cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Encephalopathy: A Mechanistic Approach

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a mechanistic approach to metabolic encephalopathy. The metabolic encephalopathies are a group of disorders that are characterized by an abnormal mental status. Usually, this is the result of a specific disease or organ dysfunction, but intoxications and substrate deficiencies are included as well. Nervous system dysfunction because of metabolic rather than structural disturbances in the brain accounts for about 70% of all examples of coma of unknown etiology. A disturbance of consciousness is the hallmark of all metabolic encephalopathies. Consciousness can be regarded as having two components: (1) an on-off or quantitative component—alertness versus deep coma—and (2) a qualitative component—normal cognitive function versus confusion and inability to perform learned mental tasks. Lesions in the reticular activating system produce coma by affecting the quantitative component, and bilateral lesions of the complete cerebral cortex affect the qualitative aspects of consciousness.
A multidimensional urban land cover change analysis in Tempe, AZ

Rapid population growth leading to significant conversion of rural to urban lands requires deep understanding on how the human population interacts with the built-environment. Our research goal is to explore methodologies on how to analyze multidimensional urban change with the consideration of time, space, and landscape patterns. Using NAIP high resolution satellite images and LIDAR data, we were able to derive land cover classification maps and normalized height difference at different time periods. Then we performed the 2D, 3D and landscape pattern change analysis for a case study area. The research results show that a combination of 2D, 3D and landscape pattern change analysis can provide a comprehensive understanding of urban change, and the results will help urban planners and decision makers to better understand the status of urban transformation and design city for the future.
Use of ultrasound-measured internal jugular vein collapsibility index to determine static intracardiac pressures in patients with presumed pulmonary hypertension.

Bedside ultrasound helps to estimate volume status in critically ill patients and has traditionally relied on diameter, respiratory variation, and collapsibility of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to reflect fluid status. We evaluated collapsibility of the internal jugular vein (IJ) with ultrasound and correlated it with concomitant right heart catheterization (RHC) measurements in patients with presumed pulmonary hypertension. We studied 71 patients undergoing RHC for evaluation of pulmonary hypertension. Using two-dimensional ultrasound (Sonosite, Washington, USA), we measured the diameter of the IJ at rest, during respiratory variation, and during manual compression. Collapsibility index during respiration (respiratory CI) and during manual compression (compression CI) was calculated. We correlated mean right atrial pressure (mRAP) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) defined by RHC measurements with respiratory and compression CI. A secondary goal was examining correlations between CI calculations and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Baseline characteristics demonstrated female predominance (n = 51; 71.8%), mean age 59.5 years, and BMI 27.3. There were significant correlations between decrease in compression CI and increase in both mRAP (Spearman: − 0.43; p value = 0.0002) and PAOP (Spearman: − 0.35; p value = 0.0027). In contrast, there was no significant correlation between respiratory CI and either mRAP (Spearman: − 0.14; p value = 0.35) or PAOP (Spearman:− 0.12; p value = 0.31). We also observed significant negative correlation between compression CI and BNP (Spearman: − 0.31; p value = 0.01) but not between respiratory CI and BNP (Spearman: − 0.12; p value = 0.35). Increasing use of ultrasound has led to innovative techniques for estimating volume status. While prior ultrasound studies have used clinical parameters to estimate fluid status, our study used RHC measurements and demonstrated that compression CI potentially reflects directly measured mRAP and PAOP.
Therapeutic effects of building resilience: an observation of two case studies

Resilience is an emerging area of research interest. Resilience has much relevance and applicability to persons with disabilities and to the situations lived and experienced by people with disabilities.1–3 However, few resilience interventions, specifically tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, have been developed and empirically studied. Stuntzner and Hartley3 began to change this trend with the development of a 10-module resilience intervention. Presented as a part of this article are two case studies of people who completed an initial resilience intervention pilot study conducted by Stuntzner and MacDonald.4 The case studies represent people living with varying disabilities and diagnoses and illustrate the application and usefulness of resilience interventions in their lives. Based on these initial findings, resilience and resilience-skill building approaches may help assist people with disabilities in reducing negative emotions and cultivating more positive ways of coping. Additional research is warranted to learn more about the utility of resilience interventions among people with disabilities.
Outflow Graft Obstruction Causing Recurrent Heart Failure after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose Outflow graft obstruction is a poorly described complication following continuous flow-left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) surgery. We sought to define the incidence of CF-LVAD outflow graft obstruction and assess clinical outcomes with a percutaneous treatment strategy. Methods From January 2012 to June 2019, 252 CF-LVAD patients were managed at our institution. Patients with suspected LVAD outflow graft obstruction underwent comprehensive evaluation with Doppler echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography with angiography and invasive hemodynamic assessment followed by percutaneous intervention. Results Fourteen patients (5.6%) developed hemodynamically significant LVAD outflow graft obstruction at a rate of 0.03 events per patient-year. Outflow graft obstruction presented a mean of 34±18 months after surgery. Patients presented with heart failure (HF; 86%), low LVAD pump flow (93%), or both (79%). LVAD flow declined by an average of 2.1±0.8L/min (p Conclusion LVAD outflow graft obstruction is a relatively common and underappreciated cause of recurrent HF and LVAD dysfunction. Outflow graft stenting can be achieved with low morbidity and provides a long-term solution to this complication.
How bottom-up and top-down controls shape dune topographic variability along the U.S. Virginia barrier island coast and the inference of dune dynamical properties

