cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantified Classification Management of Aggregation Epidemic in Xuhui District,2008-2010

Objective To master the characteristics and situation of quantitative classification of aggregation epidemic and provide scientific evidence for improving quantified classification management. Methods Quantified classification management was employed in aggregation epidemic and statistical analysis was carried out on data of aggregation epidemic in Xuhui district from 2008 to 2010. Results There were 561 epidemics handled in Xuhui district during the period,with 6,146 cases,from 2008 to 2010. The rate of aggregation epidemics happened in schools and kindergartens was 95. 72% and the rate of the third warning aggregation epidemic was 55. 26%. Aggregation epidemic were handled within 24 hours. The number of varicella outbreaks decreased year by year. Conclusion Significant effects were obtained in the control of aggregation epidemic from early childhood with the quantified and classified management mode.
Predictable behavior during contact simulation: a comparison of selected physics engines

Contact behaviors in physics simulations are important for real-time interactive applications, especially in virtual reality applications where user's body parts are tracked and interact with the environment via contact. For these contact simulations, it is ideal to have small changes in initial condition yield predictable changes in the output. Predictable simulation is key for success in iterative learning processes as well, such as learning controllers for manipulations or locomotion tasks. Here, we present an extensive comparison of contact simulations using Bullet Physics, Dynamic Animation and Robotics Toolkit DART, MuJoCo, and Open Dynamics Engine, with a focus on predictability of behavior. We first tune each engine to match an analytical solution as closely as possible and then compare the results for a more complex simulation. We found that in the commonly available physics engines, small changes in initial condition can sometimes induce different sequences of contact events to occur and ultimately lead to a vastly different result. Our results confirmed that parameter settings do matter a great deal and suggest that there may be a trade-off between accuracy and predictability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, Fabrication, and Applications of In Situ Fluid Cell TEM

In situ fluid cell TEM is a powerful new tool for understanding dynamic processes during liquid phase chemical reactions, including mineral formation. This technique, which operates in the high vacuum of a TEM chamber, provides information on crystal structure, phase, morphology, size, aggregation/segregation, and crystal growth mechanisms in real time. In situ TEM records both crystal structure and morphology at spatial resolutions down to the atomic level with high temporal resolution of up to 10(-6)s per image, giving it distinct advantages over other in situ techniques such as optical microscopy, AFM, or X-ray scattering or diffraction. This chapter addresses the design, fabrication, and assembly of TEM fluid cells and applications of fluid cell TEM to understanding mechanisms of mineralization.
Ultrasonic Diagnosis of the Bladder as a Symptomatic Pelvic Mass

Diagnostic ultrasound for pelvic masses is now a well established modality. Its ability to distinguish between fluid-filled and solid lesions is important in the diagnostic study of pelvic masses. Two cases are presented of bladder distension causing clinical symptoms suggesting pathology outside the urinary tract, which when finally evaluated by ultrasound proved bladder distension as the etiology of the symptoms.
A Great and Lasting Beginning: The First 125 Years of St. Ambrose University

Review of: "A Great and Lasting Beginning: The First 125 Years of St. Ambrose University," by George William McDaniel.
Mechanism of Isobutanal–Isobutene Prins Condensation Reactions on Solid Brønsted Acids

The selectivity to 2,5-dimethyl-hexadiene isomers (2,5-DMH) via acid-catalyzed isobutanal–isobutene Prins condensation is limited by isobutene oligomerization reactions (to 2,4,4-trimethyl-pentene isomers) and by skeletal isomerization and cyclization of the primary 2,5-DMH products of Prins condensation. Experiment and theory are used here to assess and interpret acid strength effects on the reactivity and selectivity for isobutanal–isobutene Prins condensation routes to 2,5-DMH, useful as precursors to p-xylene. Non-coordinating 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine titrants fully suppress reactivity on Keggin heteropolyacids, niobic acid, and mesoporous and microporous aluminosilicates, indicating that Prins condensation, parallel isobutene oligomerization, and secondary skeletal isomerization and cyclization of primary 2,5-DMH products occur exclusively on Bronsted acid sites. The number of titrants required to suppress rates allows site counts for active protons, a requirement for comparing reactivity among soli...
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) and Its Applications: Introduction to TFP and the Roles of the Structural Interview, Goal Setting, and Contracting

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is an empirically validated psychotherapy for adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP is a psychoanalytically informed treatment with roots in object relations theory. TFP has been used more broadly for adults with narcissistic personality pathology, higher level personality pathology, and adolescents with borderline pathology as well. The central tenets of TFP have utility for clinicians in settings beyond the individual psychotherapy format in an “applied TFP” approach. The TFP manual outlines a series of specific and distinct interventions to be used in the course of the psychotherapy process. These component parts can be used by clinicians even when they are engaged in treatment interventions other than the prototypical extended individual psychotherapy. In particular, the TFP focuses on the structural interview, discussion of diagnosis, and contracting process, and patient and family psychoeducation can be useful.
Sleep Disturbance in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Epiphenomenon or Causal Factor?

