cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PHYLOGENY OF GAERTNERA LAM. (RUBIACEAE) BASED ON MULTIPLE DNA MARKERS: EVIDENCE OF A RAPID RADIATION IN A WIDESPREAD, MORPHOLOGICALLY DIVERSE GENUS

Phylogenetic relationships among 28 of the 68 species of the paleotropical genus Gaertnera (Rubiaceae) and two related genera were inferred from nucleotide sequence variation in four nuclear DNA (nDNA) markers: the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear rDNA (ITS), the large and small copies of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PepC-large and PepC-small), and triose phosphate isomerase (Tpi). Phylogenetic analysis of the combined nDNA dataset suggested that Gaertnera is monophyletic, but genetic variation among species was insufficient to reconstruct well-supported relationships within the genus. This was counter to expectations based on the very distinct morphologies and widespread distribution of the genus (West Africa to Sulawesi). Molecular clock analyses suggested variable dates of origin for Gaertnera depending upon the calibration method used. The most plausible calibration implies that Gaertnera migrated to Africa during the early Tertiary, possibly via a boreotropical land bridge and suggests that Gaertnera started to radiate 5.21 +/- 0.14 million years ago. This implies that range expansion in the group has occurred via a number of long-distance dispersal events rather than vicariance. The molecular clock estimate in turn estimated an unusually rapid lineage diversification rate within the radiation of 0.717-0.832 species/million years, comparable to those estimated for radiations on oceanic islands. Although low interspecific competition levels may have contributed to the diversification of Gaertnera on Mauritius, the mechanisms driving the rapid radiation of the group in other parts of its range remain elusive.
Incorporating Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment into First-Year Inorganic Chemistry Major Laboratories

Although much of the scientific community concerns itself with ideas of a sustainable future, very little of this interest and motivation has reached the classroom experience of the average chemistry major, and therefore, it is imperative to expose students to these ideas early in their careers. The focus of most undergraduate chemistry curricula rests on the preparation of the next generation of researchers, ensuring that students are capable and effective in the laboratory. A majority of laboratory experiences focus on building basic technical skill sets for chemists. However, little time is spent ensuring that students are aware of the impacts of their research, as it pertains to chemical waste and the sustainability of research, in general. At Villanova, an existing first-year undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory course was modified to promote novel ideas in research with an emphasis on life-cycle thinking and analysis in terms of sustainability. Initial results are reported, as well as an out...
High-throughput sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of chronic Propionibacterium acnes meningitis in an allogeneic stem cell transplant recipient.

Background A 40-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia presented multiple times over a period of 3 years with episodes of confusion, wide-based gait and falls because of recurrent hydrocephalus despite repeated therapeutic lumbar punctures. These problems occurred in the context of persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and leptomeningeal enhancement. Extensive diagnostic workups and therapeutic trials had failed to identify a clinically plausible cause or produce any significant improvement in the CSF and neuroimaging abnormalities. Methods We used high-throughput metagenomic shotgun sequencing to identify microbes in 2 CSF samples collected from the patient during his illness. These results were compared to sequence data from 1 CSF sample collected during treatment and 5 control CSF samples from other patients. Results We found sequences representing 53% and 67% of the Propionibacterium acnes genome in 2 CSF samples collected from the patient during his illness. Directed antimicrobial therapy was administered for 6 weeks with resolution of CSF and neuroimaging abnormalities. Sequencing of a sample obtained during treatment demonstrated that the P. acnes levels were decreased to background levels. After insertion of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, the patient returned to baseline status. Conclusions High-throughput metagenomic shotgun sequencing revealed P. acnes as the cause of chronic meningitis that had eluded conventional attempts at diagnosis. Treatment directed at this organism resulted in cure of the infection and clinical improvement.
SAFETY OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG WOMEN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of pregnancy complications and need safe, effective contraceptive methods to avoid unintended pregnancy. This systematic review examines evidence regarding safety of contraceptive use among women with CHD. Using terms for contraception
Structure and Growth of N2O Gate Oxynitrides

A series of investigations have been conducted into the properties of N 2 O silicon oxynitride gate dielectrics, and the various methods of their growth. One of the principle advantages of these oxides is their resistance to interface state generation. This is linked to the presense of nitrogen near the substrate interface, where it is triply bonded to silicon. It is also demonstrated that during N 2 O-based furnace growth, the total concentration of NO x species varies strongly with the flow rate of N 2 O. This has been correlated to the temperature profile of the furnace, which can be affected by the exothermic decomposition of N 2 O. This property has been exploited to controllably adjust the rate of nitrogen incorporation by up to a factor of three. Although nitrogen incorporation during furnace processing is generally stable, it is shown that atomic oxygen is capable of removing previously incorporated nitrogen. Sources of atomic oxygen include the decomposition of N 2 O during RTP treatment, N 2 O processing in a high flow rate furnace, or from ozone annealing.
The Future for Trading Stamps and Games