When topography is incorporated into models of barrier dune dynamical states, how it is represented determines the dynamical properties inferred. Bottom-up representations rely on elevation and localized biogeomorphic modification. Top-down representations incorporate constraints imposed by the spatial patterns of topography. These spatial patterns emerge from island morphological context and the extent localized biogeomorphic processes can expand and structure the larger landscape. We compared topographies across 30 sites among seven barrier islands of the Virginia (U.S.A) coast to gauge the importance of elevation, the bottom-up variable often weighted most in dune biogeomorphic models, relative to top-down patch and continuous surface landscape representations of topography. LiDAR-derived digital elevation models of each site were characterized with non-metric multidimensional scaling to assess how these bottom-up and top-down metrics structured dune topographic variability. Multiple response permutation procedures gauged the strength of topographic differences among sites grouped according to island morphology versus groupings defined by clustering of topographic metrics. Elevation was the dominant metric structuring topography for these low relief islands. Spatial structure was weakly developed. Topographic differences were more robust when based on clusters defined largely by elevational properties rather than by island or island morphological type. For the Virginia barrier islands, storm inputs may more directly shape topography and override landscape-extent top-down spatial structure. The dominance of elevation suggests that resistance may be the more relevant dynamical property for this coast. Properties like resilience may be greater on higher islands with longer storm-free intervals in which biogeomorphic elements can configure relief and act as recursive top-down controls.
Hypercoagulation from Concomitant Administration of Tamoxifen and Warfarin.

Tamoxifen causing an increase in the anticoagulation effect of warfarin is suggested to be clinically significant, but cases so far have been largely undocumented. Current recommendations advise clinicians to proceed with caution during concomitant therapy. In the presence of other medications known to interact with warfarin, such as antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, amiodarone, and azole antifungals, international normalized ratio (INR) elevations can possibly be exacerbated even further. We hereby present a case report and a review of significant literature on the use of tamoxifen and warfarin concurrently.
The role of facial contact in infection control: Renewed import in the age of coronavirus.

Background Decreasing facial contact takes on new urgency as society tries to stem the tide of COVID-19 spread. A better understanding of the pervasiveness of facial contact in social settings is required in order to then take steps to mitigate the action. Methods YouTube videos of random individuals were included in a behavioral observation study to document rates of contact to the eyes, nose, and mouth area. Factors including age, sex, the presence of eyewear or facial hair, distraction and fatigue were analyzed as possible contributing factors that increase likelihood of facial contact. Results The median rate of facial contact was 22 contacts per hour. Men had a significantly higher rate of facial contact compared to women. Age, glasses, and presence of facial hair were not contributing factors. The mouth was the most frequently observed site of contact. Fatigue and distraction may increase rates of facial contact. Conclusions Changing personal behavior is a simple and cost-effective action that can be employed to reduce one's risk of acquiring an infectious disease. This study indicates that there are societal differences that put some individuals at higher risk of contracting infectious disease than others.
Clinical implications of pulmonary nodules detected in children.

Introduction The management of children found to have pulmonary nodules is not well established. We determined how often diagnostic testing was pursued, the outcome of diagnostic testing, and how often pulmonary nodules were given a definitive diagnosis. Method A retrospective review of patients found to have pulmonary nodules. Patients with oncologic diagnoses were excluded. Data collected included number of nodules, presence of pre-existing systemic disease, laboratory testing, presence of respiratory symptoms, repeat imaging, biopsy result, and final diagnosis. Results We identified 88 patients, of which 56 (64%) had a single nodule, 21 (24%) had a pre-existing nononcologic systemic disease, and four patients (5%) had a new systemic disease identified at the same time the nodule(s) was found. In otherwise healthy patients presenting with a solitary nodule, 94% did not have a definitive diagnosis and none went on to be diagnosed with systemic disease. Serum infectious work-up result for tuberculosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, or aspergillosis was not significantly different between single and multiple nodule/systemic illness groups. No previously healthy patients presenting with a solitary nodule were later diagnosed with malignancy. Conclusion Diagnostic workup for a solitary pulmonary nodule was often inconclusive, especially if the patient did not have symptoms at presentation. Pulmonary nodules were not the sole presenting sign of systemic disease for any subjects. We suggest that in an otherwise healthy pediatric patient found to have an asymptomatic single pulmonary nodule, observation without laboratory work-up or repeat imaging is a reasonable option.
A call to action for librarians: Countering conspiracy theories in the age of QAnon

