cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light Out-Coupling for Reflective Displays: Simple Geometrical Model, MATLAB Simulation, and Experimental Validation

Light out-coupling efficiency is a common issue for light emissive displays and devices, but is rarely discussed for reflective displays (e-Paper). The latest generation of reflective displays include light scattering particles and reflectance that is close to Lambertian (paper-like). However, this light scattering inside a reflective pixel can lead to total-internal reflection and additional light loss. This paper provides both a simple geometrical and a more detailed MATLAB simulation for calculating light out-coupling. Both approaches were found to agree with experimental results that reveal 5%-20% optical loss due to inefficient out-coupling. These out-coupling models improve the accuracy of predicting optical performance in reflective displays.
Online Public Relations

Public relations units within corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and government institutions have embraced the Internet to communicate important information and to build relationships with key publics. Online public relations employs Web sites and other Internet technologies, such as e-mail discussion groups and chats, file transfers, and remote kiosk terminals. Factors that shape online organizational-public relationship building relate to the organization, the system being used, and the user. The process of relationship building includes awareness and trial, cognitive learning, interactivity with technology and others, and impression formation. Outcomes of relationship building can be measured in terms of knowledge, attitudes toward the organization, communication activities, and the adoption of routinized behaviors that benefit the organization (and user). In addition to promotion and relationship building, online relations is particularly important to organizations when managing crises and issues. Public relations managers confront numerous concerns in managing online relations. These include content control, branding, assurance of message quality, usability, systems integration, security, legal and regulatory compliance, and assessment and measurement. Implications for organizational-public relationships in society also are discussed. Keywords: discussion groups and chats; e-mail; file transfers; managing online relations; remote kiosk terminals; usability; web site
Collaboration, intragroup conflict, and social skills in project-based learning

This case study was conducted in two high school classrooms that utilized collaborative project-based learning (PBL). Collaboration is an important instructional strategy, especially used in conjunction with PBL, and is an essential learning outcome for the twenty-first century. This study examined how collaboration can be achieved as a learning outcome and used effectively as an instructional method by understanding what causes task-, process-, and relationship-related intragroup conflict and how social skills are related to intragroup conflict and collaboration at both the individual and group levels. Literature suggests that, while task-related conflict serves as a catalyst for collaboration, process- and relationship-related conflicts are detrimental to collaboration and impede learning. Social interdependence theory suggests that social skills play an important role in enhancing collaboration and resolving conflicts. Data were collected through online questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Interview data were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis approach. The survey data were analyzed using multi-level structural equation modeling, which allowed us to reveal an interesting relationship between group-level social skills and collaboration. Results suggest that different individual difference factors triggered each type of conflict, and most of the groups experienced more than one type of conflict simultaneously. Task and process conflicts were often transformed into relationship conflict, when social skills were lacking. Interestingly, group-level social skills were more influential than individual members’ social skills in reducing intragroup conflict and enhancing collaboration.
Modeling surface water

The IAHS symposium New Directions in Surface Water Modeling was held May 15–17, sponsored by the International Commission on Surface Water. The nine symposium sessions were on rainfall fields, physics-based hydrological models, floods, rainfall-runoff models, droughts, geographic information systems (GIS), decision-support systems, and expert systems. There were 38 oral and 11 poster papers from 24 countries. Using GIS as a tool in hydrology has great potential for improving the spatial description and modeling of basin geomorphology and hydrological parameters. Radar- and satellite- based studies of rainfall fields show significant advances in the estimation and shortterm prediction of rainfall in time and space.
A rosette by any other name...

43-year-old man presented with fatigue after thalidomide treatment for plasma cell myeloma, diagnosed 3 years previously. A bone marrow aspiration was performed. The bone marrow clot section showed a peculiar rosettelike pattern, with a vasculocentric arrangement of malignant plasma cells (Figures 1 and 2). An aspirate smear showed numerous abnormal-appearing plasma cells (Figure 3). Most of the plasma cells had plasmablastic features with prominent, central nucleoli. Rosettes come in many varieties—‘‘true’’ (perhaps implying the existence of ‘‘untrue’’ rosettes), pseudo, vascular, and eponymous (Homer-Wright, Flexner-Winterstein)—as well as a variety of other names. They are useful in the diagnosis of certain neuroepithelial malignancies, ependymoma in particular, but they can also be seen in a variety of other neoplasms. Rosettes have previously been reported in plasma cell myeloma. 1 The relatively large amount of cytoplasm and perivascular crowding make these ‘‘faux’’ rosettes similar to ependymal rosettes. In this case, the previous treatment with thalidomide may be associated with the unusual appearance of the bone marrow. Thalidomide is associated with both antiangiogenic effects as well as antiproliferative effects on the multiple myeloma. 2 In this case, the antiangiogenic action appeared focused primarily on the small vessels, with a sparing of the larger caliber vessels. The plasma cells crowd around the available blood supply of the larger vessels, giving them a rosettelike appearance.
The Andromeda Nebula and the Great Island-Universe Debate

The astronomical consensus in 1900 was that there were no island-universes beyond the Milky Way. Earth stood with a single Solar System, within a single galaxy that made up the universe. The extent of the universe was the Milky Way. Even though hundreds of years had passed since Copernicus and, more importantly, new technologies had transformed astronomical science in the nineteenth century, the belief in a closed, finite universe composed of one galaxy persisted. The universe of Copernicus and Newton was more or less the one that existed in 1900.
Synergistic Utility of Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Left Ventricular Strain in Patients With Significant Aortic Stenosis.