Trading stamps and customer games of chance have been two of the more important types of nonprice promotion in the supermarket industry. The employment of these two promotional tools has declined f...
Study on the value of the monitoring of the serum enzyme concentrations and the clinical significance of the changes of serum enzyme concentrations in children with infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects of children with infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome by observing the changes of concentrations of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) andγ-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Methods Thirty-two children with infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome were studied in acute phase and period of remission. The serum concentrations of LDH, CK, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, triglycerides (TG) and fibrinogen (FIB) were detected by biochemistry assay. Results The levels of serum LDH, CK, ALT, AST and ALP in acute phase were significantly higher than those in the period of remission (P0.01). There were significant positive correlations between the concentrations of the serum TG and LDH, CK, ALT (P0.01 to P0.05). There were significant negative correlations between the concentrations of the serum FIB and LDH, CK, ALP and TG (P0.01 to P0.05). Conclusions We can efficiently evaluate the therapeutic effects of the children with infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome by observing the changes of levels of serum LDH, CK, ALT, AST and ALP.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after critical illness: A conceptual review of distinct clinical issues and their implications.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that develops after critical care may be marked by a unique constellation of symptoms that differ, for example, from the symptoms that develop in response to more traditional traumas such as combat or assault. Research Method/Design: We describe ways in which symptoms of PTSD after critical illness can be clinically engaged, drawing from literature pointing to "best treatment" practices in other settings. And, we discuss the relevance of intensive care unit (ICU) related PTSD to rehabilitation psychologists and explain why rehabilitation psychologists are well suited to identify and treat ICU-related PTSD. RESULTS: In this conceptual review, drawing from both empirical findings and theoretical models, we surmise that traumatized survivors of critical illness demonstrate 2 central clinical features-avoidance and reexperiencing. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The potentially unique clinical profile of ICU-related PTSD likely requires unique assessment and treatment practices. These services may be best provided by providers with expertise in providing coordinated care, such as rehabilitation psychologists. Next steps should include empirical study to determine whether practices that are empirically supported in other settings may be translated to the ICU and post-ICU hospitalization for critical illness survivors. (PsycINFO Database Record(c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Biochemical and Molecular Teratology of Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome

The question of maternal seizures as a teratogen was raised 30 years ago. Since then, a great deal of controversy has existed about the role of seizures in pregnant mothers as opposed to the direct effects of anticonvulsant medications. Animal and human research has clearly shown that anticonvulsants are teratogens and pose a risk for fetal malformations. In the case of dilantin, it appears that fetal susceptibility correlates with the fetal level of the microsomal detoxifying enzyme epoxide hydrolase.
Capital Recovery under Levelized DCF Tariff for Gas Pipeline in India

Petroleum and Natural Gas Board (PNGRB) has been established as regulatory body to regulate the Gas Pipelines in India. One of the major function of PNGRB is to regulate the tariff of the certain existing Gas Pipeline. As per PNGRB Regulations, tariff shall be worked out based on Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) by levelizing over the economic life of 25 yearsin such a manner which is sufficient to recover the operating cost and capital cost along with the reasonable rate of return. As in DCF calculations though the recovery of operating cost can be separately monitored but the recovery of capital cost and the return is recovered in combined form, which makes the monitoring of each parameter of tariff difficult. Objective of this paper is to break the interest part and capital recovery part from the total revenue earned. This will not only help the regulator for better monitoring of each component but also help in reviewing the capital cost in between the economic life if required. General notion is that capital recovery under the gas pipeline tariff is uniformly recovered over economic life.With the help of example of tariff working, it has been demonstrated that under the levelized DCF method results in lower capital recovery in the initial year instead of uniform capital recovery. Methodology has been demonstrated to break the capital recovery and interest part to enable the review and corrective measure on each component.
Decreased Prostatic Secretory Function in Canine Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is not Due to Decreased Levels of Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors

AbstractThe ejaculatory volume and the prostatic secretory capacity (ml. ejaculate per gm. prostate wet weight) were determined for a group of dogs with normal and hyperplastic prostates. The ejaculatory volume and prostatic secretory capacity in dogs with BPH were decreased by 70 per cent and 80 per cent respectively, compared to dogs with normal prostates. Radioligand receptor binding using [3H] N-methylscopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, was performed on a similar group of dogs with normal and hyperplastic prostates. The mean equilibrium dissociation constant for the binding of [3H]N-methylscopolamine to homogenates obtained from normal and hyperplastic prostates was 0.21nM. and 0.19nM. respectively, demonstrating that the affinity of the receptor binding sites was not altered by the development of BPH. The tissue density of the muscarinic cholinergic receptors (fmol. per mg. prostate wet weight) and the cellular density of these receptors (fmol. per mg. DNA) were not significantly differ...
Conformational analysis of the beta-amyloid peptide fragment, beta(12-28).

