cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategies for evaluating indicators based on guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) has prepared technical guidelines to evaluate the suitability of ecological indicators for monitoring programs. The guidelines were adopted by ORD to provide a consistent framework for indicator review, comparison and selection, and to provide direction for research on indicator development. The guidelines were organized within four evaluation phases: (1) conceptual relevance; (2) feasibility of implementation; (3) response variability; (4) interpretation and utility. Three example indicators were analyzed to illustrate the use of the guidelines in an evaluation. The examples included a direct chemical measurement (dissolved oxygen concentration), an estuarine benthic community index, and a stream fish community index of biotic integrity. Comparison of the three examples revealed differences in approach, style and types of information used to address each guideline. The Evaluation Guidelines were intended to be flexible within a consistent framework and the various strategies used in the examples demonstrate that the process can be useful for a wide variety of indicators and program objectives. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Low-power design using multiple channel lengths and oxide thicknesses

Two CMOS design techniques use dual threshold voltages to reduce power consumption while maintaining high performance. Simulation results show power savings of 21% for one technique at low activity, and for the other, 19% at high activity and 38% at tow activity.
Examining Change in Theory-based Physical Activity Beliefs of Culturally Diverse Older Adults

Using the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this study was to elicit the salient modal physical activity (PA) beliefs and to examine changes in the modal PA be...
Chiral 2pi exchange at order four and peripheral NN scattering

We calculate the impact of the complete set of two-pion exchange contributions at chiral fourth order (also known as next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order) on peripheral partial waves of nucleon-nucleon scattering. Our calculations are based upon the analytical studies by Kaiser. It turns out that the contribution of fourth order is substantially smaller than the one of third order, indicating convergence of the chiral expansion. We compare the prediction from chiral pion exchange with the corresponding one from conventional meson theory as represented by the Bonn full model and find, in general, good agreement. Our calculations provide a sound basis for investigating the issue whether the low-energy constants determined from $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ lead to reasonable predictions for $\mathrm{NN}.$
A complete solution to the model describing Carr‐Purcell and Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill experiments in a two‐site exchange system

A general solution for the relaxation decay function observed in both CP and CPMG spin-echo experiments, performed on systems governed by a two-site chemical exchange mechanism, is presented. This solution not only provides the relaxation time constants, but also supplies complete information about relative component sizes. Solutions are analytical, but results are complex enough to warrant computer-assisted calculations. Programming suggestions, based on the extensive tests performed, are provided. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Race, Nutritional Status, and Survival From Breast Cancer

The effects of nutritional status on differences in the survival of black and white women with breast cancer were studied in a cohort of 1,960 Georgia women diagnosed during 1975-1979. After data were adjusted for stage of disease, socioeconomic status, and other prognostic factors, poorer survival rates were shown in black women. Within each stage classification, lower levels of serum albumin and hemoglobin and higher relative body weight were more common among blacks and were independently associated with poorer survival. Among women with stage 3 disease, adjustment for these variables substantially reduced the excess mortality rate among blacks, suggesting that racial differences in survival may be partly explained by differences in nutritional status or extent of disease within stage.
Antigenicity of the Human Zona Pellucida

Antigenicity of the human zona pellucida was investigated. Rabbit antiserum against saline homogenates of human ovary yielded a minimum of 9 precipitin bands when reacted against human ovary in agar-gel double diffusion analyses. The same antiserum also cross-reacted in varying degrees when tested against 21 other human tissues and fluids. Anti-human-ovary serum was rendered specific to human ovary by absorption with human liver and plasma. Both unabsorbed and absorbed antisera reacted with isolated human zonae pellucidae as demonstrated by the formation of a precipitation layer on the zona and by the indirect fluorescent technique. These results demonstrated that the human ovary contains at least 1 antigen which is not found in 21 other human tissues and fluids tested and that the antiserum reacting with this ovarian antigen contains antibody activity directed against the zona pellucida.
Testing protects against proactive interference in face–name learning

Learning face–name pairings at a social function becomes increasingly more difficult the more individuals one meets. This phenomenon is attributable to proactive interference—the negative influence of prior learning on subsequent learning. Recent evidence suggests that taking a memory test can alleviate proactive interference in verbal list learning paradigms. We apply this technique to face–name pair learning. Participants studied four lists of 12 face–name pairings and either attempted to name the 12 faces just studied after every list or did not. Recall attempts after every list improved learning of the fourth list by over 100%. Moreover, no reduction in learning of face–name pairings occurred from list 1 to list 4 for participants who attempted to name studied faces between lists. These results suggest that testing oneself on the names of a group of new acquaintances before moving on to the next group is an effective mnemonic technique for social functions.
Aging and Eldercare in Lesser Developed Countries

