cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Medicaid Expansions of 2014 on Overall and Early-Stage Cancer Diagnoses

Objectives. To determine whether the 2014 Medicaid expansions facilitated by the Affordable Care Act affected overall and early-stage cancer diagnosis for nonelderly adults.Methods. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Cancer Registry data from 2010 through 2014 to estimate a difference-in-differences model of cancer diagnosis rates, both overall and by stage, comparing changes in county-level diagnosis rates in US states that expanded Medicaid in 2014 with those that did not expand Medicaid.Results. Among the 611 counties in this study, Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in overall cancer diagnoses of 13.8 per 100 000 population (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7, 26.9), or 3.4%. Medicaid expansion was also associated with an increase in early-stage diagnoses of 15.4 per 100 000 population (95% CI = 5.4, 25.3), or 6.4%. There was no detectable impact on late-stage diagnoses.Conclusions. In their first year, the 2014 Medicaid expansions were associated with an increase in c...
MULTIPLE FORMS OF DNA POLYMERASE III OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

ABSTRACT DNA polymerase III, the core of the DNA poly-merase III holoenzyme, has been purified 28,000-fold to 97% homogeneity from Escherichia coli HMS-83. This enzyme has been shown to contain three subunits: α, ɛ, and θ of 140,000, 25,000 and 10,000 daltons, respectively. More recently, a more complex form of DNA polymerase III, termed DNA polymerase III', has been isolated. DNA polymerase 111' can be distinguished from DNA polymerase III by its chromatographic and functional properties. DNA polymerase III' is of higher molecular weight than DNA polymerase III and binds more tightly to phosphocellulose. In the presence of spermidine, DNA polymerase III' can utilize a long single-stranded template. Under such conditions, DNA polymerase III exhibits activity only on duplex DNA containing short gaps. An 83,000 dalton protein, assigned as the θ subunit, is present in highly purified preparations of both DNA polymerase III' and DNA polymer-ase III holoenzyme. Thus, the DNA polymerase III holoen-zyme may contain seven different subunits.
Sem escape da lógica implacável da conquista do capitalismo e da mercantilização

A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN SEVEN CHEAP THINGS: A guide to capitalism, nature, and the future of the planet Raj Patel and Jason W. Moore. Berkeley, USA: University of California Press, 2017, 328p.
Adapting Boot Camp Translation Methods to Engage Clinician/Patient Research Teams Within Practice-Based Research Networks

Purpose Boot camp translation is a proven process to engage community members and health professionals in translating and disseminating evidence-based "best practices" models for health prevention and chronic illness care. Primary care practice improvement studies, particularly involving patient-driven change, as seen with self-management support (SMS), require engaged practice teams that include patients. Models of engagement such as boot camp translation may be effective. Methods Four geographically dispersed practice-based research networks (PBRNs) from the Meta-LARC consortium engaged 16 practices to form SMS implementation teams involving a clinician, care manager, and 2 patients in each team. Our study adapted the boot camp translation model to engage the implementation teams in describing patient SMS, studying the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's SMS Resource Library, and adapting and implementing self-management tools at each practice site. Testimonials and quotes were collected across the 4 PBRNs through a facilitated brainstorming discussion and consensus model at each PBRN kickoff meeting to address the focused question, "What do patients want and need in order to self-manage their chronic illnesses?" Results Testimonials collected across the 4 PBRNs and participation levels indicated there was a high degree of engagement in the boot camp translation process across the PBRNs and the practices. Each PBRN developed themes expressed by patients and the practices regarding what patients want and need to self-manage their illnesses. Each practice selected, adapted, and implemented an SMS tool. Conclusions Results suggest that adapted boot camp translation was effective in guiding multiple practices to implement self-management support tools for the INSTTEPP trial. Additional study of the adapted boot camp translation process in practice quality improvement and practice redesign studies is needed.
The cost-effectiveness of mind-body medicine interventions.

Abstract Evidence is mounting that addressing the psychosocial needs of patients makes economic and health sense. If there were a drug or surgical procedure that could reduce ambulatory care visits, decrease postsurgical length of stay, reduce c-section rates, or decrease death rates from cancer, this medical intervention would be widely accepted and utilized with little hesitation. The beliefs and biases that delay and retard the use of psychosocial interventions need to be challenged (Engel, 1977; Williamson et al., 1991). This brief review of mind-body interventions suggests that health care providers can ill afford to treat patients simply as disordered machines whose health can be restored with physical or chemical interventions alone. Indeed, a burgeoning interest in alternative and complementary medicine with a focus on non-drug, non-surgical interventions as well as the exploding field of lay literature and self-help groups suggests that many patients are ready, willing, and even demanding that mind-body health techniques be considered as part of health care (Friedman et al., 1997). While the health care system cannot be expected to address all the psychosocial needs of people, clinical intervention can be brought into better alignment with the emerging evidence on the health and cost-effectiveness of mind-body interventions. Mind-body medicine is not something separate or peripheral to the main tasks of medical care but should be an integral part of evidence-based, cost-effective, quality health care.
Quantifying and correcting for clay content effects on soil water measurement by reflectometers

