cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calorimetric studies of the interaction between asolectin vesicles and surfactants

Abstract The interaction of Asolectin vesicles with an anionic (NaDodSO 4 ), cationic (DodPyCl), and nonionic (DeDPO) surfactant was investigated by titration calorimetry at 25°C. An enthalpy change of about −2.0 kcal/mole was found for what appears to be a rapid penetration of all three of the surfactants into the vesicle bilayer. The stoichiometry for saturation of the vesicles was about 0.06 g surfactant/g of phospholipid in each case. Only NaDodSO 4 , exhibited evidence of a lamellar-micelle phase transition, which was complete at a stoichiometry of 0.24 g of surfactant/g of phospholipid. The free energy changes for interaction of the ionic surfactants were more negative than for DeDPO. The entropy change was much less for the binding of DeDPO to the vesicles (7.7 cal/moledeg) than for micelle formation (17.4 cal/mole-deg). The nonionic surfactant, Lubrol WX, did not have a measurable enthalpy of interaction with the vesicles under the conditions employed.
Characterization of Mass and Swelling of Hydrogel Microstructures using MEMS Resonant Mass Sensor Arrays

The use of hydrogels for biomedical engineering, and for the development of biologically inspired cellular systems at the microscale, is advancing at a rapid pace. Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonant mass sensors enable the mass measurement of a range of materials. The integration of hydrogels onto MEMS resonant mass sensors is demonstrated, and these sensors are used to characterize the hydrogel mass and swelling characteristics. The mass values obtained from resonant frequency measurements of poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate (PEGDA) microstructures match well with the values independently verified through volume measurements. The sensors are also used to measure the influence of fluids of similar and greater density on the mass measurements of microstructures. The data show a size-dependent increase in gel mass when fluid density is increased. Lastly, volume comparisons of bulk hydrogels with a range polymer concentration (5% to 100% (v/v)) show a non-linear swelling trend.
Characterization of the murexide method: dual-wavelength spectrophotometry of cations under physiological conditions.

Abstract The experimental and theoretical bases of the murexide method of Ca 2+ assay are presented. By studying murexide as well as a new indicator, tetramethyl murexide, the following results are obtained: (a) A dilutional artifact can be eliminated by selecting the wavelength in such a way that the absorbance of the indicator solution at the two wavelengths is the same; (b) binding constants of these indicators for typical mono-, di-, and trivalent cations are measured by the double reciprocal plot method; (c) with 100-μ m indicator solutions, the linearity of Ca 2+ assay is maintained up to 100 μ m Ca 2+ ; (d) the minimum detectable amount of Ca 2+ can be as low as 0.8 μ m with murexide and 0.5 μ m with tetramethyl murexide; and (e) unlike murexide, tetramethyl murexide is insensitive to the pH change. It is concluded that the unique features of the murexide method are (i) low binding constant of indicators for Ca 2+ and (ii) insensitivity to Mg 2+ in an aqueous solution.
Ablation Modeling for Dynamic Simulation of Reentry Vehicles

The collection of methods described in this manuscript can be used in a dynamic simulation to provide estimates of the mass properties and aerodynamic forces and moments as a reentry vehicle ablates due to aerodynamic heating . Dynamic simulations of reentry vehicles are required to perform trajectory optimization and to analyze the robustness of guidance and control systems. Reentry vehicle trajectories vary widely depending on mission requirements and vehicle design. Vehicles that experience relatively low peak heating with reusable thermal protection systems such as the shuttle, experience little if any ablation. At the other extreme, ballistic reentry vehicles and interplanetary probes can experience very high peak heat loads that cause the thermal protection material to ablate. A number of vehicle characteristics change as a result of ablation. The mass properties of the vehicle change due to the loss of material and the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the vehicle change as a result of the an ablating outer mold line (OML). These changes can affect aerodynamic as well as guidance and control system performance. A number of techniques exist that allow one to measure the changes to the OML 1, 2 during experimental testing. Empirical methods are described in this paper that can be used to translate limited test data into a rough, but representative model that can be used to estimate the effects of ablation on a vehicle’s ability to follow a prescribed trajectory and on guidance and control performance and robustness. Section II proposes a method to estimate the location of points on the OML that lie outside of the vehicle plane of symmetry where test measurements are typically obtained. These points can be used to generate a 3 dimensional grid that is suitable for use with aerodynamic prediction codes. The out-of-plane grid points are estimated using a radial interpolation method that can accommodate asymmetries that occur between the windward and leeward surfaces of the vehicle . Formulae for the geometric properties of radially interpolated ablated nose cone profiles are provided. Section III proposes a method to estimate the instantaneous mass of the nose cone that is suitable for use in a dynamic simulation. In Section IV, a method is described that allows one to estimate the location of the OML and aerodynamic coefficients between test or prediction points, based on the instantaneous mass. In Section V we describe the method used to generate the aerodynamic models for the example body described in Section VI.
Green and Grey: Water Justice, Criminalization, and Resistance

