cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consumer Behavior and Product Performance: An Alternative Conceptualization:

IN the consumer goods market, there are many product categories that are represented by numerous brands. To cope with this multiplicity of relatively similar brands in such common consumer product categories as toothpaste, beer, and canned vegetables, consumers must devise a means to simplify their purchase decisions. Several models and theories have been proposed to explain this consumer behavior. This article expands the concept described by the term evoked set by including and classifying all the brands that may be in the consumer's awareness set. This classification, based on the consumer's "psychology of simplification," is examined and the consequences of such behavior for product performance are discussed.' In this regard, the concepts of inert set and inept set are introduced, and the results of an exploratory study are presented to demonstrate the applicability of this conceptualization.
The effects of indomethacin and prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha on canine tracheal mucus generation.

The effects of prostaglandins on respiratory smooth muscle are well known; however, their role in mucus generation has received little attention. This investigation was undertaken to study the actions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on secretion and synthesis of respiratory mucus glycoproteins. The method employed canine tracheal explants; radiochemical precursors were used in the culture media for labelling and quantitation of the secreted glycoproteins.
Das Siebengang-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe von Volkswagen

Mit dem neuen Siebengang-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe DSG (DQ200) stellt Volkswagen zwei Weltpremieren vor: einerseits das erste Siebenganggetriebe fur den Front-Quer-Einbau, andererseits das erste Doppelkupplungsgetriebe mit „trockener“ Doppelkupplung. Das Getriebe ist fur Drehmomente bis 250 Nm und den Einsatz in der Kompaktklasse sowie, ebenfalls eine Weltpremiere, fur Fahrzeuge des Kleinwagensegments konzipiert. Die trockene Doppelkupplung hat als Konstruktionsmerkmal wesentliche Auswirkungen auf das gesamte Getriebekonzept. Es ermoglicht einen im Vergleich mit dem heute verfugbaren Sechsgang-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe von Volkswagen nochmals deutlich verbesserten Wirkungsgrad und liefert damit einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Senkung von Verbrauch und Emissionen neuer Fahrzeugkonzepte.
Supply of Rural Public Goods and Services and Find New Paths in Rural Primary Organizations

Scientifically arranging the supply of rural public goods and services and finding new paths in rural public finance needs unequivocal supplier of rural public goods and services.The characteristics of public goods and services determine that our rural public goods and services supplier need to be re-orientated and that a rural primary organization system that include rural grass-roots government,public welfare groups and organizations for economic cooperation with both division of work and coordination of effort should be set up.
Distributed Database Query Optimization Algorithm Based on Tabu-GEP

In order to better solve the problem of distributed query optimization,distributed database query optimization algorithm based upon Tabu-GEP(DDQO-TGEP)is proposed which combined with Tabu search strategy on the basis of traditional GEP.By simulated experiments,it is shown that with the increment of the number of query relation,query optimization time and the optimal query strategy generation time of DDQO-TGEP is apparently less than traditional GA and GP.Query optimization time decreased by about 42.16% and the optimal query policy generation time about 36.8%.
Effects of Cl~- Concentration on Corrosion Behavior of Hot-dip Galvanized Steel in Simulated Acid Rain Atmospheric Environment

Objective To study the effects of Cl-Concentration on Corrosion Behavior of Hot-dip Galvanized Steel in simulated acid rain atmospheric environment. Methods The simulated acid rain solution(p H=3.05) was used as basic solution, then 0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 mol/L Na Cl was respectively added. Samples were immersed in these solution and taken out respectively after 3 days and 7 days. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and electrochemical techniques were used to analyze the corroded samples. Results After immersion, the corrosion product component that formed on the surface of hot-dip galvanized steel is Na Zn4SO4Cl(OH)6·6H2O. Along with the increase of the Cl-concentration, the corrosion potential of the galvanized steel was gradually decreased, the corrosion current was gradually increased and the impedance value was decreased. Conclusion With the increase of Cl-concentration,the protective effects of corrosion product formed on the surface of hot-dip galvanized steel was gradually reduced,especially after 3 days′immersion.
Studies on osteoporosis. IX. Effect of fluoride on steroid induced osteoporosis.

