cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simple method for purification of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli fimbriae

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are endemic pathogens in the developing world. They frequently cause illness in travelers, and are among the most prevalent causes of diarrheal disease in children. Pathogenic ETEC strains employ fimbriae as adhesion factors to bind the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium and establish infection. Accordingly, there is marked interest in immunoprophylactic strategies targeting fimbriae to protect against ETEC infections. Multiple strategies have been reported for purification of ETEC fimbriae, however none is ideal. Purification has typically involved the use of highly virulent wild-type strains. We report here a simple and improved method to purify ETEC fimbriae, which was applied to obtain two different Class 5 fimbriae types of clinical relevance (CFA/I and CS4) expressed recombinantly in E. coli production strains. Following removal from cells by shearing, fimbriae proteins were purified by orthogonal purification steps employing ultracentrifugation, precipitation, and ion-exchange membrane chromatography. Purified fimbriae demonstrated the anticipated size and morphology by electron microscopy analysis, contained negligible levels of residual host cell proteins, nucleic acid, and endotoxin, and were recognized by convalescent human anti-sera.
Persistence of personal health practices over a 1-year period.

Abstract A large amount of research has been devoted to identifying the psychosocial and demographic correlates of personal preventive health practices. An additional factor to consider, however, is the stability of personal health practices over time. At least over short periods, the prediction of current behavior may be substantially improved by having information about an individual's previous performance of the practice being studied. To address this question, data from Wave 1 (1979) and Wave 2 (1980) of the National Survey of Personal Health Practices were examined. Using nine health practices as indices, performance reported at Wave 1 was used to predict performance of that same practice as reported at Wave 2, 1 year later. A two-step analysis strategy was followed to estimate how much more variance could be explained when the behavioral reports were added to a list of psychosocial and demographic predictors. Results showed that over the 1-year interval, the Wave 1 behavioral reports were by far the strongest predictors of their corresponding measures obtained at Wave 2. The explained variance was increased substantially for most of the nine health practices, suggesting a strong tendency for persistence of the practices. Psychosocial and demographic variables tended to account for much smaller amounts of variance and often dropped out of the prediction equation when the Wave 1 behavior report was entered in the second step of analysis. Health practices other than the corresponding Wave 1 index did not improve prediction of the Wave 2 index greatly. The tendency for previous behavior to persist may overshadow the influence of other factors and account for the modest amounts of explained variance that are usually found for psychosocial and demographic indices in cross-sectional surveys. Although stability does not imply rigidity or impossibility of change, the strength of prediction found in these data attest to the "force of habit" that community interventions can encounter.
The Pharmacokinetics of Pregabalin in Breast Milk, Plasma, and Urine of Healthy Postpartum Women.

Background:Limited data exist on the presence of pregabalin in human breast milk of nursing mothers.Objectives:This study aimed to determine pregabalin concentrations in breast milk, estimate the infant daily pregabalin dose from nursing mothers, and evaluate pregabalin pharmacokinetic data in lactating women (≥ 12 weeks postpartum).Methods:In this multiple-dose, open-label, pharmacokinetic study, 4 doses of pregabalin 150 mg were administered orally at 12-hour intervals. Urine, blood, and breast milk samples were collected up to 12, 24, and 48 hours, respectively, following the fourth dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. Adverse events were monitored throughout.Results:Ten healthy lactating women (age 24-37 years) received pregabalin. Geometric mean pregabalin Cmaxss and AUCτ values in breast milk were approximately 53% and 76%, respectively, of those for plasma. The mean amount of pregabalin in breast milk recovered in a 24-hour period after the last dose was 5...
Ultrahigh Speed Images of Hall Thruster Azimuthal Instabilities

Visible emission of the azimuthal plasma instabilities were observed within the plume of a low-power Hall thruster utilizing ultrahigh speed imaging. The captured images provide time-dependent and spatial information on the azimuthal instability in the axial-radial plane of the thruster, which have not been well characterized. These images are then compared with observations made based on their probe measurements of azimuthal instabilities termed spoke instabilities. Data from the images show that the spoke instabilities are more complex than originally described and have additional features not detectable with probe measurements in a single plane.
Brief Discussion about Forest Fire Prevention Work in Forest Regions Focusing on Forest Industries

Based on working experience,the safety situation of fire prevention work in forest regions focusing on forest industries is stated in detail and the existing problems and hidden danger are analyzed with some countermeasures for improving forest fire prevention work put forward.
Monitoring Results in the Pilot New Standard Iodized Salt,Guangrao County,2012-2013

