cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgery for Second Lung Cancers

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients surgically treated for their second primary lung cancer. Method: In a computerized surgical registry of > 800 consecutive patients treated for primary pulmonary carcinoma since 1980, 37 patients presented with a second lung cancer. These patients were analyzed regarding their original treatment, preoperative evaluation, operative procedures, and long-term follow-up. Results: Three fifths of the patients were female, and 57% were > 65 years old at the time of their second operation. One patient originally had two synchronous tumors; another patient had three metachronous neoplasms. The interval between surgeries ranged from 5 to 239 months. In 31 patients, treatment for their original tumor was surgical resection alone. Lobectomy was the most common operation for the original tumor, and 78% were stage I. When the second tumor was diagnosed, 25 patients (68%) were asymptomatic. Eight patients (22%) were current smokers, and 29 patients (78%) were former smokers. The most common operation for the second tumor was a lobectomy. Surgical mortality was 5.4%. Nineteen patients (51%) survived 2 years, and 9 patients (24%) survived > 5 years. Eleven patients (30%) were still alive at last follow-up, 3 to 198 months postoperatively, and only 13 patients (34%) had died of their cancer. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of second primary pulmonary neoplasms can be performed in selected patients with acceptable long-term survival. (CHEST 2000; 118:1621‐1625)
Using Multiple Ontologies to Integrate Complex Biological Data

The strength of the rat as a model organism lies in its utility in pharmacology, biochemistry and physiology research. Data resulting from such studies is difficult to represent in databases and the creation of user-friendly data mining tools has proved difficult. The Rat Genome Database has developed a comprehensive ontology-based data structure and annotation system to integrate physiological data along with environmental and experimental factors, as well as genetic and genomic information. RGD uses multiple ontologies to integrate complex biological information from the molecular level to the whole organism, and to develop data mining and presentation tools. This approach allows RGD to indicate not only the phenotypes seen in a strain but also the specific values under each diet and atmospheric condition, as well as gender differences. Harnessing the power of ontologies in this way allows the user to gather and filter data in a customized fashion, so that a researcher can retrieve all phenotype readings for which a high hypoxia is a factor. Utilizing the same data structure for expression data, pathways and biological processes, RGD will provide a comprehensive research platform which allows users to investigate the conditions under which biological processes are altered and to elucidate the mechanisms of disease.
Implicit Association Test

When waiting for a movie to begin, it is common to see advertisements for the soda, popcorn, and candy you passed by (or bought) in the lobby. Whether you are paying attention to the advertisement or are talking to a companion, the pairing of ice-cold containers of soda with other attractive images and sounds establishes an association between “soda” and “good” in your mind. In the theater and beyond, the mind is constantly gathering information from the social environment and creating, revising, and reinforcing associations in memory. The mind is so prolific at forming these associations that it may do so even if you would rather not have them. Keywords: automatic; implicit attitudes; associations
Exogenous Bovine Surfactant Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Release by Murine Macrophages Stimulated by Genital Mycoplasmas

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine that appears to play a significant role in the development of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). Inflammation and CLD are also associated with respiratory tract colonization with genital mycoplasmas. The possible protective roles of surfactant in mitigating the inflammatory response to these microbes were investigated. Murine RAW 264.7 macrophages were preincubated with an exogenous surfactant and exposed overnight to sterile media, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Mycoplasma hominis, or Ureaplasma urealyticum. Macrophages released TNF-alpha in response to challenge with LPS, U. urealyticum, and M. hominis in a concentration-dependent fashion. Surfactant suppressed LPS and M. hominis induced TNF-alpha production in a dose-dependent manner but suppressed U. urealyticum-mediated TNF-alpha production only at the higher dose tested. Similar effects were seen in hyperoxia (95% O2). Thus, exogenous bovine surfactant significantly inhibits the production of TNF-alpha by murine macrophages stimulated with genital mycoplasmas and bacterial LPS.
How Real Managers In The Real World Build Real Teams: A Call For Relevance

