cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Change in the health of tsunami-exposed mothers three years after the natural disaster

Background: Women’s experiences with secondary stressors resulting from natural disasters, such as increased economic insecurity, expanded caregiving responsibilities and disrupted family life, may contribute to women’s mental and physical health problems.Aims: The present study investigates change and stability in post-tsunami depressive symptoms and perceived physical health of tsunami-exposed mothers over three and a half years.Methods: Using data from 160 tsunami-affected mothers, the present study uses structural equation modelling to investigate (1) change, stability, cross-lagged reciprocal influences of mental and physical health and (2) the meditation effect of negative life events on the relationship between tsunami exposure and post-tsunami depressive symptoms and perceived physical health of tsunami-exposed mothers from 2005 to 2008.Results: Tsunami exposure contributed to depressive symptoms among mothers independently of pre-tsunami family adversities. Average depressive symptoms showed a de...
Factored models for probabilistic modal logic

Modal logic represents knowledge that agents have about other agents' knowledge. Probabilistic modal logic further captures probabilistic beliefs about probabilistic beliefs. Models in those logics are useful for understanding and decision making in conversations, bargaining situations, and competitions. Unfortunately, probabilistic modal structures are impractical for large real-world applications because they represent their state space explicitly. In this paper we scale up probabilistic modal structures by giving them a factored representation. This representation applies conditional independence for factoring the probabilistic aspect of the structure (as in Bayesian Networks (BN)). We also present two exact and one approximate algorithm for reasoning about the truth value of probabilistic modal logic queries over a model encoded in a factored form. The first exact algorithm applies inference in BNs to answer a limited class of queries. Our second exact method applies a variable elimination scheme and is applicable without restrictions. Our approximate algorithm uses sampling and can be used for applications with very large models. Given a query, it computes an answer and its confidence level efficiently.
Changing Trends in International Adoption: Implications for Speech-Language Pathologists

The changing trends in international adoption show higher numbers of older children as well as children with special needs being adopted globally. This article reviews the latest literature regardi...
Kidney Morphology in Experimental Hyperglycemia

To evaluate the role of hyperglycemia in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, the kidneys from dogs experimentally galactosemic for 5 yr have been compared with the kidneys from age-matched normal dogs and dogs with alloxan-induced diabetes for 5 yr. The width of glomerular capillary basement membrane and the quantity of plasma protein immunohistochemically demonstrable in the basement membrane were supranormal in the galactosemics, as they were in the diabetics.In contrast, kidney weight, mesangial volume, and the prevalence of obliterated glomeruli, glomerular exudates, and mesangial nodules in the galactosemic animals were comparable to those of normal animals and clearly were less than observed in the insulin-deficient diabetic animals. These galactosemic dogs are known to have developed a retinopathy morphologically indistinguishable from that of diabetic patients and dogs. Thus, galactosemia sufficient to produce diabetic-like lesions in the glomerular basement membrane and retina was found to be nevertheless insufficient to elicit several renal abnormalities that are typical of diabetes. The polyol concentration in erythrocytes was greater than normal in the galactosemics and the diabetics and was greatest in the galactosemics. The absence of mesangial expansion, glomerular obliteration, and nephromegaly in galactose-fed dogs raises the possibility that these abnormalities in diabetes are not a result of excessive polyol pathway activity.
Micromorph Si - multicrystalline Si tandem solar cells for cost effective photovoltaics

Rigorous modeling of a micromorph Si/multicrystalline Si double junction tandem solar cells are presented. The micromorph Si (wide bandgap) solar cell was thoroughly simulated using a complete density of state model and the Si solar cell (narrow bandgap) was simulated using lifetime model. The results of these simulations were used to calculate the spectral response and conversion efficiency of the resulting Si based tandem solar cell. The dependence of the solar cell parameters (open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and conversion efficiency) on the thickness of intrinsic micromorph layer and the excess carrier lifetime in the absorber of the Si is presented. The simulation results suggest that solar cells with conversion efficiency of more than 20% are achievable using thin (100 μm) low quality Si substrate (multicrystalline Si or Si ribbon) with bulk recombination lifetime of less than 10 μsec.
Psychological Processes Promoting the Relation Between Exposure to Media Violence and Aggressive Behavior by the Viewer

A developmental theory is presented to account for the relation between increased exposure to media violence and increased aggressive behavior. It is argued that the effect of media violence on individual differences in aggression is primarily the result of a cumulative learning process during childhood. Aggressive scripts for behavior are acquired from observation of media violence and aggressive behavior itself stimulates the observation of media violence. In both childhood and adulthood, certain cues in the media may trigger the activation of aggressive scripts acquired in any manner and thus stimulate aggressive behavior. A number of intervening variables may either mitigate or exacerbate these reciprocal effects. If undampened, this cumulative learning process can build enduring schemas for aggressive behavior that persist into adulthood. Thus, early childhood television habits are correlated with adult criminality independently of other likely causal factors. It is concluded that interventions directed at mitigating the effects of media violence on delinquency and criminality should focus on the preadolescent years.
The treatment of pre-eclamptic edema with acetazoleamide (diamox).

