cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ophthalmology patients' interest in online access to clinic notes at three US clinics.

Purpose This study aimed to understand patients' perceptions about potential benefits and harms of accessing their own ophthalmology clinic notes via an electronic patient portal as part of the OpenNotes initiative. Methods The authors conducted a cross-sectional, in-person survey of ophthalmology patients at three US eye clinics. The paper survey was self-administered or administered with assistance from study staff before or after patients' clinical visits. The authors used descriptive statistics to summarise patient characteristics and patient attitudes about accessing their ophthalmology notes online. Chi-square and t-tests were performed to assess differences in patient responses between clinic locations. Results Four hundred and fifty-one patients responded (response rate 65%). Most patients thought that accessing doctors' notes online was a good idea (95%), wanted to view their clinic notes online (94%), and agreed online access would increase their understanding of their eye problems (95%) and help them better remember their care plan (94%); 14% said online access would increase their worry; 43% had privacy concerns; and 96% indicated they would show or discuss their notes with at least one other person. Non-white patients were more likely than white patients to perceive online clinic notes as a useful tool, but they were also more likely to worry and to express greater privacy concerns. Conclusions Patients at three US eye clinics were strongly in favour of online access to ophthalmology notes and were optimistic this access would improve their understanding and self-care. Ophthalmologists should consider offering online access to their notes to enhance doctor-patient communication and improve clinical outcomes.
Time-Resolved Infrared Radiometry for Characterization of Structured Materials

Time resolved radiometry is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally as a parallel, noncontacting method for quantitative imaging of laterally and vertically heterogeneous systems such as composites and coatings systems.
Can We Increase the Value and Decrease the Cost of Clinical Skills Assessment

Although the authors do not agree with medical students' bid to end the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Skills or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination Level 2-Performance Evaluation tests, they concur with Ecker and colleagues that conducting further research to support the validity argument, providing greater feedback on performance, and exploring options to reduce costs are important for addressing students' concerns. Evidence to support the validity of clinical skills exam scores and associated inferences already exists. What is lacking, and would help further justify the use of these examinations, is more evidence to support the "extrapolation" argument-that is, is performance on these examinations related to actual patient care? Enhanced feedback on exam performance should also be considered. While performance data from licensing examinations should be used judiciously given the primary purpose of these tests, additional data would be helpful to learners and their institutions. Centralized testing remains the least costly design, but efficiencies of standardized patient training, case development, and scoring can be reviewed. Scoring modifications made in the past several years at substantial cost should be evaluated to determine whether they have achieved desired goals. Testing organizations can and should embrace these essential elements of transparency and accountability to address concerns about the value of clinical skills examinations.
Family companions’ involvement during pre-surgical consent visits for major cancer surgery and its relationship to visit communication and satisfaction.

30Background: While research has explored the role of companions (accompanying family members) in medical visits, studies have not examined companions’ involvement in pre-surgical visits. This stud...
Asymmetric Synthesis of Allylic Fluorides via Fluorination of Racemic Allylic Trichloroacetimidates Catalyzed by a Chiral Diene-Iridium Complex

The ability to use racemic allylic trichloroacetimidates as competent electrophiles in a chiral bicyclo[3.3.0]octadiene-ligated iridium-catalyzed asymmetric fluorination with Et3N·3HF is described. The methodology represents an effective route to prepare a wide variety of α-linear, α-branching, and β-heteroatom substituted allylic fluorides in good yields, excellent branched-to-linear ratios, and high levels of enantioselectivity. Additionally, the catalytic system is amendable to the fluorination of optically active allylic trichloroacetimidate substrates to afford the fluorinated products in good yields with exclusively branched selectivity. Excellent levels of catalyst-controlled diastereoselectivities using either (R,R) or (S,S)-bicyclo[3.3.0]octadiene ligand are observed. The synthetic utility of the fluorination process is illustrated in the asymmetric synthesis of 15-fluorinated prostaglandin and neuroprotective agent P7C3-A20.
High-performance axicon lenses based on high-contrast, multilayer gratings

Axicon lenses are versatile optical elements that can convert Gaussian beams to Bessel-like beams. In this letter, we demonstrate that axicons operating with high efficiencies and at large angles can be produced using high-contrast, multilayer gratings made from silicon. Efficient beam deflection of incident monochromatic light is enabled by higher-order optical modes in the silicon structure. Compared to diffractive devices made from low-contrast materials such as silicon dioxide, our multilayer devices have a relatively low spatial profile, reducing shadowing effects and enabling high efficiencies at large deflection angles. In addition, the feature sizes of these structures are relatively large, making the fabrication of near-infrared devices accessible with conventional optical lithography. Experimental lenses with deflection angles as large as 40° display field profiles that agree well with theory. Our concept can be used to design optical elements that produce higher-order Bessel-like beams, and the...
First report of Borrelia miyamotoi in an Ixodes ricinus tick in Augsburg, Germany