Abstract The presence of clay particles increases the specific surface area of a soil and can affect the calibration of electromagnetic soil water sensors including reflectometers. To quantify and correct for this effect in two relatively new reflectometers, three TDR315 and three CS655 sensors were installed in each of five soils with clay content ranging from 5 to 49%. As the soils were dried in a temperature controlled room, sensor reported soil volumetric water content (θv) according to the factory calibration was compared against reference θv determined by weighing the soils. Sensor reported θv was similar to reference θv in the sand soil (root mean square difference (RMSD) 0.93) for both sensors. By estimating calibration coefficients based on clay content alone to recalculate sensor θv from sensor reported apparent relative permittivity, RMSD from reference θv was reduced by approximately 36% for both sensors as compared with using the factory calibration. Applying the same procedure to independent literature data tended to improve θv accuracy of both sensors increasingly as clay content increased above 20%. The findings suggest that a simple, user-friendly correction for clay content effects may provide initial practical improvement over the factory calibration of a reflectometer in clayey soils.
Binder free carbon nanofiber electrodes derived from polyacrylonitrile-lignin blends for high performance supercapacitors

Lignin was blended with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in different ratios and fabricated into carbon nanofiber electrodes by electrospinning followed by thermal stabilization, carbonization and subsequent activation by CO2 of the carbonized mats. These carbon fiber electrodes exhibit high surface area, high mesoporosity, high graphitic content and high electrical conductivity. Activated carbon nanofiber mats derived from PAN:Lignin 70:30 blends display a surface area of 2370 m2 g-1 with 0.635 cm3 g-1 mesopore volume. These results are due to the selective partial removal of carbonized lignin during the activation step. Coin cell supercapacitors employing these electrodes exhibit 128 Fg-1 specific capacitance, 59 Wh kg-1 energy density and a 15 kW kg-1 power density when operated at 3.5 V using an ionic liquid electrolyte. Since lignin is an inexpensive, abundant, and green polymer, incorporating it into carbon blends enhances the scalability of such materials in energy storage applications.
Building the Entrepreneurial Mind-Set Through Cross-Functional Innovation Teams

This learning innovation article’s purpose is to provide educators with a course assessment tool that can be used to improve student outcomes in an undergraduate, production innovation, and develop...
Identification of the under-tie pad material characteristics for stress state reduction

The degradation of ballast particles and concrete crossties in heavy-haul railroad tracks poses problems such as inhibiting proper drainage and disturbing track geometry. under-tie pads offer a sol...
FMEA-guided transition from microSelectron to Flexitron for HDR brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose To utilize failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to effectively direct the transition from the Elekta microSelectron to the Flexitron high dose-rate afterloader system. Materials and Methods Our FMEA was performed in two stages. In the first stage, the lead brachytherapy physicists used FMEA to guide the brainstorming sessions and to identify vulnerabilities during this transition. The second stage of FMEA was carried out 2 months after the clinical release of the Flexitron system. The process map was examined again to further refine and improve the entire process. Results In the first-stage FMEA, 81 process steps were identified. Moreover, 80 failure modes and their categorized causes were recognized. Checklists and data books containing the corresponding applicator information were verified and updated. Next, based on outcomes of our first-stage FMEA, we chose to implement the commissioning process in two phases. The second stage of FMEA identified error-prone steps in our newly updated processes. This second stage of analysis resulted in the development of new tools and checklist items. Conclusions The two-stage FMEA approach successfully directed the transition to the Flexitron system by identifying the necessary changes in the checklists and workflows for all applicators utilized in our clinic. It also led to the decision to use a two-phase commissioning approach. This allowed for minimization clinical downtime, avoidance of an extra source change, and facilitation of efficient staff training. Additionally, multiple project-level failures were discovered. Our experience and outcomes from this FMEA-guided transition should provide valuable information to the brachytherapy community.
Skilled Nursing Facility Patients Discharged to Home Health Agency Services Spend More Days at Home.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the association of the utilization of Medicare-certified home health agency (CHHA) services with post-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge outcomes that included home time, rehospitalization, SNF readmission, and mortality. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING New York State fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older admitted to SNFs for post-acute care and discharged to the community in 2014. PARTICIPANTS A total of 25,357 older adults. MEASUREMENTS The outcomes included days spent alive in the community ("home time"), rehospitalization, SNF readmission, and mortality within 30- and 90-day post-SNF discharge periods. The primary independent variables were SNF five-star overall quality rating and receipt of CHHA services within 7 days of SNF discharge. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression and logistic regression models characterized the association of CHHA linkage with home time and other outcomes, respectively. RESULTS Following SNF discharge, 17,657 (69.6%) patients received CHHA services. In analyses that adjusted for patient-, market-, and other SNF-level factors, older adults discharged from higher quality SNFs were more likely to receive CHHA services. In analyses that adjusted for patient- and market-level factors, receipt of post-SNF CHHA services was associated with 2.03 and 4.17 (P < .001) more days in the community over 30- and 90-day periods. Receiving CHHA services was also associated with decreased odds for rehospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = .68; P < .001; OR = .91; P = .008), SNF readmission (OR = .36; P < .001; OR = .62; P < .001), and death (OR = .34; P < .001; OR = .63; P < .001) over 30- and 90-day periods, respectively. CONCLUSION Among older adults discharged from a post-acute SNF stay, those who received CHHA services had better discharge outcomes. They were less likely to experience admissions to institutional care settings and had a lower mortality risk. Future efforts that examine how the type and intensity of CHHA services affect outcomes would build on this work. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1573-1578, 2020.
Motivational Enhancement Counseling Strategies in Delivering a Telephone-Based Brief HIV Prevention Intervention

