cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Algorithms for shaping a particle swarm with a shared input by exploiting non-slip wall contacts

There are driving applications for large populations of tiny robots in robotics, biology, and chemistry. These robots often lack onboard computation, actuation, and communication. Instead, these “robots” are particles carrying some payload and the particle swarm is controlled by a shared control input such as a uniform magnetic gradient or electric field. In previous works, we showed that the 2D position of each particle in such a swarm is controllable if the workspace contains a single obstacle the size of one particle. Requiring a small, rigid obstacle suspended in the middle of the workspace is a strong constraint, especially in 3D. This paper relaxes that constraint, and provides position control algorithms that only require non-slip wall contact in 2D. Both in vivo and artificial environments often have such boundaries. We assume that particles in contact with the boundaries have zero velocity if the shared control input pushes the particle into the wall. This paper provides a shortest-path algorithm for positioning a two-particle swarm, and a generalization to positioning an n-particle swarm. Results are validated with simulations and a hardware demonstration.
Immunocontraceptive target repertoire defined by systematic identification of sperm membrane alloantigens in a single species.

Sperm competence in animal fertilization requires the collective activities of numerous sperm-specific proteins that are typically alloimmunogenic in females. Consequently, sperm membrane alloantigens are potential targets for contraceptives that act by blocking the proteins' functions in gamete interactions. Here we used a targeted proteomics approach to identify the major alloantigens in swine sperm membranes and lipid rafts, and thereby systematically defined the repertoire of these sperm-specific proteins in a single species. Gilts with high alloantibody reactivity to proteins in sperm membranes or lipid rafts produced fewer offspring (73% decrease) than adjuvant-only or nonimmune control animals. Alloantisera recognized more than 20 potentially unique sperm membrane proteins and five sperm lipid raft proteins resolved on two-dimensional immunoblots with or without prior enrichment by anion exchange chromatography. Dominant sperm membrane alloantigens identified by mass spectrometry included the ADAMs fertilin α, fertilin s, and cyritestin. Less abundant alloantigens included ATP synthase F1 β subunit, myo-inositol monophosphatase-1, and zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein-2. Immunodominant sperm lipid raft alloantigens included SAMP14, lymphocyte antigen 6K, and the epididymal sperm protein E12. Of the fifteen unique membrane alloantigens identified, eleven were known sperm-specific proteins with uncertain functions in fertilization, and four were not previously suspected to exist as sperm-specific isoforms. De novo sequences of tryptic peptides from sperm membrane alloantigen "M6" displayed no evident homology to known proteins, so is a newly discovered sperm-specific gene product in swine. We conclude that alloimmunizing gilts with sperm membranes or lipid rafts evokes formation of antibodies to a relatively small number of dominant alloantigens that include known and novel sperm-specific proteins with possible functions in fertilization and potential utility as targets for immunocontraception.
Ultrafast single-photon spontaneous emission from an array of quantum-emitters along a photonic waveguide

In a waveguide-QED system, under certain condition, the spontaneous emission rate of an atom cloud with a single excitation can be enhanced. Single-photon superradiance refers to the case when the enhancement attains its maximum. We show that an atom cloud exhibiting single-photon superradiance can be described by an effective two-level system. We also adopt a real space numerical approach to validate the understanding of single-photon superradiance using such an effective mapping picture. We further numerically investigate the spontaneous emission of superradiant state and dark state.
Implications of a valuation study for ecological and social indicators associated with Everglades restoration.

Abstract The Everglades of south Florida, although degraded, imparts vital ecosystem benefits, including contributions to high quality drinking water supplies and habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species. Restoration of the Everglades can improve the provision of these benefits but also may impose tradeoffs with competing societal demands. This study focuses on understanding public preferences for Everglades restoration and estimating the willingness to pay (WTP) values for restored ecosystem services (ES) through the implementation of a discrete choice experiment (DCE). We collected data from 2302 respondents from the general public from an online survey designed to elicit WTP values for selected ecological and social attributes associated with Everglades restoration scenarios. We compare the findings to results from earlier studies (Milon et al., 1999; Milon and Scrogin, 2005), which also estimated WTP values among Floridians for Everglades restoration. For some attributes, WTP for Everglades restoration appears to have slightly increased while for others WTP appears to have decreased. We estimated statewide aggregate WTP values for components of species population restoration up to $2B over 10 years. Several factors impeded a direct comparison of current and historical WTP values, including time elapsed, different samples and sampling methods- which may have implications for integrating ecosystem service valuation studies into water management decisions.
HIV and Cardiovascular Disease: Update on Clinical Events, Special Populations, and Novel Biomarkers