Borrelia miyamotoi, a spirochete found in the hard tick Ixodes ricinus, is thought to cause relapsing fever. The disease caused by this bacterium can manifest with high fever, fatigue and other symptoms. It may also lead to central nervous system involvement with symptoms similar to meningoencephalitis. DNA from ticks from the greater Augsburg region in Germany was subjected to qPCR for Borrelia spp., followed by nested PCR and subsequent sequencing for species identification of the qPCR positive samples. From 112 ticks, 20 were found to be positive for Borrelia. The DNA sequenced showed 50% Borrelia afzelli, 15% Borrelia garinii, 5% Borrelia valaisiana and one sequence was identified as Borrelia miyamotoi. The positive identification of Borrelia miyamotoi is unlikely to be due to contamination. In conclusion, Borrelia miyamotoi has been found in a tick in the Augsburg region for the first time. This follows on from previous reports of a low incidence of this bacterium in southern Germany around Lake Constance and in the Munich region. This infectious agent should be taken into account when patients present with recurring fever or neurological symptoms which cannot be otherwise explained. Tick-borne relapsing fever should now be considered as a cause of such symptoms and medical professionals should contemplate differential Borrelia testing when presented with corresponding symptoms.
Things: The Micro-Ontology of Realist Consciousness

Where there is a thing, there is also what is not that thing. A thing is distinguished from, and contrasts with, its environment. There must, consequently, always be something in which a thing and its environment differ. I shall call it their contents. Where thing meets environment, there is a boundary. A boundary is a difference in content. How a thing is bounded in its environment I shall call its form. The content of a thing is what it is made of or consists of. Its form is how that content is arranged in the environment. A thing, then, is form plus content. It is so-much thus-arranged (form) such- and-such stuff (content).
Thermodynamic Properties of Superfluid 4He at Negative Pressure

We calculate the thermodynamics of superfluid 4He at negative pressures. We use the Landau theory in which thermodynamic properties are expressed as sums over the thermal distribution of elementary excitations. The excitation dispersion curve is taken from the density functional theory developed by Dalfovo et al. To give a good description of the liquid near to the lambda line, we include the interaction between the elementary excitations using a modification of the roton liquid theory of Bedell, Pines, and Fomin. The calculated quantities include the location of the lambda line, the liquid-vapor spinodal, and lines of constant entropy in the pressure-temperature (P-T) plane. We have also calculated the line of minimum density (zero expansion coefficient) in theP-T plane. This joins the lambda line tangentially at about −5.3 bars. Using the critical properties near the lambda line, we find that the line of maximum density in He I also joins the lambda line tangentially at this pressure. For use in cavitation experiments, we have calculated the states on the lambda line reached by isentropic expansion from He I.
Photostrictive actuators using piezoelectric materials

: Photostrictive materials, exhibiting light-induced strains, are of interest for future generation wireless remote control photo-actuators, micro-actuators, and micro-sensor applications. The photostrictive effect arises from a superposition of the ‘bulk’ photovoltaic effect, i.e. generation of large voltage from the irradiation of light, and the converse piezoelectric effect, i.e. expansion or contraction under the voltage applied. (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti) O3 (PLZT) ceramics doped with WO3 exhibit large photostriction under uniform illumination of near-ultraviolet light. Using a bimorph configuration, a photo-driven relay and a micro walking device have been demonstrated. However, for the fabrication of these devices, higher response speed must be achieved. This chapter first reviews the theoretical background of the photostrictive effect, then discusses enhanced performance through composition modification and sample preparation techniques (thickness and surface characteristics of the sample). Future applications of photostrictive actuators are briefly described.
Scientific Philosophy and the Critique of Metaphysics from Russell to Carnap to Quine

In his “Wissenschaftslogik: The Role of Logic in the Philosophy of Science,” Michael Friedman argues that Carnap’s philosophy of science “is fundamentally anti-metaphysical—he aims to use the tools of mathematical logic to dissolve rather [than] solve traditional philosophical problems—and it is precisely this point that is missed by his logically-minded contemporaries such as Hempel and Quine” (385). In this paper, I take issue with this claim, arguing that Quine, too, is a part of this anti-metaphysical tradition. I begin in section I with Russell’s account of scientific philosophy, focusing on its critique of metaphysics and its reliance on logical constructions. I then argue that each of Carnap and Quine take up this call to scientific philosophizing but that they both find Russell’s account of logic wanting. In section II, I first provide an account of Carnap’s critique of metaphysics and its reliance on developments in logic. This is followed by a discussion of his appeal to the analytic/synthetic distinction so as to improve upon Russell’s account of logic. Section III follows this same structure but focuses on Quine. In the end, though, Quine turns not to the analytic/synthetic distinction but to holism to provide an account of logic suitable to scientific philosophy. Carnap had claimed to be “more Russellian than Russell,” and in this final move by Quine I argue that he is “being more Carnapian than Carnap.” I conclude by showing how, contrary to Friedman’s view, Quine’s rejection of the analytic/synthetic distinction does not yield a return to the kind metaphysics that he, Carnap, and Russell all objected to.
Exploratory implementation of a blended format escape room in a large enrollment pharmacy management class.