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) interventions are being increasingly added to the menu of behavioral interventions for HIV prevention. They present few logistical and psychological barriers for at-risk persons who are ambivalent about transmission risk reduction and appear to offer promise of being transferable to community based organizations and public health programs. We describe the principles of motivational interviewing, a counseling style often used in conjunction with MET, and demonstrate and discuss its application with case examples drawn from a recent pilot trial of a telephone-delivered brief motivational enhancement for HIV risk reduction with men who have sex with men (MSM).
Patterns of audiometric threshold shifts from pulsatile tinnitus due to sigmoid sinus wall anomalies.

Abstract Purpose To determine the severity and nature of audiometric threshold shifts for patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT) due to sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (SSWA). Materials and methods 38 patients with SSWAs and available pre-operative audiograms were examined. Low- and high-frequency pure tone averages (LF-PTA, HF-PTA) were calculated. Audiometric data were compared between affected and unaffected ears, with the interaural difference (affected-unaffected PTA) representing the change in hearing due to PT. Additionally, post-operative change was examined in 14 patients with available data. Results The average pre-operative air conduction (AC) LF-PTA was 17.04 dB on the affected side and 11.38 dB on the unaffected side (p Conclusions PT due to SSWAs causes a mean 6 dB low-frequency bone-conduction threshold elevation, and smaller high-frequency threshold shifts, due to masking. Patients with larger threshold shifts should have other potential causes of hearing loss explored. Level of evidence Level IV.
Basal ganglia and cerebellar circuits have distinct roles in blepharospasm.

Abstract Introduction To identify areas of brain activity associated with involuntary muscle contractions in patients with blepharospasm using functional MRI. Methods 15 patients with blepharospasm underwent 8-min resting state scans with spontaneous orbicularis oculi muscle contractions simultaneously recorded using MRI-compatible surface electromyography. Spasm severity and spasm onset/offset were modeled using the amplitude of the electromyography signal (EMG-Amp) and its first temporal derivative (EMG-Onset), respectively, and included in a multiple regression functional MRI analysis using SPM12. Primary outcome was within-group blood-oxygen-level dependent activations that co-varied with EMG-Amp and EMG-Onset following correction for multiple comparisons for an overall cluster corrected p Results Imaging data from one subject were excluded due to excessive movement. EMG-Amp co-activated within the left sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum, as well as right lingual gyrus and superior temporal gyrus. EMG-Onset co-activated within the left posterior putamen/pallidum and a frontal eye field region in the left superior frontal gyrus. Symptom severity and EMG-Amp significantly co-varied in a small cluster within the left cerebellum. Conclusion Our preliminary findings here suggest that cerebello-cortical circuits in blepharospasm could drive the intensity of eyelid spasms while basal ganglia circuits are associated with the triggering of spasms. This supports the network model for dystonia and identifies specific areas of involvement consistent with known brain regions responsible for control of movement.
Influence of stocking rate and advancing season on forage intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in steers supplemented with dried distillers grains with solubles while grazing northern Great Plains rangelands.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of stocking rate and advancing season on diet chemical composition, intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in steers supplemented with distillers grains with solubles [0.3% of body weight (BW)] while grazing northern Great Plains rangelands. Angus cross beef steers (n = 188; 320 ± 30.3 kg initial BW) were used to establish targeted stocking rates, and 12 ruminal cannulated steers (272 ± 20.0 kg initial BW) were used for diet sampling while cograzing with the noncannulated animals on 12 pastures (n = 3 per treatment). Stocking rates were set to target 65%, 50%, 35%, and 20% of an average annual above-ground biomass remaining at the end of the grazing season (May-September). Five 10-d collection periods were conducted for May 13-22, June 10-19, July 8-17, August 5-14, and September 2-11. There was no difference in steer BWs or average daily gain during any of the collection periods or between stocking rate (P ≥ 0.10). Organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber of forage masticate samples were not affected (P ≥ 0.25) by stocking rate. Crude protein, and all N fractions of forage masticates also did not differ between stocking rate treatments (P ≥ 0.18). Forage OM intake (grams per kilogram of BW) increased cubically across the entire grazing season (P = 0.05). Organic matter digestibility decreased quadratically (P 0.13) but were impacted by the advancing season (P < 0.01). Ruminal pH increased quadratically (P ≤ 0.01) with advancing season (6.3 to 6.6 ± 0.05 from May to September, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that intake, fermentation, and digestibility of northern Great Plains forages were influenced more by seasonal factors associated with forage maturity than stocking rate under the conditions of this study.
A Registering of Transformations: Alex Miller’s The Passage Of Love