The family is the main source of caregiving to all its members. One's need for and ability to give care is negotiated by one's place in the family's life cycle and one's social identity—male or female, grandparent, parent, child, or spouse. The availability of relatives shapes the type of care the family can provide for itself and what forms of care it requires from outsiders. The social structure of the family is culturally shaped and globally varied. Most nations have had an upsurge in population aging in the past 50 years that will likely last for the next 50. Thus, a major question is: How can the efforts of families to meet the needs of their elders be filled in culturally appropriate contexts? The increasing diversity of family structures within and across nations will invite an assortment of local solutions drawing resources from multiple levels: individuals, families, and communities.
A prospective evaluation of the role for intraoperative x-ray in lumbar discectomy. Predictors of incorrect level exposure

Abstract Background Lumbar discectomy is among the most frequently performed procedures by spine surgeons. Among the potential difficulties encountered during this procedure, incorrect spinal level surgery remains a significant concern for surgeons and patients. Multiple groups have advocated the use of intraoperative x-ray to reduce the incidence of incorrect level surgery; however, this technique has not been prospectively evaluated. Methods In an effort to determine the incidence of incorrect level exposure during lumbar discectomy and to define patient characteristics predictive of wrong level exposure, we examined 100 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar discectomy by a single surgeon. After exposure, the surgeon was asked to identify the level exposed, which was confirmed by intraoperative x-ray. Several patient characteristics were then examined by logistical regression to identify features predictive of a mismatch between level of exposure and level of pathology. Results The study population was composed of 48 men and 52 women who were aged 18 to 83 years. Patient weights ranged from 105 to 410 lb. There were 51 patients who had pathology at the L5-S1 level; 44 patients, L4-L5; 3 patients, L3-L4; and 1 patient, L2-L3. Four patients had transitional vertebrae. The intended level was initially exposed in 85% of cases. Age and level of pathology ( P Conclusions Pathology above L5-S1 and patient age have been shown to reliably predict incorrect level exposure. Based upon the findings of this study, the routine use of intraoperative x-ray to confirm the level of exposure should be considered in all cases of lumbar discectomy.
Control of open bay acoustics by harmonic mass injection

Aircraft with internal carriage of weapons systems require active control strategies to limit high amplitude open bay acoustic resonances and to optimize structure requirements and weapon reliability in an enlarged separation envelope. This paper is focused on communicating an investigation into the use of numerical simulations combined with Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) to optimize an active control system for an aircraft weapons bay application. Issues addressed include characterizing shear layer and wake resonant responses, optimal steady blowing rates, the effect of open loop harmonic perturbations, use of POD for post processing data to reduce storage requirements, and the use of the Nelder-Mead optimization procedure. Comparison of the wake and shear layer responses shows why no aircraft would ever want to experience a wake response. This study intends to develop flow instability suppression strategies that may be scalable for implementation in a weapons bay application. A lower Reynolds num...
The Reading Level Paradox: Why Children's Picture Books Are Less Cohesive Than Adult Books

Three experiments explored how pictures in award-winning children's storybooks contribute to their cohesion. In Experiment 1, one group of college students read storybooks with pictures, and another group read them with the pictures removed. Both groups answered questions inserted periodically. The source for about one half of the questions was the pictures, and the source for the remaining questions was the written text. The answers to one half of the questions from each source were explicitly contained in the immediately preceding text or pictures, and the remainder required inferences that went beyond the immediately preceding information. Not surprisingly, questions based on the pictures could not be answered without the pictures. In Experiment 2, the texts without pictures were rewritten to provide the essential storyline information that the pictures had supplied. Cohesion of both the original and rewritten texts was assessed with Coh-Metrix indexes. The changes resulted in increased cohesion for re...
Electrophysiologic Evaluation and Surgical Correction of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in Children

The Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is due to a congenital heart mal formation that is the result of one or more persistent anomalous atrioven tricular pathway(s). While supraventricular tachycardia is the most commonly associated arrhythmia, there is a wide spectrum of associated arrhythmias mending fatal ventricular fibrillation. It is now known that surgical ablation of the anomalous pathway(s) can result in complete cure of arrhythmias in some patients. The purpose of this report is to describe the current methods used for the preoperative and operative electrophysiologic evaluation and surgical treatment of children with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, as illustrated by the case presentation of a normal eight-year-old patient who had ventricular fibrillation.
The Mastogenius Solier, 1849 of North America (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Polycestinae: Haplostethini)

Two new species of Mastogenius Solier, 1849, are described and illustrated: M. arizonicus from the Santa Catalina Mountains, Pima Co., Arizona and M. texanus from Brewster and Davis counties, Texas. Extensions to the range of M. puncticollis Schaeffer and M. robustus Schaeffer are given. A key to the haplostethine genera, and a key to and a catalogue of the species of Mastogenius of North America, including Mexico, are given.
Randomized comparison of high-dose and low-dose intravenous interleukin-2 for the therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: an interim report.