Objective To understand the iodine nutritional status of children,pregnant women and other key groups in the pilot area after the replacement of the new standard of iodized salt,so as to provide the scientific basis for adjusting the salt iodine content standards in Shandong province and even in China. Methods During April,2012-March,2013,pregnant women from Daozhuang township,the pilot township,and 8-10years old primary school students from the Township Central School were recruited in Guangrao county,to conduct salt iodine,urinary iodine and salt consumption monitoring baseline survey,and new standard iodized salt replacement pilot monitoring result analysis. Results Of 245iodine salt samples in the baseline survey among residents,240salt samples5mg/kg,with the iodized salt coverage of 97.96%,229salt samples 20-50mg/kg,the qualified rate of iodized salt was 95.42%,the rate of qualified iodized salt consumption was 93.46%.In the iodized salt monitoring results,the median was 38.31mg/kg.In the urinary iodine monitoring results,the median was 268.10μg/L among children,and 181.11μg/L among pregnant women.The average daily salt intake was6.25g/person.In three times evaluation,the residents' salt samples were respectively 251,231,and 249,with the iodized salt coverage of 100.00%,the qualified rate of iodized salt was 100.00%,98.70%,and 100.00%,the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 100.00%,98.70% and 100.00% respectively,the median of iodized salt monitoring results was30.80,28.31,and 24.46mg/kg.The median of children's urine iodine monitoring results was 266.90,256.81,and 230.06μg/L.The median of pregnant women urine iodine monitoring results was 189.35,179.01,and 203.50μg/L.The residents' average daily salt consumption at home was 6.52,6.18,and 6.37g per person. Conclusion After the replacement between the old and the new standards of iodized salt,the results of urinary iodine among children and pregnant women in the key groups have no significant changes within a year,the iodine nutrition status is in an optimal state.
Mitigating Punishment for Statutory Rape

Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita is the story of an illegal relationship between an adult, Humbert, and a twelve year old girl, Lolita. In his defense, Humbert does not deny having had a sexual relationship with Lolita, but instead pleads that "it was she who seduced me."1 Humbert's claim that Lolita initiated their sexual relationship has a familiar ring; it is a defense frequently asserted by adult men charged with statutory rape.2 These men claim that the young female's initiation of the relationship exonerates them entirely of guilt; alternatively, they contend-like Humbert-that such conduct at least renders them less culpable.3 While the defendant rarely wins an acquittal by using this defense, the defense may convince a judge or jury to reduce his punishment.4
Skin strain fields at the shoulder joint for mechanical counter pressure space suit development

High-resolution human skin strain field data is presented for the shoulder joint measured using three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC). Developing mechanical counter pressure (MCP) space suits requires detailed understanding of human skin deformation at joints in order to fit and create MCP without restricting human mobility or increasing human energy expenditure. Previously, skin strain for this application has been measured for one degree of freedom joints such as the elbow and knee. Now using four stereoscopic camera pairs for 3D-DIC (8 cameras), a strain field comparison is made between various motions of the shoulder joint. This paper specifically compares shoulder abduction and flexion in the context of realizing a MCP space suit designed for planetary exploration. Methods are explained to perform 3D-DIC using multiple stereoscopic camera pairs for complex joint motions. These results are important to develop MCP space suits that allow upper-body mobility. The discussion of the results provides insight and data for designing optimal textile patterning for skin-tight space suits at multiple-degree of freedom joints.
Real-Time Dynamic Pricing for Revenue Management with Reusable Resources and Deterministic Service Time Requirements

We consider the setting of a ﬁrm that sells a ﬁnite amount of resources to price-sensitive customers who arrive randomly over time according to a speciﬁed non-stationary rate. Each customer requires a service that consumes one unit of resource for a deterministic amount of time, and the resource is reusable in the sense that it can be immediately used to serve a new customer upon the completion of the previous service. The ﬁrm’s objective is to set the price dynamically to maximize its expected total revenues. This is a fundamental problem faced by many ﬁrms in many industries. We formulate this as an optimal stochastic control problem and develop two heuristic controls based on the solution of the deterministic relaxation of the original stochastic problem. The ﬁrst heuristic control is static since the corresponding price sequence is determined before the selling horizon starts; the second heuristic control is dynamic, it uses the ﬁrst heuristic control as its baseline control and adaptively adjusts the price based on previous demand realizations. We show that both heuristic controls are asymptotically optimal in the regime with large demand and large number of resources. Finally, we consider two important generalizations of the basic model to the setting with multiple service types requiring diﬀerent service times and the setting with advance service bookings.
Whodunit? collective trust in virtual interactions

