cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of knock intensity distributions: Part 2: parametric models

Knock intensity behaves as a random process which may be characterized using simple scalar metrics such as the mean and variance, or (more commonly) by the probability of knock events. However, such measures discard much of the information present in the signal. Several researchers have therefore sought to obtain a more complete characterization of the process by fitting parametric log-normal or gamma distribution models to knock intensity distributions. The present study extends this work both in terms of the range of engine operating conditions considered and in terms of the evaluation of the goodness of fit between two different models and the experimental data. In particular, new and arguably more application-appropriate measures of the goodness of fit provide a clearer assessment of the performance of the models, and a like-for-like comparison of log-normal and gamma distribution model forms demonstrates that the log-normal model better characterizes the experimental data used in this study.
Measurement of reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q9 and coenzyme Q10 levels in mouse tissues by HPLC with coulometric detection.

Abstract Background: Ubiquinone-responsive multiple respiratory chain dysfunction due to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency has been previously identified in muscle biopsies. However, previous methods are unreliable for estimating CoQ10 redox status in tissue. We developed an accurate method for measuring tissue concentrations of reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q (CoQ). Methods: Mouse tissues were weighed in the frozen state and homogenized with cold 1-propanol on ice. After solvent extraction, centrifugation and filtration, the filtrate was subsequently analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC with coulometric detection. Results: Reference calibration curves were used to determine reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9) and CoQ10 concentrations in tissues. The method is sensitive (∼15 μg/l), reproducible (6% CV) for CoQ9 and CoQ10, and linear up to 20 mg/l for CoQ9 and CoQ10. Analytical recoveries were 90–104%. In mouse tissues the amounts of total CoQ (TQ) ranged from 261 to 1737 nmol/g of protein. Total CoQ9 levels are comparable with the values of those previously reported. CoQ is found to be mostly in the reduced form in mouse liver (∼87%), heart (∼60%), and muscle tissues (∼58%); in the brain, most of the CoQ is in the oxidized state (∼65%). Conclusion: This procedure provides a precise, sensitive, and direct assay method for the determination of reduced and oxidized CoQ9 and CoQ10 in mouse hindleg muscle, heart, brain, and liver tissues.
A Versatile Scheme for Routing Highly Variable Traffic in Service Overlays and IP Backbones

The emergence of new applications on the Internet like voice-over-IP, peer-to-peer, and video-on-demand has created highly dynamic and changing traffic patterns. In order to route such traffic with Quality-of-Service (QoS) guarantees without requiring detection of traffic changes in real-time or reconfiguring the network in response to it, we consider a routing and bandwidth allocation scheme that allows preconfiguration of the network such that all traffic patterns permissible within the network’s natural ingress-egress capacity constraints can be handled in a capacity efficient manner. The scheme routes traffic in two phases. In the first phase, incoming traffic is sent from the source to a set of intermediate nodes and then, in the second phase, from the intermediate nodes to the final destination. The traffic in the first phase is distributed to the intermediate nodes in predetermined proportions that depend on the intermediate nodes. In this paper, we develop linear programming formulations and a fast combinatorial algorithm for routing under the scheme so as to maximize throughput (or, minimize maximum link utilization). We compare the throughput performance of the scheme with that of the optimal scheme among the class of all schemes that are allowed to even make the routing dependent on the traffic matrix. For our evaluations, we use actual Internet Service Provider topologies collected for the Rocketfuel project. We also bring out the versatility of the scheme in not only handling widely fluctuating traffic but also accommodating applicability to several widely differing networking scenarios, including (i) economical Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), (ii) supporting indirection in specialized service overlay models like Internet Indirection Infrastructure (i3), (iii) adding QoS guarantees to services that require routing through a network-based middlebox, and (iv) reducing IP layer transit traffic and handling extreme traffic variability in IP-over-Optical networks without dynamic reconfiguration of the optical layer. The two desirable properties of supporting indirection in specialized service overlay models and static optical layer provisioning in IP-over-Optical networks are not present in other approaches for routing variable traffic, such as direct source-destination routing along fixed paths.
Foramen magnum meningioma

A 46-year-old woman was initially hospitalized because of neck pain that radiated to the right arm. The pain had begun approximately one year prior to admission and had gradually increased in severity. At the time of admission to the hospital the patient also complained of weakness in the grip of her right hand. Neurological examination revealed only slightly decreased strength in extension of her right wrist. There were no motor or sensory deficits and the deep tendon reflexes were symmetrical. Plain radiograms of the cervical spine demonstrated mild degenerative changes of the lower cervical spine with no evidence of any other abnormality. The patient was discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy secondary to cervical spondylosis. The patient was readmitted to the hospital five months later complaining of increasing pain in the neck that radiated to the right shoulder and arm, with associated weakness of the right arm. The patient was unable to write with her right hand and she also complained of weakness of her right leg, resulting in difficulty walking and climbing stairs. Neurological examination revealed a spastic right hemiparesis involving the arm more than the leg and increased deep tendon reflexes in the right arm and leg. Sensation to pinprick and light touch was diminished over the anterior aspect of the right arm and there was wasting of the muscles of the right hand.
Microdialysis coupled on-line to capillary liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for monitoring acetylcholine in vivo

Capillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (cLC-MS) was coupled on-line to microdialysis sampling to monitor endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) from the rodent brain. In vivo microdialysate sampled at 0.6 microL/min from the striatum of ketamine or chloral hydrate anesthetized rats was loaded onto a sample loop and then injected onto a approximately 5 cm long strong cation exchange (SCX) capillary column. A step gradient was used to separate the analyte from ionization suppressing salts contained in dialysate in 2.4 min. Sampling coupled on-line with cLC-MS allowed for high temporal resolution (data points at 2.4 min intervals), good reproducibility (10-15% relative standard deviation, R.S.D.), and sensitive limits of detection (0.04 nM or 8 amol injected). The method successfully monitored basal and stimulated levels (induced by increased K+ concentrations) of ACh from the anesthetized rat without necessitating perfusion of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Absolute and percent basal levels of ACh from rats receiving different anesthetics were also compared.
Nesting Behavior of Chlorion cyaneum (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), a Predator of Cockroaches (Blattaria: Polyphagidae)

Abstract Information is presented on the previously unstudied digger wasp, Chlorion cyaneum (Dalhbom), obtained from 21 nests in central Texas. Nests were dug in partially shaded sandy soil and had 1–3 cells, each mass-provisioned with 1–9 Arenivaga bolliana (Saussure), (Blattaria: Polyphagidae). Prey were generally transported on the ground, grasped dorsum-up with the mandibles and forelegs. Wasps maintained both outer and inner nest closures when hunting. Arrangement of prey, degree of paralysis, and egg placement were similar to those reported for C. aerarium Patton. Cocoon structure is described for the first time for Chlorion. Comparisons of nesting behavior components with those reported for C. aerarium are presented and discussed.
Wetland Restoration Assessment Using Remote Sensing- and Surface Energy Budget-Based Evapotranspiration

Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems with varied functions and structures. Humans have drained and altered the structure and functions of wetlands for various uses. Wetland restoration efforts require assessment of the level of ecohydrological restoration for the intended functions. Among the various indicators of success in wetland restoration, achieving the desired water level (hydrology) is the most important, faster to achieve, and easier to monitor than the establishment of hydric soils and wetland vegetation. Monitoring wetland hydrology using remote sensing-based evapotranspiration (ET) is a useful tool and approach since point measurements for understanding the temporal (before and after restoration) and spatial (impacted and restored) parts of the wetland are not effective. This chapter discusses the use of remote sensing and surface energy flux modeling approach to evaluate the state of wetland ET at two different wetland restoration sites: Glacial Ridge prairie restoration, northwestern Minnesota, and Kissimmee River basin, south Florida. Groundwater level and ET before and after the restoration is compared. Their spatial and temporal ET responses to the restoration activities were studied. Results show that the Landsat- and MODIS-based ET shows the level of spatiotemporal ET changes indicating an increase in ET values after the restoration.
Constructionist Gaming: Understanding the Benefits of Making Games for Learning

There has been considerable interest in examining the educational potential of playing video games. One crucial element, however, has traditionally been left out of these discussions—namely, children's learning through making their own games. In this article, we review and synthesize 55 studies from the last decade on making games and learning. We found that the majority of studies focused on teaching coding and academic content through game making, and that few studies explicitly examined the roles of collaboration and identity in the game making process. We argue that future discussions of serious gaming ought to be more inclusive of constructionist approaches to realize the full potential of serious gaming. Making games, we contend, not only more genuinely introduces children to a range of technical skills but also better connects them to each other, addressing the persistent issues of access and diversity present in traditional digital gaming cultures.
Charge neutralized low energy beam transport at Brookhaven 200 MeV linac

The H(-) magnetron source provides about 100 mA H(-) beam to be match into the radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator. As H(-) beam traverses through low energy transport, it ionizes the residual gas and electrons are repelled and positive ions are trapped in the beam, due to negative potential of the beam, providing charge neutralization for the H(-) beam. The neutralization time for the critical density depends upon the background gas and its pressure. Critical density for xenon gas at 35 keV is about 43 times smaller than that of hydrogen and stripping cross section is only 5 times than that of hydrogen gas. We are using xenon gas to reduce neutralization time and to improve transmission through the 200 MeV linac. We are also using pulse nitrogen gas to improve transmission and stability of polarized H(-) beam from optically pumped polarized ion source.
Family Caregivers’ Pain Management in End-of-Life Care: A Systematic Review