Since its initial proposal in the 1990s, ‘green criminology’ has focused on environmental crimes and harms affecting non-human and human life, ecosystems, and the planet as a whole. Describing global trends toward privatization of water supply systems and the criminalization of several water conservation activities and tactics, this paper employs theoretical perspectives offered by green, cultural, and critical criminologies, focusing on overt resistance to water privatization and oppressive regulations governing rainwater storage and residential water recycling. Taking a critical theoretical perspective, this paper examines water access and autonomy, individuals and groups openly resisting the criminalization of household water reuse and storage, and the cultural significance of water. This paper concludes with an exploration of the potential benefits of a green cultural criminology.
To ‘gram or not’? Indications for intraopertive cholangiogram

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current practice patterns and results for use of intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent LC between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2009. Data variables included: preoperative laboratory and radiographic studies, indication for and findings of IOC, and perioperative management of choledocholithiasis and retained common bile duct (CBD) stones. Results There were 1,308 patients who underwent LC by 23 surgeons, of whom 266 also had an IOC (20%) performed. The majority had ultrasonography performed, 242 had an abdominal compute tomography (CT) scan, and 129 patients had a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan. Indications for an IOC included: diagnosis of choledocholithiasis or gallstone pancreatitis ( n = 116), abnormal liver function tests ( n = 187), and a dilated CBD ≥10 mm ( n = 182). Of the 266 IOCs, 36 patients (13.5%) had a CBD stone with the majority ( n = 26; 72%) having normal preoperative imaging studies. Only 6 patients (17%) with a CBD calculi on IOC underwent successful clearance of the calculi at the time of LC. Twenty-nine of the remaining 30 patients with a retained calculus on IOC underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with extraction of the calculi. Of the 1,042 LCs performed without an IOC, 31 patients (3%) were diagnosed with a retained stone managed successfully by ERCP. Conclusion Our data reveals that the selective use of IOC is helpful in diagnosing and clearing CBD calculi, that the use of preoperative CBD size aids in selecting patients for IOC, and that choledocholithiasis identified with IOC or after discharge can be managed successfully with ERCP.
A phylogeny and revised classification of Squamata, including 4161 species of lizards and snakes

The extant squamates (>9400 known species of lizards and snakes) are one of the most diverse and conspicuous radiations of terrestrial vertebrates, but no studies have attempted to reconstruct a phylogeny for the group with large-scale taxon sampling. Such an estimate is invaluable for comparative evolutionary studies, and to address their classification. Here, we present the first large-scale phylogenetic estimate for Squamata. The estimated phylogeny contains 4161 species, representing all currently recognized families and subfamilies. The analysis is based on up to 12896 base pairs of sequence data per species (average = 2497 bp) from 12 genes, including seven nuclear loci (BDNF, c-mos, NT3, PDC, R35, RAG-1, and RAG-2), and five mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, cytochrome b, ND2, and ND4). The tree provides important confirmation for recent estimates of higher-level squamate phylogeny based on molecular data (but with more limited taxon sampling), estimates that are very different from previous morphology-based hypotheses. The tree also includes many relationships that differ from previous molecular estimates and many that differ from traditional taxonomy. We present a new large-scale phylogeny of squamate reptiles that should be a valuable resource for future comparative studies. We also present a revised classification of squamates at the family and subfamily level to bring the taxonomy more in line with the new phylogenetic hypothesis. This classification includes new, resurrected, and modified subfamilies within gymnophthalmid and scincid lizards, and boid, colubrid, and lamprophiid snakes.
Embracing or Constraining Change: An Exploration of Methodologies for Maintaining Software

This study uses a grounded theory research method to explore how IT professionals define and select a methodology to maintain existing software. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how standard methodologies are applied in software practice and the critical factors used by professionals when choosing an appropriate methodology for software maintenance activities. This research underscores the need for incorporating the full software life cycle in information systems development research as well as highlighting the need for more comprehensive education in software methodologies.
CORROSION FATIGUE MODELING VIA DIFFERENTIAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

This research has proven the feasibility of the application of FDT and DC subtraction to corrosion fatigue modeling. An accurate model was created, and experiments were used to find the best dynamic heat pattern to detect the corrosion. This research should be followed with measurements to determine the error associated with heat dissipation around the corrosion which hinders detection. This, along with temperature measurements on the specimen, will lead to a scheme of corrosion quantification.
Marker code optimization and symbol-level synchronization for insertion/deletion channels