Abstract Librarians empower learners to become discerning citizens through a set of diverse skills and literacies. To cultivate critical thinkers, librarians continue to build innovative practices, even as technology rapidly evolves. However, the pervasiveness of misinformation and disinformation, most recently seen in the conspiratorial worldviews of QAnon, challenges librarians to center critical thinking in their information literacy praxis. In this article, we provide a concise overview of QAnon and the problems that contemporary internet conspiracy theories like it pose. We offer an epistemological shift for information literacy, from heuristics to mindsets and behaviors, drawing on disciplines external to librarianship. Finally, we consider the role that emotions play in the promotion and spread of conspiracism. Equipping librarians with a better understanding of conspiracy thinking and the tools to counter it will in turn empower the next generation of critical thinkers.
Sex differences in vectorcardiogram of African-Americans with and without cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study in the Jackson Heart Study cohort

OBJECTIVES We hypothesised that (1) the prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with global electrical heterogeneity (GEH) after adjustment for demographic, anthropometric, socioeconomic and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, (2) there are sex differences in GEH and (3) sex modifies an association of prevalent CVD with GEH. DESIGN Cross-sectional, cohort study. SETTING Prospective African-American The Jackson Heart Study (JHS) with a nested family cohort in 2000-2004 enrolled residents of the Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS Participants from the JHS with analysable ECGs recorded in 2009-2013 (n=3679; 62±12 y; 36% men; 863 family units). QRS, T and spatial ventricular gradient (SVG) vectors' magnitude and direction, spatial QRS-T angle and sum absolute QRST integral (SAI QRST) were measured. OUTCOME Prevalent CVD was defined as the history of (1) coronary heart disease defined as diagnosed/silent myocardial infarction, or (2) revascularisation procedure defined as prior coronary/peripheral arterial revascularisation, or (3) carotid angioplasty/carotid endarterectomy, or (4) stroke. RESULTS In adjusted mixed linear models, women had a smaller spatial QRS-T angle (-12.2 (95% CI -19.4 to -5.1)°; p=0.001) and SAI QRST (-29.8 (-39.3 to -20.3) mV*ms; p<0.0001) than men, but larger SVG azimuth (+16.2(10.5-21.9)°; p<0.0001), with a significant random effect between families (+20.8 (8.2-33.5)°; p=0.001). SAI QRST was larger in women with CVD as compared with CVD-free women or men (+15.1 (3.8-26.4) mV*ms; p=0.009). Men with CVD had a smaller T area (by 5.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 9.0) mV*ms) and T peak magnitude (by 44 (95%CI 16 to 71) µV) than CVD-free men. T vectors pointed more posteriorly in women as compared with men (peak T azimuth + 17.2(8.9-25.6)°; p<0.0001), with larger sex differences in T azimuth in some families by +26.3(7.4-45.3)°; p=0.006. CONCLUSIONS There are sex differences in the electrical signature of CVD in African-American men and women. There is a significant effect of unmeasured genetic and environmental factors on cardiac repolarisation.
A Review of Stillman’s Anthology, Dwight Waldo: Administrative Theorist for Our Times: Dwight Waldo: Administrative Theorist for our Times, by Richard J. Stillman II, New York, NY, Routledge, 2021, 332 pp., 99.95 USD (Hbk), ISBN 9781138390850; 89.95 USD (E-book), ISBN 9780429423154

Dwight Waldo’s work is foundational for modern inclinations of public administration, its purpose, and value. The publication of his book The Administrative State forced open a door of orthodoxy, l...
In vitro and In silico biopharmaceutic regulatory guidelines for generic bioequivalence for oral products: Comparison among various regulatory agencies

Generic drug development is a complex process that involves development of formulation similar to reference product. Because of the complexity associated with generic drug development, many regulatory agencies have come up with various guidelines. Out of many guidelines, the biopharmaceutics classification system that was introduced in 1995 based on aqueous solubility and permeability helped many pharmaceutical scientists across the globe to utilize the tool for formulation development, waiver of in vivo studies. Later on in vitro guidelines based on dissolution and in vitro in vivo correlation were introduced by many regulatory agencies with an intent to reduce number of in vivo human testing thereby facilitating shorter development time and faster approvals and launch. Most recently, understanding the importance in silico approaches such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling, regulatory agencies such as United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and European Middle East and Africa (EMA) came up with modelling guidance documents. Even though consensus exists between guidance documents from various regulatory agencies, still there are many minor to major differences exists between these guidance documents that needs to be considered while submitting a generic drug application. This review aims to compare all the in vitro and in silico guidance documents from major regulatory agencies with emphasis on latest trends and technologies combined with regulatory acceptability with an intention to harmonize regulations. Guidance documents from major regulatory agencies such as USFDA, EMA, World Health Organization, International Council for Harmonization and other emerging markets were compared. Similarities &differences among these guidance documents are critically reviewed to provide the reader a detailed overview of these guidance documents at one place.
To Forgive or Not: A timely question in an age of terror