PURPOSEA randomized prospective study was performed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of high-dose intravenous bolus interleukin-2 (IL-2) and a lower-dose intravenous bolus regimen for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 1991 and April 1993, 125 patients with metastatic RCC were randomized to receive IL-2 by intravenous bolus every 8 hours at either 720,000 IU/kg (high-dose) or 72,000 IU/kg (low-dose) to the maximum-tolerated number of doses (or a maximum of 15 doses). After approximately 7 to 10 days, both treatment groups were re-treated with a second identical cycle of therapy. Those patients who were stable or responding to treatment 5 to 6 weeks later went on to receive re-treatment with another course (two cycles) of therapy. Response rates and toxicity were determined for the two treatment arms.RESULTSOne hundred twenty-five patients received a total of 208 courses of therapy. Sixty patients were randomized to receive low-dose, and 65 to recei...
Symposium in Honor of Hilary Koprowski's Scientific Achievements.

It is my honor to write the forward for The Journal of Infectious Diseases supplement dedicated to Hilary Koprowski. Hilary Koprowski, MD, was a scientific force whose achievements in virology and immunology defined 20th-century science and saved numerous lives. During Koprowski's time as director of The Wistar Institute from 1957 to 1991, Wistar reached international prominence for its vaccine research and first earned its designation as a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center. A dynamic and larger-than-life figure, with a network of prominent scientists as well as industry and institute heads that stayed fiercely loyal to him, Koprowski found ways of trailblazing scientific inroads and helping solve some of the greatest health challenges of the time. Koprowski had a great gift for identifying talent and bringing the best and brightest scientists together. Because of his leadership, Wistar developed vaccines against rubella (German measles) and rabies, and these vaccines are still the gold standard for preventing these once-devastating diseases. A distinguished virologist, Koprowski developed the first polio vaccine, which proved successful in clinical trials in Eastern Europe and the Belgium Congo. Koprowski's eye for talent, coupled with his bold, charismatic personality, created a scientific synergy at Wistar that transformed science and helped shape the Institute into what it is today. In addition to his reputation as a world-renowned scientist, Koprowski was also a talented pianist, who attended the Warsaw Conservatory of Music and graduated from the Santa Celia Conservatory of Music in Rome. This balance of scientific accomplishments and musical vitality gave him a confidence and persuasiveness to push boundaries as a vaccine pioneer. It also created a quality of life and culture at Wistar that attracted brilliant people who believed they would be successful with his support and leadership. Call him a Renaissance man, a risk taker or a scientific wunderkind, Koprowski's leadership and scientific acumen was transformational. Throughout his 3-decade career at Wistar, he demonstrated extraordinary direction and commitment. His contributions to The Wistar Institute drove cutting-edge research and discovery daily, keeping the Institute as relevant and vital as it was when it was founded in 1892.
Stability of antibiotics frozen and stored in disposable hypodermic syringes

The effect of freezing on the stability of several reconstituted antibiotics packaged in disposable hypodermic syringes was studied. The following drugs were reconstituted and, after taking samples for initial assay, were frozen at -20 degrees C in Hy-Pod hypodermic syringes: cephalothin, 1 g/5 ml; cefazolin (with water), 1 g/3 ml; cefazolin (with lidocaine injection), 1 g/3 ml; cefamandole, 1 g/3.5 ml; and nafcillin, 1 g/4 ml. At three, six, and nine months, samples of the frozen solutions were allowed to thaw at room temperature and then were assayed microbiologically. All antibiotics maintained at least 90% potency at the end of nine months. Cefazolin with lidocaine, however, turned cloudy after thawing. The data suggest that cephalothin, cefazolin with water, cefamandole, and nafcillin, when frozen and stored at -20 degrees C in Hy-Pod hypodermic syringes, may be used within nine months of initial freezing.
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy vs Active Nonoperative Therapy for the Treatment of Biliary Dyskinesia

Background Despite widespread adoption by the surgical community, high-quality prospective data supporting the practice of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for the treatment of biliary dyskinesia (BD) are lacking. Study Design Adult patients meeting criteria for diagnosis of BD (Rome III symptoms, normal ultrasound, gallbladder ejection fraction Results Thirty patients were enrolled over 12 months (15 LC, 15 NO). In the LC group, 13 underwent LC, 1 refused surgery, 1 withdrew. In the NO group, 14 crossed over to the LC group (13 of whom had LC), yielding 26 patients who underwent LC. The SF-8 physical scores (PCS-8) were significantly improved at both the first and last follow-up visits (p Conclusions This pilot study raises doubts regarding the feasibility of a randomized trial, presumably due to both clinician and patient bias toward LC and the lack of "gold-standard" nonoperative treatments. However, these prospective data indicate that, with careful patient selection (standardized symptom criteria/imaging methodology), LC results in pain relief and significant improvement in QOL in BD patients. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.
Crack Initiation from Corrosion Pit in Three Aluminum Alloys Under Ambient and Saltwater Environments

Corrosion-pit-to-crack transition behaviors of three aluminum alloys using two pit configurations were investigated under ambient and saltwater environments. Fatigue stress ranges for crack initiation from a through-pit were less than that from a corner-pit in both environments in all three materials, while stress intensity factor ranges showed the opposite trend. Further, stress ranges or stress intensity factor ranges for crack initiation were less in saltwater than that in ambient environment for both pit configurations. Fatigue damage mechanisms in a test environment were similar for both pit configurations in all three materials. An empirical relationship is proposed to estimate pit-to-crack transition fatigue cycles.
A precise, continuous recording clot timer based on a thermometric detection system.