This essay discusses Alex Miller’s most recent novel, The passage of Love , (2017) in the light of the conspectus on Miller’s work offered by Robert Dixon’s 2014 study of Miller, The Ruin of Time . Despite Miller and Dixon having relatively different intellectual stances, Dixon has brought to bear both theoretical platforms and a deep immersion in Australian literary and cultural history to analyze Miller's work. This essay tries to continue in that tradition, analyzing Miller’s practice of the originally French genre of autofiction and the way this practice is tied in with a set of ethical dilemmas related to the registering of post-Holocaust and post-Mabo trauma as well as his own experience and those of his friends and lovers. In discussing how Miller’s surrogate, Robert Crofts, tries as a migrant from Britain to make a life for himself on an Australian continent with its own tragic history, the essay analyzes how Miller's practice of autofiction speaks to the particular circumstances of Australian literature within world literary space.
Joint aggregation of cardinal and ordinal evaluations with an application to a student paper competition.

An important problem in decision theory concerns the aggregation of individual rankings/ratings into a collective evaluation. We illustrate a new aggregation method in the context of the 2007 MSOM's student paper competition. The aggregation problem in this competition poses two challenges. Firstly, each paper was reviewed only by a very small fraction of the judges; thus the aggregate evaluation is highly sensitive to the subjective scales chosen by the judges. Secondly, the judges provided both cardinal and ordinal evaluations (ratings and rankings) of the papers they reviewed. The contribution here is a new robust methodology that jointly aggregates ordinal and cardinal evaluations into a collective evaluation. This methodology is particularly suitable in cases of incomplete evaluations -- i.e., when the individuals evaluate only a strict subset of the objects. This approach is potentially useful in managerial decision making problems by a committee selecting projects from a large set or capital budgeting involving multiple priorities.
Confidence, Connection, and Comfort: Reports from an All-Women's CS1 Class

The computer science education community has long strived to create more equitable opportunities for students, such as initiatives to foster inclusion of women and other people from historically marginalized groups in CS. Despite these efforts, the gender gap has persisted, with less than a quarter of CS Bachelor's degrees awarded to women in the United States in 2019. As a community, we must strive to improve women's experiences in CS. This paper describes work conducted at a large research university which has traditionally offered CS1 through lecture sections ranging in size from 400-650 students. In Fall 2019, we offered an alternative small all-women's class (35 students) in addition to the traditional lecture class (601 students; 149 women). Both classes covered the same CS concepts but were led by different instructors. Students reported on their experience through a survey administered at the end of the semester. Students in the all-women's class reported significantly greater social connections and comfort collaborating with their peers compared to women in the traditional class. They also reported significantly greater feelings of support within their class, more confidence in their CS knowledge, and a more welcoming classroom environment compared to women in the traditional class. Additionally, the drop rate for students in the all-women's class was significantly lower (5.7%) than the drop rate for women in the traditional class (24.8%). In light of these positive results, we provide actionable insights for CS educators and discuss how to better support women in their CS endeavors.
Long-term mortality among kidney transplant recipients with and without diabetes: a nationwide cohort study in the USA.

