cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost, Coverage, and Comparative Effectiveness Research: The Critical Issues for Oncology

A new national initiative in comparative effectiveness research (CER) is part of a broad and long-term evolution toward greater reliance on scientific evidence in clinical practice and medical policy. But CER has been controversial because of its high profile in the health care reform effort, its instantiation in a prominent new national research institute, and lingering concerns that the ultimate goal of CER is to empower the government and private insurers to reduce health care costs by restricting access to expensive new medical tests and treatments. This article presents an analysis of the policy development behind CER and focuses on its potential impact on insurance coverage and payment for oncology services. By itself, CER will not solve the tension that exists between the goal of innovative, personalized care and the eroding affordability of cancer treatment in the United States. But CER does offer an important opportunity for progress. Oncologists have taken important first steps in acknowledging their responsibility for addressing cost issues; as a professional society, they should now move forward to assume leadership in the effort to integrate clinical evidence with considerations of cost effectiveness to guide clinical practice and insurer policies.
Critical thinking and accuracy of nurses' diagnoses. Part I: risk of low accuracy diagnoses and new views of critical thinking

Interpretations of patient data are complex and diverse, contributing to a risk of low accuracy nursing diagnoses. This risk is confirmed in research findings that accuracy of nurses' diagnoses varied widely from high to low. Highly accurate diagnoses are essential, however, to guide nursing interventions for the achievement of positive health outcomes. Development of critical thinking abilities is likely to improve accuracy of nurses' diagnoses. Newer views of critical thinking serve as a basis for critical thinking in nursing. Seven cognitive skills and ten habits of mind are identified as dimensions of critical thinking for use in the diagnostic process.
Providers' reactions to an automated health maintenance reminder system incorporated into the patient's electronic medical record.

Background: Automated health maintenance reminder (HMR) systems embedded in electronic medical records systems have been found to improve utilization of preventive services, but underuse persists. Our goal was to learn how to make HMRs more effective by measuring clinicians’ self-reported use of HMRs and attitudes toward an HMR system embedded in an electronic medical record. Methods: We surveyed 43 clinicians using an electronic medical record with an automated HMR system that prompted the provision of preventive or screening interventions. We measured general attitudes toward computers and the HMR, attitudes toward health maintenance, reactions to key features of the HMR system, and use of information provided by the HMR system; and we asked open-ended responses on how to improve the system. Results: Seventy-five percent of clinicians reported not observing or paying attention to the HMR flashing reminder icon when reviewing a chart, and 62.8% reported they either ignored or forgot to address an alert when it appeared. Only 20% reported regularly reviewing health maintenance needs of the patient before the clinical encounter, and 56% reported seldom or never acting on HMR information during an encounter that was not health maintenance. Conclusions: This HMR system embedded in an electronic medical record was underused by clinicians, causing lost opportunities for provision of preventive care. As electronic medical records become more common, we need to find practical ways that are acceptable to clinicians to use the new capabilities the systems provide. (J Am Board Fam Pract 2003;16:312–7.)
Discovering computing: perspectives of web designers

This paper presents findings of an exploratory, qualitative study of professional web and graphic designers who regularly write computer programs. These participants have a wide variety of educational backgrounds, including some who had a few classes in computer science. Our participants report having found a career in which they enjoy being both creative and technical. They want to learn more about computing, but do not find computing curricula as meeting their needs. We discuss their perceptions of the computing discipline, motivational aspects of their jobs, and their interest in learning more about computing. We also consider implications for computing curricula if we were to try to meet the needs of these professionals who are unlikely to appear in our current classes.
Discussion of “Dynamic performance measurement with intangible assets”

Carona (2008) investigates the roles of nonfinancial performance indicators and long-term commitments in an incentive contracting setting. The paper develops a multiperiod agency model in which nonfinancial performance indicators are shown to be valuable in providing the agent with desirable incentives. The relative importance of nonfinancial measures depends on the level of commitment that the principal and the agent can sustain. While long-term contracts are more efficient than short-term contracts, the analysis shows that a sequence of overlapping medium-term contracts can be as efficient as long-term contracts. In this discussion, I provide a brief review of the related streams of literature and discuss the paper’s contributions to them. The discussion also illustrates the intuition behind the paper’s main findings through a simple example and raises questions for future research.
Vicarious Language: Gender and Linguistic Modernity in Japan

Book review of 'Vicarious language: Gender and linguistic modernity in Japan' by Miyako Inoue, published by University of California Press in 2006. ‘Japanese women’s language’ has been the focus of a great deal of scholarly work in the fields of linguistics and sociocultural anthropology. Its existence has also continually been authenticated by mass media and popular ideologies of language and gender. In 'Vicarious Language', Miyako Inoue puts forward a new and important perspective on ‘Japanese women’s language.’
Robust consensus for uncertain multi-agent systems on directed communication topologies