Neutron activation analysis was employed to determine total body calcium in 5-8 month and 15-18 month old C3H/St(Ha) and C57/BL6 (JACOBS) female mice. Ninety-nine percent of calcium is in bone and loss of calcium was used as an index of osteoporosis. Prednisolone (50 mg/kg q.d.) treatment for three months resulted in significant osteoporosis in the C3H/St(Ha) mice of both age groups but did not cause significant bone loss in the C57/BL6 (JACOBS) mice of either age group. Fluoride (75 PPM) failed to prevent osteoporosis in both strains and both age groups.
A Classification Tool for Differentiation of Kawasaki Disease from Other Febrile Illnesses

Objective To develop and validate a novel decision tree-based clinical algorithm to differentiate Kawasaki disease (KD) from other pediatric febrile illnesses that share common clinical characteristics. Study design Using clinical and laboratory data from 801 subjects with acute KD (533 for development, and 268 for validation) and 479 febrile control subjects (318 for development, and 161 for validation), we developed a stepwise KD diagnostic algorithm combining our previously developed linear discriminant analysis (LDA)–based model with a newly developed tree-based algorithm. Results The primary model (LDA) stratified the 1280 subjects into febrile controls (n = 276), indeterminate (n = 247), and KD (n = 757) subgroups. The subsequent model (decision trees) further classified the indeterminate group into febrile controls (n = 103) and KD (n = 58) subgroups, leaving only 29 of 801 KD (3.6%) and 57 of 479 febrile control (11.9%) subjects indeterminate. The 2-step algorithm had a sensitivity of 96.0% and a specificity of 78.5%, and correctly classified all subjects with KD who later developed coronary artery aneurysms. Conclusion The addition of a decision tree step increased sensitivity and specificity in the classification of subject with KD and febrile controls over our previously described LDA model. A multicenter trial is needed to prospectively determine its utility as a point of care diagnostic test for KD.
Performance bounds for quantized LDPC decoders based on absorbing sets

A code-independent performance bound for a given absorbing set is derived for quantized low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoders. The analysis demonstrates that each absorbing set in the Tanner graph imposes a specific lower bound on the frame error rate (FER) of any code containing that absorbing set under a given quantization scheme. This approach is applicable to any message-passing (MP) decoding algorithm and any uniform or non-uniform quantization scheme for LDPC codes. Simulation results using the sum-product algorithm (SPA) provide FERs that are consistent with the obtained bounds. In addition, the bounds demonstrate that the conventional quantized SPA is not capable of achieving very low FERs if the LDPC codes contain certain absorbing sets.
Excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis: safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability.

Author(s): Abrouk, Michael; Levin, Ethan; Brodsky, Merrick; Gandy, Jessica R; Nakamura, Mio; Zhu, Tian Hao; Farahnik, Benjamin; Koo, John; Bhutani, Tina | Abstract: Introduction:The 308 nm excimer laser is a widely used device throughout the field of dermatology for many diseases including psoriasis. Although the laser has demonstrated clinical efficacy, there is a lack of literature outlining the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of the excimer laser. Methods:A literature search on PubMed was used with combinations of the terms "excimer", "excimer laser", "308 nm", "psoriasis", "protocol", "safety", "efficacy", acceptability", "side effects", and "dose". The search results were included if they contained information pertaining to excimer laser and psoriasis treatment and description of the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of the treatment. Results:The 308 nm excimer laser is generally safe and well tolerated with minimal side effects including erythema, blistering, and pigmentary changes. It has a range of efficacies depending on the protocol used with several different treatment protocols, including the induration protocol, the minimal erythema dose protocol, and the newer minimal blistering dose protocol. Conclusion:Although the excimer laser is not a first-line treatment, it remains an excellent treatment option for psoriasis patients and has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment with little to no side effects.
Healthcare utilization and associated barriers experienced by wheelchair users: A pilot study

Abstract Background More than twenty-five years after passage of the ADA, little remains known about the experiences of wheelchair users when attempting to access health care and how accessibility may influence health care utilization. Objective/Hypothesis To describe health care utilization among wheelchair users and characterize barriers encountered when attempting to obtain access to health care. Methods An internet-based survey of wheelchair users was conducted. Measures included demographics, condition, socioeconomic status, health care utilization and receipt of preventive services within the past year, physical barriers encountered at outpatient facilities, and satisfaction with care. Results Four hundred thirty-two wheelchair users responded to the survey. Nearly all respondents (97.2%) had a primary care appointment within the past year and most reported 3–5 visits to both primary and specialty care providers. Most encountered physical barriers when accessing care (73.8% primary, 68.5% specialty). Participants received most preventive interventions at rates similar to national averages with the exception of Pap tests. Most participants remained clothed for their primary care evaluation (76.1%), and were examined seated in their wheelchair (69.7%). More than half of participants (54.1%) felt they received incomplete care, and 57% believed their physician had no more than a moderate understanding of their disability-specific medical concerns. Conclusions Wheelchair users face persistent barriers to care, may receive less than thorough physical evaluations, receive fewer screenings for cervical cancer, and largely believe they receive incomplete care.
Evolution of type II endoleaks based on different ultrasound-identified patterns