Abstract Diamox caused mild symptoms or signs in 4 patients (3 per cent). Since it is a sulfonamide, the possibility of precipitation in the kidney as well as leukopenia must be kept in mind. Diamox is a relatively safe drug for producing weight loss by increasing urine volume and urine sodium in pregnant patients with visible or occult edema (abnormal weight gain), pseudo-pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disease, and decompensated heart disease. Diamox has comparatively little effect on patients with true pre-eclampsia. The use of Diamox has some prognostic value in that a marked loss of weight due to a considerable increase in volume of urine and sodium excretion would suggest to us that the patient did not have pre-eclampsia-eclampsia but had water and electrolyte retention due to some other condition, possibly the pregnancy itself, multiple pregnancy, anemia, hypertensive disease, etc.
The Secret Downing Street Memo, the One Percent Doctrine, and the politics of truth: A performance text

Presented to the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction in Montreal, Canada, on August 7, 2006, this performance text is a critique of the Bush administration and its reliance on science, or evidence-based models of inquiry (SBR). SBR raises issues concerning the politics of truth and evidence. These issues intersect with the ways in which a given political regime fixes facts to fit ideology. Three versions of SBR are discussed. A model of science as disruptive cultural practice is outlined. I locate the interactionist project in the discourses surrounding the global war on terror and the war in Iraq. I conclude by calling for a merger of critical pedagogy with a prophetic, feminist postpragmatism. With C. Wright Mills (1959) I believe scholars have an obligation to write their way into their historical moments. The failure to do so makes us complicit with the histories that too often go on behind our backs.
The Secondary Triad Model.

The Secondary Triad Model (Reis & Renzulli, 1985) evolved after several years of experience with numerous field test sites in which the Enrichment Triad Model had been implemented at the elementary level. In early attempts at the junior and senior high school levels, several problems emerged that were not easily resolved through the use of the elementary administrative design. These problems included scheduling, finding time for creative/productive work in “content crowded” classes, and developing administrative and staff support. How to blend the gifted program into already existing options such as advanced placement, honors classes and extra-curricular activities was an additional concern.The Secondary Triad Model, which has been implemented in many sites, begins with the formation of an Interdisciplinary Planning Team (IPT) that includes faculty members who volunteer to participate from each of the major academic areas. This team plans and organizes program goals and activities, and meets on a regular ...
PS1-60: Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Patterns of Care and Recommendations for Education and Support

Background/Aims Advanced pancreatic cancer has a poor overall prognosis. Fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are common responses felt by many who are diagnosed with this unfortunate disease, as well as feeling a variety of discomforts related to the cancer itself. Faced with limited time, many hope for longevity while maintaining as good a quality of life as possible. After diagnosis, a multitude of considerations are thought to be essential and beneficial for the patient, caregivers, and medical care providers, including addressing advanced illness planning related to coping, decision-making, cancer treatment, symptom management, and end-of-life care. While the recognition of those considerations is thought to contribute to improved quality of care, often these topics or related interventions are not fully addressed or implemented, potentially leading to a less than ideal experience for the patient with advanced pancreatic cancer. The goal of this study is to evaluate care patterns for advanced pancreatic cancer, address completeness of care based on current standards and guidelines, and provide recommendations for improved overall care and support.
A novel congruent organizational design methodology using group technology and a nested genetic algorithm

A key concept in congruent organizational design is the so-called strategic grouping, which involves the aggregation of task functions, positions, and assets into units. Group technology (GT) has emerged as a manufacturing philosophy for improving productivity in batch production systems, while retaining the flexibility of a job shop production. In this paper, a methodology [nested genetic algorithm (NGA)] to group tasks and assets into several clusters [decision makers (DMs), command cells] is proposed; this methodology employs concepts from GT and genetic algorithms (GAs) to minimize the weighted total workload, measured in terms of intra-DM and inter-DM coordination workloads. The numerical results show that the proposed NGA approach obtains a near-optimal layout of the organization, i.e., the assignment of platforms to tasks and the patterns of coordination achieve a nice tradeoff between inter-DM and intra-DM coordination workload.
Vertical and Horizontal Transcendence

Transcendence is explored from two perspectives: the traditional concept wherein the origination of the sacred is “out there,” and the alternate concept wherein the sacred originates “here.” Each is evaluated from the perspectives of aesthetics and hierarchy. Both forms of transcendence are viewed as essential to the full religious life.
Design of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy sliding mode controller for network congestion control

A novel active queue management (AQM) scheme based on Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy sliding mode controller is designed to tackle network congestion problem with modelling uncertainties, time varying parameter fluctuations and external disturbances. Simulation results demonstrate that it can lead to the convergence of the queue length to the desired value quickly and maintain the oscillation small. The results also show that the scheme is very robust to disturbance under various network conditions and outperforms fuzzy control and variable structure controller significantly.
An Investigation of the Language Demands in Content Assessments for English Language Learners

