cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Approaches to Popular Romance Fiction: Critical Essays Sarah S.G. Frantz and Eric Murphy Selinger, Editors. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2012.

New Approaches to Popular Romance Fiction: Critical Essays Sarah S.G. Frantz and Eric Murphy Selinger, Editors. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2012.In his pioneering study of popular fiction, Adventure, Mystery and Romance (1976), John Cawelti characterizes formulaic romance as the "feminine equivalent of the adventure story" (41). He concludes: "No doubt the coming age of women's liberation will invent significantly new formulas for romance, if it does not lead to a total rejection of the moral fantasy of love triumphant" (42). In 1982, Tania Modleski, author of Loving With a Vengeance: Mass-Produced Fantasies for Women observes "One cannot find any writings on popular feminine narratives to match the aggrandized titles of certain classic studies of popular male genres" (11). Author of Love's Sweet Return: The Harlequin Story (1984) Margaret Ann Jensen explains fiction and literature scholars have failed to produce critical essays on romance fiction because it is "vilified as is no other category of popular fiction" (25). Nearly thirty years later, Jonathan Allen, in the June 2013 issue of the Journal of Popular Romance Studies notes "Popular Romance Studies is a new enough field that the canon of relevant scholarship has yet to be established" (1). Evidence of this is illustrated by the content of The Journal of American Culture's March 2013 special issue on love and romance-the guest editor describes popular romance novels as "the most recognizable media form of romance... so pervasive that it has its own genre with several subgenres and dominates the publishing field" (2). Yet this special issue contains no critical essays on popular romance fiction.No matter. In their introduction to New Approaches to Popular Romance Fiction - Critical Essays, Frantz and Selinger, editors and contributors to the book, offer a fascinating, comprehensive, and surprisingly concise history of scholarship on popular romance fiction. The slow maturation of scholarly work on romance fiction is due, they argue, to the obstacles the genre must overcome: it is sentimental and emotional, written and read by women, and embraced by the mass-culture marketplace (3). Happily, this volume marks a move away from a defense of formulaic romance fiction to a more nuanced and self-assured apologetic.Seventeen remarkably erudite and instructive essays are organized into four parts. Part One, "Close Reading the Romance," provides a cultural context for romance fiction including a historical romance novel set in the Middle East, lessons on how to read the romance novel with the heart and mind, an interrogation of the rewriting of masculinity within the erotic paradigm of dominance and submission, and a compelling argument for the numerous hegemonies-beyond patriarchal structures and feminist criticism-that plague romance fiction. …
Structural Role of Zinc Oxide in Silica and Soda-Silica Glasses

The structures of amorphous zinc silicate and sodium zinc silicate have been studied using the molecular dynamics computer simulation technique. Results showed that bond lengths and coordination numbers for the individual atomic species fit within the range of results from a number of crystalline and glassy silicates. Discrete ZnO4 tetrahedra were seen to exist to a higher degree in the sodium zinc silicate system due to charge compensation from neighboring sodium atoms. Simulation results are also compared to EXAFS data of low concentrations of zinc oxide in silica and sodium silicate glasses. The local environment of oxygen in the simulated systems is also discussed.
Adaptive critic neural network force controller for atomic force microscope-based nanomanipulation

Automating the task of nanomanipulation is extremely important since it is tedious for humans. This paper proposes an atomic force microscope (AFM) based force controller to push nano particles on the substrates. A block phase correlation-based algorithm is embedded into the controller for the compensation of the thermal drift which is considered as the main external uncertainty during nanomanipulation. Then, the interactive forces and dynamics between the tip and the particle, particle and the substrate are modeled and analyzed. Further, an adaptive critic NN controller based on adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is designed and the task of pushing nano particles is demonstrated. This adaptive critic NN position/force controller utilizes a single NN in order to approximate the cost functional and subsequently the optimal control input is calculated. Finally, the convergence of the states, NN weight estimates and force errors are shown.
Fast computation of the multivariable stability margin for real interrelated uncertain parameters

An alternative implementation of an algorithm for the computation of the multivariable stability margin to check the robust stability of feedback systems with real parametric uncertainty is proposed. This method eliminates the need for the frequency search by reducing it to the testing of a finite number of conditions. These conditions have a special structure that allows a significant improvement in the speed of computation. >
A generalized biometric identification system model

Commonly-held knowledge and oft-repeated descriptions of biometric identification systems are more complicated than necessary because of the lack of a generally accepted system model. A good example is the supposed difference between "identification" and "verification". We present a system model applicable to all biometric systems showing the relationship between "verification" and "identification" and "enrollment" and "operation", illustrating where commonalities exist between seemingly disparate systems, and suggesting where interface standards might be useful. Further, we develop a general mathematical formulation to show "verification" to be the degenerate case of M-to-N matching, with N=1. Similarly, "PIN-less verification" is recognized as the degenerate case with small N with M=1, and "identification" can be seen as the more general case with small M and large N.
CT Hypotension Complex (Shock Bowel) Is Not Always Due to Traumatic Hypovolemic Shock

