cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making mental models manifest

A study was conducted to determine what factors affect how humans detect correlation when forming mental models of complex systems. Using a paradigm that elicits the subject's mental model of a system by the subject's reconfiguration of the display, the authors conducted four experiments that illustrate humans' ability and factors affecting their ability to detect correlation in a dynamic display. It is shown that subjects can detect correlation in a dynamic system and that lowering the correlation makes detecting the correlation progressively more difficult. The data, combined with the subjects' comments, shows that the strategies adopted by the subjects govern their ability to detect correlation. The strategies adopted depend on the degree of correlation and the type of movement. Correlation predisposed subjects to discover grouping by either pairwise comparison (in the case of low correlation) or global search (in the case of high correlation). The type of movement, on the other hand, predisposed subjects to group bars by height (in the case of random walk movement) or correlation (in the case of Gaussian mean zero movement). Generally, this study forms the beginning of a research program investigating the factors that guide operators in generating mental models of complex systems. >
The remarkable squidworm is an example of discoveries that await in deep-pelagic habitats

An intriguing new annelid, Teuthidodrilus samae (Annelida, Cirratuliformia) gen. and sp. nov., was observed and collected during deep-water column exploration of the western Celebes Sea. The Celebes Sea is a deep pocket basin, effectively isolated from surrounding deep water, and is part of the Coral Triangle, a focal area for conservation because of its high diversity and unique geological history. Collected specimens reached 94 mm in length and possessed 10 anterior appendages that were as long or longer than the body. Two characters distinguish T. samae from other polychaetes: notochaetae forming broad, concavo-convex paddles and six pairs of free-standing, oppositely branched nuchal organs. Phylogenetic analysis of five genes and a 29-character morphological matrix showed that T. samae is an acrocirrid (primarily benthic polychaetes) belonging to the morphologically diverse swimming clade. Pelagic animals within primarily benthic clades are of particular interest in evolutionary biology, because their adaptations to life in the water column inform us of the evolutionary possibilities and constraints within the clade and indirectly of the selective pressures at work in this unfamiliar habitat. This new genus illustrates how much we have to learn about even the large, abundant inhabitants of deep-pelagic communities.
Emergy as a Life Cycle Impact Assessment Indicator

Summary Founded in thermodynamics and systems ecology, emergy evaluation is a method to associate a product with its dependencies on all upstream environmental and resource flows using a common unit of energy. Emergy is thus proposed as an indicator of aggregate resource use for life cycle assessment (LCA). An LCA of gold mining, based on an original life cycle inventory of a large gold mine in Peru, is used to demonstrate how emergy can be incorporated as an impact indicator into a process-based LCA model. The results demonstrate the usefulness of emergy in the LCA context. The adaptation of emergy evaluation, traditionally performed outside of the LCA framework, requires changes to the conventional accounting rules and the incorporation of uncertainty estimations of the emergy conversion factors, or unit emergy values. At the same time, traditional LCA boundaries are extended to incorporate the environmental processes that provide for raw resources, including ores. The total environmental contribution to the product, dor´ e, is dominated by mining and metallurgical processes and not the geological processes forming the gold ore. The measure of environmental contribution to 1 gram (g) of dor´ ei s 6.8E+ 12 solar-equivalent Joules (sej) and can be considered accurate within a factor of 2. These results are useful in assessing a process in light of available resources, which is essential to measuring long-term sustainability. Comparisons are made between emergy and other measures of resource use, and recommendations are made for future incorporation of emergy into LCA that will result in greater consistency with existing life cycle inventory (LCI) databases and other LCA indicators.
Lower short- and long-term mortality associated with overweight and obesity in a large cohort study of adult intensive care unit patients

Two thirds of United States adults are overweight or obese, which puts them at higher risk of developing chronic diseases and of death compared with normal-weight individuals. However, recent studies have found that overweight and obesity by themselves may be protective in some contexts, such as hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU). Our objective was to determine the relation between body mass index (BMI) and mortality at 30 days and 1 year after ICU admission. We performed a cohort analysis of 16,812 adult patients from MIMIC-II, a large database of ICU patients at a tertiary care hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. The data were originally collected during the course of clinical care, and we subsequently extracted our dataset independent of the study outcome. Compared with normal-weight patients, obese patients had 26% and 43% lower mortality risk at 30 days and 1 year after ICU admission, respectively (odds ratio (OR), 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64 to 0.86) and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.67)); overweight patients had nearly 20% and 30% lower mortality risk (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.93) and OR, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.79)). Severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) did not have a significant survival advantage at 30 days (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.20), but did have 30% lower mortality risk at 1 year (OR, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.90)). No significant difference in admission acuity or ICU and hospital length of stay was found across BMI categories. Our study supports the hypothesis that patients who are overweight or obese have improved survival both 30 days and 1 year after ICU admission.
National Ambulatory Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns for Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection, 1998–2007