Background In aortic stenosis (AS), symptoms and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction represent a later disease state, and objective parameters that identify incipient LV dysfunction are needed. We sought to determine prognostic utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) in patients with aortic valve area <1.3 cm2. Methods and Results Five‐hundred and thirty‐one patients between January 2007 and December 2008 with aortic valve area <1.3 cm2 (86% with aortic valve area ≤1.1 cm2) and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% who had BNP drawn ≤90 days from initial echo were included. Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score and mortality were recorded. Mean STS score, glomerular filtration rate, and median BNP were 11±5, 73±35 mL/min per 1.73 m , and 141 (60–313) pg/mL, respectively; 78% were in New York Heart Association class ≥II. Mean LV‐stroke volume index (LV‐SVI) and LV‐GLS were 39±10 mL/m2 and −13.9±3%. At 4.7±2 years, 405 patients (76%) underwent aortic valve replacement; 161 died (30%). On multivariable survival analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46), New York Heart Association class (HR 1.27), coronary artery disease (HR 1.72), decreasing glomerular filtration rate (HR 1.15), increasing BNP (HR 1.16), worsening LV‐GLS (HR 1.13) and aortic valve replacement (time dependent) (HR 0.34) predicted survival (all P <0.01). For mortality, the c‐statistic incrementally increased as follows (all P <0.01): STS score (0.60 [0.58–0.64]), STS score+BNP (0.67 [0.62–0.70]), and STS score+BNP+LV‐GLS (0.74 [0.68–0.78]). Conclusions In normal LVEF patients with significant aortic stenosis, BNP and LV‐GLS provide incremental (additive not duplicative) prognostic information over established predictors, suggesting that both play a synergistic role in defining outcomes.
Patient- and Family-Centered Care as an approach to reducing disparities in asthma outcomes in urban African American children: A review of the literature

Acknowledgements We thank Cathy Eames (Director, Library Services, Detroit Medical Center) for valuable input and assistance with the search strategy. Funding for this research was supported by a grant from Children’s Hospital of Michigan Research Foundation (Principal Investigator: Terrance L. Albrecht, Ph.D.). Background Patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) has the potential to address disparities in access and quality of healthcare for African American pediatric asthma patients by accommodating and responding to the individual needs of patients and families. Study Objectives To identify and evaluate research on the impact of family-provider interventions that reflect elements of PFCC on reducing disparities in the provision, access, quality, and use of healthcare services for African American pediatric asthma patients. Methods Electronic searches were conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Psyclnfo databases. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed, English-language articles on family–provider interventions that (a) reflected one or more elements of PFCC and (b) addressed healthcare disparities in urban African American pediatric asthma patients (≤ 18 years). Results Thirteen interventions or programs were identified and reviewed. Designs included randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, pre- and post-interventions, and program evaluations. Conclusions Few interventions were identified as explicitly providing PFCC in a pediatric asthma context, possibly because of a lack of consensus on what constitutes PFCC in practice. Some studies have demonstrated that PFCC improves satisfaction and communication during clinical interactions. More empirical research is needed to understand whether PFCC interventions reduce care disparities and improve the provision, access, and quality of asthma healthcare for urban African American children. Electronic databases used PubMed, CINAHL, and Psyclnfo Abbreviations AA—African American: CCT—Controlled clinical trial; ED—Emergency Department; ETS—Environmental tobacco smoke; FCC— Family Centered Care; PFCC—Patient and Family Centered Care; RCT— Randomized, controlled trial
Boric acid-silica dusts for control of German cockroaches.