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to review the clinical and CT findings in a substantial series of 41 patients with the shock bowel sign to determine if there is an association between shock bowel (and other CT signs of hypotension) and conditions other than post-traumatic hypovolemic shock.CONCLUSION. The shock bowel sign and the CT hypotension complex are frequently associated with hypotension from causes other than trauma-induced hypovolemic shock, such as severe head or spine injury, cardiac arrest, septic shock, bacterial endocarditis, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Other elements of the CT hypotension complex such as flattening of the inferior vena cava and aorta, abnormal pancreatic enhancement and peripancreatic fluid, and hypoperfusion of the spleen and liver are variably associated with shock bowel whether due to posttraumatic hypovolemia or other causes of hypotension. The CT hypotension complex (shock bowel) has important prognostic and therapeutic implications and can probably be distingui...
Interior distance using barycentric coordinates

This paper introduces a framework for defining a shape-aware distance measure between any two points in the interior of a surface mesh. Our framework is based on embedding the surface mesh into a high-dimensional space in a way that best preserves boundary distances between vertices of the mesh, performing a mapping of the mesh volume into this high-dimensional space using barycentric coordinates, and defining the interior distance between any two points simply as their Euclidean distance in the embedding space. We investigate the theoretical properties of the interior distance in relation to properties of the chosen boundary distances and barycentric coordinates, and we investigate empirical properties of the interior distance using diffusion distance as the prescribed boundary distance and mean value coordinates. We prove theoretically that the interior distance is a metric, smooth, interpolating the boundary distances, and reproducing Euclidean distances, and we show empirically that it is insensitive to boundary noise and deformation and quick to compute. In case the barycentric coordinates are non-negative we also show a maximum principle exists. Finally, we use it to define a new geometric property, barycentroid of shape, and show that it captures the notion of semantic center of the shape.
An approach to understanding hydrologic connectivity on the hillslope and the implications for nutrient transport

[1] Hydrologic processes control much of the export of organic matter and nutrients from the land surface. It is the variability of these hydrologic processes that produces variable patterns of nutrient transport in both space and time. In this paper, we explore how hydrologic ‘‘connectivity’’ potentially affects nutrient transport. Hydrologic connectivity is defined as the condition by which disparate regions on the hillslope are linked via subsurface water flow. We present simulations that suggest that for much of the year, water draining through a catchment is spatially isolated. Only rarely, during storm and snowmelt events when antecedent soil moisture is high, do our simulations suggest that mid-slope saturation (or near saturation) occurs and that a catchment connects from ridge to valley. Observations during snowmelt at a small headwater catchment in Idaho are consistent with these model simulations. During early season discharge episodes, in which the mid-slope soil column is not saturated, the electrical conductivity in the stream remains low, reflecting a restricted, local (lower slope) source of stream water and the continued isolation of upper and mid-slope soil water and nutrients from the stream system. Increased streamflow and higher stream water electrical conductivity, presumably reflecting the release of water from the upper reaches of the catchment, are simultaneously observed when the mid-slope becomes sufficiently wet. This study provides preliminary evidence that the seasonal timing of hydrologic connectivity may affect a range of ecological processes, including downslope nutrient transport, C/N cycling, and biological productivity along the toposequence. A better elucidation of hydrologic connectivity will be necessary for understanding local processes as well as material export from land to water at regional and global scales. INDEX TERMS: 1615 Global Change: Biogeochemical processes (4805); 1860 Hydrology: Runoff and streamflow; 1866 Hydrology: Soil moisture; 1899 Hydrology: General or miscellaneous; KEYWORDS: carbon and nitrogen transport, hydrologic connectivity, TOPMODEL
Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of human immunoglobulin on the pathobiology of HSV-1 infection, latency, and reactivation in mice.

Pooled human immunoglobulin (IgG) was evaluated as prophylaxis and treatment of HSV-1 infection in mice. We compared the effects of IgG on the course of acute infection and spread of virus through the nervous system, as well as on the establishment, maintenance, and reactivation of virus from latency. Balb/c mice received a single 3.75 mg intraperitoneal injection of IgG 24 h before or 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h after ocular infection with 10 6 pfu of HSV-1 strain McKrae. Treatment with IgG protectedagainst deathina time-dependent manner (P<0.001 for i 24 h vs. +48 h and +72 h IgG treatment groups). Viral shedding from the eyes was reduced more in mice treated with IgG at i 24 h or +24 hrelative toanimals treatedat +48 h. Viral titers inthe eyes were reduced in mice treated with IgG at +24 h, but not at +48 h. In ganglia, virus recovery was reduced (P<0.05) in mice treated at i 24 h, +24 h, or +48 h relative to untreated mice, or ones treated at +72 h. In brains, similar results were observed in mice treated at i 24 h, +24 h, or +48 h relative to +72 h. Upon explantation, virus reactivated from all ganglia of all surviving mice regardless of treatment group. DNA quantitation showed that mice pretreated with IgG tended towards lower quantities of latent genome copies compared to +24 h treatment and +48 h treatment. UV irradiation induced reactivation in vivo in 16/40 pretreated mice, 20/29 mice treated at +24 h, and in 8/8 mice treated at +48 h (P = 0.03 and P = 0.004, for comparisons at i 24 h vs. +24 h, and i 24 h vs. +48 h, respectively). Histopathological studies revealed that mice pretreated and treated with IgG had milder encephalitis and reduced virus spread compared to untreated mice. Pooled human IgG attenuates the spread of, and morbidity from, HSV-1 if given before and within 2 days after ocular infection. Journal of NeuroVirology (2002) 8, 35‐44.
Photoacclimatization by the coral Montastraea cavernosa in the mesophotic zone: light, food, and genetics

