cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Norms and stigma regarding pregnancy decisions during an unintended pregnancy: Development and predictors of scales among young women in the U.S. South.

Background Norms and stigma regarding pregnancy decisions (parenting, adoption, and abortion) are salient to maternal well-being, particularly for groups disproportionately affected by unintended pregnancy. However, there are few validated measures of individual-level perceptions of norms and stigma around pregnancy decisions. Additionally, little is known about variation in the content of norms regarding pregnancy decisions, and in stigma related to violations of these norms, across socio-demographic groups. Methods To create measures of perceived norms and stigma around pregnancy decisions, we developed and pre-tested 97 survey items using a mixed methods approach. The resulting survey was administered to 642 young adult women recruited from health department clinics and a public university campus in Birmingham, Alabama. Principal components factor analyses, reliability analyses, independent t-tests, and correlation analyses were conducted to establish the reliability and validity of scales. Additionally, multiple linear regression was used to identify demographic predictors of higher scale scores. Results Factor analyses revealed four subscales for each pregnancy decision: conditional acceptability, anticipated reactions, stereotypes/misperceptions, and attitudes. The total scales and their subscales demonstrated good internal reliability (alpha coefficients 0.72–0.94). The mean scores for each scale were significantly associated with each other, with related measures, and differed by sociodemographic characteristics. Specifically, in adjusted analyses, women in the university setting and White women expressed more negative attitudes and stigma around parenting. Minority women endorsed more negative norms and stigma around adoption. Finally, women from the health department, White women, and religious women expressed more negative norms and stigma around abortion. Conclusion Findings suggest that our multidimensional measures have good psychometric properties in our sample of young women in the U.S. South, and highlight the importance of conceptualizing and measuring norms and stigmas around all pregnancy decisions. These scales may be of use in research on pregnancy decision-making and evaluation of stigma-reduction interventions.
Mortality risk prediction in scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease: the SADL model

Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with scleroderma (Scl). Risk prediction and prognostication in patients with Scl-ILD are challenging because of heterogeneity in the disease course. Methods We aimed to develop a clinical mortality risk prediction model for Scl-ILD. Patients with Scl-ILD were identified from two ongoing longitudinal cohorts: 135 patients at the University of California, San Francisco (derivation cohort) and 90 patients at the Mayo Clinic (validation cohort). Using these two separate cohorts, a mortality risk prediction model was developed and validated by testing every potential candidate Cox model, each including three or four variables of a possible 19 clinical predictors, for time to death. Model discrimination was assessed using the C-index. Results Three variables were included in the final risk prediction model (SADL): ever smoking history, age, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (% predicted). This continuous model had similar performance in the derivation (C-index, 0.88) and validation (C-index, 0.84) cohorts. We created a point scoring system using the combined cohort (C-index, 0.82) and used it to identify a classification with low, moderate, and high mortality risk at 3 years. Conclusions The SADL model uses simple, readily accessible clinical variables to predict all-cause mortality in Scl-ILD.
Interactions of Phosphate Metabolism With Serious Injury, Including Burns

Approximately 85% of the body's phosphate pool resides within the skeleton. The remaining 15% is stored as high-energy phosphates or in its free form, where it acts as a substrate for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Accordingly, phosphate plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. Trauma and critical illness result in a hypermetabolic state in which energy expenditure increases. The impact of trauma and critical illness on the body's phosphate stores and phosphate-dependent metabolic reactions is poorly understood. We had previously observed that after severe burn trauma, increased energy expenditure is temporally related to a marked reduction in serum concentrations of both parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor 23, both of which have phosphaturic effects. The aim of this article is to describe as far as is known the similarities and differences in phosphate metabolism in different types of injury and to infer what these differences tell us about possible signaling pathways that may link increased phosphate utilization and phosphate retention. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Technology Enabling Interplanetary Trajectories for Nanospacecraft

Following their success in low Earth orbit, nanospacecraft weighing less than 25 kg may soon contribute to the exploration of the Solar System. This paper outlines the necessary technologies that e...
Oberflächenanalyse mit Elektronenstrahlen

