cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving public health preparedness capacity measurement: development of the local health department preparedness capacities assessment survey.

ABSTRACT Objective: To address limitations in measuring the preparedness capacities of health departments, wedeveloped and tested the Local Health Department Preparedness Capacities Assessment Survey(PCAS).Methods: Preexisting instruments and a modified 4-cycle Delphi panel process were used to selectinstrument items. Pilot test data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. Kappa statistics werecalculated to examine rater agreement within items. The final instrument was fielded with 85 NorthCarolina health departments and a national matched comparison group of 248 health departments.Results: Factor analysis identified 8 initial domains: communications, surveillance and investigation,plans and protocols, workforce and volunteers, legal infrastructure, incident command, exercises andevents, and corrective action. Kappa statistics and z scores indicated substantial to moderateagreement among respondents in 7 domains. Cronbach a coefficients ranged from 0.605 for legalinfrastructure to 0.929 for corrective action. Mean scores and standard deviations were also calculatedfor each domain and ranged from 0.41 to 0.72, indicating sufficient variation in the sample to detectchanges over time.Conclusion: The PCAS is a useful tool to determine how well health departments are performing onpreparedness measures and identify opportunities for future preparedness improvements. Futuresurvey implementation will incorporate recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s PublicHealth Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning. (Disaster MedPublic Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–7)Key Words: preparedness measurement, instrument development
P.1. Supraventricular Arrhythmias

Objectives We set out to separate atypical from typical atrial flutter (AFL) by analyzing subtle variability in atrial wavefronts and AV nodal conduction from ECG and intracardiac analysis. Methods and Results In 42 patients undergoing AFL ablation (21 typical, 21 atypical), we filtered ECG atrial waveforms via sliding-correlation of F-wave templates to their ecgs over time. Waveforms were spatially variable if ECG loops in XY (V5/avf), YZ (avf/V1) and XZ (V5/V1) planes failed to exceed our validated threshold (>1.3). Compared to typical AFL, atypical AFL showed greater wavefront variability (21/21 vs 1/21 cases; p<0.001), greater CL standard deviation (6.98±7.02 ms vs 3.10±1.62 ms; p=0.023), AV conduction that was less likely to be an integer multiple of AFL cycle length (10/21 vs 19/21; p=0.003), and greater AH variability (155±79 vs 61±75 ms; p = 0.015) for a given atrial cycle length. Conclusions typical AFL shows wider variations in AV conduction and AH interval than typical AFL, that likely reflects subtly greater wavefront variability. This may have implications for ablation and may help explain transitions to fibrillation.
Approximating the Stationary Probability of a Single State in a Markov chain

In this paper, we present a novel iterative Monte Carlo method for approximating the stationary probability of a single state of a positive recurrent Markov chain. We utilize the characterization that the stationary probability of a state i is inversely proportional to the expected return time of a random walk beginning at i. Our method obtains an -multiplicative close estimate with probability greater than 1 using at most ~ O tmix ln(1= )= i 2 simulated random walk steps on the Markov chain across all iterations, where tmix is the standard mixing time and i is the stationary probability. In addition, the estimate at each iteration is guaranteed to be an upper bound with high probability, and is decreasing in expectation with the iteration count, allowing us to monitor the progress of the algorithm and design eective termination criteria. We propose a termination criteria which guarantees a (1 + 4 ln(2)tmix) multiplicative error performance for states with stationary probability larger than , while providing an additive error for states with stationary probability less than 2 (0; 1). The algorithm along with this termination criteria uses at most ~ O ln(1= ) 2 min tmix i ; 1 simulated random walk steps, which is bounded by a constant with respect to the Markov Chain. We provide a tight analysis of our algorithm based on a locally weighted variant of the mixing time. Our results naturally extend for countably innite state space Markov chains via Lyapunov
The Relatives' Big Five Personality Influences the Trajectories of Recovery of Patients After Severe TBI: A Multilevel Analysis.

This study examines the influence of the personality of relatives on the trajectories of recovery of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present subsample (N = 376) of a larger population-based, prospective, 12-month multicenter cohort study in Switzerland (2007-2011) consists of patients with severe TBI (age ≥ 16) and their relatives. The predictors are the NEO Five-Factor Inventory and time (trajectory of functioning of the patient over time). The outcomes are the patients' (a) neurological functioning; (b) reported emotional, interpersonal, cognitive, and total functioning post-injury; and (c) health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The covariates included Abbreviated Injury Scale score of the head region and age. Results for patients > 50 are (a) relatives' Extraversion influenced patients' total, interpersonal, and cognitive functioning; (b) relatives' Agreeableness influenced patients' interpersonal functioning; and (c) relatives' Conscientiousness influenced patients' physical HRQoL (ps < .05). Results for patients ≤ 50 are (a) relatives' Neuroticism influenced patients' neurological and emotional functioning, and (b) relatives' Extraversion influenced patients' emotional functioning and psychological HRQoL (ps < .05). The personality traits of the relative covary with the functioning of the patient, and psychological adaptation to the loss of function may progress at a later stage after physical health improvements have been achieved. Thus, a biopsychosocial perspective on the rehabilitation process is needed.
‘Perfect in its principles’: Psychoanalytic praxis at Ernst Simmel's Schloss Tegel

