cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Public Health Aspects of Riverbank Filtration

The quest for pure water began in prehistoric times. Recorded knowledge of water treatment is found in Sanskrit medical lore and in Egyptian inscriptions. Pictures of apparati to clarify liquids (both water and wine) have been found on Egyptian walls dating back to the fifteenth century B.C. Boiling of water, the use of wick siphons, filtration through porous vessels, and even filtration with sand and gravel, as means to purify water, are methods that have been prescribed for thousands of years. In his writings on public hygiene, Hippocrates (460–354 B.C.) directed attention principally to the importance of water in the maintenance of health, but he also prescribed that rain water should be boiled and strained. The cloth bag that he recommended for straining became known in later times as “Hippocrates’ sleeve.”
Malpractice cases in wound care and a legal concept: special defense.

There is no doubt that in today’s practice of emergency medicine it is imperative to be familiar with how the law relates to administrative and clinical practice. It is my pleasure to announce, as section editor, the new Legal Medicine section of the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. It is anticipated that the articles will cover a variety of areas and cases in the law. Some articles may focus on a particular disease or entity, with representative malpractice cases, and clinical caveats. Other articles may focus on legal concepts that enter the arena of emergency medicine. I have provided brief examples of each of these in this initial manuscript. Other articles could also cover original research related to law such as the standard of care in a given clinical situation or legal concepts such as consent, do-not-resuscitate, and AMA among others. I am hopeful that it will be of great interest to the readers. We welcome submissions and contributions for consideration.
Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among western women, and 10–15 % of all breast cancer patients develop and ultimately succumb to metastatic disease. In breast cancer, malignant cells disseminate through lymphatic or hematogenous routes to distant organs. Over the last decades, the 5-year survival of breast cancer has increased due to early screening and advanced local and systemic treatments. Understanding the fundamental biology underlying the progression of breast cancer has fostered the identification and development of therapeutics. In this chapter, we discuss the morphologic and molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer and the relationship between breast cancer subtype and metastatic potential. Moreover, we detail different in vitro assays which provide simple and robust systems to study basic cellular processes that are critical to orchestrating metastatic progression of breast cancer. Lastly, we address the strengths and shortcomings of different in vivo models that allow integrated analysis of heterotypic signaling and tissue architecture in breast cancer progression.
Advanced Heart Failure Management and Transplantation

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart disease with heterogeneous clinical features, including progression to advanced heart failure. The development of these symptoms can be related to outflow obstruction but in some patients reflects an underlying process of fibrosis and progressive ventricular dysfunction. For patients with end-stage disease, traditional heart failure therapies have not proved beneficial. As such, more advanced therapies, such as left ventricular assist device or cardiac transplantation, should be considered for these patients. Although left ventricular assist device support is used infrequently due to the restrictive physiology underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, transplant represents an effective treatment, with encouraging long-term outcome data.
Trends in smoking during pregnancy by socioeconomic characteristics in the United States, 2010–2017

Maternal smoking during pregnancy remains a public health concern in the United States (US). We examined whether the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy decreased between 2010 and 2017 and how trends differed by demographic subgroups. We used 2010–2017 data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Rao-Scott Chi-Square tests were performed to compare characteristics between smoking and nonsmoking groups. Cochran–Armitage tests and logistic regression were used to assess overall changes in the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy over time and changes for age, race, and educational attainment subgroups. The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy decreased from 9.2% in 2010 to 6.9% in 2017. In 2017, the prevalence was highest among women aged 20–24 (9.9%), American Indian/Alaskan Natives (15%), and those with a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) (12.2%). The prevalence was lowest among women younger than 15 (1.7%), Asian/Pacific Islanders (1%), and those who had a master’s degree and higher (0.3%). Prevalence did not decrease significantly over time in the 35–39 age group (4.5 to 4.4%; p = 0.08), and increased dramatically for women with less than a high school diploma from 10.2 to 11.8%; p < 0.0001. Smoking prevalence during pregnancy in the US is declining, but is highest among younger women (20–24), American Indian/Alaska Natives, and women with a high school diploma or GED. In addition, the prevalence has increased for women with the least education. Targeted research and tobacco control interventions could help address the specific needs of these high-risk subpopulations.
Social Enterprises’ Social Orientation: The Impact on the Organizational Commitment of Employees

This study investigates the relationship between social enterprises’ social orientation and the organizational commitment of their employees. The study also examines differences in organizational commitment between Millennial social enterprise employees and social enterprise employees of earlier generations. The findings from the study indicate that a social enterprise’s pursuit of social purpose, shared decision- making, and social performance are all positively associated with the organizational commitment of its employees. Additionally, the findings suggest that, in general, Millennials have a lower level of organizational commitment to their social enterprise employer than do earlier generations. Indeed, the organizational commitment of Millennials, we find, is primarily (and significantly) influenced only by shared decision-making. These findings contribute to the literature on social enterprise as well as to the literature on organizational commitment by providing insight into unseen aspects of social enterprise management from the perspective of employees. From a practical standpoint, these findings provide social entrepreneurs and managers of social enterprises with practical guidance on how to improve their employees’ organizational commitment.
142 Urban–rural traumatic brain injury mortality disparities by age and mechanism of injury