A new plasma and blood coagulation time detector is described. The instrument utilizes a conventional glass probe thermistor mounted in a vibratory mixer as the detection element. Both the initiation and the end point of the coagulation process are registered on a strip-chart recorder. A precision of 2 to 4% in end-point time has been obtained in both the normal and therapeutic prothrombin time ranges. The end point as determined by this method has a correlation coefficient of 0.98 at the 99.5% confidence interval with the Fibrometer method.
Computational Study of p-Xylene Synthesis from Ethylene and 2,5-Dimethylfuran Catalyzed by H-BEA

Detailed mechanisms for the synthesis of p-xylene as well as the primary byproducts observed experimentally, 2,5-hexadione and 2,5-dimethyl-3-[(4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadien-1-yl)methyl]furan, from ethylene and 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) mediated by H-BEA are obtained using an extended QM/MM model containing 208 tetrahedral atoms. The formation of p-xylene proceeds via Diels–Alder cycloaddition of ethylene and DMF, which is rate-limiting, followed by Bronsted acid-catalyzed dehydration. Secondary addition of DMF to the substrate following the Diels–Alder reaction leads to 2,5-dimethyl-3-[(4-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadien-1-yl)methyl]furan. The analysis of the free energies associated with the mechanisms suggests that the secondary addition can be eliminated by introducing n-heptane as an inert solvent to decrease the loading of DMF in the zeolite or by using a weak Bronsted acid site to facilitate the dehydration of the Diels–Alder product, for which the rate is determined by the deprotonation via the conjugate base ...
Development and First Phase Evaluation of a Maternity Leave Educational Tool for Pregnant, Working Women in California

Background Despite the provision of maternity leave offered to mothers, many American women fail to take leave. Methods We developed an evidence-based maternity leave educational tool for working women in California using participatory design. We tested its short-term efficacy with a randomized controlled trial of pregnant English-speakers (n=155). Results Among intervention participants exposed to the tool, 65% reported that they learned something new; 38% were motivated to seek more information; and 49% said it helped them plan their maternity leave. Among participants who delivered at ≥ 37 weeks gestation and said the tool helped them plan their leave, 89% took more than one week of prenatal leave, a significantly higher proportion than among controls who did not receive the tool (64%, p=0.049). Other findings favored trial participants, but were not statistically significant in this small sample. More intervention participants took some prenatal leave (80%) vs. controls (74%, p=0.44). Among participants who had returned to work when surveyed (n=50), mean postnatal leave uptake was on average 1 week longer for intervention participants vs. controls (13.3 vs. 12.2 weeks, p=0.54). Conclusions The first-phase evaluation of this tool shows that it successfully informed women about maternity leave options, clarified complex regulations, encouraged women to seek further information and helped plan maternity leave. Compared to controls, trial participants who used the tool to plan their leave were far more likely to take prenatal leave close to term. Future evaluation of the tool when mediated by a health provider or employer is warranted.
From Habsburg to Hitler to Haider: The Peculiarities of Austrian History

In broad overview, the defining feature of Austrian history since 1866 has been dramatic and since 1918 sometimes wrenching change.* A greater contrast between the country's serene, touristic image and the real historical experiences of its people can scarcely be imagined. Other regions Poland, the formerYugoslavia, the former Soviet Union endured, to be sure, greater human extremes and far greater total misery in our century. Sadly, the plight of these nations often occurred at the hands of Austrian-bred officials and soldiers, from Hitler, Eichmann, Globocnik, and Kaltenbrunner on down.' Yet if other countries suffered more, few, in such a brieftime-span, were reimagined and reinvented so often, in so many ways politically, geographically, emotionally. Small wonder that "identity" has long been a quandary of Austrian life. Even casual observers of Austria's modem past could roughly trace its radical peaks and valleys:
Point-of-View Recording Devices for Intraoperative Neurosurgical Video Capture.