Context:Pain management was the most identified burden faced by family caregivers in end-of-life caregiving.Objectives:To synthesize current scientific evidence on family caregivers’ experience of pain management in end-of-life care.Methods:A systematic review was conducted using CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases. Data were extracted from each included paper and organized into tables to synthesize the findings.Results:Fourteen research papers focusing on family caregivers’ experience of pain management and strategies in end-of-life care were included. Nine were observational studies, 3 were case studies, and 2 were experimental studies. These studies mainly focused on exploring family caregivers’ engagement in pain management and communication with the hospice care team about pain control; family caregivers’ knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in pain management; and family caregivers’ concerns and experience of pain management.Conclusion:This review identified themes simi...
Little tyrants or just plain tired: evaluating attributions for caregiving outcomes across the transition to parenthood.

There is now substantial evidence that parental attributions for power over negative caregiving outcomes play an important role in the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. Despite the substantial research and clinical significance of this construct, and the widely held assumption that it represents a trait-like attributional style, there is a lack of empirical support for its long-term stability, especially over the transition to parenthood. The present study examined the stability of 88 at-risk women's perceived power over caregiving failure from the 3rd trimester of their 1st pregnancy to 18 months postnatal. Although results showed no significant change in overall self-reported perceived power over caregiving failure across time, subcomponents that separately assess perceived importance of adult and child factors both decreased over time, driven by increasing external attributions. Examination of subscale scores further revealed consistency in women's attributional style for their own and their child's behavior, and for positive and negative events, over time. Individual differences in these patterns suggested that past and present difficulties interfered with normative shifts such that maternal stress and history of trauma were associated with an increased sense that children control problematic events while decreasing mothers' own sense of control. Research and clinical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Safety and Efficacy of Cardiac Ultrasound Contrast in Children and Adolescents for Resting and Stress Echocardiography.

Background Small pilot studies of ultrasound contrast (UC) echocardiography in children have suggested that it is safe; therefore, larger scale evaluation of safety and efficacy in this population is of particular interest. Methods This was a retrospective study (January 2005 to June 2014). Known intracardiac shunt was the only exclusion criterion. UC echocardiography was performed on commercially available ultrasound systems using Definity (3% infusion). When indicated, real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed at rest and stress, with examination of myocardial contrast replenishment, plateau intensity, and wall motion. The primary outcome was short-term safety and efficacy ( Results In all, 113 patients (55% male; mean age, 17.8 ± 3 years; age range, 5–21 years) underwent UC echocardiography for left ventricular opacification or stress wall motion and perfusion analysis. Diagnosis categories were congenital heart disease (30%), acquired heart disease (21%), and other (suspected cardiac complications of disease of other organ systems; 49%). Twelve patients (11%) with right ventricular systolic pressures > 40 mm Hg received UC without complications; four of these (33%) had the highest right ventricular–right atrial gradient recorded with ultrasound contrast–enhanced Doppler. Myocardial perfusion and/or UC echocardiography–detected wall motion abnormalities were seen in 13 patients (12%); four had confirmed correlations by angiography or magnetic resonance imaging. There were 13 instances of adverse events or reported symptoms during UC echocardiography. All symptoms and events were transient, all patients completed protocols, and there were no immediate sequelae. Conclusions These data demonstrate the usefulness and safety of UC echocardiography in children and adolescents for a wide variety of indications. UC echocardiography provided myocardial perfusion and wall motion information important in clinical decision making.
INFLUENCE OF PRIMARY FREQUENCY REGULATION CONCERNING POWER GENERATING UNIT UPON THE BOILER CONTROL SYSTEM AND OPTIMIZATON OF ITS CONTROL

The causes resulting in influence of primary frequency regulation concerning the power generating unit upon the combustion control system of a boiler have been analysed,a corresponding optimization scheme being put forward for a 600 MW unit in one power plant,and being tested.Results show that the control scheme after optimization can meet the requirements of the unit's operation.
Pornographic Fiction and Personal Integrity

Near the end of the previous chapter, I claimed that in order for pornographic representation to appear, there must be morally proscribed behaviors, there must be the motivation to simulate these behaviors covertly in imagination, there must be representational vehicles capable of serving the imagination in this way, and there must be the capacity to feel guilt about these imaginings. I also claimed that there might be good reason to expect the behaviors in question to include those involving sex and violence. The aim of the present chapter is to elaborate and justify these claims.
The sailplane as a tool for boundary layer research