The purpose of the present study is to examine the language characteristics of a few states' large-scale assessments of mathematics and science and investigate whether the language demands of the items are associated with the degree of differential item functioning (DIF) for English language learner (ELL) students. A total of 542 items from 11 assessments at Grades 4, 5, 7, and 8 from three states were rated for the linguistic complexity based on a developed linguistic coding scheme. The linguistic ratings were compared to each item's DIF statistics. The results yielded a stronger association between the linguistic rating and DIF statistics for ELL students in the “relatively easy” items than in the “not easy” items. Particularly, general academic vocabulary and the amount of language in an item were found to have the strongest association with the degrees of DIF, particularly for ELL students with low English language proficiency. Furthermore, the items were grouped into four bundles to closely look at t...
New Iterative Perturbation Scheme for Lattice Models with Arbitrary Filling.

We derive a new perturbation scheme for treating the large $d$ limit of lattice models at arbitrary filling. The results are compared with exact diagonalization data for the Hubbard model and found to be in good agreement.
Alterations in oxytocin prohormone processing during early development in the fetal sheep

Oxytocin (OT) prohormone processing was studied in fetal sheep. Using specific antisera that recognize the amidated and the COOH-terminal extended forms of OT, we measured arterial and venous levels of the OT peptides in fetal sheep plasma at 94 and 138 days of gestation. Plasma levels of the COOH-terminal extended forms, OT-X, were highest early in development, 35.7 +/- 9.8 vs. 14.3 +/- 5.7 pg/ml (94 vs. 138 days). The ratio of the plasma peptides, OT-X to OT, was higher in the young fetus (35 +/- 11.6 vs. 3.1 +/- 1.3, 94 vs. 138 days). There were also developmental changes in the umbilical artery-umbilical vein differences, with positive values noted in late gestation. These results demonstrate that the changes in the processing of the OT precursor that occur during fetal development are reflected by alterations in the relative amounts of prohormone and amidated hormone found in fetal plasma.
Trap crop effectiveness in community boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) control programs.

Trap crops, along with delayed uniform planting and pinhead square treatments, greatly reduced spring populations of overwintered boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, in a Laveen, AZ community-wide IPM program in 1987. Thirty four trap crops, planted fifteen days ahead of the regular crop, had as many as 39536 damaged plants/ha before insecticide treatments were initiated. Five insecticide applications at 3-day intervals beginning at square initiation were used to destroy weevils before the trap crops were plowed under at the time pinhead square treatments were initiated in regular planted fields. Damaged square infestations were 2 to 11 times lower throughout the season in 1987 compared to 1986 while average lint yields per ha increased from a low of 942 kg in 1985 to 1345 kg in 1986 and 1506 kg in 1987.
The neural dynamics of somatosensory processing and adaptation across childhood: a high-density electrical mapping study.

Young children are often hyperreactive to somatosensory inputs hardly noticed by adults, as exemplified by irritation to seams or labels in clothing. The neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying ch...
Transience and Dislocations in One-Dimensional Cellular Automata

Cellular automata are a general class of spatially extended, discrete dynamical systems. A method has been developed for the solution of certain nonlinear, ostensibly “chaotic,” automata characterized by their generation of multiple contiguous domains—separated by randomly diffusing domain walls or dislocations—within which evolution is highly ordered. The method constructs an isomorphism between the nonlinear system and appropriately defined linear templates; the isomorphism is valid whenever the number of dislocations is constant. In both transient and limit cycle regimes, the linear templates govern the detailed behavior of the nonlinear automaton in the sense not only of enabling reconstruction of the nonlinear evolution, but also of determining the dynamics of arbitrary dislocation ensembles. In particular, the linear theory provides bounds on times for collision and annihilation of dislocations. The isomorphism between linear and nonlinear automata thus represents a powerful tool in delineating the “attractor-basin portrait” of these systems.
On the role of particle inorganic mixing state in the reactive uptake of N2O5 to ambient aerosol particles

The rates of heterogeneous reactions of trace gases with aerosol particles are complex functions of particle chemical composition, morphology, and phase state. Currently, the majority of model parametrizations of heterogeneous reaction kinetics focus on the population average of aerosol particle mass, assuming that individual particles have the same chemical composition as the average state. Here we assess the impact of particle mixing state on heterogeneous reaction kinetics using the N2O5 reactive uptake coefficient, γ(N2O5), and dependence on the particulate chloride-to-nitrate ratio (nCl–/nNO3–). We describe the first simultaneous ambient observations of single particle chemical composition and in situ determinations of γ(N2O5). When accounting for particulate nCl–/nNO3– mixing state, model parametrizations of γ(N2O5) continue to overpredict γ(N2O5) by more than a factor of 2 in polluted coastal regions, suggesting that chemical composition and physical phase state of particulate organics likely contr...
Humoral factors involved in the induction of liver regeneration in the rat.