In the mid-1920s, Ernst Simmel created the Schloss Tegel Sanatorium, just outside Berlin, as a place for indigent people with severe psychiatric disorders to be treated psychoanalytically. Simmel's thesis, that impinging social and economic forces are as great a challenge to patients’ recovery as are their internal disorders, was well received by like-minded colleagues, including Freud. At Schloss Tegel, a unified clinical and political discourse allowed the psychoanalysts to establish a new praxis based not on the strictures of establishment psychiatry but on an ideology of dialectical materialism. In the end the sanatorium was defeated by chronic underfinancing and ultimately the violent Nazi takeover. What remains, however, is Simmel's rich legacy of psychoanalytic experimentation that confronted the twin predicaments of mental illness and structural oppression.
Accuracy of fetal weight estimation by ultrasound in periviable deliveries.

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) near viability, and to determine the adequacy of use of EFW in place of birth weight (BWT) for predicting prognosis for infants born near the limit of viability.Methods: Retrospective chart review of women delivering between 220/7 and 256/7 weeks gestation (GA) with ultrasound performed within 7 days of delivery. Potentially relevant clinical factors were evaluated regarding their impact on accuracy of EFW. Estimated survival based on BWT and EFW, using an National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) algorithm, were compared.Results: Study included 93 infants. Mean absolute percent difference (accuracy) of EFW for BWT was 9.4% (95%CI 7.4–11.3). There was no correlation between EFW accuracy and BWT, GA, maternal age, or BMI. There was a 3% overestimation of BWT per 100 g decrease in BWT (p = 0.001). Race, oligohydramnios, parity, smoking, or previous cesarean did not impact EFW accuracy. Mean predict...
Investigation and analysis on epidemiology of mumps from 2009 to 2013 in Xuchang

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Xuchang from 2009 to 2013,and to provide evidence for formulating a counter-measure in prevention and control of the disease. Methods Data of mumps during 2009—2013 were collected and analyzed through descriptive epidemiological method from National Notifiable Disease Reporting System. Results A total of 3 665 cases of mumps were reported with the annual average incidence of 1. 716 /105 in Xuchang during 2009—2013. The occurrence of disease had an obvious seasonal feature. the peak incidence was from Apr. to July.The ratio of male to female cases was 2. 18∶ 1. The children aged 5- 9 years were the high risk group,it accounted for 55. 44% in total cases. Most of mumps cases were the school pupils,children in kindergarten,and scattered children. Public health emergencies of 3 onwards occurred at the school. Conclusion Pupils are the focusing group in prevention and control of mumps targets. The measures,such asstrengthening school health education,encourageing to inoculate 2 doses of mumps vaccine and increasing the immunization coverage rate,are necessary in control. of mumps in the future.
Adjustment of US Agricultural Act of 2014 and Its Implications for China's Grain Subsidy Policy

The US Agricultural Act of 2014 revealed the direct subsidy policy,strengthened the protection of agricultural prices and farmers' income and increased many crop insurance programs available to farmers. Considering the valuable reference significance of the adjustment of the Act for China's grain subsidy policy,this study introduced the main content of the adjustment of crop subsidy policy in the new farm bill and analyzed the impacts of the adjustment on agricultural production,agricultural products international trade and government finance. Besides,the implications for the China's grain subsidy policy were summarized,including precision,legalization and improvement of grain varieties insurance.
Study on the Capacities of Absorbing and Holding Water of the High Absorbent Resin by Humic Sodium Grafted

The absorbing and holding water of the high absorbent resin by humic sodium grafted has been studied, the experiments resuls showed super water absorbents resin in ground had excellent properties for absorbing water and holding water, and could decrease volume weight of ground and adjust air and heat distribution. The seminal burgeon rate and capability of developing in drough was advanced.
A Multidisciplinary Optimization Mode Based on Rule and Comprehensive Coordination

In this paper,aircraft multidisciplinary design optimization of background,through the GSE single-level optimization-based evolutionary algorithm and discrete transformation process,as well as aircraft design platform and multi-enterprise collaboration to optimize the introduction of the rule base,rule-based and established a comprehensive and coordinated aircraft multidisciplinary design optimization mode.The model does not require the establishment of the objective function,the introduction of the so-called vector control,making the multi-disciplinary optimization process to a uniform computing model,and experience in the rules adopted under the guidance of co-design platform.
Abstract P1-14-17: Pathologic complete response rate with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by weekly paclitaxel with trastuzumab and pertuzumab in patients with HER2-positive early stage breast cancer: A single institution experience