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate patterns of ambulatory antibiotic use and to identify factors associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs). METHODS: We examined antibiotics prescribed for UTIs for children aged younger than 18 years from 1998 to 2007 using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Amoxicillin-clavulanate, quinolones, macrolides, and second- and third-generation cephalosporins were classified as broad-spectrum antibiotics. We evaluated trends in broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing patterns and performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic use. RESULTS: Antibiotics were prescribed for 70% of pediatric UTI visits. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (49% of visits). Broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed one third of the time. There was no increase in overall use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (P = .67); however, third-generation cephalosporin use doubled from 12% to 25% (P = .02). Children younger than 2 years old (odds ratio: 6.4 [95% confidence interval: 2.2–18.7, compared with children 13–17 years old]), females (odds ratio: 3.6 [95% confidence interval: 1.6–8.5]), and temperature ≥100.4°F (odds ratio: 2.9 [95% confidence interval: 1.0–8.6]) were independent predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. Race, physician specialty, region, and insurance status were not associated with antibiotic selection. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory care physicians commonly prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of pediatric UTIs, especially for febrile infants in whom complicated infections are more likely. The doubling in use of third-generation cephalosporins suggests that opportunities exist to promote more judicious antibiotic prescribing because most pediatric UTIs are susceptible to narrower alternatives.
An Integrative Approach to the Study of Plant-Animal Interactions

I am tempted to give one more instance showing how plants and animals, remote in the scale of nature, are bound together by a web of complex relations. (Darwin, 1859) Ecologists have been studying the interactions between plants and animals for as long as there have been ecologists. Charles Darwin studied the complex web of interactions even before he wrote his revolutionary book On the Origin of Species. Indeed, even his grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, was keenly aware of these interactions; he earned a small fortune for the family by writing poetry about the love lives of plants, accomplished through their relationships with animals (Gould, 1977). The study of plant-animal interactions has played a key role in the development of ecological theory. I give two examples here. Hairston et al. (1960) began with a particular view of the relationship between plants and their herbivores. This work inspired a generation of theory and empirical work on the structure of ecological communities, which helped define ideas of “top-down” and “bottom-up” effects. The concept of coevolution was first developed to describe the results of the relationship between particular plant species and the herbivorous insects that feed on them (Erlich and Raven, 1964). It has since been widely applied to describe the evolutionary results of a wide variety of ecological relationships between two or more biological entities (Futuyma and Slatkin, 1983). However, the study of plant-animal interactions has only recently begun to define itself as a distinct subdiscipline. I searched for publications from 1980 to the present listing plant-animal or plant-insect interactions as a keyword in Biological Abstracts (Fig. 1). In the early 1980s there were generally fewer than five such publications per year. That number has grown …
Older Women, Power, and the Body

This chapter defines power and discusses types and sources of power that people can use, with a focus on the body as a source of women’s power. Attractiveness, physical fitness, and health are common ways that bodies empower women, by providing ways to influence others and the ability to achieve plans and goals. In old age, those ways may be less available and cause women to feel disempowered. However, changing one’s standard for social comparison, taking good care of the body, learning to manage chronic illness, and learning to use the body in different ways can all contribute to the continued use of the body as a source of personal and interpersonal power. Some women may turn to cosmetic procedures to erase signs of aging writ on the body; others may do better by remembering that sexiness has more to do with knowledge, skill, and confidence than with beauty. Moreover, some women may be empowered by fading beauty as they are no longer sexualized and objectified by others. Most people’s energy and stamina can be improved through self-care (e.g., adequate rest, good nutrition, regular exercise). Assistive devices and community services (e.g., van service for those who can no longer drive or walk easily) can empower older women by helping to maintain their mobility and independence, and women can focus on interdependence rather than dependence. Furthermore, there are many sources of power besides the body for people of any age. Older women can often empower themselves and their social networks by sharing their wisdom and experience as mentors, volunteers, and activists or by sharing family stories with, and caring for, their grandchildren. Although aging invariably leads to changes related to the body, the process of aging does not inevitably mean a decrease in empowerment; it might just mean a change in how, and from where, power is derived.
Neurotrophe Naturstoffe - ihre Chemie und Biologie

Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen und Ruckenmarksverletzungen betreffen weltweit etwa 50 Millionen Menschen und verursachen Gesundheitskosten von insgesamt mehr als 600 Milliarden Dollar pro Jahr. Nervenwachstumsfaktoren, d. h. Neurotrophine, sind potenzielle Therapeutika fur diese Erkrankungen, denn sie konnen die Regeneration von Nerven fordern. Durchschnittlich 500 Publikationen jahrlich belegen die Bedeutung der Neurotrophine in den biomedizinischen Wissenschaften und ihr Potenzial fur therapeutische Anwendungen. Allerdings ist die klinische Verwendung von Neurotrophinen wegen ihres schlechten pharmakokinetischen Profils stark eingeschrankt. Niedermolekulare Verbindungen, die die neurotrophe Aktivitat modulieren, bieten hingegen einen vielversprechenden Therapieansatz bei neurologischen Erkrankungen. Die Natur hat fur eine beeindruckende Zahl von Naturstoffen mit starken neurotrophen Wirkungen gesorgt. Die aktuellen Strategien zur Synthese dieser Verbindungen sowie deren Fahigkeit, das Wachstum und die Erneuerung von Nervenzellen zu induzieren, bilden den Schwerpunkt dieses Aufsatzes. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass neurotrophe Naturstoffe nicht nur als Leitstrukturen in der Wirkstoffentwicklung genutzt werden konnen, sondern auch fur das nachste grose Projekt der Biomedizin: die Kartierung der Hirnaktivitat (BAM, Brain Activity Map).
When is it Beneficial for a Firm to Pursue a Unified Procurement Strategy for Enterprise Software Solutions

The underlying structure of the enterprise software marketplace during the past ten years suggests that the ar- rangements that firms make with respect to the acquisition of such software capabilities will become increasingly concen- trated. This article explores the multiple theoretical rationales and business cases for the move to a unified procurement strat- egy for enterprise software, reflecting some differences in terms of what might be expected from the predictions of the well- known move-to-the-middle hypothesis. Our central argument is that a move-to-the-middle with more than just a single ven- dor is the likely outcome in unconsolidated industry markets. In industries experiencing consolidation, firms and managers rec- ognize shifts in the structure of the marketplace and industry competition, and they are more prone to make decisions that reflect their rational expectations about the outcomes of the competition regarding their procurement of enterprise software acquisitions. We present a unified procurement adoption process based on relevant theory to support this general argu- ment, and provide analyses of several industry case studies that yield more specific findings relative to our knowledge of IT services management and service science.
Economic considerations in the use of inhaled anesthetic agents

Purpose To describe the components of and factors contributing to the costs of inhaled anesthesia, basis for quantifying and comparing these costs, and practical strategies for performing pharmacoeconomic analyses and reducing the costs of inhaled anesthetic agents. Summary Inhaled anesthesia can be costly, and some of the variable costs, including fresh gas flow rates and vaporizer settings, are potential targets for cost savings. The use of a low fresh gas flow rate maximizes rebreathing of exhaled anesthetic gas and is less costly than a high flow rate, but it provides less control of the level of anesthesia. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) hour is a measure that can be used to compare the cost of inhaled anesthetic agents at various fresh gas flow rates. Anesthesia records provide a sense of patterns of inhaled anesthetic agent use, but the amount of detail can be limited. Cost savings have resulted from efforts to reduce the direct costs of inhaled anesthetic agents, but reductions in indirect costs through shortened times to patient recovery and discharge following the judicious use of these agents are more difficult to demonstrate. The patient case mix, fresh gas flow rates typically used during inhaled anesthesia, availability and location of vaporizers, and anesthesia care provider preferences and practices should be taken into consideration in pharmacoeconomic evaluations and recommendations for controlling the costs of inhaled anesthesia. Conclusion Understanding factors that contribute to the costs of inhaled anesthesia and considering those factors in pharmacoeconomic analyses and recommendations for use of these agents can result in cost savings.
Oscillating fluid flow regulates cytosolic calcium concentration in bovine articular chondrocytes

Mechanical loading is a well-known regulator of cartilage metabolism. This suggests that a loading-induced physical signal regulates chondrocyte behavior. Previous studies have focused on the e!ects of steady #uid #ow on chondrocytes. In contrast to steady #ow, loading induced #uid #ow occurs in an oscillatory pattern and includes a reversal of #ow direction with each loading event. In this study we examined the hypothesis that oscillating #uid #ow increases cytosolic Ca2‘ concentration ([Ca2‘] i ) in bovine articular chondrocytes (BAC) in a frequency-dependent manner and that the presence of serum a!ects this response. The aims of our study were to examine (1) whether BAC respond to physiologic oscillating #uid #ow in vitro and compare these results to steady #uid #ow, (2) the e!ect of fetal bovine serum on #uid #ow responsiveness of BAC and (3) whether the response of BAC to #uid #ow is #ow rate and/or frequency dependent. [Ca2‘] * was quanti"ed using the #uorescent dye fura-2. BAC were exposed to steady, 0.5, 1, or 5 Hz sinusoidal oscillating #uid #ow at "ve di!erent #ow rates in a parallel plate #ow chamber. Our "ndings demonstrate that BAC respond to oscillating #uid #ow with an increase in [Ca2‘] i (p’0.05), and furthermore, chondrocyte responsiveness to #uid #ow increases with peak #ow rate (p(0.0001) and decreases with increasing frequencies (p(0.0001). Finally, the presence of serum in the media potentiated the responsiveness of BAC to #uid #ow (p(0.0001). Our results suggest an important role for mechanical load-induced oscillating #uid #ow in chondrocyte mechanotransduction. ( 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reflection The Early Career Surgeon-Scientist’s Pathway to Independence