The application of the sailplane to boundary layer research is illustrated with a view toward showing the advantages of the sailplane over the more expensive wind tunnels. The sailplane offers the pure environment dictated by boundary layer theory. Several examples of boundary layer research with the sailplane are given. In particular, the process of laminar boundary layer stabilization and turbulent boundary layer separation prevention are treated with the Prandtl form of the boundary layer momentum equation. The various special instruments needed for boundary layer research with the sailplane are described.
Quantum theory of a resonant photonic crystal

We present a quantum model of two-level atoms localized in a three-dimensional lattice based on the Hopfield polariton theory. In addition to a polaritonic gap at the excitation energy, a photonic band gap opens up at the Brillouin zone boundary. Upon tuning the lattice period or angle of incidence to match the photonic gap with the excitation energy, one obtains a combined polaritonic and photonic gap as a generalization of Rabi splitting. For typical experimental parameters, the size of the combined gap is on the order of $25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, up to ${10}^{5}$ times the detuned gap size. The dispersion curve contains a branch supporting slow-light modes with vanishing probability density of atomic excitations.
Core filling and snaking instability of dark solitons in spin-imbalanced superfluid Fermi gases

We use the time-dependent Bogoliubov--de Gennes equations to study dark solitons in three-dimensional spin-imbalanced superfluid Fermi gases. We explore how the shape and dynamics of dark solitons are altered by the presence of excess unpaired spins which fill their low-density core. The unpaired particles broaden the solitons and suppress the transverse snake instability. We discuss ways of observing these phenomena in cold-atom experiments.
Childbirth Induced Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Prevalence and Risk Factors

Background: Posttraumatic stress related with the childbirth experience of full-term delivery with health outcomes has been recently documented in a growing body of studies. The magnitude of this condition and the factors that might put a woman at risk for developing childbirth-related postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) symptoms are not fully understood. Methods: In this systematic review of 36 articles representing quantitative studies of primarily community samples, we set to examine PP-PTSD prevalence rates and associated predictors with a focus on the role of prior PTSD and time since childbirth. Results: A significant minority of women endorsed PP-PTSD following successful birth. Acute PP-PTSD rates were between 4.6 and 6.3%, and endorsement of clinically significant PP-PTSD symptoms was identified in up to 16.8% of women in community samples of high quality studies. Negative subjective experience of childbirth emerged as the most important predictor. Endorsement of PTSD before childbirth contributed to PP-PTSD; nevertheless, women without PTSD also exhibited PP-PTSD, with acute rates at 4.6%, signifying a new PTSD onset in the postpartum period. Conclusion: Although the majority of women cope well, childbirth for some can be perceived as a highly stressful experience and even result in the development of PP-PTSD symptoms. More research is needed to understand postpartum adaption and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress outcomes.
Exosomes Derived from HIV-1 Infected DCs Mediate Viral trans-Infection via Fibronectin and Galectin-3

Exosomes are membrane enclosed nano-sized vesicles actively released into the extracellular milieu that can harbor genomic, proteomic and lipid cargos. Functionally, they are shown to regulate cell-cell communication and transmission of pathogens. Though studies have implicated a role for exosomes in HIV-1 pathogenesis, their mechanisms are not well defined. Here, we characterized exosomes derived from uninfected or HIV-1 infected T-cells and DCs. We demonstrate substantial differences in morphological, molecular and biogenesis machinery between exosomes derived from these two immune cell types. In addition, exosomes derived from HIV-1 infected DCs were 4 fold more infective than either cell free HIV-1 or exosomes derived from T-cells. Molecular analysis of exosomes detected the presence of fibronectin and galectin-3 in those derived from DCs, whereas T-cell exosomes lacked these molecules. Addition of anti-fibronectin antibody and β-lactose, a galectin-3 antagonist, significantly blocked DC exosome-mediated HIV-1 infection of T-cells. We also observed increased gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β and RANTES and activation of p38/Stat pathways in T-cells exposed to exosomes derived from HIV-1 infected DCs. Our study provides insight into the role of exosomes in HIV pathogenesis and suggests they can be a target in development of novel therapeutic strategies against viral infection.
Forecast-Triggered Fault-Tolerant Model Predictive Control of Nonlinear Processes