Abstract Background and purpose Adapting the popular entertainment activity “Escape Rooms” for educational purposes is an innovative teaching method with the potential to improve the learning experience. This implementation of an educational escape room explored the feasibility of using a blended online/offline escape room activity in a large enrollment pharmacy management course. Educational activity and setting An educational escape room activity based on a mixture of online and paper-based clues was designed and implemented in the human resources module of a third professional year pharmacy management course with 141 students. The proof of concept was assessed via an instructor post-activity feasibility analysis and a log of estimated time for all design, development, and delivery components. The instructional objectives of creating a fun, engaging, and collaborative method of teaching were evaluated through an anonymous online student survey. Findings The blended environment escape room was implemented successfully. Student perceptions of the activity were generally very positive. In comparison with a typical classroom experience, 91% (n = 126) of participants indicated they were more engaged in thinking about the problems and 89% (n = 123) enjoyed the escape room more. Summary With an instructional design that addresses logistical requirements, educational escape rooms can be conducted in courses with large enrollments. Time requirements for this type of teaching method are substantial, but reasonable, if the activity is repeated in subsequent semesters. Educational escape rooms can be used to provide a more enjoyable student experience that immerses them as active participants in the learning environment.
Using Filters in Time-based Movie Recommender Systems

A movie recommendation system is one which uses data about the user, data about the movie and the ratings given by a user in order to generate predictions for the movies that the user will like. This prediction is further presented to the user as a recommendation. For example, Netflix uses a recommendation system to predict movies and generate favorable recommendations for users based on their profiles and the profiles of users similar to them. In user-based collaborative filtering algorithm, the movies rated highly by the users similar to a particular user are considered as recommendations for that user. But users' preferences vary with time, which often affects the efficacy of the recommendation, especially in a movie recommendation system. Because of the constant variation of the preferences, there has been research on using time since rating or watching the movie as a significant factor for recommendation. If time is considered as an attribute in the training phase of building a recommendation model, the model might get complex. Most of the research till now does this in the training phase, However, we study the effect of using time as a factor in the post training phase and study it further by applying a genre-based filtering mechanism to the system. Employing this in the post training phase reduces the complexity of the method and also reduces the number of irrelevant recommendations.
Ethical Considerations in Transplant Patients

Given the complex factors involved and the consequences of the decision-making process, the selection process involves a complex set of ethical considerations. Organ transplantation remains one of the most challenging issues in bioethics because it touches on so many already difficult subjects: end-of-life care, rationing, euthanasia, surrogate decision-making, justice, financial conflicts of interest, and the definition of death itself. In the United States, the operating principles used for the procurement of organs include (1) the “dead donor rule,” which dictates that individuals must be declared dead before any vital organs are removed for transplantation, or (2) the “Uniform Determination of Death Act” (UDDA), which defines an individual as dead when he/she sustained either irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions or irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem. The more modern version, the UDDA, has allowed for two new mechanisms for the procurement of organs: (a) “donation after cardiac death,” (also known as DCD) and (b) donation after brain death. In this chapter we discuss ongoing ethical issues in the field of organ transplantation, from issues related to the procurement of organs to the dilemmas associated with the selection and listing of candidates, organ allocation, and the issue of transplant tourism.
Superior, Processing-Dependent Thermal Conductivity of Cellulose Nanocrystal-Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Films

Abstract The in-plane thermal conductivity of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) – poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite films containing different PVA molecular weights, CNC loadings and varying order parameters (S) were investigated as an eco-friendly, renewable and sustainable alternative to commonly used petroleum-based polymeric materials for potential application in thermal management of flexible electronics. Isotropic CNC-PVA bulk films with 10–50 wt% PVA solid loading showed significant improvement in thermal conductivity compared to either one component system. Further, anisotropic composite films exhibited in-plane thermal conductivity as high as ∼3.45 W m−1 K−1 in the chain direction, which is higher than most polymeric materials used as substrates for flexible electronics. Such an improvement can be attributed to the inclusion of PVA as well as to a high degree of CNC orientation. Further, a theoretical model was used to study the effect of CNC arrangement (both isotropic and anisotropic configuration) and interfacial thermal resistance on the in-plane thermal conductivity of the CNC-PVA composite films. In order to demonstrate an application for flexible electronics, thermal images of a concentrated heat source on both neat PVA and CNC-PVA composite films were taken that showed the temperature of the resulting hot spot was lower for the composite films at the same power dissipation.
False positive fourth generation HIV test in a patient with severe malaria.

