot environment. Many athletes seeking the benefits of heat acclimation lack access to a hot environment for exercise and, thus, rely on overdressing to simulate environmental heat stress. It is currently unknown whether this
Damage Detection In Offshore Jacket Structures From Limited Modal Information

An algorithm to locate and size damage in jacket-type offshore structures for which only post-damage modal parameters are available for few modes of vibration is presented. A theory of damage localization and severity estimation (which yields information on the location and severity of damage directly from changes in mode shapes) is formulated. Next, a method to identify baseline modal parameters (i.e., frequencies, damping, and mode shapes of the undamaged state) of the structures is formulated. Finally, the feasibility of the damage detection algorithm is demonstrated by using a numerical example of an offshore jacket platform with limited modal information.
Membranes and Energy Transduction in Bacteria

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanisms by which bacterial membranes generate useful energy and perform the work of chemical synthesis, transport, and movement. Bacteria do generate a proton-motive force by the vectorial and electrogenic translocation of protons. This force can support the physiological functions normally energized by metabolism. Membrane vesicles conserve energy for phosphorylation and for performing physiologically useful work. Bacteria employ two different classes of reactions to make energy available. One class consists of macroscopically scalar reactions that generate ATP and other energy-rich compounds by substrate-level phosphorylation. The second class consists of pathways that translocate protons vectorially across a membrane to generate a proton circulation. All bacteria possess the proton-translocating ATPase that links cytoplasmic ATP to the proton circulation. The synthesis of ATP during oxidative and photosynthetic phosphorylation is apparently accompanied by substantial changes in the configuration of the ATPase
Some 20th century fish discoveries

Of the approximately 1.5 million species described to date, about 48 170 (3.2%) are vertebrates. Of these 24 618 (51%) are fishes. Amazingly, 41% of fishes are found in fresh water which makes up a negligible percentage of the water on earth. The sea accounts for 97% of all water on the planet and contains 58% of the fish species, mostly from shallow, warm-coastal areas. The families Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, Characidae, Loricariidae, and Cyprinodontidae constitute about half of all the recently described new freshwater fish species named in the period 1978–1993. The Gobiidae and Serranidae are the marine families with the largest number of recently described new species. The most new freshwater teleost names came from South America (39%), Africa (32%) and Asia (17%). New fish species continue to be described at the rate of roughly 130–160 each year. An estimated 13 775 new fish names have been proposed in this century, representing about 56% of all currently known fish species. Three species are discussed in detail to represent remarkable examples of 20th century fish discoveries: the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae, the salamanderfish Lepidogalaxias salamandroides of Western Australia, and the megamouth shark Megachasma pelagios.
Family support and media considerations with conjoined twins

Conjoined twins offer unique challenges for the family and medical care team including psychosocial stressors, religious dilemmas and public relation considerations. The involvement of social workers, child life specialists, chaplains and public relation experts is an important component in the care of conjoined twins. In this paper, we discuss the issues that could be encountered when supporting families with conjoined twins and strategies to address them.
First-principles study of vibrational entropy effects on the PbTe-SrTe phase diagram

We present first-principles calculations of the solid-state phase diagram of PbTe-SrTe that include both configurational and vibrational contributions to the free energy. These configurational and vibrational free energies were calculated using the cluster expansion (CE) approach and quasiharmonic phonon calculations, respectively. The coupled configurational and vibrational degrees of freedom were taken into account by including temperature-dependent CE interactions with the $T=0\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ values and temperature dependence of the interactions determined from total energies and phonon free energies, both calculated using density functional theory. This Hamiltonian was then employed in Monte Carlo simulations to obtain a quantitative prediction of the PbTe-SrTe phase diagram. The phase diagram consists of a miscibility gap with a maximum temperature of \ensuremath{\sim}500 K, with the inclusion of the vibrational entropy resulting in a more than fourfold increase in the calculated solubility limits of SrTe in PbTe. Our results suggest that the equilibrium solubility of this system is likely much larger than previously thought and deserves further experimental investigation.
The poison in the cure: Neoliberalism and contemporary movements in mental health:

Neoliberalism reaches beyond economic policy and material conditions and reformulates the subject and psychological life and therefore is best understood as an attitude toward science, knowledge ma...
A Deep Learning-Based Decision Support Tool for Precision Risk Assessment of Breast Cancer.