The question raised in The Sunflower, by force of the faiths of the victim and the wrongdoer (Simon and Karl respectively), implicates a need for exploration of the different apprehensions of the concept of forgiveness in Christianity and Judaism, and warrants, at once, its secular interpretation and understanding. I begin with a multidisciplinary discussion of the literature, and then turn my attention to the theology of forgiveness. Theorists, particularly Hannah Arendt (1958, 32) and Bishop Butler (1970, 72)), insist that there are necessary and sufficient conditions for forgiveness, and that these conditions are partly moral, metaphysical, and existential. One obvious condition requires that a culpable wrong be committed for forgiveness to be relevant, and that both victim and offender be moral agents (the concept of forgiveness would be senseless in a world comprised of stones, fish, and vegetables). Thus once a harmful act has been committed, forgiveness acts as a mechanism that interrupts the damages inflicted, and mitigates the stimuli to react or seek revenge. But once a great harm has been done, the mere act of forgiveness may lack the capacity to make whole or redeem the victim from what Arendt described as “the predicament of irreversibility – of being unable to undo what one has done”(Arendt 1958, 40). Arendt acknowledges this limiting power of forgiveness, but insists that forgiveness, in spite of its limitations, remains the solution for the “inevitable damages resulting from action, which, rather than undoing actions, interrupts their consequences;” without forgiveness we would remain the victim of our own behavior “confined to one single deed from which we could never recover.” (Arendt 1958, 241). In this sensibility of forgiveness, it terminates that which could go on pointlessly and endlessly without interference.
Semi-Automated Characterization of Streamwater Specific Conductivity Response to Storms

Specific electrical conductivity (SC) is a basic, effective indicator of water quality. The recent increase in SC data collected with high-frequency sensors has created a strong need for algorithms that can aid interpretation of these data. This study presents an algorithm that finds and quantifies SC temporal patterns and applies that algorithm to a dataset from a 7.5 km2 forested catchment in central New Hampshire. During and after rain events, we show three patterns that emerge in SC time series: A solute flush, resulting in an initial increase in SC, followed by a dilution, followed by the SC's recovery toward pre-rain conditions. We compared these SC patterns to precipitation amount and intensity, antecedent wetness, and seasonality. Our results indicate that the magnitude of the flush was driven primarily by precipitation intensity and total rainfall during a storm, and secondarily by antecedent moisture conditions. The magnitude of the dilution was driven mainly by the precipitation amount. The rate of SC recovery was driven by precipitation amount and was correlated with dilution. Overall, the algorithm successfully extracted event-driven characteristics in the SC time series, allowing the development of functional relationships with hydrologic drivers. Applying similar methodologies to more catchments in the future will help identify functional relationships at more sites and use these relationships to identify catchments most sensitive to future precipitation changes.
Race and cultural issues

Abstract The distribution of vascular disease worldwide has evolved dramatically over time, driven primarily by demographic changes and changing rates of atherosclerotic risk factors. In the United States in particular, the proportion of racial/ethnic groups represented in the overall population is increasing. As such, caring for vascular patients now, more than ever, requires focused efforts to understand the impact of race and ethnicity on the epidemiology of vascular disease, delivery of vascular care, and patient outcomes. Recent advancements highlight several important disparity themes that persist across vascular pathologies, including abdominal aortic aneurysm disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Black and Hispanic patients generally present with more severe manifestations of vascular disease, are less likely to undergo intervention, and experience higher morbidity and mortality compared with White patients. Understanding the reasons for these disparities is critical to developing strategies by which to improve care among an increasingly diverse patient population.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Salmonella Serotypes From Cattle in the USA (1982-1991)

Clinical and subclinical bovine Salmonella infections have long been the source of concern to the industry from both the animal disease and human health perspectives. In recent years there has been a perception that these infections are being seen with increasing frequency, but this may be due to a combination of increased awareness by producers and veterinarians, improved culture techniques, and the publicity given to both beef and dairy product-associated human outbreaks. Nevertheless, the trend to larger dairies, together with increased inter-herd movements and changing feed practices may all contribute to the spread of salmonellae among cattle. While there have been a number of single and multiple herd case reports of both calfhood and adult salmonellosis in the USA, no attempt has been made to summarize national data over time and by region. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) at Ames, Iowa provides a Salmonella confirmation and serotyping service to state diagnostic laboratories. Quarterly reports are made to submitters and an annual summary is published in the Proceedings of the U. S. Animal Health Association. This service has been provided without charge but submitters are required to provide basic herd/flock data as follows: name and address of owner, source animal species, number of animals in the herd or flock, morbidity, mortality, age groups affected, and whether these are considered primary or secondary infections.
The Influence of Swedish Sloyd and Its Interpreters on American Art Education

This is a descriptive study of the Swedish sloyd manual training system and its influence on the development of socially sensitive art curricula in America during the Industrial Revolution. The purpose of this study is to interpret the significance of this system and its relationship to how children learn. The study focuses on contributions of Otto Salomon, who was responsible for its development in Sweden; Gustaf Larsson, who adapted it to American needs; and on contributions of Ella Victoria Dobbs, who constructed a bridge between sloyd and creative art in childhood education in America.
PriA: at the crossroads of DNA replication and recombination.

