cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Issues Affecting Medication Use Among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: A Qualitative Study

Background and Purpose: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations may have unique issues (e.g., cultural attitudes and language barriers) that impact their relatively low adherence to medication use. Research on the topic is limited because AANHPI populations are generally not included in research studies. We conducted a qualitative investigation to gain insights into low adherence to medication use among AANHPIs and how to address this health disparity. Methods: In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 14 academic pharmacists and four other health care professionals knowledgeable about AANHPI disparities. Results: The majority of participants were either unsure of appropriate medication use by AANHPIs or felt they were used inappropriately. Over half of the participants were involved in or knew of efforts which focused on appropriate medication use. Participants felt that approaches to improving medication adherence included education and counseling, collaboration between providers, and conducting additional research, a role they felt the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy could fulfill. Conclusion: The appropriate use of medications for AANHPI populations is perceived as a barrier to parity in health care by pharmacists and other health care professionals. While current efforts exist to address appropriate medication use, additional research focusing on potential solutions identified by our participants is required to further assess their effectiveness in helping to close the health care gap.
Detection of membrane binding events using microtoroid optical resonators

Novel lipid coated microtoroid optical resonators was developed for membrane interaction. The proposed platform significantly enhanced the detection of cholera toxin in term of time and detection limit compared to fluorescent-based assay.
Historical Considerations in Sustainability

The field of sustainability is often considered a modern discipline. However, from a practical standpoint, humans have been dealing with sustainability for as long as we have faced existential challenges in our environments. This chapter examines three distinct prehistoric and historic settings to demonstrate how social, environmental, and economic challenges were addressed. The first example is from prehistoric Aztalan, Wisconsin, where two different cultures came into contact with each other and competed for resources. The second example is from Fort Ross, California, a current State Historic Park, where in the nineteenth century, Russians and their native Alaskan partners tried unsuccessfully to establish an agricultural economy under difficult environmental conditions. The final example is from Michigan State University which has undergone tremendous changes in its impact on the environment in the twentieth century due to changing economic conditions. The three examples demonstrate that sustainability transcends the modern. The more we understand the history of our own places, the better we will be at understanding and confronting the sustainability issues we face today.
Differences in the free energies between the excited states of Aβ40 and Aβ42 monomers encode their distinct aggregation propensities

The early events in the aggregation of the intrinsically disordered peptide, A{beta}, involve transitions from the disordered lowest free energy ground state to assembly-competent states. Are the finger-prints of order found in the amyloid fibrils encoded in the conformations that the monomers access at equilibrium? If so, could the enhanced aggregation rate of A{beta}42 compared to A{beta}40 be rationalized from the sparsely populated high free energy states of the monomers? Here, we answer these questions in the affirmative using coarse-grained simulations of the SOP-IDP model of A{beta}40 and A{beta}42. Although both the peptides have practically identical ensemble-averaged properties, characteristic of random coils (RCs), the conformational ensembles of the two monomers exhibit sequence-specific heterogeneity. Hierarchical clustering of conformations reveals that both the peptides populate high free energy aggregation-prone (N*) states, which resemble the monomers in the fibril structure. The free energy gap between the ground (RC) and the N* states of A{beta}42 peptide is smaller than for A{beta}40. By relating the populations of excited states of the two peptides to the fibril formation time scales using an empirical formula, we explain nearly quantitatively the faster aggregation rate of A{beta}42 relative to A{beta}40. The N* concept accounts for fibril polymorphs, leading to the prediction that the less stable N* state of A{beta}42, encoding for the U-bend fibril, should form earlier than the structure with the S-bend topology, which is in accord with the Ostwalds rule rationalizing crystal polymorph formation. Significance StatementAlzheimers disease (AD), a rampant neurodegenerative disorder, is caused by the accumulation of pathological aggregates, primarily composed of the two isoforms A{beta}40 and A{beta}42. Experiments have shown that A{beta}42 is more aggregation-prone compared to A{beta}40. However, the molecular origin of this apparent anomaly remains elusive. Here, we provide a microscopic basis for the different aggregation rates in terms of the distinct populations of high free energy excited fibril-like states (N*) that are encoded in the monomer spectra. The N* theory explains the emergence of fibril polymorphs, and predicts the relative kinetic stabilities of A{beta}42 fibrils using Ostwalds rule of stages. Our work shows that sequence-specific conformational heterogeneity of the monomer ensembles provides important cues for understanding protein aggregation.
Chapter 6 – From Project to Operations: Planning to Avoid Problems