Abstract NMR and CD spectroscopy have been used to examine the conformation of the peptide, β(12–28), (VHHQKLVFFAEDVGSNK) in aqueous and 60% TFE/40% H20 solution at pH 2.4. In 60% TFE solution, the peptide is helical as confirmed by the CD spectrum and by the pattern of the NOE cross peaks detected in the NOESY spectrum of the peptide. In aqueous solution, the peptide adopts a more extended and flexible conformation. Broadening of resonances at low temperature, temperature-dependent changes in the chemical shifts of several of the CHα resonances and the observation of a number of NOE contacts between the hydrophobic side-chain protons of the peptide are indicative of aggregation in aqueous solution. The behavior of β(12–28) in 60% TFE and in aqueous solution are consistent with the overall conformation and aggregation behavior reported for the larger peptide fragment, β(1–28) and the parent β-amyloid peptide.
Toxic Talk and Collective (In)action in a Company Town: The Case of La Oroya, Peru

The dynamics of contaminated communities have become an increasingly important area of research with the rise of environmental hazards worldwide. While much is known about communities that unite to protest toxic conditions, places where such mobilization has not occurred are far less frequently studied. Drawing on five months of ethnographic research, this article examines one such community (La Oroya) in Peru that is plagued by dangerously high lead levels, a product of 90 years of heavy metal smelter activity. What little mobilization has occurred in La Oroya arose not to protest contamination, but rather to contest the potential closure of the metallurgical complex. Through an analysis of the discursive frames that residents use to make sense of contamination, this article highlights the significance of community, collective self-understandings, and moral boundary making in community responses to toxic conditions. These aforementioned dimensions—not merely the presence of industry or potential job loss—shape subjective perceptions of risk in La Oroya in ways that tend to suppress the emergence of sustained collective action. La dinamica de comunidades contaminadas se han convertido en un area cada vez mas importante de la investigacion con el aumento de los riesgos ambientales en todo el mundo. Si bien se sabe mucho acerca de las comunidades que se unen para protestar por las condiciones toxicas, lugares en los que no se ha llevado a cabo esa movilizacion son estudiados con menos frecuencia. Sobre la base de cinco meses de investigacion etnografica, este trabajo examina una de estas comunidades (La Oroya) en el Peru que esta plagada de niveles peligrosamente altos de plomo, un producto de noventa anos de actividad de fundicion de metales pesados. La poca movilizacion en La Oroya no se levanto para protestar por la contaminacion, sino mas bien para disputar el posible cierre del complejo metalurgico. A traves de un analisis de los marcos discursivos que los residentes utilizan para dar sentido a la contaminacion, este articulo pone de relieve la importancia del lugar, auto-comprensiones colectivas, y el limite de decisiones morales en las respuestas comunitarias hacia condiciones toxicas. Argumento que estas dimensiones mencionadas—no simplemente la presencia de la industria o la perdida de empleo potenciales—forman percepciones subjetivas de riesgo en La Oroya en formas que suelen suprimir la surgimiento de la sostenida accion colectiva.
Heme biomolecule as redox mediator and oxygen shuttle for efficient charging of lithium-oxygen batteries

One of the greatest challenges with lithium-oxygen batteries involves identifying catalysts that facilitate the growth and evolution of cathode species on an oxygen electrode. Heterogeneous solid catalysts cannot adequately address the problematic overpotentials when the surfaces become passivated. However, there exists a class of biomolecules which have been designed by nature to guide complex solution-based oxygen chemistries. Here, we show that the heme molecule, a common porphyrin cofactor in blood, can function as a soluble redox catalyst and oxygen shuttle for efficient oxygen evolution in non-aqueous Li-O2 batteries. The heme’s oxygen binding capability facilitates battery recharge by accepting and releasing dissociated oxygen species while benefiting charge transfer with the cathode. We reveal the chemical change of heme redox molecules where synergy exists with the electrolyte species. This study brings focus to the rational design of solution-based catalysts and suggests a sustainable cross-link between biomolecules and advanced energy storage. Natural biomolecules including heme-like porphyrins can be applied as sustainable chemical catalysts in lithium-oxygen batteries. Here, the authors show that the heme molecule can function as a soluble redox catalyst and oxygen shuttle for efficient oxygen evolution in non-aqueous lithium-oxygen cells.
Characterizing network behavior features using a cyber-security ontology