Abstract In this work, we consider the problem of fault-tolerant stabilization of constrained nonlinear processes controlled over resource-constrained sensor-controller communication networks and subject to control actuator faults. A methodology for the design of resource-aware Lyapuonv-based model predictive control (MPC) systems that achieve the fault-tolerant stabilization objective with reduced sensor-controller communication is presented. In this approach, the control action is computed by solving on-line a finite-horizon optimal control problem based on an uncertain model of the plant subject to appropriate Lyapuonv-based stability constraints. The stability constraints are designed to ensure the desired closed-loop stability and performance properties in the presence of faults, and an explicit characterization of the state space region where fault-tolerant stabilization is guaranteed is obtained in terms of the fault size, the choice of the controller design parameters and the size of the plant-model mismatch. To keep sensor-controller communication to a minimum, a forecast-triggered communication strategy is used to determine when communication should be suspended or restored over the network. In this strategy, an update of the model state in the predictive controller using the sensor measurements at a given sampling time is triggered only when the Lyapunov function is forecasted to breach a certain threshold over the next sampling interval. The update-triggering threshold is derived using Lyapunov techniques and is explicitly parameterized in terms of the fault and a suitable fault accommodation parameter. Based on this characterization, fault accommodation strategies that guarantee closed-loop stability while simultaneously optimizing control and communication system resources are devised. Finally, the developed MPC formulation is illustrated using a chemical process example.
Behavioral Forensic Science: An Overview

The subfield of behavioral forensic science or ‘forensic psychology’ consists of three educational philosophies. These philosophies include the clinical, the law–psychology, and the law–psychology–justice frameworks. Each framework or model represents a way of thinking about and doing behavioral forensic science. Several distinct facets of each educational model are delineated. These facets consist of didactic framework, definition of the client–practitioner relationship, preferred method of intervention, and understanding of the psychologist–organization relationship. A number of recommendations for improving the future direction of each philosophy's educational mission are specified.
An unusual way to diagnose a rare case of bladder carcinoma in a patient with Crohn's disease.

Abstract Background and aims. Crohn's disease of unknown etiology may involve the urinary tract and may include a mass lesion on cystoscopy. Patients and results. We present an unusual case of asymptomatic urinary bladder carcinoma in a patient undergoing surgery for Crohn's ileitis.
Bio-Catalyzer alpha . rho No. 11 (Bio-Normalizer) supplementation: effect on oxidative stress to isolated rat hearts.

Bio-Catalyzer alpha . rho No. 11 (Bio-Normalizer), a natural health food product prepared by yeast fermentation of medicinal plants, has been recently reported to possess antioxidant properties. To better define its antioxidant action, we investigated the effects of orally supplemented Bio-Normalizer on oxidative damage in the rat heart. Hearts were isolated from control or Bio-Normalizer supplemented animals and 1) exposed to ischemia-reperfusion using the Langendorff technique, or 2) homogenized and exposed to peroxyl radicals generated from (2,2'-azobis (2,4'-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN). During reperfusion following 40 minutes of ischemia, leakage of lactate dehydrogenase from hearts isolated from Bio-Normalizer supplemented rats was significantly lower than from hearts of control animals. Furthermore, lower levels of AMVN-induced accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and of protein carbonyl derivatives were measured in homogenates prepared from hearts isolated from Bio-Normalizer supplemented rats than in samples from control animals. Our findings confirm an antioxidant action of Bio-Normalizer and show that it protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion induced damage.
The Unstated Premise of the Prose Pentateuch: YHWH is King

The prose of the Pentateuch never describes God as a king. This omission requires explanation, because the Pentateuch shows God performing many royal functions and other parts of the Hebrew Bible readily call YHWH “king.” Rhetorical theory provides a likely explanation in the form of the unstated premises in enthymemes. By leaving the premise of God’s kingship implied but unstated, the Pentateuch can apply Iron Age imperial rhetoric to God while avoiding political debates about human king.
An assessment of the survival impact of multimodal anesthesia/analgesia technique in adults undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a propensity score matched analysis

Background: Studies suggest volatile anesthetics and opioids may enhance the malignant potential of cancer cells. The objective of this single institution retrospective study was to evaluate the su...
Adrenal Insufficiency, “Relative Adrenal Insufficiency,” or None of the Above?

Assessing adrenal function during acute illness or in patients who are chronically ill with an acute decompensation in their health status can be extremely challenging and complex. It is suggested that serum total cortisol levels and the response of total cortisol to a cosyntropin stimulation test are not reliable markers of adrenal function in severe illness due to multiple factors, including hypoalbuminemia, low serum cortisol binding globulin (CBG) levels, and altered CBG affinity. The same notion applies to patients with liver disease and advanced cirrhosis. In this chapter, we will review the effect of critical illness on the HPA axis and cortisol secretion and present the challenges in the interpretation of an ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test in this patient population. Direct measurement of serum free cortisol (SFC), which is the biologically active free fraction of cortisol, can potentially address many of the challenges that we face in the evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the abovementioned patient population. One of the limiting factors is the lack of specific criteria for diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency using SFC levels. Thus, it is of paramount importance that baseline and post-ACTH stimulation reference ranges be established for serum free cortisol.
Reducing Blood Culture Contamination in the Emergency Department.

