cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of VA Payment Reform for Dialysis with Spending, Access to Care, and Outcomes for Veterans with ESKD.

Background and objectives Because of the limited capacity of its own dialysis facilities, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration routinely outsources dialysis care to community providers. Prior to 2011—when the VA implemented a process of standardizing payments and establishing national contracts for community-based dialysis care—payments to community providers were largely unregulated. This study examined the association of changes in the Department of Veterans Affairs payment policy for community dialysis with temporal trends in VA spending and veterans’ access to dialysis care and mortality. Design, setting, participants, & measurements An interrupted time series design and VA, Medicare, and US Renal Data System data were used to identify veterans who received VA–financed dialysis in community-based dialysis facilities before (2006–2008), during (2009–2010), and after the enactment of VA policies to standardize dialysis payments (2011–2016). We used multivariable, differential trend/intercept shift regression models to examine trends in average reimbursement for community-based dialysis, access to quality care (veterans’ distance to community dialysis, number of community dialysis providers, and dialysis facility quality indicators), and 1-year mortality over this time period. Results Before payment reform, the unadjusted average per-treatment reimbursement for non–VA dialysis care varied widely ($47–$1575). After payment reform, there was a 44% reduction ($44–$250) in the adjusted price per dialysis session (P Conclusions VA policies to standardize payment and establish national dialysis contracts increased the value of VA–financed community dialysis care by reducing reimbursement without compromising access to care or survival.
Absolute Length Sensor Based on Time of Flight in Stretchable Optical Fibers

Soft and stretchable optical fibers are a promising all-polymer sensor element for extreme mechanical strains, pressures, bending, and other deformations. Compared to electronic sensors, the sensor elements are intrinsically stretchable and are not subject to electromagnetic interference. However, the typical approach of measuring deformation by tracking the transmitted light intensity is an integrating approach similar to resistance-based measurements; it does not provide information about the location or the nature of the deformation. This letter describes an alternate method for driving stretchable optical fibers: a consumer light detection and ranging chip connected to both ends of the fiber to measure its length via the time-of-flight (TOF) of a light pulse. This approach is a miniaturized, optics-based version of previous acoustic TOF and electronic time-domain reflectometry in robotics and human-interface devices. Such ranging systems collect spatial information using a small number of sensors. We found that the TOF approach can measure fiber lengths to within 1 mm on an overall length of ∼330 mm (>1% accuracy). Both the amplitude and TOF methods were sensitive to pressure that created microbending but in opposite directions. For bending radii greater than 7.5 mm, the TOF sensor was less sensitive to bending than the amplitude-based sensor. As a result, the TOF sensor accurately measured the perimeter of a shape with small-radius corners, while the amplitude-based sensor overreported the perimeter because of bending losses. Compared to earlier work, the TOF devices were less dependent on manufacturing variations that affected the signal level, such as fiber- source and fiber-detector alignment. We conclude that the amplitude method may be preferable for pure bending sensors, TOF sensors can distinguish pressure from stretching, and the TOF approach is notably better at measuring lengths over topography, such as in clothing-sizing and other wearable applications.
Evaluating the NSF broader impacts with the Inclusion-Immediacy Criterion: A retrospective analysis of nanotechnology grants

Abstract A major goal of government and non-profit scientific funding agencies is to support research and development (R&D) that has broad impacts. This study proposes a new framework, called the Inclusion-Immediacy Criterion (IIC), to determine whether research benefits marginalized communities, reduces inequality, and encourages inclusive innovation. To test the framework, the study analyzes NSF sponsored nanotechnology grant abstracts from 2013 to 2017. We find that 109 out of the 300 grants feature research and grant activities that are inclusive, while 235 out of the 300 grants have research and grant activities that either maintain the status quo or predominately target advantaged groups. Of the 109 grants with inclusive broader impacts, 9 of them involve inclusive research that is intrinsic to the underlying work. In comparison there are 102 grants that feature inclusive research that is directly related to the research. Of those 102 direct-inclusive grants, 99 of them relate to broadening participation of women and underrepresented minority populations is science fields.
Improving Door-to-Groin Puncture Time through Nursing Role Delineation during Emergent Endovascular Ischemic Stroke Thrombolysis Treatment

Abstract Although the associated mortality from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is declining, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability within the United States. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard of care for AIS in which patient outcomes remain dependent upon early, rapid, and efficient treatment. Due to the urgent nature of EVT, evidence-based safety measures were not completed by the nurses participating in emergent stroke care, breakdowns in teamwork and communication occurred, and patient safety was compromised. This process improvement project was undertaken to evaluate if communication and teamwork would improve through the implementation of evidence-based role delineation during emergent EVT, which in turn would lead to increased efficiency leading to improved door-to-groin puncture time (DTGP). The project was implemented in an interventional radiology department at a primary stroke center in Arizona. The participating radiology registered nurses (RNs) partook in a pre-intervention 10-point Likert scale survey to measure their perceptions of the current clinical teamwork skills and communication. The RNs then attended a 30-minute educational workshop, introducing the newly defined roles. Five weeks post-implementation of the defined roles the RNs completed the post-intervention survey. In order to evaluate the effect of improved nursing communication, and teamwork on DTGP, retrospective DTGP time data was extracted from the organizations internal stroke data quality improvement base prior to implementation of role delineation and 5 weeks of data post-implementation. The results showed a 20.17% change in responses to the post-intervention survey questions, indicating a positive statistically significant change (p = .002) toward teamwork and communication. The post-intervention DTGP time (M = 16.111 minutes) was 1.8998% less than the pre-intervention DTGP time (M = 16.4231 minutes). The results indicated that with a p-value of .850, there was no statistically significant difference in DTGP time after implementation of RN role delineation indicating that through defining nursing roles treatment remained timely and efficient.
Perioral volumization using a temperature controlled fractionated radiofrequency device