Purpose of Review The goal of this review is to integrate recent findings on sleep disturbance and PTSD, examine sleep disturbance as a causal factor in the development of PTSD, and identify future directions for research, treatment, and prevention.
Role of Free Radicals and Angiotensin II in Blood Pressure Regulation in a Renal Model of Hypertension in Rat

P17 One kidney one clip (1K1C) or uninephrectomized controls were treated with either the SOD mimetic tempol (T) (0.5 mmol/kg/day), AT1 receptor inhibitor losartan (L) (50mM/kg/day), or both(L+T) (n=6/group), for 2 weeks. At the end of the study,systolic BP decreased on average by 21% in T- and 29% in L-treated compared to untreated 1K1C (217±4.4 mmHg) and was normalized in the L+T group (123.5±3.3 mmHg). Mean BP also decreased from 130±3.7 mmHg in 1K1C to 83±2.8mmHg in the L+T treated group. The differences were significant (p 5 ). The nitrotyrosine ELISA assay in the kidney displayed a significant reduction from 59±13 ng/mg protein in 1K1C to 12.5±5 ng/mg protein in the L+T 1K1C rats. Western blotting for nNOS in the kidney cortex and medulla showed a protein increase in both fractions of 1K1C vs controls and was normalized by the L+T treatment. Collectively, data show a synergistic effect of L and T on the blood pressure reduction in 1K1C rats. The mechanism may involve the reduced superoxide production and decreased kidney nNOS expression in the treated animals. Also, the reduced nitrosylation of the proteins in the kidney might have an important effect on blood pressure regulation.
Energy conversion behaviors of antimony telluride particle loaded partially carbonized nanofiber composite mat manufactured by electrohydrodynamic casting

Abstract This work deals with the processing and energy conversion performance characterization of a partially carbonized nanofiber composite material containing antimony telluride (Sb2Te3) particles made by a new manufacturing technology of electrohydrodynamic casting. Dimethylformamide (DMF) dissolved polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer solution with a concentration of 10% was used as the precursor to generate the partially carbonized nanofibers. The antimony telluride particles were added into the polymer solution and electrohydrodynamically cast onto a soft tissue paper substrate to form a flexible composite fiber mat. The polymeric matrix composite mat was heat treated in hydrogen gas atmosphere to form partially carbonized nanofiber loaded with Sb-Te alloy fine particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to reveal the morphology and the composition of the composite material. Energy conversion behaviors in view of converting electromagnetic wave energy to heat and converting photon energy to electricity were characterized. Strong hyperthermia and photovoltaics of the composite mat were found.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors

Since the first suggestion of G-protein coupled glutamate receptor(s) and the subsequent cloning of eight different subtypes within the past 2 decades, our understanding of the neurophysiologic role and importance of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors has greatly advanced, in large part owing to discovery and advancement of potent and selective pharmacological agents. These include orthosteric (i.e. N-terminal glutamate-site) agonists and antagonists possessing remarkable selectivity for one of the three mGlu receptor groups: Group I (mGlu1 and mGlu5), Group II (mGlu2 and mGlu3), or Group III (mGlu4, mGlu6, mGlu7 and mGlu8). More recently, subtype selective allosteric modulators that bind to the seven transmembrane (7-TM) domain (potentiators, non-competitive antagonists, and/or inverse agonists) for one or more of the eight mGlu receptor subtypes have been described. This chapter will focus on a brief description and summary of key findings for a number of these neuropharmacologic agents. Keywords: glutamate; metabotropic glutamate receptors; mGlu; orthosteric agonists; orthosteric antagonists; allosteric modulators
The price-setting newsvendor with nonlinear salvage revenue and shortage cost