Statement of Purpose Traumatic brain injury (TBI) mortality rates have been shown to be higher in rural versus urban areas. Variation by age and intent/mechanism of injury has not been assessed. Urban–rural TBI mortality rate differences were quantified by age and intent/mechanism of injury. Methods/Approach National Vital Statistics System mortality data (2015–2017) were analyzed by three urban–rural county classifications: large urban, medium/small urban, and rural. Excess TBI mortality rates were calculated relative to large urban areas (rate differences), which had the lowest TBI mortality rates. The proportions of deaths attributable to differences in urbanization (population attributable fraction) were estimated by dividing excess deaths by total TBI deaths. The proportions of the excess deaths due to each intent/mechanism were calculated by dividing the intent/mechanism-specific excess deaths from the total excess deaths by urbanization level and age group. Results Rural areas had the highest excess TBI mortality rates. Overall, 18.1% of TBI deaths would be prevented if all areas had the TBI mortality rate of large urban areas. Excess TBI mortality rates in rural and medium/small urban areas were primarily due to motor vehicle crashes (33.2% and 28.5%) and intentional self-harm (38.9% and 44.8%). This was consistent for all age groups except individuals aged ≥75 years in medium/small urban areas, for whom unintentional falls and intentional self-harm accounted for the largest share of excess TBI mortality rates. Conclusions TBI mortality increased with rurality and excess TBI mortality rates were predominantly attributable to motor vehicle crashes and intentional self-harm, with differences by age regarding magnitude and mechanism. Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science TBI mortality increases with rurality. Prevention in rural areas may want to focus efforts on reducing TBI-related deaths due to motor vehicle crashes, intentional self-harm, and falls among older adults.
Night Shift Work and Fecundability in Late Reproductive-Aged African American Women.

Background: We estimated the association between night shift work and fecundability among African American women. Methods: Black Women's Health Study participants (n = 560) aged 30–45 years reporte...
Becoming an Intentional Church Community: Relationships, Security, and Discipleship in Sexual Identity and Faith Development:

Drawing upon previous research with sexual minority Christian college students, we identify emergent themes important to ministry with sexual minorities integrating religious/spiritual and sexual i...
Auditory neuroethology: What the frog's lungs tell the frog's ear.

Summary Animals that communicate by vocal means must make their own calls salient against a background of environmental noise. A new study of green tree frogs demonstrates that input from the lungs to the middle ear reduces interfering noise and thus enhances call detection.
Photodynamic Therapy for Retinal Hemangioblastoma: Treatment Outcomes of 17 Consecutive Patients.

Purpose To report the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for management of retinal hemangioblastoma. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Seventeen patients with retinal hemangioblastoma treated with PDT. Methods The medical records of 17 patients with retinal hemangioblastoma treated with PDT were reviewed, and treatment outcomes were assessed. Photodynamic therapy was performed with 6 mg/m2 body surface area of verteporfin infused intravenously over 10 minutes activated by 50 J/cm2 laser light at 689 nm for 83 or 166 seconds. Main Outcome Measures Tumor control, subretinal and intraretinal fluid resolution, and visual outcome. Results Eighteen retinal hemangioblastomas in 17 eyes were treated with PDT. Median patient age was 31 years (mean, 36 years; range, 7–66 years), and median follow-up was 51 months (mean, 61 months; range, 2–144 months). Genetic testing confirmed von Hippel-Lindau disease in 8 of 17 patients (47%). The tumors were unilateral in all patients and unifocal in most patients (n = 13/17 [76%]). The tumor median basal diameter was 3.5 mm (mean, 3.4 mm; range, 1.5–6.0 mm) and median thickness was 2.1 mm (mean, 2.3 mm; range, 1.0–5.0 mm). The tumor location was juxtapapillary in 9 of 18 cases (50%). Associated findings included subretinal fluid (n = 14/17 [82%]) and macular edema (n = 12/17 [71%]). The median number of PDT sessions was 1.5 (mean, 1.8; range, 1.0–4.0). Standard duration of PDT (83 seconds) was used in all cases except 2, in which double duration (166 seconds) was used. Outcomes revealed tumor control in 13 of 18 tumors (72%), partial or complete resolution of subretinal fluid in 10 of 14 eyes (71%), and partial or complete resolution of macular edema in 7 of 12 eyes (58%), and stable or improved visual acuity in 12 of 17 eyes (71%). Photodynamic therapy-related transient exudative response was noted in 4 of 17 eyes (24%). Conclusions Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for both juxtapapillary and peripheral retinal hemangioblastomas, providing satisfactory rates of tumor control and visual stabilization and improvement. Patients should be monitored for PDT-related transient exudative response.
CNDO/2 calculations of electrocyclic transformations—I