Abstract Severe malaria is an uncommon diagnosis in the United States. However, awareness of signs, symptoms, and treatment options is imperative in order to promptly initiate optimal therapy. False positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results are rare in the setting of acute malaria infection and with the introduction of newer fourth-generation immunoassays. The Centers for Disease Control algorithms assist in confirming true HIV infection (Branson et al. 2014).
The separation of multiple mutually interfering FM signals and the use of predistortion to compensate for nonlinear RF amplifiers

In this pajjer. we derive high-order Volterra based pre-distorters for a broad class of nonlinear am­ plifiers. The traditional problems associated with high-order Volterra kernels are bypassed by using the structure of the amplifier. It is seen that the problem of pre-distortion is mainly that of estimating the amplifier. Once this is completed, finding the pre-distorter is straightforward. The derived pre-distorters are actually high-order Volterra op>erators. The proposed method results in easily implemented, but high-order pre-distorters. The method is applicable to both pre-distorting RP and baseband signals. If baseband signals are used, the in-h)and distortion is cancelled while the out-of-band distortion is essentially unchanged. The work weis founded by Rockwell International. Cedar Rapids. Iowa, contract CF\VQ49.5-12.
Using normalisation process theory to understand workflow implications of decision support implementation across diverse primary care settings.

Background Effective implementation of technologies into clinical workflow is hampered by lack of integration into daily activities. Normalisation process theory (NPT) can be used to describe the kinds of ‘work’ necessary to implement and embed complex new practices. We determined the suitability of NPT to assess the facilitators, barriers and ‘work’ of implementation of two clinical decision support (CDS) tools across diverse care settings. Methods We conducted baseline and 6-month follow-up quantitative surveys of clinic leadership at two academic institutions’ primary care clinics randomised to the intervention arm of a larger study. The survey was adapted from the NPT toolkit, analysing four implementation domains: sense-making, participation, action, monitoring. Domains were summarised among completed responses (n=60) and examined by role, institution, and time. Results The median score for each NPT domain was the same across roles and institutions at baseline, and decreased at 6 months. At 6 months, clinic managers’ participation domain (p=0.003), and all domains for medical directors (p Conclusions This study employed NPT to longitudinally assess the implementation barriers of new CDS. The consistency of results across participant roles suggests similarities in the work each role took on during implementation. The decline in engagement over time suggests the need for more frequent contact to maintain momentum. Using NPT to evaluate this implementation provides insight into domains which can be addressed with participants to improve success of new electronic health record technologies. Trial registration number NCT02534987.
Two-Dimensional Materials to Address the Lithium Battery Challenges

Despite the ever-growing demand in safe and high power/energy density of Li+ ion and Li metal rechargeable batteries (LIBs), materials-related challenges are responsible for the majority of performance degradation in such batteries. These challenges include electrochemically induced phase transformations, repeated volume expansion and stress concentrations at interfaces, poor electrical and mechanical properties, low ionic conductivity, dendritic growth of Li, oxygen release and transition metal dissolution of cathodes, polysulfide shuttling in Li-sulfur batteries, and poor reversibility of lithium peroxide/superoxide products in Li-O2 batteries. Owing to compelling physicochemical and structural properties, in recent years two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as promising candidates to address the challenges in LIBs. This Review highlights the cutting-edge advances of LIBs by using 2D materials as cathodes, anodes, separators, catalysts, current collectors, and electrolytes. It is shown that 2D materials can protect the electrode materials from pulverization, improve the synergy of Li+ ion deposition, facilitate Li+ ion flux through electrolyte and electrode/electrolyte interfaces, enhance thermal stability, block the lithium polysulfide species, and facilitate the formation/decomposition of Li-O2 discharge products. This work facilitates the design of safe Li batteries with high energy and power density by using 2D materials.
Clinical value of applying B ultrasonic to diagnosis of retinoblastoma

Objective To analyze the value of B ultrasonic of the diagnosis of RB (retinoblastoma). Methods The study included 29 cases (36 eyes) of RB examined by B ultrasonic,CT scan and Retcam3.A retrospective study was performed, Results Ultrasound finding of RB showed different solid mass with moderate or strong echo.Partly had the liquefaction and necrosis,25 cases (32eyes,88.9％) had calcification,3 cases (4 eyes,11.1％) had no calcification,1 case (1 eye,2.8％)among the cases without calcification had chemotherapy and was found the calcification two months later.CT found the calcification in 24 cases (83.3％).Retcam showed RB directly. Conclusions Bultrasonic can show the characteristic of RB.It is prior to CT and Retcam.If the calcification has not shown at the first examination,it may find the lesion after chemotherapy.So B ultrasonic is important to the diagnosis of RB. Key words: Retinoblastoma; B-ultrasonogram
Fetal Protection Against Continuous Exposure To Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Following Administration of A Vaccine Containing an Inactivated BVDV Fraction