Background Blood culture contamination results in delayed or unnecessary treatments, increased morbidity risk, extended lengths of hospital stay, and increased health care costs. Collecting 2 sets of blood cultures from separate sites helps differentiate bloodstream infections (BSIs) from contamination. Local problem Blood culture contamination rates trailed the national threshold of less than 3% in one southeastern US emergency department (ED). Same-site and single-set collection issues were also identified. Methods This pre-/postintervention quality improvement study included 1137 patients (preintervention: n = 560; postintervention: n = 577) of all ages with blood culture orders in a 13-bed tertiary care ED. Interventions A staff educational program, blood culture collection checklist with protocol, and monthly collective and individual feedback were implemented. Results Blood culture contamination rates decreased from 3.39% to 2.6%. Same-site collection rates decreased from 15.13% to 4.14%. Conclusions The interventions effectively reduced blood culture contamination rates and same-site blood culture collections in the ED, enhancing the quality of care for patients with BSIs.
Biologic Therapeutics and Their Role in Allergic Disease of the Unified Airway

Recent advances have been made in the use of biologic therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases of the unified airway. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge for biologic therapies in chronic airway disease, including indications for use, mechanisms of action, and future needs for research. There are currently four classes of FDA-approved biologic therapies for treatment of inflammatory airway diseases: Dupilumab (anti-IL-4Rα) is approved for both moderate to severe allergic asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, including aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. Omalizumab (anti-IgE) is approved for persistent allergic asthma and mepolizumab, reslizumab (both anti-IL-5), and benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα) are approved for asthma with eosinophilic endotype. Mepolizumab is also approved for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis which affects both upper and lower airways. Biologic therapies have offered new treatment options for patients suffering with the most severe forms of allergic airway diseases. The implementation and selection of biologic agents is currently a clinical decision with consideration of disease endotype, co-morbid diseases, and shared decision-making with the patient. Future studies will help determine the comparative performance of these agents, more detailed algorithms for use, long-term outcomes, and safety profiles.
Narratives of long-term resilience: two cases of women aging with spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that drastically affects a person’s sense of identity, ability to participate, and quality of life (QOL). Researchers studying the coping process have often focused on identifying maladaptive behaviors and barriers, and less on positive psychology approaches emphasizing individual strengths. More recently, positive psychology constructs, such as resilience, have received greater attention from SCI researchers. Early and ongoing recognition of resilience in patients with SCI may provide important information to clinicians about adjustment and long-term management. Our purpose is to document patterns and indicators of resilience, using a narrative approach, during various stages of adjustment following SCI. Narrative case presentations are deriving from in-depth qualitative interviews with two women aged 63 and 52, living with SCI. Both had complete motor neurological injuries that incurred at 27 and 35 years, respectively. Each woman was interviewed twice, approximately 10 years apart (age 63 and 52, and age 54 and 42). Each demonstrated high levels of resilience through evolving roles of family and caregivers, inner personal strength, and participation in their respective communities. We highlight differences, similarities, and evolution of resilience factors in and between each case. These cases illustrate examples of long-term resilience, adding richness to the resilience construct. Results provide knowledge that can be used to target rehabilitation interventions toward successful coping styles. In sharing these cases, we hope to assist clinicians and researchers to better recognize patterns of resilience in their own patients and study participants.
24a – Coating Plastics

Publisher Summary Almost all surfaces are coated to enhance substrate properties. Coatings are also used to protect, decorate, and functionalize surfaces. The major advantages of choosing plastics as alternatives to metals are numerous including ease of manufacturing, lower material cost over metal alternatives, corrosion resistance properties and ease of casting, tooling, and styling latitude. Such advantages have led to the increased use of plastics, particularly in the transportation industry, for both interior and exterior applications. A major challenge in coating plastics is the adhesion of various types of coatings. Except for temporary and protective coatings, all other types of surface coatings must adhere tenaciously to the substrates and preferably last as long as the object itself. Since coatings must function by surface attachment only, the nature and condition of the surface is critical to the success of any durable coating venture. In most cases, it is desirable to have a coating that is difficult to remove from the substrate to which it has been applied. An important factor controlling this property is the adhesion between the substrate and the coating. In formulating a coating, it is critical to remember that difficulty in removing a coating can also be strongly affected by how difficult it is to penetrate through the coating and how much force is required to push the coating out of the way as the coating is being removed from the substrate as well as the actual force holding the coating onto the substrate.
Effects of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation on translesional coronary hemodynamics.