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to delineate the specific types of waveforms that exist in type II endoleaks (T2ELs) and their effect on aneurysm sac size. Methods Patients who underwent an endovascular aneurysm repair and were diagnosed with a T2EL were included in the study. The flow velocity characteristics of the T2ELs were evaluated in detail with duplex ultrasound. Four different flow patterns were identified: high resistance, low flow; low resistance, low flow; low resistance, high flow; and to-fro flow. The type and number of vessels involved, time at detection, evolution, and need for treatment were recorded. The aneurysm sac diameter was monitored with duplex ultrasound. A computed tomography scan was always performed at baseline within 1 month of the procedure and repeated only when symptoms developed or there were changes in the ultrasound examination findings, such as sac enlargement. Results Of 382 patients who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair in our institution, 56 (14.65%) were found to have a T2EL. There were 52 male and four female patients with a mean age of 74 years (61-86 years). The T2EL was diagnosed within the first month in 32 patients; 9 patients were diagnosed at 3 months, 5 patients at 6 months, 3 patients at 9 months, and 7 patients at 1 year or later. There were 43 patients who had a T2EL involving one vessel; two vessels were involved in 11 patients and three vessels were involved in two patients. During follow-up, several changes were observed for the different types of T2EL. High-resistance, low-flow endoleak was detected in 14 patients; of those, 13 were occluded and 1 converted to high flow. Low-resistance, low-flow endoleak was detected in seven patients; of those, 5 were occluded, 1 remained stable, and 1 converted to high flow with sac enlargement requiring treatment. Low-resistance, high-flow endoleak was found in 13 patients; of those, 8 were occluded, 3 remained stable, and 2 had sac enlargement requiring treatment; 1 patient presented with rupture. Finally, to-fro flow was identified in the majority of the patients (22); of those, 14 occluded, 3 remained stable, and 5 had sac enlargement requiring treatment; 2 patients presented with rupture. No deaths due to T2EL were encountered. Conclusions Most of the T2ELs resulted in spontaneous occlusion and were not associated with sac enlargement. A low-resistance, high-flow or to-fro flow T2EL has higher chances of sac enlargement, rupture, and requiring reintervention.
A phase I study of sunitinib plus irinotecan in the treatment of patients with recurrent malignant glioma

e13024 Background: Malignant glioma (MG), an incurable primary CNS tumor, are highly angiogenic due to overexpression of VEGF/VEGFR. The current study was designed to determine the MTD and DLT of sunitinib (S), a once-daily, oral selective inhibitor of VEGFR when combined with irinotecan (I), a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor among recurrent MG patients. Methods: We employed a ‘3+3‘ dose escalation design to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of S, administered once daily for the first 28 days of each 42 day cycle, with I, administered every 2 weeks. The initial S and I doses were 25 mg/day and 75 mg/m2. Key eligibility criteria included KPS ≥ 70%, adequate organ function and no concurrent CYP3A-inducing anti-epileptics. Pharmacokinetic studies for S are obtained during cycle 1 among 6 additional patients treated at the MTD. Results: Eleven patients (grade 4 MG, n = 6; grade 3 MG, n = 5) have enrolled. No DLTs were observed in cohort 1, but 2 patients experienced hematol...
Training techniques to reduce the risk of back injury

The horse’s back plays a crucial role in locomotion and performance. Injuries and diseases of the back occur frequently and are most commonly manifest as a reduction in performance rather than overt lameness, which may pose a diagnostic dilemma. One of our areas of research focus in the McPhail Center is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of back pain in horses.
Radiation Tolerant Interfaces: Influence of Local Stoichiometry at the Misfit Dislocation on Radiation Damage Resistance of Metal/Oxide Interfaces

The interaction of radiation with materials controls the performance, reliability, and safety of many structures in nuclear power systems. Revolutionary improvements in radiation damage resistance may be attainable if methods can be found to manipulate interface properties to give optimal interface stability and point defect recombination capability. To understand how variations in interface properties such as misfit dislocation density and local chemistry affect radiation-induced defect absorption and recombination, a model system of metallic CrxV1−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) epitaxial films deposited on MgO(001) single crystal substrates has been explored. By controlling film composition, the lattice mismatch between the film and MgO is adjusted to vary the misfit dislocation density at the metal/oxide interface. The stability of these interfaces under various irradiation conditions is studied experimentally and theoretically. The results indicate that, unlike at metal/metal interfaces, the misfit dislocation density does not dominate radiation damage tolerance at metal/oxide interfaces. Rather, the stoichiometry and the location of the misfit dislocation extra half-plane (in the metal or the oxide) drive radiation-induced defect behavior. Together, these results demonstrate the sensitivity of defect recombination to interfacial chemistry and provide new avenues for engineering radiation-tolerant nanomaterials for next-generation nuclear power plants.
Nonparametric Bayes Procedures

Whereas Bayes procedures require detailed probability models for observations and parameters, nonparametric procedures work with a minimum of probabilistic assumptions. It is therefore of interest to examine nonparametric problems from a Bayesian point of view.
Cyp1b1 deletion and retinol deficiency coordinately suppress mouse liver lipogenic genes and hepcidin expression during post-natal development.