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major viral pathogen of cattle, leading to substantial economic losses. A major source of loss is attributed to fetal infection with subsequent fetal pathology. The major source of virus transmission is cattle that are immunotolerant and persistently infected with BVDV. The objective of this study was to determine if a commercially available killed BVDV vaccine (CattleMasterR® Gold TM FP™ L5, Pfizer Animal Health) could protect cattle against viremia and fetal infection during continuous exposure to cattle persistently infected with the BVDV. This type of model may more closely represent natural challenge, including continuous exposure to multiple virus strains.
Identification of the Viral Determinant of Hypovirulence and Host Range in Sclerotiniaceae of a Genomovirus Reconstructed from the Plant Metagenome.

Uncharacterized viral genomes that encode circular replication-associated proteins of single-stranded DNA viruses have been discovered by metagenomics/metatranscriptomics approaches. Some of these novel viruses are classified under the newly formed Genomoviridae family. Here, we determine the host range of a novel genomovirus, SlaGemV-1, through the transfection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with infectious clones. Inoculating with the rescued virions, we further transfected Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fruticola, two economically important members of family Sclerotiniaceae, and Fusarium oxysporum. SlaGemV-1 causes hypovirulence in S. sclerotiorum, B. cinerea, and M. fruticola. SlaGemV-1 also replicates in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells, but not in Caenorhabditis elegans nor plants. By expressing viral-encoded genes separately through site-specific integration, the replication protein alone was sufficient to cause debilitation. Our study is the first to demonstrate the reconstruction of a metagenomically discovered genomovirus without known hosts with the potential of inducing hypovirulence, and the infectious clone allows for studying mechanisms of genomovirus-host interactions that are conserved across genera. Importance Little is known about the exact host range of widespread genomoviruses. The genome of soybean leaf-associated gemygorvirus-1 (SlaGemV-1) was originally assembled from a metagenomic/metatranscriptomic study without known hosts. Here, we rescued SlaGemV-1 and found that it could infect three important plant pathogenic fungi and Fall armyworm (S. frugiperda, Sf9) insect cells, but not a model nematode, C. elegans, or model plant species. Most importantly, SlaGemV-1 shows promise for inducing hypovirulence of the tested fungal species under family Sclerotiniaceae, including Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fruticola. The viral determinant of hypovirulence was further identified as replication initiation protein. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate that viromes discovered in plant metagenome can be a valuable genetic resource when novel viruses are rescued and characterized for their host range.
Torture: Legal Perspectives

This article is a replacement of the previous edition article by G. Kaiser, volume 23, pp. 15783–15786, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
The Development of Postnatal Turning Bias is Influenced by Prenatal Visual Experience in Domestic Chicks ( Gallus gallus )

Recent research supports a significant role for prenatal sensory experience in the development of lateralized postnatal visual discrimination in birds, but little is known about its potential effect on the development of lateralized postnatal motor behaviors. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of prenatal visual experience on the development of spatial turning bias in domestic chicks. Control tests with maternally naive, domestic chicks in a standard T maze revealed a left-side turning bias in 90% of subjects. Such large population biases are considered unusual in nonhuman species. Chicks were exposed to one of three prenatal conditions: both eye systems exposed to enhanced visual experience, right-eye system exposed/left-eye system occluded, or left-eye system exposed/right-eye system occluded. Results revealed a significant lack of population turning bias in all experimental subjects except those that received right eye stimulation prenatally. These results suggest that unilateral prenatal visual experience to the right eye/left hemisphere is a significant contributor to the lateralization process in domestic chicks.
Imaging Flaws in Adhesive Joints Using Acoustic Techniques and Infrared Thermography

The ability to ensure the integrity and reliability of adhesive joints is essential to increased use of lightweight materials in the automotive industry [1]. For manufacturing applications, on-line inspection techniques must be fast, accurate with limited access to parts, robust in manufacturing environments and available at reasonable cost. The work presented here is part of a project in which nondestructive techniques are being evaluated to access their ability to detect and characterize flaws in adhesive joints in metals and composite materials. The long-term goal of the project is development of a prototype on-line inspection system for automobile structural members.
Hegel, the End of History, and the Future

Introduction Part I. Hegel and the End of History: 1. The end of history as a question and a problem 2. Hegel and Nietzsche 3. Hegel and Engels 4. Hegel and Kojeve Part II. Hegel and the Philosophy of History: 5. Herder and history 6. Fichte and history 7. Hegel and history 8. The spirit and the end 9. The present and the future.
Ethical health information: Do it well! Do it right! Do no harm!