SummaryOn the basis of a comparison of the action of blood sera from partially hepatectomized and control rats on the growth response of tissue cells in vitro an hypothesis was formulated with rega...
Economic Sanctions and U.S. Foreign Policy

Economic sanctions have played an important role in foreign policy throughout the twentieth century. In a comprehensive study of sanctions, we have documented 103 cases since the beginning of World War I where sanctions have been deployed by a number of countries in pursuit of foreign policy goals.1 The United States has practiced the art of economic coercion far more than any other country, participating in 68 of the 103 cases; but the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, France, and the Arab League have also utilized sanctions on numerous occasions.
Similar degrees of obesity induced by diet or aging cause strikingly different immunologic and metabolic outcomes

In obesity, adipose tissue (AT) and liver are infiltrated with Th‐1 polarized immune cells, which are proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic abnormalities of obesity. Aging is also associated with increased adiposity, but the effects of this increase on inflammation and associated metabolic dysfunction are poorly understood. To address this issue, we assessed insulin resistance (IR) and AT and liver immunophenotype in aged, lean (AL) and aged, obese (AO) mice, all of whom were maintained on a standard chow diet (11% fat diet) throughout their lives. For comparison, these variables were also assessed in young, lean (YL) and young diet‐induced obese mice (41% fat diet, YO). Despite similar body weight and fat accumulation, YO mice were substantially more IR and had greater liver steatosis compared to AO mice. YO also had elevated infiltration of macrophages/dendritic cells in AT and liver, but these increases were absent in AO. Furthermore, liver immune cells of YO were more Th‐1 polarized then AO. Notably, aging was associated with accumulation of T cells, but this occurred independent of obesity. Together, the data suggest that reduced inflammation in AO underlies the improved insulin sensitivity and lowered steatosis compared to YO.
Ergonomics: Case Study: Safety Training Issues for Student Interns

Effective safety training for the construction work force is very important, as the construction industry has the highest rate of any industry in terms of work-related injury and death in the Unite...
Multiple pinhole collimator based microscopic x-ray luminescence computed tomography

X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) is a new hybrid imaging modality, which has the capability to improve optical spatial resolution to hundreds of micrometers for deep targets. In this paper, we report a multiple pinhole collimator based microscopic X-ray luminescence computed tomography (microXLCT) system for small animal imaging. Superfine collimated X-ray pencil beams are used to excite deeply embedded phosphor particles, allowing us to obtain sub-millimeter optical spatial resolution in deep tissues. Multiple collimated X-ray beams are generated by mounting an array of pinholes in the front of a powerful X-ray tube. With multiple X-ray beams scanning, the phosphor particles in the region of the multiple beams are excited simultaneously, which requires less scanning time compared with a single beam scanning. The emitted optical photons on the top surface of the phantom are measured with an electron multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) camera. Meanwhile, an X-ray detector is used to determine the X-ray beam size and position, which are used as structural guidance in the microXLCT image reconstruction. To validate the performance of our proposed multiple pinhole based microXLCT imaging system, we have performed numerical simulations and a phantom experiment. In the numerical simulations, we simulated a cylindrical phantom with two and six embedded targets, respectively. In the simulations, we used four parallel X-ray beams with the beam diameter of 0.1 mm and the beam interval of 3.2 mm. We can reconstruct deeply embedded multiple targets with a target diameter of 0.2 mm using measurements in six projections, which indicated that four parallel X-ray beam scan could reduce scanning time without comprising the reconstructed image quality. In the phantom experiment, we generated two parallel X-ray beams with the beam diameter of 0.5 mm and the beam interval of 4.2 mm. We scanned a phantom of one target with the two parallel X-ray beams. The target was reconstructed successfully, which indicated that multiple collimated X-ray beam scan approach is feasible in small animal imaging.
Putting Politics Into Practice: Feminist Therapy As Feminist Praxis

During its first decade, feminist therapy was rich with political analysis. Although many feminist therapists have remained loyal to that original stance, professionalization of feminist therapy has led to a de-emphasis on feminist political analysis. This article redefines and reclaims empowerment from a feminist political perspective and proposes a framework for conducting political analysis in feminist psychotherapy.
Pyrethroid Susceptibility in Methyl Parathion-Resistant Tobacco Budworm in South Carolina

High, stable methyl parathion resistance was found in Heliothis virescens (F.) from cotton in South Carolina; larvae were 260-fold resistant to Florence and 188-fold resistant to Bennettsville in 1978 as compared with a Florence strain collected in 1970. Cross-tolerance was 2- to 6-fold to sulprofos and 14-fold to profenofos. Cross-tolerance to permethrin was ca. 10-fold in 1978; however, it declined to 5.6-fold in 1979 and 3.5-fold in 1980 under practical use of pyrethroids in cotton fields. Fenvalerate susceptibility also increased from 1978 to 1980. Median lethal doses in the resistant Florence strain for the experimental pyrethroids AC 222705 and cypermethrin were 1.54 and 2.40 μg/g, respectively.
Uridine Phosphorylase from Trypanosoma cruzi: Kinetic and Chemical Mechanisms