Generell unterscheidet sich die Zusammensetzung der Oberflache eines Festkorpers — oft signifikant — vom Inneren oder Materieblock des Materials. Bislang haben wir uns in diesem Text auf analytische Methoden konzentriert, die Informationen uber die Zusammensetzung des Festkorperblocks liefern. In manchen Bereichen der Natur- und Ingenieurwissenschaften spielt jedoch die Zusammensetzung der Oberflachenschicht eines Festkorpers, die wenige Angstrom bis wenige Zehntel Angstrom messen kann, eine bedeutend grosere Rolle als die Zusammensetzung des Materialinneren. Gebiete, in denen die Eigenschaften von Oberflachen von groster Bedeutung sind, umfassen z.B. die heterogene Katalyse, die Halbleiter-Dunnfilm-Technologie, Korrosions- und Adhasionsstudien, die Aktivitat von Metalloberflachen, Versprodungseigenschaften, sowie Studien uber das Verhalten und die Funktionen biologischer Membranen. Elektronenstrahlen sind optimal fur derartige Studien geeignet, weil Elektronen meist nur in die allerausersten Schichten eines Festkorpers eindringen bzw. nur diese wieder verlassen konnen. Ein Elektronenstrahl von 1 keV durchdringt z.B. typischerweise nur die auseren 25 A eines Festkorpers; dagegen kann ein 1 keV-Photon bis in eine Tiefe von 1 um oder weiter eindringen.
A Vietoris–Begle theorem for connective Steenrod homology theories and cell-like maps between metric compacta

Abstract We prove that a cell-like map f : X → Y between metric compacta induces isomorphisms f ⁎ : h ¯ ⁎ s t ( X ) → h ¯ ⁎ s t ( Y ) for any connective homology theory h .
Side Effects in Cancer Therapy: Are Sphingolipids to Blame?

Abstract Cancer patients' quality of life is greatly dependent on the efficacy of treatments and their associated side effects, which can significantly reduce the overall quality of life. Although the effectiveness of cancer treatments has improved over time, adverse effects persist with each treatment. Some side effects, such as paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, can be dose limiting, thus further reducing the potential of paclitaxel chemotherapy treatment. Premature ovarian failure in young female patients due to radiation and chemotherapy therapy can have devastating infertility consequences. In recent years, a class of lipids known as sphingolipids has been identified as playing a role in the side effects of cancer therapies. Advanced analytical technologies, such as mass spectrometry, have provided great aid in detecting and distinguishing individual sphingolipids at low concentrations. Sphingolipids play an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis and, importantly, sphingolipid metabolism has been shown to be dysregulated in cancer. The goal of this review is to summarize the latest findings of the role of sphingolipids in the injurious side effects in various cancer treatments. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving these sphingolipid-induced side effects can help develop new drugs and treatments for cancer that have fewer side effects, thus improving treatment efficacy and quality of life.
Investigating students’ perceptions of instructional strategies to establish social presence

Social presence is a popular construct used to describe how people socially interact in online courses. Online educators continue to try different ways to establish and maintain social presence in ...
Raman Scattering in α-Sn1_xGex Alloys

The Si-Ge system provides a prototypical example of a substitutional semiconductor alloy. Because of its potential technological applications, it has been intensively studied during the past thirty years. In particular, light scattering techniques have been used to investigate the compositional dependence of phonon modes. Most of this work has concentrated on the three main Raman active optical vibrations, assigned to “Si-Si”, “Si-Ge”, and “Ge-Ge” modes.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 In spite of this effort, however, the compositional dependence of Raman modes is not well understood. A powerful experimental approach to this problem would be the comparison of Raman spectra for different isovalent alloys such as Si1-xCx, Ge1-xSi, and α-Sn1-xGex. Unfortunately, only α-Sn1-xSix shows solid solubility for the entire compositional range 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Non-equilibrium growth techniques such as Molecular Beam Epitaxy, however, open up a new alternative for the fabrication of these alloys. Recently, the successful MBE growth of α-Sn1-xGex has been reported.9 In this paper, we summarize recent Raman results on this system and discuss the implications of the results for the understanding of phonons in IV-IV alloys.
Intraoperative and Postoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease

The early experience with epicardial imaging in patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) provided strong evidence to the idea that intraoperative echocardiography could guide specific surgical and anesthetic adjustments during this critical period. Since the introduction of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to the intraoperative setting in the late 1980s, numerous publications have documented the utility of this imaging modality in the care of patients with CHD. Technologic advances over the years that have included miniaturization of probes and multiplane imaging now allows for comprehensive assessment of structural abnormalities, evaluation of hemodynamics, and very importantly, appraisal of the surgical results in nearly all patients with CHD. The recognition of residual pathology of hemodynamic significance during congenital surgery and the ability of TEE to guide the surgical revision as necessary, represent major contributions to perioperative care. Additional important benefits of this technology in the perioperative period include its role as a monitoring adjunct to facilitate hemodynamic and pharmacologic management and to influence treatment strategies. TEE also provides a framework to assist in the formulation of management plans in the immediate postoperative period and the further characterization of postoperative unexpected/unusual findings or problems.
Resource Theory and Restoration: What is Restored in Restorative Justice?