Most studies on coral reefs have focused on shallow reef (<30 m) systems due to the technical limitations of conducting scientific diving deeper than 30 m. Compared to their shallow-water counterparts, these mesophotic coral reefs (30-150 m) are understudied, which has slowed our broader understanding of the biodiversity, ecology, and connectivity of shallow and deep coral reef communities. We know that the light environment is an important component of the productivity, physiology, and ecology of corals, and it restricts the distribution of most species of coral to depths of 60 m or less. In the Bahamas, the coral Montastraea cavernosa has a wide depth distribution, and it is one of the most numerous corals at mesophotic depths. Using a range of optical, physiological, and biochemical approaches, the relative dependence on autotrophy vs. heterotrophy was assessed for this coral from 3 to 91 m. These measurements show that the quantum yield of PSII fluorescence increases significantly with depth for M. cavernosa while gross primary productivity decreases with depth. Both morphological and physiological photoacclimatization occurs to a depth of 91 m, and stable isotope data of the host tissues, symbionts, and skeleton reveal a marked decrease in productivity and a sharp transition to heterotrophy between 45 and 61 m. Below these depths, significant changes in the genetic composition of the zooxanthellae community, including genotypes not previously observed, occur and suggest that there is strong selection for zooxanthellae that are suited for survival in the light-limited environment where mesophotic M. cavernosa are occurring.
The Client Utility as a Peer-to-Peer System

The Client Utility system developed at HP Labs in the mid 1990s was designed to address the problems inherent in distributed computing. This paper shows that the architecture we developed solves some of the problems faced by designers of Peer-to-Peer systems, particularly those of discovery, trust, and naming. We show how elements of the Client Utility architecture can be used to address the problems found in some existing Peer-to-Peer systems.
Transient response of the beam after injection into a storage ring

Abstract The time evolution of the distribution function of a mismatched or an off-axis injected Gaussian bunch is derived from the Vlasov equation. Radiation damping as well as current dependent effects are neglected. Analytic expressions for the first and second moments of the longitudinal and transverse distributions are derived when nonlinear fields which lead to decoherence of the center of mass and to filamentation of the emittance are taken into account. Coupling between the longitudinal and the transverse planes due to chromaticity will lead to synchrotron sidebands to the betatron tune in the Fourier spectrum of the transverse center of mass motion after injection.
The immunopathology of siliconosis. History, clinical presentation, and relation to silicosis and the chemistry of silicon and silicone.

Recent evidence confirms the fundamental involvement of the human immune system in the reaction to implantation of siliconebased medical devices. An as yet-to-be particularized epitope of many complex substances sharing siloxane structures is presented through the MHC-II apparatus with development and retention of T cell memory. This memory can be tested for in practical terms using one or more forms of silica, which links the immunohistopathology and autoimmune attributes of “silicosis” with those of “siliconosis.” The lesions of siliconosis are typical of those for persistent antigens and delayed, cell mediated hypersensitivity. The basic descriptive pathology of the reaction to silicone has been known since soon after introduction of silicones in medical procedures, with the exception of some details related to the more recent discoveries on the role of cytokines in the immunopathic process. The clinical consequences of siliconosis are common and can be severe in some individuals implanted with silicone devices.
HELMINTH COMMUNITIES OF THREE SYMPATRIC SPECIES OF SHOREBIRDS (CHARADRII) FROM FOUR SUMMER SEASONS AT BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA

Helminth communities in sympatric black turnstones (Arenaria melanocephala), ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres), and dunlin (Calidris alpina) were examined over 4 summers in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The compound community, made up of component communities of all 3 species of hosts for 4 summer seasons (n = 164), consisted of 43 helminth species, with cestodes, especially Anomotaenia clavigera, accounting for 47% of the helminth species and 95% of the abundance. The black turnstone had significantly higher species richness and abundance than either the ruddy turnstone or dunlin. The congeneric black and ruddy turnstone component communities were the most similar, and the dunlin's was the least similar. New helminth species continued to be acquired in all 3 host species during years 2 to 4. There was no significant difference for abundance among sample years for each of the 3 species of host. The 3 component communities all included a predictable suite of helminths with 1 dominant species and 4 to 5 associat...
Integers. Sequences. The Induction Principle