The reversible phosphorolysis of uridine to generate uracil and ribose 1-phosphate is catalyzed by uridine phosphorylase and is involved in the pyrimidine salvage pathway. We define the reaction mechanism of uridine phosphorylase from Trypanosoma cruzi by steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics, pH-rate profiles, kinetic isotope effects from uridine, and solvent deuterium isotope effects. Initial rate and product inhibition patterns suggest a steady-state random kinetic mechanism. Pre-steady-state kinetics indicated no rate-limiting step after formation of the enzyme-products ternary complex, as no burst in product formation is observed. The limiting single-turnover rate constant equals the steady-state turnover number; thus, chemistry is partially or fully rate limiting. Kinetic isotope effects with [1'-(3)H]-, [1'-(14)C]-, and [5'-(14)C,1,3-(15)N(2)]uridine gave experimental values of (α-T)(V/K)(uridine) = 1.063, (14)(V/K)(uridine) = 1.069, and (15,β-15)(V/K)(uridine) = 1.018, in agreement with an A(N)D(N) (S(N)2) mechanism where chemistry contributes significantly to the overall rate-limiting step of the reaction. Density functional theory modeling of the reaction in gas phase supports an A(N)D(N) mechanism. Solvent deuterium kinetic isotope effects were unity, indicating that no kinetically significant proton transfer step is involved at the transition state. In this N-ribosyl transferase, proton transfer to neutralize the leaving group is not part of transition state formation, consistent with an enzyme-stabilized anionic uracil as the leaving group. Kinetic analysis as a function of pH indicates one protonated group essential for catalysis and for substrate binding.
Analysis of Crossflow Transition Flight Experiment aboard Pegasus Launch Vehicle (Invited)

The Pegasus wing-glove flight experiment was designed to provide crossflow transition data at high Mach numbers, specifically to help validate stability based predictions for transition onset in a flight environment. This paper provides an analysis of the flight experiment, with emphasis on computational results for crossflow disturbances and the correlation of disturbance growth factors with in-flight transition locations via the
Computational Modeling of Sodium Channel Inactivation

Fast inactivation of the voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel is crucial in the regulation of the membrane potential in neural and muscle cells. A “hinged lid” mechanism has been proposed to explain the rapid inactivation, in which the inactivation gate (a motif comprised of the intracellular linker between domain III and IV) occludes the channel pore. Interestingly, recent cross-link data suggest a close functional coupling between the inactivation gate and domain IV voltage sensor (DIV VS). However, there is no complete structure available for a eukaryotic NaV channel to support such coupling and reveal the related inactivation mechanism. In the present study, an atomic structure of a eukaryotic NaV channel, including both the transmembrane domain and the inactivation gate, was built by homology modeling and molecular dynamics refinement. The model suggests that the inactivation gate consists of a flexible linker with three short alpha helices. Despite its high flexibility, the inactivation gate mostly interacts with the central pore and DIV VS, a result that agrees with cross-link experimental data. Novel hydrophobic interactions between DIV VS and the inactivation gate have been identified as being key in the stabilization of the inactivated state.
433 CUTANEOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTION IN MULTIPLE RED INK TATTOOS FOLLOWING INGESTION OF FELODIPINE.

Tattoo reactions to ink or carrier solutions used in tattooing have previously been reported following initial tattooing, or re-tattooing. Induration, pruritus, nodules, and papules represent the most common clinical presentations. Hypersensitivity to components of red dye, such as mercuric sulfide, and other metal salts, such as cobalt blue, chrome green, cadmium yellow, and nickel have been identified. We report an unusual case of red ink tattoo reaction arising simultaneously in multiple old tattoos following the ingestion of felodipine. Our patient developed a multi-faceted allergic reaction, including dyspnea, fatigue, myalgias, weakness, and thick, well-marginated, indurated plaques confined to the red pigment within numerous multi-colored tattoos, one and a half weeks after initial ingestion of felodipine. Biopsy showed an interface dermatitis with a lymphohistiocytic dermal infiltrate and pigment incontinence. Cessation of felodipine resulted in resolution of the systemic symptoms and rapid, albeit incomplete, improvement of the red plaques within the tattoos.
Epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Longlin Minority Autonomous County of Guangxi from 2004-2011

[Objective]To understand the epidemiological characteristics of mumps,and provide a scientific basis for the developing prevention measures in the future in remote mountainous areas in recent years in Longlin Minority Autonomous County of Guangxi Province.[Methods]The report cases of mumps and measles-mumps-rubella vaccine(MMR) vaccination data of this county during 2004-2011 were collected for statistical analysis by using Excel software.[Results]A total of 690 cases of mumps were found in the past 8 years,the average annual incidence was 22.85/100 000,but that of children aged 4-7 years was between 141.24-174.54/100 000.The MMR inoculation rate of children aged 1-7 years was 21.36%.Mumps cases appeared in each month of the whole year,with 2 peaks in April-June and October-December which was early summer and winter.The ratio of male to female was 1.49:1.There were cases of mumps reported in 16 towns,including 7 towns over the average annual incidence rate of the national population(22.80/100 000) and 3 towns over the average annual incidence of Guangxi population(41.20/100 000).[Conclusion]The MMR vaccination rate is low among preschool children of this county.Therefore,the MMR vaccination and supplementary vaccination among children should be further strengthened.
Transesophageal echocardiography in congenital heart disease in the adult