Abstract Cyp1b1 deletion and gestational vitamin A deficiency (GVAD) redirect adult liver gene expression. A matched sufficient pre- and post-natal diet, which has high carbohydrate and normal iron content (LF12), increased inflammatory gene expression markers in adult livers that were suppressed by GVAD and Cyp1b1 deletion. At birth on the LF12 diet, Cyp1b1 deletion and GVAD each suppress liver expression of the iron suppressor, hepcidin (Hepc), while increasing stellate cell activation markers and suppressing post-natal increases in lipogenesis. Hepc was less suppressed in Cyp1b1−/− pups with a standard breeder diet, but was restored by iron supplementation of the LF12 diet. Conclusions . The LF12 diet delivered low post-natal iron and attenuated Hepc. Hepc decreases in Cyp1b1−/− and GVAD mice resulted in stellate activation and lipogenesis suppression. Endothelial BMP6, a Hepc stimulant, is a potential coordinator and Cyp1b1 target. These neonatal changes in Cyp1b1−/− mice link to diminished adult obesity and liver inflammation.
Outcomes of patients with familial transthyretin amyloidosis after liver transplantation

Background:Familial transthyretin amyloidosis is a disease caused by misfolded transthyretin aggregates that can impair multiple organ systems. Liver transplantation is the first-line treatment for...
Reasons for Marijuana and Tobacco Co-use Among Young Adults: A Mixed Methods Scale Development Study.

ABSTRACTBackground: Marijuana-tobacco co-use has increased recently, particularly in young adults. Objectives: We conducted a mixed-methods study to: (1) examine reasons for co-use; and (2) develop a scale assessing reasons for co-use among participants in a longitudinal cohort study of 3,418 students aged 18-25 from 7 Georgia colleges and universities. Methods: Phone-based semi-structured interviews were conducted in Summer 2015 among 46 current (past 30-day, n = 26) or lifetime (n = 20) marijuana users. Subsequently, scale items were developed and included at Wave 3. Participants reporting past 4-month tobacco and marijuana use (n = 328) completed the Reasons for Marijuana-Tobacco Co-use section. Results: Per qualitative data, reasons for marijuana-tobacco co-use included synergistic effects, one triggering or preceding the other's use, using one to reduce the other's use, co-administration, social context, and experimentation. The survey subsample included 37.1% who used cigarettes, 30.4% LCCs, 9.4% sm...
Integer-Valued Polynomials on Algebras: A Survey of Recent Results and Open Questions

Given a commutative integral domain D with fraction field K, the ring of integer-valued polynomials on D is Int(D) = {f ∈ K[x]∣f(D) ⊆ D}. In recent years, attention has turned to generalizations of Int(D) where the polynomials act on D-algebras rather than on D itself. We survey the present activity on this topic and propose questions for further research.
Detectability of Decadal Anthropogenic Hydroclimate Changes over North America

AbstractRegional hydroclimate changes on decadal time scales contain substantial natural variability. This presents a challenge for the detection of anthropogenically forced hydroclimate changes on these spatiotemporal scales, because the “signal” of anthropogenic changes is modest compared to the “noise” of natural variability. However, previous studies have shown that this “signal to noise” ratio can be greatly improved in a large model ensemble where each member contains the same “signal” but different “noise”. Here using multiple state-of-the-art large ensembles from two climate models, we quantitatively assess the detectability of anthropogenically caused decadal shifts in precipitation-minus-evaporation (PmE) mean state against natural variability, focusing on North America during 2000-2050.Anthropogenic forcing is projected to cause detectable (“signal” larger than “noise”) shifts in PmE mean state relative to the 1950-1999 climatology over 50-70% of North America by 2050. The earliest detectable s...
Streptopelia risoria and how Linnaeus had the last laugh

The dove known as Streptopelia risoria (Linnaeus, 1758) has long confused ornithologists. Linnaeus described a domestic variety of a dove whose wild form was then unknown. Its wild counterpart, African Collared Dove, was subsequently named Streptopelia roseogrisea (Sundevall, 1857) but that name's type series was mixed. Despite this, the name roseogrisea became commonly accepted and was used for both African Collared Dove and its domestic form in avian taxonomy, whilst the name risoria was commonly used by bird-keepers for the domestic form. In 2008 the ICZN ruled that the senior name risoria should have priority for both African Collared Dove and its domestic form, Barbary Dove. Although this decision was appropriate, it was based on incomplete information. Here a detailed history of the use of the name risoria in the ornithological literature is presented, followed by designation of a neotype for roseogrisea to resolve taxonomy.‘Among the Turtle-Doves—now Streptopelia, formerly Turtur—there is first of all a difficulty about the name “risoria”' (Hartert 1916).
Confidence intervals for the mean and a percentile based on zero-inflated lognormal data

The problems of estimating the mean and an upper percentile of a lognormal population with nonnegative values are considered. For estimating the mean of a such population based on data that include...
Digital Holography Configurations