The surgeon-scientist offers a unique perspective as one who can arguably best comprehend clinical needs, identify areas ripe for research, and translate discoveries from bench to bedside. However, the long transition from postdoc to independent investigator can prove to be quite challenging. Surgeons have long been described as having results-oriented personalities, and so the long road to independence can be fraught with frustration at times. It requires humility in seeking scientific direction and mentorship, institutional support, and ultimately extramural funding. This reflection piece examines some hallmark steps along the pathway to independence for one otolaryngology-head and neck surgeon-scientist in her early academic career.
Postabortion Grief: Evaluating the Possible Efficacy of a Spiritual Group Intervention:

Objective: Although not every woman is negatively affected by an abortion, researchers have identified a subgroup of women susceptible to grief and trauma. The primary providers for postabortion grief (PAG) groups are community faith-based agencies. Principle features of PAG are shame and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Method: This study measured the efficacy of a spiritually based grief group intervention for women grieving an abortion. Thirty-five women completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R) and the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS) pre- and postintervention along with posttest open-ended questions. Results: Postintervention measures indicated significant decrease in shame (p < .000) and PTSD symptoms (p < .002). More than 80% reported their religious beliefs and the spiritual intervention played a strong to very strong role in the group. Conclusion: Social workers need to screen for PAG with a postabortive woman and when appropriate refer her to agencies offering such groups.
Conformational analysis of the 2'-deoxyribofuranose ring from proton-proton coupling constants: analysis of a nucleoside-carcinogen adduct formed from 2-acetylaminofluorene utilizing a three-state model.

The conformation of the sugar moiety of 8-(N-fluoren-2-ylamino)-2′-deoxyguanosine in solution has been examined as a function of temperature by 1H-nmr spectroscopy. Analysis of coupling constants shows that lowering the temperature to −50°C in methanol shifts the conformational equilibrium of the sugar ring resulting in a C2′-endo conformation at a mole fraction of 0.97. The computed phase angle of pseudorotation and amplitude of pucker are 154° and 36°, respectively, with very little discrepancy between the five calculated coupling constants and coupling constants extrapolated from the temperature profiles. A computer program has been written enabling a three-state best-fit analysis. The three-state analysis indicates an equilibrium between C2′-endo, C3′-endo, and 04′-endo conformations. In aqueous solution, the computed mole fraction of the 04′-endo form is 0.18 at 30°C. The conformation associated with the sugar ring and the C4′C5′ bond is compared to that of 2′-deoxyguanosine.
Specifying and verifying systems with multiple clocks

Multiple clock domains are a challenge for hardware specification and verification. We present a method for specifying the relations between multiple clocks, and for modeling the possible behaviors. We can then verify a hardware design assuming that the clocks meet these constraints. We implement our ideas in the context of SAT based bounded model checking (BMC), using ANSI-C programs to specify the functional behavior of the design.
A two level control scheme for data traffic in CDMA system

Call admission control schemes play an important role in optimizing channel capacity in CDMA systems and guaranteeing quality of service (QoS) for different users. In this paper, we study the limitations of existing call admission control (CAC) algorithms for voice and data traffic having different delay tolerances. We propose an efficient hierarchical access control scheme to administer call admission as well as channel access at the slot level by exploiting disparity present in delay tolerances of voice and data users. Compared to the existing CAC algorithms, the proposed scheme improves the channel utilization by 5%-20%, depending on the packet arriving rates, for traffic with single packet delay tolerance.
Offsetting global CO2 emissions by restoration of degraded soils and intensification of world agriculture and forestry