Progress achieved during the last three decades in medical and surgical treatment of infants and children with congenital heart disease has resulted in a significant number of patients surviving to adulthood. The complexity of the basic malformations in addition to the superimposed surgical interventions makes accurate diagnostic imaging essential. The scope of information obtainable from high-quality TEE supports its use in the follow-up of operated and unoperated adult patients, as well as in surgical and interventional procedures. Application of the segmental analysis of anatomy is as important during TEE as it is during TTE. Supplemental transthoracic 2-D and spectral Doppler flow measurements may be needed when poor beam alignment during TEE precludes accurate gradient determinations. Although, to date, most reports of TEE in patients with congenital heart disease have involved children and adolescents, the informational advantage is potentially greater in older adolescents and adults in whom transthoracic windows are frequently limited. In our experience with 125 TEE studies in adult patients with congenital heart disease (the majority using a biplane probe), horizontal plane TEE imaging provided important additional information concerning pulmonary venous connections, atrial baffle function, atrioventricular anatomy and function, left ventricular outflow tract lesions, and great artery positional relationships. Vertical plane TEE enhances imaging of systemic and pulmonary venous connections, atrial situs, venosus atrial septal defects, atrioventricular anatomy and function, and the ventricular septum and outflow tracts and is essential for complete assessment of complex right ventricular outflow tract anatomy, ventriculoarterial alignment, and the sizing of all aortic segments in coarctation of the aorta.
Where to Focus Efforts to Reduce the Black–White Disparity in Stroke Mortality Incidence Versus Case Fatality?

Background and Purpose—At age 45 years, blacks have a stroke mortality ≈3× greater than their white counterparts, with a declining disparity at older ages. We assess whether this black–white disparity in stroke mortality is attributable to a black–white disparity in stroke incidence versus a disparity in case fatality. Methods—We first assess if black–white differences in stroke mortality within 29 681 participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort reflect national black–white differences in stroke mortality and then assess the degree to which black–white differences in stroke incidence or 30-day case fatality after stroke contribute to the disparities in stroke mortality. Results—The pattern of stroke mortality within the study mirrors the national pattern, with the black-to-white hazard ratio of ≈4.0 at age 45 years decreasing to ≈1.0 at age 85 years. The pattern of black-to-white disparities in stroke incidence shows a similar pattern but no evidence of a c...
Experiential Family Therapy: An Innovative Approach to the Resolution of Family Conflict in Genetic Counseling

Experiential family therapy is an intuitive approach that utilizes active, multisensory techniques. These techniques, such as role plays and drawings, increase the family's expression of affect and uncover new information. Increased affect and uncovered information stimulate change and growth in the family system. Experiential techniques are especially useful when more traditional, verbal-based communication is not effective. In this article, I will present a pediatric case in which the patient, a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with autism, was referred to the genetics clinic to rule out the presence of an associated genetic disorder. I will then describe a hypothetical second counseling session with the same family and suggest how three experiential family therapy techniques: family drawing, "empty chair" technique, and continuums might be used in the session to help resolve a marital conflict between the patient's parents.
Reduction and transport of Fe from siderophores

Soils contain siderophores produced by bacteria and fungi; however, the role of siderophores in Fe nutrition of plants is uncertain. The Strategy I plant cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was used in an investigation of ferric chelate reduction activity and uptake and transport of Fe from ferric hydroxyethylethylenetriacetic acid (FeHEDTA) and ferric N,N′–di–(2–hydroxybenzoyl)–ethylenediamine– N,N′-diacetic acid (FeHBED) and the hydroxamate siderophores, ferric rhodotorulic acid (FeRA) and ferric ferrioxime B (FeFOB). Cucumber seedlings were grown in a hydroponic medium without Fe or supplied with 10 μM FeHEDTA. Iron-deficient cucumber roots readily reduced FeHEDTA, while Fe-sufficient roots had low levels of ferric chelate reduction activity. The siderophore FeRA was reduced by Fe-deficient roots at 8% of the rate of FeHEDTA, while FeFOB was not reduced. The highly stable synthetic chelate FeHBED was reduced at 16% the rate of FeHEDTA. Fe transport to shoots by Fe-deficient seedlings from the slowly reducible complexes 59FeRA and 59FeHBED was, respectively, 74% and 73% of that transported from 59FeHEDTA. The ferrous complexing agent, bathophenanthrolinedisulfonic acid (BPDS), had a strong inhibitory effect on uptake and transport of Fe from 59FeHEDTA or 59FeRA into shoots. An average of 11% as much Fe was transported to shoots of Fe-deficient seedlings from 59FeFOB as from 59FeHEDTA. Neither the Fe nutritional status of the seedlings nor the presence of BPDS influenced the uptake and transport of Fe from 59FeFOB. It is concluded that cucumber roots may take up substantial amounts of Fe from FeRA and FeHBED following reduction, while small amounts of Fe may be taken up from FeFOB by a mechanism not involving reduction of the ferric siderophore at the root surface.
Strong, Resilient, and Sustainable Aliphatic Polyester Thermoplastic Elastomers