In this paper, we study the distributed robust consensus for uncertain double integrators on the directed communication topologies. Using the backstepping technique, we construct a control Lyapunov function for the nominal double integrator consensus design. In the presence of model uncertainties, we develop a distributed robust redesign under the assumption that the uncertainty in each agent dynamics is bounded and satisfies the matching condition. Due to the flexibility of backstepping, the proposed redesign is applicable without relative velocity measurement. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed robust control.
Acute Antithrombotic Effect of a Front-Loaded Regimen of Clopidogrel in Patients With Atherosclerosis on Aspirin

Abstract—There is a need for a rapid antithrombotic effect after the administration of antiplatelet drugs in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous interventions. Clopidogrel, a new thienopyridine derivative, is an efficient antiplatelet agent. However, the standard regimen of clopidogrel (75 mg/d) requires 2 to 3 days before significant antithrombotic effects. Patients with stable arterial disease on chronic aspirin therapy (n=20) were treated with clopidogrel either with a front-loaded regimen, 300 mg the first day and 75 mg/d the next 7 days, or with a standard regimen, 75 mg/d for 8 days. Blood thrombogenicity was assessed by quantification of platelet-thrombus formation in an ex vivo perfusion chamber, by ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and by ADP-induced fibrinogen binding. At 2 hours, mean total thrombus area with the standard regimen was not significantly reduced. In contrast, at 2 hours, the mean total thrombus area with the front-loaded regimen was significantly decreased by ...
Visual Analytics on Mobile Devices for Emergency Response

Using mobile devices for visualization provides a ubiquitous environment for accessing information and effective decision making. These visualizations are critical in satisfying the knowledge needs of operators in areas as diverse as education, business, law enforcement, protective services, medical services, scientific discovery, and homeland security. In this paper, we present an efficient and interactive mobile visual analytic system for increased situational awareness and decision making in emergency response and training situations. Our system provides visual analytics with locational scene data within a simple interface tailored to mobile device capabilities. In particular, we focus on processing and displaying sensor network data for first responders. To verify our system, we have used simulated data of The Station nightclub fire evacuation.
B ---> X(s) l+ l- in the left-right supersymmetric model

We analyze the flavor changing neutral current semileptonic decay $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}{X}_{s}{l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ in a fully left-right supersymmetric model. We give explicit expressions for all the amplitudes involved in the process, and compare the numerical results with experimental bounds, in both the constrained case (where the only flavor violation comes from the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix) and the unconstrained case (including soft breaking supersymmetry terms). Stringent constraints on the parameter space of the model are obtained. We also include constraints from $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{b}s\ensuremath{\gamma}.$
Exploring Subtext Processing in Narrative Persuasion: The Role of Eudaimonic Entertainment-Use Motivation and a Supplemental Conclusion Scene

The extended elaboration likelihood model argues transportation reduces embedded message processing, but this study reasoned people with eudaimonic entertainment-use motivation would process narrative subtexts. A conclusion scene reiterating intended messages was expected to facilitate persuasion. Subjects were randomly assigned to watch a drama about organ donation, with or without a conclusion scene. The intended messages were not persuasive. Nonetheless, this study provides insight into narrative transportation processes. Transportation did not inhibit subtext processing, and there was a marginally significant interaction between eudaimonic motivation and conclusion scene on an unintended message: Eudaimonic motivation negatively predicted doctor mistrust in the no-conclusion condition.
Molecular Analysis of Shower Curtain Biofilm Microbes

Households provide environments that encourage the formation of microbial communities, often as biofilms. Such biofilms constitute potential reservoirs for pathogens, particularly for immune-compromised individuals. One household environment that potentially accumulates microbial biofilms is that provided by vinyl shower curtains. Over time, vinyl shower curtains accumulate films, commonly referred to as “soap scum,” which microscopy reveals are constituted of lush microbial biofilms. To determine the kinds of microbes that constitute shower curtain biofilms and thereby to identify potential opportunistic pathogens, we conducted an analysis of rRNA genes obtained by PCR from four vinyl shower curtains from different households. Each of the shower curtain communities was highly complex. No sequence was identical to one in the databases, and no identical sequences were encountered in the different communities. However, the sequences generally represented similar phylogenetic kinds of organisms. Particularly abundant sequences represented members of the -group of proteobacteria, mainly Sphingomonas spp. and Methylobacterium spp. Both of these genera are known to include opportunistic pathogens, and several of the sequences obtained from the environmental DNA samples were closely related to known pathogens. Such organisms have also been linked to biofilm formation associated with water reservoirs and conduits. In addition, the study detected many other kinds of organisms at lower abundances. These results show that shower curtains are a potential source of opportunistic pathogens associated with biofilms. Frequent cleaning or disposal of shower curtains is indicated, particularly in households with immune-compromised individuals.
Robotically controlled slosh-free motion of an open container of liquid