Increase in atmospheric concentration of CO2 from 285 parts per million by volume (ppmv) in 1850 to 370 ppm in 2000 is attributed to emissions of 270 ± 30 Pg carbon (C) from fossil fuel combustion and 136 ± 55 Pg C by land-use change. Present levels of anthropogenic emissions involve 6·3 Pg C by fossil fuel emissions and 1·8 Pg C by land-use change. Out of the historic loss of terrestrial C pool of 136 ± 55 Pg, 78 ± 12 Pg is due to depletion of soil organic carbon (SOC) pool comprising 26 ± 9 Pg due to accelerated soil erosion. A large proportion of the historic SOC lost can be resequestered by enhancing the SOC pool through converting to an appropriate land use and adopting recommended management practices (RMPs). The strategy is to return biomass to the soil in excess of the mineralization capacity through restoration of degraded/desertified soils and intensification of agricultural and forestry lands. Technological options for agricultural intensification include conservation tillage and residue mulching, integrated nutrient management, crop rotations involving cover crops, practices which enhance the efficiency of water, plant nutrients and energy use, improved pasture and tree species, controlled grazing, and judicious use of inptus. The potential of SOC sequestration is estimated at 1–2 Pg C yr−1 for the world, 0·3–0·6 Pg C yr−1 for Asia, 0·2–0·5 Pg C yr−1 for Africa and 0·1–0·3 Pg C yr−1 for North and Central America and South America, 0·1–0·3 Pg C yr−1 for Europe and 0·1–0·2 Pg C yr−1 for Oceania. Soil C sequestration is a win–win strategy; it enhances productivity, improves environment moderation capacity, and mitigates global warming. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Orientation-Matching Hypothesis: An Emotion-Specificity Approach to Affect Regulation

Abstract This article proposes that merely considering outcomes associated with a positive approach emotion (e.g., happiness) can regulate negative emotions that evoke an approach orientation (e.g., sadness, anger). In contrast, outcomes associated with a positive avoidance emotion (e.g., calmness) best regulate negative emotions that evoke an avoidance orientation (e.g., anxiety, embarrassment). Although such orientation-matched (versus mismatched) positive outcomes might not address the problem that caused the negative emotion, they automatically signal a reduced need for affect regulation specific to the evoked orientation. Thus, orientation matching results in emotional benefit, increases preferences toward matched outcomes, and frees resources for subsequent tasks.
A 26 year high‐resolution dynamical downscaling over the Wasatch Mountains: Synoptic effects on winter precipitation performance

A 26 year high-resolution dynamical downscaling over the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, USA, was performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with initial and boundary conditions derived from Climate Forecast System Reanalysis. Precipitation validation was conducted on the inner (4 km resolution) domain with Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) and Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model data sets. Analysis of seasonal performance reveals the model's overall good skill at reproducing the spatial distribution of precipitation. Annual precipitation validates within ∼20% of SNOTEL. The largest monthly biases occurred in December–January (∼+30%) stemming from a small set of high-precipitation events. Composite analysis of cold season days with large positive or negative precipitation biases reveals two distinct synoptic regimes with significantly different moisture, temperature, and circulation patterns that respectively enhanced geopotential height and moisture biases consistent with the sign of their mean precipitation biases. The number of cold season days with large (>5 mm) positive precipitation bias was negatively correlated with El Nino (r = − 0.55), indicating storm track-related effects on the sign of the bias consistent with the distinct synoptic regimes revealed by the above-noted composite analyses.
Single Molecule Imaging of Axonal Transport in Live Neurons

We report a single molecular imaging method that tracks axonal transport in live neurons, and a super-resolution method, dynamic object tracking that resolves individual microtubules in live neurons below the diffraction barrier.
Comparison of Neat Biodiesels and ULSD in an Optimized Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine with Electronically-Controlled Fuel Injection

Biodiesel can be produced from a variety of feedstock oils and, as a result, may have a diverse set of properties based on the oil used to produce it. An understanding of the effects of these properties on engine usage and emissions is needed in order to improve biodiesel production and engine calibration. In this study, four biodiesels, produced from palm, jatropha, soybean, and beef tallow oil, are used to fuel a single-cylinder compression-ignition engine to investigate the effects of individual fuel properties on combustion phasing and behavior and exhaust emissions. This engine uses a common-rail fuel system with electronic control. Electronic control of injection is used to investigate the effects of biodiesel on combustion when combustion phasing is adjusted. Findings indicate that fuel viscosity, energy content, and molecular structure are all critical properties that alter engine combustion behavior. The combined effect of injection timing and biodiesel characteristics is found to produce lower N...
Power of Knowledge Effect of Two Educational Interventions on Readiness for Chlamydia Screening