The objective of this review is to provide an update on the link between HIV infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We will focus our review mainly on literature describing clinical CVD events and understudied topics of importance. Heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and stroke are CVD modalities deserving more attention in the context of HIV infection in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era. Incidence data on clinical CVD from HIV populations in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Multisubstance use is common in HIV, but understudied as a moderator or mediator of the association between HIV and CVD. CVD risk assessment in HIV remains challenging, but new research into novel biomarkers may provide further insights. There is also a need for inclusion of non-biologic factors in our attempts to understand, quantify, and predict CVD risk among PLWHA. Significant attention has been paid to generating and testing hypotheses to understand the mechanisms of myocardial infarction in HIV. Similar attention is deserving for heart failure, PAD, stroke, and cardiovascular disease risk in resource-limited settings and among substance users with HIV.
Cracks in the Seams: Durability of Child Care in JOBS Welfare-to-Work Programs

The success of recent welfare reforms will depend, in part, on the ability of local welfare programs to meet the child care needs of low-income parents. A key challenge is the integration of targeted child care subsidies into a “seamless” system for parents who are making transitions between welfare, training, and employment. This article uses data from a one-year panel study to describe program activities and child care use and transitions for participants in a welfare-to-work program. The results suggest that welfare clients were receiving significant child care assistance but services remained fragmented and poorly integrated. Adult clients engaged in multiple, often short-term job preparation and employment activities, and transitions between activities frequently resulted in disruptions in child care arrangements and loss of child care subsidies. Implications for welfare and child care policy are discussed.
Brief Note: A Screening Test for the Presence of Urinary Lysozyme (Muramidase)

A screening test for increased concentrations of lysozyme (muramidase) in the urine is described.
The Kidney-Ureter Stone Sexual Paradox: A Possible Explanation

AbstractThe greater frequency of renal stones seen on excretory urograms in women, compared with the greater frequency of ureteral stones in men has been termed a sexual paradox. We assessed stone composition and weight, and sex as possible explanatory factors. A total of 4,014 renal and ureteral calculi was analyzed. For the 3,119 calculi in which only calcium oxalate and/or phosphate was detected by infrared and wet chemical analysis, there was a strong relationship between the oxalate-to-phosphate weight ratio and sex (p less than 0.0001). The mean weight for phosphate stones was 330mg. but for oxalate stones it was 107mg. Male-to-female ratios were 2.7, 2.2 and 1.8 for stone weight groups of 20 or less, 21 to 100 and more than 100mg. The male-to-female ratio was 0.87 for the 171 stones containing magnesium ammonium phosphate; the average weight was 508mg. for men and 1,560mg. for women. The tendency for phosphate stones to be heavier and relatively more common in women compared to predominantly oxalat...
Management of anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus tumors.

In this article, the evaluation and management of benign and malignant lesions of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinuses are discussed, with emphasis on preoperative evaluation, indications and contraindications to surgery, and reconstruction following ablative procedures. Surgical approaches to access this anatomic area are presented, and the role of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of malignant disease is reviewed.
Windows of sensitivity to toxic chemicals in the development of reproductive effects: an analysis of ATSDR’s toxicological profile database

Development of the fetus is a complex process influenced by many factors including genetics, maternal health, and environmental exposures to toxic chemicals. Adverse developmental effects on the reproductive system have the potential to harm generations beyond those directly exposed. Here, we review the available literature in Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry toxicological profiles related to reproductive-developmental effects in animals following in utero exposure to chemicals. We attempt to identify windows of sensitivity. In the discussion, we correlate the findings with human development. The endpoints noted are fertility, estrus, anogenital distance, sex ratio, spermatogenesis, and mammary gland development. We identified some windows of sensitivity; however, the results were hampered by chronic-exposure studies designed to detect effects occurring throughout developmental, including multi-generational studies. This paper demonstrates the need for more acute studies in animals aimed at understanding time periods of development that are more susceptible to chemically induced adverse effects.
On the complexity of seismic waves trapped in irregular topographies

Documented observations from strong seismic events have repeatedly shown that the ground surface topography significantly﻿ affects the characteristics of seismic waves (amplitude, frequency and duration) travelling from the deeper layers of the crust compared to what the ground motion would have been on the surface of a flat homogeneous linear elastic half-space. Although numerous theoretical studies have qualitatively corroborated these observations, they systematically underestimate the absolute level of topographic amplification up to an order of magnitude or more in some cases. In this paper, we try to bridge the quantitative gap between previous theoretical studies and observations by systematically studying the role of geometry, stratigraphy, and ground motion characteristics through a series of elaborate numerical analyses. We show a collection of examples that highlight the effects of topography on seismic ground shaking, and we point out what these results suggest in the context of the current state of earthquake engineering practice. Examples range from semi-analytical solutions of wave propagation in infinite wedges to three-dimensional numerical simulations of topography effects using digital elevation map-generated models and layered geologic features. We conclude by demonstrating that topography effects vary strongly with the stratigraphy and material properties of the underlying geologic materials, and thus it cannot be accurately predicted by studying the effects of ground surface geometry alone.
Real-time single-walled nanotube (SWNT)-based imaging system to improve tumor detection and survival in ovarian cancer preclinical model.