Some of the general characteristics of digital holographic images are illustrated using simulated examples. Holographic image location and magnification are dependent on, and therefore can be controlled by, the choice of wavelengths and reference directions and curvatures. Optical configurations frequently used in digital holography experiments are described and compared.
15 – Nanotube- and graphene-based photomedicine for cancer therapeutics

: In this chapter we cover the recent progress in the area of nanotube and graphene based photo-medicine for cancer therapeutics. Single wall carbon nanotube and graphene has received plenty of attention in research owing to their extraordinary physical properties. The unique photo-thermal effects in these nanomaterials coupled with their small size are potentially being explored as molecular transporters and to target and kill cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. These approaches are reviewed. New combination therapy that uses nanotubes and graphene to first transport chemotherapeutic drugs into cells followed by near infra-red photothermal ablation of cells can enable better efficiency of cell killing. Finally, the chapter concludes with an outlook where we discuss how such new treatments can be integrated with existing protocols for better patient outcomes and health care delivery.
Controlled lumbar drainage in medically refractory increased intracranial pressure. A safe and effective treatment.

BACKGROUND A prospective study of lumbar CSF drainage in the setting of raised intra-cranial pressure refractory to medical management and ventriculostomy placement is presented. There have been no controlled trials of its use reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge. METHOD An IRB approved prospective study was conducted. 8 patients with increased intracranial pressure secondary to traumatic brain injury or aneurysm rupture were initially managed with sedation, ventriculostomy placement, mild hyperventilation (pCO2 = 30-35), and hyperosmolar therapy (Na = 150-155). A lumbar drain was placed if ICP continued to be above 20 mmHg despite optimization of medical therapy. FINDINGS After lumbar drain placement, ICP was reduced from a mean of 27 +/- 7.8 to 9 +/- 6.3, an average decrease of 18 mm H2O (p < 0.05). Requirements for hypertonic saline and/or mannitol boluses and sedation to control ICP were also decreased. There were no complications noted. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that controlled lumbar drainage is a safe, efficacious and minimally invasive method for treatment of elevated ICP refractory to medical management. Ventriculostomies are always placed before utilizing lumbar drains to minimize the risk of cerebral herniation. We would advocate making controlled lumbar drainage a standard part of ICP control protocols.
Axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer: an evolving question?

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is performed for staging purposes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may decrease the cost and morbidity of ALND. Are there patients that the procedure is not indicated avoiding cost and morbidity? We retrospectively studied the incidence of lymph node metastasis in 423 patients with T 1 breast cancer. Thirty-one T 1a , 146 T 1b , and 246 T 1c tumors were seen. The mean age was 61 years. Ten per cent were premenopausal, and 84 per cent were postmenopausal. Tumor size averaged 1.29 cm. Eighty-one per cent of the tumors were node negative and 19 per cent were node positive. One T 1a patient (3 per cent) had an axillary metastasis, 19 T 1b patients (13%), and 61 T 1c patients (25%) were node positive, respectively. Seventy-three per cent were ER positive. Thirty-three patients (8%) died from cancer. Eighty-seven per cent received surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and three per cent had surgery without ALND. Younger age, increased tumor size, premenopausal status, and ER negativity affected node positivity rates (P 0.05). We feel that ALND can be safely omitted in T 1a to reduce the morbidity and the expense of breast cancer treatment. In T 1b and T 1c tumors, the use of ALND is necessary, but morbidity and cost can be reduced by the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy.
More Revisionism about Reference

At the Eastern Division Meetings of the American Philosophical Association in December of 1994,1 replied to Quentin Smith’s paper “Marcus, Kripke, and the Origin of the New Theory of Reference ”. After my comments, Smith was allowed to read a second paper, responding to me, which I had not had the opportunity to see. The three APA papers were later published in Synthese, with the result that Smith’s comments on my paper continued to stand unchallenged. I take the opportunity to respond to them now. Since it would take volumes to respond to all of Smith’s errors and misrepresentations, I will be selective, and concentrate on a few representative examples of his lax standards of scholarship and most blatant historical inaccuracies. I will take up substantive philosophical issues, beyond these discussed in my original reply, only where Smith’s discussion might lead others astray, and where correction may produce some general enlightenment. Finally, some important issues, like Smith’s treatment of the necessary aposteriori, and his interpretation of Marcus’ famous “dictionary remark”, will be left to the companion paper, “How Not to Write History of Philosophy: A Case Study” by my colleague, John Burgess.1
Gurindji nasal cluster dissimilation as trigger deletion