Avoiding problems with clinical computing systems begins at the earliest decision points in selection, purchase, and implementation. It involves smart decisions to select software that works, to build and install it carefully, have good relationships with users and vendors, listen to their comments, monitor carefully to detect impending problems before they hit, expect and plan for downtimes, minimize impact, and strive for best possible availability and reliability. This chapter divides the life of a clinical computing system within an organization into three parts: system acquisition, project, and operations. During system acquisition, the system is investigated, selected and contracted for, or built. The project part of its life includes planning, building, training, and implementing. The operations phase is the ongoing use, maintenance, and support of the clinical computing system and its users, and is the focus of this book.
Injection of Evans blue dye to fluorescently label and image intact vasculature

Blood vessels perform critical functions in both health and disease. Understanding how vessels form, pattern and respond to damage is essential. However, labeling and imaging the vasculature to ascertain these properties can be difficult and time-consuming. Here, the authors present a novel methodology for rapidly and efficiently labeling whole vascular networks in vivo by exploiting the fluorescent properties of Evans blue. By combining the labeling with fluorescence microscopy, this method enables visualization of whole tissue vasculature for a fraction of the time and cost compared with traditional methods.
21 – GAINING FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the impact of foreign trade on the price, consumption, and domestic production of goods. The chapter also discusses the effects of trade restrictions such as tariffs and quotas. The application of a tariff, quota, or other import restriction to a product reduces the amount of the product that foreigners supply to the domestic market. As a result of diminished supply, consumers face higher prices for the protected product. Essentially, import restrictions are subsidies to producers—and workers—in protected industries at the expense of consumers and producers—and workers—in export industries. Restrictions reduce the ability of domestic producers to specialize in those areas for which their comparative advantage is greatest. In the long run, trade restrictions do not create jobs. A decline in imports from other nations leads to a reduction in those nations' purchasing power and, thus, a reduced demand for export products. Jobs protected by import restrictions are offset by jobs destroyed in export industries. As this result of restrictions often goes unnoticed, their political popularity is understandable. Nonetheless, the restrictions are inefficient as they lead to the loss of potential gains from specialization and exchange.
Does Feeding Previously Frozen (Thawed) Fortified Human Milk Increase the Incidence of Lactobezoar (Milk Curd) Obstruction? A Retrospective Cohort Study in One Large Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract Background Current recommendations suggest that it is appropriate to store human milk (HM) for up to 24 hours following fortification despite any changes that may occur in fortified HM over time. However, a recent publication suggested fortified frozen HM should be thawed and fed within 12 hours of fortification due to the risk of lactobezoar or milk curd obstruction. Objective This study investigated whether lactobezoar (milk curd) formation increased when frozen fortified HM was thawed and fed within 12 hours vs 12 to 24 hours postfortification in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children’s Hospital of Orange County to determine if practice changes were warranted. Design This study was a retrospective cohort study. Participants/setting All infants admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County NICU for calendar years 2018-2019 who were fed fortified human milk (n = 802) were included in the study. Exposure variable Feedings using previously frozen (thawed) fortified HM. Main outcome measure Lactobezoar or milk curd formation. Statistical analysis Descriptive analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results Of the 107,602 feedings prepared with fortified thawed HM, 68% (72,602) were used within 12 hours of preparation and 32% (34,499) were stored for 12 to 24 hours before administration. The NICU at Children’s Hospital of Orange County did not identify any lactobezoar formation or milk curd obstruction in either group. Conclusions Data from this study support recommendations for a maximum storage time for thawed, fortified HM of 24 hours.
How biased are American media outlets? A framework for presentation bias regression

Media bias is a pressing issue in our society that can increase political polarization. To address the issue, previous studies mainly develop supervised learning models to identify bias at the article level, which not only requires expensive data collection but also careful features selection. An alternative approach to combat media bias focuses on the source level, which can help news aggregators promptly filter unreliable news based on their sources. Despite being a promising approach, the detection of biases at the source level remains largely unexplored. In this study, we propose a novel unsupervised framework to estimate presentation bias of news sources. The framework first uses a retrieval engine to form groups of related articles, then constructs pairwise biases between news sources using Aspect-based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) and finally, assigns bias scores for each source with a graph-based algorithm. Using a dataset of approximately 83K articles from 14 news sources, we validate the results of our framework with 3 benchmarks and find that our approach can provide reliable bias ratings, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of up to 0.92. We further discuss the possibility of extending the framework to identify selection bias.
Virtual Mind-Body Programming for Patients With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study.