Abstract We consider the price-setting newsvendor problems with linear additive demand, nonlinear salvage revenue and nonlinear shortage penalty costs. We prove existence–uniqueness of the optimal solution and investigate the equivalence of our model to related models in the literature.
Cultures of Proximal and Distal Segments of Silicone Tubes After Dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose To compare the results of cultures of the proximal and distal segments of silicone tubes after dacryocystorhinostomy. Methods The medical records of patients undergoing a dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone intubation were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were cultures of both distal and proximal stent segments after removal, dye testing, evaluation of the tear meniscus, and notation of the presence or absence of discharge before and after removal. The exclusion criteria included the use of systemic or topical antibiotics within 1 month before tube removal. Results Forty-six lacrimal systems in 40 patients were included, with 6 patients having bilateral dacryocystorhinostomies. There were no cases of dacryocystitis at the time of or after tube removal. Four (9%) of the dacryocystorhinostomies failed. Forty-one (89%) of the distal tube segments had positive cultures. The distal tube cultures grew 17 (36%) gram-positive bacteria, 21 (45%) gram-negative bacteria, 7 (15%) skin flora, and 2 (4%) fungi (6 distal segments had mixed cultures). Thirteen (28%) of the proximal tube segments had positive cultures. The proximal tube cultures were 5 (38%) gram-negative bacteria, 4 (31%) gram-positive bacteria, 3 (23%) skin flora, and 1 (8%) acid-fast bacteria. Four (31%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew the same organism as the distal tube segment. Nine (69%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew different organisms than the distal segment. Forty-two (91%) of all the proximal tube cultures were either negative or grew different organisms than the distal segment cultures. Conclusions The proximal segment of a silicone tube after a dacryocystorhinostomy may be a "privileged" area. There is usually a lack of growth or the growth of different organisms than those present on the distal tube segments. This may be explained by the protective nature of the tear film. The findings may also help to explain the low incidence of dacryocystitis in spite of the growth of virulent organisms on the distal tube segment after a dacryocystorhinostomy.
Molecular systematics and the origin of species: new syntheses or methodological introgressions?

The advent of molecular phylogenetics stimulated the need to reprise for many discussions surrounding species concepts. The interpretation of cladograms as accurate representations of phylogeny, when the characters upon which they are based exhibit a reticulate pattern, is inconsistent with the epistemological axiom of hierarchy we assign to the cladistic method (Brower, 2000c). Discrepancies in the interpretation of cladograms would appear to account for differences in the kinds of questions to which they are applied. The philosphical and empirical issues surrounding this subject are examined in this chapter.
Effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the respiratory chain of rat liver submitochondrial particles

Studies of hepatic submitochondrial particles, which provide an experimental system allowing direct measurements of electron transfer independent of substrate transport reactions, showed that chronic ethanol ingestion (36% calories, 40 days) lowered the specific respiratory rates associated with substrate oxidation. NADH oxidase activity was decreased about 40%, succinoxidase was decreased 25%, and oxidation in ascorbate mediated by phenazine methosulfate was decreased 20%. The content of dithionite-reducible cytochrome aa 3 was decreased 38%, while that of cytochrome b was decreased 8%, and that of cytochromes c + c l was decreased 14%. Steady state kinetic measurements indicated that the turnover number of cytochrome oxidase was unchanged, about 15 s−1 under uncoupled conditions with NADH as substrate. When electron flux to cytochrome c was maximal, cytochrome c was maintained in a more highly reduced state relative to cytochrome aa 3 in submitochondrial particles from the ethanol-treated rat compared to those from the control rat. This finding is consistent with the greater decrease in cytochrome aa 3 content relative to that of cytochrome c. The results indicate that the diminished content of cytochrome oxidase is one of the factors responsible for the lower respiration rates caused by chronic ethanol consumption.
Primitives Inherit the Earth

In addition to the Lamarckian illusion pointed out in Chapter IX, another illusion persists with regard to the nature of evolution. We tend to view evolution as a purposeful process by which simple creatures, which were primitive, changed step by step to become more and more complex creatures, which are advanced. The commonly held notion resulting from this misunderstanding is that amphibians evolved from a type of fish which had achieved a pinnacle of complexity as a fish, and that reptiles evolved from the most advanced form of amphibians. The chronology of vertebrate evolution briefly reconstructed in this chapter shows quite clearly that the contrary has been the case. A big leap in evolution to a more advanced class has always been commenced by one of the more primitive members of the previous class.
Evaluating the Impact of the Global Fund on Fighting Against Tuberculosis

Rationale: In spite of the fact that a cost-effective cure for tuberculosis (TB) was developed more than fifty years ago, about two billion people - comprising one third of the world's population - are infected with the mycobacteria that cause TB. Of those infected two million die of this air-borne infectious disease each year. At the same time, we are facing two new challenges: the rising incidence of drug-resistant TB disease and the growth of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Millennium Development Goals proposed that, by 2005, the detection rate of new smear-positive cases should be raised to 70% and successful treatment of these detected case should reach 85%. Unfortunately, we have failed to achieve these goals. The Global Fund was created in 2002 to combat AIDS, TB and Malaria by raising and disbursing funds to countries. To date, the Global Fund has approved 81 grants in 69 countries for TB and TB/HIV co-infection programs and has disbursed about 426 million dollars to recipients. Objective: In this study, we want to investigate, after several years of implementation, whether or not the Global Fund has contributed to achieving the targets set by the MDGs. Methods: To assess the performance of Global Fund spending against the MDG goals for TB control, we use data till 2005 from various sources. The outcome variables - case notification rates with new smear positive and treatment success of smear positives - are from WHO's Global TB Database. Disbursement information was obtained from the Global Fund and other independent variables such as GDP per capita and indicators of government effectiveness were obtained from UN, World Bank and IMF online databases. Various estimation methods and model specifications are tested. A panel analysis using the fixed-effects model is finally adopted for this study. We also assume different timing of the effect to examine the sensitivity of our findings. Results: We find that the Global Fund has a positive effect on case notification rates and estimates are significant. The results are robust to various model specifications and timing of effect. The preliminary results also show that there is a positive impact of Global Fund spending on countries with high-TB burden or low income countries. Conclusion: With the data observed, we find that Global Fund spending is helping recipient countries to improve case notification rates.
Effect of Consent and Educational Adjuncts to Consent on Patient Perceptions About Colonoscopy.