We consider serially-concatenated coding schemes over channels impaired by insertion, deletion, and substitution errors. Specifically, we focus on the interleaved concatenation of an outer channel code with error-correction capabilities and an inner marker code with synchronization capabilities. To limit the decoding latency, marker code-based synchronization is performed only once per received packet, i.e., iterations with the outer decoder are not allowed. We first numerically evaluate, through mutual information analyses, the ultimate rate achievable by this concatenated scheme when standard bit-level synchronization is performed. Then, we introduce a novel symbol-level synchronization algorithm that works on groups of consecutive bits, and show that it improves the achievable rate. Besides the achievable rate analyses, which allow us to optimize the marker code, we also report error-rate simulation results that confirm the superiority of symbol-level synchronization.
Mesalamine-related lung disease: Clinical, radiographic, and pathologic manifestations

Lung injury related to mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) has rarely been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Patients present with progressive respiratory symptoms and radiographic abnormalities whose genesis may occur from days to years after initiation of therapy. Although pathologic features overlap with other pulmonary disorders, findings of chronic interstitial pneumonia and poorly formed nonnecrotizing granulomas should prompt consideration of mesalamine-related lung disease in a patient receiving this medication. The authors describe the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic manifestations of mesalamine-related lung disease in three patients and review the literature related to this topic.
Changing Labor Market Conditions and Economic Development in Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, China

In the newly industrializing economies (NIEs) of Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan (China), the entire working population has benefited from labor market institutions. The East Asian NIEs attained and maintained generally full employment, improved their job mixes, raised real earnings, and lowered their rates of poverty. This article reaches two principal conclusions. First, labor market conditions continued to improve in all four economies in the 1980s at rates remarkably similar to their rates of aggregate economic growth. Second, labor market repression was not a major factor in the growth experiences of these economies in the 1980s. It thus appears that labor market repression is neither necessary nor desirable for outward-oriented economic development.
Seven‐Year Outcome of the Vermont Intervention Program for Low‐Birthweight Infants

We compared 24 low-birthweight subjects of an experimental intervention (LBWE), 32 no-treatment controls (LBWC), and 37 normal birthweight (NBW) subjects. The intervention involved 7 hospital sessions and 4 home sessions in which a nurse helped mothers adapt to their LBW babies. At age 7, LBWE scored significantly higher than LBWC on the Kaufman Mental Processing Composite (p <.001), Sequential (p= .02), and Simultaneous (p= .001) Scales, after statistical adjustments for socioeconomic status. LBWE did not differ from NBW (F < 1). These results bear out a divergence between the LBWE and LBWC that first became statistically significant at age 3. The findings suggest that the intervention prevented cognitive lags among LBW children, and that long-term follow-ups are needed to evaluate the developmental effects of efforts to overcome major biological and environmental risks.
Is there still a role for the lung injury score in the era of the Berlin definition ARDS

The Lung Injury Score (LIS) remains a commonly utilized measure of lung injury severity though the additive value of LIS to predict ARDS outcomes over the recent Berlin definition of ARDS, which incorporates severity, is not known. We tested the association of LIS (in which scores range from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating more severe lung injury) and its four components calculated on the day of ARDS diagnosis with ARDS morbidity and mortality in a large, multi-ICU cohort of patients with Berlin-defined ARDS. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare the predictive validity of LIS for mortality to Berlin stages of severity (mild, moderate and severe). In 550 ARDS patients, a one-point increase in LIS was associated with 58% increased odds of in-hospital death (95% CI 14 to 219%, P = 0.006), a 7% reduction in ventilator-free days (95% CI 2 to 13%, P = 0.01), and, among patients surviving hospitalization, a 25% increase in days of mechanical ventilation (95% CI 9 to 43%, P = 0.001) and a 16% increase (95% CI 2 to 31%, P = 0.02) in the number of ICU days. However, the mean LIS was only 0.2 points higher (95% CI 0.1 to 0.3) among those who died compared to those who lived. Berlin stages of severity were highly correlated with LIS (Spearman’s rho 0.72, P < 0.0001) and were also significantly associated with ARDS mortality and similar morbidity measures. The predictive validity of LIS for mortality was similar to Berlin stages of severity with an area under the curve of 0.58 compared to 0.60, respectively (P-value 0.49). In a large, multi-ICU cohort of patients with ARDS, both LIS and the Berlin definition severity stages were associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality. However, predictive validity of both scores was marginal, and there was no additive value of LIS over Berlin. Although neither LIS nor the Berlin definition were designed to prognosticate outcomes, these findings suggest that the role of LIS in characterizing lung injury severity in the era of the Berlin definition ARDS may be limited.
Cobalt Silicide Formation on Polysilicon: Dopant Effects on Reaction Kinetics and Silicide Properties