Background: Trastuzumab and pertuzumab (HP) with standard chemotherapy is approved for use in the neoadjuvant setting. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients (pts) treated with dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) → paclitaxel, trastuzumab, pertuzumab (THP) in the neoadjuvant setting. Here we report the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Methods: We abstracted medical records of patients who were treated with pertuzumab-based therapy in the neoadjuvant setting from September 1, 2013 to March 1, 2015. Charts were analyzed for pt demographics, stage of breast cancer, pathology reports, surgical data, and information on systemic therapy. Results: Charts from 66 pts were reviewed; 60 pts were evaluable for pCR defined as absence of invasive disease in the breast, and 6 were not (3-no anthracycline, 1-incomplete chart, 1-no surgery yet, 1-metastatic). Median age was 47 years (range 28-68 years). Of 60 pts, 52 (86%) had operable breast cancer (T1-3, N0-1, M0) of which 7 had clinical stage I disease (T1N0)]; 7 (12%) had locally advanced disease (T2-3, N2-3, M0 or T4a-c, any N, M0), and 1 (2%) had inflammatory breast cancer (T4d, any N, M0). 49 (82%) and 11 (18%) had hormone receptor (HR)-positive and negative diseases, respectively. All patients had HER2-positive breast cancer defined as immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ and/or fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) of > 2.0. 30 pts (50%) underwent mastectomy and lumpectomy, respectively. Out of 60 evaluable pts, 41 (68%) had pCR; 32/49 (65%) with HR-positive and 9/11 (82%) with HR-negative diseases had pCR, respectively. Overall 58/60 (97%) pts completed neoadjuvant therapy; 2 did not (1 developed Steven Johnson Syndrome after one cycle of AC and 1 developed pneumonitis after third weekly dose of T with HP). Conclusions: At our single center experience the pCR rate of dose dense AC→THP is high at 68 %. These data are similar to results seen in the TRYPHAENA study, and we await the results from the BERENICE trial evaluating pCR as a secondary endpoint. Citation Format: Singh JC, Sugarman S, Jones L, Boafo C, Patil S, Schweber S, Yu A, Argolo D, Modi S, Iyengar N, Smyth L, Norton L, Baselga J, Hudis C, Dang C. Pathologic complete response rate with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by weekly paclitaxel with trastuzumab and pertuzumab in patients with HER2-positive early stage breast cancer: A single institution experience. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-17.
Early surgery for hypospadias.

Penile surgery in children may have wide-ranging and long-lasting emotional effects, both in patient and in parent. Thus, the optimal time for hypospadias repair is in the baby's first year. Unless there are coexisting genital anomalies, single-stage corrections can be done, with expectation of excellent results—in almost all infants with hypospadias.
Effects of breed and intake level on growth and feed efficiency in ram lambs.

Effects of breed and intake level on growth and feed efficiency in ram lambs were tested with 52 Rambouillet, 46 Dorset and 53 Finnish Landrace (Finn) rams. Rams were individually fed at 100, 85 or 70% of ad libitum or at maintenance. The experimental diet contained 79% digestible dry matter (DM), 3.28% N and 2.95 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg DM. Rams were serially slaughtered every 35 d for 175 d. The efficiency of deposition of body weight, protein, energy and trimmed cuts was determined by breed and intake level over constant time, weight, fat and maturity intervals. Ranking of the breeds for feed efficiency depended upon both the interval and the criterion of evaluation. Efficiency of protein and trimmed cut gain was positively related to mature size in the time and weight intervals, but all differences in efficiency were small in the fat or maturity intervals. Gross energetic efficiency did not differ greatly among breeds in any interval. Dorsets appeared to have a somewhat greater propensity to fatten than the other breeds and to be less able to retain N at a fixed N intake. In the constant time interval, maintenance requirements were estimated to be 115 kcal/kg.75, and the estimated partial efficiencies of energy deposition in fat and protein were .49 and .26, respectively.
Dynamic Network Analysis of Dream Protein Dimer Interface