Background and aims Informed consent is a vital preprocedural step for endoscopy but there are substantial variations in its delivery. We therefore sought to assess a multifaceted intervention to improve the consent process. Methods Gastroenterologists at a tertiary center were educated on the recommended components of informed consent. Following this, 3 cohorts of patients undergoing colonoscopy were surveyed before and after consent. In one cohort, the effect of optimized verbal consent alone was assessed. In the second and third groups, the effects of the addition of either a handout or a video describing colonoscopy and its risks were evaluated. The primary outcomes were the changes between preconsent and postconsent survey responses regarding confidence in understanding the procedure's purpose, likelihood of adverse events, and levels of anxiety. Results In total, 240 patients were included with 79 to 81 patients per group. There were no significant differences among the groups' survey responses. Compared with patients receiving verbal consent alone, fewer patients in the handout and video groups increased their perceived risk of adverse events following consent, but this difference did not reach significance (P=0.08). Examining all groups together, anxiety levels changed significantly after consent (P=0.003), with 31% of patients reducing their anxiety level, 8% increasing it, and 62% having no change. Conclusions The consent process appears to decrease patient anxiety about colonoscopy. When used in conjunction with a high-quality verbal consent, written or video educational adjuncts provided on the day of colonoscopy likely have no effect on patient perceptions.
Design and operation of a distributed health data network

IntroductionSeveral large health data networks such as FDA Sentinel, PCORnet, and the Canadian Network of Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES) facilitate multi-site research using real-world electronic health data such administrative claims data, electronic health record data and registries. Experience in operation of mutliple health data networks will described. Objectives and ApproachOver the past 15 years substantial progress has been made in developing the optimal network operational design, governance, and technical architecture to facilitate the creation and operation of large-scale distributed health data networks. The design, architecture, and operation of a sustainable health data network requires balancing the needs of the network stakeholders such as funders, data sources, investigators, and regulatory bodies while enabling rapid and efficient use of data to support evidence generation and decision making. Important topics include protection of patient privacy, security, data autonomy, distributed analytics, data quality, and protection of confidential information. ResultsThe design and architecture of existing distributed health data networks provides guidance regarding the potential operational model for new networks and identifies areas of research to improve network functionality and capabilities. Most health data network adopt a common data model approach to facilitate multi-site querying and data quality assessment. This approach is coupled with distributed querying in which data partners maintain physical and operational control of their data. This design maximizes protection of confidential and proprietary information and minimizes the need to share patient-level data. Privacy-preserving distributed regression approaches and methods that obviate the need to share person-level data while generating robust results help to ensure network participation. Strong security and governance structures are also necessary for effective operation of a distributed network. Conclusion/ImplicationsDistributed health data networks offer the opportunity to use real-world data for public health surveillance and comparative safety and effectiveness research across large populations. The operational design, technical and analytic architecture, and governance models of networks drive their acceptance and success.
Analysis of GaInP Solar Cells Grown by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

We analyzed the performance of a simple n-on-p GaInP solar cell grown without surface passivation but with a back reflector by dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy (D-HVPE). We employed a thin emitter because the lack of surface passivation limited collection in that layer. We obtained a maximum internal quantum efficiency of nearly 95% by using ${1\mathrm{x}10^{16}\mathrm{cm}^{-3}}$ base doping. This device exhibited an open circuit voltage $(V_{\mathrm{OC}})$ of 1.27 V, short circuit current $(J_{\mathrm{SC}})$ of 12.6 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 79.3%, and 12.8% efficiency. Limits on cell performance predominantly come from $V_{\mathrm{OC}}$ and FF. A Suns- $V_{\mathrm{OC}}$ analysis of this cell indicates that 5.5% (absolute) of the FF is lost to series resistance, which stems from a high contact resistance. Another 5.5% of FF loss results from elevated dark current, leading to non-ideal diode behavior. This behavior implies that improvement in bulk material quality through reduction in concentrations of non-radiative defects will improve cell performance.
Pathology of Rectal Cancer and Predictors of Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy

It has been reproducibly shown that rectal cancer patients managed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians yield better outcomes [1, 2]. The pathologist along with the surgeon, the medical oncologist and the radiation oncologist plays a key role in this team. The pathologist’s role is important at all stages of patient treatment; namely: the preoperative stage confirming a diagnosis of malignancy on biopsy specimens, the intraoperative stage evaluating the distal margin of resection and the postoperative stage in the examination of the surgical specimen. The anatomical extent of the disease as determined by the pathological stage, the depth of tumor infiltration into the wall of the rectum and the status of the mesorectal lymph nodes have traditionally been the most important parameters guiding postoperative treatment.
Zn(tmp)2: A Versatile Base for the Selective Functionalization of C−H Bonds

Zn(tmp)2 (tmp = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl anion) is an effective base for the mild deprotonation of a broad range of substrates. Functionalized organozincs thus prepared are conveniently coupled with aryl bromides using typical Pd-catalyzed coupling methods.
Performing both lateral abdominal radiographs may not improve the visualization of gas in the gastric outflow tract of cats.

Reports in the veterinary literature support three-view abdominal radiographs as a standard of practice for evaluating dogs with suspected gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The usefulness of three-view abdominal studies has not been evaluated in cats. Images from a prospective crossover group study with 20 healthy cats, and those from a retrospective cohort study of 110 cats, were reviewed and the location and degree of gas was assessed in the gastric outflow tract. Comparisons of the frequency of luminal gas were made between the views and between cats with GI disease versus cats without and between cats having sedation versus those without. Chi-Square analysis was performed with P < .05 being considered significant. No significant difference was found in the location and degree of luminal gas in left versus right lateral views in all cats regardless of the order in which the views were obtained or in cats with GI disease versus cats without. Cats with gastric dilation had a higher overall frequency of gas; those with dilation with homogeneous material were higher than those with dilation with heterogeneous material. A higher frequency of gas was found in sedated cats than nonsedated, but further study is needed to determine the underlying cause. Based on these findings, a three-view abdominal study for cats as a standard of practice may not be necessary, but obtaining the additional lateral view when gastric dilation is present might allow better visualization of the pyloric antrum and duodenum.
Quantum material topology via defect engineering

Current approaches of discovering new topological quantum materials, such as (magnetic) Weyl materials, by screening material databases or by rational design suffer from experimental challenges in growing the material in the desired geometry, hampering their potential applications. We take an approach of defect-engineering a topology starting from systems with experimentally well-controlled growth. Using SnTe, an experimentally viable topological crystalline insulator, as our model system, we elucidate the different effects of breaking time-reversal, inversion, and mirror symmetries using magnetic dopant defects, to controllably induce a topological phase transition. To this effect, we compute the thermodynamics, magnetism, and band-structure topology of magnetically doped SnTe using a full ab initio approach. In this process, we have discovered that Cr-doped SnTe is a Weyl semimetal. We have computed its classic Fermi-arc experimental signature on the (001) surface and also showed that it has a large anamolous Hall conductivity (AHC) of $\ensuremath{\sim}250 {\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. We predict a large Curie temperature (${T}_{c}$) of 62 K even at $3.3%$ doping, with both ${T}_{c}$ and AHC being tunable with Cr concentration, suggesting potential for room-temperature applications. Our study in general paves the way for defect-designing room-temperature topological quantum phases.
A cross-sectional study of hand function in inclusion body myositis: Implications for functional rating scale.

Abstract Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a slowly progressive and heterogeneous disorder that is a challenge for measuring clinical trial efficacy. The current methods of measuring progression of the disease utilizes the Inclusion Body Myositis Functional Rating Scale, grip strength by dynamometer, and finger flexor strength. One of the hallmarks of the disease is selective deep finger flexor weakness. To date, no adequate data has been available to determine how well the Functional Rating Scale relates to this hallmark physical exam deficit. Our study is the first to investigate the degree of correlation between items pertaining to hand function in the Functional Rating Scale with measured grip and finger flexor strength in IBM patients. We have found a lower than expected correlation with finger flexor strength and even lower with grip strength. The current Functional Rating Scale will benefit from optimization to measure clinical progression more accurately.
The Language of LGBTQ+ Minority Stress Experiences on Social Media

LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) individuals are at significantly higher risk for mental health challenges than the general population. Social media and online communities provide avenues for LGBTQ+ individuals to have safe, candid, semi-anonymous discussions about their struggles and experiences. We study minority stress through the language of disclosures and self-experiences on the r/lgbt Reddit community. Drawing on Meyer's minority stress theory, and adopting a combined qualitative and computational approach, we make three primary contributions, 1) a theoretically grounded codebook to identify minority stressors across three types of minority stress-prejudice events, perceived stigma, and internalized LGBTphobia, 2) a machine learning classifier to scalably identify social media posts describing minority stress experiences, that achieves an AUC of 0.80, and 3) a lexicon of linguistic markers, along with their contextualization in the minority stress theory. Our results bear implications to influence public health policy and contribute to improving knowledge relating to the mental health disparities of LGBTQ+ populations. We also discuss the potential of our approach to enable designing online tools sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Utilizing Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing to Increase Efficiency in Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy Practice