Few places in the management literature is there a greater divide between theory and practice than in Team Building. Yes, academics have thoroughly researched what this “ideal team” should look like, its various developmental stages, even the proper mix of roles – yet this author would argue we as educators and consultants know little of how to really develop teams and offer even less of this in equipping our students-managers for this central task. The purpose of this paper is a call for relevance – a challenge to move from speculative theory on team development to actual practice – identifying what works and what doesn’t. Following a literature review which underlines how theoretical our field has become concerning team development, an actual research study will be reported. Forty-two MBA students participated in a study where near ideal work teams were developed. Then these same students were asked, “What went right? Identify four lessons you learned on how to build an energized team.” The following is a partial list of student observations on what contributed most to an ideal team: listening, clearly defined goals and tasks, respect for each other, urgency of time, strong norms that rejected loafers, lack of formal structure, and allowing natural leaders to lead. The paper ends with a discussion on implications for managers hoping to develop energized work teams: · Ad Hoc Teams are Best . Standing groups which lack “Sunset Causes” tend to become political over time. · Find the Right Mix between Formal and Informal. Informal gives energy, formal gives needed structure. · Leadership Must Emerge Early in the Process and be Accepted by Most. There is a critical moment where leaderless teams dissolve into political games. · Strong Norms of Mutual Respect Must be Present from the Beginning. The tendency toward competition in early team formation must quickly be moderated and directed toward task completion. In conclusion, our theoretical traditions have led us to a profound understanding of group dynamics, but to remain relevant we owe our students a practical guide as well. A guide that discussed how Real Managers in the Real World develop Real Teams.
Perioperative Management of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic inflammatory condition, affecting roughly 1% of the population worldwide [1, 2]. Advancing age, chronic inflammation, and side effects from antirheumatic medications increase the likelihood of other medical comorbidities and therefore increase perioperative risk among these persons. They require a coordinated, comprehensive perioperative evaluation and management plan to minimize complications. We will discuss general and RA-specific preoperative, operative day, and postoperative medical and anesthetic considerations.
"What do you think about having beauty marks on your-Hashek!": Innovative and Impolite Uses of an Arabic Politeness Formula among French Teenagers

This article addresses how French teenagers of North African (primarily Algerian) descent transform the Arabic speech act Hashek through their nontraditional and innovative uses. In French language interactions that involved adversarial teasing or public criticism of a peer, Arab French teenagers used the politeness formula Hashek as a self-corrective to simultaneously facilitate and mitigate such irreverent behavior. In addition, teenagers used Hashek as an other-corrective in order to publicly mark peers as inappropriate or rude. Thus both usages of the term (self- and other-corrective) aid teenagers in achieving impolite, nondeferential speech. In using Hashek to accomplish impolite speech, French-speaking teenagers of North African background transform this traditional Arabic linguistic practice to suit the face-needs of their adolescent peer group in France, while remaining in conversation with North African interactional rituals and cultural norms.
Containing the Police: The Wanyiri Kihoro Case

In 1986, a student, Wanyiri Kihoro, learning at a Mombasa law firm was unlawfully arrested by Kenyan police. During the 74 days he was held he was assaulted, tortured and subjected to inhuman treatment including being kept naked on a wet floor. He filed a complaint under sections 72 (protection or right to personal liberty), 74 (protection from inhuman treatment), and 81 (protection of freedom of movement) of the constitution.This article is a case commentary of the decision from Kenya’s highest court in Kihoro v. the Attorney-General which represents a milestone in Kenya’s constitutional litigation. It also summarizes the legal rules established by this decision.
Disentangling the Longitudinal Relations of Race, Sex, and Socioeconomic Status, for Childhood Body Mass Index Trajectories

OBJECTIVE Race, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with childhood obesity. The present research longitudinally examines these factors with 12,674 White and Black children from kindergarten through 8th grade. METHODS Body mass index (BMI) data were collected and standardized at six time points (zBMI). Using Latent Growth Curve Modeling, race and sex were evaluated as moderators for the relation between SES and initial zBMI and rate of zBMI change. RESULTS Higher SES significantly predicted higher initial zBMI for Black males and lower initial zBMI and rate of change for White males. A nonlinear relation between SES and zBMI was found for White females. CONCLUSIONS SES has a differential impact on adiposity for different demographic groups. The longitudinal nature of the study and the focus on younger school-aged children provide important information regarding the complex interplay of race, sex, and SES for the prediction of childhood adiposity.
A Double-Blind Study Comparing Cefonicid with Cefazolin as Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Knee Replacement

In a randomized double-blind design, cefonicid, an investigational cephalosporin, was compared with cefazolin as prophylaxis in 76 patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement. Risk factors were similar in both groups, and no toxicity was seen with either the control drug, cefazolin, or the test drug, cefonicid. In this small group of patients followed for a short period (four months to one year), no wound sepsis or early or delayed prosthetic sepsis was found, and no superiority of one drug over the other could be demonstrated. Because of the already low incidence of prosthetic infection in patients given appropriate prophylaxis, a larger sample size and a more extended follow-up would be necessary to show increased efficacy of a new compound relative to that of an accepted and proven older drug.
Photic Retinal InjurjrFrom Endoillumination During Vitrectomy

We treated a patient who developed a paramacular area of light-induced retinal damage after endoscopic epimacular membrane removal. Postoperative color photographs showed complete absence of the membrane, but fluorescein angiography demonstrated a previously absent superior paramacular lesion consistent with a photic injury. Operative microscope illumination had been eliminated by corneal shielding, which implicated endoillumination as the source of injury. We recommend the following procedures to avoid this complication: careful planning of vitreous surgery for epimacular membrane removal; using filters; minimizing the length of surgery; keeping the light output low; maintaining maximal light pipe distance from the retina; eccentric orientation of the light pipe; and use of intermittent and variable site illumination techniques.
Sexual victimization among college women: role of sexual assertiveness and resistance variables