Abstract CNDO/2 calculations for the thermal electrocyclic transformation of an aziridinyl cation to an 2-azaallyl cation favor a disrotatory mode. The most stable acyclic ion is linear, a 2-azaallenyl cation. These semi-empirical conclusions are in accord with experimental results for the solvolyses of N-chloroaziridines.
Inventing Around and Impacts on Modes of Entry in Japan: A Cross-Country Analysis of U.S. Affiliate Sales and Licensing

A common notion in the literature is that weak patent protection encourages internalization because it allows the firm to retain direct control over its intellectual assets by building its own subsidiary. However, "inventing around" may counteract this process. This patent practice which is most frequently associated with Japan allows rival firms to read laid open patent applications, and develop similar and competing products. A simple model demonstrates how "inventing around" can erode profits from FDI and encourage the licensing solution. This paper examines whether and how key legal and institutional features of Japan's patent system affected entry mode decisions. Findings from a cross-country analysis of U.S. affiliate sales and licensing receipts over 1986-1994 suggest that "inventing around" may have discouraged FDI and contributed to the high level of licensing in Japan, and to a lesser extent, other countries with similar patent regimes.
Blood salvage and cancer surgery: should we do it?

In this edition of TRANSFUSION,1 a case series is presented where blood salvage was used during surgery for gynecologic malignancy. Commonly, blood salvage is avoided in cancer surgery due to a fear of creating disseminated metastasis from incorporating cancer cells into the shed blood and reinfusing them directly into circulation. In the case series presented here, diffuse metastasis did not arise shortly thereafter. While a case series does not prove the safety of this technology during oncologic surgery, it does provide an opportunity to review the data regarding this contraindication.
The Albedo of Large Refractory Particles from P/Tempel 2

Thermal emission from a portion of the Tempel 2 dust trail indicates that the large refractory particles ejected from the nucleus have a bolometric Bond albedo of ∼0.05. It is inferred that the nucleus itself is dark. Upper limits on the number density of trail particles are calulated. The mean free path between trail particles suggests that the Comet Rendevous/Asteroid Flyby mission is unlikely to be affected if it flies within the trail ahead of the comet in its orbit, but may collide with trail particles (having diameters of a few hundred microns) behind the comet.
Characterization of 5‐HT1A,B and 5‐HT2A,C Serotonin Receptor Binding

This unit describes assays for measuring the binding of radioligands to two major types of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT or serotonin), 5-HT₁ and 5-HT₂ receptors, in homogenates of brain tissue or cloned into cells in culture. The specific receptor subtypes covered are 5-HT(₁A), 5-HT(₁B), 5-HT(₂A), and 5-HT(₂C). In addition, methodology for using quantitative autoradiography to measure radioligand binding to serotonin receptors in brain slices is described. Protocols are provided for characterization of both saturation and competition binding assays, and instructions for data analysis of these assays is also described. In addition, methodology is provided for the quantification (image analysis) of radioligand binding in brain tissue sections to determine receptor density, preparation of rat brain sections for quantitative autoradiography, and thionin staining of thaw-mounted tissue sections to define certain brain regions.
Fractional statistics: Quantum possibilities in two-dimensions

A standard notion of quantum mechanics is that all particles, elementary or composite, must fall into one of two fundamental categories: fermions or bosons. However, it has recently been discovered that there can be quantum particles which are neither fermions nor bosons. Such particles (anyons) can only occur in two spatial dimensions—yet this does not rule out their existence, for they are found as elementary excitations in confined, quasi—two-dimensional condensed-matter systems and may occur in other systems as well. An overview of the argument for the existence of anyons is presented, along with a discussion of their role in condensed-matter physics.
Placental pathology and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns in gestational diabetes.

Infants of diabetic mothers are considered to be at increased risk of fetal distress. We suggest that umbilical vasculitis is strongly associated with abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, which indicate fetal tissue hypoxia even in the absence of clinical evidence of intrapartum infection. In the present series, 132 term deliveries with Class A diabetes mellitus were compared with 159 uncomplicated term deliveries. Umbilical vasculitis and gestational age greater than 281 days were both highly correlated with abnormal fetal heart rate patterns in diabetic pregnancies (p < 0.001). These effects were shown to be independent by multiple logistic regression. There was no difference in mean birthweight between infants of diabetic mothers and those of uncomplicated pregnancies, but infants of diabetic mothers had heavier placentas (p < 0.01). These data further support our hypothesis that umbilical vasculitis may affect umbilical hemodynamics and predispose to development of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns.
Methods to estimate genetic components of variance for quantitative traits in family studies