This paper presents a socio-technical study on how humans collectively perceive trustworthiness in a suspicious situation when evoked by computer-mediated communications (CMC). This research was designed through the use of an online game, entitled "Whodunit" to study how collective trust in a virtual scenario can be reflected in untrustworthy cloud environments. We propose that virtual dialogue can provide important clues to understanding an actor's inclination, using the cognitive process of observers' collective trust in a virtual collaborative group. The methodology proposed in this paper is built on research that demonstrates how human "sensors" can detect unusual or unexpected changes in a psychological construct: trustworthiness --- based on observed virtual behavior. The research framework adopts the theory of trustworthiness attribution to model collective trust in virtual interactive environments. Humans "sensors," with limited access to information (e.g., online conversations) make assessments based on subtle observed changes to a person's disposition. This paper concludes that people that rely on "cognitive trust" can identify dispositional changes within untrustworthy scenarios more precisely than people that rely on "emotional trust." In addition, people who have a propensity to trust others more than themselves (lacking confidence in their own abilities) tend to do better identifying the correct murderer.
Why are patients still getting and dying from acute kidney injury

Purpose of reviewAcute kidney injury is common and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Rates of acute kidney injury in most settings remain high and in some settings are increasing. Moreover, outcomes associated with acute kidney injury remain relatively poor. This review focuses o
Studying engagement and performance with learning technology in an African classroom

In this paper, we study the engagement and performance of students in a classroom using a system the Cognitive Learning Companion (CLC). CLC is designed to keep track of the relationship between the student, content interaction and learning progression. It also provides evidence-based engagement-oriented actionable insights to teachers by assessing information from a sensor-rich instrumented learning environment in order to infer a learner's cognitive and affective states. Data captured from the instrumented environment is aggregated and analyzed to create interlinked insights helping teachers identify how students engage with learning content and view their performance records on selected assignments. We conducted a 1 month pilot with 27 learners in a primary school in Nairobi, Kenya during their maths and science instructional periods. We present our primary analysis of content-level interactions and engagement at the individual student and classroom level.
Modeling trait depression amplifies the effect of childbearing on postpartum depression

Abstract Background The literature on the relative risk for depression in the postpartum period has largely focused on state (or episodic) depression, and has not addressed trait depression (a woman's general tendency to experience depressed mood). The present study evaluates the association between childbirth and depression in the postpartum period, taking into account the role of stable differences in women's vulnerability for depression across a 10-year span. Methods Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 Cohort ( N = 4385) were used. The recency of childbirth was used as a predictor of state depression in two models: one that modeled stable depressive symptoms over time (a multi-state single-trait model; LST), and one that did not (an autoregressive cross-lagged model; ARM). Results Modeling trait depression, in addition to state depression, improved model fit and had the effect of increasing the magnitude of the association between childbirth and state depression in the postpartum period. Limitations The secondary nature of the data limited the complexity of analyses (e.g., models with multivariate predictors were not possible), as the data were not collected with the present study in mind. Conclusions These findings may reflect the fact that some of the covariance between childbirth and episodic depression is obscured by the effect of trait depression, and it is not until trait depression is explicitly modeled that the magnitude of the relationship between childbirth and depression becomes clear.
The impacts of perceptual load and driving duration on mind wandering in driving

Abstract A significant portion of the risk of driver distraction comes from the cognitive consequences of attention deviating from the current task. While distraction can be due to external stimulations such as flashing billboards or a ringing phone, simply engaging in internally-generated task-unrelated thoughts (i.e., mind wandering) could raise one’s crash risk as well. Compared to the extensive efforts in recent years to understand the mechanisms of external distraction, relatively little is known about internal distraction such as mind wandering. This study investigated how perceptual load and driving duration can impact both the rate of mind wandering and its costs on drivers’ performance in vehicular control. Generalized additive mixed effects models were used to estimate these effects in both a lower perceptual load scenario and a higher perceptual load scenario in simulated driving. Our study found that, under a higher perceptual load, participants’ minds wandered less often. Significant nonlinear effects for driving duration were found on vehicular control during mind wandering for both perceptual load conditions, while the effect of driving duration was linear for on-task periods. These results suggest that, while mind wandering, individuals’ driving performance fluctuates greatly, which has significant implications on driving safety for individual drivers and overall traffic flow.
Divergent transcriptional profiles in pediatric asthma patients of low and high socioeconomic status.

AIM There are marked socioeconomic disparities in pediatric asthma control, but the molecular origins of these disparities are not well understood. To fill this gap, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of monocytes and T-helper cells from pediatric asthma patients of lower and higher socioeconomic status (SES). METHOD Ninety-nine children with asthma participated in a cross-sectional assessment. Out of which 87% were atopic, and most had disease of mild (54%) or moderate (29%) severity. Children were from lower-SES (n = 49; household income $140 000) families. Peripheral blood monocytes and T-helper cells were isolated for genome-wide expression profiling of mRNA. RESULTS Lower-SES children had worse asthma quality of life relative to higher-SES children, by both their own and their parents' reports. Although the groups had similar disease severity and potential confounds were controlled, their transcriptional profiles differed notably. The monocytes of lower-SES children showed transcriptional indications of up-regulated anti-microbial and pro-inflammatory activity. The T-helper cells of lower-SES children also had comparatively reduced expression of genes encoding γ-interferon and tumor necrosis factor-α, cytokines that orchestrate Type 1 responses. They also showed up-regulated activity of transcription factors that polarize cells towards Type 2 responses and promote Th17 cell maturation. CONCLUSION Collectively, these patterns implicate pro-inflammatory monocytes and Type 2 cytokine activity as mechanisms contributing to worse asthma control among lower-SES children.
Thermal and photochemical pathways of a 10-vertex Rhodium metallaborane