OBJECTIVE: College women are at high risk for sexual assault, especially women with a history of sexual victimization. The present study uses a longitudinal design to explore the role of sexual assertiveness, psychological barriers to resistance, and resistance self-efficacy as putative mediators between prior sexual victimization and sexual revictimization among a sample of 296 college women. METHOD: Women completed assessments of sexual victimization since the age of 14, as well as putative mediator variables at a baseline assessment. Sexual revictimization was assessed over a 7-month interim. RESULTS: Results of structural equation modeling indicated that the relationship between baseline and follow-up sexual assault was mediated by the study variables. Follow-up analyses suggested that sexual assertiveness served as a particularly salient mediator. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that increasing women's sexual assertiveness skills may be a particularly important component of reducing risk for sexual revictimization among women with a history of assault. ©2016 American Psychological Association Language: en
Dolomitization Associated with Sea Level and Ocean Current Circulation in the Southern Marion Platform, Offshore Ne Australia

On the Southern Marion carbonate platform, dolomitization is triggered by the circulation of normal or slightly modified seawater and is related to changes in sedimentation rate and sea level change. Dolomitization further modifies formation permeability and fluid flow patterns. Dolostone/calcareous dolostone with large vuggy or moldic porosity is formed by fabric-preserving dissolution and recrystallization, which increases the pore space and facilitates the fluid flow effectively, with permeability ranging from 1mD to 10,000mD. The frame flexibility factor (γ) is a rock physics parameter which is a proxy of pore structure. We find that at given porosity dolostone with larger pores, higher permeability and higher sonic velocity usually has lower values of frame flexibility factor than limestone. After strong compaction and cementation, the limestone frame occludes fluid flow, prevents dolomitization and has permeability as low as 0.02mD. Acoustic impedance inversion confirms that the asymmetric geometry of the Southern Marion platform is shaped by the oceanographic currents, which are caused by the southward-flowing East Australian Current. Three layers of dolostone with large pores in the upper platform reveal strong fluid flow within the carbonate platform, leading to dolomitization and dissolution. These three strongly dolomitized zones follow the platform topography, indicating that the diagenetic fluid flow is driven by oceanographic currents. Three large-pore-formation dolomitization events match well with three highstands of sea level events, illustrating that the highstand of sea level induces the formation of dolomitization zones with large pores. This study demonstrates the positive feedback loop of dolomitization and ocean current circulation, as well as the relationship between dolomitization and sea level change, which could be applicable for better understanding subsurface fluid-rock interactions and dolomitization pore systems in other carbonate environments.
Stimulation of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 secretion from peritoneal macrophages by polymers of albumin

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that is elevated in vivo during acute infection, chronic inflammation, and some hematopoietic malignancies. To understand how IL-6 becomes elevated in vivo, it is important to identify factors that can stimulate its secretion from effector cells. We found that commercial preparations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) stimulated murine macrophages to secrete high levels of IL-6. In fact, BSA was at least as potent as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in stimulating IL-6 production. Stimulation was clearly visible at concentrations as low as 20 micrograms/mL and reached saturation at 0.5 to 1 mg/mL albumin, at which concentration 1.1 x 10(6) oil-elicited macrophages produced 6,000 +/- 700 B9 units of IL-6 in an overnight incubation. Prostaglandin E2 production was induced by the same concentrations of BSA. Both resident and oil-elicited peritoneal cells were responsive to the albumin. The stimulatory activity did not derive from contamination of the protein with Escherichia coli LPS; when compared directly with LPS, the response to BSA was more rapid, had a higher amplitude, and was not inhibitable by polymyxin B. In addition, macrophages isolated from C3H/HeJ mice, which have an inherited defect in their ability to respond to LPS, secreted IL-6 in response to BSA but not to LPS. The stimulatory activity was stable to heat, mild acid, and reduction/alkylation and copurified with albumin on Cibachron Blue agarose (Sigma, St Louis, MO) and anti-albumin immunoaffinity chromatography. Comparison of different sources and preparations of albumin showed differences in the levels of IL-6-inducing activity; three different lots of commercial fatty acid-free BSA and one lot of polymer-enhanced BSA stimulated IL-6 secretion by more than 100-fold over basal levels whereas other preparations showed more limited activity. A sample of BSA that was active in vitro caused a marked elevation of IL-6 when injected into BALB/c mice, thus demonstrating inflammatory activity in vivo. When the albumin preparations were fractionated by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography and then analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and Western blot immunoassay, it was found that the IL-6-inducing activity resided in high molecular weight polymers of albumin. The ability of albumin polymers to stimulate IL-6 production represents a novel mechanism for modulation of this cytokine.
Analysis on status of measles laboratory network running in Jiangsu Province