Abstract Introduction: The ability to record and stream neurosurgery is an unprecedented opportunity to further research, medical education, and quality improvement. Here, we appraise the ease of implementation of existing POV devices when capturing and sharing procedures from the neurosurgical operating room, and detail their potential utility in this context. Methods: Our neurosurgical team tested and critically evaluated features of the Google Glass and Panasonic HX-A500 cameras including ergonomics, media quality, and media sharing in both the operating theater and the angiography suite. Results: Existing devices boast several features that facilitate live recording and streaming of neurosurgical procedures. Given that their primary application is not intended for the surgical environment, we identified a number of concrete, yet improvable, limitations. Conclusion: The present study suggests that neurosurgical video capture and live streaming represents an opportunity to contribute to research, education, and quality improvement. Despite this promise, shortcomings render existing devices impractical for serious consideration. We describe the features that future recording platforms should possess to improve upon existing technology.
Cartas de Severo

Visao panorâmica da correspondencia de vinte e quatro anos entre Roberto Gonzalez Echevarria e Severo Sarduy, que analisa a relacao do escritor cubano com o grupo Tel Quel e a literatura latino-americana. Conclui-se que Sarduy, ainda que influenciado, em uma primeira etapa, pela teoria francesa, foi derivando para temas latino-americanos, especificamente, cubanos, em grande parte devido a influencia de Jose Lezama Lima. As cartas analisadas revelam essa tendencia, assim como a incorporacao gradual do barroco como modelo na sua literatura. Em ultima instância, o valor dessa producao reside nas caracteristicas propriamente literarias, nos argumentos, nas personagens, especialmente estes ultimos, dentre os quais se destacam os travestis.
Bradykinin B2 Receptor KO Mice Are Protected From Thrombosis by A Platelet Spreading Defect

Abstract 3198 Background: Bradykinin B2 receptor KO mice (B2R KO) have delayed rose bengal and ferric chloride carotid artery thrombosis times and long tail bleeding times. In B2R KO mice, elevated serum angiotensin II (AngII) binds to an over-expressed angiotensin receptor 2 (AT2R) to increase plasma NO and PGI2 (Blood 108:192, 2006). The combined presence of elevated AngII and AT2R was essential to have the thrombosis protection phenotype. However, thrombosis remained delayed in B2R KO mice despite reduction in AngII levels from 258+64 to 40+15 pg/ml using losartan, an angiotension 1 receptor antagonist. These data suggested an additional pathway for thrombosis protection in B2R KO mice. Methods and Results: B2R KO mice have elevated bradykinin and bradykinin 1–5 levels with normal thrombin generation times. Losartan treatment lowered ACE mRNA in mice. B2R KO mice also had elevated Mas mRNA, the receptor for angiotensin1-7, with overexpressed renal AT2R and Mas antigens. Treatment of B2R KO with A-779, a Mas antagonist, shortened thrombosis time (58+4 to 38+4 min) and tail bleeding time (170+13 to 88+8 sec) and lowered plasma concentrations of nitrate (21.5+3.6 to 15+5 micromolar) and 6-keto-PGF1alpha (259+103 to 132+58 pg/ml). Immunofluorescent staining and immunoblot demonstrate AT2R and Mas antigen on murine platelets. “Threshold” ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was identical for B2R KO and wild type platelets. Platelet activation by arachidonic acid, ionomycin, thrombin, or collagen as measured by flow cytometry (the activated α2bβ3 integrin complex and P-selectin) was similar between B2R KO and wild type platelets. Although static and flow adherence to collagen was normal, B2R KO platelets had defects in spreading on collagen (20+0.6 versus 27+0.4 microns WT, p Conclusion: B2R KO mice are protected from thrombosis by over-expression of two receptors from the renin-angiotensin system that results in increased NO and prostacyclin and an acquired platelet spreading defect. These data suggest that a platelet spreading defect alone protects from thrombosis and indicate that the receptors AT2R and MAS compensate the absence of the B2R. Last, these studies show a novel mechanism(s) by which receptors in the renin-angiotensin system influence platelet function and arterial thrombosis risk in vivo. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Evaluation of Triage Notes Using ESSENCE-FL for Active Case Finding of Zika

Objective This study assesses the utilization of triage notes from emergency departments (EDs) and urgent care centers (UCCs) for active case finding in ESSENCE-FL during the Zika response. Introduction The Florida Department of Health (DOH) utilizes the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community Based Epidemics (ESSENCE-FL) as its statewide syndromic surveillance system. ESSENCE-FL comprises of chief complaint data from 231 of 240 EDs, representing 96 percent of the total number of EDs in Florida. Historically, syndromic surveillance has categorized patient chief complaint data into syndromes for the purpose of disease surveillance or outbreak detection. Triage notes are much longer free- text, pre-diagnostic data that capture the presenting symptoms and complaints of a patient. Methods Triage notes are being collected from 24 EDs, representing ten percent of total reporting EDs, and seven UCCs, representing 17% of total reporting UCCs. Triage notes were made a searchable field in ESSENCE-FL during Zika enhanced surveillance efforts, which facilitated additional case finding of Zika. During the period of February 3, 2016 – July 25, 2016, a free-text query was created to run against the concatenated chief complaint- discharge diagnosis (CCDD) and triage note fields: ^zika^,or,^ziki^,or,^zica^,or,^zeeka^,or,^zeeca^,or,^microcep^, or,^zyka^ Additional queries were created to detect foreign travel visits of interest within the CCDD and triage note fields. Results of these queries were analyzed and communicated to county and regional epidemiologists daily for investigation. Results The triage note specific queries identified 18 Zika triage note and 11 foreign travel triage note visits of interest. All of these visits were reviewed and investigated by county epidemiologists. These triage note queries identified one case of Zika that had not been previously reported to public health. Of note, seven additional cases of Zika infection were identified using the CCDD field in ESSENCE-FL (five of the seven flagged in both the CCDD and triage note field). Conclusions Results from this analysis provide evidence that triage notes within syndromic surveillance systems play a role in active case finding when emerging diseases arise. However, only 31 out of 272 total reporting facilities are submitting triage note to ESSENCE-FL, representing only 11% of reporting facilities. Relying on chief complaint and discharge diagnosis data only would have resulted in an undetected case of Zika that would have not been captured by our free-text Zika query. The increased detection of Zika cases allows for public health intervention, including mosquito control response, which in turn reduces the chance of Zika spreading locally in Florida. Triage notes often provide pertinent information for determining when a flagged CCDD needs to be investigated further. Making triage notes a required data element for Meaningful Use compliance would benefit case finding conducted through syndromic surveillance.
REACTIONS WITH RADIOACTIVE BEAMS AND EXPLOSIVE NUCLEOSYNTHESIS