The aim of this paper was to compare several methods of estimating the genetic components of a quantitative trait in familial data. The Expectation and Maximization (E-M) algorithm, the Newton-Raphson method, and the scoring method were compared for estimating polygenic and environmental effects on nuclear families. We also compared scoring and quasilikelihood (QL) methods when a linked genetic marker was available to estimate effects from a major gene. Generally, all procedures performed similarly in estimating polygenic and environmental variance components. The E-M algorithm yielded more precise estimators when heritability was low. The scoring method was much faster than the other methods and yielded slightly more precise estimates of mean effects but slightly less precise estimates of the variance components. Estimates of major gene effects were not affected by the number of alleles at the trait locus. For these relatively large sample sizes, QL and scoring had similar precision, but QL took 32 times longer than scoring. Finally, we compared the results of applying these methods to data from the Bogalusa Heart Study. Results showed larger imprecision when the QL method was applied, consistent with earlier studies that showed decreased precision of quasilikelihood compared with maximum likelihood in moderately small sample sizes.
Flexible and transparent gastric battery: energy harvesting from gastric acid for endoscopy application.

Abstract In this paper, we present the potential to harvest energy directly from the digestive system for powering a future wireless endoscopy capsule. A microfabricated electrochemical cell on flexible parylene film is proposed as a gastric battery. This electrochemical cell uses gastric juice as a source of unlimited electrolyte. Planar fabricated zinc [Zn] and palladium [Pd] electrodes serve as anode and cathode respectively. Due to planar geometry, no separator is needed. Moreover the annular structure of the electrodes provides lower distance between cathode and anode reducing the internal resistance. Both electrodes are biocompatible and parylene provides flexibility to the system. For a surface area of 15 mm 2 , 1.25 mW is generated which is sufficient for most implantable endoscopy applications. Open circuit output voltage of this battery is 0.75 V. Since this gastric battery does not require any external electrolyte, it has low intrinsic weight, and since it is flexible and is made of biocompatible materials, it offers a promising solution for power in implantable applications.
Identification of prostaglandin E2 receptor sites in the embryonic murine palate.

Abstract This study reports the existence and characteristics of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) receptor sites during development of the murine embryonic palate. A radioligand binding technique utilizing [ 3 H]-PGE 2 was employed in the identification and characterization of binding sites. On day 13 of gestation, palatal PGE 2 receptor sites were saturable (at 3.5 nM [ 3 H]-PGE 2 ) with high affinity (K D 1.6 nM) and low capacity (0.018 fmole/mg protein). Specific [ 3 H]-PGE 2 binding was completely reversible by 30 min. The rank order of prostanoid binding affinity at specific PGE 2 binding sites was: E 2 > F 2α > A 2 > E 1 = D 2 . The ability of embryonic palate mesenchymal cells to respond to PGE 2 with dose-dependent accumulations of intracellular CAMP demonstrated the functional nature of these binding sites. Analysis of palatal PGE 2 receptor characteristics during the period of palatal development also indicated significant temporal alterations in both receptor affinity and density.
Some alternative functional forms for estimating economically optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates

Abstract Estimation of economically optimal nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates involves fitting some production functions to crop yield data obtained at different N fertilizer rates. Most common production functions that have been used in previous N fertilizer response studies are quadratic and square root. In this paper, we employ two alternative production functions, namely Cobb‐Douglas and transcendental, for estimating economically optimal N fertilizer rates. Although these production functions are quite popular in production economics literature, they have not been used in N fertilizer response studies. The two functions were used to estimate economically efficient N fertilizer rates for corn (Zea mays L.). Estimation involves corn yield data obtained from six site‐years in New Jersey during the period 1992–1995. Each site‐year had 10 rates of fertilizer N applied as sidedress. The results obtained by the two functions were compared with those obtained for quadratic and square root models. Economically op...
Excitation of Electronic and Nuclear Spin Waves in a Flopped Antiferromagnet

Critical rf fields for parallel pumping in a flopped antiferromagnet are derived, and experimental results on excitation of electronic and nuclear spin waves in RbMn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ are reported. The theory includes expressions for the critical fields necessary for the excitation of two electronic spin waves, two nuclear spin waves, and one nuclear and one electronic spin wave. This involves computation of normal-mode frequencies and eigenvectors for the coupled nuclear and electronic spin systems. These normal modes for the flopped configuration show a high degree of ellipticity associated with the electronic motion, thus making the system ideal for spin-wave studies by parallel pumping. In particular, we predict that in the flopped state two nuclear spin waves can be excited in RbMn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ with critical rf fields of only about 0.1 Oe. Simultaneous excitation of one electronic and one nuclear spin wave by parallel pumping in RbMn${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ has been performed in the temperature range from 2.4 to 13\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Wave vectors up to ${10}^{5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ are excited at a pumping frequency of 8.469 GHz. Using the experimental data to infer the product relaxation rates $\ensuremath{\eta}_{k}^{e}\ensuremath{\eta}_{k}^{n}$, we find order-of-magnitude agreement with Richards's theory for $\ensuremath{\eta}_{k}^{n}$ and with Cole and Courtney's experimental value for $\ensuremath{\eta}_{k}^{e}$. In the product relaxation rates, there appears a minimum at a given $k$ whose value increases linearly with temperature. There is no current theory which predicts such behavior. Excitation of two electronic spin waves could not be detected, since simultaneous electronic plus nuclear excitation was always the first process to become unstable.
Instructional Resources for Tax Education: Communicating the Complexities of Capital Gains for Individuals After the 1997 and 1998 Tax Acts