Abstract The thermal and photochemical pathway of compound 1 [6-( η 5 -C5Me5)-nido-6-RhB9H13] is reported. Under thermal conditions, compound 1 was converted to [hypercloso-( η 5 -C5Me5)RhB9H9] ( 2 ) through the loss of two dihydrogen molecules in toluene. In contrast, under UV irradiation, compound 1 undergoes reactions in benzene to give the previously known compound [nido-5-( η 5 -C5Me5)RhB9H13] ( 3 ). The hypercloso compound 2 is the first Rhodium containing hypercloso-metalladecaborane, while the photochemically induced isomerization is unprecedented. The compounds were identified using spectroscopic methods.
Platelets, Platelet Mediators, and Unstable Coronary Artery Disease Syndromes

We have speculated previously that the abrupt conversion from chronic stable to unstable angina and the continuum to acute myocardial infarction may result from myocardial ischemia caused by progressive platelet aggregation and dynamic vasoconstriction themselves caused by local increases in thromboxane A2, serotonin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thrombin, and platelet activating factor (PAF) at sites of coronary artery stenosis and endothelial injury. Platelet aggregation and dynamic coronary artery vasoconstriction probably result from the local accumulation of thromboxane A2, serotonin, ADP, thrombin, and PAF and also relative decrease in the local concentrations of endothelially derived vasodilators and inhibitors of platelet aggregation, such as endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin. With severe reductions in coronary blood flow caused by these mechanisms, platelet aggregates increase, and an occlusive thrombus composed of platelets and white and red blood cells in a fibrin mesh develops. When coronary arteries are occluded or narrowed for a sufficient period of time by these mechanisms, myocardial necrosis, electrical instability, or sudden death may occur. We believe that unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction are a continuum in relation to the process of coronary artery thrombosis and vasoconstriction. When the period of platelet aggregation or dynamic vasoconstriction at sites of endothelial injury and coronary artery stenosis is brief, unstable angina or non-Q-wave infarction occur. When the period of reduction in blood flow is prolonged, Q-wave infarction results.
Asymptomatic Complicated Cysts in Postmenopausal Women: Is Tissue Sampling Unnecessarily High?

Rationale and Objectives To determine the malignancy rate of complicated cysts in postmenopausal women and to discuss appropriate (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System assessment and recommendation. Materials and Methods This study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was waived. One hundred fourteen postmenopausal patients with 183 complicated cysts as defined by the newest Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System edition were identified retrospectively between January 2013 and December 2015 (to allow for 2 years follow-up period). One hundred eight complicated cysts were assessed as probably benign and 75 as suspicious. Prospective review of all images and pathology was performed and patient's age, breast density, risk factors, use of hormone replacement therapy, and family history of breast cancer were recorded. A total of 30 symptomatic patients and lesions not meeting criteria for complicated cysts were excluded from our cohort. Benignity was determined by aspiration, biopsy, resolution, recategorization to a simple cyst, or adequate follow-up. Results None of our complicated cysts proved malignant. Fifteen of 108 probably benign complicated cysts were aspirated yielding benign fluid in 10 and 5 were biopsied yielding benign pathology (only 2 with atypical cells). Twenty-nine of 75 complicated cysts categorized as suspicious were aspirated and fluid was discarded in 25 and 4 sent for cytology yielding benign pathology. The other 41 complicated cysts thought to be suspicious were biopsied with benign pathology (only 1 atypical). Conclusion This study supports the use of a probably benign assessment of asymptomatic complicated cysts irrespective of age. The sensitivity for malignancy was 100% in our cohort.
Re-ordering Place in Poe’s Arthur Gordon Pym

This chapter presents chronologically, first, the places in Poe’s life, from Boston to New York City, suggested by the novel, and, second, the places in the Bible, from Jerusalem to the New Jerusalem, suggested by the novel. This “recomposition” seeks to highlight and to explore the underlying autobiographical and biblical allegories in the work.
Local and nonlocal shot noise in high-TC superconducting nanowires