PriA is a single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase, DNA translocase, and DNA helicase that was discovered originally because of its requirement in vitro for the conversion of bacteriophage ϕX174 viral DNA to the duplex replicative form. Studies demonstrated that PriA catalyzes the assembly of a primosome, a multi-protein complex that primes DNA synthesis, on ϕX174 DNA. The primosome was shown to be capable of providing both the DNA unwinding function and the Okazaki fragment priming function required for replication fork progression. However, whereas seven proteins, PriA, PriB, PriC, DnaT, DnaB, DnaC, and DnaG, were required for primosome assembly on ϕX174 DNA, only DnaB, DnaC, and DnaG were required for replication from oriC , suggesting that the other proteins were not involved in chromosomal replication. Strains carrying priA null mutations, however, were constitutively induced for the SOS response, and were defective in homologous recombination, repair of UV-damaged DNA, and double-strand breaks, and both induced and constitutive stable DNA replication. The basis for this phenotype can now be explained by the ability of PriA to load replication forks at a D loop, an intermediate that forms during homologous recombination, double-strand break-repair, and stable DNA replication. Thus, a long-theorized connection between recombination and replication is demonstrated.
Turning the web into a database: extracting data and structure

People build databases to collect, systematize, and make available to users knowledge in a consistent and hopefully trustworthy form. But the largest data collection today, the web, is not systematic, consistent, or trustworthy, and the access techniques we use are provably inadequate. Focusing just on text, what would it take to extract information from the web, organize it, and form a database (both instances and metadata) from it? This paper discusses some of the core problems and provides examples of recent research in NLP: automated instance mining, metadata structure harvesting, and inter-concept relation discovery.
Measuring the Performance of Today's Antifouling Coatings

The transfer from the self-polishing organotin to tin-free antifouling coatings has created a new learning curve for the shipping industry. This study investigated the hydrodynamic performance of four commercially available antifouling coatings that were subjected to both static and dynamic seawater immersion. The results showed that each coating type developed its own characteristic fouling community and that there were significant differences in drag properties that were further modified by the static or dynamic immersion conditions.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (the immotile cilia syndrome).

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to familiarize the reader with the genetic aspects, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques and management of the primary ciliary dyskinesia syndrome. Further, this article illustrates some unusual features of this syndrome and discusses some speculative hypotheses concerning its pathogenesis and clinical presentation. DATA SOURCES The bibliography includes references in English as well as some references of historical interest in German. Both human and veterinary literature are quoted. Sources included computerized bibliographic searches of recent literature and reviews of literature. STUDY SELECTION Selection of papers was made based on their historic importance in the definition and characterization of the disease, and on reviews of large bodies of novel or interesting information. Some review papers were not included to avoid repetition. RESULTS Although the incidence of primary ciliary dyskinesia is low, the inclusion of this condition in the differential diagnosis of chronic and recurrent sinobronchial disease in children and older individuals is very common. Primary ciliary dyskinesia should be suspected in individuals who present chronic respiratory symptoms already in the neonatal period, develop profuse, chronic mucopurulent rhinorrhea, and chronic otitis media and sinusitis. Chronic cough, obstructive lung disease, and bronchorrhea associated with the aforementioned manifestations should also make clinicians suspect this syndrome. Male sterility is almost universally present and situs inversus is present in 50% of affected persons. The diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia is clinical and is confirmed by studies of ciliary motility and ultrastructure of the respiratory mucosa. Management is directed to microbial suppression by frequent antibiotic administration, and to clearing of retained secretions. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia requires familiarity with the clinical picture and the specific techniques of identification. Although the basic mechanism of disease is known, the molecular genetics of primary ciliary dyskinesia and the causes for the phenotypic variability remain to be explained. Future research should be directed to the identification of the gene(s) responsible for the manifestations of the disease and to effective methods of activation, in vivo, of dysfunctional cilia.
The Evolution of Sleep: A Phylogenetic Approach