his article provides examples and teaching tools for presenting the new capital gains provisions for individuals under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. For students to gain an understanding of these new complexities, they must work with examples and planning techniques that incorporate the new law in a meaningful way. This article provides two summary tables, three diagrams and nine computations or tax‐planning mini‐cases to assist tax professors in accomplishing this objective.
Involvement of DNA polymerase III in excision repair after ultraviolet irradiation

THE dark repair of ultraviolet-induced damage in Escherichia coli K-12 involves at least two processes1–3:(1)post-replicational repair of gaps produced in daughter strands of the DNA by replication past ultraviolet-induced lesions and (2) excision repair of these lesions. This report is concerned with only the latter repair process.
Evidence for a protonmotive Q cycle mechanism of electron transfer through the cytochrome b-c1 complex.

Abstract A protein named oxidation factor can be reversibly removed from succinate-cytochrome c reductase complex and shown to be required for electron transfer between succinate and cytochrome c . This protein is required for reduction of cytochrome c 1 and, in the presence of antimycin, for reduction of both cytochromes b and c 1 . These results are consistent with a protonmotive Q cycle mechanism in which the oxidation factor catalyzes electron transfer from reduced quinone to cytochrome c 1 and thus liberates from reduced quinone one of two protons required for energy conservation during electron transfer through the cytochrome b - c 1 complex.
Taking Action to Stop Violence: A Study on Readiness to Change Among Male Batterers

The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) predicts that matching interventions with a person’s readiness to change should improve treatment outcomes. This cross-sectional correlational study examined characteristics that affected self-reported readiness to change abusive behavior among a sample of 109 men in a 52-week batterer treatment program. Participants completed measures of anger/hostility, readiness to change, manipulative parenting, and self-esteem. Results indicated that contemplation of the impact of abuse has the highest unique relationship with self-reported taking action to stop violence. Moreover, physical aggression and manipulative parenting account for significant variance in the scores associated with self-reported taking action to stop violence as well. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at moving clients into contemplation, and reducing physical aggression and manipulative parenting styles, may increase the likelihood that batterers will take action to stop violence.
Prolegomena to a Theory of Bifurcating Universes: A Nonlocal Solution to the Cosmological Constant Problem Or Little Lambda Goes Back to the Future

We outline a framework for describing the bifurcation of the universe into disconnected pieces, and formulate criteria for a system in which such phenomena occur, to describe local quantum physics in a single connected universe. The formalism is a four-dimensional analog of string field theory which we call Universal Field Theory (UFT). We argue that local dynamics in a single universe is a good approximation to UFT if the universal field is classical and if the vertex for emission of a new connected component of the universe is concentrated on universes of small volume. We show that classical UFT is equivalent to a Wheeler-DeWitt equation for a single connected universe plus a set of nonlocal gap equations for the couplings in the spacetime lagrangian. The effective action must be stationary with respect to the couplings. Nonlicality shoes up only at short distances. We solve the equation for the low-energy cosmological constant and show that if the universe undergoes substantial inflation then the cosmological constant is determined to be negative and very small. Its precise value may depend on the fate of nonrelativistic matter in the very late stages of universal expansion. Finally, we argue that corrections to the classical UFT are nonlocal and must be suppressed if the theory is to make sense. This may be the reason that supersymmetric vacua of string theory are not realized in nature.
Effect of rare-earth oxide addition on the thermal conductivity of sintered aluminium nitride