Abstract We obtain exact expressions for the local current and shot noise and the nonlocal shot noise in the first propagating channel of an NSN (normal-superconducting-normal) nanowire. Using high-Tc cuprate superconductors (HTS) as our model systems we utilize a scattering theory approach to derive the scattering matrix for the systems in the high transparency limit and without the Andreev approximation. The local current and shot noise spectrum is calculated and plotted. In view of recent work in the area of cooper-pair splitting (CPS) devices, we investigate the nonlocal shot noise and relate the behavior of the noise as we change parameters such as the system size, the orientation of the order parameter and the biasing of the junction in the HTS NSN system. The nonlocal shot noise shows bunching between electrons and holes that emerge from opposite sides of the superconducting segment.
20 Social Conflict, Harmony, and Integration

This chapter examines the psychological bases of intergroup bias and conflict and considers how greater understanding of these psychological processes can guide interventions to reduce bias and facilitate social integration. The chapter first presents a brief historical overview of empirical and theoretical emphases in the social psychological study of intergroup relations. Then it reviews the normal and generally functional cognitive, motivational, interpersonal, and social processes that can contribute to the development of intergroup bias and social conflict. The chapter then explores how intergroup interactions, between individual members of different groups or between two groups collectively, can both reflect and reinforce intergroup bias and conflict. We emphasize, however, that understanding the processes creating intergroup bias and conflict can inform strategies to harness these influences to improve intergroup attitudes, encourage reconciliation, and create stable and productive social integration. The chapter concludes by outlining how these different processes operate in concert and considering the practical and theoretical implications. Keywords: conflict; discrimination; intergroup relations; social identity; reconciliation
Supportive Housing Promotes AIDS-Free Survival for Chronically Homeless HIV Positive Persons with Behavioral Health Conditions

We assessed the influence of supportive housing, incarceration, and health service use on markers of HIV infection for people living with HIV and serious mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD) participating in a New York City supportive housing program (NY III). Using matched administrative data from 2007 to 2014, we compared survivor time without AIDS, achievement of undetectable viral load, and maintenance of viral suppression between NY III tenants (n = 696), applicants placed in other supportive housing programs (n = 333), and applicants not placed in supportive housing (n = 268). Inverse probability of treatment weights were applied to Cox proportional hazards regression models to account for confounding of observed variables. Individuals not placed in supportive housing had a significantly greater risk of death or AIDS diagnosis than NY III tenants [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.84 (1.40, 2.44), p < 0.001]. Incarceration and outpatient SUD treatment were significantly associated with negative short-term outcomes (time to undetectable viral load) but positive long-term outcomes (time to death or AIDS diagnosis). Supportive housing, SUD treatment, and incarceration were associated with prolonged survival without AIDS among supportive housing applicants living with HIV.
“Subordination” and Nonverbal Sensitivity: A Study and Synthesis of Findings Based on Trait Measures

We conducted a primary study and a meta-analysis on the relation of trait “subordination” measures to trait measures of sensitivity to nonverbal cues, in order to test the hypothesis that more subordinate individuals have enhanced ability to decode nonverbal cues. In the primary study, subordination measures included socioeconomic background, two dominance scales, a capacity for status scale, a control by powerful others scale, self-ratings of leadership and social status in high school, and for women, measures of sex role values. Sensitivity to nonverbal cues was measured using three psychometric tests, Results showed little overall support for the subordination hypothesis, and some results were significantly opposite to the prediction. The meta-analysis showed that dominance, capacity for status, socioeconomic status, and women's sex role values all had relations to nonverbal sensitivity that were opposite to the predictions of the subordination hypothesis. Future prospects for the subordination hypothesis with respect to nonverbal sensitivity are discussed.
Real-time monitoring radiofrequency ablation using tree-based ensemble learning models

Background: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive treatment method that aims to destroy undesired tissue by exposing it to alternating current in the 100 kHz–800 kHz frequency range and h...
Factors associated with dental service use of older Korean Americans.

Objectives Based on Andersen's healthcare utilization model, the present study examined factors associated with dental service use in older Korean Americans. Focus was on predisposing characteristics (age, gender, marital status, education and region), oral health needs (problems with teeth or gums and self-rated oral health) and enabling factors (dental health insurance, length of stay in the United States, acculturation and family network). Methods Using data from surveys with Korean Americans aged 60 or older (N = 2128), a Poisson regression model examined predictors of dental visit in the past 12 months. Findings More than 21% of the sample reported having a problem with teeth or gums, and over half rated their oral health as either fair or poor. Approximately 71% lacked dental health insurance. The number of dental visits in the past 12 months averaged 1.40 (SD = 1.74), with about 38% having no dental visits at all. Multivariate analyses showed that higher levels of education, the presence of a problem with teeth or gums, dental health insurance coverage, longer length of stay in the United States, and larger family networks were associated with 1.01-1.35 times higher number of dental visits. Conclusion The findings not only confirmed the critical role of dental health insurance as a service enabler but also highlighted the importance of considering older ethnic immigrants' oral health and dental care from the perspectives of culture and family.
[Case analysis and control strategy of imported malaria in Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City from 2011 to 2016].