Laboratory tests showed that the silica materials Dridie,® Cab-O-Sil,® Micro-Cel®E, Micro-Cel-C, Celite®209, and Celite 270 were more effective but also more repellent for Blattella germanica (L,) than boric acid powder. When 1 % or less of these silica compounds was added to boric acid powder, the mixtures were more effective and only slightly more repellent than boric acid alone. Addition of 0.1% Dri-die, 0.1% Cab-O-Sil, and 1.0% Micro-Cel C to boric acid resulted in the greatest increase in efficacy with virtually no increase in repellency, Formulations of boric acid plus 0.1% or 1.0% Celite 270 had relatively low efficacy and repellency as did boric acid alone. Field tests showed that dusting with boric acid powder followed by a Pyrenone®, (pyrethrins-piperonyl butoxide 1:10) spray was as effective or more effective than the boric acid-silica dusts for controlling German cockroaches in urban apartments.
Refined Defensive Mechanisms in Chrysomela scripta

The eversible glands of the willow-feeding larvae of C. scripta F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) produce salicylaldehyde. (jas-chromatographic and coupled gas chromatograph-mass spectral analyses were used to determine that salicylaldehyde was the only defensive component detectable in the exudate of the larvae. All larval instars emitted the defensive secretion. The pupa benefits from the secretion by using the last larval integument with its saclike glandular reservoirs for attachment to the host plant. The teneral adult probably also gains protection from the salicylaldehyde which clings to its body after it emerges from the pupal skin. The larvae and pupae are both aposematically colored. Larvae and pupae exposed to 2 species of ants, the Argentine ant, Iridomyrmex humilis (Mayr), and Crematogaster clara (Mayr) were protected from attack by both species of ants.
A STUDY ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULT RESIDENTS IN SHANDONG PROVINCE

Objectives To describe the epidemiological distribution of overweight and obesity and explore its relationship with hypertension among adult residents in Shandong province. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 15 350 permanent residents aged between 18–69 years old with stratified multistage sampling during July to August 2011, in Shandong province. All participants were interviewed with a standard questionnaire. Anthropometric indicators including height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Results The general prevalence rate of overweight, obesity and central obesity was 32.77%, 16.60% and 50.33% among adult residents in Shandong province. There is no difference of the epidemiological distribution between different groups classified by gender, region and city. The average levels of blood pressure gradually increased with the increasing of BMI and WC, while the rate of hypertension also increased. The prevalence rate of hypertension was 8.56%, 13.42% and 28.20% among normal BMI, overweight and obesity people. After adjusting age and gender, the prevalence rates were 2.34 times and 5.92 times higher among overweight and obesity people than those among normal BMI people. Conclusions Nearly half of Shandong adult residents are overweight or obesity. Overweight and obesity have become important public health problems in Shandong province and they are major risk factors to cause hypertension. Health education and health promotion should be strengthened to prevent and control overweight and obesity.
Sulfur conjugates as putative pneumotoxic metabolites of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline.

Well over 200 pyrrolizidine alkaloids are known, distributed in a number of plant families (Huxtable, 1989; Mattocks, 1986). Important pyrrolizidine-containing families include Crotalaria, Symphytum, Heliotropium and Senecio. Alkaloids containing a 1,2-double bond (Fig. 1) are hepatotoxic, producing veno-occlusive disease in experimental animals, livestock and humans. A relatively small number of alkaloids are also pneumotoxic, producing pulmonary arterial hypertension, arterial medial hyperplasia, endothelial proliferation, and right ventricular hypertrophy in selected species (Huxtable, 1990). Pneumotoxic alkaloids include the Crotalaria lkaloids, monocrotaline and fulvine, and the Senecio alkaloids, senecionine and seneciphylline. Pulmonary hyperplasia and right ventricular hypertrophy are produced in rats by monocrotaline following a single injection of 0.12–0.36 mmole/kg, or a total dose of 0.04 mmole/kg given subacutely (Shubat, Hubbard and Huxtable, 1989). However, pneumotoxicity is delayed in appearance. Following a single injection, pulmonary hyperplasia is first detectable after seven days, pulmonary arterial blood pressure is raised after nine days, and right ventricular hypertrophy develops after fourteen days. These effects are caused by hepatic metabolites of monocrotaline. Monocrotaline itself has no effect on the isolated, perfused lung, and lung tissue appears to be incapable of metabolizing the alkaloid (Gillis, Huxtable and Roth, 1978).
A Spatial Analysis of Body Mass Index and Neighborhood Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Men and Women.

The spatial distribution of obesity among the older population can yield insights into the influence of contextual factors associated with this public health problem. We tested the relationship between neighborhood-level characteristics and body mass index (BMI) using global and local spatial statistics of geographic clustering, using data derived from a random-digit-dial sample of 5,319 community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 74 residing in 1,313 census tracts in New Jersey. Geographically weighted regression modeled associations between BMI clusters and neighborhood characteristics, including metrics of structure, safety, demographics, and amenities. Across the sample panel, average BMI was 28.62 kg/m(2) for women and 28.25 kg/m(2) for men. There was significant spatial clustering of obesity by census tract, varying by gender across the state. Neighborhood characteristics were more strongly related to BMI for women than men. This research illuminates the role of neighborhood contextual factors and will assist community planners, officials, and public health practitioners as they address the rise in obesity.
Research on specification of human action in virtual technology training system