Background: Patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing is critical for patients with cancer; however, it can also reduce their access to psychosocial coping resources. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences to generate a model of how virtual mind-body programs can support the psychosocial well-being of patients with cancer. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study among patients (aged ≥18 years) who participated in a virtual mind-body program offered by a National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program consisted of mind-body group therapy sessions of fitness, yoga, tai chi, dance therapy, music therapy, and meditation. Live integrative medicine clinicians held each session via Zoom videoconferencing for 30-45 minutes. In semistructured phone interviews (n=30), patients were asked about their overall impressions and perceptions of the benefits of the sessions, including impacts on stress and anxiety. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory. Results: Among the 30 participants (average age 64.5 years, SD 9.36, range 40-80, 29 female), three major themes were identified relating to experiences in the virtual mind-body program: (1) the sessions helped the patients maintain structured routines and motivated them to adhere to healthy behaviors; (2) the sessions enhanced coping with COVID-19-related-stressors, allowing patients to “refocus” and “re-energize”; and (3) the sessions allowed patients to connect, fostering social relationships during a time of isolation. These themes informed the constructs of a novel behavioral-psychological-social coping model for patients with cancer. Conclusions: Virtual mind-body programming supported patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic through a behavioral-psychological-social coping model by enhancing psychological coping for external stressors, supporting adherence to motivation and health behaviors, and increasing social connection and camaraderie. These programs have potential to address the behavioral, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients with cancer during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The constructs of the conceptual model proposed in this study can inform future interventions to support isolated patients with cancer. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the specific benefits of virtual mind-body programming for the psychosocial well-being and healthy behaviors of patients with cancer.
Sleep-related breathing disorders associated with intrathecal baclofen therapy to treat patients with cerebral palsy: A cohort study and discussion.

Background Patients with cerebral palsy and other static encephalopathies (CP) are known to be at increased risk of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). Few studies have reviewed whether intrathecal baclofen (ITB) can contribute to SRBD. Objective To assess the prevalence of SRBD in patients with CP receiving ITB by using nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG). Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients receiving ITB who had NPSG at Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and Seattle Children's Hospital (SCH) from 1995 to 2019. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) measured the severity of motor disability. Screening sleep questionnaires collected subjective data and NPSG provided objective data of SRBD. Results All patients except one were GMFCS 4 or 5 with median age at ITB pump placement of 9.7 years. The screening questionnaire for SRBD detected one or more nighttime symptoms in > 82%of all patient groups. Pre-ITB criteria for a SRBD was met in 83%of patients at CHCO and 91%at SCH. Post-ITB prevalence remained similarly high. Conclusions NPSG identified a high prevalence of SRBD in these cohorts from CHCO and SCH. Our study showed neither improvement nor worsening of SRBD in patients receiving ITB.
Management Patterns for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Impact of a Patient Decision Aid

AbstractIntroduction:Decision aids aimed at men with benign prostatic hyperplasia used in clinical trials have decreased the use of procedures and affected elements of decisional quality. We employ...
Patient-Reported Testing Burden of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Among Women With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An Ancillary Study of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E4112).

Importance The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pretreatment planning of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains controversial. Understanding changes in short-term health-related quality of life associated with breast MRI would allow for a more complete comparative effectiveness assessment. Objective To assess whether there are changes in patient-reported quality of life associated with breast MRI among women diagnosed with DCIS. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was a substudy of a nonrandomized clinical trial conducted at 75 participating US institutions from March 2015 to April 2016. Women recently diagnosed with unilateral DCIS who were eligible for wide local excision and had a diagnostic mammogram within 3 months of study registration were included. A total of 355 women met the eligibility criteria and underwent the study MRI. Data analysis was performed from June 3, 2020, to July 1, 2021. Exposures Participants underwent bilateral breast MRI within 30 days of study registration and before surgery. Information on patient-reported testing burden for breast MRI was collected after MRI and before surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome of this substudy was the patient-reported testing burden of breast MRI, measured by the Testing Morbidities Index (TMI) summated scale score. The TMI is a 7-item instrument that evaluates the temporary changes in quality of life associated with imaging before, during, and after the test (0 represents the worst possible, 100 the hypothetical ideal test experience). Results Of the 355 women who met the eligibility criteria, 244 (69%) completed both questionnaires and were included in this analysis. The median age was 59 years (range, 34-85 years). The mean MRI TMI summated scale score was 85.9 (95% CI, 84.6-87.3). Of the 244 women, 142 (58%) experienced at least some fear and anxiety before the examination, and 120 women (49%) experienced fear and anxiety during the examination. A total of 156 women (64%) experienced pain or discomfort during the examination. In multivariable analyses, greater test-related burden was associated with higher levels of cancer worry (regression coefficient, −2.75; SE, 0.94;P = .004). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, a clinically meaningful breast MRI testing burden among women with DCIS was revealed that was significantly associated with cancer worry. Understanding the potential quality-of-life reduction associated with MRI, especially when used in combination with mammography, may allow development of targeted interventions to improve the patient experience.
Activation of Retrotrapezoid Nucleus (RTN) Maintains Normal Breathing in Hyperoxia Despite the Loss of Carotid Body (CB) Input