This paper describes two methods for controlling the surface of a liquid in an open container as it is being carried by a robot arm. Both methods make use of the fundamental mode of oscillation and damping of the liquid in the container as predicted from a boundary element model of the fluid. The first method uses an infinite impulse response filter to alter an acceleration profile so that the liquid remains level except for a single wave at the beginning and end of the motion. The motion of the liquid is similar to that of a simple pendulum. The second method removes the remaining two surface oscillations by tilting the container parallel to the beginning and ending wave. A double pendulum model is used to determine the trajectory for this motion. Experimental results of a FANUC S-800 robot moving a 230 mm diameter hemispherical container of water are presented.
Evaluation of linear spectral unmixing and ΔNBR for predicting post-fire recovery in a North American ponderosa pine forest

The Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (ΔNBR) is widely used to map post-fire effects in North America from multispectral satellite imagery, but has not been rigorously validated across the great diversity in vegetation types. The importance of these maps to fire rehabilitation crews highlights the need for continued assessment of alternative remote sensing approaches. To meet this need, this study presents a first preliminary comparison of immediate post-fire char (black ash) fraction, as measured by linear spectral unmixing, and ΔNBR, with two quantitative one-year post-fire field measures indicative of canopy and sub-canopy conditions: % live tree and dry organic litter weight (gm-2). Image analysis was applied to Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) imagery acquired both before and immediately following the 2000 Jasper Fire, South Dakota. Post-fire field analysis was conducted one-year post-fire. Although the immediate post-fire char fraction (r 2 = 0.56, SE = 28.03) and ΔNBR (r 2 = 0.55, SE = 29.69) measures produced similarly good predictions of the % live tree, the standard error in the prediction of litter weight with the char fraction method (r 2 = 0.55, SE = 4.78) was considerably lower than with ΔNBR (r 2 = 0.52, SE = 8.01). Although further research is clearly warranted to evaluate more field measures, in more fires, and across more fire regimes, the char fraction may be a viable approach to predict longer-term indicators of ecosystem recovery and may potentially act as a surrogate retrospective measure of the fire intensity.
Trends in Abuse of OxyContin® and Other Opioid Analgesics in the United States: 2002-2004

OxyContin® (Purdue Pharma L.P., Stamford, Conn) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 as a sustained-release preparation of oxycodone hydrochloride and was thought to have much lower abuse potential than immediate-release oxycodone because of its slow-release properties. However, beginning in 2000, widespread reports of OxyContin® abuse surfaced. In response, Purdue Pharma L.P. sponsored the development of a proactive abuse surveil- lance program, named the Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS®) system. In this paper, we describe results obtained from one aspect of RADARS—the use of drug abuse experts (ie, key informants)—as a source of data on the prevalence and magnitude of abuse of prescription drugs. The results indicate that prescription drug abuse has become prevalent, with cases reported in 60% of the zip codes surveyed. The prevalence of abuse was rank ordered as follows: OxyContin > hydrocodone > other oxycodone > methadone > morphine > hydromorphone > fentanyl > buprenorphine. In terms of the magnitude of abuse (>5 cases/100,000 persons in a 3-digit zip code), modest growth was seen with all analgesics over the 10 calendar quarters we monitored, but was most pronounced with OxyContin and hydrocodone. These results indicate that OxyContin abuse is a pervasive problem in this country, but that it needs to be considered in the context of a general pattern of increasing prescription drug abuse. Perspective: Over the past 5 years, there have been reports, frequently anecdotal, that opioid analgesic abuse has evolved into a national epidemic. In this study, we report systematic data to indicate that opioid analgesic abuse has in fact increased among street and recreational drug users, with OxyContin and hydrocodone products the most frequently abused. Steps need to be taken to reduce prescription drug abuse, but very great care needs to be exercised in the nature of these actions so the legitimate and appropriate use of these drugs in the treatment of pain is not compromised as a result.
Novel presenilin 1 variant (P117A) causing Alzheimer's disease in the fourth decade of life.

Over 160 rare genetic variants in presenilin 1 (PSEN1) are known to cause Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study we screened a family with early-onset AD for mutations in PSEN1 using direct DNA sequencing. We identified a novel PSEN1 genetic variant which results in the substitution of a Proline with an Alanine at codon 117 (P117A). The P117A variant was present in all demented individuals and fifty percent of at risk individuals. This variant occurs at a site where three other disease-causing variants have been previously observed. In vitro functional studies demonstrate that the P117A variant results in an altered Aβ42/total Aβ ratio consistent with an AD causing mutation. The P117A variant is a novel mutation in PSEN1, which causes early-onset AD in an autosomal dominant manner.
Light-controlled Leaf Expansion in Peas Grown under Different Light Conditions