Introduction Little is known about the role diabetes (type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D)) plays in modifying prognosis among kidney transplant recipients. Here, we compare mortality among transplant recipients with T1D, T2D and non-diabetes-related end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Research design and methods We included 254 188 first-time single kidney transplant recipients aged ≥18 years from the US Renal Data System (2000–2018). Diabetes status, as primary cause of ESKD, was defined using International Classification of Disease 9th and 10th Clinical Modification codes. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models (right-censored) computed risk of death associated with T1D and T2D relative to non-diabetes. Trends in standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) (2000–2017), relative to the general US population, were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Results A total of 72 175 (28.4%) deaths occurred over a median survival time of 14.6 years. 5-year survival probabilities were 88%, 85% and 77% for non-diabetes, T1D and T2D, respectively. In adjusted models, mortality was highest for T1D (HR=1.95, (95% CI: 1.88 to 2.03)) and then T2D (1.65 (1.62 to 1.69)), as compared with non-diabetes. SMRs declined for non-diabetes, T1D, and T2D. However, in 2017, SMRs were 2.38 (2.31 to 2.45), 6.55 (6.07 to 7.06), and 3.82 (3.68 to 3.98), for non-diabetes, T1D and T2D, respectively. Conclusions In the USA, diabetes type is an important modifier in mortality risk among kidney transplant recipients with highest rates among people with T1D-related ESKD. Development of effective interventions that reduce excess mortality in transplant recipients with diabetes is needed, especially for T1D.
Epidemiology, management, and prevention of exit site infections in peritoneal dialysis patients

Exit site infection (ESI) is a leading complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), at an incidence of 0.6 episodes per year in the U.S., and a major risk factor for catheter removal and peritonitis. An estimated 20% of all peritonitis cases are preceded by an ESI, with up to 50% of S. aureus peritonitis associated with ESI. Gram-negative ESIs are less associated with succeeding peritonitis than their gram-positive counterparts, though when present, are associated with a lower peritonitis cure rate. The rate of catheter removal for refractory ESI is relatively highest in ESI due to mycobacteria (up to 40%), S.aureus (35%), P. aeruginosa (28%), followed by Corynebacterium, Serratia, and fungi. In review of relevant literature, we found no prophylactic benefit of dressings over non-dressings, specific antiseptics over normal saline, or topical honey over topical antibiotic prophylaxis, and thus recommend individualized exit site hygiene. We found topical gentamicin effective for prevention of most ESIs, including gram-negative ESIs, and thus recommend consideration of prophylactic topical gentamicin in areas of high gram-negative peritonitis incidence. With long-term use, observational studies detect up to 25% of gram-positive and 14% of gram-negative ESIs may be mupirocin and gentamicin resistant, respectively. We review empiric and targeted ESI management, including indications for ultrasound, anti-VMRSA, anti-Pseudomonal, and anti-mycobacterial antibiotic use, and catheter removal. We recommend further investigation into the earlier use of second-line treatment agents and the utility of treating post-infectious exit site colonization as avenues to decrease refractory and repeat ESI. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Performance of the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure

The U.S. EPA has recently promulgated the use of a leaching procedure (TCLP) to be used as a criterion for disposal of hazardous wastes under the Land Disposal Restrictions Rule. The TCLP has also been included in the proposed rule for Identification and Listing of Hazardous Wastes. Summarized are results of eight different studies designed to evaluate the TCLP method. Study results indicate that the TCLP procedure can be applied consistently by a diverse group of laboratories.
AN EXPERIMENTAL METHOD TO ANALYZE GRAVITATIONAL STRESSES IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL PROBLEMS.

ABSTRACT Stresses and strains in a circular disk, in an o.d./i.d.=2 circular ring and in a circular disk with a star-shaped perforation, all made of a polyurethane rubber and subjected to the action of gravity, were analyzed by means of photoelasticity and moire. Some of the results obtained for the ring are compared with theoretical results. Stresses for the inside and outside boundaries of the circular disk with a star-shaped perforation, are given in dimensionless form. The method should be applicable to the solution of many stress problems in which stresses are produced by gravity.
The Energy-Efficient, Economical, and Environmental Impacts of Microturbines on Residential Customers

Combined heat and power systems such as micro turbines with capacities in the range of tens of kilowatts to hundreds of kilowatts have been employed for many years, mostly in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Despite their relatively small individual capacities as compared to centralized conventional utilities, their operation may lead to significant energy efficiency improvements for the electricity and heating of residential and commercial customers. Therefore, the objective of this study is to propose a method to analyze the impact of micro turbines on electricity and thermal energy production, costs, and emissions for residential customers. Then, we illustrate this method using a case study for Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
Identification of a precursor protein to the major glycoproteins of mouse mammary tumor virus.

Abstract Mouse mammary tumor virus-producing cultures of mouse mammary tumor cells synthesize a viral-related polypeptide of molecular weight of 73,000 (gp 73) which is rapidly labeled during a short pulse but disappears during the chase concomitantly with the appearance of label in the virion glycoproteins gp 49 and gp 37.5/33.5. The addition of the protein synthesis-inhibitor cycloheximide to the chase medium has little effect on this conversion. Treatment of the proposed precursor with α-chymotrypsin leads to the formation of a polypeptide of molecular weight 49,000, similar to the major virion glycoprotein. A comparison of tryptic digest maps of the glycoproteins involved supports the hypothesis that both the viral glycoproteins gp 49 and gp 37.5/33.5 are derived from gp 73.
Assessing older adults' perceptions of sensor data and designing visual displays for ambient environments. An exploratory study.