This paper summarizes our present understanding of nuclear reactions with shortlived particles, which are relevant for the nucleosynthesis and energy generation in explosive stellar scenarios. It d...
Movements of Gastrointestinal Tract

The digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) include chewing of food and mixing it with saliva (mastication and salivation), swallowing, and its movement through esophagus and stomach, where digestion begins, to the small intestine (the site of further digestion and absorption). From the small intestine the food mass moves into the large intestine and into the rectum where undigested matter and feces are expelled. The structure and function of these parts must be such as to propel and move food (motility) from one end of the tract to the other.
Global Trade and Development: The Good, Bad, and Unanticipated 1600-1800

This paper focuses on two aspects of global trade. First, I explore how the growth of long-distance trade affected consumers in different parts of the world—I place particular emphasis upon indigenous consumers in sub-arctic Canada. The expansion of long-distance trade in the aftermath of the voyages of discovery made a large array of new goods available to indigenous peoples in the Americas, thus reducing labor expended in home production. The second aspect discussed is the positive impact of using transferable, limited-liability shares to finance companies and the growth of the capital market.
HITECH ratchets up HIPAA accountability

In the current risk climate, the loss of confidential patient data to unauthorized third parties presents a daunting challenge for healthcare professionals. In this context, the introduction of large networks of computerized health information has caused the number of individuals with access to patient medical records to expand exponentially.Physicians make widespread use of laptops, home-computer links, smart phones, smart cards, USB flash drives and PDAs. E-prescribing systems link physicians and others directly to pharmacies. A contemporary physician's Blackberry typically contains far more patient information than the locked filing cabinets of previous years. Unfortunately, all of this healthcare data — ranging from medical diagnosis and treatment codes, to names, addresses, birthdates, social security numbers, bank and credit card accounts — has enormous value to identity thieves who exploit open networks and Wi-Fi systems.Within the context of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 all "covered entities" that collect private health information must comply with specific administrative, technical and physical security standards and procedures for "electronic protected health information."
Structure and Function of Cytochrome P-450

Cytochrome P-450 (P-450) is a hemoprotein that catalyzes the oxidation of a wide variety of substrates, some of which are converted to reactive products that can be attacked by cellular nucleophiles or solvolyzed (Guengerich and Liebler, 1985). Much has been learned about the isozymes in this family of hemoproteins from studies with microorganisms and experimental animals. Biochemical studies with humans were started shortly after the discovery of P-450, and a number of catalytic activities have been ascribed to P-450 in humans (Boobis and Davies, 1984). One of the first efforts at the purification of human cytochrome P-450 was that of Kaschnitz and Coon (1975), which was followed up by several other studies. Our own laboratory has been involved in the purification of several isozymes of human as well as rat liver P-450 (Wang et al., 1980, Wang et al., 1983; Guengerich et al., 1982; Distlerath et al., 1985; Guengerich et al., 1985). In the earlier efforts catalytic activity data were difficult to evaluate because most of the assays were not specific to individual P-450 isozymes (Wang et al., 1980, 1983). More recently we have focused our efforts on the biochemical characterization of human P-450s which are involved in polymorphisms of drug metabolism. Such genetic polymorphisms, studied extensively by Smith and Idle and their associates (Ayesh et al., 1984). provide an opportunity for directly relating biochemical studies to in vivo situations and for focusing on the regulation of specific P-450 isozymes and their catalytic activities. We report here the purification of four such human liver P-450s and studies on their catalytic specificity.
The Power Exchange Function: A General Model for Metal Adsorption onto Geological Materials