Here we present the use of molecular dynamics network analysis for the study of oligomerization interface of the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) protein. This calcium binding protein has been shown to regulate numerous processes in neuronal cells in a calcium-dependent manner. Calcium binding to DREAM is known to induce protein structural changes that lead to dimerization and dissociation from the DRE promoter of c-fos, c-jun and dynorphin genes. The association of calcium to DREAM is also known to induce protein dimerization but whether ligand-induced association is regulated by tertiary of quaternary structural changes is not known. Using theoretical and experimental biophysics we investigated the interface of DREAM and identified a leucine-rich region at the exiting helix of EF-hand 2 as well as the dynamic loop connecting EF-hand 3 and EF-hand 4 as being important for dimerization. Bioinformatics analysis show that these regions are conserved among dimeric neuronal calcium sensors but not in NCS-1, which forms monomers is solution. To confirm the role of these regions in dimerization we constructed a DREAM-NCS chimera where these regions were mutated to those observes in NCS-1. We show that these mutations induce the formation of monomers as well as tryptophan transitions on DREAM upon calcium binding and magnesium binding which are similar to those observed for wild-type NCS-1. These findings support an approach where molecular dynamics can be used to identify and disrupt dimeric interfaces on neuronal calcium sensors, and could potentially be translated to other proteins.
Smoothed Limit Theorems for Equilibrium Processes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses smoothed limit theorems for equilibrium processes. The smoothed versions of the convergence theorems typically have much weaker associated regularity hypotheses than the classical version. In fact, these smoothed limit theorems are established under minimal conditions that are essentially necessary. An equilibrium process is a generalization of regenerative process that was introduced by Smith. The principal application to equilibrium processes of renewal methods involves the study of the long-run behavior of the system. In addition to its mathematical virtues, this should make hypothesis validation easier from an applications viewpoint.
Standard External Doppler Fetal Heart Tracings versus External Fetal Electrocardiogram in Very Preterm Gestation: A Pilot Study

Introduction Very preterm babies can be difficult to monitor using standard external Doppler fetal heart tracings (eFHR). External fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) is a potential alternative. Methods This was a prospective observational pilot study of hospitalized patients at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. A total of 30 women were traced for up to 2 hours using eFHR followed by up to 2 hours using fECG. The percentage of time the fetal heart rate was traced during the 2-hour window for each modality was calculated. Differences of ≥ 60, ≥ 80, and ≥ 90% total time traced were compared between modalities using McNemar's test. Differences were also assessed for each method between nonobese (body mass index [BMI] 2 ) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) women using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results Superior performance was found with eFHR at ≥ 60% (93.3 vs. 46.7%, p p p p = 0.017). Conclusion With current technology fECG performance in very preterm gestation was worse than conventional eFHR, although fECG may have a role in nonobese patients.
Optical Probe for Nondestructive Wafer-Scale Characterization of Photonic Elements

This letter describes fabrication and operation of a microfabricated photonic waveguide loop probe for nondestructive evanescent coupling and localized testing of nanophotonic devices and circuits. A microfabricated silicon (Si) waveguide ( $\approx 300$ nm $\times \approx 260$ nm cross section) loop forming a $\approx 10\mu \text{m}$ diameter half-circle is suspended in air at the tip of a cantilever extending from a single-mode fiber-connectorized silicon on insulator chip ( $\approx 1.5$ mm $\times \approx 3.5$ mm). The probe is designed for use with commercial scanning probe microscopes (SPM) for accurate positioning, controlled optical coupling, and chip-scale and wafer-scale testing. We demonstrate this by performing spectroscopy on a Si microdisk optical cavity with an optical quality factor of $\approx 10^{6}$ . The SPM enables precise measurement and stable control of sample-probe distance to vary the coupling rate from under- to over-coupled regimes.
Physical modality, laws, and counterfactuals

Standard philosophical accounts attempt to understand physical modality either in terms of special metaphysical entities and relationships (“relations between universals”, “powers”, “dispositions”) or in terms of the organization of non-modal information, as in Best Systems Analysis. This paper defends an alternative to both these approaches in which invariance and various independence conditions play a central role. The methodological importance of separating law-claims from claims about initial and boundary conditions is highlighted
Government Decentralization: Conceptualisation and Measurement

Under appropriate conditions, all forms of decentralization can play important roles in broadening participation in political, economic and social activities in developing countries. Where it works effectively, decentralization helps alleviate the bottlenecks in decision making that are often caused by central government planning and control of important economic and social activities. Decentralization can help to cut complex bureaucratic procedures and it can increase government officials’ sensitivity to local conditions and needs. Moreover, decentralization can help national government ministries reach larger numbers of local areas with services; allow greater political representation for diverse political, ethnic, religious, and cultural groups in decision-making; and relieve top managers in central ministries of routine tasks to concentrate on policy. In some countries, decentralization may create a geographical focus at the local level for coordinating national, state, provincial, district, and local programs more effectively and can provide better opportunities for participation by local residents in decision making. Decentralization may lead to more creative, innovative and responsive programs by allowing local experimentation. It can also increase political stability and national unity by allowing citizens to better control public programs at the local level.
A Comparison of Methods for Estimating Relationships in the Change Between Two Time Points for Latent Variables