The concept of using cobalt disilicide as a self-aligned metallization scheme for gate/interconnection and contact formation is gaining wide acceptance. The silicide formation on the gate will require a Co-metal film interaction with the underlying polysilicon that may be doped heavily. We have investigated the silicide formation kinetics during this reaction. The effect of different dopants (B,P, and As) and their concentration on the Co-Si interaction and the dopant redistribution during such reactions were investigated. The results from these studies will be presented and discussed.
An Interview With Michael Porter: Social Entrepreneurship and the Transformation of Capitalism

In this interview Michael Porter explores social entrepreneurship in the context of a larger transformation of capitalism. He suggests that social entrepreneurship is an important transitional vehi...
Uniform stabilization of Markovian jump linear systems with logarithmic quantization - A convex approach

In this paper, we investigate the almost sure uniform exponential stabilization problem of Markovian jump linear systems (MJLSs) with logarithmically quantized state feedbacks. We introduce the concept and provide explicit constructions of finite path-dependent stabilizing logarithmic quantizers and controllers. We also present a semi-convex algorithm to determine the optimal (coarsest) stabilizing quantization density. As an example, we show that the problem of almost sure uniform stabilization of a linear time-invariant (LTI) system with quantized feedbacks over a lossy channel can be tackled under this framework. A contribution of this work is to provide a systematic approach to simultaneously treat multiple channel constraints in the feedback loop.
Chaotic rounding error in digital control systems

Chaotic behavior due to the round-off effect in digital control systems is called the chaotic rounding error. First, we model digital control systems with finite-wordlength digital compensators by mixed mappings. A mixed mapping system is described jointly by a point mapping and a cell mapping, that is, its state consists of real numbers and integers. After presenting some definitions and fundamental results of mixed mapping systems, we prove certain sufficient conditions for the existence of the chaotic rounding error. Finally, as an illustration, we discuss the chaotic rounding error of a system with a second-order plant and first-order digital compensator.
High-Resolution Crystal Structure of Manganese Peroxidase: Substrate and Inhibitor Complexes †,‡

Manganese peroxidase (MnP) is an extracellular heme enzyme that catalyzes the peroxide-dependent oxidation of Mn(II) to Mn(III). The Mn(III) is released from the enzyme in complex with oxalate. One heme propionate and the side chains of Glu35, Glu39, and Asp179 were identified as Mn(II) ligands in the 2.0 A resolution crystal structure. The new 1.45 A crystal structure of MnP complexed with Mn(II) provides a more accurate view of the Mn-binding site. New features include possible partial protonation of Glu39 in the Mn-binding site and glycosylation at Ser336. This is also the first report of MnP-inhibitor complex structures. At the Mn-binding site, divalent Cd(II) exhibits octahedral, hexacoordinate ligation geometry similar to that of Mn(II). Cd(II) also binds to a putative second weak metal-binding site with tetrahedral geometry at the C-terminus of the protein. Unlike that for Mn(II) and Cd(II), coordination of trivalent Sm(III) at the Mn-binding site is octacoordinate. Sm(III) was removed from a MnP-Sm(III) crystal by soaking the crystal in oxalate and then reintroduced into the binding site. Thus, direct comparisons of Sm(III)-bound and metal-free structures were made using the same crystal. No ternary complex was observed upon incubation with oxalate. The reversible binding of Sm(III) may be a useful model for the reversible binding of Mn(III) to the enzyme, which is too unstable to allow similar examination.
A5208Diabetes mellitus after roux-en-y gastric bypass : what happens after weight regain?

studies and cases with average follow-up time of at least one year (n1⁄486), pooled mean SD of prevs. post-operative HbA1C was 8.49 1.31 vs. 7.89 1.07 %, respectively (P o0.001, for both analyses using estimated covariance and conservative approach). Improvement in lipid profile and blood pressure was shown in 4 case series. In addition to common postoperative complications of bariatric surgery, profound glycemic changes (diabetic ketoacidosis, and episode of severe hypoglycemia) and GI dysmotility symptoms (prolonged ileus, intractable nausea and vomiting, and acute gastric remnant dilation) have been reported in this population following surgery. No mortality was reported. Conclusion: The findings of the first systematic review and metaanalysis of this kind indicate that bariatric surgery leads to a remarkable weight loss in severely obese patients with T1D and results in significant improvement in insulin requirements and glycemic status. The favorable metabolic effects of bariatric surgery may facilitate medical management of T1D in the setting of severe obesity. However, results are limited to short follow-up time and are based on a small number of studies and individuals. Short term results of bariatric surgery in patients with T1D are promising but larger and longer studies are necessary.
Phase II trial of preoperative cisplatin-irinotecan followed by concurrent cisplatin-irinotecan and radiotherapy: PET scan after induction therapy may identify early treatment failure

4023 Background: Response on PET scan during preoperative chemotherapy (chemo) for esophageal cancer (EC) has prognostic significance [JCO 19:3058;2001]. Induction chemo with weekly irinotecan(I)/c...
Preterm infant growth and asthma at age 8 years