The empirical data on adsorption of metal cations by naturally occurring soil materials can be systematized in terms of power exchange functions. For example, given the reaction PbX + Ca2+ = CaX + Pb2+, the exchange function is: Kex = ([Pb2+]/[Ca2+]) (CaX/PbX)n where Kex and n are constants, the brackets denote activities of the ions, and CaX and PbX are their mole fractions on sorbent X. This approach is mathematically equivalent to regular solution exchange when the mole fractions of two competing cations sorbed lie between 0.25 and 0.75, and to Freundlich isotherm-type behavior when the mole fraction of the minor cation is < 0.05. Combined literature review and laboratory study show that the exchange behavior of H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, UO 2 2+ and Zn2+ and their hydroxy-complexes on a variety of adsorbents (montmorillonites, beidellite, illite, ferric oxyhydroxides, zeolites, soils and humic materials) can be accurately described for a wide range of competing sorbate concentrations and ratios using from one to three power exchange expressions. The adsorption of the alkali metal and alkaline earth cations on pure clays at about 10−2 to 10−4 M often follows the power exchange function with n = 1, corresponding to simple ion exchange. Adsorption of heavy metals (between 10−3 and 10−7 M) is usually more complex, and fits power exchange functions with n = 0.8 to 2.0. Log-linearization of power exchange expressions yields lines with correlation coefficients usually in the range from 0.98 to 1.00. The power exchange model is a potentially useful predictor of heavy metal levels in the subsurface controlled by adsorption processes.
Neurospora crassa: A Unique System for Studying Circadian Rhythms

Progress in a particular field of biology has often been the result of the development of an organism or system especially well suited to research on that problem. The value of E. coli to molecular biology, the mammalian red blood cell to membrane biochemistry, and the oat coleoptile to plant physiology has been well-documented.
Survey of the Central Issues Concerning Superfluid Solids

If the subject of superfluidity in solids were a body of water, it would probably be described as murky, turbid, or perhaps even turbulent. In this survey I shall try to give the reader at least an understanding of what is going on at the surface. Although it will not be an exhaustive survey, it should serve as a useful introduction to the subject, and should present some benchmarks for those whose interest carries them to study the literature first-hand.
Hemostatic risk: Preoperative assessment

Abstract Routine preoperative assessment of hemostatic risk is recommended. From 1964 to 1969 approximately 1 per cent of the patients were found preoperatively to have abnormal bleeding problems which could have gone undetected if they had not been specifically looked for. The significance of the history, physical examination, complete blood count (including estimate of platelets), partial thromboplastin time test, prothrombin time test, and tourniquet test is discussed. Some illustrative cases are presented.
The Innate Immune Sensor NLRC3 Acts as a Rheostat that Fine-Tunes T Cell Responses in Infection and Autoimmunity.

Summary Appropriate immune responses require a fine balance between immune activation and attenuation. NLRC3, a non-inflammasome-forming member of the NLR innate immune receptor family, attenuates inflammation in myeloid cells and proliferation in epithelial cells. T lymphocytes express the highest amounts of Nlrc3 transcript where its physiologic relevance is unknown. We show that NLRC3 attenuated interferon-γ and TNF expression by CD4+ T cells and reduced T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cell proliferation. Nlrc3−/− mice exhibited increased and prolonged CD4+ T cell responses to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection and worsened experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). These functions of NLRC3 were executed in a T-cell-intrinsic fashion: NLRC3 reduced K63-linked ubiquitination of TNF-receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) to limit NF-κB activation, lowered phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and diminished glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. This study reveals an unappreciated role for NLRC3 in attenuating CD4+ T cell signaling and metabolism.
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulations for Smart Grid Impact Studies

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations are increasingly employed in power engineering as more inverter-based generation and smart appliances are connected to the electric grid. HIL techniques allow for the co-simulation of analytical models with actual devices whose complex behavior is computationally inefficient or difficult to model. They also allow for testing the behavior of these devices under adverse conditions that rarely occur in the field but are important to evaluate. This paper provides an overview of how HIL simulations have been used to date and proposes that HIL simulations should play an important role in evaluating new control strategies, especially at the distribution level, that are being proposed to allow for continued affordable and reliable operation of the electric grid. We present a new capability that was developed to evaluate the interactions between residential loads and the smart grid: smart home hardware-in-the-loop. The paper includes results from an HIL experiment that incorporates multiple technologies and controls.
Contingent Plans, Time Consistency and Paretian Rulers

If there are no restrictions on the extent to which government plans can be made contingent, then there is some Paretian government with an optimal plan that never reaches a node at which deviation from the plan would yield a Pareto improvement. (At unreached nodes deviations from the optimal plan may be Pareto improving, so the need for commitment remains.) Examples like Fischer's [1980], where optimal plans are time inconsistent, arise because of restrictions on the contingency of government planning. Time inconsistency can be avoided if planning can be made sufficiently contingent.
A defense of the very idea of moral deference pessimism