5530Background: Residual tumor detection in advanced stage ovarian cancer (OC) represents a critical challenge in the treatment of the disease. Optimal abdominal cytoreduction until no evidence of ...
The Creative Construction of Rationality

Is the development of rationality a creative process? Is there something paradoxical about the idea that creativity can result in increasing rationality? We will argue in this chapter that rationality is indeed creatively constructed by the developing individual. If one thinks of creativity as consisting of unconstrained flights of the imagination and of rationality as strict adherence to mechanical rules of reasoning, there is indeed something paradoxical about this conclusion. The paradox dissolves, however, upon reconsideration of the definitions of both rationality and creativity.
"TEACHING TABLES II:" Crafting Virtual Pedagogy: A Model for Online Courses

One goal of Masonâ€™s Technology-Enhanced Learning Mission Statement states â€œextensive and innovative use of technology in the development and delivery of credit bearing coursesâ€ should â€œsignificantly enhance learning outcomes.â€Â In offering online courses in just about any discipline, we have an opportunity to significantly enhance learning outcomes both from content/disciplinary-perspectives as well as communications perspectives. Students in online courses learn not only text, but hypertext, moving them laterally through research and around through communication, communication which has a more public audience in an online world than in the traditional classroom world. In this interactive presentation, the instructional designer will showcase an Advanced Composition (ENGL302) online course where all course materials and resources, communication, interaction, and learning take place in a virtual environment, mostly in Blackboard, but with the enhancement of wikis and databases. The audio-visual components of the course (mini-lessons on streaming video, feedback on streaming audio) have been highly lauded by students who find that virtual interaction with a voice or a face helps them understand what they may have only seen in text. In addition, a poster session will show the design cycle for developing an online course, a cyclical process in which analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (the standard ADDIE model of instructional design) occurs at any point in course development.
An Allosteric Switch Primes Sequence-Specific DNA Recognition

Regulation of protein-DNA binding specificity occurs through myriad mechanisms. Boudet et al. discover yet a new form of specificity through allosteric regulation, an ATP-induced structural switch that mediates specific DNA recognition in an archaeoeukaryotic primase.
External Ventricular Drain Related Infection Characteristics and Outcomes: A Case Series (P1.327)

Objective: To describe our center’s experience with EVD related infections in the past 5 years. Background: External ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is a very common neurosurgical procedure done to monitor or relieve elevated intracranial pressure. EVD related infection can lead to adverse outcomes such as ventriculitis, sepsis, prolonged hospitalization and death. In this case series, we describe characteristics and outcomes of EVD related infections in patients who had positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures during catheter placement at Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH) over a 5 year period. Design/Methods: All patients who had an EVD placed during their admission at MSH between January 2011 and December 2015, and had a positive culture from the CSF drawn from their EVD were included. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was completed by using SAS software. Results: Of 248 patients who had EVDs, 25 (10%) patients had positive CSF cultures. 9 cultures grew gram negative (g-) organisms, and 16 grew gram positive organisms (g+). The most common g+ organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis, with 6 patients (24%). Three patients (12%) had Klebsiella pneumoniae making it the most common g-organism. Positive CSF culture is significantly associated with patient’s length of stay (LOS) (median 34 vs. 18 days). Mortality and LOS did not differ significantly between the types of infection. A positive correlation between the presence of a catheter tract hemorrhage and g-infections was found (p = 0.0308, Fisher’s exact test). Six (67%, n = 9) patients had tract hemorrhage in the gram negative group versus only 3 (19%, n = 16) patients in the gram positive group. Conclusions: In this series, EVD tract hemorrhage was associated more often with gram negative ventriculitis. This finding needs to be further studied in larger cohorts to determine whether patients with EVD tract hemorrhages should be on gram negative specific antibiotic prophylaxis. Disclosure: Dr. Feng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chartrain has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sobotka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pain has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dangayach has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mayer has received personal compensation for activities with Bard Medical. Dr. Gordon has nothing to disclose.
Open Surgery for Femoral Hernias: a Single Approach with Double Window for All