OBJECTIVE To understand the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City and explore the strategies and priorities in prevention and control, so as to provide the evidence for improving the diagnosis, treatment and management of imported malaria. METHODS The data of imported malaria as well as the case epidemiological investigations were collected and retrospectively analyzed for the species composition, original countries, population distribution, regional distribution, onset situation, diagnosis, treatment, etc. in Qingcheng District from 2011 to 2016. RESULTS The number of imported malaria cases was 13 from 2011 to 2016. All the patients were confirmed by laboratory, and of which, 9 patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 1 with P. vivax, 1 with P. ovale and 2 with mixed infections (P. vivax and P. falciparum). The yearly incidence of imported malaria presented an uptrend. The infection sources of all the patients were from African countries, and the exported labor workers and travelers for business from malaria endemic areas were the high risk population. The reported time was mainly January, February, November and December (11/13, 84.62%). All the patients were male, and the majority of them (12/13, 2.31%) were 21-60 years old. The median time from onset to seeing a doctor was 2.5 days and the median time from seeing a doctor to being diagnosed was 1.9 day. Six patients (46.15%) were diagnosed as other diseases at the first visit to a doctor, and one patient died of falciparum malaria because of delayed diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of overseas imported malaria presents an uptrend in Qingcheng District. It is necessary to further strengthen the professional training in medical staff to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases. It is also necessary to strengthen the multisectoral cooperation, establish the surveillance in the high risk population, etc.
Clinical Characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis in African-Americans

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects nearly 1 million people in the USA and has the potential to profoundly affect physical ability and income potential at a young age. Since a landmark paper was published in 2014, few studies have looked at differences in MS disease characteristics between African-American and Caucasian patients. African-American patients often have a more severe MS disease course, as well as biomarker data which can portend a worse prognosis. While the sample sizes are usually quite small, subgroup analyses of African-American patients have been performed to evaluate efficacy of disease-modifying treatments as compared with the entire study population, made up of primarily Caucasians. In an era where we strive for personalized medicine, understanding racial differences in MS may help us better treat African-American patients in the future.
Danza and the Signifying Process in Rosario Ferré’s Maldito amor

Rosario Ferre’s 1986 novella Maldito amor takes its name from a famous Puerto Rican danza written toward the end of the 19th century by composer Juan Morel Campos, who had both African and Spanish heritage. This article explores the tradition of the danza, the significance of Ferre’s use and mirroring of Morel Campos’s danza in the narrative, as well as the signifying process she explores and manipulates in an effort to question official versions of Puerto Rican history. By using the composer’s danza as a subtext for the structure and themes of the novel, Maldito amor creates another set of signifiers for how we consider this traditional piece of music. The title of the novel also demonstrates the ambivalent attitudes that Puerto Ricans often have toward the ruling elite on the island itself: the bourgeoisie function as both hegemonic power but are also oppressed under that of the United States. By re-writing history via the “Maldito amor” danza, the novella recognizes the constant chain of signifiers that constitutes reality, and adds a new and subversive one to include in the chain of discourse surrounding Puerto Rican history and identity.
Monitoring Big Data During Mechanical Ventilation in the ICU

The electronic health record allows the assimilation of large amounts of clinical and laboratory data. Big data describes the analysis of large data sets using computational modeling to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. How can big data be used to predict ventilator discontinuation or impending compromise, and how can it be incorporated into the clinical workflow? This article will serve 2 purposes. First, a general overview is provided for the layperson and introduces key concepts, definitions, best practices, and things to watch out for when reading a paper that incorporates machine learning. Second, recent publications at the intersection of big data, machine learning, and mechanical ventilation are presented.
Methane steam reforming at low steam-to-carbon ratio: the effect of Y doping in Rh substituted lanthanum zirconates

Abstract A series of Rh-substituted lanthanum zirconate pyrochlores doped with different loadings of Y (A-site or B-site) were synthesized and studied for methane steam reforming (MSR) under low steam-to-carbon ratios (S/C = 1.0). This study mainly focuses on Y doping in the pyrochlore structure and its potential influence on the catalytic activity of Rh and carbon formation during reaction. XANES data showed that doping Y into the pyrochlore resulted in an occupancy that was predominately located in the B-site, but overall the distribution of Y in each site was similar in all catalysts despite the loadings of Y and stoichiometry of the constituent pyrochlore cations. Activity testing showed that 4 wt% Y doping at La-site led to higher activity at high flow rate and feed dilution, and high selectivity to synthesis gas. This catalyst showed strong resistance to coking under a long-term stability test (300 h) and a series of low S/C ratios MSR.
Solid-State and Solution Characterization of Myricetin