The densification of A1N ceramics and the improvement of its thermal conductivity are typically achieved by the addition of a small amount of oxides. The effects of oxide addition on the density and thermal conductivity of sintered A1N were investigated by Tsuge and co-workers [1, 2]. They found that the alkaliand rare-earth oxides (Re203) were useful additives for the fabrication of fully densified and highly thermally conductive A1N; Y203 is an especially good sintering additive. In the A1N sintering process, Y203 additive reacts with the surface oxide layer of A1N particles, forms the liquid phase of the Y A I O N system, causes the precipitation of yttrium-aluminium-oxide phases such as Y4A1209 (2Y203.A1203) in grain boundaries and lowers the oxygen content dissolved in A1N grains, and then the thermal conductivity of sintered A1N increases [2]. However, the effects of Re203 addition other than Y203 on the thermal conductivity of A1N have not been studied in depth. Recently A1N sintering with Y203 additive under reducing nitrogen gas atmosphere was reported to be a useful method to obtain sintered bodies with high thermal conductivity (>150 W m -a K -1) [3-7]. In this study the effects of Re203 addition on the thermal conductivity of A1N specimens sintered in reducing nitrogen atmosphere were investigated. A commercial A1N powder (Tokuyama Soda Co., Tokyo) with an average particle size of 0.6/xm and a specific surface area of 3.2 m 2 g-1 was used in this research. According to the manufacturer, this powder contains 1 wt % oxygen, 220 p.p.m, carbon and trace amounts of iron, calcium and silicon. In this work ND203, Sm203, Gd203, Dy203, Er203 and Yb20 3 powders (Hokko Chemicals Co., Tokyo) were used as the Re203 additives. I mol % of each of the rare-earth oxide powders as sintering aids were added, respectively, to the raw A1N powder. These powders were mixed in ethanol in a ball mill. After drying, the mixed powder was formed into pellets 14 mm in diameter and 8 mm high using a stainless steel die, and then cold isostatically pressed (CIPed) under 200 MPa pressure for 60 s. The CIPed pellets were placed in a graphite crucible, and then sintered using a graphite heater furnance at temperatures of 1773, 1873, 1973, 2073 and 2173 K for 1 and 3 h under 0.1 MPa nitrogen atmosphere. Furthermore, the CIPed samples were sintered in a graphite crucible with A1N packing powder in order to investigate the effect of the sintering atmosphere. The heating rate was 0.17 Ks Gd203 > Er203 > Yb203 >Nd203 >Sm203 addition. On the other hand, in sintering with packing powder, the thermal conductivity of A1N specimens with Re203 were about 95 W m -1K -1. The maximum thermal conductivity of A1N ceramics obtained in this work was 195 W m -1K -a for Dy203 addition. The results for the oxygen content of sintered A1N with the Re203 are shown in Fig. 2. The oxygen content of A1N specimens sintered without packing
Comment on the magnetic properties of several indium thiospinels

Abstract The negative Weiss constants observed in the thiospinels In[M 2+ In]S 4 , where M  Fe, Co, and Ni, are interpreted to be due to a delocalization of the electrons of e g symmetry that makes M 2+ SSM 2+ interactions dominate the 90° M 2+ SM 2+ interactions. Lack of antiferromagnetic ordering above 4.2°K is attributed to the peculiar character of the B-site subarray of the spinel structure.
Courts as Casinos? An Empirical Investigation of Randomness and Efficiency in Civil Litigation

Abstract For a variety of reasons, the U.S. legal system has been accused of performing poorly because of the haphazard way in which courts assess liability and award damages. This article examines the relation of court awards to the pretrial expectations of litigants and their attorneys and to measurable, economically relevant damages. Court awards are highly predictable, as variance in expectations explains much of the variance in awards. In addition, awards are significantly related to both medical costs and property damage. The hypothesis of a highly unpredictable court system is conclusively rejected.
Organic Semiconductors and their Applications in Photovoltaic Devices

In recent years, organic semiconductors have emerged as a promising and, in some situations, viable commercial alternative to traditional inorganic materials such as silicon. Organic-based light emitting diodes, photovoltaic devices, photodetectors, and transistors have attracted intense interest in the scientific community. In this review, we first present a discussion of the fundamental electronic nature of organic semiconductors, processing techniques, and their application to two main classes of optoelectronic devices, light emitting diodes, and photovoltaics. The second part of the review introduces organic photovoltaics in depth, including their operation principles, development history, current state of the art, and routes for further improvement.
Synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a] pyridinium salts from 2-alkylaminopyridines. A reexamination

1-Alkyl-2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroimidazo [1,2-a] pyridinium salts (III) have been identified as isolatable intermediates in the synthesis of 1-alkylimidazo[1,2-a] pyridinium salts (II) from 2-alkylaminopyridines and α-haloketones. Spectral data suggest that these intermediates exist exclusively as the cyclic ring tautomers III rather than chain tautomers VI.
High-rate, high-density FeSb–TiC–C nanocomposite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

High-density, high-rate FeSb–TiC–C nanocomposite alloy anodes composed of varying amounts of FeSb, TiC, and conductive carbon black have been synthesized by heating the metallic precursors first followed by high-energy mechanical milling (HEMM) of the product with carbon black. The synthesis method allows for a systematic variation of the TiC and carbon contents within the electrode so that the effects of each component on the electrochemical performance can be understood. The FeSb–TiC–C samples display high tap density (2.9 g cm−3), high reversible specific capacity (450 mA h g−1), superior volumetric capacity (1300 mA h cm−3), and high rate capability (89% retention of the C/5 capacity at 10 C rate). However, realizing a cycle life of >500 cycles requires increased contents of carbon and TiC, which lead to a reduction in reversible capacity and tap density. Incorporation of additives, such as fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) or vinylene carbonate (VC), into the electrolyte provides moderate improvements in cycle life. The FeSb–TiC–C nanocomposite anodes with a high volumetric capacity at a moderate operating voltage offer an attractive alternative to graphite anodes with safety advantages.
The role of the private sector in delivering maternal and child health services in low-income and middle-income countries: an observational, longitudinal analysis