Evidently there are some subsets S of ℝ which have the following properties. (1) 1 ∈ S. (2) For each x in ℝ, x ∈ S ⇒ x+1 ∈ S.
Abstract 16647: The Value of Normal Electrocardiography Acquired in the Prehospital Setting for Triage Decision Making

Introduction: Acquisition of prehospital ECG (PH ECG) is becoming the standard of care for patients activating emergency medical services (EMS) for symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Little is known about the value of completely normal PH ECG findings (no ST-T wave changes, arrhythmias, bundle branch block, first degree block, left ventricular hypertrophy, long QT interval, or abnormal axis deviation) in patients with symptoms of ACS. The ST SMART Study was a prospective randomized clinical trial that enrolled all patients who activated 911 for ischemic complaints in Santa Cruz County, CA. Objectives: This secondary analysis was to: 1) determine the proportion of patients transported for ischemic complaints with completely normal PH ECG findings, and 2) describe short (in-hospital complications) and long-term outcomes (death) in this population. Methods: All patients received 12-lead ECG monitoring with specialized ischemia monitoring software in the prehospital setting. Results: In this analysis of 630 patients (mean age, 69.8, 51.7% male), a total of 67 (10.6%) patients with ischemic symptoms had completely normal PH ECG. There were significant differences in outcomes between those with normal PH ECG and those with any PH ECG abnormalities (Table 1). Discussion: Patients who activate EMS for ACS symptoms with completely normal PH ECG findings have significantly less in-hospital complications and long-term mortality. EMS and clinicians should consider normal PH ECG findings in their triage decisions of patients transported by ambulance for ischemic complaints. PH ECG findings allow for immediate triage and risk stratification across the spectrum of patients with ACS complaints. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Altered mental status: what is the diagnosis?

We report a patient presenting with a 2-day history of altered mental status and lethargy. She had recently started taking prednisone for suspected ‘autoimmune arthritis’. Clinical deterioration in hospital characterised by increasing confusion, alternating hyperarousal and somnolence, auditory hallucinations and eventual unresponsiveness led to an intensive care unit transfer. Initial laboratory and radiological testing did not reveal a cause for her symptoms. The only abnormality detected was antithyroid peroxidase antibody levels elevated to >900 IU/mL with patient demonstrating marked clinical improvement within 24 h of receiving high-dose steroids and plasmapheresis. Hashimoto9s encephalitis is an underdiagnosed reversible neuropsychiatric disorder with unknown pathogenesis. Recent studies indicate that autoimmune encephalopathy and specifically Hashimoto9s encephalitis is under-reported. Our case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a wide differential for altered mental status, especially after negative initial diagnostic work-up of more common aetiologies. Although steroids are an effective treatment for Hashimoto9s encephalitis, the addition of early plasmapheresis may be indicated in patients with severe presentation and those who develop disease while taking steroids.
The Study of Production of Mannan-Oligosaccharides by Immobilized β-mannanase

The process conditions of Mannan-Oligosaccharides is studied by this paper,that produced by Immobilized β-mannanase.Experimental results show that the reaction time,konjac flour concentration,temperature and the amount of Immobilized β-mannanase on the Mannan-oligosaccharides have some influence,it is most influence that konjac flour concentration and time of reaction,but temperature was less.The orthogonal test results show when time was 17 h,temperature was 70 ℃,concentration of konjac flour was 2 %,and amount of Immobilized β-mannanase was 6 400 U.The synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharide amount was 30.8 %.
Study of occupational exposure and protection of the coke oven workers

Objective To provide scientific theoretical basis and effective protective measures by studying the occupational exposure and protection of the coke oven workers. Methods Field investigation,detection and health examination methods were used to collect the required data. Results The risk factors of dust,carbon monoxide,noise and heat pollution were serious in the environment of coke oven workers. Fatty liver,elevated GPT / ATP,hyperglycemia and chronic pharyngitis /rhinitis,X- ray abnormalities were common for coke oven workers. Conclusion Strengthening the protection of dust,carbon monoxide,noise,high temperature is needed for coke oven workers,at the same time monitoring the coke oven emissions must consider the surface adsorption of particulate matter composition. Carrying out the health examination actively for coke oven workers is important in order to find the effects of occupational environment.
Research Advances in Active Ingredient of Botanical Insecticides

In order to find the substitutes of chemical insecticides,botanical insecticides have received much interest.The botanical insecticides control pest insects mainly by some active ingredients such as alkaloids,flavonoids,terpenes and phototoxicity etc.In this paper,the research advances in these active ingredients were systematically summarized.
Analysis of epidemic situation of communicable diseases of class A and B in Foshan City in Guangdong Province, 2005-2012