We compared (a) the effectiveness of print versus digital educational media for communicating information about Chlamydia trachomatis to adolescents and young adults and (b) the influence of media type on readiness for Chlamydia screening. Young men and women (n = 103), aged 15 to 24 years, were recruited from a youth center and university campus and randomized to receive the print or digital Chlamydia educational intervention. Participant mean knowledge score improved postintervention, but there was no association with type of intervention medium. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of sexually active participants endorsed an increased postintervention stage of readiness for screening; however, there was no association with type of intervention medium. Learning about Chlamydia infection may have positive effects on willingness to be screened. Further study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of educational interventions for increasing actual screening rates.
Determinants of Smoking and Quitting in HIV-Infected Individuals

Background Cigarette smoking is widespread among HIV-infected patients, who confront increased risk of smoking-related co-morbidities. The effects of HIV infection and HIV-related variables on smoking and smoking cessation are incompletely understood. We investigated the correlates of smoking and quitting in an HIV-infected cohort using a validated natural language processor to determine smoking status. Method We developed and validated an algorithm using natural language processing (NLP) to ascertain smoking status from electronic health record data. The algorithm was applied to records for a cohort of 3487 HIV-infected from a large health care system in Boston, USA, and 9446 uninfected control patients matched 3:1 on age, gender, race and clinical encounters. NLP was used to identify and classify smoking-related portions of free-text notes. These classifications were combined into patient-year smoking status and used to classify patients as ever versus never smokers and current smokers versus non-smokers. Generalized linear models were used to assess associations of HIV with 3 outcomes, ever smoking, current smoking, and current smoking in analyses limited to ever smokers (persistent smoking), while adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and psychiatric illness. Analyses were repeated within the HIV cohort, with the addition of CD4 cell count and HIV viral load to assess associations of these HIV-related factors with the smoking outcomes. Results Using the natural language processing algorithm to assign annual smoking status yielded sensitivity of 92.4, specificity of 86.2, and AUC of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–0.91). Ever and current smoking were more common in HIV-infected patients than controls (54% vs. 44% and 42% vs. 30%, respectively, both P<0.001). In multivariate models HIV was independently associated with ever smoking (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.24, P <0.001), current smoking (ARR 1.33, 95% CI 1.25–1.40, P<0.001), and persistent smoking (ARR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.15, P<0.001). Within the HIV cohort, having a detectable HIV RNA was significantly associated with all three smoking outcomes. Conclusions HIV was independently associated with both smoking and not quitting smoking, using a novel algorithm to ascertain smoking status from electronic health record data and accounting for multiple confounding clinical factors. Further research is needed to identify HIV-related barriers to smoking cessation and develop aggressive interventions specific to HIV-infected patients.
Medical microscopy in Paris, 1830-1855.

Histoire de l'introduction du microscope en tant qu'instrument de recherche scientifique et de diagnostic en France
DSMC simulation of Europa water vapor plumes

Abstract A computational investigation of the physics of water vapor plumes on Europa was performed with a focus on characteristics relevant to observation and spacecraft mission operations. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method was used to model the plume expansion assuming a supersonic vent source. The structure of the plume was determined, including the number density, temperature, and velocity fields. The possibility of ice grain growth above the vent was considered and deemed probable for large (diameter > ∼20 m) vents at certain Mach numbers. Additionally, preexisting grains of three diameters (0.1, 1, 50 µm) were included and their trajectories examined. A preliminary study of photodissociation of H 2 O into OH and H was performed to demonstrate the behavior of daughter species. A set of vent parameters was evaluated including Mach number (Mach 2, 3, 5), reduced temperature as a proxy for flow energy loss to the region surrounding the vent, and mass flow rate. Plume behavior was relatively insensitive to these factors, with the notable exception of mass flow rate. With an assumed mass flow rate of ∼1000 kg/s, a canopy shock occurred and a maximum integrated line of sight column density of ∼10 20 H 2 O molecules/m 2 was calculated, comparing favorably with observation ( Roth et al., 2014a ).
INCAP Studies of Hematologic and Gastrointestinal Function in Healthy Individuals and those with Protein–Energy Malnutrition and Infection:

Anemia is highly prevalent, especially in poorly nourished populations living in unsanitary conditions. Studies of the Central American population showed that iron was the predominant deficient hematopoietic micronutrient and that correction of nutrient deficiencies led to hematological normality as defined by WHO. The bioavailability of diverse iron compounds added to the mostly vegetable diets of such populations showed the superior absorption of chelated iron (NaFeEDTA) and its strong effectiveness in correcting iron deficiency when added to sugar. The consequences on development and mental behavioral functions as well as on work capacity of iron deficiency and anemia in infants, children and adults, and the positive effects of their correction was demonstrated. In protein-energy malnourished (PEM) children, the deficit in active tissue mass (basal oxygen consumption) and in total hemoglobin content were closely related. This relationship persisted as the rates of active tissue mass repletion was modified by levels of protein intake. This demonstrated the strong adaptive nature of hemoglobin content in response to oxygen needs in PEM and during recovery. Gastrointestinal functions in PEM and in populations demonstrated the bacterial invasion of the upper GI tract and how this resulted in secondary bile acids that are toxic to the intestinal mucosal cells impairing their absorptive functions. Environmental hygiene in populations reversed gut bacterial migration and improved GI function.
Cardiac rhythm following the Mustard procedure for transposition of the great vessels.