Several photosystems control leaf expansion in Alaska peas (Pisum sativum). Phytochrome is known to control expansion in dark-grown peas. But plants exposed briefly to red light are insensitive to phytochrome, an insensitivity that is itself phytochrome-produced. Leaf expansion in these plants is promoted by 440 or 630 nm of light (probably mediated by protochlorophyll). Plants grown in white fluorescent light required simultaneous exposure to high intensity blue and yellow light for promotion of leaf expansion. Since these results parallel studies on light-controlled inhibition of stem elongation, shoot growth as a whole is coordinated by these photosystems. Such coordination might be a mechanism of plant competition for light.
Climatology, Synoptic Conditions, and Misanalyses of Mississippi River Valley Drylines

AbstractThe dryline is an important focal point for convection initiation. Although drylines most commonly occur on the southern Great Plains, dryline passages and subsequent severe weather outbreaks have been documented in the Mississippi River valley. This study presents a 15-yr (1999–2013) climatology of these Mississippi River valley drylines and associated severe weather. Additionally, synoptic patterns are identified that may result in drylines moving atypically far eastward into the Mississippi River valley. In total, 39 Mississippi River valley drylines (hereafter referred to as MRV drylines) were identified from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) dataset through the study period. Mean and anomaly synoptic composites were created for these drylines. MRV dryline events typically occur under synoptically active conditions with an amplified upper-air pattern, a 500-hPa shortwave trough to the west or northwest of the dryline, and a strong surface cyclone to the north. These boundaries are ...
ST-Segment Changes in Right Ventricular Paced Rhythms

Scenario: The top strip was obtained in an 83-yearold woman admitted to the coronary care unit with intermittent chest pain just before going to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The patient has a history of coronary artery disease and a permanent pacemaker. The bottom strip was taken upon return to the coronary care unit after a stent was placed in the right coronary artery. The patient was complaining of chest pain, which started during the PCI procedure and never resolved. ECG PUZZLER A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses ECG interpretation for clinical practice. We welcome letters to the Editors regarding this feature.
An Examination of the Situational Factors Associated with the Misuse of Prescription Analgesics among College Students.

The current study examined the effect that students' educational environment has on the prevalence and motivations associated with the misuse of prescription analgesics (MPA). A sample of 893 undergraduate students was recruited from one religiously affiliated private university and one public university in the Southern United States. Participants completed an in-class survey assessing MPA-related behavior and their associated motivations. Results indicated that students attending the religiously affiliated university displayed lower rates of MPA. Multivariate analyses revealed that a positive drug abuse screening, prescription status, and grade point average are the strongest predictors of past-year MPA for both schools. Some motivations for medical misuse differed significantly between campuses. Implications as to how these differences can inform programs aimed at the reduction of prescription analgesic abuse are discussed.
Experiences of forgiveness in physicians whose medical treatment was not successful.

Instances of failure of medical treatment, i.e., situations in which physicians despite their best efforts are unable to cure their patients, are rarely discussed in the literature. When they are (Blue, 1933; Hilfiker, 1984), physicians are often portrayed as using denial and distancing mechanisms to ward off the impact of these emotion-laden situations or as experiencing significant guilt and self-blame at their inability to help their patients significantly. As part of a larger study aimed at understanding physicians, patients and their families in situations of treatment failure, 30 physicians, judged very competent and compassionate by their peers, were interviewed and given five TAT cards (Nos. 4, 10, 11, 14, 17 BM). All of the physicians were male surgeons who performed cancer surgery or coronary surgery. Half of the surgeons (15) tried to continue their relationships with their patients even when it was clear that nothing more could be done medically to cure the patients. The other half (15) of the group did not continue seeing their patients after the surgeries and postoperative follow-ups were completed. Both groups of surgeons were about the same age (in both groups mean age was 46 yr.) and had similar kinds of practices. All 15 of the physicians who maintained relationships with their patients despite treatment failure expressed explicitly stated themes of forgiveness (i.e., either self-forgiveness or forgiveness by another) in at least one of their five TAT stimulated stories. Eight of these 15 had at least two stories involving forgiveness. These 15 physicians also commented in their interviews that continuing to see their patients enabled them more easily to come to terms with their human limitations, be forgiven by their patients, and by that forgiveness "to feel permitted to rejoin the human community as a renewed and worthwhile member." In contrast, the 15 physicians who did not maintain relationships with their unsuccessfully treated patients showed no instances of forgiveness (self or by another) in their stories or interviews.
Scanning electron microscopy of human T-cell and B-cell rosettes.