The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) provides counterpulsation by displacing a 40-50 cc blood volume during diastole augmenting diastolic pressure. The rapid deflation of the balloon timed to the initiation of systole reduces the afterload of ventricular ejection and thus peak systolic pressure. As a direct result, IABP increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and peak diastolic pressure while reducing systolic pressure and myocardial work. IABP increases coronary flow velocity in non-obstructed vessels, but does not increase flow across a severe obstruction as shown by intracoronary Doppler flow studies (Kern et al., Circulation, 1993;87:500-511 and Kern et al., Circulation 1991;84:II-485). There are few studies using pressure sensor guidewires to confirm these responses. We present a case illustrating the translesional hemodynamics using an angioplasty sensor pressure wire across a severe stenosis and the unique influence of the IABP.
Estimates of exposure to the 100-year floods in the conterminous United States using national building footprints

Abstract Given the rising threat of floods in the U.S, it is of great importance to obtain baseline information by quantifying the general exposure of floods and assessing its impact on those likely to bear the eventual cost of flooding. This study provides a comparative assessment of the population exposed to flood hazards for the entire Conterminous United States and answers the following four fundamental questions: 1) how many people are exposed? 2) who are they? 3) how are they distributed? 4) how do the estimations from other floodplains differ from the estimations from FEMA floodplain? In light of the limitations of previous flood exposure studies in the U.S, this study uses the recently released Microsoft building footprint dataset to capture the heterogeneity of population distribution at the micro-level. The population at block group level from ACS 5-year estimates (2013–2017) is further disaggregated to residential buildings, identified via NLUD 2010 and OpenStreetMap Land Use polygons. A comparative study is then conducted to investigate the 100-year flood exposure from FEMA and from the other three publicly available 100-year floodplains. Although the exposure analysis shows varying spatial patterns for selected floodplains, it indicates that a large number of exposed residents are found in regions where FEMA floodplain product is unavailable, presumably responsible for the uncaptured losses reported from other studies. In addition, the inequitably high flood risk experienced by the poor revealed at the national level underscores the significance of flood vulnerability studies to emphasize the need for this vulnerable group.
Animal culture: Newcomers help adopt more efficient behaviors

Summary Novel behaviors spread via social learning and may persist in groups even when alternative, more efficient solutions become available. A study in birds shows that adoption of more efficient behaviors can be achieved via population turnover as new group members learn and spread more efficient behaviors.
Hall–Petch effect in binary and ternary alumina / zirconia / spinel composites

Abstract We present the Hall–Petch correlation between microhardness values and grain sizes for single, binary (50-50 vol.%), and ternary (33-33-33 vol.%) phase composites of yttria-stabilized zirconia (8Y–ZrO2), spinel (MgAl2O4), and alumina (Al2O3) samples produced by spark plasma sintering. Both the intrinsic grain microhardness values and the Hall–Petch constants were found to be significantly higher for alumina among the single-phase samples, and for the alumina-containing composites for the multiphase specimens. The microhardness values of all binary and ternary composites were observed to follow a rule of mixtures for both sub-micron (250–400 nm) and micrometer (1–1.5 μm) grain sizes. The fracture toughness values for all the specimens were also determined using the Vickers indentation method. Among all studied ceramic composites, single phase Al2O3 and a binary composite of 8Y–ZrO2/Al2O3 attained the highest hardness and toughness values of 20 GPa and 5.8 MPa•m1/2, respectively. The number of slip systems could be the main reason for the improved mechanical performance of the alumina and alumina-containing composites. Particularly, alumina consists of only 17 slip systems, while both zirconia and spinel are more ductile and contain 12 principal and 24 secondary, and 24 slip systems, respectively. These results are of significant interest, since they connect the grain sizes of the materials produced to their corresponding mechanical response.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation and its immune mechanisms.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome triggered by infectious and non-infectious pathologies characterized by excessive generation of thrombin within the vasculature and widespread proteolytic conversion of fibrinogen. Despite diverse clinical manifestations ranging from thrombo-occlusive damage to bleeding diathesis, DIC etiology commonly involves excessive activation of blood coagulation and overlapping dysregulation of anticoagulants and fibrinolysis. Initiation of blood coagulation follows intravascular expression of tissue factor or activation of contact pathway in response to pathogen-associated or host derived damage-associated molecular patterns. The process is further amplified through inflammatory and immuno-thrombotic mechanisms. Consumption of anticoagulants and disruption of endothelial homeostasis lower the regulatory control and disseminate microvascular thrombosis. Clinical DIC development in patients associates with worsening morbidities and increased mortality regardless of the underlying pathology, therefore timely recognition of DIC is critical to reduce the pathologic burden. Due to diversity of triggers and pathogenic mechanisms leading to DIC, diagnosis is based on algorithms that quantify hemostatic imbalance, thrombocytopenia and fibrin/ogen conversion. Since current diagnosis primarily assesses overt consumptive coagulopathies, there is a critical need for better recognition of non-overt DIC and/or pre-DIC states. Therapeutic strategies for DIC patients involve resolution of the eliciting triggers and supportive care for the hemostatic imbalance. Despite medical care, mortality in DIC patients remains high and new strategies, tailored to the underlying pathologic mechanisms, are needed.
Human Auditory Cortex