Femoral hernias are relatively less frequent than inguinal hernias but most often strangulated, which carries significant mortality. The multiple approaches are described to deal femoral hernias including three classical approaches. Each approach describes a separate skin incision and dissection to access the femoral sac. We propose a single approach with double window for all femoral hernias. Inguinal canal is opened by inguinal skin crease incision which is taken over medial half of inguinal ligament. The sac is identified, released from femoral canal, and traced up to the defect of herniation (window-1) If bowel is gangrenous, a second window is made at McBurney’s point by giving another incision as that of gridiron incision (window-2) made by muscle splitting. The gangrenous bowel is dealt from the second window. This new single approach with double window is useful for all elective and emergency femoral hernias. It is easy to perform without any damage to muscles and nerves and obviates the need of multiple approaches.
Synthesis and single crystal structures of ternary phosphides Li4SrP2 and AAeP (A=Li, Na; Ae=Sr, Ba)

Abstract Two new (NaSrP, Li4SrP2) and two known (LiSrP, LiBaP) ternary phosphides have been synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. NaSrP crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric hexagonal space group P 6 ¯ 2 m (#189, a=7.6357(3) A, c=4.4698(3) A, V=225.69(2) A3, Z=3, and R/wR=0.0173/0.0268). NaSrP adopts an ordered Fe2P structure type. PSr6 trigonal prisms share trigonal (pinacoid) faces to form 1D chains. Those chains define large channels along the [001] direction through edge-sharing. The channels are filled by chains of PNa6 face-sharing trigonal prisms. Li4SrP2 crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R 3 ¯ m (#166, a=4.2813(2) A, c=23.437(2) A, V=372.04(4) A3, Z=3, and R/wR=0.0142/0.0222). In contrast to previous reports, LiSrP and LiBaP crystallize in the centrosymmetric hexagonal space group P63/mmc (#194, a=4.3674(3) A, c=7.9802(11) A, V=131.82(2) A3, Z=2, and R/wR=0.0099/0.0217 for LiSrP; a=4.5003(2) A, c=8.6049(7) A, V=150.92(2) A3, Z=2, and R/wR=0.0098/0.0210 for LiBaP). Li4SrP2, LiSrP, and LiBaP can be described as Li3P derivatives. Li atoms and P atoms make a graphite-like hexagonal layer, ∞ 2 [ LiP ] 2 - . In LiSrP and LiBaP, Sr or Ba atoms reside between ∞ 2 [ LiP ] 2 - layers to substitute for two Li atoms of Li3P, while in Li4SrP2, Sr substitutes only between every other ∞ 2 [ LiP ] 2 - layer.
Effects of Faith Integration Activities on Students’ Epistemologies in Introductory Physics Classes

Integrating faith with academic disciplines should result in enrichment of students’ perspectives on both the discipline and their faith. This quasi-experimental pilot study examines how faith inte...
A Non-stiff Summation-By-Parts Finite Difference Method for the Wave Equation in Second Order Form: Characteristic Boundary Conditions and Nonlinear Interfaces

Curvilinear, multiblock summation-by-parts finite difference methods with the simultaneous approximation term method provide a stable and accurate method for solving the wave equation in second order form. That said, the standard method can become arbitrarily stiff when characteristic boundary conditions and nonlinear interface conditions are used. Here we propose a new technique that avoids this stiffness by using characteristic variables to "upwind" the boundary and interface treatment. This is done through the introduction of an additional block boundary displacement variable. Using a unified energy, which expresses both the standard as well as characteristic boundary and interface treatment, we show that the resulting scheme has semidiscrete energy stability for the anistropic wave equation. The theoretical stability results are confirmed with numerical experiments that also demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed scheme. The numerical results also show that the characteristic scheme has a time step restriction based on standard wave propagation considerations and not the boundary closure.
An Analysis and Visualization of Best Practices for Police Data Transparency

The ability to hold police accountable for the actions of officers is contingent upon independent review of data surrounding misconduct. This research identifies gaps in information and useful features to build a guide for policing data collection and analysis for public accountability, based on the practices of other cities around the US. Our primary concern is to obtain actionable and transparent data on police activities and identify recording practices to serve Charlottesville as examples to follow. Prominent challenges include sourcing usable data, judging whether the data were comprehensive, and inconsistencies across datasets that prevented joining, and in turn, limited meaningful data analysis. Our guide also advises Charlottesville of the ethical and methodological considerations when analyzing policing data. The final guide includes: recommendations for sharing data with the public through dashboard visualization, which was informed by a multi-city scrub of open policing data portals; recommendations for feature variables to collect for meaningful analysis; and a multi-city proof-of-concept data dashboard.
Validation of the Online Learning Readiness Self-Check survey

This study reports the development and validation of the Online Learning Readiness Self-Check (OLRSC), a self-report survey designed to examine nontraditional students’ readiness for online learnin...
Novel non-parametric point and interval estimation for competing probability