Objectives To examine associations of gain in body mass index (BMI) and linear growth from term to 18 months with asthma at age 8 years in a cohort of preterm infants. We hypothesised that rapid BMI gain would increase asthma risk, whereas rapid linear growth would be protective. Design Observational secondary analysis of data from the Infant Health and Development Program. Setting 8 centres in the USA. Patients 863 preterm (≤37 weeks), low birthweight (≤2500 g) children. Main exposure variables Gain in BMI and linear growth from term to 4 months, 4–12 months and 12–18 months, in z-scores. Main outcome measure Asthma at age 8 years, assessed by parent report of the child ever receiving the diagnosis from a doctor. Results At age 8 years, 149 (17%) had ever been diagnosed with asthma. Adjusting for maternal and child factors in logistic regression, for each additional z-score gain in BMI from term to 4 months, odds of asthma at age 8 years were higher (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5); findings were similar for BMI gain from 4–12 months. More rapid linear growth from term to 4 months was not associated with lower odds of asthma (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.3), with similar findings for 4–12 months and 12–18 months. Conclusions More rapid BMI gain in the 1st year of life was associated with higher odds of asthma, whereas linear growth did not appear protective. Our results add to mounting evidence that excess weight gain after term may be harmful to preterm infants.
In-Situ Studies of the Formation Sequence of Silicides During Vacuum (10-7 TORR)Thermal Annealing of TI/Polysilicon Bilayers

The formation of suicides during the thermal reaction of Ti/polysilicon bilayers has been investigated using both in-stu four point sheet resistance measurements and ex-situ measurements including X-ray diffraction, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. For a series of samples annealed at a ramp rate of 10°C/min the following sequence of changes in the bilayers occurred. At temperatures exceeding 350°C and prior to the silicidation oxygen from the vacuum system diffuses into the Ti film forming a solid solution of Ti(O) with O levels up to 20 %. An amorphous TixSiy layer is the first major suicide reaction observed at temperatures near 440°C. The first major crystalline phase is observed at 500°C and identified as C49 TiSi2. This phase was found to coexist at these temperatures with the partially consumed Ti(O) and the amorphous TixSiy layers. Further annealing above 700 °C results in the final structural transformation from C49 TiSi2 to C54 TiSi2.
Architectural clones: toward tactical code reuse

Architectural tactics are the building blocks of software architecture. They describe solutions for addressing specific quality concerns, and are prevalent across many software systems. Once a decision is made to utilize a tactic, the developer must generate a concrete plan for implementing the tactic in the code. Unfortunately, this is a non-trivial task for even experienced developers. Developers often resort to using search engines, crowd-sourcing websites, or discussion forums to find sample code snippets. A robust Tactic Search Engine can replace this manual, internet-based search process and help developers to reuse proper architectural knowledge and accurately implement tactics and patterns from a wide range of open source systems. In this paper we analyze several implementations of architectural tactics in the open source community and identify the foundation for building a practical Tactic Search Engine. We also introduce the concept of tactical-clones which may be used as the basic element of a tactic search engine.
Sacred numerology and management of the universe by the Crow Indians

Traditionellement les Indiens Crow etaient des chasseurs de buffles typiques des plaines du Nord. Ils pensaient vivre dans un monde stimule par les pouvoirs sacres detenus et dispenses par des etres spirituels. La possession de ces pouvoirs spirituels permit aux Crows, individuellement, d'influencer le temps et le destin, afin d'atteindre reputation et richesse, superiorite sur leurs ennemis, la guerison des maladies, et de promouvoir la croissance et la sante de la famille et de la communaute. Suivant des instructions divines, les Crows structurerent leur societe et leur culture sur l'acquisition personnelle et le transfert de ces pouvoirs sacres specifiques. Les Crows recevaient des dons sacres speciaux, et recouraient a des ceremonies et a une numerologie afin de garantir leur succes. Les ceremonies de prieres incluaient les premiers nombres sacres, suivaient une sequence composee des nombres 4, 7, et 10, et d'innombrables pelletes d'eau versee sur des pierres chauffees. Les Crows inclinaient a multiplier les nombres sacres par 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 et 10 afin de renforcer leur pouvoirs
A Review of Measures of Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development: Evidence for a General Factor

Recent research suggests that values on Erikson’s psychosocial stages covary to form a general factor of psychosocial development (GFPD). The purpose of the current investigation was to further test this possibility by conducting a meta-analysis on the association among the psychosocial stages. Sixty-two correlation matrices from 50 different samples (N = 20,326) were analyzed. Factor analyses supported the existence of a GFPD. Future research should explore the nature of the GFPD.
Functional roles of short-term synaptic plasticity with an emphasis on inhibition