Abstract Purpose In this study, we used time-driven activity-based costing to increase efficiency in our ultrasound-guided breast biopsy practice by understanding costs associated with this procedure. Methods We assembled a multidisciplinary team of all relevant stakeholders involved in ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, including a radiologist, a lead technologist, a clinical assistant, a licensed practical nurse, and a procedural support assistant. The team mapped each step in an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy from the time of scheduling a biopsy to patient checkout. We completed on average 20 time observations of each step involved in these biopsies from a provider’s perspective. Using capacity cost rate, we calculated the cost of all resources including personnel, supply, room, and equipment costs. Several costly steps were identified in the process, which led to the intervention of changing our overlapping biopsy times to staggered biopsy times. Time observations for each step and cost calculations were repeated postintervention. Results Our postintervention data showed that the total time spent by the radiologist in an ultrasound breast biopsy decreased by 28%, accounting for 56% of the total cost in comparison with 63% pre-intervention. The radiologist’s wait time decreased by 38%, accounting for 28% of the total cost in comparison with 35% pre-intervention. Our total cost of the procedure decreased by 20%, and the personnel cost decreased by 25%. Conclusions Time-driven activity-based costing is a practical way to calculate costs and identify non-value-added steps, which can foster strategies to improve efficiency and minimize waste.
Regulation of extension growth and flowering of seedlings by blue radiation and the red to far-red ratio of sole-source lighting

Abstract Manipulating the radiation spectrum of sole-source lighting (SSL) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) enables the regulation of growth, development, and quality attributes of ornamental transplants. We quantified growth responses and subsequent flowering of annual bedding plant seedlings grown at 20 °C under eight SSL combinations of blue (B; 400−500 nm), red (R; 600−700 nm), and far-red (FR; 700−800 nm) radiation (subscript values indicate the photon flux density of each waveband, in μmol m–2 s–1): B20R160, B20R160FR10, B20R160FR20, B20R160FR40, B60R120, B60R120FR10, B60R120FR20, and B60R120FR40. Seedlings were also grown indoors under warm-white (WW180) LEDs or in a greenhouse for comparison. Among all nine species tested, the addition of FR at 40 μmol m–2 s–1 increased the seedling height of only snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus, by 64–134%) and zinnia (Zinnia elegans, by 52–96%), regardless of the proportion of B, compared with SSL treatments without FR or in the greenhouse. Similarly, WW180 promoted seedling stem elongation in snapdragon (by 75–139%) compared with SSL without FR or the greenhouse control, but not in the other species. Relative chlorophyll content of zinnia and petunia (Petunia × hybrida) generally decreased as the photon flux density of FR increased, and in both species was 13–14% greater under B at 60 μmol m–2 s–1 than at 20 μmol m–2 s–1. Radiation treatments did not influence leaf area and dry shoot weight in any species. The subsequent flowering of snapdragon was accelerated by 7–11 d with the additional 20 or 40 μmol m–2 s–1 of FR, or under WW180, compared with SSL without FR or the greenhouse control. We conclude that when ≥20 μmol m–2 s–1 of B is delivered to crops, the addition of FR at ≥20 μmol m–2 s–1 can accelerate flowering of at least some long-day plants, with little to no effect on extension growth, but has no effect on flowering of day-neutral or short-day plants.
Clinical management and knowledge of neonatal hypoglycaemia in Germany: A national survey of midwives and nurses.

Aim Despite being a common metabolic condition, the detection and care of neonatal hypoglycaemia in Germany largely depends on the infant's health-care provider, rather than a national protocol. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate midwives' and nurses' knowledge and management of neonatal hypoglycaemia and to determine the need for national guidelines. Methods An anonymous online survey was developed and completed by 127 perinatal nurses and midwives. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney-U, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests were used to summarise and analyse the results. Results In total, 82% of respondents indicated using guidelines but routine blood glucose screening for neonates at risk for hypoglycaemia was rarely reported (44%). A blood glucose concentration of 2.5 mmol/L (45 mg/dL) was considered the treatment threshold by 52% of the respondents. However, the responses to clinical scenarios showed distinct differences regarding the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Finally, 49% of respondents reported insufficient knowledge regarding neonatal hypoglycaemia and 77% indicated that they would advocate the implication of enhanced national guidelines. Conclusions There is considerable variation in knowledge about the prevention, screening and management of neonatal hypoglycaemia among nurses and midwives in Germany. Enhanced guidelines and education of health-care professionals are urgently needed to provide the best possible care to all hypoglycaemic newborns.
An Ordinal Optimization-Based Approach To Die Distribution Estimation For Massive Multi-site Testing Validation: A Case Study