Both restorative justice and resource theory focus attention on harmful interactions whose resolution sometimes requires the involvement of a third party. Ronald Cohen, in this chapter, reviews recent work in both traditions and underscores the importance of identifying and examining three issues that have escaped systematic attention. First, the nature of the central roles of victim, perpetrator, and “community” need to be clarified. Second, the complexities involved in shifting from a dyadic to a triadic social relation need to be addressed. And, third, the discursive dimension of status alignments and realignments needs to be analyzed. Cohen offers suggestions about why these issues are important and how they might be addressed.
Pathophysiology of Head and Facial Pain

A variety of insults and mechanisms cause head and facial pain. Nociceptive pathways carrying the unpleasant physical and emotional perception of pain excite based on actual or impending tissue damage. Facial pain in particular possesses a large differential diagnosis that can be narrowed with historical facts pertinent to the patient. An understanding of the pathophysiology of facial pain will help the practitioner to the correct diagnosis and treatment for the patient. Causes of facial pain include acute insult, neurogenic, inflammatory, post-traumatic, and idiopathic.
Microfabricated ISM Band Inductors using MCM-D Technology over Alumina Substrates

Current trend on electronics seek devices with more functionalities integrated on a smaller footprint. Multi-chip module technology based on thin films deposition (MCM-D) is one enabling technology that can achieve such demand. In this paper authors present a technological sequence to fabricate inductors onto an MCM-D device that can be integrated with other passive components aiming for higher integration compared to PCB technologies and RFID and/or IoT devices. We found Q values for unlicensed ISM (industrial, scientific and medical applications) bands of the fabricated devices present specs similar to commercially available components.
The rise of Clostridioides difficile infections and fall of associated mortality in hospitalized advanced cirrhotics.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Cirrhotics are at increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and its associated high morbidity and mortality. However, the impact of CDI in cirrhotics over time remains unclear. This study analyses prevalence and mortality in CDI in hospitalized patients with advanced cirrhosis over 15 years and identifies trends. METHODS Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2014, 3 049 696 weighted patients with advanced cirrhosis (defined as evidence of decompensation or oesophageal varices) were identified using a validated algorithm of ICD-9-CM codes and included in the study. Trends were analysed using Cochran Armitage test and joinpoint regression and compared to the general population. Multivariable logistic regression was performed controlling for risk factors that affect mortality in cirrhotics. RESULTS CDI prevalence in advanced cirrhotics increased from 0.8% to 2.6%, annual percent change (APC) 8.8% (compared to 7.6% for the general population), while CDI-related mortality decreased from 20.7% to 11.3%, APC -3.4% (compared to -2.0% for the general population), from 1998 to 2014. CDI independently increased mortality in advanced cirrhotics (OR 1.47, P < 0.001) and was associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR 2.09, P < 0.001), which itself significantly increased mortality (OR 4.54, P < 0.001). Hepatic encephalopathy and Hispanic ethnicity were interestingly associated with a lower prevalence of CDI. CONCLUSIONS CDI is increasingly common in advanced cirrhotics, but on the contrary, its associated mortality is decreasing. Despite improvements in outcomes in patients with advanced cirrhosis, CDI is associated with an increased mortality, driven by AKI, and therefore, requires aggressive identification and therapy.
THE DEFINITION OF A GAME AND THE MIN-MAX THEOREM

This chapter discusses the mathematical theory of games of strategy, which deals with situations involving two or more participants with conflicting interests. The outcome of such games is usually controlled partly by one side and partly by the opposing side or sides; it depends to some extent on chance but primarily on the intelligence and skill employed by the participants. Aside from games proper, such as poker and chess, there are many conflicting situations to which the theory of games can be applied, notably in certain areas of operations research, economics, politics, and military science. A fundamental concept in game theory is that of strategy. A strategy for player I is a complete enumeration of all actions that player I will take for every contingency that might arise, whether the contingency be one of chance or one created by a move of the opposing player.
Energy Access in Community Microgrids based on Decentralized Real-time Pricing

Non-dispatchable sources like PV and their increased adoption in emerging markets have made it extremely challenging to stabilize these systems. Enormous variations in the supply-demand ratio on a daily basis, point to the need for real-time market structures. Today's pricing mechanisms such as Locational Marginal Prices (LMPs) and Distribution Locational Marginal Prices (DLMPs) are highly dependent on real-time knowledge of system topology, grid states and high-speed communication infrastructure. These mechanisms are not yet widely adopted and are extremely prone to failure in the event of damage to the communication infrastructure or inaccurate system models. A novel decentralized pricing architecture is presented here which relies on frequency- a ubiquitous signal, to establish real-time prices. This ensures that the real-time price can be observed at every node without any communication infrastructure, making it extremely resilient. The approach also succeeds in generating common rules for control and operation of inverter-based as well as conventional sources. The approach integrates the transactive and operational aspects of the grid and leverages supply-demand flexibility, while ensuring the lowest cost of operation.
Atmospheric Mining in the Outer Solar System: Outer Planet Resource Processing, Moon Base Propulsion,and Vehicle Design Issues