Anyone who provides health information to others has several important ethical responsibilities including provision of the best possible information, respect for individual privacy, preservation of confidentiality, promotion of access to information, respect for intellectual property rights, not practicing a health profession without a proper license, and continually updating their knowledge. Providing the best possible information includes analysis of information sources for authority, reliability, currency, and accessibility. It includes understanding the basis of primary, secondary, and translational health literature in any medium. Respect for individual privacy includes avoiding intrusion into or interference with an individual's right to personal decision making as well as an individual's right to control what confided personal information is revealed to anyone. Preserving confidentiality is the ethical responsibility not to pass on personal information, which an individual has shared. Promotion of access includes group and individual guidance to excellent accessible information sources and it may include translating material (without personal interpretation) from professional clinical language into lay terminology to increase health information literacy. Respect for intellectual property rights is a legal obligation to cite sources and to comply with copyright and document licensing laws, regulations, guidelines, and restrictions. Such an information provider must understand the extent and limits of information provision and avoid practicing another profession without the proper legal credentials to do so. Thus a person, who is not a licensed health care provider can provide information about diseases, injuries, health promotion, drugs, and therapies, but may not diagnose or prescribe for an individual. (Often a proclaimer or disclaimer can help to make the distinction.) Patient education prescribed for an individual by a health care provider is different from information services provided by someone else. Continuing education helps the health information provider to stay green and growing, constantly studying and learning in order to provide better information to others. Make conscious positive habits of these ethical principles and they will be easier to follow than if they are treated as seldom consulted rules. Stressful conflicts will happen and virtue ethics carry the wise through them.
On the universality of age-based scheduling in wireless networks

It is well-known that maximum weight scheduling, with link weights which are either functions of queue lengths or the ages of the Head-of-Line (HoL) packets in each queue, maximizes the throughput region of wireless networks with persistent flows. In particular, with only persistent flows, it does not matter for throughput optimality whether one uses queue lengths or HoL ages as weights. In this paper, we show the following interesting result: when some flows in the network are dynamic (i.e., they arrive and depart from the network and are not persistent), then HoL-age-based scheduling algorithms are throughput-optimal while it has previously been shown that queue-length-based algorithms are not. This reveals that, age-based algorithms are universal in the sense that their throughput optimality does not depend on whether the arriving traffic is persistent or not. We also present a distributed implementation of the proposed age-based algorithm using CSMA techniques, where each flow only knows its own age and carrier sensing information. Finally, we support our analytical results through simulations. The proof of throughput optimality may be interesting in its own right: it uses a novel Lyapunov function which is the sum of the ages of all the packets in the network.
Getting the Picture: My Experience with Described Art

In the latter half of the twentieth century, blind children were given little--if any--instruction in art appreciation and criticism. This lamentable gap in their education made it difficult for them not only to appreciate pictures but also to understand artistic conventions. The author relates instances of how he came to grapple with the meaning of artistic movements and how they could be enhanced by realizing their connections with parallel movements in music. A consistent process by which art can be elucidated to blind people should include explaining the basics of what is going on in the picture, putting the work in an artistic context, elaborating on seemingly minute but important details, and discussing any critical controversies about the work's interpretation. Commendable work is being done in helping the blind appreciate art, but more needs to be done. Key words: Blindness, blind museum access, verbal description of art, audio description.
Reirradiation for recurrent medulloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Previously irradiated recurrent medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly lethal disease. Reirradiation is often not considered secondary to its potential toxicity and uncertain efficacy. Analysis of retreatment could help identify the feasibility and role of reirradiation for recurrent MB. METHODS: Thirteen patients who underwent at least 1 course of reirradiation at the authors’ institution as a component of management after recurrence were identified, and their medical records were analyzed. RESULTS: At first diagnosis, all patients underwent surgical resection and radiation, with 69% of patients receiving chemotherapy. Median time to initial failure was 50 months (range, 14-103 months). Reirradiation subsite breakdown was as follows: posterior fossa, 46%; supratentorial/whole brain, 31%; spine, 23%; craniospinal, 8%. Median cumulative dose was 84 grays (range, 65-98.4 grays). Of 11 patients completing a full course of reirradiation, there were 6 failures, with 3 in the reirradiation field. Kaplan-Meier estimates of progression-free and overall survival since time of first recurrence were 48% and 65%, respectively at 5 years. Of patients without gross disease at reirradiation, 83% were without evidence of disease at last follow-up. With a median follow-up of 30 months, reirradiation was well tolerated, with only 1 case of asymptomatic, in-field radiation necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results in this series are promising, but must be interpreted with caution given the limitations. Reirradiation provided most benefit to patients with no evidence of disease after surgical re-resection, and least to patients with gross disease. Important considerations for reirradiation toxicity development include duration between radiation courses and patient age. Further study of reirradiation as part of trimodality therapy is warranted. Cancer 2011;117:4977–82. V C 2011 American Cancer Society.
Born with Flare