The Mustard procedure for the correction of transposition of the great vessels (TGV) was performed in 123 infants and children between 1965 and 1975. One hundred ten patients survived the postoperative period. Because of the high incidence (65 per cent) of postoperative dysrhythmia during the first 5 years’ experience, several modifications in the surgical technique were introduced during 1970 and 1971 in order to minimize trauma to the sinus (SA) node, SA node artery, and atrioventricular (AV) node. The superior vena cava (SVC) was cannulated directly, the coronary sinus incised well into the left atrium, and the baffle sutured posterior to the AV node. The over-all incidence of dysrhythmia in the 6 years following these changes fell to 43 per cent and sinus rhythm increased to 57 per cent. Over-all, there were seven late deaths, four of which were attributable to rhythm disturbances. One patient had complete heart block, 2 had juctional bradycardia, and one had junctional rhythm with a normal heart rate. We currently recommend that patients with persistent complete heart block and junctional bradycardia (heart rate
Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

This manuscript provides a concise surgical review of hepatic epitheliod hemangioendothelioma. A detailed review of diagnosis, pre-surgical radiologic evaluation, surgical techniques, including liver transplantation, and post-surgical care of the patient with hepatic epitheliod hemangioendothelioma is presented.
Performance evaluation of the PCA versus improved PCA (IPCA) in image compression, and in face detection and recognition

A principal components analysis (PCA) algorithm is one of the most important algorithms that has been used for doing many tasks; for example, data dimension reduction, data compression such as image compression, pattern recognition such as face detection and recognition, and many other things. An improved principal components analysis (IPCA) algorithm is similar to the PCA algorithm except that it uses the concepts of Shannon information theory for improving the PCA algorithm. It has been claimed that the IPCA algorithm behaves better than the PCA algorithm. Due to the huge importance of the PCA algorithm where it is commonly used, we were motivated to theoretically and empirically compare the behavior of the PCA and IPCA algorithms in different applications. This paper validates the IPCA algorithm on images for the first time where it has not been tested on images before. It also proposes a new learning method for face detection and recognition using the PCA and IPCA algorithms. In addition, this paper evaluates the performance of the PCA algorithm versus IPCA algorithm in image compression, and in face detection and recognition where we have obtained rigorous decision about which algorithm behaves better in each area. We have also proposed a new method for evaluating the performance of the PCA and IPCA algorithms in image compression based on three measures. We finally have proposed to use another segmentation method with the algorithms in order to center and normalize only pixels that occupy faces for obtaining better performance. Lastly, the MATLAB software has been used for performing our experiments. We have found that the PCA algorithm, in general, behaves better than the IPCA algorithm in the most of the areas. It is better than the IPCA algorithm in face detection and recognition. The PCA algorithm is slightly slower than the IPCA algorithm, but it has significant small error rates. Also, it is easier in computation than the IPCA algorithm. On the other hand, the IPCA algorithm is better than the PCA algorithm in image compression because it obtains higher compression, more accurate reconstruction, and faster processing speed with acceptable errors.
Deconvolution of teleseismic body waves for enhancing structure beneath a seismometer array

Abstract We discuss three stacking deconvolution techniques for enhancing signal of Earth structure contained in the seismograms of teleseismic body waves recorded by a seismometer array. The goal of the deconvolution is to remove from the seismograms the complications due to the source. For three-component data, the removal of the source can be efficiently achieved by deconvolving one component from another, as in the receiver function analysis. In the case of an array, if the structure beneath individual stations varies, the source wavelet can be estimated and removed from the seismograms by stacking. This allows structural analysis in the situations when only single-component seismometers are used or when a particular component can provide additional independent information. Here we compare the efficacy of conventional time-domain stacking, cepstral averaging, and autocorrelation stacking. The latter is a new approach developed here. For cepstral averaging, we present conditions that stabilize the convergence. Examples are presented using synthetics and real data from a broadband seismic array experiment conducted in the Cascadia subduction zone (Oregon) in 1993 to 1994. Data from subduction zones are particularly well suited because of the spatially rapidly varying structure. We find that all three methods work well for low frequencies, which are not sensitive to the time alignment of the seismic traces. The latter two methods do not require precisely aligned seismograms, and their advantage becomes evident at higher frequencies where the appropriate time alignment is harder to achieve. At high frequencies, time-domain stacking is likely to fail.
Endoscopic Eradication Therapy in Barrett's Esophagus.