PURPOSEThe Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon was developed to standardize mammographic reporting to assess cancer risk and facilitate the decision to biopsy. Because of sub...
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CERVIPRIME GEL WITH ORAL MISOPROSTOL IN INDUCTION OF LABOUR FOR POST DATISM AND PIH AND IUGR

BACKGROUND: Induction of labour implies the artificial initiation of uterine contraction after the period of viability by medical or surgical method for the purpose of vaginal delivery. It is an intervention that artificially initiates uterine contraction leading to progressive dilatation and effacement of cervix and expulsion of fetus prior to spontaneous onset of labour. It is indicated if the continuation of pregnancy is a risk either to the mother or fetus.Comparative study for the effect of oral misoprostol and cerviprime gel in induction of labour for post datism, PIH and oligohydromnios. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Prospective observational study of cerviprime gel and oral misoprostol solution was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, government KAPV medical college in 100 patients from jan 2017 to march 2017. The patients were distributed in two groups: GROUP-1:50 patients who underwent induction with oral misoprostol solution administered two hours apart. GROUP 2: 50 patients who underwent induction with dinoprostone intra cervical gel(cerviprime) Patients recruited in the study were primigravida at term with obstetrics or medical indication for labour induction. These pts were either booked attending antenatal clinic regularly (had atleast 3 antenatal visits) or emergency admission in labour room. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients who met with the inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to PGE1 (oral misoprostol) and PGE2 (dinoprostone gel) and the results were,the cases induced with PGE2 (DINOPROSTONE) as compared to PGE1(misoprostol) were associated with significantly shorter duration of initiation of labour after induction(table 1),shorter induction to delivery interval (table 2) and higher incidence of vaginal deliveries within first 24 hours (table 3). cerviprime gel is very much effective in achieving normal vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Less caesarean section rate (table 3 & 4) and lower uterine hyperstimulation syndrome with cerviprime gel. The most common indication for LSCS in misoprostol group was fetal distress and that in dinoprostone group was failed induction . CONCLUSION: In this prospective observational study,50 cases induced with PGE1 were compared with 50 others induced by PGE2 which served as control. The cases induced with PGE2 as compared to PGE1 tablets were associated with higher incidence of vaginal deliveries within the first 24 hrs of induction and significantly shorter induction to delivery interval.Thus in conclusion,PGE2 gel appears to be safer and more efficacious for induction of labour as compared to misoprostol oral tablets.
Human Herpes Simplex Virus-1 depletes APOBEC3A from nuclei.

APOBEC3 family of DNA-cytosine deaminases inactivate and mutate several human viruses. We constructed a human cell line that is inducible for EGFP-tagged APOBEC3A and found A3A predominantly in the nuclei. When these cells were infected with Herpes Simplex Virus-1, virus titer was unaffected by A3A expression despite nuclear virus replication. When A3A expression and virus infection were monitored, A3A was found predominantly to be nuclear in infected cells up to 3 h post-infection, but was predominantly cytoplasmic by 12 h. This effect did not require the whole virus, and could be reproduced using the UL39 gene of the virus which codes for a subunit of the viral ribonucleotide reductase. These results are similar to the reported exclusion of APOBEC3B by Epstein Barr virus ortholog of UL39, BORF2, but HSV1 UL39 gene product appears better at excluding A3A than A3B from nuclei.
A phage display approach to identify highly selective covalent binders

Abstract Molecules that bind macromolecular targets through direct covalent modification have found widespread applications as activity-based probes (ABPs) and as irreversible drugs. Covalent binders can be used to dynamically monitor the activity of enzymes in complex cellular environments, identify targets and induce permanent binding/inhibition of therapeutically important biomolecules. However, the general reactivity of the electrophiles needed for covalent bond formation makes control of selectivity difficult. There is currently no rapid, robust and unbiased screening method to identify new classes of covalent binding ligands from highly diverse pools of candidate molecules. Here we describe the development of a phage display method to screen for highly selective covalent binding ligands. This approach makes use of a reactive linker to form cyclic peptides on the phage surface while simultaneously introducing an electrophilic ‘warhead’ to covalently react with a nucleophile on the target. Using this approach, we identified cyclic peptides that selectively and irreversibly inhibited a cysteine protease with nanomolar potency, exceptional specificity and increased serum stability compared to a linear peptide containing the same electrophile. This approach should enable rapid, unbiased screening to identify new classes of highly selective covalent binding ligands for diverse molecular targets.
The Association between Insomnia and Anxiety Symptoms in a Naturalistic Anxiety Treatment Setting

Objective/Background: Few studies have examined the relationship between insomnia and anxiety treatment outcomes in naturalistic settings. Furthermore, prior studies typically examine insomnia with...
Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin for Treating Sialorrhea in Neuromuscular Conditions.