Almost all synapses show activity-dependent dynamic changes in efficacy. Numerous studies have explored the mechanisms underlying different forms of short-term synaptic plasticity (STP), but the functional role of STP for circuit output and animal behavior is less understood. This is particularly true for inhibitory synapses that can play widely varied roles in circuit activity. We review recent findings on the role of synaptic STP in sensory, pattern generating, thalamocortical, and hippocampal networks, with a focus on synaptic inhibition. These studies show a variety of functions including sensory adaptation and gating, dynamic gain control and rhythm generation. Because experimental manipulations of STP are difficult and nonspecific, a clear demonstration of STP function often requires a combination of experimental and computational techniques.
Health in Africa and the Role of International Organizations

For Africa, international health financial organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) through the World Health Organization, and bi-lateral assistance programs represent a curse and a blessing simultaneously. While they provide needed assistance and help meet the health needs of Africans, they make the continent dependent on hand-outs, unwittingly encouraging unscrupulous leaders not to generate or make national resources available to the people. Worse even, foreign assistance leaves a vacuum when it is depleted or, for various reasons, withdrawn. Foreign funds are also easily prone to misuse by leaders and unscrupulous high and middle level civil servants. Furthermore, as is the case with the IMF, assistance has always come with strings attached, forcing Africa to rely on international generosity to meet the health needs the West deems a priority for the continent. These conditions often imply at times that the donors know best what is good for Africans. While not denying the usefulness and the need for international assistance, the author argues that the use of financial assistance must be completely transparent to prevent misuse and abuse, not condescending, and always respectful of Africa’s sovereignty. In this context, world leaders must also note that the globalizing trend is often one-sided, unidirectional—from North to South—always exploitative in nature and accompanied by a cultural baggage that corrupts the youth, unwittingly promotes violence, sex, decadent practices, and unhealthy behaviors, such as the consumption of fast foods and tobacco, bad diets and alcohol abuse, thus contributing to non-communicable diseases, such as liver and stomach cancers, now dubbed by the UN as Africa’s second disease burden.
Electrochemical Reactivity of Strongly Adsorbed Cytochrome c

A major bioelectrochemical research area during the last fifteen years has been the investigation of direct electron transfer reactions of redox proteins at electrode surfaces. Mercury electrode studies1–4 pioneered the early years of this period during the 1970’s. The last ten years have witnessed a substantial emphasis on reactions at solid electrodes since key reports appeared in 19775–7. Several reviews of the field have been published8–10.
Tilt grain boundaries energy and structure in NiTi alloys

Abstract Energy and structure of tilt grain boundaries are studied in Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloys. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are utilized to investigate the excess energy of symmetric and asymmetric tilt grain boundaries as a function of the misorientation and inclination angles. Structural units of different symmetric grain boundaries are identified and the correlation between the structure and energy is investigated. It is shown that the Read-Shokley model can accurately predict the energy of low angle symmetric tilt grain boundaries in austenite NiTi alloy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to study two representative symmetric grain boundaries. Comparing to DFT calculations, it is shown that the MD results can predict the GB potential energies accurately. The Electron charge density distributions are studied and the bonding strength between atoms, and low/high charge density regions are investigated, and accosted with the structural units in the grain boundaries. It is shown that a symmetric arrangement of Ni and Ti atoms at the GB improved the uniformity of bonding and charge density distribution.
The Impact of a Pediatric Emergency Department Facility Verification System on Pediatric Mortality Rates in Arizona

Abstract Background The Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, as well as the Institute of Medicine report on pediatric emergency care, encourages recognition of emergency departments (EDs) through categorization and verification systems. Although pediatric verification programs are associated with greater pediatric readiness, clinical outcome data have been lacking to track the effects and patient-centered outcomes by implementing such programs. Objective To describe pediatric mortality rates prior to and after implementation of a pediatric emergency facility verification system in Arizona. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted using data from ED visits between 2011 and 2014 recorded in the Arizona Hospital Discharge Database. The primary outcome measure was the mortality rate for ED visits by patients under 18 years old. Rates were compared prior to and after facility certification by the Arizona Pediatric Prepared Emergency Care program. Results The total number of ED visits by children during the study period was 1,928,409. Of these, 1,127,294 were at facilities undergoing certification. For hospitals becoming certified, overall ED mortality rates were 35.2 deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.5–41.7) in the precertification analysis and 34.4 deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% CI 30.4–38.9) in the postcertification analysis. The injury-related ED visit mortality rate for certified hospitals showed a decrease from 40.0 injury-related deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% CI 28.6–54.4) in the precertification analysis to 25.8 injury-related deaths/100,000 ED visits (95% CI 18.7–34.8) in the postcertification analysis. Conclusion The implementation of the Arizona pediatric ED verification system was associated with a trend toward lower mortality. These results offer a platform for further research on pediatric ED preparedness efforts and their effects on improved patient outcomes.
Detection and localization of multiple wideband intermittent acoustic sources