Atmospheric mining in the outer solar system has been investigated as a means of fuel production for high energy propulsion and power. Fusion fuels such as Helium 3 (3He) and deuterium can be wrested from the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune and either returned to Earth or used in-situ for energy production. Helium 3 and deuterium were the primary gases of interest with hydrogen being the primary propellant for nuclear thermal solid core and gas core rocket-based atmospheric flight. A series of analyses were undertaken to investigate resource capturing aspects of atmospheric mining in the outer solar system. This included the gas capturing rate, storage options, and different methods of direct use of the captured gases. While capturing 3He, large amounts of hydrogen and 4He are produced. Analyses of orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), landers, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) mining factories are included. Preliminary observations are presented on near-optimal selections of moon base orbital locations, OTV power levels, and OTV and lander rendezvous points. Based on earlier propulsion investigations, the analyses of round trip OTV flights from Uranus and Neptune to their major moons with a 10- Megawatt electric (MWe) OTV power level and a 200 metric ton (MT) lander payload were selected. The OTV power level was based on delivering a relatively short OTV trip time and minimization of the number of lander flights. Moon base sites at Uranus and Neptune and the OTV requirements to support them will also be addressed. These analyses will include all of the major moons of Uranus and Neptune. In addition, the total masses and mass delivery schedules needed for atmospheric mining are presented.
On Network Topology Inference of Social Networks

This paper studies topology inference, from agent states, of a directed cyber-social network with opinion spreading dynamics model that explicitly takes confirmation bias into account. The cyber-social network comprises a set of partially connected directed network of agents at the social level, and a set of information sources at the cyber layer. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of exact inference solution are characterized. A method for exact inference, when it is possible, of entire network topology as well as confirmation bias model parameters is proposed for the case where the bias mentioned earlier follows a piece-wise linear model. The particular case of no confirmation bias is analyzed in detail. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
[Surveillance of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018].

OBJECTIVE To understand the epidemic trend of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, so as to provide evidence for formulating targeted control measures. METHODS The permanent residents at ages of 3 years and greater and the immigrants who had lived in Zhenjiang City for more than one year were selected as the study subjects. Fecal samples were collected, and the soil-transmitted nematode eggs were detected in fecal samples with the modified Kato-Katz technique (three smears from one stool sample), while the children at ages of 12 years and lower were tested for Enterobius vermicularis eggs using the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method. The prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections were estimated in Zhenjiang City each year from 2006 to 2018, and the data pertaining to the deworming for soil-transmitted nematode infections were collected during the study period. RESULTS A total of 202 880 person-times were subjected to stool examinations in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, and 946 persons were detected with soil-transmitted nematode infections, with a mean prevalence of 0.47%. The overall prevalence of human soil-transmitted nematode infections appeared a decline tendency (P < 0.01), with a reduction from 1.10% in 2006 to 0.11% in 2018, and there was a region-specific overall prevalence (P < 0.01), with the highest prevalence seen in Runzhou District (1.65%) and the lowest detected in New District (0.04%). The mean prevalence of human Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections was 0.33%, 0.09% and 0.04% in Zhenjiang City, respectively, and showed a decline tendency year by year from 2006 to 2018 (P < 0.01). Among all infections, mild infections were predominant. During the period from 2006 through 2018, a total of 45 427 children were examined in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, and 145 children were positive for E. vermicularis infections, with a mean prevalence of 0.32%. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections decreased from 1.33% in 2006 to 0.22% in 2018 in children, and the overall prevalence appeared a decline tendency (P < 0.01). A single parasite infection was predominant in soil-transmitted nematode infections (97.46%), and mixed infection of two parasites were mainly detected before 2007. A total of 535 089 person-times received deworming in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, and the rate of adverse events was 0.002%. CONCLUSIONS Currently, the soil-transmitted nematode infection is at a low level in Zhenjiang City, and the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections shows a decline tendency year by year. The surveillance and health education of soil-transmitted nematodiasis should be further intensified to consolidate the control achievements.
The Causal Impact of Market Fragmentation on Liquidity

We use the staggered implementation of regulation NMS and an instrumental variables analysis to establish the causal impact of market fragmentation. Theoretically, more exchange competition should lead to reduced transaction costs, however it may also lead to negative network externalities which reduce market quality. We document evidence of both effects, however our results show that fragmentation has a differential impact on large and small stocks. For large stocks, the former effect dominates and market quality, as measured by bid-ask spreads and price efficiency, is generally better. For small stocks, we find that negative network externalities dominate and liquidity and price efficiency are worse. Moreover, we find that higher fragmentation is associated with more uncertainty in liquidity which leads to changes in trading behavior. Overall, our results help reconcile conflicting findings in the literature and shed new light on the forces relating market fragmentation, trading behavior, and asset prices.
A shape theorem and a variational formula for the quenched Lyapunov exponent of random walk in a random potential