Although scientists and physicians have been pursuing the meaning of sleep for decades, the functions of sleep remain elusive [1]. There is strong consensus that the comparative method is a powerful, yet underutilized, approach for illuminating sleep function [2–5]. Under the comparative paradigm, sleep is compared across the animal kingdom with the aim of revealing the evolutionary history of sleep. Studies utilizing this approach have demonstrated extensive variation in both the amount and phasing (e.g., monophasic—diurnal or nocturnal; or polyphasic—crepuscular or arrhythmic) of sleep across taxonomic groups [2]. Although most, if not all, vertebrates sleep, the study of sleep in these organisms is not likely to yield the fundamental function(s) for which sleep evolved. Additional adaptations likely became associated with sleep after its initial evolution. Sleep in mammals may therefore perform a tapestry of functions, making the dissection of sleep’s original evolutionary function that much more difficult to understand or recognize. The usefulness of the comparative method is clear, it is impeded by a lack of information on sleep in nonmammalian vertebrates and sleep-like behavior in invertebrates. Consequently, the electrophysiological hallmarks of mammalian sleep are often used as the ‘‘gold standard’’ for sleep in nonmammals, while sleep in other vertebrate classes has largely been neglected. Although the relative lack of information on sleep in reptiles, amphibians, and fishes has been the main obstacle to wide-ranging comparative sleep work, the relative wealth of knowledge on mammalian species has allowed for detailed comparisons among mammalian taxa [6]. Sleep is foremost a behavioral state. At the organismal level, sleep is readily identifiable by (1) behavioral quiescence, (2) increased arousal threshold, (3) rapid reversibility to wakefulness [7], (4) a species-specific sleep site and posture [8], (5) circadian organization, and (6) homeostatic regulation [9]. Both circadian rhythm and homeostatic regulation dictate propensity to sleep [5]. The circadian rhythm aligns sleep with a period(s) of the 24-hour day, whereas homeostatic regulation is a function of prior time awake. Sleep deprivation results in a ‘‘debt that is repaid’’ during successive sleep periods. In essence, sleep loss is compensated for by an increase in sleep time and intensity during recovery sleep. Intensity of sleep is measured via slow-wave activity (i.e., mean electroencephalogram power density between 0.75 and 4.0 Hz) [5] and is correlated with an increased arousal threshold following sleep deprivation.
Exploring the Predictors of Organizational Preparedness for Natural Disasters

There is an extensive body of research on the determinants of disaster preparedness at the individual and household levels. The same cannot be said for the organizational level. Hence, the purpose of this study is to shed light on the predictors of organizational preparedness for natural disasters. Since leaders of organizations have an incentive to overstate their level of preparedness and because surveys of organizational leaders suffer from selection bias and low response rates, we take the novel approach of interviewing employees about the organizations that employ them. Using an online survey, we collected information from a national sample of 2,008 U.S. employees and estimated the predictors of preparedness at the organizational level. We find, among other results, that organization size (facility level) is a consistent predictor of preparedness at the organizational level. We conclude with policy recommendations and outline an agenda for future research on organizational preparedness for natural disasters.
Provider perspectives on the utility of a colorectal cancer screening decision aid for facilitating shared decision making.

Background Decision aids for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening have been shown to enable patients to identify a preferred screening option, but the extent to which such tools facilitate shared decision making (SDM) from the perspective of the provider is less well established. Objective Our goal was to elicit provider feedback regarding the impact of a CRC screening decision aid on SDM in the primary care setting. Methods Cross-sectional survey. Participants Primary care providers participating in a clinical trial evaluating the impact of a novel CRC screening decision aid on SDM and adherence. Main outcomes Perceptions of the impact of the tool on decision-making and implementation issues. Results Twenty-nine of 42 (71%) eligible providers responded, including 27 internists and two nurse practitioners. The majority (>60%) felt that use of the tool complimented their usual approach, increased patient knowledge, helped patients identify a preferred screening option, improved the quality of decision making, saved time and increased patients’ desire to get screened. Respondents were more neutral is their assessment of whether the tool improved the overall quality of the patient visit or patient satisfaction. Fewer than 50% felt that the tool would be easy to implement into their practices or that it would be widely used by their colleagues. Conclusion Decision aids for CRC screening can improve the quality and efficiency of SDM from the provider perspective but future use is likely to depend on the extent to which barriers to implementation can be addressed.
Architecture of the Component Collective Messaging Interface

Different programming paradigms utilize a variety of collective communication operations, often with different semantics. We present the component collective messaging interface (CCMI), that can support asynchronous non-blocking collectives and is extensible to different programming paradigms and architectures. CCMI is designed with components written in the C++ programming language, allowing it to have reuse and extendability. Collective algorithms are embodied in topological schedulesand executorsthat execute them. Portability across architectures is enabled by the multisend data movement component. CCMI includes a programming language adaptor used to implement different APIs with different semantics for different paradigms. We study the effectiveness of CCMI on Blue Gene/P and evaluate its performance for the barrier, broadcast, and allreduce collective operations. We also present the performance of the barrier collective on the Abe Infiniband cluster.
Southwest monsoon of 1979: chemical and biological response of somali coastal waters.