Processes of unbounded spreading are often claimed to be myopic (e.g. Wilson 2003, McCarthy 2009): the ability of some feature [F] to spread from some segment z to some segment y does not depend on its ability to spread from y to x. Recent work (e.g. Walker 2010, 2014; Jardine 2016) has however cast doubt on the universality of this claim. This paper contributes to the discussion on (non-)myopia on by suggesting that a kind of non-myopic process, trigger deletion, is attested in Gurindji (Pama–Nyungan, McConvell 1988): when the spreading domain contains a certain kind of blocking segment, the spreading trigger deletes. In order to capture this pattern, as well as the extant typology of non-myopic processes, I argue that any successful analysis of unbounded spreading must allow surface candidates to be globally evaluated.
Culture of Clinical Specimens Reveals Extensive Diversity of Legionella pneumophila Strains in Arizona

ABSTRACT Between 2000 and 2017, a total of 236 Legionella species isolates from Arizona were submitted to the CDC for reference testing. Most of these isolates were recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. Although the incidence of legionellosis in Arizona is less than the overall U.S. incidence, Arizona submits the largest number of isolates to the CDC for testing compared to those from other states. In addition to a higher proportion of culture confirmation of legionellosis cases in Arizona than in other states, all Legionellapneumophila isolates are forwarded to the CDC for confirmatory testing. Compared to that from other states, a higher proportion of isolates from Arizona were identified as belonging to L. pneumophila serogroups 6 (28.2%) and 8 (8.9%). Genome sequencing was conducted on 113 L. pneumophila clinical isolates not known to be associated with outbreaks in order to understand the genomic diversity of strains causing legionellosis in Arizona. Whole-genome multilocus sequence typing (wgMLST) revealed 17 clusters of isolates sharing at least 99% identical allele content. Only two of these clusters contained isolates from more than one individual with exposure at the same facility. Additionally, wgMLST analysis revealed a group of 31 isolates predominantly belonging to serogroup 6 and containing isolates from three separate clusters. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and pangenome analysis were used to further resolve genome sequences belonging to a subset of isolates. This study demonstrates that culture of clinical specimens for Legionella spp. reveals a highly diverse population of strains causing legionellosis in Arizona which could be underappreciated using other diagnostic approaches. IMPORTANCE Culture of clinical specimens from patients with Legionnaires’ disease is rarely performed, restricting our understanding of the diversity and ecology of Legionella. Culture of Legionella from patient specimens in Arizona revealed a greater proportion of non-serogroup 1 Legionellapneumophila isolates than in other U.S. isolates examined. Disease caused by such isolates may go undetected using other diagnostic methods. Moreover, genome sequence analysis revealed that these isolates were genetically diverse, and understanding these populations may help in future environmental source attribution studies.
Entry Trajectory Optimization for Mars Science Laboratory Class Missions Using Indirect Unified Trigonometrization Method

Application of traditional indirect optimization methods to optimal control problems (OCPs) with control and state path constraints is not a straightforward task. However, recent advances in regularization techniques and numerical continuation methods have enabled application of indirect methods to very complex OCPs. This study demonstrates the utility and application of an advanced indirect method, the Unified Trigonometrization Method (UTM), to a Mars Science Laboratory type entry problem. The objective is to maximize the parachute deployment altitude for a free-time, fixed-final-velocity entry trajectory. For entry vehicles, in addition to the bank angle that is characterized by bang-bang control profiles, there are typically three state path constraints that have to be considered, namely, the dynamic pressure, heat rate and g-load. This study shows that the UTM enables simultaneous regularization of the bang-bang control and satisfaction of the state path constraints. Two scenarios with and without state path constraints are considered. The results obtained using the UTM for both of these cases are found to be in excellent agreement with a direct optimization method. Furthermore, an interesting feature emerges in the optimal control profile of the UTM during the initial high-altitude part of the resulting optimal trajectory for the scenario with state path constraints, which has an appealing practical implication.
The analysis and characterization of the oil from the seed ofCitrullus colocynthis

C ITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS, commonly known as Colocynth, is a species belonging to the botanical family of Cucurbitaceae. The plant is perennial, and it has a d ry f ru i t which contains seed representing 75% of its weight (9). I t grows in Morocco, Algeria, Sahara Desert, India, and elsewhere (7, 3). Power and Moore (9) identified palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids in the mixed acids obtained from oil f rom the fruit . They determined also some of the characteristics of the oil f rom the seed, and they were able to isolate and ident i fy a phytosterol in the unsaponifiable mat ter of that oil. Jamieson (7) cited three references to work on the oil and gave average values for some of its characteristics. Curtis (3) presented data on analysis of the seed for the ash, fat, protein, etc., and compared them to those of soybean. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the characteristics of the oil from the seed and to make a quanti tat ive estimation of its component fa t ty acids. Characteristics of the Oil The seed used in this work were obtained from the Sahara Desert, 300 miles south of Algiers, Algeria (Africa) i n December, 1944, by L. C. Curtis, formerly with the National Cottonseed Products Association Inc. Tbe oil was obtained from the seed by extracting the finely ground meal with Skellysolve F in a percolator and then distilling off the solvent under reduced pressure. The oil had a light yellow color and a fa int agreeable odor. The seed contained about 18% oil. The physical and chemical characteristics of the oil were determined according to the methods of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (1) except for the unsaponifiable mat ter for which the method described by Jamieson (8) was used. These characteristics are shown in Table I.
Operative Adjuncts and Technique for En Bloc Removal of Lumbar Intradural-Extramedullary Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