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Using Data from Ambient Assisted Living and Smart Homes in Electronic Health Records“. Objectives: Our objectives were to: 1) characterize older adult participants’ perceived usefulness of in-home sensor data and 2) develop novel visual displays for sensor data from Ambient Assisted Living environments that can become part of electronic health records. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older adult participants during three and six-month visits. We engaged participants in two design iterations by soliciting feedback about display types and visual displays of simulated data related to a fall scenario. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify themes related to perceived usefulness of sensor data. Results: Thematic analysis identified three themes: perceived usefulness of sensor data for managing health; factors that affect perceived usefulness of sensor data and; perceived usefulness of visual displays. Visual displays were cited as potentially useful for family members and health care providers. Three novel visual displays were created based on interview results, design guidelines derived from prior AAL research, and principles of graphic design theory. Conclusions: Participants identified potential uses of personal activity data for monitoring health status and capturing early signs of illness. One area for future research is to determine how visual displays of AAL data might be utilized to connect family members and health care providers through shared understanding of activity levels versus a more simplified view of self-management. Connecting informal and formal caregiving networks may facilitate better communication between older adults, family members and health care providers for shared decision-making.
The Book of Isaiah in Contemporary Research

This article surveys scholarship on the book of Isaiah since roughly the start of the 21st century. Noting that theories of the book's formation based on internal textual data have not commanded consensus, it calls for stronger methodological controls for models of composition and redaction, on the basis of comparative data from other ancient Near Eastern texts, especially prophetic texts. Although there has been an outpouring of scholarship from every angle, significant recent trends include centripetal/holistic approaches to the book and study of its reception history.
A FFT based algorithm for the formation of wide-angle ISAR images using EIP

This paper describes a new algorithm for implementing wide angle imaging. The new algorithm is derived from the enhanced image processing (EIP) algorithm described by Ausherman et al. (1984) and is based on using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to rotate and interpolate the linear images before compositing. The new algorithm is more accurate than the linear interpolation based compositing scheme used by Ausherman and is designed to perform efficiently on modern vector array processors. First, correlation imaging and the relationship between linear imaging and wide angle imaging is discussed. Following the discussion of the enhanced imaging technique, the new algorithm for implementing the EIP is described. After the theory is discussed, an example demonstrating the efficacy of the new algorithm is presented. The effect of different strategies for reducing sidelobes in the EIP imagery is also discussed. A comparison of the computational complexity of the new algorithm with the traditional algorithm is presented. The paper concludes with a summary.
Copper ion as a delivery platform for taxanes and taxane complexes

A number of delivery agents, such as proteins, liposomes, micelles, and nanoparticles, are utilized for transporting pharmaceutical agents in a physiological environment. This Letter focuses on the use of the copper(II) ion and its potential role as a delivery agent for the taxanes and taxol couple to a malaria drug. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR, 1H, 13C, 15N), Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS, MALDI-TOF, FT-ICR) and computational methods are used to examine the structure of the complex. The National Cancer Institute’s benchmark 60 cell line panel is used to compare the efficacy of the copper–taxol and copper–taxol–hydroxychloroquin complexes to that of iron–taxol and pure taxol.
In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy Observations of the Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum‐Copper Alloys

Atomic force microscopy, a powerful, high-resolution imaging technique for determining the structure of surfaces in gaseous and liquid environments, was used to examine the reactivity of an electropolished surface of a naturally aged aluminum-copper-magnesium alloy (2024-T3) in aqueous hydrochloric acid (0.01, 0.1, and 1 M). When first exposed to acid, the matrix dissolved uniformly. Dissolution then accelerated and pits formed predominantly in the vicinity of the second-phase precipitates. The pits developed into characteristic intergranular damage: i.e., elongated pits (incipient corrosion cracks) along grain boundaries. Postexperimental ex situ energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Auger electron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the composition of the various surface features of corroded samples.
The effect of electrolyte strength and grain size on the transient current response in Fe-Cr-Ni alloys during a scratch test

Abstract Two alloys, Fe-16%Cr-16%Ni (16/16) and Fe-25%Cr-25%Ni (25/25), from the Fe-Cr-Ni system have been used to study the effect of electrolyte strength on the depassivation and repassivation kinetics and the development of near surface microstructures using a scratch technique. The concentration of sulfuric acid in the solution 0.01 M H2SO4-0.01 M KCl was varied and the transient current response for different electrolytes shows that it increases systematically with increasing load in 16/16 alloy while the values at lower concentrations of sulfuric acid remain almost unaffected in the case of 25/2 alloy. The electrolyte strength effect is manifested in the form of strain rate during the process of scratching in an electrolyte (corrosive wear). The decrease in deformation band widths, after scratching, as a function of increase in concentration of the sulfuric acid in the electrolyte has been observed in 16/16 alloy. In contrast, the 25/25 alloy, with a higher stacking fault energy, shows long planar array of parallel dislocations at higher concentrations. The scatter in the data for the transient current response usually associated with this technique has been also studied.
Crystallization, activity assay and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the uncleaved form of the serpin antichymotrypsin.