The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW) test has been widely used as a nonparametric method to compare a continuous or ordinal variable between two groups. The WMW test essentially compares the competing probability π = Pr(X > Y ) + 0.5 Pr(X = Y ) with 0.5, where X and Y are independent random variables from two distributions. The competing probability is naturally meaningful and equal to the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve. To construct a confidence interval (CI) for π, existing methods focused either only on continuous variables or only on ordinal variables. Furthermore, recently developed methods require complicated computation. In this paper, we propose a unified approach to construct a CI for π where the data can be continuous, ordinal, or a mixture of the two. The new approach gives a closed-form solution which is easy to compute. In addition, we propose a small sample modification which allows for constructing a CI even when the estimator for π is 0 or 1. Finally, simulation shows that the performance of the new method is comparable or superior to the existing methods.
Consequences of an intervention to reduce restrictive side rail use in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of an advanced practice nurse (APN) intervention on restrictive side rail usage in four nursing homes and with a sample of 251 residents. A secondary question explored the association between restrictive side rail reduction and bed-related falls. DESIGN: Pre- and posttest design. SETTING: Four urban nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: All nursing home residents present in the nursing home at three time points (n=710, 719, and 707) and a subset of residents (n=251) with restrictive side rail use at baseline. INTERVENTION: APN consultation with individual residents and facility-wide education and consultation. MEASUREMENTS: Direct observation of side rail status, resident and nurse interview for functional status, mobility, cognition, behavioral symptoms, medical record review for demographics and treatment information, and incident reports for fall data. RESULTS: At the institutional level, one of the four nursing homes significantly reduced restrictive side rail use (P=.01). At the individual participant level, 51.4% (n=130) reduced restrictive side rail use. For the group that reduced restrictive side rails, there was a significantly (P<.001) reduced fall rate (−0.053; 95% confidence interval (CI)=−0.083 to −0.024), whereas the group that continued restrictive side rail did not demonstrate a significantly (P=.17) reduced fall rate (−0.013; 95% CI=−0.056–0.030). CONCLUSION: An APN consultation model can safely reduce side rail use. Restrictive side rail reduction does not lead to an increase in bed-related falls. Although side rails serve many purposes, routine use of these devices to restrict voluntary movement and prevent falls is not supported.
Comparison of human pancreatic and parotid amylase activities on different substrates.

The specific activities of highly purified preparations of human parotid and pancreatic amylase on several different soluble and insoluble starches were compared. The ratio of parotid to pancreatic activity varied with the physical nature of the substrate. With all soluble starches, irrespective of source, parotid amylase exhibited a higher specific activity than did pancreatic amylase; the reverse was true for an insoluble chromogenic starch (Amylose Azure). The variation in enzyme—substrate interaction supports previous indications of configurational differences between the two amylases. The observed organ-specific characteristics according to organ of origin may have value in determining relative parotid and pancreatic amylase activities in body fluids under normal and pathological conditions, thereby helping to clarify their functional and clinical significance.
Feasibility Study and Functional Design for the Computerized Automation of the Central Regional Laboratory EPA Region V, Chicago

A feasibility study and functional design are presented for the computerized automation of the Central Regional Laboratory of Region V of the Environmental Protection Agency. The system recommended, which meets all the stated objectives, is built around a Data General Nova 840 computer operating in a time-share mode using the BASIC high-level language operating system for applications programs. Instruments to be automated include Technicon AutoAnalyzers, atomic absorption spectrometers, and an electronic balance. The system will include file management programs to take care of the laboratory needs. Data will be transferred to STORET on magnetic tape. This paper is divided into several sections. The first section includes an overview of the functions selected by the laboratory for consideration with a discussion of the benefits expected from automation of these functions, and a detailed cost and benefit breakdown of ten alternatives, each meeting the same or all of the objectives. The final sections are functional designs for each of the instruments and the sample file control, detailing the desired interaction between the operators, instruments, and data. The goals of this project are to increase instrument capacity, improve the accuracy and precision of analytical results, save analysts' time, reduce clerical time and associatedmore » errors, and provide ready access to the analytical data. 21 figures, 3 tables. (auth)« less
Nanomechanical detection of nuclear magnetic resonance using a silicon nanowire oscillator

The authors report the use of a radio frequency (rf) silicon nanowire mechanical oscillator as a low-temperature nuclear magnetic resonance force sensor to detect the statistical polarization of ${}^{1}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}$H spins in polystyrene. To couple the ${}^{1}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}$H spins to the nanowire oscillator, a magnetic resonance force detection protocol was developed that utilizes a nanoscale current--carrying wire to produce large time-dependent magnetic field gradients as well as the rf magnetic field. Under operating conditions, the nanowire experienced negligible surface-induced dissipation and exhibited an ultralow force noise near the thermal limit of the oscillator.
Uncovering Patterns of Technology Use in Consumer Health Informatics