We have been interested in the analytical and experimental study of real-life bird song sources for several years. Bird sources are characterized by either a single or multiple bird vocalizations independent of each other or in response to others. The sources may be physically-stationary or exhibit movements and the signals are wide-band in frequency and often intermittent with pauses and possibly restarting with repeating previously used songs or with new songs. Thus, the detection, classification, and 2D or 3D localization of these birds pose challenging signal and array problems. Due to the fact that some birds can mimic other birds, time-domain waveform characterization may not be sufficient for determining the number of birds. Similarly, due to the intermittent nature of the vocalizations, data collected over a long period cannot be used naively. Thus, it is necessary to use short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to fully exploit the intricate natures of the time and frequency properties of these sources and displayed on a spectrogram. Various dominant spectral data over the relevant frames are used to form sample covariance matrices. Eigenvectors associated with the decompositions of these matrices for these spectral indices can be used to provide 2D/3D DOA estimations of the sources over different frames for intermittent sources. Proper cluttering of these data can be used to perform enhanced detection, classification, and localization of multiple bird sources. Two sets of collected bird data will be used to demonstrate these claims.
Associations of Musculoskeletal Pain With Mobility in Older Adults: Potential Cerebral Mechanisms.

Background Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent and limits mobility in older adults. A potential mechanism by which pain affects mobility could be through its negative impact on the brain. We examined whether structural integrity of cerebral gray and white matter (WM) mediated the relationship between pain and mobility in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Musculoskeletal pain, gait speed, and neuroimaging data were obtained concurrently from the Health ABC study (mean age = 83/56% female, n = 212). Microstructural gray matter integrity was measured by mean diffusivity (MD), WM microstructure and macrostructure were measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and WM hyperintensities (WMH), respectively. Regression models were adjusted for gray matter atrophy, age, gender, medication use, and obesity. Bootstrapped mediation methods were used (1,000 bootstrapped samples, 95% confidence intervals). Results The associations of musculoskeletal pain with WMH (β = .19, p < .05) and FA (β = -.18, p < .05) were robust to adjustment for gender, medication use, age, body mass index (BMI), and brain atrophy. Participants who experienced both knee and back pain had a significantly slower gait speed (~0.11 m/s) than those without knee or back pain (p < .05) independent of gender, medication, age, and BMI. WMH and FA significantly mediated the pain-gait speed relationship. Associations between pain and MD were not significant, and MD did not modify the association between pain and gait speed. Conclusions Cerebral WM integrity may contribute to the detrimental effects of musculoskeletal pain on mobility, although pre-existing WM integrity may also simultaneously amplify pain and decrease mobility. Future studies are needed to further understand whether successful pain management may significantly improve both brain health and mobility.
Ecological Identity: Becoming a Reflective Environmentalist, by Mitchell Thomashow. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press, 1995

Ecological Identity: Becoming a Reflective Environmentalist, by Mitchell Thomashow. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press, 1995. 228 pp. Reviewed by Caroline Pomeroy, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz.
Can education influence stethoscope hygiene

The importance of stethoscope hygiene has been demonstrated in prior studies, and is acknowledged by guidelines, yet it is rarely done. We implemented a pilot project consisting of provider education, reminder flyers and provision of cleaning supplies at the start of clinical rotations for housestaff, medical students, and attending physicians. Hand hygiene rates did not change significantly with rates between 58% and 63% while stethoscope hygiene remained at zero.
Cultivating Spiritual Strength in Children and Adolescents Through Contemplative Practices in K–12 School Settings

Spirituality is a construct that can be developed for individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. Spirituality can include themes of meaning and purpose in life, inner resources, transcendence, and positive interconnectedness (Howden, 1992; Westgate, 1996). Each of these elements of spirituality can be cultivated through contemplative practices. Many contemplative practices can be implemented into school settings and are relevant to strengthening resiliency in children and adolescents. This article explores the connections between spirituality, contemplative practices, and educational trends, and describes appropriate school-based interventions for counseling professionals.
Uncertainty quantification of fiber orientation distribution measurements for long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites:

We present a detailed methodology for experimental measurement of fiber orientation distribution in injection-molded discontinuous fiber composites using the method of ellipses on two-dimensional c...
Bayesian estimation of logistic regression with misclassified covariates and response

ABSTRACTMeasurement error is a commonly addressed problem in psychometrics and the behavioral sciences, particularly where gold standard data either does not exist or are too expensive. The Bayesian approach can be utilized to adjust for the bias that results from measurement error in tests. Bayesian methods offer other practical advantages for the analysis of epidemiological data including the possibility of incorporating relevant prior scientific information and the ability to make inferences that do not rely on large sample assumptions. In this paper we consider a logistic regression model where both the response and a binary covariate are subject to misclassification. We assume both a continuous measure and a binary diagnostic test are available for the response variable but no gold standard test is assumed available. We consider a fully Bayesian analysis that affords such adjustments, accounting for the sources of error and correcting estimates of the regression parameters. Based on the results from ...
Duration of Reproductive Life Span, Age at Menarche, and Age at Menopause Are Associated With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women

BackgroundAlthough the timing of menarche and menopause may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the entire reproductive life span has not been considered comprehensively as risk for CV...
Surgical management in acute diverticulitis and its association with multi-detector CT, modified Hinchey classification, and clinical parameters.