We prove a shape theorem and derive a variational formula for the limiting quenched Lyapunov exponent and the Green's function of random walk in a random potential on a square lattice of arbitrary dimension and with an arbitrary finite set of steps. The potential is a function of a stationary environment and the step of the walk. This potential is subject to a moment assumption whose strictness is tied to the mixing of the environment. Our setting includes directed and undirected polymers, random walk in static and dynamic random environment, and, when the temperature is taken to zero, our results also give a shape theorem and a variational formula for the time constant of both site and edge directed last-passage percolation and standard first-passage percolation.
Population Genetic Structure of Claviceps purpurea in Cool-Season Grass Seed Crops of Oregon.

Ergot, caused by Claviceps purpurea, is a primary disease concern in irrigated cool-season grass seed production systems of Oregon. In order to better understand the genetic diversity, population s...
Nutrients beyond calcium and vitamin D to treat osteoporosis

Abstract More than half of US adults report taking a dietary supplement in the past month with higher rates seen in individuals with chronic disease. Calcium and vitamin D are clearly important for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. However, other nutrients may also benefit the skeleton. The relationship between soy compounds and bone density/bone turnover is inconclusive, although the composition of the phytoestrogen may be very important. Dehydroepiandrosterone has an inconsistent benefit even in elderly with low serum levels. Higher fruit and vegetable intakes may relate to higher bone mineral density, perhaps a result of their antioxidant properties. The skeletal benefits of flavonoids, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, E, and K are inconclusive based on limited observational data or a few small clinical trials, sometimes investigating pharmacologic doses. High homocysteine may relate to fracture risk, but the skeletal benefit of each B vitamin is unclear. Data are limited for the role of nutritional levels of magnesium, boron, strontium, silicon and phosphorus in bone health.
Modeling the Radiative Effect on Microphysics in Cirrus Clouds Against Satellite Observations.

The radiative effect on microphysics (REM) plays an important role in the dew/frost formation near the surface. How REM impacts cirrus clouds is investigated in this study, using bin microphysical model simulations and coincident data of the CloudSat and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellites. REM affects ice crystal spectrum with two types: radiative cooling and warming. Radiative cooling, as predicted by the bin-model simulations, favors the formation of horizontally oriented ice crystals (HOICs), but radiative warming does not. Hence, a test of REM can be transformed to a test of HOICs, because HOICs can be measured by the microwave polarization observations of the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) at 166 GHz. To analyze the GMI data for their HOIC distribution, clouds are sorted into four groups with different optical depth and altitude, based on the radiative cooling/warming ratio (or eta) computed with satellite-retrieved ice water content. Their HOIC distributions (e.g., the midlevel thick clouds have more HOICs than the high-level ones) agree well with those predicted by the bin-model simulations. The general agreement between the GMI observations and bin-model simulations suggests that REM is common in cirrus clouds and impacts cirrus clouds significantly.
Quadrature Hybrids for Sideband Separating Receivers on the wSMA

We present two quadrature hybrid designs for operation at ~ 345 GHz. These hybrids were designed for sideband separating receivers currently in development for the wideband Submillimeter Array (wSMA). The first design uses a branch-line structure and simulated results show that the image rejection ratio, return loss and isolation are all above 20.6 dB from 280–360 GHz. The second hybrid is a novel design using silicon-mounted cross-guide probes. The simulated results show that the image rejection ratio, return loss and isolation are all above 28.0 dB from 330–360 GHz.
Computational modeling of nasal nitric oxide flux from the paranasal sinuses: Validation against human experiment.

Abstract Background Nitric oxide (NO) is important in respiratory physiology and airway defense. Although the paranasal sinuses are the major source of nasal NO, transport dynamics between the sinuses and nasal cavities are poorly understood. Methods Exhaled nasal NO tracings were measured in two non-asthmatic subjects (one with allergic rhinitis, one without) using NO analyzer connected via face mask. We subsequently performed computational fluid dynamics NO emission simulations based on individual CT scans and compared to the experimental data. Results Simulated exhaled NO tracings match well with experimental data (r > 0.84, p 67%, other sinuses combined 70%. Conclusion Historically, nasal NO emissions were thought to be contributed mostly by the maxillary sinuses (the largest sinuses) and active air movement (convection). Here, we showed that the ethmoid sinuses and diffusive transport dominate the process. These findings may have a substantial impact on our view of nasal NO emission mechanisms and sinus physiopathology in general.
Photocatalytic membrane reactors for produced water treatment and reuse: Fundamentals, affecting factors, rational design, and evaluation metrics