Abstract Crystals of recombinant wild-type antichymotrypsin have been prepared by the method of vapor diffusion with polyethylene glycol 4000 as a precipitant at pH 5.7. Two crystal forms are observed. One form belongs to tetragonal space group P43212 (or P41212) and has unit cell dimensions a = b = 126 A , c = 243 A , with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The other crystal form belongs to orthorhombic space group P212121 and has unit cell parameters of a = 73 A , b = 78 A and c = 80 A , with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Diffraction intensity measurements have been made on the tetragonal crystal form to a limiting resolution of 4.1 A, and reflections have been observed on X-ray still photographs to a limiting resolution of 2.5 A for the orthorhombic form. An activity assay of redissolved tetragonal form crystals indicates that the uncleaved, functional serpin has been crystallized.
Acid-etch canine riser occlusal treatment.

Abstract A technique has been described where metal canine risers were attached to the lingual surfaces of maxillary canine teeth with acid-etch composite resin. The castings created a canine-protected occlusal scheme. No enamel needed to be removed from the teeth in their preparation for the restorations. The procedure is simple, safe, inexpensive, and effective.
The hr-t gene of polyoma virus

Abstract Malignant transformation of cells by polyoma virus results from the continual expression of a viral gene (hr-t) the normal function of which is to facilitate productive viral infection. The series of investigations described here on the polyoma hr-t gene originated with attempts to understand polyoma virus-cell interactions along lines suggested by temperate bacteriophage. Nucleic acid hybridization experiments indicated clearly that viral DNA persists in transformed cells and continues to be expressed. Radiobiological and other experiments, however, suggested a function for the expressed gene(s) which was not expected of a prophage: the promotion, rather than repression, of lytic virus growth. The hr-t gene acts pleiotropically to alter the physiological state of the host in a manner which facilitates virus production and induces a transformed cellular phenotype. The cellular alterations are manifested transiently during productive infection or abortive transformation, but permanently when the viral genome is integrated in stably transformed cells. hr-t mutants are defective in their growth in mice and in most cultured mouse cell lines. They are also unable to induce tumors or any of the morphological, structural, or growth-related changes which accompany cells transformation by the wild-type virus. The 22 kDa and 56 kDa proteins encoded in the early region of the viral DNA constitute dual products of the hr-t gene. hr-t mutants are localized in a narrow segment of the early region that specifies an amino acid sequence shared by these two overlapping proteins. Current efforts to link structural (i.e., mutational) changes with functional changes in these proteins center around the 56 kDa middle T antigen and its associated protein kinase activity. Assayed in vitro, this activity leads to phosphorylation of the 56 kDa protein itself, predominantly at a specific tyrosine residue in the C-terminal portion of the molecule. The middle T protein is anchored in cellular membranes by a hydrophobic tail close to the C-terminus. Membrane association is essential for transformation, as well as for the kinase activity. The common region of the 22 kDa/56 kDa proteins where hr-t mutants map has local regions of homology with highly conserved sequences in the pituitary glycoprotein hormones. The integrity of this region is also essential for transformation and for kinase activity. In vivo, the 56 kDa protein is a substrate for cellular kinase(s) and undergoes multiple phosphorylations (serine and/or threonine) that may affect the tyrosine-specific activity. These kinase reactions, originating in cellular membrane but potentially affecting pathways into the cytoplasm and nucleus, currently provide the most plausible biochemical mechanism underlying the pleiotropic effects of the hr-t gene.
Regulation of CD38 expression and function by steroid hormones in myometrium

CD 38, a 45-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed ubiquitously in many cell types, including the myometrial smooth muscle cells. CD 38 is a bifunctional protein, and has both ADP-ribosyl cyclase (cyclase) and cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR)-hydrolase (hydrolase) activities. The cyclase converts beta-NAD to cADPR, a calcium mobilizing second messenger involved in fertilization, insulin secretion, and muscle contraction. CD 38 expression in smooth muscle is regulated by cytokines, by the steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone, and during gestation in the rat. Estrogen increases CD 38 expression, which is associated with increased cyclase, but not hydrolase, activity, indicating a differential post-translational regulation. Progesterone attenuates estrogen-induced effects on CD 38 expression and activities. This will have implications for increased calcium mobilization and contractility of the myometrium during parturition.
Quantitative drop analysis. XI. Determination of lactic acid

A drop-scale modification of the common volumetric lactic acid method is described. Samples containing from 1,22 to 28,85γ of lactic acid were analysed in simple solutions and in various blood samples. The accuracy of the method was usually about the same as in the macro procedure.
SNA management services architecture for APPN networks