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) composed of ABA block polymers exhibit a wide variety of properties and are easily processable as they contain physical, rather than chemical, cross-links. Poly(γ-methyl-e-caprolactone) (PγMCL) is an amorphous polymer with a low entanglement molar mass (Me = 2.9 kg mol–1), making it a suitable choice for tough elastomers. Incorporating PγMCL as the midblock with polylactide (PLA) end blocks (fLA = 0.17) results in TPEs with high stresses and elongations at break (σB = 24 ± 2 MPa and eB = 1029 ± 20%, respectively) and low levels of hysteresis. The use of isotactic PLA as the end blocks (fLLA = 0.17) increases the strength and toughness of the material (σB = 30 ± 4 MPa, eB = 988 ± 30%) due to its semicrystalline nature. This study aims to demonstrate how the outstanding properties in these sustainable materials are a result of the entanglements, glass transition temperature, segment–segment interaction parameter, and crystallinity, resulting in comparable properties to the co...
Free Energy of Nucleation and Interplay between Size and Composition in CuNi Systems

Using molecular simulation, we shed light on the crystal nucleation process in systems of Cu, Ni, and their nanoalloy. For each system, we simulate the formation of the crystal nucleus along the entire nucleation pathway and determine the free energy barrier overcome by the system to form a critical nucleus. Comparing the results obtained for the pure metals to those for the nanoalloy, we analyze the impact of alloying on the free energy of nucleation, as well as on the size and structure of the crystal nucleus. Specifically, we relate the greater free energy of nucleation, and bigger critical nuclei, obtained for the nanoalloy, to the difference in size and cohesive energy between the two metals. Furthermore, we characterize the dependence of the local composition of the incipient crystal cluster on its size, which is of key significance for the applications of bimetallic nanoparticles in catalysis.
Zonnic®: a new player in an old field.

The tobacco industry is continually evolving to adapt to increasing tobacco control pressure and regulation, and to cater to consumer preferences. Recently, RJ Reynolds rolled-out a nicotine-containing gum, Zonnic®, which is marketed as a smoking cessation and reduction product and is sold at convenience stores at a lower price and in a smaller quantity than existing brands sold at pharmacies. The introduction of Zonnic® products is a critical first step in tobacco industry’s involvement in the NRT market and a serious indication of the evolving tobacco and nicotine-delivery industry and environment. It is likely that this trend will continue and spread, and as such, have a significant impact at multiple dimensions, including consumer perceptions and behavior, tobacco and NRT industry business strategy, and regulation and policy. In this special communication, we present an overview of the current marketing strategy for Zonnic®, discuss its potential impacts at the market level and at the level of the individual consumer, and suggest research and policy priorities based on the magnitude and urgency of the impacts.
Mechanisms for assessing nonlocal impact of local decisions in distributed planning

Abstract The ability to reason about the nonlocal impact of local decisions is crucial in distributed problem solving systems. When agents in such a system have a limited view of the global system state, decisions are necessarily made from a local perspective. It is often the case, however, that nonlocal constraints may affect the viability of such a local decision. In this paper, we describe mechanisms whereby an agent in a distributed problem solving system can assess and reason about the nonlocal impact of local actions. These mechanisms have been devised for use as part of a process involving multistage negotiation in distributed planning and are illustrated in the context of a multistage negotiation protocol.
Tumor grade, Ki 67%, and relantionship with the 21-gene recurrence score assay in early breast cancer tumors.

e11540 Background: 21-gene recurrence score assay (Oncotype Dx) is diagnostic tool that estimates the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence as well as the chemotherapy benefit for patients with ea...
Efficient belief-state AND-OR search, with application to Kriegspiel

The paper reports on new algorithms for solving partially observable games. Whereas existing algorithms apply AND-OR search to a tree of blackbox belief states, our "incremental" versions treat uncertainty as a new search dimension, examining the physical states within a belief state to construct solution trees incrementally. On a newly created database of checkmate problems for Kriegspiel (a partially observable form of chess), incrementalization yields speedups of two or more orders of magnitude on hard instances.
Analysis of Inherent Oscillations in Multidimensional SN Solutions of the Neutron Transport Equation