In 1979 two areas of upwelling were observed off Somalia, one near 10 ° N and one near 5 ° N. The areas of upwelling were characterized by sea surface temperatures between 17 ° and 22 ° C, high concentrations of surface nutrients (5 to 20 micromoles of nitrate per liter) and surface chlorophyll a (0.4 to 5.0 milligrams per cubic meter), primary productivity averaging 1.7 grams of carbon per square meter per day, and a phytoplankton assemblage dominated numerically by the diatom Nitzschia delicatissima.
Service recovery's influence on consumer satisfaction, positive word-of-mouth, and purchase intentions

Abstract This paper reports two studies (i.e., an experimental design and a field study) that examine the effects that different levels of service recovery have on satisfaction, purchase intentions, and one's propensity to spread positive word-of-mouth (WOM). The results indicate that moderate to high service recovery efforts significantly increase post-failure levels of satisfaction, purchase intent, and positive WOM. Alternatively, poor service recoveries seemingly exacerbate the discontent attributed to a service failure. The results do not support a recovery paradox, whereby post-recovery satisfaction is greater than that satisfaction prior to the service failure. In addition, the studies suggest that firms may not always benefit (in terms of consumer perceptions) from service recovery efforts over and above a moderate level.
The reaction of clostridial ferredoxin with cyanide.

Abstract Treatment of clostridial ferredoxin with cyanide caused bleaching of the protein and formation of thiocyanate. The rate of bleaching was increased by urea, heat, or alkali. In experiments with C. acidi-urici [ 35 S]sulfide-ferredoxin, it was shown that cyanolysis converts 70–80% of the sulfide to [ 35 S]thiocyanate. Apoferredoxin ox , other disulfides, or Na 2 S alone did not yield thiocyanate under these conditions. However, the apoprotein, as well as 2-mercaptoethanol disulfide, forms thiocyanate when Na 2 S is added. The addition of Na 2 S also increases the amount of thiocyanate formed from ferredoxin. The specific activity of the thiocyanate formed from [ 35 S]sulfide-ferredoxin in the presence of added unlabeled Na 2 S is greatly decreased. The specific activity of the thiocyanate formed from the cyanolysis of [ 35 S]sulfide-ferredoxin in the presence of urea and excess sulfide increased with time. Bleaching of ferredoxin during cyanolysis in the presence of urea led to the release of inorganic sulfide prior to the formation of thiocyanate. These observations suggest that it is likely that thiocyanate formation from ferredoxin and cyanide results from the production of a persulfide bond between the apoprotein and the released sulfide. Therefore, thiocyanate production from ferredoxin treated with cyanide does not constitute evidence for the occurrence of the persulfide group in the native protein.
Computer-assisted hospitality information systems

Abstract Within the last decade a vast array of computerized management information systems have become available to the hospitality industry. Their impact has not so far been significant, but where they have been introduced efficiency has increased, employees have gained greater professionalism and job satisfaction and cost effectiveness has improved.
Molecular Structure of Interphases between DGEBA/BTDA Adhesives and Silver Substances Using Surface-Enhanced Ram Scattering

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used for the non-destructive characterization of interphases between epoxy/anhydride adhesive systems and silver substrates. The normal raman spectrum of benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) was characterized by strong bands near 1785 and 1860 cm−1 that were assigned to the anhydride groups, a strong band near 1690 cm−1 that was assigned to the benzophenone C─O stretching mode, and by a strong band near 1620 cm−1 that was attributed to vibration v(8b) of the benzene rings. The bands due to v(8b) and to the benzophenone C─O stretching mode were prominent in the SERS spectrum of BTDA but the bands related to the anhydride group were missing, indicating that the anhydride groups were hydrolyzed at the silver surface to form carboxylate groups. A band related to a CH out-of-plane bending mode which was absent from the normal Raman spectrum of BTDA was strong in the SERS spectrum, indicating that the molecules were adsorbed onto silver with a fla...
Modal analysis of a fluid-filled elastic shell containing an elastic sphere

Abstract Auscultatory percussion (AP) is an examination used to detect brain disease. The physical mechanisms involved in AP are investigated by determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of an elastic, fluid-filled spherical shell containing a concentrically located elastic sphere. The major assumptions are that the fluid is inviscid, the spherical shell is thin, and the modes of the physical system are axisymmetric. An analytical modal analysis results in a characteristic equation for the natural frequencies of the physical system. Roots of the characteristic equation were found numerically. The results show that the spectra of natural frequencies for the physical system are distorted by the combined effects of the elasticity of the inner sphere and the reduction of fluid volume due to the inner sphere. The elastic inner sphere also introduces a pattern of additional frequencies to the spectra of natural frequencies of the physical system.
Preliminary evidence of early bone resorption in a sheep model of acute burn injury: an observational study