Abstract Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET), the standard of care for treatment of Barrett’s esophagus with dysplasia and early neoplasia, consists of a combination of endoscopic resection and ablative modalities. Resection techniques primarily include endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection. Resection of nodular disease is generally followed by one of multiple ablative therapies among which radiofrequency ablation has the best evidence supporting safety and efficacy. These advanced endoscopic procedures require both experience and expertise in the cognitive and procedural aspects of EET. However, very few formal programs exist that teach endoscopists the necessary skills to perform EET in a safe, standardized, and efficacious manner. Case volume at both the endoscopist and center level has been shown to affect clinical outcomes based on limited data. As a result, some recent guidelines endorse case volume as a measure of competency. Quality indicators, which can be used as benchmarks for training and as part of pay for quality initiatives, have recently been derived for EET. However, quality metrics in EET have not been widely accepted, nor are they broadly used currently. Although the efficacy of EET for BE is established, there is a need for application of quality metrics to both assure adequate training in these procedures and assess treatment outcomes. A standardized EET training curriculum during endoscopic training, with competency assessment of both new clinicians and endoscopists in practice, has the potential to improve care in EET.
Designing planning and control interfaces to support user collaboration with flying robots

Robots are becoming increasingly prevalent and are already providing assistance in a variety of activities, ranging from space exploration to domestic housework. Recent advances in the design of sensors, motors, and microelectromechanical systems have enabled the development of a new class of small aerial robots. These free-flying robots hold great promise in assisting humans by acting as mobile sensor platforms to collect data in areas that are difficult to access or infeasible to instrument. In this work, we explored the design of interfaces that support users in working with free-flying robots to accomplish tasks including inventory logistics and management, environmental data collection, and visual inspection. Extending prior work in control interfaces for ground robots, we conducted a formative study in order to identify key design requirements for free-flyer interfaces. We designed several realistic tasks for use in evaluating human-robot interaction within the context of indoor free-flyer operation. We implemented three prototype interfaces that each provide varying degrees of support in enabling remote users to work with a flying robot to plan, communicate goals, accomplish tasks, and respond to changes in a dynamic environment. An experimental evaluation of each interface found that the interface designed to support collaborative planning and replanning using an interactive timeline and three-dimensional spatial waypoints significantly improved users' efficiency in accomplishing tasks, their ability to intervene in response to spontaneous changes in task demands, and their ratings of the robot as a teammate compared to interfaces that support low-level teleoperation or waypoint-based supervisory control. Our results demonstrate the utility of a data-driven design process and show the need for free-flyer interfaces to consider planning phases in addition to task execution. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of providing interface support for interrupting robot operations as unplanned events arise.
Cross-Entropy Based Importance Sampling for Stochastic Simulation Models

Abstract To efficiently evaluate system reliability based on Monte Carlo simulation, importance sampling is used widely. The optimal importance sampling density was derived in 1950s for the deterministic simulation model, which maps an input to an output deterministically, and is approximated in practice using various methods. For the stochastic simulation model whose output is random given an input, the optimal importance sampling density was derived only recently. In the existing literature, metamodel-based approaches have been used to approximate this optimal density. However, building a satisfactory metamodel is often difficult or time-consuming in practice. This paper proposes a cross-entropy based method, which is automatic and does not require specific domain knowledge. The proposed method uses an expectation–maximization algorithm to guide the choice of a mixture distribution model for approximating the optimal density. The method iteratively updates the approximated density to minimize its estimated discrepancy, measured by estimated cross-entropy, from the optimal density. The mixture model’s complexity is controlled using the cross-entropy information criterion. The method is empirically validated using extensive numerical studies and applied to a case study of evaluating the reliability of wind turbine using a stochastic simulation model.
Doing Survey Research on the Internet: Yes, Timing Does Matter

The Internet provides a medium for conducting survey research with tremendous potential, but at least one downside. The instantaneous communication capability of the Internet, specifically the use ...
Anaerobic Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase

Ten years ago, the scheme describing CO2 fixation by the acetyl-CoA pathway was significantly changed (Ragsdale, Wood, 1985). The key enzyme in the pathway was proposed to be carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) and this enzyme, not a B12 enzyme, was proposed to bind, activate, and condense the methyl, carbonyl, and CoA groups to form acetyl-CoA. This was controversial and, at the time, none of the proposed intermediates had been identified. Most of the intermediates have now been detected and characterized. A significantly altered and more complete scheme for acetyl- CoA synthesis will be presented. A bimetallic mechanism for carbon monoxide oxidation in anaerobes will be proposed.