Rationale and objectives: the CBs contribute greatly to resting ventilation in conscious mammals. For example, their excision produces large and long-lasting breathing reductions. Yet sustained hyp...
The Rhizotron as a Tool for Root Research

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some techniques for observing and recording root system parameters. Many techniques have been used to increase the accessibility of plant roots. The chapter concentrates on design features and operating characteristics of the Auburn, Alabama, and Ames, Iowa rhizotrons where the authors have conducted root research. Rhizotrons have several advantages over most other root study methods when extensive measurements are required. Successive measurements are made on the same plants each time and estimates of root growth at the root-soil interface are obtained quite rapidly. When root growth is determined by differences between successive measurements on the same plants, the normal plant–to-plant variability does not introduce as much error as when plants from similar treatments are destroyed at each sampling period. Instruments and sensors to measure soil or plant properties are easier to install and maintain in a rhizotron than in field plots. Sensors can be installed horizontally from the walkway through the viewing surface. This horizontal installation guards against water flow down the access hole, as often occurs with vertical installation of sensors. Rhizotrons are best suited to answer specific questions. Data needed to answer these questions must be accurate, timely, and reproducible. Rhizotrons can, for example, be very useful in root morphology or root physiology program when specific questions are formulated.
Attitudinal Effects of Pre-Decision Effort and Post-Decision Unexpected Favorable Fait Accompli Events: An Experiment

Using a 2 x 2 factorial between-subjects design, this study examines the inpact of two factors (eminently controllable and/or manipulable by marketers/manufacturers) on consumer attitude toward a recently chosen product. The two factors are levels of pre-decision consumer effort (high and low) and post-decision unexpected favorable events provided (or not) by the marketer/manufacturer. Two Dissonance Theory-based research hypotheses were strongly supported by the results of a multivariate analysis of variance of four attitude measures. The analysis also revealed a potentially interesting interaction effect. Some theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
A novel gene, natural killer transcript 4 (NK4), may be involved in the inflammation angiogenesis

4785 Natural Killer Transcript 4 (NK4) is a novel human gene that was first identified in IL-2 stimulated natural killer cells or mitogens stimulated T cells. Besides lymphocytes, our microarray data showed an induction of NK4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) when Akt was activated. Since Akt is important in cell survival signaling pathway, and NK4 was originally found in cytokines stimulated lymphocytes, we hypothesized that NK4 may play an important role in the inflammation angiogenesis. Proteins involved in angiogenesis such as VEGF, Ang1, or Ang2 did not influence NK4 transcription. The major inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 or TNFα, were found to induce NK4 expression. Those cytokines could induce NK4 mRNA when Akt activity was abolished by adenovirus dominant negative Akt, but not when NFkB activation was disrupted by adenovirus IKB. Taken together, Akt activation was sufficient to induce NK4 transcription, however that was not required for IL-1- or TNFα-meidated induction of NK4. Nonetheless, NFkB was absolutely required for NK4 activation. Three isoforms of NK4 were cloned from Akt-activated HUVECs: non-spliced 705 bp and 567 bp (P1); 489 bp (P2); and 507 bp (P6). Among those isoforms, P1 was the major isoform in HUVECs. Besides endothelial cells, NK4 expression was also detected in many human organs such as the heart, placenta, lung, liver, muscle, and pancreas, and it was hardly detected in the kidney and brain. In those human tissue samples, the shorter isoform (P1) was also predominant. Our current efforts are to investigate the biological functions of different isoforms of NK4.
Floor Fields for Tracking in High Density Crowd Scenes

This paper presents an algorithm for tracking individual targets in high density crowd scenes containing hundreds of people. Tracking in such a scene is extremely challenging due to the small number of pixels on the target, appearance ambiguity resulting from the dense packing, and severe inter-object occlusions. The novel tracking algorithm, which is outlined in this paper, will overcome these challenges using a scene structure based force model. In this force model an individual, when moving in a particular scene, is subjected to global and local forces that are functions of the layout of that scene and the locomotive behavior of other individuals in the scene. The key ingredients of the force model are three floor fields, which are inspired by the research in the field of evacuation dynamics, namely Static Floor Field (SFF), Dynamic Floor Field (DFF), and Boundary Floor Field (BFF). These fields determine the probability of move from one location to another by converting the long-range forces into local ones. The SFF specifies regions of the scene which are attractive in nature (e.g. an exit location). The DFF specifies the immediate behavior of the crowd in the vicinity of the individual being tracked. The BFF specifies influences exhibited by the barriers in the scene (e.g. walls, no-go areas). By combining cues from all three fields with the available appearance information, we track individual targets in high density crowds.
Dot Com Mantra: Social Computing in the Central Himalayas