Collection and analysis of longitudinal data is an important tool in understanding growth and development over time in a whole range of human endeavors. Ideally, researchers working in the longitudinal framework are able to collect data at more than two points in time, as this will provide them with the potential for a deeper understanding of the development processes under study and a much broader array of statistical modeling options. However, in some circumstances data collection is limited to only two time points, perhaps because of resource limitations, issues with the context in which the data are collected, or the nature of the trait under study. In such instances, researchers may still want to learn about complex relationships in the data, such as the correlation between changes in latent traits that are being measured. However, with only two data points, standard approaches for modeling such relationships, such as growth curve modeling, cannot be used. The current simulation study compares the pe...
Faculty perceptions of teaching information literacy to first-year students: A phenomenographic study

This study examines faculty perceptions of teaching information literacy and explores the influence of these perceptions on pedagogy. The study adopted an inductive phenomenographic approach, using 24 semi-structured interviews with faculty teaching first-year courses at an American public research university. The results of the study reveal four qualitative ways in which faculty experience teaching information use to first year students that vary within three themes of expanding awareness. The resulting outcome space revealed that faculty had two distinct conceptions of teaching information literacy: (1) Teaching to produce experienced consumers of information, and (2) Teaching to cultivate intelligent participants in discourse communities. When information experiences are intentional, and involve using and teaching information use while learning the discipline content, this becomes “informed learning”, which is a pedagogical construct developed by Christine Bruce (Bruce and Hughes, 2010) that involves e...
Produced Water Surface Spills and the Risk for BTEX and Naphthalene Groundwater Contamination

The widespread use of unconventional drilling involving hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has allowed for increased oil-and-gas extraction, produced water generation, and subsequent spills of produced water in Colorado and elsewhere. Produced water contains BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) and naphthalene, all of which are known to induce varying levels of toxicity upon exposure. When spilled, these contaminants can migrate through the soil and contaminant groundwater. This research modeled the solute transport of BTEX and naphthalene for a range of spill sizes on contrasting soils overlying groundwater at different depths. The results showed that benzene and toluene were expected to reach human health relevant concentration in groundwater because of their high concentrations in produced water, relatively low solid/liquid partition coefficient and low EPA drinking water limits for these contaminants. Peak groundwater concentrations were higher and were reached more rapidly in coarser textured soil. Risk categories of “low,” “medium,” and “high” were established by dividing the EPA drinking water limit for each contaminant into sequential thirds and modeled scenarios were classified into such categories. A quick reference guide was created that allows the user to input specific variables about an area of interest to evaluate that site’s risk of groundwater contamination in the event of a produced water spill. A large fraction of produced water spills occur at hydraulic-fracturing well pads; thus, the results of this research suggest that the surface area selected for a hydraulic-fracturing site should exclude or require extra precaution when considering areas with shallow aquifers and coarsely textured soils.
Breast MRI radiomics: comparison of computer- and human-extracted imaging phenotypes.

In this study, we sought to investigate if computer-extracted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotypes of breast cancer could replicate human-extracted size and Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) imaging phenotypes using MRI data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project of the National Cancer Institute. Our retrospective interpretation study involved analysis of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant breast MRI data from The Cancer Imaging Archive, an open-source database from the TCGA project. This study was exempt from institutional review board approval at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the need for informed consent was waived. Ninety-one pre-operative breast MRIs with verified invasive breast cancers were analysed. Three fellowship-trained breast radiologists evaluated the index cancer in each case according to size and the BI-RADS lexicon for shape, margin, and enhancement (human-extracted image phenotypes [HEIP]). Human inter-observer agreement was analysed by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for size and Krippendorff’s α for other measurements. Quantitative MRI radiomics of computerised three-dimensional segmentations of each cancer generated computer-extracted image phenotypes (CEIP). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to compare HEIP and CEIP. Inter-observer agreement for HEIP varied, with the highest agreement seen for size (ICC 0.679) and shape (ICC 0.527). The computer-extracted maximum linear size replicated the human measurement with p < 10−12. CEIP of shape, specifically sphericity and irregularity, replicated HEIP with both p values < 0.001. CEIP did not demonstrate agreement with HEIP of tumour margin or internal enhancement. Quantitative radiomics of breast cancer may replicate human-extracted tumour size and BI-RADS imaging phenotypes, thus enabling precision medicine.
Chantey Castings: A Hands-On Simulation to Teach Constraint Management and Demand-Driven Supply Chain Approaches.

Supply chain design and constraint management are widely-adopted techniques in industry, necessitating that operations and supply chain educators teach these topics in ways that enhance student learning and retention, optimize resource utilization (especially time), and maximize student interest. The Chantey Castings Simulation provides a platform to accomplish all three criteria. In a fun, collaborative environment, students learn important concepts related to these techniques by identifying obstacles to matching customer demand with sourcing, production, and logistics for a variety of products made from Play-Doh. Assessment data indicate the simulation is a highly-effective experiential learning activity.
A conceptual model of co-creating an authentic luxury spa experience.