Abstract The surface of human lymphocytes was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Lymphocytes from peripheral blood or tonsils were identified as thymus-derived (T) cells or thymus-independent (B) cells by virtue of the ability of T cells to form rosettes with sheep red cells and for some B cells to form rosettes with complement-coated human red blood cells. The rosettes were gluteraldehyde fixed and subsequently examined by scanning electron microscopy. Lymphocytes, both rosetting and non-rosetting, had multiple surface microvilli. As compared to rosetting B cells, rosetting T cells were generally smaller and smoother, with fewer and shorter microvilli. Microvilli appeared to be the sole cell-cell contact point between T cells and sheep red blood cells; B cells made contact through both villous and non-villous areas. Microvilli are an important mode of primary contact between lymphocytes and the outside world. (N Engl J Med 289:548–551, 1973)
A simple lipase assay using trichloroacetic acid

An extremely rapid and sensitive assay for lipoprotein lipase activity, suitable for routine determinations, is described. The substrate for the assay is emulsified [2-3H]glyceryl trioleate, activated by serum. The method is based on trichloroacetic acid precipitation of unreacted substrate and measurement of 3H-labeled glycerol.
Application of real time quantitative PCR for detection of food poisoning caused by Vibrio parahemolyticus

Objective:To use the method of real-time Quantitative PCR to accelerate detection of the pathogenic bacteria in the food poisoning caused by Vibrio parahemolyticus to study this method′s coincidence and application value comparing with the GB cultrure method.Methods:Real-time quantitative PCR was applied as the highly specific and sensitive method of preliminary screening.Bacteria was separated by GB method,and then identified by ATB.Results:18 of 21 samples were detected for specific DNA of Vibrio parahemolyticus using the method of real-time quantitative PCR,and the same number of strains were detected by the GB method.Both of the methods have the same detection ratio 85.71%.Conclusion:The method of real-time quantitative PCR is well capable of detecting the pathogenic bactaria causing food poisoning,and accelerating the detecting process comparing with the GB method.It can confirm the cause of bacterial food poisoning in time and contributes to clinic treatment,epidemic survey and treatment of food poisoning.
Persistent Rash in a Patient Receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition.

A 50-year old man receiving total parenteral nutrition presented with a desquamating rash on his face, scalp, inguinal region, and perineum as well as diffuse alopecia of the face, scalp, axillae, and groin. What would you do next?
Computing in high-energy physics

Abstract I present a very personalized journey through more than three decades of computing for experimental high-energy physics, pointing out the enduring lessons that I learned. This is followed by a vision of how the computing environment will evolve in the coming ten years and the technical challenges that this will bring. I then address the scale and cost of high-energy physics software and examine the many current and future challenges, particularly those of management, funding and software-lifecycle management. Finally, I describe recent developments aimed at improving the overall coherence of high-energy physics software.
Engineered Bispecific Antibodies with Exquisite HIV-1-Neutralizing Activity

While the search for an efficacious HIV-1 vaccine remains elusive, emergence of a new generation of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has re-ignited the field of passive immunization for HIV-1 prevention. However, the plasticity of HIV-1 demands additional improvements to these mAbs to better ensure their clinical utility. Here, we report engineered bispecific antibodies that are the most potent and broad HIV-neutralizing antibodies to date. One bispecific antibody, 10E8V2.0/iMab, neutralized 118 HIV-1 pseudotyped viruses tested with a mean 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.002 μg/mL. 10E8V2.0/iMab also potently neutralized 99% of viruses in a second panel of 200 HIV-1 isolates belonging to clade C, the dominant subtype accounting for ∼50% of new infections worldwide. Importantly, 10E8V2.0/iMab reduced virus load substantially in HIV-1-infected humanized mice and also provided complete protection when administered prior to virus challenge. These bispecific antibodies hold promise as novel prophylactic and/or therapeutic agents in the fight against HIV-1.
Return on Investment for Distance Education Offerings: Developing a Cost Effective Model

The basis for this chapter is to identify ways in which institutions can maximize their return on investment for distance education offerings through the appropriate and timely re-purposing of the online content for different markets. This will be presented based upon a model of the author’s design titled, “Transformative Income Generation,” which is a combination of content re-purposing based upon an understanding of the various potential markets in an entrepreneurial manner. The model being presented represents one way to maximize return on investment and, while other ways exist, it is the author’s intention to stimulate the reader to consider online educational content, albeit distance education materials, from a different perspective. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com INFORMATION SCIENCE PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Distance Learning and University Effectiveness: Changing Educational Paradigms for Online Learning, edited by Caroline Howard, Karen Schenk, and Richard Discenza. Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited.
The Endoreduplication Cell Cycle: Regulation and Function

The endoreduplication cell cycle is a variant of the standard mitotic cell cycle in which reiteratedrounds of DNA synthesis occur in the absence of chromosome segregation and cell division. The resultingpolyploid cells are frequently found in plants and often occur in tissues with a high metabolic activitythat accumulate storage molecules. In this chapter we review the current understanding of the regulatorymechanisms involved in the modification of the mitotic cell cycle, based on a generally accepted templatefor plant cell cycle control, that bring about endoreduplication, as well as the influence of phytohormonesand epigenetic factors. The regulation of endoreduplication is described in two model systems: the developingmaize endosperm and the leaf trichome of Arabidopsis. In addition, wediscuss the biological relevance and several proposed functions of this specialized cell cycle.
Cosmic Background Radiation the Next 25 Years