The distorted shape of a dusk disk around a young star suggests that plenty of raw material still exists, even after 3 million years, to form giant gas planets.
Gamma Rays From Rotation-Powered Pulsars

The seven known gamma-ray pulsars represent a very small fraction of the more than 1000 presently known radio pulsars, yet they can give us valuable information about pulsar particle acceleration and energetics. Although the theory of acceleration and high-energy emission in pulsars has been studied for over 25 years, the origin of the pulsed gamma rays is a question that remains unanswered. Characteristics of the pulsars detected by the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory could not clearly distinguish between an emission site at the magnetic poles (polar cap models) and emission from the outer magnetosphere (outer gap models). There are also a number of theoretical issues in both type of model which have yet to be resolved. The two types of models make contrasting predictions for the numbers of radio-loud and radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsars and of their spectral characteristics. GLAST will probably detect at least 50 radio-selected pulsars and possibly many more radio-quiet pulsars. With this large sample, it will be possible to fully test the model predictions and finally resolve this longstanding question.
Radiation belt responses to the solar events of October-November 2003

The solar disturbances of October-November 2003 produced large enhancements of the energetic particles deep within the Earth's magnetosphere. Most notably, there were acceleration and redistribution processes within the radiation belts leading to a complete filling of the slot region around L∼2.5 (which is usually devoid of highly relativistic electrons). The radiation belts were enhanced in intensity for more than 40 days following the so-called Halloween storm event. The solar and magnetospheric particle radiation appeared to be related to a variety of spacecraft anomalies and other space weather effects. The observed solar particles and radiation belt changes in this extended interval are here placed into the context of the historical record of SAMPEX observations and are related to plasmaspheric changes seen by IMAGE. It is concluded that the solar drivers and the magnetospheric responses were amongst the largest that have been recorded in the spacecraft data record.
Improving strain-measurement accuracy when using shunt calibrations

It is conventional practice to consider shunt calibration of a strain-gage bridge in a manner which can result in erroneous tension-strain measurements. For strains from 1 percent to 10 percent as encountered increasingly in today’s structural materials and composites, the measured tension strains can be significantly lower than the actual strain. These errors are eliminated by using the method of determining ‘equivalent strains’ which is presented here. Shunt-calibration output is equated separately to tension-and compression-strain outputs to determine the ‘equivalent strain’ to be used for the reduction of each.
Rapid solid-state metathesis route to transition-metal doped titanias

Abstract Rapid solid-state metathesis (SSM) reactions are often short-lived highly exothermic reactions that yield a molten alkali halide salt that aids in product growth and crystallization. SSM reactions may also produce kinetically stabilized structures due to the short (seconds) reaction times. This report describes the investigation of rapid SSM reactions in the synthesis of transition-metal doped titanias (M–TiO 2 ). The dopant targeted compositions were ten mol percent and based on elemental analysis, many of the M–TiO 2 samples were close to this targeted level. Based on surface analysis, some samples showed large enrichment in surface dopant content, particularly chromium and manganese doped samples. Due to the highly exothermic nature of these reactions, rutile structured TiO 2 was observed in all cases. The M–TiO 2 samples are visible colored and show magnetic and optical properties consistent with the dopant in an oxide environment. UV and visible photocatalytic experiments with these visibly colored rutile M–TiO 2 powders showed that many of them are strongly absorbent for methylene blue dye and degrade the dye under both UV and visible light illumination. This work may open up SSM reactions as an alternate non-thermodynamic reaction strategy for dopant incorporation into a wide range of oxide and non-oxides.
Angiogenesis and the Tumor Vasculature as Antitumor Immune Modulators: The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Endothelin

Cancer immunotherapies have yielded promising results in recent years, but new approaches must be utilized if more patients are to experience the benefits of these therapies. Angiogenesis and the tumor endothelium confer unique immune privilege to a growing tumor, with significant effects on diverse immunological processes such as hematopoietic cell maturation, antigen presentation, effector T cell differentiation, cytokine production, adhesion, and T cell homing and extravasation. Here, we review the role of angiogenesis and the tumor endothelium on regulation of the antitumor immune response. We place particular emphasis on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the suppression of numerous immunological processes that control tumor progression. Further, we describe the unique crosstalk between the VEGF and endothelin systems, and how their interactions may shape the antitumor immune response. These insights establish new targets for combinatorial approaches to modify existing cancer immunotherapies.
Options for pulse tailoring on Z for isentropic compression experiments