Billions of dollars are being spent nationally and globally on providing computing access to digitally disadvantaged groups and cultures with an expectation that computers and the Internet can lead to higher socio-economic mobility. This ethnographic study of social computing in the Central Himalayas, India, investigates alternative social practices with new technologies and media amongst a population that is for the most part undocumented. In doing so, this book offers fresh and critical perspectives on issues of contemporary debate: free learning with computers, relevant and global information, the range and role of actors as intermediaries of digital information, impact of direct versus indirect access on social computing, gender and technology and transnational consumption and production of knowledge.
Tissue factor residues 157-167 are required for efficient proteolytic activation of factor X and factor VII.

The cell surface receptor tissue factor (TF) initiates coagulation by supporting the proteolytic activation of factors X and IX as well as VII to active serine proteases. Architectural similarity of TF to the cytokine receptor family suggests a strand-loop-strand structure for TF residues 151-174. Site-directed Ala exchanges in the predicted surface loop demonstrated that residues Tyr157, Lys159, Ser163, Gly164, Lys165, and Lys166 are important for function. Addition of side chain atoms at the Ser162 position decreased function, whereas the Ala exchange was tolerated. The dysfunctional mutants bound VII with high affinity and fully supported the catalysis of small peptidyl substrates by the mutant TF.VIIa complex. Lys159-->Ala substitution was compatible with efficient activation of factor X, whereas the Try157-->Ala exchange and mutations in the carboxyl aspect of the predicted loop resulted in diminished activation of factor X. The specific plasma procoagulant activity of all functionally deficient mutants increased 7- to 200-fold upon the supplementation of VIIa suggesting that TF residues 157-167 also provide important interactions that accelerate the activation of VII to VIIa. These data are consistent with assignment of the TF 157-167 region as contributing to protein substrate recognition and cleavage by the TF.VIIa complex.
Evidence of morphogenetically significant diffusion gradients in Hydra viridis lengthened by grafting

SUMMARY Morphogenetic inhibitory gradients were produced in Hydra viridis having 2-5 gastric regions or 2-5 peduncles grafted in tandem. The frequency of head regeneration at graft borders changed as a function of distance from the terminal head, and the frequency of foot regeneration changed as a function of distance from the terminal foot. The object of the study was to characterize and compare these morphogenetic inhibitory gradients in light of Crick's (1970) model of diffusion gradients. Heads regenerate more easily on gastric regions and feet on peduncles. This is shown in several ways: (1) on gastric regions more heads and fewer isolated tentacles and 'spikes' (isolated hypostomes) form, while the opposite is true on peduncles; (2) more heads are regenerated at graft borders between gastric regions than at those between peduncles at comparable distances from the terminal head, while more feet are regenerated at graft borders between peduncles than at those between gastric regions at comparable distances from the terminal foot; (3) the Y intercepts for gradients of the frequencies of head and of foot regeneration as functions of distance (which are the theoretical frequencies of regeneration at the ends of the animal) are higher for head regeneration on gastric regions than on peduncles, and for foot regeneration on peduncles than on gastric regions. This is explained in terms of relative differences in either competence to regenerate or sensitivity to inhibitors. The slopes of the frequencies of head and of foot regeneration as functions of distance from the respective ends change inversely with the numbers of gastric regions and peduncles grafted. This is explained in terms of changes in the distance between the sources of diffusible inhibitors and the sinks which use them up. The results are taken to support Crick's model in which a linear gradient of a diffusible substance is produced between its source and sink.
Improved screening for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes by an integrated care team using an algorithm.