We are currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the discovery of the Cosmic Background Radiation. As we look back over the history of the field, it is interesting to speculate on where the field will be in another 25 years and what we might do to see that it advances efficiently and effectively. It is well known that it is difficult to forecast the future, even the immediate future, much less 25 years; however, I am going to try basing my prediction by extrapolating trends and what we know to be physical principles.
Spectroscopic imaging of electron-induced nanoscale structure transitions in silk proteins using near-field optics

We present spectroscopic studies of nanoscale polymorphic transition of silk proteins under electrons using infrared scattering near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), which paves the way for unlocking essential nanoscopic hierarchical molecular structures in protein-based biomaterials.
Trends, microbiology, and outcomes of infective endocarditis in children during 2000–2010 in the United States

Background We studied the incidence, trend, underlying conditions, microbiology, and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) in children during 11 years using Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. This is the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the United States containing data for more than 8 million hospital stays from over 1000 hospitals. Methods NIS data from 2000 to 2010 of primary discharge diagnosis of IE in children aged ≤19 years old were studied. Children with underlying congenital heart defects and acquired heart conditions were identified. Microbiological causative agents were recorded. Linear regression was used to assess trend of incidence over time. Results An estimated 3,840 (95% CI: 3,395-4,285) children had a discharge diagnosis of IE. The overall incidence was 0.43 per 100 000 children. The incidence was stable over the study period (P = .4 for trend). The majority of patients 56.2% were ≥11 years old and 15.4% were ≤ 1 year. Underlying cardiac conditions were present in 53.5% of patients. Overall 30.2% of cases were culture-negative. Among those with identified pathogens, Staphylococcus species were most common (43.1%) followed by Streptococcus species (39.5%). Viridans Streptococcus group was most common in those with underlying heart disease (32.7%) and S. aureus was most common in those without heart disease (46.9%). Among culture-positive patients, there was a decline in proportion of Staphylococcal IE (P = .03) and an increase in proportion of Streptococcal IE (P = .04). Overall mortality was 2.8%. Patients with Staphylococcal IE had longer median length of stay (12 vs. 9 days; P < .01) and the highest mortality (4.7%). Conclusion The incidence of IE in children has remained unchanged in the United States during the 11-year study period. Among culture-positive patients there was a significant decrease in Staphylococcal IE and a significant increase of Streptococcal IE. Staphylococcal IE was associated with increased LOS and highest mortality.
Pretransplant Absolute Lymphocyte Counts Impact the Pharmacokinetics of Alemtuzumab

Abstract Alemtuzumab is frequently used as part of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in pediatric patients with nonmalignant diseases. We previously suggested an optimal day 0 targeted range of alemtuzumab, but there are no pediatric data regarding the pharmacokinetics (PK) of subcutaneous alemtuzumab to guide precision dosing trials. The goal of this study was to prospectively characterize alemtuzumab PK and to explore absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) as a predictor of interindividual variability. We prospectively enrolled 23 patients who received an alemtuzumab, fludarabine, and melphalan RIC regimen. Seventeen patients completed study and received 1 mg/kg alemtuzumab divided over 5 days subcutaneously, starting on day −14. The median age was 7 years (range, .5 to 18). Blood sampling for PK measurements and descriptive PK analyses were performed. The median maximum alemtuzumab concentration was 2.39 µg/mL (interquartile range, 1.98 to 2.92). The median terminal half-life was 5.2 days (interquartile range, 2.7 to 7.8). The median concentration at day 0 was 1.27 µg/mL (interquartile range, .35 to 1.51). Importantly, day 0 alemtuzumab levels and area under the curve negatively correlated with predose ALC and ALC area-time, respectively. In conclusion, we reported the PK of subcutaneous alemtuzumab given to pediatric allogeneic HCT patients and observed that almost all patients have persistence of lytic levels of alemtuzumab beyond day 0, at levels in excess of that needed to reduce the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease. Additionally, levels correlate with pretransplant ALC. These results will allow the development of population PK models for precision dosing trials.
Resonating Fields in the Brain and the Hyperneuron

Classical theory proposes that learned responses, from which it is largely derived, are mediated by activity in discrete circuits linked by experience. These circuits are essentially labelled lines reserved for the mediation of those experiences, although they may be in profuse parallel. This is essentially a computer analogy, with pieces of information residing in places.
Microfabricated thin silicon vapor chamber for low profile thermal management