A representation for human and object action in virtual technology training system is discussed.The human actions are abstracted into eight elementary training actions,each of which is with a set of functions that describe how the action is performed.Tools appeared in technology training system are also classified and described.And hands binding tools together in a common movement,thereby providing its various actions.The idea and method about how to design and implement the elementary training actions were explained through Usetool.And the transferred balance in safe operation of pumping unit simulation exercise system for the certification as an example.
The phylogeny of Opoptera butterflies, and an assessment of the systematic position of O. staudingeri (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

This study provides a species-level phylogeny for the Neotropical brassoline genus Opoptera Aurivillius based on 37 morphological characters. A revised generic definition is given, and two species groups are supported. The syme-group includes three species from the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The aorsa-group includes O. staudingeri (Godman & Salvin) from Central America, three species from western and northern South America, and one species from the Atlantic forest. Two subspecies are elevated to species status: O. hilaris Stichel, NEW STATUS and O. bracteolata Stichel, NEW STA- TUS. Two new combinations are proposed: O. hilaris fuscata Stichel, NEW COMBINATION and O. hilaris colombiana Rothshild, NEW COMBINATION. Diagnoses and illustrations of habitus and genitalia are provided for the eight recognized Opoptera species. Wing color, male scent organs, and male and female genitalic morphology are described and discussed.
Diffusion and Adoption of CDC Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections in US Hospitals

Since 1981, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been publishing Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections as a useful reference tool in infection control. The extent to which practices recommended by CDC to reduce hospital-acquired infections have been successfully diffused and adopted were evaluated in a stratified random sample of 445 US hospitals that were sent a questionnaire in 1985. The data suggest that over 84% of infection control practitioner respondents (78% response rate) are aware of each guideline, although small hospitals (less than 50 beds) are least likely to be aware of the guidelines or to have reviewed them thoroughly. Adoption of the recommendations remains far from universal, ranging from 23% to 75% for 16 specific recommendations investigated. Smaller hospitals were significantly less likely than large hospitals to have adopted each suggested policy. Recommendations that carried Category I rankings were more likely to be adopted, as were those procedures that had cost-savings implications.
Evaluation of the data vortex photonic all-optical path interconnection network for next-generation supercomputers

Today's supercomputers employ the fastest processors incorporating the latest VLSI technology. Unfortunately, usable system performance is often limited by excessive interprocessor latency. To overcome this bottleneck, this thesis explores the use of all-optical path interconnection networks using a new topology defined by Coke Reed [31]. This work overcomes limitations of previous optical networks through a novel use of defection routing to minimize latency and allow more processors to collaborate on the same application and dataset. In this thesis research, the data vortex is formally characterized and tested for performance. Extra angles serve as "virtual buffers" to provide required system performance, even under asymmetric mode operation. The data vortex is compared to two well-known interconnection networks (omega and butterfly) using metrics of average latency and message acceptance rate. The data vortex is shown to outperform the comparison networks, with a 20-50% higher acceptance rate and comparable average latency. The impact of angle size is also studied, and a new, synchronous mode of operation is proposed where additional angles are added to increase the virtual buffering of the network. The tradeoff between virtual buffering and angle resolution backpressure is explored, and an optimal point is found at the 1:6 I/O to non-I/O (virtual buffering) angle ratio. The new mode and optimal angle count are used to form data vortex networks that perform as well as larger networks with fewer total nodes. Finally, hierarchical layering with data vortex clusters is proposed and compared to a single-level data vortex. In today's technology, similar performance is attained at high network communication locality loads (>2/3), and a 19% latency reduction is obtained at the highest locality loads (>95%) for current optical switching technology. For projected future technology, the clustered system is shown to yield up to a 55% reduction in latency for applications with 2/3 or better locality.
Multicollinearity: Detection and Some Solutions

A great deal of research has been done to estimate parameters of a model in the presence of multicolline-arity. This paper focuses on various methods for formally detecting the presence and severity of multi-collinearity. The paper also compares some of the commonly used methods for estimation of ill-conditioned data.
High‐fat diet‐induced downregulation of anorexic leukemia inhibitory factor in the brain stem

Objective High-fat diet (HFD) is known to induce low-grade hypothalamic inflammation. Whether inflammation occurs in other brain areas remains unknown. This study tested the effect of short-term HFD on cytokine gene expression and identified leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a responsive cytokine in the brain stem. Thus, functional and cellular effects of LIF in the brain stem were investigated. Methods Male rats were fed chow or HFD for 3 days, and then gene expression was analyzed in different brain regions for IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LIF. The effect of intracerebroventricular injection of LIF on chow intake and body weight was also tested. Patch clamp recording was performed in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Results HFD increased pontine TNF-α mRNA while downregulating LIF in all major parts of the brain stem, but not in the hypothalamus or hippocampus. LIF injection into the cerebral aqueduct suppressed food intake without conditioned taste aversion, suggesting that LIF can induce anorexia via lower brain regions without causing malaise. In the NTS, a key brain stem nucleus for food intake regulation, LIF induced acute changes in neuronal excitability. Conclusions HFD-induced downregulation of anorexic LIF in the brain stem may provide a permissive condition for HFD overconsumption. This may be at least partially mediated by the NTS.
Large-Scale VM Placement with Disk Anti-Colocation Constraints Using Hierarchical Decomposition and Mixed Integer Programming