Objective To understand epidemic trend and prevalent pattern of communicable diseases of class A and B in Foshan City, to provide scientific evidence for developing prevention and control measures of communicable diseases.Methods The incidence data of communicable diseases of class A and B in Foshan from 2005 to 2012 was collected and analyzed. Results A total of 155 294 cases with 21 communicable diseases of class A and B were reported during this period,with average annual incidence of 314.05/100 000. Totally 176 death cases were reported, with the average annual death rate of 0.36/100 000. The first 5 rank of the diseases were pulmonary tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, viral hepatitis B and viral hepatitis C. Conclusions Incidences of communicable diseases of class A and B decrease in Foshan year by year during 2005-2012. Blood borne and sexual transmitted diseases rank the first. Pulmonary tuberculosis,syphilis, gonorrhea,AIDS, measles and dengue fever are the main communicable diseases for control for following years.
Upregulation of sodium conductive pathways in alveolar type II cells in sublethal hyperoxia

We investigated whether exposure of rats to sublethal hyperoxia (85% O2 for 7 days) raises the levels of proteins antigenically related to Na+ channels in alveolar type II (ATII) cells and, if so, whether this rise was accompanied by an increase in conductive Na+ transport in vitro. ATII cells were isolated from the lungs of these rats at the end of the exposure period. In Western blot studies, a polyclonal antibody raised against Na+ channel protein (NaAb), recognized in a specific manner a 135 +/- 10 kDa polypeptide in plasma membrane vesicles of ATII cells from both control and oxygen-exposed rats. However, higher levels of immunoreactivity were seen in ATII cells from oxygen-exposed rats. When ATII cells were patched in the whole cell mode using symmetrical solutions (150 mM Na(+)-glutamate), outward rectified Na+ currents were observed. When corrected for cell capacitance, both inward and outward currents of ATII cells from rats exposed to hyperoxia were significantly higher than control. Addition of either 1 microM amiloride or 1 microM 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-2'-4'-amiloride in the bath solution decreased the magnitude of outward currents of both control and hyperoxic ATII cells by approximately 50%. Taken together, these results indicate that exposure of rats to sublethal hyperoxia results in upregulation of ATII cell conductive pathways with low affinity to amiloride and increased Na+ transport. This may be an early adaptive response that limits the degree of alveolar edema in injured lungs.
The Effect of Graphic Organizers on the Performance of Electronic Consenting Systems

Federal regulations mandate obtaining informed consent from patients before they undergo medical procedures or clinical research trials. These documents are intended to assure respect for patient a...
Fission Product Yields from 232Th, 238U, and 235U Using 14 MeV Neutrons

Abstract Neutron-induced fission yield studies using deuterium-tritium fusion-produced 14 MeV neutrons have not yet directly measured fission yields from fission products with half-lives on the order of seconds (far from the line of nuclear stability). Fundamental data of this nature are important for improving and validating the current models of the nuclear fission process. Cyclic neutron activation analysis (CNAA) was performed on three actinide targets–thorium-oxide, depleted uranium metal, and highly enriched uranium metal–at the University of Michigan's Neutron Science Laboratory (UM-NSL) using a pneumatic system and Thermo-Scientific D711 accelerator-based fusion neutron generator. This was done to measure the fission yields of short-lived fission products and to examine the differences between the delayed fission product signatures of the three actinides. The measured data were compared against previously published results for 89Kr, −90, and −92 and 138Xe, −139, and −140. The average percent deviation of the measured values from the Evaluated Nuclear Data Files VII.1 (ENDF/B-VII.1) for thorium, depleted-uranium, and highly-enriched uranium were −10.2%, 4.5%, and −12.9%, respectively. In addition to the measurements of the six known fission products, 23 new fission yield measurements from 84As to 146La are presented.
The Anterolateral Thigh Flap as the Flap of Choice for Scalp Reconstruction.

Introduction Large scalp soft tissue defects can present difficulties with reconstruction. The ideal flap for scalp reconstruction has yet to be described although the latissimus dorsi flap is frequently referred to as the first choice in this setting. Patients and methods Following institutional review board approval, the authors reviewed their experience in scalp reconstruction for the past 4 years. Patient demographics, reconstruction indication, flap choice, complications, and outcomes were recorded. Results Thirteen patients underwent scalp reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. In most patients, the indication was resection of a cutaneous malignancy. In all but 1 patient the facial or more proximal vessels were used for anastomosis. None of the patients required vein grafts to increase pedicle length. The median flap surface area was 156 cm. One flap had vascular compromise. All donor sites healed without complications. Discussion The ALT flap can emerge as the flap of choice for scalp reconstruction, even when proximal neck vessels are used as the recipient targets. Using a suprafascial dissection and extending the vascular pedicle to the profunda femoris artery can optimize its role in this setting. The ALT flap provides excellent cosmesis and durable scalp coverage with minimal donor site morbidity.
DIFFERING OUTCOMES OF TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND THEIR IMPACT ON OVERALL NON-ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION MORTALITY RATES

Background: Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (MI) is attributed to an imbalance between myocardial oxygen demand and supply leading to myocardial necrosis. In comparison, type 1 MI is caused by plaque rupture and coronary thrombosis. The International Classification of Disease (ICD) coding does not
Efficient 1550 nm Diffractive Log-Polar Element Based Orbital Angular Momentum Mode-division Multiplexing