This paper presents thermal performance characterization of ultra-thin silicon vapor chambers suitable for integration into packages, including possibly interposers. 720±10 pm thick silicon vapor chambers at three different wick porosities have been fabricated using photolithography and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) to create chambers, followed by inkjet printing and self-assembly to create patterned bi-porous monolayer copper powder wick structures within the chambers, and finally completed by the use of a low outgassing epoxy to bond the vapor chambers. Vapor chambers were attached with copper tubing using epoxy and were evacuated to 1.2 Pa, prior to charging with de-ionized water. A resistance heater provided heat to the evaporator, and a pin fin heat sink rejected heat to the ambient from the peripheral extension of the vapor chamber. The effect of wick porosity and wick saturation ratio on the performance and reliability of the vapor chambers were studied. Experimental results showed that at a porosity of 0.767, with wick saturation ratio of approximately 50%, the thermal resistance with air cooling was 2.5 K/W, at a heat flux of 7.6 W/cm2. The lowest thermal resistance of a charged sample was 38% of an uncharged sample's, and was 74% of a 750±25 pm solid silicon substrate's thermal resistance. Testing for 120 hrs showed no significant degradation of the performance of the vapor chambers.
Der Siemens-Martin-Ofen

Unter der Bezeichnung Gasflammofen fast man nicht nur die Regenerativgasofen zur Stahlerzeugung, sondern auch die Gluhofen, kurz, alle mit Regenerativ- oder Rekuperativfeuerung arbeitenden Flammofen zusammen. Hervorragend unter diesen ist der Siemens-Martin-Ofen mit vollstandiger Regeneration der Abhitze zur Anwarmung des Gases wie der Luft. In allen diesen ofen erfolgt das Erhitzen bzw. Warmhalten des Einsatzes teils durch direkte Beruhrung mit den gasformigen Verbrennungsprodukten, teils durch Strahlung der Flamme, der Wande und des Gewolbes des Ofens. Es ist das Verdienst der Gebr. Siemens, zuerst auf die grose Bedeutung des Strahlungsprinzips im Gegensatz zur direkten Einwirkung der Flamme auf das Material aufmerksam gemacht zu haben. Sie setzten auseinander, das eine leuchtende Flamme aus allen Teilen ihres Volums Warme ausstrahlt, wahrend bei einem heisen festen Korper die Strahlung nur von der Oberflache aus stattfindet, und das bei direktem Aufschlagen der Flamme die vollstandige Verbrennung behindert und die Warme nur verhaltnismasig langsam ubertragen wird.
Síndrome de McKittrick-Wheelock. Una causa infrecuente de hipokalemia e injuria renal aguda. Caso Clínico

McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is caused by chronic water and electrolyte hypersecretion from an intestinal tumor, usually a villous adenoma, located in the rectum or sigmoid. Patients often have dehydration, hypovolemic shock and kidney failure associated with hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia and metabolic acidosis. We report a 62-year-old male, suffering chronic diarrhea for eight years who was admitted after a syncope. He had severe hypokalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, hypovolemia and acute renal failure. After his metabolic disorders were corrected, a colonoscopy showed a large rectosigmoid tumor with the characteristics of a villous adenoma. During the follow up after the complete tumor resection, the patient has remained asymptomatic.
Idea-dying in critical ontological pedagogical dialogue

Abstract In our approach to dialogic pedagogy, the teacher aims to engage students in critical examination, development, and transcendence of their own ideas, values, desires, goals, emotions, perceptions, worldviews, and perspectives, support them in ‘internally persuasive discourse’ (Bakhtin, 1991; Matusov & von Duyke, 2010), in which ‘truth becomes dialogically tested and forever testable’ (Morson, 2004, p. 319). One of the problems for many dialogic pedagogy oriented teachers is that such critical dialogues are not guaranteed to always happen for each important idea. Although the suppression of ideas and repressive silence in traditional monologic classrooms are amply documented, idea-dying has not been sufficiently studied nor understood in educational approaches based on dialogue and promotion of student's voices. In this paper, we investigate the dialogic circumstances, relationships, and dynamics of testing ideas in dialogic education; circumstances under which students' voices are not heard, not willing to be expressed, and/or are suppressed, and thus die leading to oppressive, productive, or ambivalent silences. We describe and analyze three cases in our own classrooms with critical dialogic pedagogical orientation, in which dialogues nevertheless collapsed and ideas died.
Critical Language Awareness (CLA) for Spanish Heritage Language Programs: Implementing a Complete Curriculum

Experts in the field have advocated for critical approaches to Spanish heritage language (HL) curricula in which learners’ proficiency in the language varieties that they bring from their homes and...
Histological assessment of the liver explant in transplanted hepatitis C virus patients achieving sustained virological response with direct-acting antiviral agents.