Treatment with bisphosphonates within the first 10 days of severe burn injury completely prevents bone loss. We therefore postulated that bone resorption occurs early post burn and is the primary explanation for acute bone loss in these patients. Our objective was to assess bone for histological and biomechanical evidence of early resorption post burn. We designed a randomized controlled study utilizing a sheep model of burn injury. Three sheep received a 40 % total body surface area burn under isoflurane anesthesia, and three other sheep received cotton-smoke inhalation and served as control. Burned sheep were killed 5 days post procedure and controls were killed 2 days post procedure. Backscatter scanning electron microscopy was performed on iliac crests obtained immediately postmortem along with quantitative histomorphometry and compression testing to determine bone strength (Young’s modulus). Blood ionized Ca was also determined in the first 24 h post procedure as was urinary CTx. Three of three sheep killed at 5 days had evidence of scalloping of the bone surface, an effect of bone resorption, whereas none of the three sheep killed at 2 days post procedure had scalloping. One of the three burned sheep killed at 5 days showed quantitative doubling of the eroded surface and halving of the bone volume compared to sham controls. Mean values of Young’s modulus were approximately one third lower in the burned sheep killed at 5 days compared to controls, p = 0.08 by unpaired t test, suggesting weaker bone. These data suggest early post-burn bone resorption. Urine CTx normalized to creatinine did not differ between groups at 24 h post procedure because the large amounts of fluids received by the burned sheep may have diluted urine creatinine and CTx and because the urine volume produced by the burned sheep was threefold that of the controls. We calculated 24 h urinary CTx excretion, and with this calculation CTx excretion/24 h in the burned sheep was nearly twice that of the controls. Moreover, whole blood ionized Ca measured at 3- to 6-h intervals over the first 24 h in both burn and control sheep showed a 6 % reduction versus baseline in the burned sheep with <1 % reduction in the control animals. This sheep model was previously used to demonstrate upregulation of the parathyroid calcium-sensing receptor within the timeframe of the present study. Because both early bone resorption, supported by this study, and calcium-sensing receptor upregulation, consistent with the observed reduction in blood ionized Ca, are mediated by proinflammatory cytokines that are present as part of the post-burn systemic inflammatory response, we may postulate that post-burn upregulation of the parathyroid calcium-sensing receptor may be an adaptive response to clear the blood of excess calcium liberated by cytokine-mediated bone resorption.
Effects of aging on frontal white matter microstructure in alcohol use disorder and associations with processing speed.

Objective:The number of older adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is expected to significantly increase in the coming years. Both aging and AUD have been associated with compromised white matter microstructure, although the extent of combined AUD and aging effects is unclear. This study investigated interactions between aging and AUD in cerebral white matter integrity using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Method:All participants (44 recently detoxified participants with AUD and 28 healthy controls; ages 31–64 years) completed neurocognitive testing and a DTI scan. Regions of interests were identified on Tract-Based Spatial Statistics images. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine interactions between age and AUD status on DTI values [e.g., fractional anisotropy (FA)].Results:Significant Age × AUD interactions were found across several prefrontal white matter regions (R2Δ = 5%–9%). Regional FA was negatively associated with age in the AUD group (rs = -.33–-.53) but not in the control group ...
Hypermucoviscosity as a virulence factor in experimental Klebsiella pneumoniae endophthalmitis

PURPOSE. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis, a disease that frequently results in a poor visual outcome. Hypermucoviscosity has been identified as a virulence factor among clinical bacteremia isolates of K. pneumoniae. In this study, an experimental murine model of K. pneumoniae endophthalmitis was established, and the role of hypermucoviscosity in its pathogenesis was analyzed. METHODS. C57BL/6J mice were intravitreously injected with 100 CFU of hypermucoviscous (HMV+) or nonhypermucoviscous (HMV-) K. pneumoniae. Intraocular bacterial growth, retinal function, gross pathology, and inflammatory responses were monitored every 3 hours until the eyes lost significant (>90%) retinal function, or the infection appeared to clear. RESULTS. The HMV+ strain grew logarithmically in eyes until approximately 15 hours postinfection (PI), reaching a stationary phase of growth at approximately 8.0 log 10 CFU/eye. The HMV- strain grew logarithmically to approximately 7.6 log 10 by 18 hours, but bacterial count declined to approximately 6.4 log 10 CFU/eye by 21 hours PI. Eyes infected with the HMV+ strain retained approximately 35% a-wave and 60% a-wave and >50% b-wave function throughout 21 hours. Five of 7 eyes had < 100 CFU HMV- K. pneumoniae at 27 hours PI. CONCLUSIONS. The findings demonstrate the site-threatening consequences of K. pneumoniae endophthalmitis and the importance of the hypermucoviscosity phenotype in the pathogenesis of experimental K. pneumoniae endophthalmitis.