Summary form only given, as follows. An important option for the ZR upgrade of the Z accelerator is the ability to tailor the load-current pulse shape for optimizing pressure pulses for material compression experiments. Although considerable flexibility is needed, the general shape of the pulse is one that rises quickly to several megamperes, then slowly rises over 100 to 200 ns to 5 to 10 MA, and then quickly rises to nearly 30 MA, with the resulting pulse length being as long as 300 ns. The approach to tailoring is to independently trigger each of the thirty-six lines of the accelerator at different times to stagger pulse arrival times, and to thereby add currents to achieve the desired pulse shape. Further flexibility is offered by operating individual lines in either a long-pulse or short-pulse mode, and by independently varying charge voltages. In order to minimize magnetic nulls in the vacuum transmission lines and to provide a symmetrical current flow, solutions are sought that fit the nine-fold symmetry of each of the four levels of the machine. This problem is being addressed with multi-line circuit-code simulations, and with a spreadsheet model using superposition of the two drive waveforms. In this paper we discuss the results of these simulations and show pulse shapes that can be achieved.
Morally Contentious Technology-Field Intersections: The Case of Biotechnology in the United States

Technologies can be not only contentious—overthrowing existing ways of doing things—but also morally contentious—forcing deep reflection on personal values and societal norms. This article investigates that what may impede the acceptance of a technology and/or the development of the field that supports or exploits it, the lines between which often become blurred in the face of morally contentious content. Using a unique dataset with historically important timing—the United States Biotechnology Study fielded just 9 months after the public announcement of the successful cloning of the first mammal (i.e., Dolly the sheep)—we find that microlevel factors (i.e., conservative Christianity) predict unfavorable judgments of the technology-field intersection while macrolevel representations [i.e., exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines and media coverage] predict more favorable judgments.
Thermal Modeling of High Temperature Energy Storage Using Encapsulated Phase Change Materials

Transient heat transfer analysis is conducted to investigate high temperature energy storage using encapsulated phase change materials (EPCMs) for concentrated solar power applications. The phase change material considered is the eutectic mixture of NaCl-MgCl2 (57 mole% NaCl and 43 mole% MgCl2) encapsulated by stainless steel in a cylindrical shaped capsule (or tube). Energy storage into EPCM and energy retrieval from EPCM is simulated for various flow conditions of the heat transfer fluid. Heat storage/retrieval times are determined from numerical simulations for various sizes of capsules and flow conditions by an accurate modeling of propagating solid/liquid interface. Numerical simulations are conducted by employing a front tracking method and the enthalpy–porosity approach. A two-dimensional horizontally placed cylindrical shaped EPCM capsule is considered in simulations using gas (air) and liquid (VP1-Therminol) as heat transfer fluids. The results predicted by the front tracking method agree well with those predicted by the enthalpy–porosity method. It is illustrated by the present work that enthalpy–porosity method can be employed to simulate the modeling at the single capsule level and system level. System level storage unit is a thermocline that includes an arrangement of several EPCMs.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Convergent Evolution: Raising a Family from the Dead

New molecular evidence shows that Hawaiian honeyeaters did not evolve from the similar looking Australasian honeyeaters, but instead represent a striking case of convergent evolution. These now extinct birds form their own family, representing the only complete extinction of an entire avian family in modern times.
The Extended Reach of Minority Political Power: The Interaction of Descriptive Representation, Managerial Networking, and Race

This paper explores the conditions under which descriptive and bureaucratic representation translate into policy outcomes. In particular, it investigates the role of managerial networking in providing a conduit for black political power to influence policy outcomes for black clients. Using administrative data, survey data, and parish-level contextual data on new participants to Louisiana’s welfare to work program from April 2004 through September 2006, results from a logit analysis predicting placement in vocational education indicate that minority clients benefit from black political power and that the effect of black political power is conditioned by whether or not program managers are involved in community networking. All clients, regardless of race, are more likely to receive vocational education when the program manager is black, supporting arguments by proponents of representational bureaucracy.
The frequency of atrioventricular block during adenosine stress testing in young, middle-aged, young-old, and old-old adults.

The frequency of atrioventricular (AV) block was evaluated in 600 consecutive patients of different age groups referred for pharmacologic stress testing. Adenosine was infused at 140 mg/kg/min for a total of 6 minutes in conjunction with radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. Seventy-five patients (12.5%) were young adults ( 0.08). All types of AV block were of short duration, were well tolerated, and did not require discontinuation of the adenosine infusion or specific treatment. This study confirms the safety of adenosine stress testing in all age groups for evaluation of coronary artery disease and risk assessment.