The rapid growth of the international hotel or resort spa establishments underscores the importance of defining the spa operators’ unique authenticity and understanding of customers’ perceptions of...
Random Forests for mapping and analysis of microkinetics models

Abstract We introduce the application of an ensemble learning method known as Random Forests to microkinetics modeling and the computationally efficient integration of microkinetics into reaction engineering models. First, we show how Random Forests can be used for mapping pre-computed microkinetics data. Random Forests can be used to predict new datasets while keeping the prediction accuracy high and the computational load low. The method is also used to identify the important variables in the mechanism in regard to overall reaction rate and selectivity. The results are compared with results from a similar study using the Campbell's Degree of Rate Control approach and it is shown that the Random Forests method could be used to identify important features of the mechanism over a wide range of reacting conditions. Finally, the inclusion of the suggested method into reaction engineering models such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) resolved-particle simulations of fixed bed reactors is presented.
Diversity in the computing sciences: tutorial presentation

The Computer Sciences have been traditionally considered to be a "diversity-unfriendly" ground. It is true that topics of national origin, culture, ethnicity, gender etc. cannot be incorporated in separate courses/units in the amount in which they are in the humanities, for example. However, despite the general attitude, infusion of such topics happens in our classrooms on daily basis. It is that many of us just do not label it as such. Via small interventions, reworking of the examples, projects, assignments etc., we can and we are infusing diversity topics in our daily teaching activities. The goal of this workshop is to raise awareness in the community on the importance of the topic, overview methodologies of infusion of diversity in the curriculum on a micro and macro level. With the introduction of "My First Diversity Workbook", a tool the tutorial facilitator uses for purposes of training faculty, the participants will enter the subject discussed hands-on. By creating a collaborative online community, the discussions started at this workshop can continue and grow, thus providing the participants a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences from their own classrooms.
Peer support opportunities across the cancer care continuum: a systematic scoping review of recent peer-reviewed literature

Evidence suggests peer support (PS) is as an effective strategy for enhancing prevention and control of chronic and infectious diseases, including cancer. This systematic scoping review examines the range and variety of interventions on the use of PS across the cancer care continuum. We used a broad definition of PS to capture a wide-range of interventions and characterize the current status of the field. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL to identify relevant articles published from January 2011 to June 2016. We screened the title and abstracts of 2087 articles, followed by full-text screening of 420 articles, resulting in a final sample of 242 articles of which the most recent 100 articles were reviewed (published June 2014 to May 2016). A number of the recent intervention studies focused on breast cancer (32%, breast cancer only) or multiple cancer sites (23%). Although the interventions spanned all phases of the cancer care continuum, only 2% targeted end-of-life care. Seventy-six percent focused on clinical outcomes (e.g., screening, treatment adherence) and 72% on reducing health disparities. Interventions were primarily phone-based (44%) or delivered in a clinic setting (44%). Only a few studies (22%) described the impact of providing PS on peer supporters. PS appears to be a widely used approach to address needs across the cancer care continuum, with many opportunities to expand its reach.
Decoupling of Single-Relation Systems

Because the investigations of systems are mostly about the relationship between the “whole” and the “parts,” this chapter looks at how “whole” single-relation systems can be decomposed into factor systems by feedback.
Progress in targeting RAS with small molecule drugs

RAS proteins have traditionally been deemed undruggable, as they do not possess an active site to which small molecules could bind but small molecules that target one form of oncogenic RAS, KRAS G12C, are already in preclinical and clinical trials, and several other compounds that bind to different RAS proteins at distinct sites are in earlier stage evaluation. KRAS is the major clinical target, as it is by far the most significant form of RAS in terms of cancer incidence. Unfortunately, KRAS exists in two isoforms, each with unique biochemical properties. This complicates efforts to target KRAS specifically. KRAS is also a member of a family of closely related proteins, which share similar effector-binding regions and G-domains, further increasing the challenge of specificity. Nevertheless, progress is being made, driven by new drug discovery technologies and creative science.
Three J-proteins impact Hsp104-mediated variant-specific prion elimination: a new critical role for a low-complexity domain