Summary Objective To determine whether implementation of a standardized, clinic-based algorithm improves compliance with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) screening guidelines. Study Design A CFRD screening algorithm was developed as part of a quality improvement initiative through collaboration between the pediatric pulmonary and endocrine divisions and implemented prospectively to children aged 8–17 years in our CF center for a 6-month period. The primary outcome measure was the percentage rate of CF patients who were appropriately screened with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during the quality improvement period as compared to the year prior. Results Ninety-seven percent (37/38) of OGTTs were appropriately ordered by providers, and 89% (34/38) of patients obtained the OGTT at the completion of the quality improvement period. Compared with the percentage of eligible patients completing the OGTT the year prior, the use of the algorithm significantly improved screening (P = 0.03). Data collected 1-year post-algorithm implementation revealed 97% (33/34) of OGTTs were ordered and 79% (27/34) of OGTTs were completed. The use of the algorithm 1-year post-implementation did not reveal a significant improvement in screening when compared to the reference year and implementation period (P = 0.08). Conclusions Implementation of a clinical algorithm resulted in a statistically significant improvement in screening during the quality improvement period, but this improvement was not sustained the following year despite continued physician compliance with ordering the OGTT. Barriers to patient compliance need to be explored. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:971–977. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local Cultures and Global Corporations

More than ever before, booming economies and growing levels of disposable income have placed many countries on the global consumer market landscape. Users, embedded in their own cultures and societies, are also consumers of global products and information in their own localized contexts. A range of companies, from the tech arena to the food business, are striving to carve a niche in these countries, trying to redesign themselves to cater to local cultural needs. Most of these companies try to manufacture products for a global market and achieve large-scale volumes in production. However, this often requires the coordination of multiple companies to manufacture a single product, companies that may be situated in different cultures and countries. Designers, design managers, and user experience professionals across these organizations face a tremendous challenge against the backdrop of this changing landscape. With local practices and cultures on one hand, and large global corporations and global lifestyles situated all over the globe on the other, designers and social scientists are challenged with striking the right balance between these two ends. This paper uses examples from Intel's Digital Home User Experience Group to highlight how user experience professionals can manage and design culturally rich experiences while sustaining large-scale production, as well as managing smooth working processes among organizations situated across the globe.
Trends in an obstetric patient population: An eighteen-year study

Abstract Objective: Our goal was to evaluate various trends including gestational age, birth weight, and mode of delivery in an inner-city obstetric patient population delivered at a tertiary medical center. Study Design: We used an 18-year computerized perinatal database collected prospectively since 1975 in an inner-city tertiary medical center. More than 63,500 deliveries from 1975 through 1992 were evaluated. Trends in gestational age, birth weight, and mode of delivery were investigated with Cox-Stuart, regression, and other trend analysis methods. Results: The number of deliveries increased from 2682 in 1975 to 4740 in 1991, an increase of 77%. The median maternal age has increased from 20 years in 1975 to 23 years in 1992 ( p p = 0.057). While the median and lower percentiles of birth weight for singleton births have declined, the 75th and higher percentiles of birth weight have increased during 18 years. Overall, the proportion of preterm births ( p p p = 0.025), while this proportion has increased monotonically for staff patients from 10% to 17% during this period ( p Conclusions: Considering the large size of the database and diverse background of the study population, we believe that these trends can provide a realistic characterization of an obstetric patient population for a large inner-city urban population.
Biomechanical Comparison of American Sign Language Interpretation and Conversation

Sign language interpreting is an occupation that requires a combination of high physical and cognitive demands. Professional sign language interpreters frequently suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but the problem does not seem to be as widespread for Deaf people who, similar to interpreters, frequently use a signed language. This study compares the biomechanics of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting with the biomechanics of ASL used in casual conversation between professional interpreters and Deaf students. Results indicate that interpreters use, on average, 22% larger wrist deviations and 7% higher levels of wrist velocity when they interpret, compared to when they use ASL in conversation. During conversation, no significant differences in wrist kinematics were observed between the Deaf students and interpreters who participated in the conversation. However, the Deaf students tended to sign with larger wrist deviation than the interpreters.
Resistance to Ronnel in a Strain of Horn Flies

Resistance to ronnel was intensified in a laboratory colony of horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), by exposing flies to the insecticide for 18 out of 28 generations and rearing each succeeding generation from the survivors. By this process of selection a strain was developed that tolerated 50 times more ronnel than did susceptible flies.
A novel method for producing hydrogen based on the Ca–Br cycle

Abstract The Ca–Br cycle is a promising method for efficiently producing hydrogen from water; however, it suffers from limitations inherent to gas–solid reactions. The cycle depends on the repeatable transformation of calcium bromide to calcium oxide and back to calcium bromide. The use of pure solids for these reactions would lead to rapid particle degradation and slow reaction kinetics. To circumvent these problems, a new reactor concept based on molten calcium bromide with dissolved calcium oxide has been proposed and developed. Preliminary experimental results indicate that the solubility of calcium oxide in calcium bromide at 800 °C is at least 1.2 wt%, a level that is expected to be high enough to make the proposed process work as designed. Early attempts to hydrolyze molten calcium bromide indicated that solid calcium oxide formation may inhibit reactivity, and thus injection of the moisture into the salt must be optimized.
RAD53, DUN1 and PDS1 define two parallel G2/M checkpoint pathways in budding yeast.