The introduction of Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) provides for a more flexible Systems Network Architecture (SNA) environment: end-user systems (physical units, or PUs) at the edge of a routing network no longer need a predefined relationship with a system services control point (SSCP) for network control purposes. This new flexibility creates challenges for SNA Management Services, however, since the SSCP-PU relationship provided a vehicle for network management as well as network control. To meet the needs of this peer-to-peer environment, the SNA Management Services architecture was extended to provide a management infrastructure that replaces the previous SSCP-PU relationship, and at the same time provides for much greater flexibility. This new infrastructure consists of a formalization of the focal-point/entry-point concept in the architecture and a transport technique for management services data that utilizes the facilities of Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC) rather than the SSCP-PU session. Together this provides for a management structure in a peer network.
Dietary obesity in adult rats: Similarities to hypothalamic and human obesity syndromes

Abstract Normal adult female rats fed a variety of supermarket foods in addition to lab chow rapidly gained weight and became obese compared to rats fed only lab chow. Group housing the animals in an enriched environment did not alter the development of dietary obesity, but housing the rats in activity wheels reduced, although did not prevent, the obesity. The dietary obese rats did not normally defend their excessive weights since they were less willing to eat quinine diets, worked less for food, failed to increase their activity when deprived, and regained their weight at a slower rate following a fast than did controls. The similarity between this behavioral pattern and that displayed by hypothalamic obese rats and overweight humans is discussed.
Medical validation and CBIR of spine x-ray images over the Internet

As found in the literature, most Internet-based prototype Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) systems focus on stock photo collections and do not address challenges of large specialized image collections and topics such as medical information retrieval by image content. Even fewer have medically validated data to evaluate retrieval quality in terms of precision and relevance. To date, our research has reported over 75% relevant spine X-ray image retrieval tested on 888 validated vertebral shapes from 207 images using our prototype CBIR system operating within our local network. As a next step, we have designed and developed an Internet-based medical validation tool and a CBIR retrieval tool in MATLAB and JAVA that can remotely connect to our database. The retrieval tool supports hybrid text and image queries and also provides partial shape annotation for pathology-specific querying. These tools are initially developed for domain experts, such as radiologists and educators, to identify design issues for improved workflow. This article describes the tools and design considerations in their development.
Slowly varying laminar flames

Abstract Pursuing ideas of Sivashinsky, we consider distinguished limit perturbations of the classical one-dimensional deflagration wave in the limit of large activation energy in order to investigate unsteady effects, three-dimensional effects, and the effects of heat losses and area changes.
From Memory to Research: German Popular Genealogy in the Early Twentieth Century

Today genealogy enjoys a wide range of enthusiastic practitioners, and almost every extended family has a self-appointed family historian. Along with professional historians, genealogists are ubiquitous at archives both in Germany and the United States. Of course this was not always so; until about one hundred years ago genealogy was the almost exclusive purview of nobles and aristocrats who had rather immediate concerns driving their inquiries into their families' pasts. That changed around 1900 in Germany, when in the words of a “how-to” guide for amateur researchers written in 1920, genealogy underwent a transformation from a “nobleman's sport” to a bourgeois “science.” This meant that, “today the middle class constitutes four fifths, nay nine tenths, of the biggest genealogical societies.” According to the growing corpus of genealogical literature, the middle class had marked family research with superior values and a greater dedication to truth and knowledge. Beyond the rhetoric, the bourgeois acceptance of genealogy altered the ways that middle-class families saw and remembered the past.
Strengthening the Ties Between Tourism and Economic Geography: A Theoretical Agenda*

This paper stresses the importance of bridging the conceptual gap between tourism research and economic geography. It explains why the tourism production system has been unable to avoid its peripheral position in economic geography. The paper then focuses on the structure and organization of the principal agents comprising the tourism production system and identifies the state's pivotal role as coordinator of these agents. Lastly, it highlights two under-researched issues relating to entreprcneurship and labor pools and makes recommendations for further research.
Nonmission–Based Values in Results–Oriented Public Management: The Case of Freedom of Information

Since the 1940s, Congress and the federal courts have sought to make U.S. federal administration more responsive to democratic–constitutional values, including representation, participation, transparency, and individual rights. As manifested in the National Performance Review, the New Public Management emphasis on results may reduce attention to these values, which for most agencies are not intrinsically mission–based. Freedom of information illustrates the problem of protecting nonmission–based, democratic–constitutional values in results–oriented public management. Agencies’ annual performance plans under the Government Performance and Results Act overwhelmingly ignore freedom of information, even though it is a legal requirement and performance measures for it are readily available. This study concludes that focusing on results may weaken commitment to democratic–constitutional values by default. It suggests that using a balanced scorecard approach in performance plans could enhance attention to freedom of information and other democratic–constitutional values.