Multisite testing has become a proven method to reduce test time and costs for integrated circuits (IC). However, the technique suffers from site-to-site variations, especially when a large number of test sites are involved. It becomes imperative to identify issue sites that exhibit unacceptable variations to prevent yield loss or incorrect passing of faulty devices. By correctly identifying the true probability distribution of tested specifications, identification of issue sites becomes easier. We introduce an ordinal optimization-based algorithm to select the right sites to estimate the true distribution in situations where it is difficult or impossible to find the true distribution for tested specifications. Using both simulation and real-world ATE test data, we demonstrate that this approach yields good results.
Technology, Sexual Violence, and Power-Evasive Politics: Mapping the Anti-violence Sociotechnical Imaginary

Recent discussions on technology and gender-violence prevention emphasize that technoscientific applications often advance pro-punishment logics that enact gendered inequalities. Less attention has...
A Model of Embedded Autonomy and Asymmetric Information

We model the concept of embedded autonomy, introduced by Peter Evens, as an interaction between bureaucrats and entrepreneurs, where bureaucrats must approve projects proposed by entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are better informed about their own projects than are bureaucrats, but bureaucrats can receive signals about project quality from entrepreneurs. If bureaucrats and entrepreneurs are more closely connected, say through social ties, they receive more informative signals. However, greater closeness will simultaneously relax the standards for project approval. Hence, there is a tradeoff between these two effects of social closeness, which helps capture the concept of embedded autonomy.
Nanomechanical Cantilever-Based Manipulation for Sensing and Imaging

This brief chapter provides an overview of nanomechanical cantilever (NMC) systems with their applications in cantilever-based imaging and manipulation platforms such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and its varieties. Some new concepts in modeling these systems are also introduced along with practical applications in laser-free imaging and nanoscale manipulation and positioning. In an effort to keep this chapter focused, only a brief overview of these topics is presented in this chapter. Finally, the outlook in NMC-based imaging and manipulation is given.
Observations and Modeling of Stream Plunging in an Urban Lake1

Owens, Emmet M., Steven W. Effler, Anthony R. Prestigiacomo, David A. Matthews, and Susan M. O’Donnell, 2012. Observations and Modeling of Stream Plunging in an Urban Lake. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 707-721. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2012.00646.x Abstract: The plunging behavior of two tributaries in Onondaga Lake, New York, is quantified based on a program of monitoring, process studies, and modeling. The dynamics of buoyancy of the tributaries are resolved with hourly measurements of temperature (T), specific conductance (SC), and turbidity (Tn) at the mouths, and observations every 6 h in the lake. Negative buoyancy of the tributaries is found to diminish and change rapidly during runoff events compared to dry periods. In-lake patterns of the transport of plunging inflow are resolved for dry weather conditions using a dye tracer, and following a runoff event through measurements of T, SC, and Tn. The hydrodynamic/transport model ELCOM (Estuary Lake and Coastal Ocean Model) is demonstrated to perform well in simulating these patterns. Analyses conducted with the model establish the importance of diurnal effects and in-lake mixing mediated by wind, the need for temporally detailed measurements during runoff events, and modifications of the plunging behavior of the urban tributary as it passes through a harbor. The model provides critical information to support rehabilitation programs for the lake by quantifying the transport of the two largest tributaries, particularly the distribution of the loads between the upper waters and stratified layers. The model predicts that 10% of the urban tributary load enters the upper waters of the lake within 24 h for a dry weather period; this portion increases to 30% for a runoff event.
A reflection on mathematical cognition: how far have we come and where are we going?

Any theory of mathematical cognition and learning must ultimately articulate with our current understanding of how the mind works and with current theories of how knowledge is acquired from both an individual and social perspective. Certainly the human mind is very complex; understanding how it works in general and identifying the components that contribute to “doing mathematics” in particular is no easy task. To understand how the mind does mathematics, we must identify what mathematicians actually do in the context of everyday cognition. Here we discuss some of what is known and about this and point out directions for future work. The mind and mathematics Human minds did not evolve to do abstract mathematics per se, and yet we can use them to do mathematics none the less; there must be an explanation of how we got from there to here. Sperber (1996) says, “Materialism... does not commit scientists who espouse it to describing the objects of their discipline and the causal process in which these objects enter into the vocabulary of physics. What it does commit them to is describing objects and processes in a manner such that identifying the physical properties involved is ultimately a tractable problem, not an unfathomable mystery (to use Noam Chomsky’s famous distinction...).” (p. 10) Cognitive scientists seek material explanations for how the mind works in general; the missing link we must pursue is how mathematical cognition and learning can be explained in terms of the “usual” processes of the mind. Despite the delicate and difficult work needed for such a program, we must insist on our goal being a theory of how the mind does mathematics without begging any questions. It is argued here that mathematical structures are the cognitive imprint of the structural relationships we naturally perceive in the world, refined into idealized “objects” that can be studied with an idealized reasoning structure. Susan Haack talks about scientific reasoning as a refinement and extension of our everyday capacities for empirical inquiry. She quotes Thomas Huxley: “The man of science simply uses with scrupulous exactness the methods which we all, habitually and at every minute, use carelessly” and then Albert Einstein: “[T]he whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.”(p. 95) At some appropriate level of generality, mathematical thinking must also arise as a refinement of our everyday cognitive capacities to reason about the world. A proper accounting of how this takes place is our best hope for explaining the “unreasonable 1 umland@math.unm.edu
Interference of cephalosporins and cefoxitin with serum creatinine determination