Abstract Background There is debate about the role of the private sector in the delivery of health services in low-income and middle-income countries and its potential contribution towards achieving universal health coverage. However, what share of health services are being provided by the private sector is poorly understood. I investigated the share and trends of selected health services delivered by the private sector in low-income and middle-income countries from 1990, to 2012. Methods Using data from 198 Demographic and Health Surveys from 70 countries done between 1990 and 2012, I calculated the share of key maternal, child, and reproductive health services (source of treatment of diarrhoea, source of treatment of fever or cough, source of modern family planning methods, location of delivery, and location of antenatal care) that were provided by the private medical sector and assessed trends over time. I weighted the estimates by the population of the countries included in our sample. I also assessed differences in patterns of use by socioeconomic background of households. Findings The private medical sector provided more than half of treatments for diarrhoea (54%) and fever or cough (57%) but substantially less for other health services: family planning (31%), deliveries (13%), and antenatal care (27%). Use of the private sector did not change over time, with the exception of deliveries; however, over the same period the public sector gained a greater market share than did the private sector for deliveries. Wealthier, more educated, and urban households were more likely than were other households to use the private sector. Interpretation The private sector plays an important—although not necessarily dominant—part in the provision of health services in low-income and middle-income countries. It is an important complement to public health services and governments should further engage the private sector as they move towards universal health coverage. Funding World Bank, International Finance Corporation.
Residual strain measurement in composites using the cure-referencing method

This paper describes the details of a novel procedure called the cure-referencing method (CRM) to measure the strains associated with residual stresses on the surface of composite panels. The CRM involves the replication of diffraction gratings onto the surface of composite specimens during the autoclave during cycle. Residual strains associated with the curing process are measured using moire interferometry at room temperature after the specimens have been taken out of the autoclave. The procedures for both the grating replication and the moire interferometry experiment are described in detail. A method of high-temperature moire interferometry was developed to resolve the residual strains due to thermal expansion from those due to chemical matrix shrinkage and stress relaxation. These procedures are demonstrated on unidirectional and multidirectional laminates and on woven textile composites.
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay for N-2-chloroethylaziridine, a volatile cytotoxic metabolite of cyclophosphamide, in rat plasma.

A sensitive and specific method for the quantitative analysis of N-2-chloroethylaziridine (CEA), a volatile cytotoxic metabolite of cyclophosphamide, has been developed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and stable isotope dilution techniques. The high volatility problem of CEA during isolation procedure was overcome by the combined use of a deuterium-labeled analog as the internal standard and a Snyder column-concentrator assembly. The assay was found to be linear from 16.7 to 2667 ng/ml in rat plasma with a routine detection limit of 5 ng/ml. The within-run precision at 33, 333 and 1333 ng/ml (n=6) was found to be 4.8, 4.9, and 6.1%, respectively. The between-run precision was 6.4% (n=6). The dichloromethane extraction recoveries at 33, 333, and 1333 ng/ml were found to be 101, 98, and 91%, respectively (all at n=6). However, the overall recovery through extraction and evaporation was only 18.3, 15.2, and 27.7% at 33, 333, and 1333 ng/ml levels, respectively. The analytical method was used to evaluate the generation of CEA from its precursors in sodium phosphate buffer, in cell culture media, and the degradation of CEA in these media. In pH 7.4, 0.067 M sodium phosphate buffer at 37°C, both phosphoramide mustard (PM) and nornitrogen mustard (NNM) were degraded in an apparent first-order fashion with half-lives of 24.8 and 14.5 min, respectively. The generated CEA was rather stable in this buffer and degraded with a half-life of 20 h. It was found that 32% PM and 91% NNM were converted to CEA in pH 7.4, 0.067 M sodium phosphate buffer at 37°C, respectively, and 41% PM was transformed into CEA in RPMI 1640 tissue culture media containing 10% FBS at 37°C. The generated CEA was very stabble in the culture media with a degradation half-life of 265 h.
The alkali–silica reaction: The effect of monovalent and bivalent cations on the surface charge of opal

Abstract The degree of expansion of alkali–silica reaction (ASR) gel is dependent on the valence and relative concentrations of cations present in the ASR gel. The electrical double-layer (EDL) model can predict which gel will be more expansive. If double-layer models are applied in a complex system, as in concrete, it is necessary to characterize the surface charge density of amorphous silica as a function of pH and electrolytes. The effects of Li+, Na+, K+, Mg+2, Ca+2, and Ba+2 on the surface charge density of opal have been measured as a function of pH. The results indicate that bivalent ions produce much lower surface charge density than monovalent ions, resulting in less expansive gels.
Generalized zeta-functions