As computational clouds offer increasingly sophisticated services, there is a dramatic increase in the variety and complexity of virtual machine (VM) placement problems. In this paper, we consider a VM placement problem with a special type of anti-colocation requirements—disk anti-colocation—which stipulate that, for every VM assigned to a PM (physical machine), its virtual disks should be spread out across the physical disks of the PM. Once such a requirement is met, the users of the VM can expect improved disk I/O performance. There will also be improvement in fault tolerance and availability. For scalable solutions, we propose a method that combines hierarchical decomposition with mixed integer programming (MIP), where the basic building blocks are independent, small MIP subproblems. We provide experimental results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. We show that it is scalable and achieves high performance with respect to the optimization objective.
Intramedullary Nailing and External Ring Fixation for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Charcot Arthropathy.

Background:Surgical strategies to address deformities of the ankle and hindfoot in patients with Charcot arthropathy include the use of retrograde intramedullary nails and ring fixators. The literature has not shown superiority of one technique over the other. This study presents a single surgeon’s case series of Charcot arthropathy patients treated with either a ring fixator or retrograde intramedullary nail to achieve tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients with Charcot arthropathy who underwent a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using either a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail (n = 16 patients) or a ring fixator (RF) (n = 11 patients) by a single surgeon. We report the rates of limb salvage complications requiring secondary surgery and fusion in both groups. The patient demographics and presence of medical comorbidities known to increase the risk of surgical complications were similar between groups. The mean duration of follow-up for the ...
AN OBSERVATION OF PELVIC TILT IN X-RAY STANDING LATERAL VIEW OF PELVIS AND THE CLINICAL IMPLICATION IN THE CUP POSITIONING IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Introduction Deciding the acetabular cup inclination and anteversion is an important step in total hip arthroplasty. Despite numerous studies focusing on enhancement of precise positioning into anatomical safe zone, problem remains regarding which is the “optimal anteversion” and what is the proper anatomical reference during the surgery. Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate pelvic tilt angle measured in standing lateral view of pelvis in patients with hip osteoarthritis, and to find out the correlations between pelvic tilt angle (on Lewinnek anterior pelvic plane) and optimal anteversion position in total hip arthroplasty surgery. Results The average pelvic tilt angle is 8.79 degree with standard deviation 8.25 degree. There have no statistically significant difference between the pelvic tilt angles of male and female patients, or patients received total hip arthroplasty and patients did not received surgery. The pelvic tilt angle significantly greater in patients older than 60 years old compared with patients younger than 60 years old (12 degree Vs 4 degree, p Conclusions There are large variations in the pelvic AP tilting between individuals, and the posterior tilting of pelvis increased with aging. Our findings suggested that instead of body axis measured when patient is in decubitus position on the table, cup positioning during total hip arthroplasty should be based on the functional position when patients is in upright position. The difference between functional position and bony axis might increase with age; hence increase the risk of over anteversion in cup positioning. This might lead to impingement between cup and femur prosthesis and cause early failure or dislocation. While positioning the patient using lateral position, surgeons should pay attention to anterior pelvic plane and pelvic tilt angle (taking from lateral standing position) for estimation of anteversion of cup
Pharmacodynamic profiling of fluoroquinolones in Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) patients: Dose and age stratification study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the probability of Levofloxacin (Levo) compared to Gatifloxacin (Gati) achieving favorable pharmacodynamic (PD) targets for bacterial eradication and prevention of resistance development in S. pneumoniae in both elderly (≥65 years) and younger (<65 years) patients with Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Material and Methods: As part of a study comparing the clinical outcome of Levo vs. cefuroxime + erythromycin in hospitalized patients with CAP, demographics including age, weight, gender, race and renal function were gathered and analyzed from 263 elderly (≥65 years) and 48 younger patients (<65 years). Previously described and validated population pharmacokinetic (PK) models of levo and gati in patients with CAP were utilized. Free-drug AUC0-24 (f AUC0-24)were simulated in plasma (P) using Levo dosing at 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg OD as well as Gati 200mg and 400mg OD. Use of Monte Carlo simulation allowed for the full variability of encountered drug clearance to be incorporated. S. pneumoniae susceptibility data were obtained from the Canadian Respiratory organism Susceptibility Study (CROSS) study (an annual, national, ongoing surveillance study which has collected 8014 isolates from 1997-2004). Results: Probability of target attainment (f AUC0-24/MIC of 30) of Levo and Gati will be discussed. Conclusions: For all patients and for elderly hospitalized patients with CAP, Levo 750mg and Gati 400mg showed high probability for target attainment of f AUC0-24/MICall of 30. Ayman M. Noreddin, Clinic Pharmacol Biopharmaceut 2013, 2:3 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2167-065X.S1.002
Impact of an Electronic Medical Record-Based System to Promote Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus Screening in Public Hospital Primary Care Clinics.