Prions are self-propagating protein isoforms that are typically amyloid. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, amyloid prion aggregates are fragmented by a trio involving three classes of chaperone proteins: Hsp40s, also known as J-proteins, Hsp70s, and Hsp104. Hsp104, the sole Hsp100-class disaggregase in yeast, along with the Hsp70 Ssa and the J-protein Sis1, is required for the propagation of all known amyloid yeast prions. However, when Hsp104 is ectopically overexpressed, only the prion [PSI+] is efficiently eliminated from cell populations via a highly debated mechanism that also requires Sis1. Recently, we reported roles for two additional J-proteins, Apj1 and Ydj1, in this process. Deletion of Apj1, a J-protein involved in the degradation of sumoylated proteins, partially blocks Hsp104-mediated [PSI+] elimination. Apj1 and Sis1 were found to have overlapping functions, as overexpression of one compensates for loss of function of the other. In addition, overexpression of Ydj1, the most abundant J-protein in the yeast cytosol, completely blocks Hsp104-mediated curing. Yeast prions exhibit structural polymorphisms known as "variants"; most intriguingly, these J-protein effects were only observed for strong variants, suggesting variant-specific mechanisms. Here, we review these results and present new data resolving the domains of Apj1 responsible, specifically implicating the involvement of Apj1's Q/S-rich low-complexity domain.
Terrestrial gross primary production: Using NIRV to scale from site to globe

Terrestrial photosynthesis is the largest and one of the most uncertain fluxes in the global carbon cycle. We find that NIRv, a remotely sensed measure of canopy structure, accurately predicts photosynthesis at FLUXNET validation sites at monthly to annual timescales (R2 = 0.68), without the need for difficult to acquire information about environmental factors that constrain photosynthesis at short timescales. Scaling the relationship between GPP and NIRv from FLUXNET eddy covariance sites, we estimate global annual terrestrial photosynthesis to be 147 Pg C y-1 (95% credible interval 131-163 Pg C y-1), which falls between bottom-up GPP estimates and the top-down global constraint on GPP from oxygen isotopes. NIRv-derived estimates of GPP are systematically higher than existing bottom-up estimates, especially throughout the mid-latitudes. Progress in improving estimated GPP from NIRv can come from improved cloud-screening in satellite data and increased resolution of vegetation characteristics, especially photosynthetic pathway.
Irredundant Triangular Decomposition

Triangular decomposition is a classic, widely used and well-developed way to represent algebraic varieties with many applications. In particular, there exist - sharp degree bounds for a single triangular set in terms of intrinsic data of the variety it represents, - powerful randomized algorithms for computing triangular decompositions using Hensel lifting in the zero-dimensional case and for irreducible varieties. However, in the general case, most of the algorithms computing triangular decompositions produce embedded components, which makes it impossible to directly apply the intrinsic degree bounds. This, in turn, is an obstacle for efficiently applying Hensel lifting due to the higher degrees of the output polynomials and the lower probability of success. In this paper, we give an algorithm to compute an irredundant triangular decomposition of an arbitrary algebraic set W defined by a set of polynomials in C[x1, x2, ..., xn]. Using this irredundant triangular decomposition, we are able to give intrinsic degree bounds for the polynomials appearing in the triangular sets and apply Hensel lifting techniques. Our decomposition algorithm is randomized, and we analyze the probability of success.
Radioactive iodine therapy for pediatric Graves' disease: a single-center experience over a 10-year period.

Introduction Only about 30% of pediatric patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism achieve remission with medical therapy, and therefore radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is often used as a definitive treatment. Although the goal of RAI is permanent hypothyroidism, this is not consistently achieved. We conducted a chart review to determine the factors associated with the success of RAI. We also tried to determine optimal follow-up post RAI and if there was an optimal L-thyroxine dose that would normalize the hypothyroid state quickly. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of Graves' patients who underwent RAI between 2008 and 2017. We included age, sex, time from diagnosis, thyroid gland size, total dose of I-131 and dose in μCi/g of thyroid tissue. Patients were grouped based on outcome and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Follow-up thyroid levels post RAI and after starting l-thyroxine were analyzed. Results There were 78 ablations including six repeat ablations. Seventy-three percent became hypothyroid, 23% remained overtly or subclinically hyperthyroid, and 4% were euthyroid. Smaller thyroid size (36.5 vs. 47.4 g; p = 0.037) and higher dose of I-131 (242 vs. 212 μCi/g thyroid tissue; p = 0.013) were associated with a higher likelihood of hypothyroidism. Most patients remained hyperthyroid at 1 month post RAI, but by 3 months the majority became hypothyroid. There was no clear L-thyroxine dose that normalized hypothyroidism quickly. Conclusions An I-131 dose close to 250 μCi/g of thyroid tissue has a higher likelihood of achieving hypothyroidism. Testing at 2-3 months after RAI is most helpful to confirm response to RAI.
Repetitive Negative Thinking, Depressive Symptoms, and Cortisol in Cancer Caregivers and Noncaregivers.