Internet usage and accessibility has grown at a staggering rate, influencing technology use for healthcare purposes. The amount of health information technology (Health IT) available through the Internet is immeasurable and growing daily. Health IT is now seen as a fundamental aspect of patient care as it stimulates patient engagement and encourages personal health management. It is increasingly important to understand consumer health IT patterns including who is using specific technologies, how technologies are accessed, factors associated with use, and perceived benefits. To fully uncover consumer patterns it is imperative to recognize common barriers and which groups they disproportionately affect. Finally, exploring future demand and predictions will expose significant opportunities for health IT. The most frequently used health information technologies by consumers are gathering information online, mobile health (mHealth) technologies, and personal health records (PHRs). Gathering health information online is the favored pathway for healthcare consumers as it is used by more consumers and more frequently than any other technology. In regard to mHealth technologies, minority Americans, compared with White Americans utilize social media, mobile Internet, and mobile applications more frequently. Consumers believe PHRs are the most beneficial health IT. PHR usage is increasing rapidly due to PHR integration with provider health systems and health insurance plans. Key issues that have to be explicitly addressed in health IT are privacy and security concerns, health literacy, unawareness, and usability. Privacy and security concerns are rated the number one reason for the slow rate of health IT adoption. WIREs Comput Stat 2013, 5:432–447. doi: 10.1002/wics.1276 Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
An excess electron connects uracil to glycine: Ab-initio study

In recent work Gutowski et al. [Eur. Phys. J. D 20, 431 (2002)] reported photoelectron-spectroscopy and theoretical study of covalent anion of the uracil-glycine complex. In present work we use ab initio calculations to describe an anionic complex of uracil and glycine where the excess electron is localized in a diffuse state between the two monomers. In this system the uracil and glycine molecules are separated by about 4.5 A and the dipoles of the two monomers point at the excess electron located in the middle of the complex. The calculated fragmentation energy of the anion into a dipole-bound uracil anion and a neutral glycine molecule is 1.7 kcal/mol.
PR effects in mixed and unmixed lists

Pronounciability rating, failed to predict ease of learning in two studies employing doubly homogeneous lists (with respect to PR and form-class). When both PR and form-class or form-class alone were mixed within lists, PR has been shown to predict learning. In the present study, PR alone was mixed and found to predict ease of learning.
DNA Replication: A familiar ring to DNA polymerase processivity

Structural similarity reveals that prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA polymerases share a mechanism for processivity--but the conservation of additional chromosomal replication mechanisms remains to be determined.
Multiculturalism in a labour market with integrated economies

The rapid growth of immigration in past decades and the consolidation of economic blocks have brought to the foreground “old concerns” over the effect of immigration on native workers’ wellbeing. The “old concerns” present “new characteristics” which have led to the introduction of “multiculturalism” into the debate over immigration. Considers efficiency gains from immigration taking into consideration the “cultural diversity” involved in any immigration phenomena. In this light, examines the effect of the policies supported by the proponents of a “multicultural education” understood as an “amorphous syncretism” in the economic development of the recipient countries.
Imaging nature: Watkins, Yosemite, and the birth of environmentalism

This essay examines the significance of landscape photography in the birth of environmentalism. In particular, this essay considers how Carleton Watkins’ 1860s photographs of Yosemite Valley created both a way of viewing the American landscape and a representational vocabulary for environmentalist claims to public preservation. In understanding these images as rhetorical, this essay offers a sustained exploration of the political and cultural effects of visual rhetoric. This exploration constitutes critical intervention in a number of discourses. Most obviously, this work is contributing to a growing literature in several disciplines that treats images as integral to politics. Additionally, this work is also adopting the cultural studies position of considering politics in its most encompassing sense and accounting for its multiple manifestations. Most importantly, in unearthing an episode in the history of the construction of pristine wilderness as the sublime object of environmentalism, this essay inter...
Commentary: The Physician's Role in Nursing Home Quality of Care: Focus on Restraints

The physician can play an important role in managing high-risk nursing home residents without restraints and working with interdisciplinary care teams in comprehensive fall evaluations. A reduction or elimination of physical restraints can be measured for a facility over time, and it represents a relevant quality indicator of physician and facility interactions during the process of care. We discuss how the physician's role fits into this quality of care equation for nursing homes and its implications for new clinical, research, and policy directions for long-term care.
High magnetic field ground state in the molecular conductor η-Mo4O11