BACKGROUND United States guidelines recommend that all adolescents and adults be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and that persons born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS We used electronic medical record (EMR) data to identify patients in 3 primary care clinics in Seattle, Washington who met national criteria for routine HCV or HIV testing and had no documented history of prior testing. Clinic staff received daily lists of untested patients with scheduled appointments. We used generalized linear models to compare the percentage of patients tested and newly diagnosed with HIV and HCV in the 18 months before and during the intervention. RESULTS A total of 16784 patients aged 18-64 and 9370 patients born between 1945 and 1965 received care from January 2011 to December 2015. Comparing the preintervention and intervention periods, the percentage of previously untested patients tested for HIV and HCV increased from 14.9% to 30.8% and from 18.0% to 35.5%, respectively (P < .0001 for both). Despite this increase in testing, there was no change in the percentage of patients newly diagnosed with HIV (0.7% in both periods, P = .96) or HCV (3.6% vs 3.7%, P = .81). We estimate that 1.2%-15% of HCV-infected primary care patients in our medical center are undiagnosed. CONCLUSIONS EMR-based HCV/HIV testing promotion increased testing but not case finding among primary care patients in our medical center. In our institution, most HCV-infected patients are already diagnosed, primarily through risk-based and clinical screening, highlighting the need to concentrate future efforts on increasing HCV treatment.
Preparation of Decellularized Biological Scaffolds for 3D Cell Culture

The biggest challenge of designing and implementing an in vitro study is developing a microenvironment that most closely represents the interactions observed in vivo. Decellularization of tissues and organs has been shown to be an effective method for the removal of potentially immunogenic constituents while preserving essential growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM ) proteins necessary for proper cell function. Enzymatic digestion of decellularized tissues allows these tissue-specific components to be reconstituted into bioactive hydrogels through a physical crosslinking of collagen. In the following protocol, we describe unique decellularization methods for both dermis and urinary bladder matrix (UBM) derived from porcine tissues. We then provide details for hydrogel formation and subsequent three-dimensional (3D) culture of two cell types: NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and C2C12 myoblasts .
Cytochrome c6 from synechococcus sp. PCC 7002

Cytochrome c 6 (cyt c 6; formerly cyt c-553) is a small, soluble iron-heme protein from the “ c” class of cytochromes that are characterized by their covalently bound heme groups. Examples of c-type cytochromes include the soluble cytochromes of the mitochondria, mobile cyt c-555 in anoxygenie green photosynthetic bacteria, cyt c 2 in purple photosynthetic bacteria, and the membrane-bound cyt c 1 and cyt f associated with the cyt bc 1 and b 6 fcomplexes [1]. In cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, cyt c 6 is used as a mobile carrier of electrons between the cyt b 6 f complex and P700 of the Photosystem I reaction center. Many of these organisms use either cyt c 6 or plastocyanin (PC) as the mobile carrier of electrons between cyt b 6 f complex and the P700 reaction center of photosystem I. Whether an organism uses PC or cyt c 6 as an electron donor to PS I is dependent on environmental conditions. When cells are grown in the presence of sufficient copper, cells synthesize and utilize PC for electron transport from cyt b 6 fto PS I; however, in the absence of copper, cells synthesize and utilize cyt c 6.Cyt c 6 undergoes a reversible oxidation-reduction reaction similar to that of PC during photosynthetic electron transport. In addition to its role in photosynthetic electron transport, cyt c 6 may also play a role in respiratory electron transport in cyanobacteria. Lockau has presented evidence in Anabaena variabilisthat both cyt c 6 and PC have dual roles as electron carriers for photosynthesis and respiration [2]. Previous experiments have demonstrated that cyt c 6 depleted membranes of Nostoc muscorumcould be made competent in transferring electrons to PS I and cyt oxidase by the addition of cyt c 6 [3].
The Neurobiology of Panic: A Chronic Stress Disorder:

Panic disorder is an often chronic and impairing human anxiety syndrome, which frequently results in serious psychiatric and medical comorbidities. Although, to date, there have been many advances in the diagnosis and treatment of panic disorder, its pathophysiology still remains to be elucidated. In this review, recent evidence for a neurobiological basis of panic disorder is reviewed with particular attention to risk factors such as genetic vulnerability, chronic stress, and temperament. In addition, neuroimaging data are reviewed which provides support for the concept of panic disorder as a fear network disorder. The potential impact of the National Institute of Mental Health Research Domain Criteria constructs of acute and chronic threats responses and their implications for the neurobiology of panic disorder are also discussed.
RFI mitigation for UWB radar via SPICE