Pessimists think that there is something wrong with relying on deference for one’s moral beliefs—at least if one is morally mature. Call this no deference. They also tend to think that what explains our aversion to cases of moral deference is the fact that they involve deference about moral claims. Call this moral explanation. Recently, both no deference and moral explanation have come under attack. Against no deference, some philosophers offer purported counterexamples involving moral advice. I argue that proponents of this objection face a trilemma depending on how they spell out the details of their counterexamples. Against moral explanation, some philosophers offer debunking explanations of our aversion to moral deference. They present cases of non-moral deference that are troubling and argue that the feature that explains our aversion to this non-moral deference also explains our aversion to moral deference. I argue that none of these explanations (nor their conjunction) can explain all troubling cases of moral deference and that they face objections of their own. I conclude that we should be optimistic about the prospects of moral deference pessimism.
Pseudo-Endocrine Disorders: My General Approach to Management of the Patient

Experienced providers vary significantly in their opinions regarding the optimal evaluation and management strategies for patients with pseudo-endocrine conditions. Most believe in a purely evidence-based approach that emphasizes the robustness of our current testing paradigms and the safety and effectiveness of the currently available FDA approved treatment modalities. Others agree with evidence-based diagnostic and treatment recommendations but utilize a modified approach that includes variable degrees of alternative medicine strategies in areas where no solid evidence base exists. In this chapter, I describe my own personal practice which emphasizes compassion, honesty, and an individualized approach to each patient.
A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Descubriendo la Lectura

We present findings from a randomized controlled trial of Descubriendo la Lectura (DLL), an intervention designed to improve the literacy skills of Spanish-speaking first graders, who are strugglin...
Impact of a Citywide Benchmarking Intervention on Colonoscopy Quality Performance

There is marked variability in colonoscopy quality, limiting its effectiveness in colorectal cancer prevention. Multiple indicators have been established as markers for colonoscopy quality; however, there are conflicting data on the effects of quality reporting programs on endoscopist performance. In this study, we investigate the impact of a multicenter quarterly report card initiative on colonoscopy quality metric performance. Data were collected from 194 endoscopists at 10 participating sites throughout New York City using a Qualified Clinical Data Registry from January 2013 to December 2014. Adenoma detection rate (ADR), cecal intubation rate, withdrawal time, bowel preparation quality and appropriate interval recommendations were tracked. Report cards were distributed to each site on a quarterly basis and technical assistance was provided as needed. Performance trends were analyzed using the Cochran–Armitage trend and analysis of variance tests. 37,258 screening colonoscopies were performed during the study period. There was a positive performance trend for ADR over time from the first quarter of 2013 to the last quarter of 2014 (15.6–25.7%; p < 0.001). There were also increases in cecal intubation rates (78.2–92.6%; p < 0.001), bowel preparation adequacy rates (77.5–92.8%; p < 0.001), and adherence to appropriate screening intervals (28.0–55.0%; p < 0.001). There was no clinically significant change in mean withdrawal time. The implementation of a quarterly report card initiative resulted in statistically significant improvements in adenoma detection, cecal intubation, bowel preparation adequacy rates, and appropriate recommended screening intervals.
Impact of Transport Anisotropy on the Performance of van der Waals Materials-Based Electron Devices

Layered van der Waals (vdW) semiconductors have emerged as preferred materials for building next-generation electronic devices, such as diodes and field-effect transistors (FETs), because of their capability of providing high mobility at the nanometer-scale thickness, as well as their flexibility and pristine interfaces. However, the inherent “vdW gaps” in these materials lead to much larger cross-plane resistivity, with respect to in-plane resistivity, thereby forming intriguing transport anisotropy. In this article, using extensive numerical simulations, it is found that this anisotropy introduces anomalous current transport behavior in vdW-based electron devices in which the current conducts in both the in-plane and cross-plane directions, including stacked heterojunction diodes and thin-film transistors (TFTs). Our study reveals for the first time that transport anisotropy degrades the performance of these devices, especially when devices are scaled ( $ ) and/or relatively thicker materials (>4 nm) are used. Potential solutions to alleviate degradation are discussed as well.
Alcohol Use, Employment, and Arrest: Making Sense of a Convoluted Relationship:

The relationships between alcohol use, employment, and arrest are complexed and nuanced. This study examines the possibility of interactions between drinking and employment to evaluate whether the ...
Using a Nitrophenol Cocktail Screen to Improve Catalyst Down-selection.

The catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4NP) with excess NaBH4 is the benchmark model for quantifying catalytic activity of nanoparticles. Although broadly useful, the reaction can be very selective. This can lead to false positives and negatives when utilized for catalyst down-selection from a broader materials candidate pool. We report a multi-nitrophenol cocktail screening methodology incorporating 4NP and other amino-nitrophenols, utilizing Ag, Au, Pt, and Pd nanoparticles on carbon support. The reduction of the cocktail proceeds with no deleterious side reactions on the time-scale tested. The resulting kinetic rates provide an improved correlation of relative catalyst activity when compared to performance with other reducible moieties (e. g. azo bonds), or when compared to solely 4NP screening.