The cortical organization of the human auditory system has been incompletely measured. Although we know some of the features and locations of low-level processing in cortex, until recently we were recently able to localize individual auditory field maps (AFMs). Two recently discovered orthogonal acoustic dimensions are the key insight measuring AFMs, tonotopy and periodotopy. Because tonotopic and periodotopic gradients are represented orthogonally to one another on the cortical surface, it is now possible to differentiate the locations of individual maps. Additionally, a new organizational scheme of AFMs has been revealed: the “clover leaf” cluster. With these new insights, researchers can now delineate AFMs and therefore investigate which computations, such as those relevant for speech perception, are performed in each map. Furthermore, auditory and visual cortices are similarly organized into specific sensory field maps and into “clover leaf” clusters, indicating that cortical sensory systems may have common organizational structures.
Fungi Isolated from Flue-Cured Tobacco Inoculated in the Field with Storage Fungi

Flue-cured tobacco inoculated in the field with A. amstelodami, A. flavus, A. ochraceus, A. repens, A. ruber, and a species of Penicillium was rarely invaded by these fungi. Regardless of inoculum, the predominant fungi reisolated from green tissue were species of Alternaria and Cladosporium. After curing, A. repens, A. niger, and species of Alternaria and a species of Penicillium were the most commonly isolated fungi. The fungus used as inoculum was not the predominant fungus reisolated from green or cured tissue. Conditions during handling and storage prior to marketing probably determine when storage fungi become associated with the leaf and which species becomes predominant.
Video motion estimation using a neural network

This paper presents a novel technique for motion estimation in video frame sequences. It uses a modified Hopfield neural network. The procedure consists of two stages: estimation of the neural network parameters from the present and past frames or subimages, followed by estimation of the motion vector. The latter utilizes a dynamic iterative algorithm to minimize the energy function of the neural network. Due to the neural network's fault-tolerant nature and parallel computation capability, fast, accurate, and reliable results are obtained. The usefulness and accuracy of the approach is demonstrated upon both synthetic and real images. >
On the scarcity of lattice-ordered matrix algebras II

We correct and complete Weinberg's classification of the latticeorders of the matrix ring Q2 and show that this classification holds for the matrix algebra F2 where F is any totally ordered field. In particular, the lattice-order of F2 obtained by stipulating that a matrix is positive precisely when each of its entries is positive is, up to isomorphism, the only lattice-order of F2 with 1 > 0. It is also shown, assuming a certain maximum condition, that (F+ )n is essentially the only lattice-order of the algebra Fn in which the identity element is positive.
Not So Hip - The Expanded Burdens on and Consequences to Law Firms as Business Associates under Hitech Modifications to HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA ") governs the management of protected health information by covered entities (e.g., health care providers) and their business associates. However, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act ("HITECH"), contained within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA"), drastically alters the scope of HIPAA regulations with regard to business associates, including law firms that routinely handle the protected health information ("PHI") governed by HIPAA. Under the HITECH Act, the definition of "business associate" is expanded, and these entities are treated as "covered" for purposes of the HIPAA security regulations; this increased regulatory burden has important implications for the management of PHI at law firms and the practice of health care law as a whole. This article details the development of the HIPAA privacy and security regulations applicable to covered * Associate, Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Norfolk, Virginia. J.D., 2003, University of Richmond School of Law; B.A., 2000, College of William and Mary. ** J.D. Candidate, 2010, University of Richmond School of Law; B.S., 2007, Pennsylvania State University. The author thanks his friends and family, especially his parents, for their support, and Rene6 Reilly, for her boundless love and patience. 314 RICHMOND JOURNAL OF LAW AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST [Vol. XIII:xxv entities and business associates in the wake of the HITECH Act, with a focus on the updated regulatory scheme and its impact on law firms, especially those that deal with substantial amounts of PHI in the ordinary course of business. Beyond the development and content of the current HIPAA regulations that impact law firms, this piece addresses the practice implications of these regulations and proposes recommendations for costeffective and careful handling of PHI from the perspective of business associates and regulators alike.
Andrew Johnson's Civil War and Reconstruction – By Paul H. Bergeron

Andrew Johnson, according to the standard narrative, was a virulent racist who would never have ascended to high political office but for a series of historical accidents. Lacking his predecessor's...