Aims The use of direct-acting anti-viral agents (DAAs) has resulted in extremely high sustained virological response (SVR) rates in patients being treated while on liver transplantation (LT) waiting lists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological findings of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who achieved SVR after receiving DAA treatment [SVR(+)] prior to LT, and compare them with HCV patients who had not achieved SVR [SVR(−)]. Methods and results Fifty-eight adult HCV patients who underwent LT at our institution from 2014 to 2016 were included in the study. Two pathologists, blinded to SVR status, simultaneously evaluated the histological sections. Assessment included the Histology Activity Index (HAI/modified Knodell score), fibrosis stage (Ishak score), and Laennec cirrhosis stage. The study group comprised 25 SVR(+) patients (56% male; mean age, 63.8 years), and the control group comprised 33 SVR(−) patients (69% male; mean age, 61.7 years). There was no significant difference in HAI between the groups (P = 0.414). Patients who achieved SVR also did not show less portal inflammation (P = 0.787), interface hepatitis (P = 0.999), confluent necrosis (P = 0.627) or spotty necrosis (P = 0.093) than the control group. There was a trend towards a higher degree of inflammation in patients who achieved SVR in <24 weeks (P = 0.07). The degree of focal lytic necrosis/apoptosis and portal inflammation was more prominent in SVR(+) patients with shorter SVR–LT intervals. Conclusions Our study is the first to report persistent inflammation in HCV patients who received DAAs prior to LT. This supports the notion that inflammation is immunologically driven and that inflammation persists despite the absence of virus.
Self-Aligned van der Waals Heterojunction Diodes and Transistors

A general self-aligned fabrication scheme is reported here for a diverse class of electronic devices based on van der Waals materials and heterojunctions. In particular, self-alignment enables the fabrication of source-gated transistors in monolayer MoS2 with near-ideal current saturation characteristics and channel lengths down to 135 nm. Furthermore, self-alignment of van der Waals p–n heterojunction diodes achieves complete electrostatic control of both the p-type and n-type constituent semiconductors in a dual-gated geometry, resulting in gate-tunable mean and variance of antiambipolar Gaussian characteristics. Through finite-element device simulations, the operating principles of source-gated transistors and dual-gated antiambipolar devices are elucidated, thus providing design rules for additional devices that employ self-aligned geometries. For example, the versatility of this scheme is demonstrated via contact-doped MoS2 homojunction diodes and mixed-dimensional heterojunctions based on organic se...
Emphasizing Learning: Using Standards-Based Grading in a Large Nonmajors’ General Chemistry Survey Course

Many students associate grades with the completion of course work rather than learning the course content. While research has heavily focused on teaching strategies and instructional tools to improve students’ learning in general chemistry, less focus has been given to assessments as a learning tool to improve students learning. Standards-based grading (SBG) is a nontraditional assessment method that explicitly connects the learning course objectives with assessments and student grades. Provided with more than one opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of course objectives, students are evaluated on their level of achievement of these objectives. This article describes the implementation, outcomes, and challenges of SBG in a large enrollment nonmajors’ general chemistry course. Evidence is presented regarding the use of SBG in chemistry from the evaluation of two semesters of students’ assessment scores and a student opinion survey. Students appeared to use the structure of the SBG to pass the course ...
Multifractal Analysis of the Reverse Flow for the Schramm-Loewner Evolution

The Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE) is a one-parameter family of conformally invariant processes that are candidates for scaling limits for two-dimensional lattice models in statistical physics. Analysis of SLE curves requires estimating moments of derivatives of random conformal maps. We show how to use the Girsanov theorem to study the moments for the reverse Loewner flow. As an application, we give a new proof of Beffara’s theorem about the dimension of SLE curves.
DEVELOPMENT OF STRAINS OF CANDIDA ALBICANS RESISTANT TO CANDIDIN

Hebeka, Elias K. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.) and Morris Solotorovsky. Development of strains of Candida albicans resistant to candidin. J. Bacteriol. 84:237–241. 1962.—Strains of Candida albicans resistant to the antifungal agent candidin were developed by growing the organism in gradually increasing amounts of the antibiotic in broth on a shaker. The development of resistance was favored by transfer only after the maximal stationary phase was reached. After 25 transfers, there was a 150-fold increase in resistance. Increased resistance to candidin was accompanied by partial cross resistance to amphotericin B. Strains of C. albicans rendered resistant to candidin grew more slowly and were less virulent than the parent cells. The available data favor the hypothesis that the developed resistance is of mutational origin.
Walking Into Fire

Our discipline, higher education, draws upon other disciplines to build theory and inform practice. Academic areas that inform the study of higher education include psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, gender studies, and ethnic studies, to name a few. Quite often in our classrooms, especially at the master’s level, we teach subjects that involve learning about, and discussing, topics such as the social construction of gender, sexual orientation and identity development, religion, the impact of race and ethnicity on the college experience, oppression of minority groups, and socio-economic disparities among the classes.