This paper discusses the use of an ontology to characterize network behavior features. Efficient and timely threat detection requires careful examination of network packets as well as integration of observed packet level behaviors into a coherent view of the network. We focus on a method to capture the semantic properties of packet transmission at different levels of granularity, making the case for using modular ontologies as a tool to capture and integrate behaviors for threat detection. This study extends the existing work on ontologies of cyber security, embracing a holistic approach and providing a well-grounded modular representation of network behaviors. We demonstrate how beaconing behavior is represented using a vocabulary of network behavior features. Then, we show how this approach can be used to detect malware beaconing to a command-and-control server. Further implications and extensions are discussed in the context of network intrusion and cyber security.
Nachricht von den poetischen Werken des Johannes Boccaccio

Die ›Notiz‹ uber Boccaccio gehort zu den am meisten unterschatzten Texten Schlegels. Das mag auch an ihrem Gegenstand liegen.
A Practical Application of Sensory Extinction for Reducing the Disruptive Classroom Behavior of a Profoundly Retarded Child

(1983). A Practical Application of Sensory Extinction for Reducing the Disruptive Classroom Behavior of a Profoundly Retarded Child. School Psychology Review: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 205-211.
Can Cognitive Speed of Processing Training Improve Everyday Functioning Among Older Adults With Psychometrically Defined Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective: The aim of these secondary analyses was to examine cognitive speed of processing training (SPT) gains in cognitive and everyday functioning among older adults with psychometrically defin...
Frequency of concomitant use of opioids and psychoactive medications among cancer patients referred to outpatient palliative care at a comprehensive cancer center.

240Background: There are potential severe effects when patients taking opioids receive other psychoactive medications. However, such combinations are sometimes necessary in palliative care. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of concomitant use of opioids + psychoactive medications in cancer patients referred to our outpatient palliative care center. Methods: Retrospective data obtained from consecutive consults was analyzed to determine the frequency of patients on opioids alone versus concomitant opioids + psychoactive medications at first presentation to our clinic. Association of type of medication with demographics and baseline characteristics was evaluated by Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and Chi-square (Fisher's exact) test for categorical variables. Results: Among 541 consecutive consult visits, 365 (67%) patients were taking opioids at the time of referral to our clinic: 209 (57%) were on opioids alone while 156 (43%) were on concomitant opioids + psychoacti...
Reviewing Religion/Spirituality Evidence from a Public Health Perspective: Introduction

This chapter introduces a set of 13 empirical review chapters contained in Part I of this volume. Each review focuses on relations between religious and spiritual (R/S) factors and health variables. This present chapter explains the reviews’ collective purpose, distinctive public health focus, and common structure. The first of these reviews (chapter “ Model of Individual Health Effects from Religion/Spirituality: Supporting Evidence”) examines evidence that supports a widely used generic model of the effects of R/S on individual health. Next is a review of R/S effects on morbidity and mortality (chapter “ Religious/Spiritual Effects on Physical Morbidity and Mortality”). After that, the next two review chapters focus on R/S and social factors, such as socioeconomic status and income inequality (chapter “ Social and Community-Level Factors in Health Effects from Religion/Spirituality”) and social identity and discrimination (chapter “ Social Identity and Discrimination in Religious/Spiritual Influences on Health”). Then, the next seven review chapters examine evidence relevant to major public health subfields: nutrition, infectious diseases, environmental health, maternal/child health, health policy and management, public health education and promotion, mental health, and clinical practice. Drawing on data from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), each subfield is contextualized in relation to proportions of enrolled students in US schools of public health.
Predicting Outcomes in Patients With AsymptomaticModerate to Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Outcomes in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis (AS) have been reported primarily from tertiary centers. Whether observations from a community hospital cohort would be similar or if clinical variables would assume a more important role remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study from one community hospital followed asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe AS for 3 years following an index echocardiogram. Patients underwent standard echocardiographic imaging and assessment of AS severity. Outcomes included aortic valve replacement, onset of Class 4 heart failure and cardiovascular death. Inclusion or exclusion criteria were met by 190 patients (body mass index of 30.8 ± 7.5 kg/m2 and age 70.9 ± 13.0 years). In this obese and racially diverse cohort, adverse outcomes occurred in 72 of 190 (38%), aortic valve replacement in 33 of 72 (46%), heart failure in 30 of 72 (42%), and cardiovascular death in 9 of 72 (13%). Univariate analyses found that the echocardiographic variables assessing AS severity (Vmax, mean aortic valve gradient, and the dimensionless index) were strongly associated with outcomes. A model predicting time to adverse outcomes included age, gender, Charlson index, Vmax, aortic valve area, the electrocardiographic variables of atrial fibrillation and left ventricular strain, and echocardiographic variables unrelated to the direct measurements of stenosis severity. In conclusion, direct echocardiographic measures of AS severity, echocardiographic parameters unrelated to AS severity plus the electrocardiographic variables of atrial fibrillation and left ventricular strain were the dominant predictors of adverse outcomes in a community hospital cohort of asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe AS.
Nutritional and Digestive Challenges to Being a Gum-Feeding Primate