It is well-known that ultra-wideband (UWB) radar suffers substantial disturbances due to spectral overlap with common radio frequency interferers (RFI), such as commercial radio/TV broadcasts, cell phones, and ISM equipment. We can expect RFI to become more prevalent as the cost of the technology decreases and devices become more widely commercialized. Fortunately, the energy of typical RFI is concentrated in narrow frequency bands – i.e. sparse in the frequency domain – which lends the RFI removal task to a sparsity-driven estimation approach. Moreover, the radar echoes tend to be sparse in the time domain. The recent SParse Iterative Covariance-based Estimation (SPICE) algorithm is employed to exploit these properties for effective RFI mitigation. We compare the performance of SPICE with that of the robust principal component analysis (RPCA) in a simulated interference environment consisting of an actual ambient RFI recording scaled and added to an unadulterated radar signal. SPICE is a user-parameter free algorithm, making it easy to use in practical applications such as RFI mitigation; while, in contrast, RPCA requires a tuning parameter, whose optimal value was found to depend on the signal-to-interference ratio of the contaminated data. Moreover, SPICE is computationally more efficient than RPCA.
IMMUNOTHERAPY OF HUMAN NEOPLASMS WITH TRANSFER FACTOR

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses results of experiments conducted to study immunotherapy of human neoplasms with transfer factor (TF). The report describes team's experience with TF used as immunoadjuvant in the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. It is stated that the initial study involved the use of dialyzable transfer factor prepared by the method of Lawrence, in six patients with metastatic melanoma. The experiments suggest that a significant change occurs in the levels of lymphocyte cytotoxicity against cultured renal carcinoma cells. Examination of the experimental data revealed that the use of transfer factor as an immunotherapeutic agent has several advantages including ease of administration, absence of serious side effects and increase in specific antitumor immunologic responses. The results suggest that transfer factor employed as an immunotherapeutic agent in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma has failed to produce objective tumor regression in nine instances.
Ein magnetischer Stern

Bei einem fluchtigen Blick in Richtung der Sonne scheint ihre weise, gluhende Scheibe vollkommen rund und tadellos glatt zu sein. Aber dieser oberflachliche Eindruck tauscht, wie uns gelegentlich auch ein Mensch aus der Ferne schoner erscheint als aus der Nahe. Die sichtbare Oberflache der Sonne ist oft voller dunkler sogenannter Sonnenflecken, die kommen und gehen und Stunden oder auch Monate bleiben. Diese unbestandigen dunklen Flecken sind ein Zeichen der Unvollkommenheit der Sonne; auf ihr herrschen Aufruhr und Veranderung. Wohl alles im Weltall ist weit von Vollkommenheit entfernt; alles in ihm ist veranderlich.
Sensitivity analysis framework for large and complex simulation models

In this paper, a framework for conducting Sensitivity Analysis (SA) on large and complex simulation models is introduced. The framework consists of components that are designed to make the SA a systematic process that is easy to manage and follow by simulation analysts and practitioners. Unlike local SA (one-variable-at-a-time SA), the method presented here is variance-based and it is rooted in the field of Design of Experiments (DoE) where Input Variables are varied and Output Variables are measured. Based on the DoE results, a risk scoring system is developed to identify the sensitivity of the Input Variables, and as a result classify them into High, Medium, and Low risk variables. As such, decision makers can be aware of the most sensitive high-risk input variables in a simulation model to ensure they understand the value of data reliability in their model inputs.
‘Essence’ and God

In Plato’s ontology there is an indissoluble linking together of the notions of being, self-identity, intelligibility, and immutability.1 Being — Plato’s ουσία — is understood to mean stability of essence or intelligible form: to be really is to be permanently self-identical.2 The platitudinous quality of this ancient (and valid) interpretation may well dim one’s eyes to its present relevance. For Augustine, as a Christian thinker, could not have employed this notion of being without, as it were, existentializing it. For God said in effect not that He is “essence,” but that He is esse (Exodus 3 : 14); and nothing is more “existential” than the Christian God and the Christian universe. It is true that Augustine largely retains a Platonist terminology, even calling God the “supreme essence” (summa essentia).3 And who denies his emphasis upon immutability and self-identity as definitive marks of “true being”?4) Nevertheless, since Augustine’s “essence” is the existent, the “supreme essence” is the supremely existent, viz., God. Evidently this is tantamount to affirming what the Thomists call the identity in God of “essence” and “existence.” No point in Augustine’s metaphysics is more strongly stressed than this: God is “is”: est [Deus] est. That is why He is immutable and possesses the other transcendental perfections as well: “Cum enim Deus summa essentia sit, hoc est summe sit, et ideo immutabilis sit …”5 In other words, the supreme “essence” is the supreme act of being, and that is why It is immutable.
Is progesterone a worthy candidate as a novel therapy for traumatic brain injury