Abstract Treatment and reuse of produced water (PW), the largest wastewater stream generated during oil and gas production, provides a promising option to address the increasing clean water demands. High-performance treatment technologies are needed to efficiently remove the organic and inorganic contaminants in PW for fit-for-purpose applications. Photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR) is an emerging green technology for removal of organic pollutants, photoreduction of heavy metals, photo-inactivation of bacteria, and resource recovery. This study critically reviewed the mechanisms of photocatalysis and membrane processes in PMR, factors affecting PMR performance, rational design, and evaluation metrics for PW treatment. Specifically, PW characteristics, photocatalysts properties, membranes applied, and operating conditions are of utmost importance for rational design and reliable operation of PMR. PW pretreatment to remove oil and grease, colloidal and suspended solids is necessary to reduce membrane fouling and ensure optimal PMR performance. The metrics to evaluate PMR performance were developed including light utilization, exergetic efficiency, water recovery, product water improvement, lifetime of the photocatalyst, and costs. This review also presented the research gaps and outlook for future research.
Aneurysm of the membranous ventricular septum. A method of spontaneous closure of small ventricular septal defect.

Abstract Forty-eight left ventricular cineangiocardiograms of patients with ventricular septal defects investigated over a two year period were reviewed. In 16 cases aneurysms of the membranous septum were present, 14 occurring in 26 cases of small ventricular septal defect. Diagnosis was made by cineangiocardiography. Various associated lesions and the possible causes are discussed. Spontaneous closure of the defect was documented in 1 case and in another this diagnosis was made clinically. These observations, together with the high frequency of aneurysms associated with small ventricular septal defects, suggest that aneurysmal formation in the membranous septum may occur near the time of closure of the ventricular septal defect.
Application of vigilance research: rare, medium, or well done?

In the years since Mackworth (1950) initiated research into problems of human vigilance, automated systems have become more complex and costly, with greater repercussions upon failure; this has led to a paradoxical enhancement of human monitoring's importance. Applications of vigilance research to well-designed systems that take human monitoring into account are rare, although the outlook for future systems is improving. Attention is presently given to problems encountered in considerations of signal rate, length of vigil, time decrements, and two examples of implementation from commercial aviation.
Mesoderm Formation in the Drosophila Embryo

All muscle cells develop from the mesoderm, which is the middle germ layer in the early embryo. The mesoderm itself derives from the ventral cells of the blastoderm stage embryo. Therefore, the regulatory events controlling dorsal-ventral development in the oocyte and the early embryo are the earliest events in muscle formation. The first stage in dorsal-ventral development can be traced back to the oocyte, where Gurken-Torpedo signaling establishes dorsal-ventral asymmetry. The ventral half of the oocyte is then allowed to express Pipe, which serves to activate a series of serine proteases. These activation events ultimately lead to the stimulation of the Toll receptor in the ventral side of the early embryo. In the final stage of this Toll maternal cascade there is the formation of the Dorsal protein gradient in the ventral nuclei of the embryo blastoderm. The Dorsal gradient both activates and represses zygotic gene expression to establish mesodermal cell fate and promote mesoderm invagination. The invaginated mesoderm then differentiates into appropriate muscle tissue types according to further positional information.
Northwest District News

(1949). Northwest District News. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 20, No. 9, pp. 587-588.
Thinking outside the box: new insights into the mechanism of GroEL-mediated protein folding.

GroEL is thought to assist protein folding in part by providing a passive 'box' in which folding can occur without danger of aggregation. Two new papers now suggest that GroEL can also play a more active role by promoting rearrangement and even unfolding of kinetic folding intermediates.
From Owned to Earned Media: An Analysis of Corporate Efforts About Being on Fortune Lists

This study explored changes over time in owned and earned media for companies about their inclusion on two of the most desirable lists: Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Best Companies to Work For. Overall, companies on the Fortune's Best Companies to Work For list used a higher amount of owned media and receive a higher amount of earned media, but the companies on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies list had a higher return on both social and traditional media efforts.
PERSISTENT ELEVATION OF NEUTROPHIL/LYMPHOCYTE RATIO ASSOCIATED WITH NEW ONSET ATRIAL FIBRILLATION FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION FOR ACUTE ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