Diffractive log-polar orbital angular momentum elements have been designed and fabricated for 1550 nm. Mode-division multiplexing has been experimentally demonstrated. The power efficiency of the two log-polar elements are 84% and 81%, respectively.
Particle Bombardment Effects in Thin Film Deposition

The properties of thin films are greatly affected by energetic particle bombardment during deposition. By its input of energy, particle bombardment creates a deposition environment somewhat similar to an elevated substrate temperature, but there are distinct features which make bombardment itself an important control parameter. This article reviews the flux and energy range of bombarding particles in thin film deposition, and relates their effects to those of substrate temperature. It is based on a lecture presented at the 1988 NATO Advanced Study Institute on Plasma-Surface Interaction and Processing of Materials. Wherever possible, the essential information is given in quantitative relationships and practical units, so that the reader may estimate the relative importance of each bombardment process. First, the vacuum environment is briefly described, followed by a summary of the sources of particle bombardment in sputtered film growth. Next, the material transfer processes are described at the sputtering cathode (target), at the growing film surface (substrate), and in the space between. After this review of basic phenomena, the general effects of substrate temperature and of particle bombardment on thin film properties are summarized. Then a series of examples is presented, to demonstrate the effects of temperature and bombardment on an increasingly complex series of materials. A single element (tungsten) is used as the first example, followed by metal alloys (Al-Cu, Gd-Co), compounds (A1N, TiN, Hf3N4), and multiple-phase materials (In-O, Y-Ba-Cu-O). The object is to introduce more complicated effects of ion bombardment with more complicated examples, keeping in mind that the simple effects are present in all cases.
Abstract 112: Exploring Sleep Disturbance Among Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease: Results From the Project Voice Pilot Study

Background: Sleep disturbance is an important determinant of both mental and physical health-related quality of life (QOL). Associations between sleep disturbance and subclinical cardiovascular dis...
Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction

Prepectoral breast reconstruction has recently experienced resurgence and continues to grow in popularity. This review seeks to discuss the history, indications, technical considerations, and outcomes associated with this technique. Recent literature on prepectoral breast reconstruction has demonstrated that no significant differences in complication rates exist between prepectoral and subpectoral methods. Furthermore, our experience at our institution demonstrated that patients undergoing prepectoral breast reconstruction have consistently high levels of satisfaction with overall outcome, satisfaction with breasts, emotional well-being, and physical functioning. Prepectoral breast reconstruction is an acceptable and safe alternative to subpectoral approaches and can offer equal if not superior esthetic results. As with any procedure, proper patient selection is critical and should be an important consideration when determining which method of breast reconstruction is likely to yield the most favorable outcomes.
Dietary Bovine Milk Exosomes Elicit Changes in Microbial Communities in C57BL/6 Mice

Exosomes and exosome-like vesicles participate in cell-to-cell communication in animals, plant and bacteria. Dietary exosomes in bovine milk are bioavailable in non-bovine species, but a fraction of milk exosomes reaches the large intestine. We hypothesized that milk exosomes alter the composition of the gut microbiome in mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed AIN-93G diets, defined by their content of bovine milk exosomes and RNA cargos: exosome/RNA-depleted (ERD) versus exosome/RNA-sufficient (ERS) diets. Feeding was initiated at age three weeks and cecum content was collected at ages 7, 15 and 47 weeks. Microbial communities were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The dietary intake of exosomes and age had significant effects on the microbial communities in the cecum. At the phylum level, the abundance of Verrucomicrobia was greater in mice fed ERD compared to ERS, and the abundance of both Firmicutes and Tenericutes was smaller in mice fed ERD compared to ERS at age 47 weeks. At the family level, the abundance of Anaeroplasmataceae was greater in mice fed ERD compared to ERS, and the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Dehalobacteriaceae was significantly greater in mice fed ERS than mice fed ERD at age 15 weeks. Exosome feeding significantly altered the abundance of 52 operational taxonomic units; diet effects were particularly strong in the Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and the Verrucomicrobiaceae families. We conclude that exosomes in bovine milk alter microbial communities in non-bovine species, suggesting that exosomes and their cargos participate in the crosstalk between bacterial and animal kingdoms.
Progressively Hoarse Voice

A 62-year-old male presents with a 2-month history of a progressively hoarse voice. Initially, his voice was only slightly raspy, but over time, he has lost the ability to project his voice and is only able to speak in a loud whisper. He endorses blood-tinged sputum with coughing, which has occurred approximately twice a week for the past month. The social history is remarkable for a 40-pack-year smoking history; he continues to smoke one pack per day. On review of systems, he denies dyspnea, dysphagia, and odynophagia. On physical examination, his voice is breathy and raspy. His oral cavity and oropharynx are remarkable only for caries, and his neck is supple, without lymphadenopathy. Flexible laryngoscopy performed in clinic reveals friable masses on both vocal cords, with a widely patent airway but with impaired mobility of the left vocal cord.
Bioelectrochemical Systems for Indirect Biohydrogen Production