Objective To evaluate the effect of measles laboratory network running in Jiangsu Province.Methods Results of measles laboratory from 2003 to 2010 were analyzed statistically.Results A total of 28 348 sera obtained from measles suspected cases were tested,of which 199 66 sera was measles IgM positive with 70.43% positive rate;294 strains of measles virus were isolated from 1 298 throat swab,the rate of virus isolation was 22.65%;10 473 sera obtained from normal population were tested with 93.45% measles positive rate;1 384 sera obtained from immune afterwards were tested,the successful rate of vaccine immunization was 97.83%.Conclusion Measles network in Jiangsu Province has run well and provided scientific aid for accelerating measles control.
A method for determination of lecithin and sphingomyelin in amniotic fluid.

A method for the visualization of lecithin and sphingomyelin is presented. The procedure allows the use of commercially prepared silica gel thin-layer sheets. Phosphomolybdic acid and stannous chloride solutions have been combined with a novel acetone decolorization which circumvents the usual fixing of the silica gel layer prior to color development. The method produces a permanent record which is suitable for densitometry, facilitating quantitative analysis of the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios.
Quantitative imaging approaches for small-molecule measurements using FRET sensors in plants.

Cellular metabolites and ions can exhibit very specific spatiotemporal dynamics that are very challenging to monitor using extraction-based methods. Genetically encoded Foster resonance energy transfer sensors afford a powerful method of measuring these dynamics in situ and hence are now widely used in order to decode information communicated through the dynamics of cellular metabolites and ions. This methodology involves (1) the development of a suitable sensor, (2) genetic engineering of the sensor for its expression in the tissue of interest, and (3) measurement and characterization of the cellular metabolites and ions using optical imaging. This chapter describes the measurement aspects. We describe the imaging setup, sample preparation from leaf discs and root cells, performance of a perfusion experiment, and quantification of metabolite and ion concentrations from the imaging data. We also describe post-experiment analysis including estimation of sensor efficiency and spectral bleedthrough.
Fundamentals and Optimal Design of Subband and Wavelet Transforms

As noted in Chapter 1, a major thrust of research in subband filter banks has focussed on methods for achieving perfect reconstruction (PR), defined as the property wherein the reconstructed output signal is simply a delayed version of the input signal. There are several established categories of PR filter banks, the most popular of which are the paraunitary and the biorthogonal varieties, as well as a spate of others [7, 418, 430, 371]. While all of these insure PR, there is literally an infinite number of solutions, even for the simplest of filter structures. The space of feasible solutions can be narrowed by design procedures that optimize certain objective measures while maintaining perfect reconstruction as a constraint.
Reviews of Science for Science Librarians: The Challenge of the Zika Virus: An Emerging Arbovirus Disease

ABSTRACTFirst identified in Uganda in 1947, the Zika virus simmered quietly for 60 years, occasionally causing a mild dengue-like illness across parts of central Africa and equatorial Asia. However, since 2007, three large outbreaks have occurred: first in Micronesia; then in French Polynesia in 2013–2014; and as an epidemic involving Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America in 2015–2016. This article reviews the virology of the Zika virus, its modes of transmission, symptoms of Zika virus disease, the association of Zika infections with microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome, prevention of Zika infections, and ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine.
Simulating mobile robots for undergraduate research

Our objective is to promote scientific research among undergraduate students at Eastern Oregon University through the development of mobile robots. Simulating mobile robots in research is not a novel technique, but using simulated robots that utilize virtual physics or "Physicomimetics" [2] as a tool to promote undergraduate research is unique. This paper addresses the undergraduate research experience of designing and implementing a simulated mobile robot environment using a physics-based control algorithm.
Physical Activity and Abnormal Blood Glucose Among Healthy Weight Adults

Introduction Physical activity has been linked to prevention and treatment of prediabetes and diabetes in overweight and obese adults. This study examines the relationship between low physical activity levels and risk of abnormal blood glucose (prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes) in healthy weight adults. Methods Data from the 2014 Health Survey for England were analyzed in July 2016, focusing on adults with a BMI ≥18.5 and Results Abnormal blood glucose was detected in 23.7% of individuals with low activity levels, 14.8% of those with medium activity levels, and 12.2% of those with high activity levels (p Conclusions Among healthy weight adults, low physical activity levels are significantly associated with abnormal blood glucose (prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes). These findings suggest that healthy weight individuals may benefit from physical exercise.
Abstract P053: Nicotine-induced Renal Inflammation in Genetic Hypertension is Not Dependent on Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity

We recently demonstrated that cholinergic stimulation with nicotine in vivo leads to renal inflammation and premature development of hypertension in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR), but not in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) controls. Nicotine can stimulate immune cells directly and influence inflammation indirectly by increasing sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). We hypothesized that increased renal SNA contributes to nicotine-induced renal inflammation in SHR. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the number of CD68+ macrophages in kidneys of prehypertensive SHR (3-5 weeks old, n=7) and age-matched WKY rats (n=3) after subcutaneous infusion of nicotine via osmotic mini-pump (625 mcg/kg/hr) for 24 hours. Each rat was subjected to unilateral renal nerve denervation (RND) and sham surgery on the contralateral kidney 1 week before implanting the mini-pump. RND failed to abrogate nicotine-induced renal inflammation, actually increasing CD68+ macrophage infiltration in renal tubulointerstitium of SHR (110 ± 3 vs. 89 ± 1 cells/unit area in denervated vs. contralateral intact kidneys, respectively, p 0.05). Renal norepinephrine content was measured by ELISA to confirm RND. We conclude that nicotine-induced renal macrophage infiltration in SHR is not dependent on renal SNA, and speculate that renal SNA may be anti-inflammatory in this model.
UV scale calibration transfer from an improved pyroelectric detector standard to field UV-A meters and 365 nm excitation sources

Calibration of the emitted radiation from UV sources peaking at 365 nm, is necessary to perform the ASTM required 1 mW/cm2 minimum irradiance in certain military material (ships, airplanes etc) tests. These UV “black lights” are applied for crack-recognition using fluorescent liquid penetrant inspection. At present, these nondestructive tests are performed using Hg-lamps. Lack of a proper standard and the different spectral responsivities of the available UV meters cause significant measurement errors even if the same UV-365 source is measured. A pyroelectric radiometer standard with spectrally flat (constant) response in the UV-VIS range has been developed to solve the problem. The response curve of this standard determined from spectral reflectance measurement, is converted into spectral irradiance responsivity with <0.5% (k=2) uncertainty as a result of using an absolute tie point from a Si-trap detector traceable to the primary standard cryogenic radiometer. The flat pyroelectric radiometer standard can be used to perform uniform integrated irradiance measurements from all kinds of UV sources (with different peaks and distributions) without using any source standard. Using this broadband calibration method, yearly spectral calibrations for the reference UV (LED) sources and irradiance meters is not needed. Field UV sources and meters can be calibrated against the pyroelectric radiometer standard for broadband (integrated) irradiance and integrated responsivity. Using the broadband measurement procedure, the UV measurements give uniform results with significantly decreased uncertainties.
Statistical library characterization using arbitrary polynomial chaos

The method of arbitrary polynomial chaos (aPC) is used to characterize the delay and subthreshold leakage of commercial 65nm and 28nm standard cell libraries. Delay and subthreshold leakage of a standard cell are modelled as orthogonal polynomial series of process variables. The aPC approach constructs the polynomials using only moments, and the coefficients of the polynomials are determined by minimum least squares, using samples generated by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The mean and standard deviation of delay and subthreshold leakage computed using aPC are within 1% of those computed using MCS while the aPC method results in a 25X-40X speed up over MCS.
Rasch measurement properties of the Pain Medication Questionnaire in persons with spinal cord injury.

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional population-based self-report data. To determine how well the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) measures risk of pain medication misuse and its precision in separating individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) into meaningful classification categories. Academic medical center in Southeastern United States. Data were collected from a population-based registry of SCI (n=971). Eligible participants included adults with traumatic SCI with residual effects who were at least 1 year post injury and 18 years of age and who had PMQ data in which they reported active use of pain medication at the time of the study (n=745). Most items (23/26) of the PMQ contributed to a single unidimensional construct. Rasch analysis results revealed that the rating scale, majority of persons (>93%), and majority of items (20/23) fit the Rasch measurement model. The PMQ demonstrated adequate reliability (person reliability =0.67) and separated persons into two strata—those likely to misuse pain medication and those with low liklihood of misusing pain medication. Findings offer a deeper understanding of the measurement properties of the PMQ as a precursor for widespread population-based studies to elucidate the incidence of pain medication misuse in persons with SCI. Results also have important research and clinical implications for commonly used PMQ total score cut-offs, which may misclassify an individual’s risk of pain medication misuse.
Web-based longitudinal remote assessment of dry eye symptoms.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the feasibility of remote assessment and follow-up of dry eye symptoms using electronic versions of two validated questionnaires. Methods We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with dry eye disease (DED). Patients were enrolled during a clinical visit and were explained how to respond electronic versions of the Ocular surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaires using a computer in the presence of investigators. A secure link to both questionnaires was sent to each patient every 2 weeks in order to respond and submit their symptoms over a 3-month period. We analyzed the number of patients who responded to both questionnaires, the recurrence, and the symptoms scores reported. Results A total of 1121 questionnaires were collected; 103 patients (85%) reported their symptoms at least once during the 3-month study duration. The majority of participants who completed the study (71.6%) responded remotely at least once per month during the 3-month duration of the study. The mean OSDI and SANDE scores from the total of remote evaluations were 34.9 ± 21.9 (range 0–97.5) and 50.3 ± 24.9 (range 0–100), respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the total scores collected with the two questionnaires (R = 0.67, P Conclusions Patients are motivated to report DED symptoms while away from the clinic. Distance-based evaluation of DED symptoms is both feasible and convenient, and can be implemented to follow symptoms in large populations with chronic dry eye.
Can healthy checkout end-caps improve targeted fruit and vegetable purchases? Evidence from grocery and SNAP participant purchases