Background : Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in initiation and maintaining of atrial fibrillation (AF). The Neutrophil to Lymphocyte (N/L) Ratio is an easily derived and readily available parameter that has emerged as marker of inflammation with predictive and prognostic value. We investigated the association between N/L ratio and incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods : This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out at New York Hospital Queens. We retrospectively analysed clinical, hematologic and angiographic data of 290 patients who underwent coronary angiography with stent placement for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction between 2008–2011. Results : Study cohort of 290 patients had mean age 63.3±13.0 years consisting of 81.4% male. The N/L ratio was measured at time points: <6 hours pre-catheterization, <12, 48 and 96 hours post catheterization. Patients who developed AF (n=40, 13.8%), had higher post catheterization N/L ratios at 48hours (median 5.23 vs 3.00, p =0.05) and 96 hours (median 4.67 vs 3.56, p =0.03), with no differences in the immediate pre and post procedural measurements, <6 hours pre catheterization (median 2.49 vs 2.82, p =0.467) and <12 hours post catheterization (median 5.93 vs 5.03, p =0.741) respectively. Conclusion : In conclusion, these findings support an inflammatory aetiology contributing to new onset AF following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute STEMI. Further studies are warranted to elucidate these findings. Keywords: Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio, Atrial Fibrillation Coronary Angiography, Myocardial Infarction
The Role of Fine Defect Clusters in Irradiation-Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking of Proton-Irradiated 304 Stainless Steel

The influence of small defect clusters on irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) of austenitic stainless steels has been examined. A CP-304 SS alloy was irradiated with 3.2 MeV protons to 1.0 dpa at 360°C and then annealed for 45 min. to 1 h at temperatures ranging from 400–600°C. Dislocation microstructure was analyzed using both bright field and dark field techniques and cracking susceptibility was measured in an oxygenated water environment. Intergranular cracking was mitigated following annealing at 500°C/45 min. while only the smallest dislocation loops had been removed. Analysis of the slip step bands on the surface of deformed samples indicates that deformation mode may be important in determining cracking susceptibility. Low-temperature irradiation (
Medical Subinternship: Student Experience on a Resident Uncovered Hospitalist Service

Background: Studies demonstrating the value of hospitalists to medical student education have been performed in traditional resident covered ward service settings (RCWS). Purpose: To compare medical subinterns' experiences on an RCWS to that on a resident uncovered hospitalist service (RUHS). Methods: We assessed students' overall experience and knowledge learned on the two services using a 5-point Likert scale. We also assessed learning environment characteristics, workload, and time spent at the hospital on each service. Results: The mean rating for knowledge learned was higher on the RCWS. Subinterns rated the two services equivalent on measures of educational value of patient problems, faculty assessment, supervision, and number and value of teaching sessions. The RCWS received higher ratings on variety of patient problems and frequency of intellectual discussion. Conclusions: The RCWS provided a superior learning experience for subinterns. Academic medical centers should take these findings into cons...
Regulation of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase by intracellular polyamine pools: Evidence for a functional role in polyamine homeostasis

Through its role in polyamine acetylation and the back-conversion pathway, spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) has the potential to control intracellular polyamine pools by facilitating their catabolism and/or excretion. The possibility that the enzyme is subject to regulation by intracellular polyamine pools was investigated in MALME-3 human melanoma cells. Increases in intracellular polyamine pools by treatment with 3 microM exogenous spermidine or spermine for 48 h caused SSAT activity to increase 111% and 226%, respectively, and SSAT-specific mRNA to rise 19% and 66%, respectively. Decreases in polyamine pools by treatment with inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis caused SSAT activity to decrease by 46% and mRNA to fall by 89%. Both SSAT activity and mRNA were more sensitive to changes in spermine than spermidine. The identification of a positive regulatory relationship between SSAT and intracellular polyamine pools further implicates this enzyme in a proposed model for polyamine pool homeostasis.
An explanation for recapitalization in corporate control contests

This paper examines the role of corporate financial policy in determining the equilibrium allocation of takeover gains in corporate control contests. The model justifies capital-structure changes in response to a takeover bid, and shows how recapitalization can be used as a strategic device to alter the price a bidding firm pays to acquire the target firm.
German studies: journals and magazines

Presents an annotated bibliography of journals and magazines useful to students and professors of German studies. The publications listed are suitable for academic and large public libraries.
Small bending and stretching of sandwich-type shells

A theory has been developed for small bending and stretching of sandwich-type shells. This theory is an extension of the known theory of homogeneous thin elastic shells. It was found that two effects are important in the present problem, which are not normally of importance in the theory of curved shells: (1) the effect of transverse shear deformation and (2) the effect of transverse normal stress deformation. The first of these two effects has been known to be of importance in the theory of plates and beams. The second effect was found to occur in a manner which is typical for shells and has no counterpart in flat-plate theory. The general results of this report have been applied to the solution of problems concerning flat plates, circular rings, circular cylindrical shells, and spherical shells. In each case numerical examples have been given, illustrating the magnitude of the effects of transverse shear and normal stress deformation.
A Mathematical Treatment of Integrated Ca Dynamics within the Ventricular Myocyte