Bioelectrochemical systems involve the use of exoelectrogenic (i.e., anode-reducing) microbes to produce current in conjunction with the oxidation of reduced compounds. This current can be used directly for power in a microbial fuel cell, but there are alternate uses of this current. One such alternative is the production of hydrogen in a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), which accomplishes cathodic proton reduction with a slight applied potential by exploiting the low redox potential produced by exoelectrogens at the anode. As an indirect approach to biohydrogen production, these systems are not subject to the hydrogen yield constraints of fermentative processes and have been proven to work with virtually any biodegradable organic substrate. With continued advancements in reactor design to reduce the system internal resistance, increase the specific surface area for anode biofilm development, and decrease the material costs, MECs may emerge as a viable alternative technology for biohydrogen production. Moreover, these systems can also incorporate other value-added functionalities for applications in waste treatment, desalination, and bioremediation.
Productivity Based Management of International Operations

Productivity growth rates and patterns differ significantly between countries over the very long term as well as over short periods of time. In general, the reasons for these pronounced differences in national productivities are obvious. Countries vary enormously in their human resources, natural resources, capital resources, culture, institutions and organization of production. Attempts at a methodical accounting of the sources of different rates of international growth rates have been undertaken by Denison (1967), who provides important insight into the international role of productivity in economic growth.
Establishing Best Practices for Effective Online Learning Modules: a Single Institution Study

To reduce lecture hours, medical schools turned to online teaching modalities to re-engage students and reduce cognitive overload and burnout. Importantly, developing effective online learning modules expands the teaching product toolbox and enhances schedule flexibility. Various authorship tools are available, but there is a significant need for faculty development to successfully build these novel resources. We performed this study to establish best practices for creating effective online learning modules. Our mixed-methods survey generated data on student perceptions for overall effectiveness of 19 online learning modules employed in a single course of the first year medical curriculum. These surveys also obtained data on additional parameters to assess their impact on overall effectiveness. Our data revealed that transitioning content from a lecture format to an interactive online exercise can be challenging because online instructors no longer have a real-time presence to assess and redirect learning on an ad hoc basis. Thus, the manner in which an online module is organized, clarity of provided written information, and helpfulness of figures all correlated strongly with student perceptions of overall effectiveness of an online module. In contrast, formative feedback and brief audio/visual lecture capture clips, while viewed very positively by students, appeared more as independent variables correlating less well with overall effectiveness. These data will help guide faculty development as medical education transitions from traditional lectures to an increasing number of online learning resources.
Integration of multi-tissue PAH and PCB burdens with biomarker activity in three coastal shark species from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Tissue-based burdens of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were integrated with ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity in bull (Carcharhinus leucas), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus), and bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) sharks from Galveston Bay, TX. The potential toxicity of these burdens was evaluated by calculation of toxic equivalents (TEQs). Concentrations of total PAHs (∑PAHs) were significantly greater in blacktip and bonnethead sharks than bull sharks in liver, but did not exhibit differences in muscle among species. Hepatic concentrations of ∑PAHs in these sharks (range of means: 1560–2200 ng/g wet wt.) were greater than concentrations previously reported in oysters from Galveston Bay (range of means: 134–333 ng/g dry wt.), which suggests that trophic dilution of PAHs may not be reflected in sharks. Total PCBs (∑PCBs) were significantly greatest in bull sharks and lowest in bonnetheads, while blacktips were intermediate to these species. EROD activity was greater in bonnetheads than the other species, whereas GST activity was significantly higher in blacktips and bonnetheads than in bull sharks. Integration of hepatic burdens with biomarker activity via constrained multivariate analysis found correlations for only a small number of individual PAH/PCB congeners. Hepatic TEQ measurements suggest potential physiological effects of these burdens compared to established TEQ thresholds for other taxa, although the likelihood of similar effects in sharks requires further study and the inclusion of toxic endpoints. Our findings indicate that sharks may be prone to the accumulation of PAHs and PCBs, which may result in negative health outcomes for these cartilaginous fishes.
N-terminal acetylation and methylation differentially affect the function of MYL9

Deciphering the histone code has illustrated that acetylation or methylation on the same residue can have analogous or opposing roles. However, little is known about the interplay between these post-translational modifications (PTMs) on the same nonhistone residues. We have recently discovered that N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) and N-terminal methyltransferases (NRMTs) can have overlapping substrates and identified myosin regulatory light chain 9 (MYL9) as the first confirmed protein to occur in either α-amino-methylated (Nα-methyl) or α-amino-acetylated (Nα-acetyl) states in vivo. Here we aim to determine if these PTMs function similarly or create different MYL9 proteoforms with distinct roles. We use enzymatic assays to directly verify MYL9 is a substrate of both NRMT1 and NatA and generate mutants of MYL9 that are exclusive for Nα-acetylation or Nα-methylation. We then employ eukaryotic cell models to probe the regulatory functions of these Nα-PTMs on MYL9. Our results show that, contrary to prevailing dogma, neither of these modifications regulate the stability of MYL9. Rather, exclusive Nα-acetylation promotes cytoplasmic roles of MYL9, while exclusive Nα-methylation promotes the nuclear role of MYL9 as a transcription factor. The increased cytoplasmic activity of Nα-acetylated MYL9 corresponds with increased phosphorylation at serine 19, a key MYL9 activating PTM. Increased nuclear activity of Nα-methylated MYL9 corresponds with increased DNA binding. Nα-methylation also results in a decrease of interactions between the N-terminus of MYL9 and a host of cytoskeletal proteins. These results confirm that Nα-acetylation and Nα-methylation differentially affect MYL9 function by creating distinct proteoforms with different internal PTM patterns and binding properties.
Comparison of navigator-gated and breath-held image acquisition techniques for multi-echo quantitative dixon imaging of the liver in children and young adults