Gum is an unusual food that presents significant challenges to animals that feed on it. Gum is limited in availability; trees generally secrete it only in response to damage. Gum is a β-linked complex polysaccharide, and as such is resistant to mammalian digestive enzymes and requires fermentation by gut microbes. It contains little or no lipid, low amounts of protein, and no appreciable levels of vitamins. As a food, gum can be characterized as difficult to obtain, potentially limited in quantity, difficult to digest, and primarily a source of energy and minerals. Despite these drawbacks, many primates feed extensively on gums. Among mammals, gum-feeding largely appears to be a primate dietary adaptation. Why are there so many primate gum-feeders and what adaptations have allowed them to make a living on such a problematic food? This is the central question of this book. This chapter examines digestive and nutritional aspects of gum. Specific examples of biological adaptations found in common and pygmy marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Cebuella pygmaea), small New World primate gum-feeding specialists, will be examined. These marmoset species have many similarities in their behavior, morphology and metabolism, but also some instructive differences in their digestive function. C. pygmaea is the smallest of the marmosets but has the slowest passage rate of digesta. This might represent an adaptation to retain difficult-to-digest material, such as gum, within the gut to allow fermentation. In contrast, C. jacchus has a rapid passage rate. Passage rate in C. jacchus appears adapted more for rapidly excreting indigestible material (e.g., seeds) than for retaining gum within the gut to enable more complete digestion. Fruit is a rare component of C. pygmaea’s diet; hence any constraint on feeding caused by filling the gut with ingested seeds is greatly relaxed, apparently enabling digestive kinetics that favor digestive efficiency over maximizing food intake. Interestingly, however, these marmosets share an ability to digest gum despite their differences in gum kinetics. In captivity both species have been shown to be more able to digest Acacia gum than related species that feed less often on gum in the wild.
Staging of Melanoma

The Melanoma Staging Committee of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) was formed in 1998 and is comprised of experts from all relevant medical specialties, including many of the major melanoma centers in North America, Europe, and Australia. This committee set up the AJCC Melanoma Staging Database for the collection of prospective outcome data on melanoma patients from 13 cancer centers and cooperative groups in order to establish and subsequently revise a melanoma staging system. The staging system for melanoma has undergone multiple revisions in the last decade, reflecting the rapid and continuous acquisition of new information and advances in this field.
Sodium, Calcium, and Neurogenic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension

In recent years a great deal of interest has been focused on the role of sodium and calcium in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Whereas the evidence linking sodium ingestion to the genesis of hypertension in both humans and experimental animals is sufficiently convincing, serious doubts still remain as to whether abnormalities of calcium metabolism are important and, more specifically, whether reduced calcium intake and/or increased urinary calcium loss is important in the genesis of hypertension.
Do SNS Impressions Matter? Virtual Team and Impression Formation in the Era of Social Technologies

Social media has dramatically changed how we communicate and collaborate both publically and internally within an organization. However, minimal research has examined the impact this media may have within the enterprise, specifically in a virtual team environment. This research examines the use of one social media, Social Networking Sites (SNS), and how the information available through this technology can impact the impression formation process during the initial formation of a virtual team. Specifically, we examine how information available within a SNS impacts the degree of perceptions of social capital (i.e. relational, structural, and cognitive) among fellow virtual team members. Using Toulmin’s model of argumentation, we argue that the strength of information presented will increase perceptions of the social capital dimensions. The goal of this research is to understand how and what kinds of information impact impressions in zero history, virtual teams.
Area-Dependent Switching in Thin Film-Silicon Devices

We report on the area dependence of switching in both Cr/ p + a-Si:H/Ag(Al) and Cr/ p + μc-Si/Ag(Al) filament switches. The doped amorphous (a-Si:H) or microcrystalline (μc-Si) thin Si layers are made by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition. The device active region area (A) is varied over 5 orders of magnitude, from 10 -7 to 10 -2 cm 2 , using photolithographically defined Ag and Al top contacts. Before switching, the resistance of 100-μm 2 devices is normally about 100 kΩ for μc-Si and 10 GΩ for a-Si:H. After switching with applied current ramps, the resistance decreases to a few hundred ohms in all a-Si devices and to a few thousands ohms in μc-Si devices. In both μc-Si and a-Si:H devices, the switching voltage (V sw ) decreases with increasing device area according to V sw ~ V 0 -αln(A/A 0 ) with α=0.3V for a-Si:H and α=0.04V for μc-Si. For both materials, the switching current roughly obeys the power law I sw ∞ A β with β~1. A statistical model is proposed to explain the area scaling of the switching voltage and relate the parameters to the material properties.
Enhancing customers’ brand loyalty via branded hotel apps