We have developed a detailed mathematical model for Ca2+ handling and ionic currents in the rabbit ventricular myocyte. The objective was to develop a model that: 1), accurately reflects Ca-dependent Ca release; 2), uses realistic parameters, particularly those that concern Ca transport from the cytosol; 3), comes to steady state; 4), simulates basic excitation-contraction coupling phenomena; and 5), runs on a normal desktop computer. The model includes the following novel features: 1), the addition of a subsarcolemmal compartment to the other two commonly formulated cytosolic compartments (junctional and bulk) because ion channels in the membrane sense ion concentrations that differ from bulk; 2), the use of realistic cytosolic Ca buffering parameters; 3), a reversible sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca pump; 4), a scheme for Na-Ca exchange transport that is [Na]i dependent and allosterically regulated by [Ca]i; and 5), a practical model of SR Ca release including both inactivation/adaptation and SR Ca load dependence. The data describe normal electrical activity and Ca handling characteristics of the cardiac myocyte and the SR Ca load dependence of these processes. The model includes a realistic balance of Ca removal mechanisms (e.g., SR Ca pump versus Na-Ca exchange), and the phenomena of rest decay and frequency-dependent inotropy. A particular emphasis is placed upon reproducing the nonlinear dependence of gain and fractional SR Ca release upon SR Ca load. We conclude that this model is more robust than many previously existing models and reproduces many experimental results using parameters based largely on experimental measurements in myocytes.
Toward a generic "always best connected" capability in integrated WLAN/UMTS cellular mobile networks (and beyond)

The next generation of mobile communications, broadly referred to as 4G, is based on a heterogeneous infrastructure comprising different wireless (and wired) access systems in a complementary manner. 4G mobile users enjoys seamless mobility and ubiquitous access to applications in an always best connected (ABC) mode that employs the most efficient combination of available access systems. The ongoing commercialization of 3G cellular mobile networks and their upcoming enhancement with WLAN radio access provides a wireless platform suitable for the introduction of "ABC" capabilities. We analyze the implications of the "ABC" vision in a UMTS/WLAN network context, and reveal important issues that arise. Further on, we identify major requirements, point out the limitations of current UTMS/WLAN standards from an ABC viewpoint, and discuss key enabling technologies and research efforts. We formulate a generic application model for an ABC capability in the interworked UMTS/WLAN architecture and analyze its complexity proving that, in principle, being always best connected translates to a family of NP-hard problems. To complement our analysis, we present an object-oriented design of a real-time UML model for an ABC mobile system. Finally, we summarize the advantages of our ABC model and provide directions for future work.
Dipole Formation and Solvent Electrostriction in Subtilisin Catalysis

The transition state for subtilisin-catalyzed transesterification was probed by high-pressure kinetic studies in solvents spanning a wide range of dielectric constants. The electrostatic model of Kirkwood described the solvent effects and gave a lower limit of 31 ± 1.5 Debye for the dipole moment of the transition state. This value remained constant in a wide range of polar and apolar solvents, indicating that the catalytic triad of subtilisin is remarkably robust. Despite the highly polar transition state, substantial rate enhancements relative to the uncatalyzed reaction were measured in highly apolar solvents such as hexane; this is the first report of such an extreme disparity between transition-state and solvent polarities. Moreover, the solvent dependence of the activation volume implies a low effective dielectric of the polypeptide chain in the active site and substantial penetration of the active site by solvent. Kirkwood's model was also used to quantify the effect of an active-site mutation on t...
Low-noise Brillouin laser on a chip at 1064 nm

We demonstrate narrow-linewidth-stimulated Brillouin lasers at 1064 nm from ultra-high-Q silica wedge disk resonators on silicon. Fundamental Schawlow–Townes frequency noise of the laser is on the order of 0.1 Hz^2/Hz. The technical noise spectrum of the on-chip Brillouin laser is close to the thermodynamic noise limit of the resonator (thermorefractive noise) and is comparable to that of ultra-narrow-linewidth Nd:YAG lasers. The relative intensity noise of the Brillouin laser also is reduced by using an intensity-stabilized pump laser. Finally, low-noise microwave synthesis up to 32 GHz is demonstrated by heterodyne of first and third Brillouin Stokes lines from a single resonator.
In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging

Photon penetration into living tissue is highly dependent on the absorption and scattering properties of tissue components. The near-infrared region of the spectrum offers certain advantages for photon penetration, and both organic and inorganic fluorescence contrast agents are now available for chemical conjugation to targeting molecules. This review focuses on those parameters that affect image signal and background during in vivo imaging with near-infrared light and exogenous contrast agents. Recent examples of in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging of animals and humans are presented, including imaging of normal and diseased vasculature, tissue perfusion, protease activity, hydroxyapatite and cancer.