The molecular conductor η-Mo4O11 undergoes two successive charge density wave transitions at 109 K and 30 K, with corresponding changes in the electronic structure. The resulting low temperature Fermi surface has only very small closed orbits at the Fermi level, all of which reach the quantum limit by 20 T. We report high field, low temperature magnetoresistance studies in the low temperature state, including hydrostatic pressure dependence.
Driving Change from the Middle: An Exploration of the Complementary Roles and Leadership Behaviors of Clinical Nurse Leaders and Engineers in Healthcare Process Improvement

Abstract:The healthcare system presents challenges and opportunities for those looking to drive process improvement. Engineering managers can improve the probability of successfully implementing initiatives by partnering with a clinical nurse leader (CNL), since a key CNL role is designing and implementing changes to improve patient outcomes. Similar to project managers and engineers, CNLs drive change from the middle of the organization by successfully balancing the needs of upper management with frontline demands. Case studies of change efforts in healthcare are used to illustrate behaviors required of successful middle leaders to both lead and serve as “courageous followers” when improving healthcare outcomes.
Scattering of light from spherulitic polymers: Effect of internal structure

The scattering from a two-dimensional spherulite is calculated on the basis of an assembly of anisotropic rods imbedded in an isotropic matrix and arranged in a spherulitic distribution. Provided the dimensions of the rods are small compared with the wavelength of the light, the scattering from such an assembly is shown to be identical with that from an internally uniform spherulite. The effective polarizabilities of this uniform spherulite in the radial and tangential directions are equal to the average polarizabilities in these directions of the constituent rods together with their surroundings.
13C Solid State NMR Suggests Unusual Breakdown Products in SEI Formation on Lithium Ion Electrodes

This study investigates the organic components of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the carbonaceous anodic electrode in LiCoO 2 batteries using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The electrolyte solvents, ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate, were enriched on the carbonyl carbon prior to cell assembly and conditioning in an attempt to trace the breakdown pathways of these components. A strong signal was seen, demonstrating that the carbonyl carbons of both electrolytes survive in some reasonable quantity as insoluble breakdown products on the rinsed electrode surface. This confirms that the fate of these carbons as consumed in the formation of CO 2 is either not unique, or not as final product. Furthermore the central carbonyl carbon survives, not as an intact carbonyl species, but instead in the form of compounds in which the carbon-oxygen double bond has been disrupted. Formation of this class of species is likely initiated by a nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon by one or more radical, alkoxy, carbanion or fluorine-containing ionic species formed from solvent and/or salt breakdown. These results suggest a new family of electrolyte breakdown products, predominantly consisting of binary, tertiary and/or quaternary ether-type compounds (i.e., orthocarbonates and orthoesters), as well as fluorine-containing alkoxy compounds.
Quantitation of ozone-induced lung lesion density after treatment with an interferon inducer or an antiinterferon antibody

Inhalation of ozone by experimental animals produces activation of lymphocytes in the mediastinal lymph node complex. Both the number and functional reactivity are affected, with evidence of blastic transformation in T cell but not B cell areas of the nodes. In the present work we determine the extent that modulation of a possible product of immune system activation, interferon, is capable of influencing the way that experimental animals respond to zone. Outbred CD-1 mice were treated with an interferon inducer, poly I:C, or with an anti-interferon antibody while being exposed to ozone at a concentration of 0.7 or 0.9 ppm for 20 h per day for 4 days. Interferon induction produced a significant reduction in lesion volumes in both exposure groups, while anti-interferon produced the opposite effect. Less alveolar damage was observed in interferon-induced, ozone-exposed animals than in animals exposed to ozone alone. In contrast, anti-interferon-treated, ozone-exposed animals showed larger lesions which extended to more peripheral structures and were more extensively infiltrated with neutrophilic leukocytes. These results show that interferon induction protects against zone-mediated lung damage. They also suggest that cells are activated during ozone inhalation which mitigate the effects of ozone on the lung by secretion of interferon.
Resistive ribbon thermal transfer printing: a historical review and introduction to a new printing technology

This paper describes a new high-quality thermal transfer printing process in which a printhead consisting of a linear array of small-diameter electrodes produces highly localized Joule heating of a resistive thermal transfer printing ribbon. The heat generated in the resistive ribbon results in the melting of a thermoplastic ink which is then transferred to a printable medium, such as paper, by contact. The origins of the technology in IBM are discussed, together with a description of the resistive ribbon materials and structure, the printhead, and some experimental printer performance values.
Charge-Induced Secondary Atomization in Diffusion Flames of Electrostatic Sprays