Abstract Grocery shoppers face time and attention constraints when shopping that may contribute to decreased purchase and consumption of fruits and vegetables. We created and tested a healthy checkout strategy that made fruits and vegetables both convenient and salient. Specifically, cashiers were trained to suggestive sell pre-packaged, convenient, low-cost, pairs of fruits or vegetables located at the checkout aisle end-cap. Overall and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participant purchases of targeted fruits and vegetables significantly increased within treatment stores and between the treatment stores relative to the control store. A significant decreasing trend in overall produce sales in the control store was found, but not for treatment stores. Further pilot testing of healthy checkout strategies is needed to provide additional evidence of efficacy and to understand better how economically sustainable these strategies are for retailers.
Research Methods: Information, Systems, and Contexts

When I began learning research methods in my first year as a doctoral student, I took a disconnected series of classes shaped by each particular professor’s favored techniques, with a hodgepodge of...
Colorado Tick Fever Virus

This chapter provides an overview of the classification and description of the Colorado tick fever virus, its hosts, the key developments regarding the virus, and the diagnostic techniques and reagents. Colorado tick fever virus causes fever, headache, nausea, sometimes vomiting, and rarely encephalitis in humans. Humans are the accidental hosts for the Colorado tick fever virus. Reservoirs for the Colorado tick fever virus include chipmunks ( Eutamias spp.), squirrels ( Spermophiles spp.), and other rodents. The vectors include ticks ( Dermacentor andersoni ). The virus is restricted to the distributional area of the vector tick, Dermacentor andersoni , that is, the Western United States and Canada. The disease may be transmitted by blood transfusion. Trans-stadial but not transovarian infections occur in the ticks.
Reactivity and Structure of Metal Catalyst Particles

The correlation between catalytic activity and particle microstructure is examined for hydrocarbon hydrogenolysis and for CO hydrogenation on Rh and Ni supported on SiO2 using TEM, XPS, reactivity, and H2 chemisorption. It is found that C2H6 hydrogenolysis is more than 102 higher on Rh after oxidation and low temperature reduction at 250°C than after high temperature reduction at 650°C. Catalyst activity can be restored repeatedly by oxidation and low temperature redyction. TEM shows that 100A single crystal particles are converted into ∼10A clusters of particles upon oxidation-reduction treatment. XPS shows that oxide particles are completely reduced to metal by 200°C. Propane hydrogenolysis shows a comparable effect of oxidation-reduction on Rh. Ni on SiO2 exhibits a factor of two reversible decrease in activity for CO hydrogenation upon low temperature reduction. These results show that the properties of low dispersion catalysts can be altered reversibly by oxidation-reduction treatments because of the variation in surface microstructure Droduced on the metastable surfaces created by low temperature reduction of oxide.
Metastatic Disease to the Musculoskeletal System

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes continuous remodeling. It goes through a balanced process that entails repeated cycles of bone resorption coupled with synthesis of new bone matrix (Fig. 1). These remodeling cycles are influenced by an individual’s age, endocrine and nutritional status, and level of physical activity. This ongoing tissue turnover is important for meeting the often conflicting need of the skeleton to maintain structural support for the body while also providing a source of ions for mineral homeostasis. The maintenance of skeletal mass in the face of continuous bone remodeling requires the coordinated activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the two cell types responsible for skeletal matrix formation and resorption (1) (Fig. 1). Advances in our understanding of the precise mechanisms that control the cellular interactions and coupled activities of these two cell types have provided new insight into a number of diseases affecting the skeleton. These disorders are characterized by an imbalance of remodeling with subsequent increase in bone resorption, decreased bone mass, and loss of skeletal stability and integrity. This is particularly true for neoplastic diseases, in which a number of common human malignancies have a propensity to spread to the skeleton, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality from bone destruction (2).
Trends in Visits to Acute Care Venues for Treatment of Low-Acuity Conditions in the United States From 2008 to 2015.