Acquired over a breath hold, multi-echo Dixon (mDixon) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver can be used to quantify proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and iron-related signal decay. However, young, obese, and co-morbid patients may have limited breath holding capacity and could benefit from a motion-robust mDixon acquisition. The purpose of this study was to compare hepatic PDFF and R2* values between navigator-gated and breath-held mDixon MRI acquisition techniques in children and young adults with suspected liver disease. This retrospective study was institutional review board-approved with a waiver of informed consent. Patients who underwent liver MRI with breath-held and navigator-gated mDixon sequences between January 2017 and July 2018 were included. One reviewer, blinded to sequence, measured PDFF and R2* on four images from each sequence. Another blinded reviewer graded respiratory motion (5-point Likert scale). Pearson correlation (r), Lin’s concordance coefficients (rc), and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess agreement between techniques. Frequency of clinically limiting motion (score ≥ 3) was compared with Fisher’s exact test. Forty-two patients were included (15 female, 27 male; mean age: 15.7 ± 4.6 years). Mean PDFF and R2* were 16.6 ± 13.1% and 29.3 ± 4.7 s−1 (breath-held) versus 17.0 ± 13.2% and 29.6 ± 5.2 s−1 (navigator-gated). PDFF agreed almost perfectly between sequences (rc = 0.997, 95% CI 0.994–0.998; mean bias: 0.3%; 95% limits of agreement: − 2.4 to +1.7%), while R2* values correlated very strongly but with poor agreement (r = 0.837, rc = 0.832, 95% CI 0.716–0.910). Navigator-gated images exhibited significantly higher frequency of clinically limiting respiratory motion (88% vs. 48%, p = 0.0001). Despite greater respiratory motion artifact, a free-breathing navigator-gated mDixon sequence produces PDFF values with almost perfect agreement to a breath-held sequence.
How Relationships Matter: The Need for Closer Attention to Relationality in Neuroethical Studies

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)—a neurosurgical procedure in which electrodes are used to stimulate regions of the brain—is being investigated as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Lawrence...
Pulmonary Function Testing and Outcomes after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background: Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is often done during workup prior to left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), but its utility for predicting outcomes and changes in pulmonary function post-LVAD is not well established. We assessed the association of baseline PFT metrics with outcomes after LVAD, and quantified the changes in PFTs post-LVAD. Methods and results: A retrospective study of 178 patients receiving continuous flow LVADs was conducted. A total of 129 subjects had baseline PFT data and 54 of these had repeat tests after LVAD. We collected PFT data (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratios, and DLCO) at baseline and post-LVAD, and tested the association with survival, right heart failure, quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]) and functional capacity (six-minute walking distance [6MWD]). Proportional hazards and linear regressions determined relationships between baseline PFT data and survival time and functional outcomes, respectively. Paired t-tests compared pre- and post- LVAD PFT variables. There was no association of baseline PFT parameters with survival time post-LVAD (all P > .2), nor the incidence of perioperative RV failure (all P > .15). There were no significant associations of the baseline PFT metrics with the change in KCCQ or 6MWD. There were statistically significant declines in FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and DLCO after LVAD (P < .05). Conclusion: In this single center study, there was no relationship between baseline PFTs and post-LVAD outcomes, and PFT parameters often worsened after LVAD. Further studies are needed to determine whether PFTs are useful in this setting, and what, if any, impact LVAD therapy has on pulmonary function.
Glycocalyx in Endotoxemia and Sepsis

Along with the recognition of a crucial role played by endothelial dysfunction secondarily igniting cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal complications, investigational focus has extended toward endothelial glycocalyx. This delicate coating of cells, including the vascular endothelium, regulates permeability, leukocyte traffic, nitric oxide production, and coagulation, and harbors diverse growth and survival factors. In this brief overview, we discuss the metabolic signatures of sepsis as they relate to the loss of glycocalyx integrity and highlight the contribution of several proteases, heparanase, and hyaluronidase to the shedding of glycocalyx. Clinical manifestations of glycocalyx degradation in unraveling acute respiratory distress syndrome and the cardiovascular, microcirculatory, and renal complications of sepsis are concisely presented. Finally, we list therapeutic strategies for preventing the degradation of, and for restoration of, the glycocalyx.