To assess whether CT findings, clinical parameters, and modified Hinchey classification are predictive of management outcomes of patients with acute diverticulitis. Data were accrued between January 2014 and December 2015. A total of 301 adult subjects were identified from radiology reports, of which six who did not met the inclusion criteria were excluded, thus yielding 295 subjects. Subjects were 43.1% (n = 127) male and 56.9% female (n = 168), with mean age 51.9 years (range 18–90). Two independent abdominal radiologists reviewed all scans; imaging features and a modified Hinchey classification were scored. Descriptive statistics compared the relationships between imaging findings, clinical parameters obtained from medical record review, and modified Hinchey classification with management outcomes. CT findings associated with surgical management include the presence of a pericolonic fluid collection (36.8% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.0001), colonic fistula (13.2% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.0002), extraluminal air (26.4% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.0052), bowel obstruction (5.2% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.0162), and a modified Hinchey score of Ib or higher (55.3% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.0001). Slightly lower systolic blood pressure was also associated with operative management (137.2 mmHg vs. 128.2 mmHg, P = 0.0220). Specific CT imaging features and modified Hinchey classification are associated with subsequent surgical management in patients with acute diverticulitis.
Effect of Modeling Variables upon Projection of Corrosion-Induced Bridge Post-Tension Tendon Failures

Construction via post-tensioning (PT) has evolved over the past 60 y as an often preferred approach to affecting integrity for large concrete structures. In the case of bridges, tendon ducts typically contain multiple 15.24 mm (0.600 in) diameter, seven wire strands of minimum tensile strength 1,960 kN (270 ksi), and are invariably grouted. However, failures have been reported as a consequence of corrosion caused by either chemically or physically deficient grout. In response to this a methodology was developed and reported whereby the timing of wire and strand fractures and tendon failures can be projected. The present paper reviews basics of the modeling approach and evaluates the influence of modeling variables upon failure projections. These variables include the following: (1) analysis variables (generation of random numbers), (2) strand/tendon stress, (3) wire/strand strength, (4) number of tendons, and (5) tendon length. The significance of each is discussed and results are related to the timing of...
Place attachment, recreational activities, and travel intent under changing climate conditions

Globally, climate is changing and will likely alter where and when visitors decide to travel. This study looks at how visitors’ attachment to Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine, affects their intende...
Postnatal psychosis: A patient's experience with comments by the consulting psychiatrist

The article describes a patient's experience of postnatal psychosis, a form of bipolar mood disorder which presents as the most severe form of psychological disorder suffered in the postnatal period. Accompanying the patient's description are comments from the consulting psychiatrist involved in the case and description of the three forms of postnatal mood change, i.e. the baby blues, postnatal psychosis and postnatal depression. The article is designed to assist in early recognition ofpostnatal psychosis, appreciation of the patient's altered state of mind, and encouraging acceptance of psychiatric treatment, all of which are essential for good management of postnatal mood disorders.
The Emergence of West Nile Virus in North America: Ecology, Epidemiology, and Surveillance

The discovery of the flavivirus, West Nile (WN) virus, in the summer of 1999 in the USA dramatically altered the landscape of arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) disease ecology and epidemiology in the western hemisphere. Arboviruses capable of causing human encephalitis exist throughout much of North America, but large epidemics or epizootics have not occurred since the last major outbreak of St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) in the 1970s (Bruetman et al. 1976; Levy et al. 1978; Maetz et al. 1978; Paulson and Brinker 1978; Powell and Blakey 1976, 1977; Powell and Kappus 1978; Zweighaft et al. 1979). Because of the sporadic nature of arboviral diseases, it has been difficult to mobilize political and public support for funding needed to maintain effective arboviral surveillance and control programs. The loss of this infrastructure has made much of the USA potentially vulnerable to new mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. The complex and multi-factorial biology of arboviral diseases makes re-establishing the expertise needed to prevent and control human disease outbreaks very difficult. Therefore, regions of the USA that for years have been spared from these diseases, now must evaluate their need for establishing or rebuilding programs for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control, given the introduction and rapid spread of WN virus in the northeastern USA. WN virus also poses a threat to wildlife and domestic animals, with high fatality rates among a wide variety of avian species and equines. Therefore, wildlife and veterinary health officials need to work in concert with their human health counterparts in responding to WN virus.