Importance Over the past 2 decades, a variety of new care options have emerged for acute care, including urgent care centers, retail clinics, and telemedicine. Trends in the utilization of these newer care venues and the emergency department (ED) have not been characterized. Objective To describe trends in visits to different acute care venues, including urgent care centers, retail clinics, telemedicine, and EDs, with a focus on visits for treatment of low-acuity conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used deidentified health plan claims data from Aetna, a large, national, commercial health plan, from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2015, with approximately 20 million insured members per study year. Descriptive analysis was performed for health plan members younger than 65 years. Data analysis was performed from December 28, 2016, to February 20, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Utilization, inflation-adjusted price, and spending associated with visits for treatment of low-acuity conditions. Low-acuity conditions were identified using diagnosis codes and included acute respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, rashes, and musculoskeletal strains. Results This study included 20.6 million acute care visits for treatment of low-acuity conditions over the 8-year period. Visits to the ED for the treatment of low-acuity conditions decreased by 36% (from 89 visits per 1000 members in 2008 to 57 visits per 1000 members in 2015), whereas use of non-ED venues increased by 140% (from 54 visits per 1000 members in 2008 to 131 visits per 1000 members in 2015). There was an increase in visits to all non-ED venues: urgent care centers (119% increase, from 47 visits per 1000 members in 2008 to 103 visits per 1000 members in 2015), retail clinics (214% increase, from 7 visits per 1000 members in 2008 to 22 visits per 1000 members in 2015), and telemedicine (from 0 visits in 2008 to 6 visits per 1000 members in 2015). Utilization and spending per person per year for low-acuity conditions had net increases of 31% (from 143 visits per 1000 members in 2008 to 188 visits per 1000 members in 2015) and 14% ($70 per member in 2008 to $80 per member in 2015), respectively. The increase in spending was primarily driven by a 79% increase in price per ED visit for treatment of low-acuity conditions (from $914 per visit in 2008 to $1637 per visit in 2015). Conclusions and Relevance From 2008 to 2015, total acute care utilization for the treatment of low-acuity conditions and associated spending per member increased, and utilization of non-ED acute care venues increased rapidly. These findings suggest that patients are more likely to visit urgent care centers than EDs for the treatment of low-acuity conditions.
High Surface Area Nafion† Resin/Silica Nanocomposites: A New Class of Solid Acid Catalyst

Nafion resin, a perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer, has been used as a heterogeneous strong acid catalyst for a range of reactions; however, in nonpolar solvents or for gas phase reactions the act...
Anti-human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activities of (2,3-dideoxy-2-fluoro-β-L-threo-pentofuranosyl)nucleosides

Abstract 1-or-9-(2,3-Dideoxy-2-fluoro-β-L-threo-pentofuranosyl)- cytosine (F-β-L-ara-ddC) and-adenine (F-β-L-ara-ddA) were synthesized and their anti-HIV and anti-HBV activities were evaluated.
The effects of professional development experience on teacher self-efficacy: analysis of an international dataset using Bayesian multilevel models

This research investigates the relationship between professional development experience and teacher self-efficacy in the United States, using an international dataset, TALIS: 2013. Based on social ...
Validation of the Implementation Climate Scale (ICS) in substance use disorder treatment organizations

One critical factor in the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in substance use disorder treatment organizations is an inner organizational context that clearly supports implementation efforts. The Implementation Climate Scale (ICS) has been developed to allow researchers and organizations to assess climate for EBP implementation in health and allied health service organizations. The ICS consists of 18 items and measures six dimensions of implementation climate: focus on EBP, educational support for EBP, recognition for EBP, rewards for EBP, selection for EBP, and selection for openness. The ICS was initially developed in a mental health context; thus, the goal of this study was to provide initial validation of the ICS in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment settings. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the psychometric functioning of the ICS using survey data from 326 providers in 65 teams in SUD treatment programs. Cronbach’s alpha was examined to assess internal consistency of the ICS, and individual and team level construct-based validity was examined by comparing its correlations with service climate, molar climate, and organizational change. We found evidence for the reliability, factor structure, and validity of the ICS in SUD services. The psychometric functioning of the ICS in SUD treatment settings was comparable to that found in mental health contexts. The ICS is a brief and pragmatic tool for researchers to better understand a critical antecedent for implementation effectiveness in SUD treatment and for organizational leaders in SUD treatment organizations to evaluate the extent to which providers perceive that their organization supports EBP implementation.
Magnet ingestion leading to intestinal fistulae, phytobezoar formation, and small bowel obstruction