Background: Drooling related to bulbar weakness and dysfunction is a common concern in patients with neuromuscular disease. While there are numerous medications to manage sialorrhea, they are often limited by side effects and lack of efficacy. Botulinum toxin has shown to benefit ALS patients in a few studies, but there is scant data on the benefit in other neuromuscular conditions. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin in reducing sialorrhea in patients with various neuromuscular disease. Design/Methods: 25 patients (19M, 6F; 54.36 ± 17.09 yr) with documented neuromuscular illness and concern for drooling was followed for 6 weeks after Botulinum toxin injection. These patients had one of the following diagnoses: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (3), myotonic dystrophy (3), oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (1), inclusion body myositis (2), primary lateral sclerosis (1), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (9), spinal muscular atrophy type 2 and 3 (2), spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (2), and Becker’s muscular dystrophy (2). A subjective drooling scale (1: markedly worse, 5: markedly better) and drooling thickness score (0=normal, 100=thick) was calculated on these patients prior to the injection and 4 and 6 weeks after the injection. Botulinum toxin 20-30 units were injected into bilateral parotid gland (70% of the dose) and submandibular gland (30% of the dose). Results: The drooling thickness score at before the injection was 75.2 ± 10.46. At 4 and 6 weeks, average scores reduced to 47.2 ± 6.14 and 18.8 ± 5.26, respectively (p < 0.05). The average pre injection perception about drooling was 3.0 (p < 0.05). The average change in perception was +0.84 and +1.28 at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05) implying significant improvement. There were no reported adverse effects. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for the use of botulinum toxin for refractory sialorrhea for a variety of neuromuscular conditions. Keywords: Sialorrhea, drooling, botulinum toxin, muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuromuscular
Review of lateral epitaxial overgrowth of buried dielectric structures for electronics and photonics

Abstract Integration of embedded dielectric structures with crystalline III-V materials has generated significant interest, due to a host of important applications and material improvements that are central to high performance optoelectronic devices. The core challenge is the production of high-quality crystalline layers grown above embedded dielectric materials, requiring the growth processes of both lateral epitaxial overgrowth (LEO) and coalescence. In this review article, we provide a detailed and up-to-date description of the recent advances in both LEO and coalescence in III-V materials, from its extension to molecular beam epitaxial growth and high-quality coalescence in InP and GaAs to emerging applications that utilize encapsulated air voids to enhance optical devices. We also explore the epitaxial integration of other materials, particularly metals, with III-V semiconductors.
Determinants of social outreach of microfinance institutions

The paper analyzes the determinants of social outreach of microfinance institutions (MFIs), using three measures of outreach – depth of outreach, breadth of outreach, and outreach to women, and its...
Enhanced directional detection of gamma sources

Abstract Radiation measurement is an effective way to detect and locate nuclear threats. Moving the detector and monitoring the count rate during searches is a common way for finding the source. To minimize exposure and prevent operators from getting too close to the source, an alternative method for locating the source by occlusion is devised. This work explores the use of two NaI detectors and an absorber for estimating the direction of a radiation source. Measurements were carried out for the source located between 0° and 90° in 15° intervals. The ratios of total counts in the detector, counts in the full-energy peaks, and mean energy of the energy spectrum for the far-side detector to the near-side detector as a function of angle are studied for 57Co, 60Co, 137Cs, and 232Th sources. Comparisons are made for placing a piece of tungsten or stainless steel plate between the two detectors with no absorber. When a metal plate is sandwiched between two detectors, the counts in the energy spectra change more quickly between the two detectors with the source angle. Furthermore, the gamma attenuation for tungsten is higher than stainless steel. As a result, the occlusion by tungsten is more effective and useful for estimating the source direction. The 232Th data were also analyzed by dividing the energy spectrum into three windows to examine the ratio of counts in each window between the two detectors. It is found that the source direction of 137Cs and 60Co can be deduced by using the 232Th data as a reference. In order to reduce the size, weight, and power for man-portable and unmanned systems, it is feasible to use only two detectors and a metal plate inserted in-between to quickly obtain the direction of a radiation source.
P84 Clinical features and outcome of hepatopulmonary syndrome in children with chronic liver disease – single-centre experience at a paediatric liver unit in Singapore

Objective Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a life-threatening complication of chronic liver disease. This study aims to examine the clinical profiles and treatment outcomes of HPS in paediatric patients at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Method A retrospective study of patients aged 0–18 years diagnosed with HPS from 1987 to 2019 was conducted. HPS was diagnosed based on evidence of arterial deoxygenation, intrapulmonary vascular dilatations/shunting, on background of chronic liver disease and/or portal hypertension. Results Five patients were included with median age of 11 years (range 3–17) and median follow-up duration of 2 years (range 4 month-20 years). Underlying aetiologies included biliary atresia (n=3), autoimmune hepatitis (n=1) and glycogen storage disease type 3 (n=1). Digital clubbing was consistent in all cases, but only 1 patient experienced dyspnoea. Median oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry was 94.5% (range 91–97). All 5 patients demonstrated intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) on contrast echocardiography (n=3) and/or lung perfusion study (n=3). Other complications of portal hypertension included variceal haemorrhage (n=3) and ascites (n=2). Median bilirubin, albumin and prothrombin values were 59 umol/L (range 33–629), 32 g/L (range 27–33) and 16.1 seconds (range 13.2–48.2). Three patients showed improvement in oxygenation with optimisation of liver disease and nutrition while awaiting transplant. Three patients underwent successful liver transplantation at median interval of 23 months (range 1–94) from HPS diagnosis. Conclusion Clinical onset of HPS in children can be subtle and correlates poorly with liver biochemistry and severity of portal hypertension. Early assessment for IPS and use of pulse oximetry may detect earlier and milder stages of HPS which may be reversible.