Many hotels have launched their own branded mobile applications to develop relationships with customers. Yet, research examining the benefits of branded hotel apps on brand loyalty is scant. The cu...
Spores on wheels: Wheelchairs are a potential vector for dissemination ofpathogens in healthcare facilities

In a hospital and affiliated long-term care facility, we found that shared wheelchairs were frequently contaminatedwith healthcare-associated pathogens, including Clostridium difficile spores. A network graph of 851 wheelchair transports over 3days demonstrated frequent movement between inpatient wards andoutpatient clinics, radiology, and physical therapy. These results highlight the potential for shared wheelchairs to serve as a vector for pathogen transmission.
STENT EXPANSION AND ENDOTHELIAL SHEAR STRESS IN BIFURCATION LESION: COMPARISON OF KISSING BALLOON INFLATION AND PROXIMAL OPTIMIZING TECHNIQUE

Treatment of bifurcation lesions remains technically challenging for interventional cardiologists. Previous idealized in vitro bench models have shown that kissing balloon inflation (KBI) might result in a less circular stent shape, worse stent apposition and lower endothelial shear stress (ESS)
Association Between Rhinitis and Depression in United States Adults.

Background Growing evidence suggests a link between allergic disorders and depression, but literature assessing the association between rhinitis and depression is conflicting, and large population-based studies are lacking. Objective To assess the association between depression and rhinitis in a representative sample of United States adults. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 4320 participants in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Rhinitis was defined as self-reported hay fever and/or nasal symptoms in the past 12 months. Rhinitis was further stratified as allergic rhinitis (AR) if participants had a positive serum IgE or nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) if participants did not have a positive serum IgE to any aeroallergen. The outcome variable was depression, defined as a score ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results The odds of depression were 42% higher in subjects with rhinitis compared with those without rhinitis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.42, confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.95, P = .04) and 2 times higher in subjects with NAR compared with those without rhinitis (OR: 1.99, CI: 1.34-2.96, P = .002). Subjects with NAR had 64% higher odds of mild depression (OR: 1.64, CI: 1.32-2.02, P P = .004) compared with subjects with no rhinitis. Conclusions Rhinitis is significantly associated with depression, and patients with NAR may be at higher risk of depression than those with AR. Although further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between rhinitis and depression, these findings reinforce the need to consider depression in patients undergoing evaluation for rhinitis.
A Mobile App to Promote Adapted Exercise and Social Networking for People With Physical Disabilities: Usability Study.

Background: People with physical disabilities (PWD) experience several unique challenges that prevent them from participating in onsite exercise programs. Although mobile apps can provide a ubiquitous channel for delivering convenient exercise services within the community, no exercise apps have been designed for people with disabilities who experience certain functional limitations. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the usability of a mobile exercise app in PWD. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used to holistically test usability in 4 core areas: effectiveness (ie, ease of use), efficiency (ie, operation speed), perceived satisfaction, and usefulness. Participants completed 7 face-to-face usability tasks and 1 structured interview. Equipment included a computer tablet that came preinstalled with the exercise app. The app included exercise videos that focused on several components of fitness: aerobic capacity, muscular strength, functional strength or balance, and range of motion. The app contained 3 different versions of the exercise program: (1) a program for people with the ability to use the upper and lower limbs, (2) a seated program for people with the ability to use only upper limbs, and (3) a program designed for people with hemiparesis. The app also included educational resources in the form of infographics aimed at addressing key social cognitive theory constructs included social support, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, and barriers or facilitators to exercising. Participant characteristics and quantitative usability data were descriptively reported. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 12 PWD tested the usability of the exercise app and completed 96% (69/72) of the usability tasks on the first attempt. Operation speed varied among users, which prompted the development team to make minor revisions to the app. Qualitative results demonstrated 3 overarching themes: facilitates exercise adoption, positive experiences of videos, and easy to learn. Participants noted that the app circumvented several barriers to exercise associated with leaving the home (eg, inclement weather conditions, exacerbations of health conditions or disability symptoms, difficulties with transportation, and social support). Conclusions: The mobile exercise app provided a simple platform that was effective, useful, and appreciated by PWD. Participants also perceived the app as easy to use and felt it was a valuable tool for assisting PWD to obtain regular exercise. Study findings also offered insight into the participants’ preferences for mobile exercise apps that can aid future research and development projects. Future exercise trials are needed to determine the true impact of mobile app technology on lifestyle physical activity in people with disabilities. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03024320; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03024320 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/75hNLgRFH).
Nursing Issues in Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy

Key roles of the oncology nurse in colorectal cancer chemotherapy management are to assess the patient for adverse events, and to provide support by addressing the patient’s concerns. In a collaborative practice, the oncology nurse is also directly responsible for the education of the patient in symptom management, especially during chemotherapy. It is imperative for the oncology nurse to be knowledgeable regarding the current regimens, their associated toxicity profiles, and the tools used in symptom management, in order to maximally enhance the patient’s safety while receiving chemotherapy, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
What ontological arguments don’t show

Daniel Dombrowski contends that: (1) a number of versions of the ontological argument [OA] are sound; (2) the deity whose existence is most well established by the OA is the deity picked out by Hartshorne’s neoclassical concept of God; (3) skeptics who insist that the OA only shows that “if God exists, then God exists necessarily” are contradicting themselves, and (4) the OA is worth a great deal since it effectively demonstrates the rationality of theism. I argue that theses (2) and (3) are clearly false and offer a presumptive case for thinking that (4) is false, since, absent an independent proof of God’s existence, the theist appears to be in no position to rationally assert (1). I also show that the Anselmian OA harmonizes rather poorly with a Hartshornean neoclassical conception of God. I conclude by assessing the philosophical and dialectical worth of ontological arguments vis-a-vis establishing the rationality of theism.
Seeking light-chain amyloidosis very early: The SAVE trial—identifying clonal lambda light chain genes in patients with MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma.

8010Background: In systemic AL amyloidosis (AL), caused by clonal Ig free light chains (LC) produced in 75% of cases by λ clones, patients often present with advanced organ damage, making earlier d...
Breast MRI BI-RADS 3: Impact of Patient-Level Factors on Compliance With Short-Term Follow-Up.

Abstract Purpose A BI-RADS 3 assessment on breast MRI is given when a finding is estimated to have less than 2% chance of breast cancer. Patients in this category are typically recommended to return for a 6-month follow-up MRI. Compliance with this recommendation is low, and we aim to understand which factors are associated with compliance. Materials and Methods All patients with an MRI examination given a BI-RADS category 3 between February 1, 2011, and June 30, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and breast-related medical history were extracted from the electronic medical record. Patients presenting for follow-up MRI between 3 and 10 months were considered compliant. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify which patient-level factors were associated with compliance with follow-up MRI. Results Overall, 190 women with a BI-RADS 3 assessment on MRI were included in the study. Of these women, 106 were compliant with the recommended follow-up MRI (57.3%), 34 had delayed follow-up (18.4%), and 45 were noncompliant (24.3%). Reason for examination, personal history of breast cancer, and family history of breast cancer were significantly associated with compliance. Conclusions We found that 75.7% of patients had a follow-up MRI after a BI-RADS 3 assessment, but only 57.3% were timely in their follow-up. Our data suggest that there may be subsets of patients who would benefit from additional support and resources to help increase overall compliance and timely compliance.
A common pattern of influenza A virus single cell gene expression heterogeneity governs the innate antiviral response to infection

Viral infection outcomes are governed by the complex and dynamic interplay between the infecting virus population and the host response. It is increasingly clear that both viral and host cell populations are highly heterogeneous, but little is known about how this heterogeneity influences infection dynamics or viral pathogenicity. To dissect the interactions between influenza A virus (IAV) and host cell heterogeneity, we examined the combined host and viral transcriptomes of thousands of individual, single virion-infected cells. We observed complex, heterogeneous patterns of viral gene expression and the existence of multiple distinct host transcriptional responses to infection at the single cell level within populations of infected cells. Our analyses reveal that viral NS segment gene expression diverges from that of the rest of the viral genome within a subset of infected cells, and that this unique pattern of NS segment expression plays a dominant role in shaping the host cell response to infection. Finally, we show that seasonal human H1N1 and H3N2 strains differ significantly in patterns of host anti-viral gene transcriptional heterogeneity at the single cell level. Altogether, these data reveal a common pattern of viral gene expression heterogeneity across human IAV subtypes that serves as a major determinant of antiviral gene activation.
Parliamentary Procedure: Previous Question

The motion Previous Question is used to immediately close debate and to prevent the making of all subsidiary motions, except for the motion to Lay on the Table. Ordering the Previous Question does not prevent the making of any privileged or incidental motions, has no effect on the last question considered by the assembly, and is not allowed in committees. This 2-page fact sheet was written by James E. Dyer and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, January 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc138
Predictors of global warming risk perceptions among Latino and non-Latino White Americans