Eukaryotic checkpoint genes regulate multiple cellular responses to DNA damage. In this report, we examine the roles of budding yeast genes involved in G2/M arrest and tolerance to UV exposure. A current model posits three gene classes: those encoding proteins acting on damaged DNA (e.g. RAD9 and RAD24), those transducing a signal (MEC1, RAD53 and DUN1) or those participating more directly in arrest (PDS1). Here, we define important features of the pathways subserved by those genes. MEC1, which we find is required for both establishment and maintenance of G2/M arrest, mediates this arrest through two parallel pathways. One pathway requires RAD53 and DUN1 (the 'RAD53 pathway'); the other pathway requires PDS1. Each pathway independently contributes approximately 50% to G2/M arrest, effects demonstrable after cdc13-induced damage or a double-stranded break inflicted by the HO endonuclease. Similarly, both pathways contribute independently to tolerance of UV irradiation. How the parallel pathways might interact ultimately to achieve arrest is not yet understood, but we do provide evidence that neither the RAD53 nor the PDS1 pathway appears to maintain arrest by inhibiting adaptation. Instead, we think it likely that both pathways contribute to establishing and maintaining arrest.
Leaving distal colorectal hyperplastic polyps in place can be achieved with high accuracy by using narrow-band imaging: an observational study

Background Accurate colonoscopic assessment of colorectal polyp histology could avoid resection of distal nonadenomatous polyps and reduce costs and risk. Objective To assess the accuracy of predicting histology by using narrow-band imaging (NBI) in real time for distal colorectal polyps. Design Prospective observational study. Setting University hospital and ambulatory surgery center. Patients This study involved 225 consecutive adults undergoing elective screening or surveillance colonoscopy. Intervention We evaluated real-time histology of 235 distal (rectosigmoid) colorectal polyps from 31 patients by using high-definition colonoscopy and NBI without optical magnification. For each polyp, the endoscopist described size, Paris classification, and surface characteristics (vascular and pit pattern, color, pseudodepression). Before resection, histology was predicted, and a level of confidence (high or low) was assigned. Main Outcome Measurements Sensitivity and negative predictive value of high-confidence endoscopic predictions of adenomatous versus hyperplastic histology for polyps ≤5 mm. Results The accuracy of a high-confidence endoscopic prediction was 97.7%, sensitivity for adenomatous histology 93.9%, specificity 98.4%, negative predictive value 97.9%, and positive predictive value 75.6%. The performance characteristics for predicting diminutive distal polyps (≤5 mm) with high confidence were sensitivity 96.0%, specificity 99.4%, negative predictive value 99.4%, and positive predictive value 96.0%. Limitations Single-center study with a single endoscopist. Conclusion NBI without optical magnification is sufficiently accurate to allow distal hyperplastic polyps to be left in place without resection and small, distal adenomas to be discarded without pathologic assessment. These findings validate NBI criteria based on color, vessels, and pit characteristics for predicting real-time colorectal polyp histology.
The Persistence of Inflation Versus That of Real Marginal Cost in the New Keynesian Model

This note provides an example where the New Keynesian Phillips Curve leads inflation to be substantially more persistent than the output gap.
Mycobacterial survival strategies in the phagosome: defence against host stresses

Infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis remain a major cause of disease and death in humans. Among the factors that contribute to M. tuberculosis's success as a pathogen is its ability to withstand potentially bactericidal host defences and to resist elimination by an activated immune system. This resistance to killing by the host is in part due to the low permeability of the mycobacterial cell envelope for many toxic molecules. In addition, it depends upon the detoxification of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen molecules produced by the host, the repair of the damage these molecules cause and maintenance of a neutral intrabacterial pH within acidic environments. The latter three mechanisms are the focus of this review.
Does CT Angiography Matter for Patients with Cervical Spine Injuries