We present a surgical video illustrating the technique for en bloc resection of an intradural-extramedullary lumbar tumor. The patient is a 63-yr-old woman presenting with worsening bilateral leg pain. Imaging of her lumbar spine showed an enhancing, circumscribed intradural-extramedullary tumor compressing her cauda equina at the L2 level. With informed patient consent, an L1-L3 laminectomy was performed, and intraoperative ultrasound provided the tumor location in order to plan the dural opening as well as define the tumor boundaries with respect to the surrounding nerve roots. The nerve roots were found to be dorsal to the tumor on the ultrasound and appeared to be separate from the tumor capsule. After the dura was opened, the nerve roots were dissected from the tumor capsule and the filum was identified at its proximal and distal portions relative to the mass. The tumor appeared to be arising from the filum itself. Intraoperative electromyography monitoring and stimulation identified the motor roots around the filum and were dissected away. The filum was isolated and cut proximally in order to prevent upward displacement of the mass above the dural opening. The distal portion was then cut and the tumor was removed en bloc. The patient had good postoperative relief of her leg pain and no new neurologic or genitourinary complications. This case highlights the preoperative and intraoperative surgical planning as well as detailed technical aspects of en bloc intradural-extramedullary lumbar tumor resection with preservation of the tumor capsule in order to achieve gross total resection.
Association between mobility patterns and COVID-19 transmission in the USA: a mathematical modelling study.

Summary Background Within 4 months of COVID-19 first being reported in the USA, it spread to every state and to more than 90% of all counties. During this period, the US COVID-19 response was highly decentralised, with stay-at-home directives issued by state and local officials, subject to varying levels of enforcement. The absence of a centralised policy and timeline combined with the complex dynamics of human mobility and the variable intensity of local outbreaks makes assessing the effect of large-scale social distancing on COVID-19 transmission in the USA a challenge. Methods We used daily mobility data derived from aggregated and anonymised cell (mobile) phone data, provided by Teralytics (Zurich, Switzerland) from Jan 1 to April 20, 2020, to capture real-time trends in movement patterns for each US county, and used these data to generate a social distancing metric. We used epidemiological data to compute the COVID-19 growth rate ratio for a given county on a given day. Using these metrics, we evaluated how social distancing, measured by the relative change in mobility, affected the rate of new infections in the 25 counties in the USA with the highest number of confirmed cases on April 16, 2020, by fitting a statistical model for each county. Findings Our analysis revealed that mobility patterns are strongly correlated with decreased COVID-19 case growth rates for the most affected counties in the USA, with Pearson correlation coefficients above 0·7 for 20 of the 25 counties evaluated. Additionally, the effect of changes in mobility patterns, which dropped by 35–63% relative to the normal conditions, on COVID-19 transmission are not likely to be perceptible for 9–12 days, and potentially up to 3 weeks, which is consistent with the incubation time of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 plus additional time for reporting. We also show evidence that behavioural changes were already underway in many US counties days to weeks before state-level or local-level stay-at-home policies were implemented, implying that individuals anticipated public health directives where social distancing was adopted, despite a mixed political message. Interpretation This study strongly supports a role of social distancing as an effective way to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in the USA. Until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, social distancing will remain one of the primary measures to combat disease spread, and these findings should serve to support more timely policy making around social distancing in the USA in the future. Funding None.
Interview 10 Andrew D. Abbott

Andrew D. Abbott is the Gustavus F. and Ann M. Swift Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago. Abbott took his BA (in history and literature) at Harvard in 1970 and his Ph.D. (in sociology) from the University of Chicago in 1982. During 1973–1978 he worked at Research and Evaluation Department, Manteno State Hospital. Prior to his return to Chicago, he taught for thirteen years at Rutgers University from 1978 to 1991.
The theory and craft of digital preservation: comentários sobre os 16 axiomas de preservação digital

Trevor Owens’ book exposes important insights into contemporary digital preservation where he discusses theoretical and practical approaches and presents these with innovative concepts and connections. This summary discusses 10 of the 16 axioms that are launched as the starting point of this book. These axioms are short, but deep in importance as the basis for the development of digital preservation programs.
Exploring Patient Perceptions of Opioid Treatment Agreements in a Community Health Center Environment