Global warming will disproportionately affect people of color (e.g., Latinos). Previous research has found that Latinos in the USA are more engaged with global warming than are non-Latino Whites, in part, because they are more likely to perceive it as a serious risk. It was unclear, however, what factors most strongly explain Latinos’ elevated perceptions of risk. This study uses two parallel, nationally representative surveys of Latino and non-Latino White Americans to investigate these different levels of risk perception. Mediation analyses indicate that Latinos’ greater risk perceptions may be explained by (in order of magnitude) their stronger pro-climate injunctive social norms and egalitarian worldviews, stronger identification with the Democratic party, more frequent communication with family outside the USA, greater harm from environmental hazards, stronger descriptive norms, and a weaker individualist worldview. These findings help inform strategies for communicating with different subgroups of Americans that have different global warming risk perceptions.
Blue-shifted aggregation-induced enhancement of a Sn(IV) fluoride complex: the role of fluorine in luminescence enhancement

A new type of blue-shifted aggregation-induced emission enhancement was observed for a Sn(IV) fluoride complex, resulting in strong emission in the solid state as compared with that in solutions. The fluorinated Sn(IV) complex has a significantly more intense emission efficiency compared to the chlorinated Sn(IV) complex, which is attributed to stronger σ bonding.
Cartbot: A Direct-Manipulation Minimal Degrees-of-Freedom Mobile Assistive Robot to Maximize User Agency

This paper presents Cartbot, a low-cost assistive mobile manipulator robot with a minimal degree-of-freedom (DOF) design approach that allows people with tetraplegia complete manual control over its kinematics. Most assistive mobile manipulation research focuses on enabling control of complex robots with many DOFs using input devices with limited DOFs by offloading full or partial control onto an autonomous control system. Automating control denies the user complete agency over the robot’s behavior and therefore limits freedom of use. In contrast, our approach aims to allow the user direct-manipulation control over the entire system by minimizing the DOFs of the robot design. The Cartbot consists of a cylindrical manipulator, a differential drive system, and a shopping-cart-based chassis. Feedback from initial user testing was unanimously positive and supported the effectiveness of our design approach in terms of both freedom and ease of use.
Healthcare System-to-System Cost Variability in the Care of Pediatric Abdominal Pain-Associated Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

The purpose of this study was to assess cost variability in the care of abdominal pain-associated functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDS) in youth across health systems, races, and specific AP-FGID diagnoses. Patients, aged 8–17 years, with a priority 1 diagnosis corresponding to a Rome IV defined AP-FGID were identified within the Health Facts® database. Total costs were obtained across the continuum of care including outpatient clinics, emergency department, and inpatient or observation units. Cost variability was described comparing different health systems, races, and diagnoses. Thirteen thousand two hundred and fourteen patients were identified accounting for 17,287 encounters. Total costs were available for 38.7% of the encounters. There was considerable variability in costs within and, especially, across health systems. Costs also varied across race, urban vs. rural site of care, and AP-FGID diagnoses. In conclusion, there was considerable variability in the costs for care of AP-FGIDs which is sufficient to support multi-site studies to understand the value of specific tests and treatments. Significant differences in costs by race merit further investigation to understand key drivers.
Debates and Controversies over the Legitimacy of “Internet Sources” in Scholarship on Jihadism: The Online Dimension in the Persistence of the “Al-Qaeda Narrative” in Boko Haram Studies

Boko Haram’s founding after 9/11 was under-studied until the group reached its apex in 2015 and became an Islamic State “province.” After 2015, al-Qaeda strategically and ideologically opposed Isla...
An Argument Against Monetary Independence in a Flexible Exchange Rate Regime

Proponents of flexible exchange rates have long claimed that one of the main advantages of a flexible exchange rate regime is that It allows a nation to pursue an Independent monetary policy. Under a system of fixed exchange rates, the actions of the domestic monetary authorities are limited by their ability to finance a balance of payments deficit. Whether a nation is small (in the sense that its monetary authorities cannot control the nominal money supply) or large (in the sense that its actions can affect the world money supply) fixed exchange rates prevent the domestic monetary authorities from continually expanding the domestic component of the money supply at a rate greater than the rate of growth of the demand for domestic money.
Xenopus, An Ideal Vertebrate System for Studies of Eye Development and Regeneration

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the Xenopus as the model for studies of eye development and regeneration. Xenopus researchers are now found in nearly every major research institution, and studies using Xenopus have led to tremendous advances in understanding of cell inductive interactions and signaling pathways underlying embryonic pattern formation, cell determination, and organogenesis. More specifically, experimental studies using Xenopus have made significant contributions toward understanding the process of eye development and embryonic lens induction. Though not as proficient as some other amphibians, Xenopus is capable of regenerating certain tissues, including parts of the eye, particularly during larval stages. Furthermore, studies conducted with Xenopus have shed light on the mechanisms underlying these processes. Xenopus offers a tremendous advantage to cell and developmental biologists by providing a ready source of eggs and embryos for research. In captivity, Xenopus remains fertile throughout the year, and mating and egg laying can be stimulated using pituitary extracts or human chorionic gonadotropin.