Recent pressure vessel fast fluence calculations have revealed numerical difficulties (spatial oscillations) in the S{sub N} solutions, which have persisted in spite of mesh refinement. It is demonstrated that other shielding/deep-penetration applications may be affected; in fact, any S{sub N} solution in which the uncollided flux component is significant is likely to exhibit such difficulties. Test problems have been designed to characterize and understand numerical difficulties. Main analyses are performed using the diamond-difference (DD) scheme, which is linear and forms the basis for other (more complex) low-order differencing schemes. Other low-order differencing schemes (e.g., the DD with negative flux fixup and the {theta}-weighted) may partly remedy the situation by reducing the oscillations or by eliminating the oscillations at a cost of oversmoothing the results everywhere (e.g., the zero-weighted scheme). These schemes provide more robust solutions, but the inherent difficulties (although reduced) still remain. Types of discontinuities that trigger the oscillations are also examined; it is difficult to envisage an actual practical application free of such discontinuities. The magnitude of numerical difficulties (oscillations) and their practical relevance will depend on all S{sub N} model features, the differencing scheme being used, and the application requirements, but this study has shown that theymore » are inherent to multidimensional finite-difference S{sub N} algorithms.« less
Duplicate laboratory orders: a College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of thyrotropin requests in 502 institutions.

OBJECTIVE To examine the frequency and cause of duplicate thyrotropin (TSH) testing. METHODS Five hundred two institutions, ranging in size from fewer than 100 to more than 600 beds, examined consecutively processed TSH assays to identify duplicate orders. Duplicates were defined as two or more TSH tests performed within 7 days. All together, participants submitted data on 221,476 TSH orders. RESULTS The median institution reported that 1.5% of TSH tests duplicated a TSH order that had been received from the same patient within the previous 7 days. Ten percent of institutions reported that 4.5% or more of their TSH tests were duplicates. Institutions with higher duplicate rates tended to be larger (ie, they had a greater number of occupied beds) and to have duplicate tests that were more likely to be ordered by a physician other than the one who ordered the initial test. Participants reported that for 19% of duplicate orders, physicians were unaware that the first test had been ordered. Physicians also indicated that duplicate assays were ordered to see if a previous result had changed (15%) or to check on the accuracy of a previous result (13%). Participants reported that 11% of duplicate TSH assays that their laboratory performed had apparently never been ordered. CONCLUSIONS A large number of institutions are performing duplicate TSH tests that, in most cases, appear to be medically unnecessary. Institutions aiming to reduce the frequency of duplicate testing should consider policies that decrease the opportunity for different physicians to order tests on a single patient and should increase the accuracy with which physician orders are transmitted to the laboratory.
Ten-year outcomes of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are equivalent in patients with Medicare disability and non-Medicare patients

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for achieving durable weight loss and improvement of comorbidities in patients with obesity. Limited data exist on the impact of Medicare status in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We hypothesized that there is no difference in outcomes between Medicare beneficiaries and non-Medicare patients at the 10-year follow-up. Methods All patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with 10-year follow-up at a single medical center from 1985 to 2005 were stratified by Medicare insurance status. Outcomes included 10-year percent reduction in excess body mass index and comorbidity resolution. Results Of 617 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with 10-year follow-up, 117 (19%) were insured under Medicare. Medicare patients were older (43 vs 40 years, P = .01) and had a greater preoperative body mass index (53.2 vs 51.0 kg/m2, P = .03) than non-Medicare patients, but there were no differences in preoperative median comorbidity index scores (3 [interquartile range 1–4] vs 2 [interquartile range 1–5], P = .33). At 10 years, weight loss (58.3% vs 57.0 percent reduction in excess body mass index, P = .16) and the decrease in median comorbidity index (1 [interquartile range 0–3] vs 1 [interquartile range 0–3], P = .85) were equivalent between groups. Conclusions Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is equally beneficial in Medicare Disability and non-Medicare patients at 10 years. These findings support the continued and expanded coverage of bariatric surgery operations by Medicare.
Goals of gout treatment: a patient perspective

To assess the goals of gout treatment from a patient perspective, a convenience sample of consecutive patients with doctor-diagnosed gout seen at a community-based outpatient clinic were invited. Sex-stratified nominal groups were conducted until saturation was achieved. Responses were collected verbatim, discussed, and rank-ordered by each participant. Thirty-six patients with doctor-diagnosed gout participated in 12 nominal groups: 6 male only, 5 female only, and 1 group with both. Mean age was 61.9 years (SD, 12.3); mean gout duration was 13.3 years (SD, 12.5); 53% were men, 64% African-American, 42% retired, 47% currently married, 87% were using either allopurinol and/or febuxostat, and 40% had had no gout flares in the last 6 months. The top 5 treatment goals accounted for 91% of all votes and included the following: (1) prevent and better manage flare-ups and improve function (25%), (2) eliminate flare-ups/disease remission (30%), (3) diet and activity modification/lifestyle change (13%), (4) patient education and public awareness (12%), and (5) medication management and minimization of side effects (11%). When examining the top-rated concern for each nominal group, the first two goals were nominated by four groups each, diet/activity modification and medication management by 1 group each, and patient education by 3 groups. There were no differences evident by sex in top-ranked treatment goal. People with gout identified and rank-ordered treatment goals relevant to them. Providers of gout care need to be cognizant of these goals. Disease management concordant with these treatment goals might lead to a more satisfied, informed patient.