Background: Cervical injury can be associated with vertebral artery injury. This study was performed to determine the impact of computed tomography (CT) angiography of the head and neck on planning treatment of cervical spine fracture, if these tests were ordered appropriately, and to estimate cost and associated exposure to radiation and contrast medium. Methods: This retrospective review included all patients who underwent CT of the cervical spine and CT angiography of the head and neck from January 2010 to August 2011 at one institution. Patients were divided into those with and those without cervical spine fracture seen on CT of the cervical spine. We determined if the CT angiography of the head and neck was positive for vascular injury in the patients with a cervical fracture. Vascular injury treatment and alterations in surgical fracture treatment due to positive CT angiography of the head and neck were recorded. A scan was deemed appropriate if it had been ordered per established institutional protocol. Results: Of the 381 patients who underwent CT angiography of the head and neck, 126 had a cervical injury. Sixteen of the CT angiography studies were appropriately ordered for non-spinal indications, and twenty-three were inappropriately ordered. The CT angiography was positive for one patient for whom the imaging was off protocol and one for whom the indication was non-spinal. Nineteen patients had positive CT angiography of the head and neck; no patient underwent surgical intervention for a vascular lesion. Eleven patients underwent surgical intervention for a cervical fracture; the operative plan was changed because of vascular injury in one case. The CT angiography was positive for eleven of forty-eight patients who had sustained a C2 fracture; this group accounted for eleven of the nineteen positive CT angiography studies. Noncontiguous injuries occurred in nineteen patients; three had positive CT angiography of the head and neck. The approximate charge for the CT angiography was $3925, radiation exposure was approximately 4000 mGy/cm, and contrast-medium load was approximately 100 mL. Conclusions: Positive CT angiography of the head and neck rarely altered surgical treatment of cervical spine injuries. This study supports the findings in the literature that C1-C3 spine injuries have an increased association with vertebral artery injury. CT angiography of the head and neck ordered off protocol had a low likelihood of being positive. Strict adherence to protocols for CT angiography of the head and neck can reduce costs and decrease unnecessary exposure to radiation and contrast medium. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Scattering coefficient reconstruction in plates using focused acoustic beams

A method has been developed and proven using highly focused acoustic beams that allows for the rapid reconstruction of scattering coefficients of a thin anisotropic plate immersed in liquid. In a single bistatic coordinate scan, nearly the entire range of wave number within the spatial and temporal frequency bandwidth of the transducer can be reconstructed. This paper also reports the development of a multiple-source complex transducer point model that includes all extrinsic factors and permits prediction of the wave number-frequency (k–f) domain result obtained from a scan of focused transducers in a pitch-catch reflection or transmission arrangement. Extensive experiments have been performed to test the method and the model and to demonstrate transducer beam effects on the k–f domain results, leading to a very efficient method for mapping major portions of the guided wave dispersion spectrum in thin-plate media. As a demonstration of the technique, an estimate of material elastic properties in an isotropic and a transversely-isotropic plate is reported, making only minimal use of the highly redundant dispersion data. Acoustic velocities inferred from these experiments show a disparity of less than 3% from contact acoustic estimates of the same parameters in either plate.
Efficacy of Multivitamin/mineral Supplementation to Reduce Chronic Disease Risk: A Critical Review of the Evidence from Observational Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials

We reviewed recent scientific evidence regarding the effects of multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements on risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related eye diseases. Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational, prospective cohort studies were examined. The majority of scientific studies investigating the use of MVM supplements in chronic disease risk reduction reported no significant effect. However, the largest and longest RCT of MVM supplements conducted to date, the Physicians’ Health Study II (PHS II), found a modest and significant reduction in total and epithelial cancer incidence in male physicians, consistent with the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) trial. In addition, PHS II found a modest and significant reduction in the incidence of nuclear cataract, in agreement with several other RCTs and observational, prospective cohort studies. The effects of MVM use on other subtypes of cataract and age-related mac...
Traversing the Metal‐Insulator Transition in a Zintl Phase: Rational Enhancement of Thermoelectric Efficiency in Yb14Mn1−xAlxSb11

For high temperature thermoelectric applications, Yb_(14)MnSb_(11) has a maximum thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of ~1.0 at 1273 K. Such a high zT is found despite a carrier concentration that is higher than typical thermoelectric materials. Here, we reduce the carrier concentration with the discovery of a continuous transition between metallic Yb_(14)MnSb_(11) and semiconducting Yb_(14)AlSb_(11). Yb_(14)Mn_(1-x)Al_xSb_(11) forms a solid solution where the free carrier concentration gradually changes as expected from the Zintl valence formalism. Throughout this transition the electronic properties are found to obey a rigid band model with a band gap of 0.5 eV and an effective mass of 3 m_e. As the carrier concentration decreases, an increase in the Seebeck coefficient is observed at the expense of an increased electrical resistivity. At the optimum carrier concentration, a maximum zT of 1.3 at 1223K is obtained, which is more than twice that of the state-of-the-art Si_(0.8)Ge_(0.2) flown by NASA.