Myricetin (MYR) is a natural compound that has been investigated as a chemopreventative agent. MYR has been shown to suppresses ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression and reduce the incidence of UVB-induced skin tumors in mice. Despite MYR’s promise as a therapeutic agent, minimal information is available to guide the progression of formulations designed for future drug development. Here, data is presented describing the solid-state and solution characterization of MYR. Investigation into the solid-state properties of MYR identified four different crystal forms, two hydrates (MYR I and MYR II) and two metastable forms (MYR IA and MYR IIA). From solubility studies, it was evident that all forms are very insoluble (<5 μg/ml) in pure water. MYR I was found to be the most stable form at 23, 35, and 56°C. Stability determination indicated that MYR undergoes rapid apparent first-order degradation under basic pH conditions, and that degradation was influenced by buffer species. Apparent first-order degradation was also seen when MYR was introduced to an oxidizing solution. Improved stability was achieved after introducing 0.1% antioxidants to the solution. MYR was found to have good stability following exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is a consideration for topical applications. Finally, a partitioning study indicated that MYR possess a log P of 2.94 which, along with its solid-state properties, contributes to its poor aqueous solubility. Both the solid-state properties and solution stability of MYR are important to consider when developing future formulations.
Large inflamed facial cysts in teenagers.

Background Facial cysts can become large (1-5 cm) or giant (>5 cm) on the face. Objective To describe the medical course of large and giant facial cysts in adolescents. Methods A case series of 11 patients with large or giant facial cysts seen in an outpatient pediatric dermatology practice. Results Seven patients underwent incision and drainage with culture of cyst contents growing Cutibacterium acnes in six, while the seventh grew Cutibacterium acnes from a frequently worn hat. All patients were treated with traditional therapeutics for cystic acne including intralesional triamcinolone (n = 9), oral antibiotics (n = 10), and isotretinoin (n = 1). Three patients who did not undergo cyst drainage had persistent symptomatology requiring cyst excision, whereas the seven patients whose cysts were drained (3 on initial management and 4 after recurrence) eventually had complete healing without need for surgery. Conclusion Incision and drainage (I & D) and culture of cyst contents can identify cases of cysts related to Cutibacterium acnes. For some cases of large facial cysts related to Cutibacterium acne, I&D combined with conservative acne management (using standard acne guidelines) can prevent the need for surgical excision in some patients. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether this combination of therapy leads to best outcomes clinically and cosmetically.
Regeneration responses in black ash (Fraxinus nigra) wetlands: implications for forest diversification to address emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) has had an extensive impact across North America. It is currently present in Minnesota, USA but has not been observed in northern portions of the state where the vast majority of black ash (Fraxinus nigra) trees are located. Unlike other ash forest communities, the black ash forest type occurs in wetlands and is dominated by black ash with few associate species. Because of this, the loss of black ash can result in changes to the hydrological regime and species composition. The goal of this study was to quantify the structure and composition of regeneration 5 to 11 years post-harvest in three silvicultural systems (group selection, clearcut, and diameter-limit harvesting) to evaluate the potential for establishment of other tree species. Overall, regeneration post-harvest was high but variable across all systems. Across silvicultural systems, there was no significant relationships between residual overstory trees (> 10 cm dbh) basal area and non-ash regeneration TPH, indicating flexibility in designing treatments for diversification. Populus sapling (2.54–10 cm) density was significantly negatively correlated to the depth of the soil muck layer. In contrast, a positive relationship was observed between depth of the soil muck and black ash saplings. These findings indicate that specific silvicultural systems in combination with site quality (e.g., clearcuts on high-quality sites with shallow muck layers) may help to promote non-ash species in black ash forests that are threatened with EAB.
Prototyping PLCs and IoT Devices in an HVAC Virtual Testbed to Study Impacts of Cyberattacks

This work describes a virtual testbed of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that has been developed. The testbed incorporates a programmable logic controller (PLC) and is applicable to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The PLC’s ladder logic program uses hysteresis control and multiple modes of operation. This form of control was selected because of its common use in industry and even in residential applications. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that by using modern tools and platforms, such as OpenPLC, a controller for an HVAC system can be prototyped and used to research and explore possible cyberattacks and their effects in various cyberphysical systems. In particular, possible and plausible implementations of the aforementioned hysteresis controller in ladder logic are studied and described to the reader. Also, in the experimental results, this work explores how these implementations can be compromised by an injection attack to change settings and by a malicious ladder logic upload in the virtual testbed. The impacts of cyberattacks in terms of safety and cost are discussed also.
Improving the Process of Arterial Blood Collection With Point of Care Ultrasound