Objectives To examine the effect of informal cancer caregiving and repetitive negative thinking (RNT) on depressive symptoms and salivary cortisol levels. Sample & setting The sample was recruited from a hospital bone marrow unit and caregiver support organizations. It included 60 informal cancer caregivers (52% partners) of individuals with cancer who provided care for a median of 27.5 hours per week for 12 months, and 46 noncaregiver participants. Methods & variables In this cross-sectional study, participants completed questionnaires assessing RNT and depressive symptoms and provided saliva samples to measure cortisol levels. Results Cancer caregiving and RNT, but not the interaction, were associated with more depressive symptoms. RNT, but not cancer caregiving, was associated with salivary cortisol. A disordinal interaction effect suggests that cancer caregiving was associated with lower cortisol levels, and RNT in noncaregivers was associated with higher cortisol levels. Implications for nursing Given that RNT is related to depressive symptoms and cortisol, connecting cancer caregivers who experience RNT to resources and the development and evaluation of brief nurse-led interventions to reduce RNT in informal cancer caregivers seems warranted.
Social marketing and outdoor recreational advocacy groups: Lessons from a rock climbing campaign

Abstract Social marketing is the application of classic marketing techniques to promote socially beneficial behavior. This paper examines the opportunities for applying social marketing by outdoor recreation advocacy groups. Highlighting a successful campaign to promote environmental behavior among rock climbers, findings from this research are examined to demonstrate applications of social marketing to support similar organizations. In the examined campaign, a sample of rock climbers were surveyed. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct segments with significantly different environmental attitudes and past commitments to environmental behaviors. The cluster labeled ‘The Project’ showed a high level of willingness to change behavior and need for intervention. A focus group of individuals from this cluster then answered questions identifying their barriers to responsible behavior, motivations for acting more sustainably, and ideas for encouraging others to participate in a general campaign. Results were presented to an environmental non-profit organization, which aims to promote conservation by, and for, rock climbers. Findings assisted their campaign targeting entry level climbers and indoor facilities. Specifically, co-creation with the recreational and advocacy groups, framing interventions within the 4Ps for project planning, and leveraging public commitments significantly improved efforts. The successful campaign is examined to describe how social marketing may be leveraged by similar advocacy groups. Additional ideas for intervention and areas for future research are also discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Strongly Solvatochromic Molybdenum(III) Complexes

A series of seven molybdenum(III) complexes with the general formula of [Mo(diimine)Cl4]− were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and UV–vis. The compl...
Perspective: Chaos in a Bottle—A Critical Evaluation of Beverage Categorization in Nutrition Research

Beverage consumption is an important contributor to total daily calorie intake among children and adolescents. While associations between excess calories from beverages and development of obesity are well established, a standardized approach for beverage categorization does not exist. As a result, there is marked heterogeneity in assessment and categorization of beverage intake across studies. The purpose of this article is to critically review beverage categorization in recent (published since 2010) observational studies that evaluated beverage intake in relation to weight/adiposity in US youth, and to put forth an initial proposal for a standardized beverage classification system. Standardized beverage classification is critical to ensure transparency in nutrition science research and facilitate comparison of findings across studies. A systematic literature search identified 37 eligible studies, across which beverage categorization varied considerably. The most heterogeneity was observed for categorization of "sugar-sweetened beverages" and the greatest consistency was observed for categorization of 100% juices. This review provides an evidence-based starting point for urgently needed, collaborative work to determine priorities for beverage categorization and leverage existing standards of identity in order to create and disseminate a standardized beverage classification system. A standardized approach will inform meaningful assessment of beverage consumption in research studies and facilitate impactful translation of research findings into public health nutrition policy.
Continuous rate infusion of midazolam as emergent treatment for seizures in dogs

Background Midazolam delivered by continuous rate infusion (CRI) might be effective in dogs with cluster seizures (CS) or status epilepticus (SE). Objective To describe the use and safety of midazolam CRI in dogs with CS or SE. Animals One-hundred six client-owned dogs presenting to a veterinary teaching hospital with CS or SE. Methods Retrospective review of medical records for dogs with CS or SE treated with a midazolam CRI. Results Seventy-nine dogs presented with CS and 27 dogs had SE. Seizure control was achieved in 82/106 dogs (77.4%) receiving a midazolam CRI. The median dose associated with seizure control was 0.3 mg/kg/h (range, 0.1-2.5 mg/kg/h). The median duration of CRI was 25 hours (range, 2-96 hours). Seizures were controlled in 34/40 dogs (85%) with idiopathic epilepsy, 32/43 dogs (74%) with structural epilepsy, 12/16 dogs (75%) with unknown epilepsy, and 4/7 dogs (57%) with reactive seizures (P = .20). Seizure control was achieved in 81% of dogs with CS and 67% in dogs with SE (P = .18). Dogs with idiopathic/unknown epilepsy were more likely to survive than those with structural epilepsy (87% vs 63%, P = .009). Adverse effects were reported in 24 dogs (22.6%) and were mild in all cases. Conclusions and clinical importance Midazolam CRI is apparently safe and might be an effective treatment in dogs with CS or SE.