Objective Describe patient attitudes toward opioid treatment agreements (OTAs) and characterize perceptions of their impact on patient care, behavior, communication with prescribers, and engagement with the health care system. Design Qualitative descriptive study. Setting Federally qualified health center with six clinic locations serving a rural population. Subjects Patients were prescribed long-term opioid therapy and were required to sign an OTA through an in-person office visit with a clinical pharmacist. Methods Patients who signed an OTA were recruited to participate in semistructured, in-person, one-on-one interviews. Data were analyzed using immersion-crystallization methods. Results Among the 20 patients recruited, 50% were men; 70% were insured by the state's Medicaid program; and 85% were using opioids for hip, back, and/or neck pain. Four major themes arose from the interviews. First, individuals who use long-term opioids experience a wide variety of opioid-related fears and stigmas. Second, individuals articulated real or potential benefits from implementing OTAs. Third, opinions differed on whether OTAs affected behavior and reduced opioid misuse and diversion. Finally, individuals provided feedback on the health care system's OTA implementation process. Conclusions Patients experienced a wide variety of opioid-related fears and stigmas, including how OTA requirements can perpetuate these issues. Despite these feelings, participants articulated real or potential positive outcomes from the use of OTAs, although they were mixed on whether these agreements translated to any behavior changes. If OTAs are to become standard practice, future research is needed to describe the diversity of patient perspectives and experiences with OTAs and to evaluate their effect on patient outcomes.
The accelerator, the brake, and the terrain: associations of reward-related eating, self-regulation, and the home food environment with diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum in the pregnancy eating attributes study (PEAS) cohort

Neurobehavioral factors, including reward-related eating and self-regulation, in conjunction with the food environment, may influence dietary behaviors. However, these constructs have not been examined in pregnancy and postpartum, a time of changing appetite and eating behaviors, and when dietary intake has implications for maternal and child health. This study examined associations of reward-related eating, self-regulation, and the home food environment with pregnancy and postpartum diet quality. Participants in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study observational cohort were enrolled at ≤12 weeks gestation and followed through one-year postpartum. Pregnancy and postpartum Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-total), and adequacy and moderation scores, respectively, were calculated by pooling 24-h diet recalls administered each trimester and during 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Participants completed four measures of reward-related eating – Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS), Power of Food Scale (PFS), Multiple Choice Procedure (MCP), and Reinforcing Value of Food Questionnaire (RVFQ); two measures of self-regulation – Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and Delay of Gratification Inventory (DGI); and a Home Food Inventory (HFI), yielding obesogenic (OBES) and fruit/vegetables (FV) scores. Linear regression analyses estimated associations of reward-related eating, self-regulation, and home food environment with diet quality during pregnancy and postpartum, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Pregnancy HEI-total was inversely associated with PFS (β = − 0.14 ± 0.05, p = 0.009), mYFAS(β = − 0.14 ± 0.06, p = 0.02), 2 of the 5 RVFQ indices, MCP (β = − 0.14 ± 0.05, p = 0.01), and DGI food subscale (β = 0.23 ± 0.05, p < 0.001), but associations of postpartum HEI-total with reward-related eating measures and self-regulation were small and not statistically significant. Pregnancy and postpartum HEI-total were associated inversely with HFI-OBES (β = − 0.17 ± 0.06, p = 0.004 and β = − 0.19 ± 0.07, p = 0.006, respectively), and positively with HFI-FV (β = 0.21 ± 0.05, p < 0.001 and β = 0.17 ± 0.06, p = 0.009, respectively). Associations of poorer diet quality with greater reward-related eating during pregnancy but not postpartum suggests the need to better understand differences in the determinants of eating behaviors and approaches to circumvent or moderate reward-related eating to facilitate more optimal diet quality across this critical period. Clinicaltrials.gov . URL – Registration ID – NCT02217462 . Date of registration – August 13, 2014.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Induced Thyroiditis

Abstract Background Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that presents with acute respiratory symptoms that are well documented and sequelae that are yet to be fully understood. Case Report We present the case of a 51-year old woman, recently diagnosed with COVID-19, who presented with symptoms including chest pain, palpitations, difficulty swallowing, and anterior neck discomfort. We ultimately diagnosed her with COVID-19-induced thyroiditis and discharged her on propranolol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Thyroiditis can present with symptoms similar to other etiologies like pulmonary embolism. We discuss the process of evaluating and treating thyroiditis. We further discuss the risk of administering iodinated contrast media that could further exacerbate thyroid dysfunction.
Congenital Anterior Urethrocutaneous Fistula with a Persistent Urethral Groove

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula (CAUF) is a rare penile anomaly with only 63 cases reported in the literature. The anomaly can present in isolation or in association with chordee or hypospadias. We report the case of an 8-month-old boy with CAUF that resembles the embryological urethral groove. On examination, a wide urethral groove was noted to cover the midshaft of the penis with a well formed urethra extending proximally and distally and with a normal glandular anatomy, a wide glandular meatus, and a complete foreskin. The urethral groove was tubularized and covered in layers. Surgery was complicated with early superficial skin dehiscence not affecting the urethral repair. Refashioning of the skin was then performed. A satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome was observed at 7 years' follow-up. Defining the anatomy of CAUF and distal urethra is key in management of these children.