Although progesterone is critical to a healthy pregnancy, it is now known to have other important functions as well. Recent research demonstrates that this hormone is also a potent neurosteroid that can protect damaged cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems and has rapid actions that go well beyond its effects on the classical intranuclear progesterone receptor. Based on years of preclinical research demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in animal models of central nervous system injury the hormone was recently tested in two Phase II clinical trials for traumatic brain injury (TBI). A US National Institutes of Health-sponsored, nationwide Phase III clinical trial is now evaluating progesterone for moderate-to-severe TBI in 1200 patients. An industry-sponsored Phase III international trial is also under way, and planning for a trial using progesterone to treat pediatric brain injury has begun. Preclinical data suggest that progesterone may also be effective in stroke and some neurodegenerative disorders.
Of Alternate Nineteenth Centuries: The Enduring Appeal of Steampunk

This article, first published in the July 2009 Internet Review of Science Fiction, considers the reasons for the popularity enjoyed by the "steampunk" subgenre of science fiction with its audience. It argues that this was a function of the aesthetic appeal, historical interest, narrative convenience and nostalgic significance of the nineteenth century's mix of similarity and difference with the present-day world; and its special significance for the science fiction genre as a founding moment, especially as that genre has become more backward-looking.
Layered-Crossover Tiles with Precisely Tunable Angles for 2D and 3D DNA Crystal Engineering

DNA tile-based assembly provides a promising bottom-up avenue to create designer two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) crystalline structures that may host guest molecules or nanoparticles to achieve novel functionalities. Herein, we introduce a new kind of DNA tiles (named layered-crossover tiles) that each consists of two or four pairs of layered crossovers to bridge DNA helices in two neighboring layers with precisely predetermined relative orientations. By providing proper matching rules for the sticky ends at the terminals, these layered-crossover tiles are able to assemble into 2D periodic lattices with precisely controlled angles ranging from 20° to 80°. The layered-crossover tile can be slightly modified and used to successfully assemble 3D lattice with dimensions of several hundred micrometers with tunable angles as well. These layered-crossover tiles significantly expand the toolbox of DNA nanotechnology to construct materials through bottom-up approaches.
Bangladesh and the Changing Global Rivalry: An Inside-out Appraisal

Are Asian “powers” punching above their weight in global power rivalry? This chapter assesses South Asia-related Chinese and Indian activities within the context of waning U.S. interests and influence. Using a concentric-circle interest appraisal, with Bangladesh representing the “innermost” location, the volume assesses Chinese, Indian, and Myanmarese dynamics at the “mid-stream” level, with both the United States and Latin America serving in the “outermost” arena. It interprets Bangladesh’s “sine qua non” Indian relations, China’s historical Bengal “footprints,” Rohingya refugee influx, South Asian Belt Road “encirclement,” Bangladesh-China gender ready-made garments impacts, as well as comparative Chinese-Indian-U.S. and Asian-Latin relations through various international relations theories. Among the findings: largely liberalist explanations do better than realist or mixed alternatives, with China accenting the liberalist, India the realist; China is found with global hegemonic instruments and mindset; and how Bangladesh’s “outward” orientation contrasts with the “inward” U.S. counterpart portrays the latter’s backseat, indirect role.
UNTANGLING SEXISM AND CLASSISM 1Untangling sexism and classism: attempting complex discussion about sexual violence in teacher education

ABSTRACTIn studies of gender and preservice teacher education, sexism is often a silent force that undergirds the inquiry, findings, and implications. This study explores how a group of preservice ...
Interventions for adult cancer survivors in OT: a national survey

Date Presented 04/04/19 Cancer care and oncology is an emerging area of practice in OT. It is imperative to compare current practice trends to the literature that supports evidence-based OT interventions in order to maximize therapeutic outcomes for cancer survivors. Results from this survey research aim to describe how OT practitioners are addressing side effects of survivorship within intervention and compare these practice trends to a systematic review of the literature. Primary Author and Speaker: Katie Polo Additional Authors and Speakers: Meghan Harkness Kelsey Badger, Jennifer Lynn, Addie Jacobs, Elizabeth Mathews
Ethics of Approaching Parents for Pediatric Donation After Circulatory Death

DCD is expanding, and with this expansion, there are emerging ethical issues involved in approaching the parents of a child for DCD. This paper will address those issues. The ethical issue that has received the most focus recently regarding pediatric DCD is the duration of the waiting period, after death declaration but prior to organ recovery, to ensure lack of autoresuscitation. A growing body of literature exists investigating autoresuscitation, thus providing a little more insight into the process of death determination. Pediatric DCD involves both the organ donor and the donor family. Informed consent for organ donation is obtained using the best interest model in pediatrics. Full disclosure of the process of DCD is essential to equip parents to make the best decision for their child. Additionally, the clinician must be prepared to explain the process to the families and honestly answer questions they might have about the process of their child’s death and organ recovery.