The combustion of electrostatic sprays of heptane in laminar counterflow diffusion flames was experimentally studied by measuring droplet size and velocity distributions, as well as the gas-phase temperature. A detailed examination of the evolution of droplet size distribution as droplets approach the flame shows that, if substantial evaporation occurs before droplets interact with the flame, an initially monodisperse size distribution becomes bimodal. A secondary sharp peak in the size histogram develops in correspondence of diameters about one order of magnitude smaller than the mean. No evaporation mechanism can account for the development of such bimodality, that can be explained only in terms of a disintegration of droplets into finer fragments of size much smaller than that of the parent. Other evidence in support of this interpretation is offered by the measurements of droplet size-velocity correlation and velocity component distributions, showing that, as a consequence of the ejection process, the droplets responsible for the secondary peak have velocities uncorrelated with the mean flow. The fission is induced by the electric charge. When a droplet evaporates, in fact, the electric charge density on the droplet surface increases while the droplet shrinks, until the so-called Rayleigh limit is reached at which point the repulsion of electric charges overcomes the surface tension cohesive force, ultimately leading to a disintegraton into finer fragments. We report on the first observation of such fissions in combustion environments. If, on the other hand, insufficient evaporation has occurred before droplets enter the high temperature region, there appears to be no significant evidence of bimodality in their size distribution. In this case, in fact, the concentration of flame chemi-ions or, in the case of positively charged droplets, electrons may be sufficient for them to neutralize the charge on the droplets and to prevent disruption.
Adoptive transfer of naïve dendritic cells in resolving post-sepsis long-term immunosuppression

Abstract Following initial episode of sepsis, survivors suffer an increased risk of mortality that persists long-term and remains a significant health care problem. Opportunistic infections and neoplasms are more frequent partially accounting for shorter life expectancy. This suggests that during sepsis the immune system becomes aberrant and is unable to restore its optimal function after the initial insult. Dendritic cells (DC) or their precursors are frequently affected during the initial episode of sepsis as well as after the resolution of symptom. Considering these cells’ pivotal role in regulating innate and acquired immune, they are promising candidates for therapeutic manipulation. Sepsis induces several changes in the populations of DCs via epigenetic, and/or other, mechanisms. Here, we propose that transplantation of ‘naive dendritic cells’ (DCs which are never exposed to sepsis) can reverse several aspects of the long-term post-sepsis immunosuppression. Furthermore, we present advantages of the presented therapeutic approach.
Machinima and Video-Based Soft-Skills Training for Frontline Healthcare Workers

Multimedia training methods have traditionally relied heavily on video-based technologies, and significant research has shown these to be very effective training tools. However, production of video is time and resource intensive. Machinima technologies are based on videogaming technology. Machinima technology allows videogame technology to be manipulated into unique scenarios based on entertainment or training and practice applications. Machinima is the converting of these unique scenarios into video vignettes that tell a story. These vignettes can be interconnected with branching points in much the same way that education videos are interconnected as vignettes between decision points. This study addressed the effectiveness of machinima-based soft-skills education using avatar actors versus the traditional video teaching application using human actors in the training of frontline healthcare workers. This research also investigated the difference between presence reactions when using avatar actor-produced video vignettes as compared with human actor-produced video vignettes. Results indicated that the difference in training and/or practice effectiveness is statistically insignificant for presence, interactivity, quality, and the skill of assertiveness. The skill of active listening presented a mixed result indicating the need for careful attention to detail in situations where body language and facial expressions are critical to communication. This study demonstrates that a significant opportunity exists for the exploitation of avatar actors in video-based instruction.
Nonhertzian Contact: Geometric and Computational Issues

This talk will focus on some of the consequences that arise due to improvements that were made in such areas as surface characterization, materials development, power requirements and other technological advances, but primarily advances in computer hardware and software. These have led analysis from the arena of a closed-form solution of a single smooth contact (Hertz theory) to the semi-analytical analysis of rough contact, in which there may occur a large number of contacts due to the presence of many asperities. This paper will limit itself to the following aspects involved with contact that is not Hertzian: geometrical issues, friction, and finally, purely numerical issues that may relate to inelastic behavior. To illustrate how the development of high-speed computers enabled the solution of relatively complex problems, two specific examples are given. The first is the case of rough contact, which is solved by a combination of fast Fourier transform and some computer-enhanced methods. The second example is indentation of an inelastic body and calculation of residual stresses. Future research in contact mechanics will involve calculations at even smaller length scales that depend upon the ever-increasing computational speed and development of sensors to investigate materials at these scales.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Shuffling the deck: plant signalling plays a club.

Abstract The transmission of signals across the plasma membrane of cells plays an integral part in cell communication in unicellular and complex organisms. Protein kinases and their activators serve key roles in this process, and a number of paradigms have been established to describe their mode of action. Signalling in plant cells appears to shuffle these paradigms – as evidenced by two recent reports on the development of the Arabidopsis meristem.