The interference of cephalosporins and cefoxitin with serum creatinine (Crs) determinations was studied. Various concentrations of cephapirin, cefazolin, cefamandole, cephalothin, and cefoxitin were added to serum samples. Apparent creatinine concentrations were measured with the Beckman ASTRA, Technicon SMAC, and DuPont ACA analyzers. Pharmacokinetic models were used to predict serum drug concentrations as a function of time and renal function and to estimate the magnitude of interference in varying situations. The magnitude of the interference was proportional to the concentration of the drug in the sample and additive with baseline concentrations of creatinine in the serum. Negligible interferences occurred with cephapirin, cefazolin, and cefamandole. False elevations (i.e., Crs greater than or equal to 0.2 mg/dl over baseline) were detected with clinically achievable serum concentrations of cephalothin and cefoxitin. For patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance greater than 50 ml/min), this drug interaction would be negligible from 20 minutes to two hours after drug administration, depending on the assay used. For patients with renal failure, measurable interferences could persist for up to 16 hours after dose administration. The critical concentrations were different for the three procedures and both antibiotics. The degree of interference varies with the assay procedure used, the serum concentration of the drug, and the patient's renal function. To minimize drug interference, blood samples for serum creatinine determinations should be drawn at the time of minimum drug concentration.
S-phase-specific transcription regulatory elements are present in a replication-independent testis-specific H2B histone gene.

Abstract The testis-specific H2B histone (TH2B) gene is expressed in pachytene spermatocytes during meiotic prophase I in the absence of any significant DNA synthesis. Unlike somatic histones, synthesis of testis-specific histones is not affected by inhibitors of DNA synthesis. A genomic rat TH2B gene was cloned by using a DNA fragment derived from TH2B cDNA as a probe. Expression of the cloned TH2B was investigated by gene transfer experiments. From these studies, we found that the 5' upstream region of the cloned TH2B gene contained S-phase-specific transcription elements which regulated expression of a reporter gene in an S-phase-specific manner. The S-phase-regulatory element was found to be located in two regions containing CCAAT elements between -153 and -110 base pairs (bp) and an octamer element (ATTTGCAT) between -109 and -84 bp. The two regions were required for a maximal stimulation of transcription of the cloned TH2B gene in S phase. On the other hand, only the octamer element was reported be important for the S-phase-specific transcription of human H2B gene. Since the synthesis of the TH2B histone is independent of DNA synthesis and specific for pachytene spermatocytes in vivo, the presence of the S-phase-specific transcription regulatory elements in the TH2B gene is surprising.
Lack of pathologic Q waves: a specific marker of viability in myocardial hibernation.

Background The present study evaluates the lack of Q waves on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in the prediction of myocardial viability compared with dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and rest-redistribution thallium-201 (Tl-201) scintigraphy. Hypothesis The lack of pathologic Q waves (NoQ) may be a readily available and specific marker for the presence of viability. Methods Sixty four patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and ventricular dysfunction underwent rest ECG, DSE, and Tl-201 scintigraphy before revascularization, and a repeat rest 2-Dimensional (2-D) echocardiogram more than 3 mo later. Results Total viability at baseline (% of total segments) was higher in the NoQ group by Tl-201 scintigraphy (87 ± 19% versus 70 ± 20%, p = 0.008) and by DSE (81 ± 20% versus 65 ± 24%, p = 0.013). As expected, the sensitivity of NoQ waves was low in predicting recovery of function (23%), and inferior to Tl-201 (82%) and DSE (84%) (p<0.08). However, specificity of NoQ waves for predicting recovery of global function was high (72%); higher than Tl-201 (50%) and DSE (45%). Positive predictive values were comparable among all modalities. Results were similar if the data were analyzed regionally for viability. Conclusion Lack of pathologic Q waves is a specific and readily available marker of myocardial viability in patients with chronic CAD, which should alert the clinician for myocardial hibernation. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
People in Our Software: A person-centric approach could make software come alive, but at what cost?

People are not well represented in today’s software. With the exception of IM (instant messaging) clients, today’s applications offer few clues that people are actually living beings. Static strings depict things associated with people like e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and home-page URLs. Applications also tend to show the same information about a person, no matter who is viewing it.