In this paper, we will show tha t some of the features common to certain zeta-functions which occur in analysis are properties of much more general objects. As it turns out, a considerable unity of t reatment can be achieved with surprisingly mild assumpt ions , and when possible, we will point out how familiar cases fall within the more general framework. Our starting point will be Bochner 's paper [1], and I would like here to express my gratitude to Professor Bochner for his generous advice during the preparation of this paper, and to thank Professors Edward Nelson and Rober t Langlands for several informative conversations.
Sea Level Rise Maps: How Individual Differences Complicate the Cartographic Communication of an Uncertain Climate Change Hazard

Interactive, online maps of sea level rise have great potential for communicating climate change, as evidenced by both their popularity and likely ability to combat discounting of climate change hazards. However, little is known about how different audiences will interpret the significant uncertainties—including those related to the amount, timing, and spatial coverage of sea level rise flooding—communicated on many of these maps. A review of the risk perception literature presents three situations where different aspects of uncertainty have been suggested to dictate (or at least strongly encourage) adaptive or mitigative action in the context of sea level rise or similarly uncertain hazards, then problematizes these accounts by showing how context and personal differences mediate (and in some cases reverse) these expected relationships. A final section offers preliminary reflections on the implications for the cartographic communication of climate change and sea level rise uncertainty.
Prospero’s Exile and the Tempest of the English Reformation

As one of Shakespeare’s most compelling and dynamic creations, Prospero, the protagonist of The Tempest , has long been a source of scholarly interest. This essay attempts to situate the image of Prospero in the specific religious context of Shakespeare’s world. Prospero’s exile and his return can be understood more fully by looking at it through the lens of the English Reformation, in particular the situation in which Roman Catholics and their clergy found themselves under the reigns of Elizabeth and James. As with Prospero, a complex web of factors led to the persecution of the Roman Catholic Church in England; and, like Prospero, the clergy of that Church faced difficult questions about the relationship between supernatural and temporal power, questions that would ultimately decide their place in a new order.
Automated twisted-pair wire bonding

A need for highly dense and reworkable external interconnections with controlled characteristic impedance on high-performance printed-circuit boards led to the development of the process and equipment described in this paper. These interconnections are required to implement engineering changes, to install precise circuit delays, to repair printed-circuit defects, and to complete interconnections not possible with printed circuitry alone. As an economical way to meet the characteristic impedance requirement of 80 ± 10 Ω and the density requirement for terminations on a 2.5-mm "staggered" grid (twice as dense as a 2.5-mm-square grid), 39-gauge twisted-pair wire is used. A solder-reflow process bonds the wires to the printed circuitry and meets the need for reworkability. Computer-controlled equipment, developed to install twisted-pair wires at production rates, is now being used in several IBM plants worldwide.
Management of cancer in the elderly: an essential need for more clinically relevant data.

equate renal function or a known history of mild cardiac dysfunction or peripheral arterial disease? Or should the regimen simply not be administered to the elderly patient due to the unknown risks versus the benefits in this population? It is also reasonable, in the absence of specific attention to the elderly, to inquire if we even know how the oncology community (outside the narrow confines of a clinical trial) actually manages this patient population. For example, do such patients undergo the same surgery suggested as being beneficial in trials that have focused on the younger patient population? Is potentially moderately toxic ‘adjuvant therapy’ to be recommended for patients where the risk-to-benefit ratio might be different from that identified in evidence-based trials that included a limited (and likely inadequate) proportion of patients defined as being ‘elderly’? In this issue of Oncology , two papers appear that directly address the concerns highlighted in this commentary. The manuscript by Palaia et al. [1] explores the issue of the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with gynecologic malignancies (ovarian, endometrial or cervical) who are ‘very elderly’ ( ≥ 75 years of age). In this retrospective analysis (n = 49) approximately one half of the population initially received full-dose cytotoxOne of the most serious recognized deficiencies in the cancer clinical trials paradigm, particularly within studies designed to achieve regulatory approval of new antineoplastic pharmaceutical agents, is the distressing but often rather ‘routine’ exclusion of the more elderly patient population. This concern is magnified by the observation that cancer is largely (although certainly not exclusively) associated with the aging process, with the recognized risk of malignant disease (both for an individual and for the entire population) increasing with age. Optimal management of cancer in the very elderly can be quite problematic and often due simply to a profound lack of objective data in this large and growing population of patients. For example, if a new antineoplastic agent or novel combination chemotherapy is reported in the peerreviewed literature to be effective in patients with a particular tumor type, but the median age of the patients treated on the phase-3 randomized trial demonstrating this outcome was more than 20 years younger than the patient in the oncologist’s office today to discuss disease management, how should these data be appropriately utilized to inform the decision-making process? Should the treatment regimen be modified (likely a dose reduction) in some manner due to the ‘physiologic age’ of this patient and concerns for the presence of inadPublished online: August 30, 2013