Abstract Ingestion of neodymium magnets carries risks of dangerous intestinal complications including necrosis of the intestinal wall, bowel perforation, enteroenteric fistulae, and even death. Prompt endoscopic or surgical removal can prevent these complications. Here we report a case of unwitnessed ingestion of 19 neodymium magnets that went unrecognized for two weeks before presenting with small bowel obstruction due to a phytobezoar and numerous gastrojejunal and jejunojejunal fistulae. The child underwent a challenging laparotomy, lysis of adhesions, removal of foreign bodies, and repair of intestinal fistulae. She remained hospitalized for 12 days without significant complications and was discharged home. This case illustrates the potential for catastrophic abdominal complications to develop in a subacute fashion in patients with minimal or no initial symptoms. Pediatricians should have a low threshold to obtain plain radiographs in toddlers who present with inexplicable abdominal pain.
Foley Catheter Use and Management of Urinary Symptoms

The prevalence of genitourinary pathology increases with age in women and men contributing to increased healthcare utilization, physical and psychological morbidity, and poor quality of life. Geriatric syndromes such as dementia, delirium, frailty, and falls further complicate the diagnosis and management of genitourinary pathology in older adults. Urinary symptoms in older adults may indicate an underlying structural, infectious, or systemic illness with unique presentations, outcomes, and management strategies. Bladder catheterization is often used to treat urinary symptoms in a variety of care settings, and understanding catheter selection, catheterization techniques, and potential complications enables effective management of urinary symptoms in elderly patients.
Review of Prediabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

Obesity and diabetes increase hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) risk, thus preventive interventions are heavily studied. How pregestational prediabetes and related interventions impact HDP risk is less characterized. Therefore, we searched and reviewed the literature to assess the impact on HDP risk of prediabetes and varied interventions. We identified 297 citations related to pregnancy, prediabetes, and early pregnancy interventions. We also reviewed the references and citations of included articles. We included five studies assessing HDP outcomes in women with first trimester hemoglobin A1c in the prediabetes range (5.7–6.4%). One prospective observational study demonstrated first trimester hemoglobin A1c (5.9–6.4%) is associated with increased HDP risk, while another prospective observational study and one retrospective observational study had similar trends without statistical significance. A small and underpowered randomized controlled trial demonstrated initiating gestational diabetes mellitus treatment (i.e., diet, monitoring, ± insulin) in response to first trimester hemoglobin A1c (5.7–6.4%) did not statistically reduce HDP compared with standard care. One retrospective observational study suggested metformin, when started early, may reduce HDP risk in patients with prediabetes. Pregestational prediabetes appears to increase HDP risk. Interventions (i.e., metformin, diet/glucose monitoring, and/or exercise) to reduce HDP risk require additional study with long-term follow-up.
Refining assessment of contraceptive use in the past year in relation to risk of unintended pregnancy.

Abstract Objectives Healthy People 2020 establishes objectives for reducing the proportion of pregnancies in the United States that are unintended and for improving contraceptive use. This analysis describes ways to more closely align measurement of contraceptive use with periods of risk for unintended pregnancy using the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). Methods Using the 2011–2015 NSFG we constructed two measures of contraceptive use for women we defined as at risk of an unintended pregnancy: (1) we augmented a measure of recent contraceptive use by recoding non-users according to their method use during their last month of sex in the past 12 months; (2) we augmented use at last sex in the past 12 months by excluding women who were pregnant at last sex. Estimates were compared overall and within 5-year age groups. Results The augmented measure of recent contraceptive use found fewer women to be using no contraception than the standard measure (7.3% vs 15.4%; p Conclusions Aligning periods of unintended pregnancy risk with contraceptive use assessment reduced estimates of no contraceptive use; changes in estimates by method type varied by age. Implications When assessing contraceptive use for the purpose of unintended pregnancy prevention, researchers may consider the methods described here to further align contraceptive use measurement with periods of unintended pregnancy risk.
Characterization of the Interpenetration of Chain Molecules by Nonradiative Energy Transfer

Emission spectra of blends of polymers tagged with fluorescent labels such that the emission spectrum of one overlaps the absorption spectrum of the other can be used to characterize polymer compatibility since interpenetration of donor and acceptor labeled chain molecules increases the efficiency of energy transfer. When solutions of a mixture of donor and acceptor labeled polymers are rapidly frozen and the solvent is removed by sublimation, the extent of chain entanglement which existed in the solution is retained and can be characterized by the reflectance fluorescence of pellets pressed from the material. Results were obtained for monodisperse polystyrenes in good and bad solvents as a function of solution concentration. Pellets obtained by rapid freeze drying of dilute solutions of a mixture of donor and acceptor labeled polymers were heated above the glass transition temperature and the interdiffusion of the polymer chains was followed by the emission spectrum reflecting an increasing energy transfer. The method allows a semiquantittative characterization of diffusion coefficients as small 10-16 cm2 –s-1.
Disassembly of the Shieldin Complex by TRIP13.

In the past decade, the study of the major DNA double strand break (DSB) repair pathways, homologous recombination (HR) and classical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ), has revealed a vast and in...