Background: In 2017, I attended a seminar educating respiratory therapists on how to implement a vascular access program. The workshop introduced me to the benefits of using Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for needle puncture procedures. I returned to my home hospital with aspirations of diving into developing a vascular access team of Respiratory Therapists. Unfortunately, when I brought the idea to my leadership team I was stopped in my tracks with a hard, No." My inherent persistence would not allow me to let go of the concept altogether. Respecting the boundaries set forth by my profession’s scope of practice and my hospital’s policies I conducted a pilot study comparing POCUS-guided arterial punctures with the traditional blind-stick palpation method. Methods: Data was collected from 100 adult patients to include 50 POCUS-guided and 50 blind-stick arterial punctures. The POCUS-guided team performed 35 successful POCUS-guided punctures before data collection to gain competency for the procedure. The study group included data from both radial and brachial puncture sites, using both transverse and longitudinal ultrasound views. Results: Average time for the blind-stick method in 50 patients was 31.68 minutes versus 12.14 minutes for the POCUS-guided method. For the blind-stick method, 18 of the 50 ABG’s (36%) were resulted in
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of frontal bone development in spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)

Background: The molecular mechanisms initiating vertebrate cranial dermal bone formation is a conundrum in evolutionary and developmental biology. Decades of studies have determined the developmental processes of cranial dermal bones in various vertebrate species, finding possible inducers of dermal bone. However, the evolutionarily derived characters of current experimental model organisms hinder investigations of the ancestral and conserved mechanisms of vertebrate cranial dermal bone induction. Thus, investigating such mechanisms with animals diverging at evolutionarily crucial phylogenetic nodes is imperative. Results: We investigated the cellular and molecular foundations of skull frontal bone formation in the spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus, a basally branching actinopterygian. Whole-mount bone and cartilage stainings and hematoxylin-eosin section stainings revealed that mesenchymal cell condensations in the frontal bone of spotted gar develop in close association with the underlying cartilage. We also identified novel aspects of frontal bone formation: Upregulation of F-actin and plasma membrane in condensing cells, and extension of podia from osteoblasts to the frontal bone, which may be responsible for bone mineral transport. Conclusion: This study highlights the process of frontal bone formation with dynamic architectural changes of mesenchymal cells in spotted gar, illuminating supposedly ancestral and likely conserved developmental mechanisms of skull bone formation among vertebrates.
Marital status and work-related health limitation: a longitudinal study of young adult and middle-aged Americans.

The literature establishes clearly the health benefit of marriage. Much less clear from published data is whether work-related health (dis)advantages accruing to marital transitions persist over time or are limited to the short term. Informed by the marital resources and marital crisis perspectives, this study sought links between marital status measured via three approaches and work-related health limitation, exploring these relationships across genders. The study employed data from eight recent waves (1996–2010) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. It applied generalized estimating equations to estimate the impacts, on work-related health limitation, of current marital status; of marital transition 2 years in the past; and of marital transition 8 years in the past. Our gender-specific results indicated that lower likelihood of work-related health limitation was associated with a married status, a stable married status, and an entry into marriage. Results are consistent overall with the marital resources perspective. The use of three different approaches to evaluate the relationship of marital status to work-related health limitation may explain the gender-specific results.
Development and web deployment of an automated neuroradiology MRI protocoling tool with natural language processing.

A systematic approach to MRI protocol assignment is essential for the efficient delivery of safe patient care. Advances in natural language processing (NLP) allow for the development of accurate automated protocol assignment. We aim to develop, evaluate, and deploy an NLP model that automates protocol assignment, given the clinician indication text. We collected 7139 spine MRI protocols (routine or contrast) and 990 head MRI protocols (routine brain, contrast brain, or other) from a single institution. Protocols were split into training (n = 4997 for spine MRI; n = 839 for head MRI), validation (n = 1071 for spine MRI, fivefold cross-validation used for head MRI), and test (n = 1071 for spine MRI; n = 151 for head MRI) sets. fastText and XGBoost were used to develop 2 NLP models to classify spine and head MRI protocols, respectively. A Flask-based web app was developed to be deployed via Heroku. The spine MRI model had an accuracy of 83.38% and a receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.8873. The head MRI model had an accuracy of 85.43% with a routine brain protocol ROC-AUC of 0.9463 and contrast brain protocol ROC-AUC of 0.9284. Cancer, infectious, and inflammatory related keywords were associated with contrast administration. Structural anatomic abnormalities and stroke/altered mental status were indicative of routine spine and brain MRI, respectively. Error analysis revealed increasing the sample size may improve performance for head MRI protocols. A web version of the model is provided for demonstration and deployment. We developed and web-deployed two NLP models that accurately predict spine and head MRI protocol assignment, which could improve radiology workflow efficiency.