Background and aims Cosmetic rejuvenation of the perioral area can be challenging due to a mix of skin laxity and volumetric loss. Current techniques including fillers, neurotoxins, and non-ablative and ablative resurfacing have several drawbacks and can create a stiff, box-shaped, unnatural appearance. Aside from filler, these techniques do not address deeper volume deficiency. Temperature controlled fractionated radiofrequency (FRF) provides consistent formation of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This has been reported to provide long-lasting results for the treatment of skin laxity and volume loss of the face and neck with a single treatment, but it has not been previously reported for perioral rejuvenation. Patients/methods We present a series of seven patients who were treated with perioral FRF, and we assessed their results objectively using a published, validated scale for lower face laxity. Results All of the patients in this case series showed improvement on the Facial Laxity Rating (FLR) scale after FRF treatment. Conclusions This case series represents the first reported use of temperature controlled FRF for perioral rejuvenation. FRF is a promising option for low-risk, natural perioral rejuvenation with long-lasting results and few risks.
Tocilizumab in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Meta Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

To date, only dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients. Tocilizumab has been recently added to the treatment guidelines for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but data remain conflicting. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane central were searched from March 1, 2020, until March 10, 2021, for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of tocilizumab in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The outcomes assessed were all-cause mortality, mechanical ventilation, and time to discharge. Nine studies (with 6490 patients) were included in the analysis. In total, 3358 patients received tocilizumab, and 3132 received standard care/placebo. Pooled analysis showed a significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.98, p = 0.02) and progression to mechanical ventilation (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71–0.89, p < 0.0001) in the tocilizumab arm compared to standard therapy or placebo. In addition, there was a trend towards improved median time to hospital discharge (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12–1.45, p = 0.0002). Tocilizumab therapy improves outcomes of mortality and need for mechanical ventilation, in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection compared with standard therapy or placebo. Our findings suggest the efficacy of tocilizumab therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and strengthen the concept that tocilizumab is a promising therapeutic intervention to improve mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients.
Impact of passive immunity induced by maternal vaccination on subsequent immunization and disease-sparing in early-weaned beef calves challenged with highly virulent BVDV

Vaccination programs have been developed to limit disease associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection. The ultimate goal of BVDV vaccination is to induce immunity that prevents viral replication after infection; however, passively acquired BVDV-specific neutralizing antibodies can impact immunity and vaccine responses in the young calf. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of passively-derived antibody on vaccine response and mitigation of disease in early weaned beef calves whose passive immune status was documented, and when vaccination and challenge were separated by only 5 days.
In the world of plastics: how thinking style influences preference for cosmetic surgery

The world of cosmetic surgery offers a variety of procedures designed to “enhance” specific body parts. While some consumers are adamantly against such procedures, others seem inherently drawn to them. What type of consumer is most likely to undergo cosmetic procedures? The current research examines whether individual differences in holistic and analytic thinking affect preferences for cosmetic procedures. Across 5 behavioral and eye-tracking studies, we find that analytic thinking increases openness to cosmetic procedures. Analytic thinking leads to a hyper-focusing effect that drives dissatisfaction with certain body parts, which increases the likelihood of endorsing and undergoing procedures to alter that particular body part. Marketing and consumer-related implications for these effects are provided.
Edward Bliss Emerson: The Blazing Star of a Complex Constellation

Edward Bliss Emerson, a younger brother of Ralph Waldo Emerson and a promising scholar in his own right, traveled to the West Indies at the age of 26 hoping to alleviate his pulmonary afflictions. While in the islands, from January 1831 to July 1832, he logged his daily activities in a pocket journal. The journal falls short in revealing Edward’s childhood, his years at Harvard, and his brief time as teacher and lawyer. This biographical essay aims to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the journal. It unveils defining stages in Edward’s life. Using a wide variety of archival documents, the author illustrates how Edward adapted to new circumstances and places, while renewing his quests for health, education and purpose.
Therapist and Patient: Relations and Communication

This chapter describes how various cultural factors can influence relationships, communication, and the interaction between the therapist and patient. Psychiatric practice relies heavily on the face-to-face interaction and relationship between the therapist and the patient. The relationship is itself a therapeutic tool and the outcome of treatment may vary significantly depending on the quality of the relationship. This is particularly true and requires special attention and adjustment when a therapist offer services to a patient with a different cultural background as the relationship between healer and client may vary according to differing cultural attributes. The status and power between therapist and patient can be hierarchical or egalitarian, and the communication between them can be asymmetrical or symmetrical. In America, the predominant form of physician-patient relationship is egalitarian, based on a contractual agreement between the two, influenced heavily by an ideological emphasis on individualism, autonomy, and consumerism. In contrast, in many Asian cultures, the relationship is modeled after the ideal form of hierarchical relationship, where the physician is seen as an authority figure who is endowed with knowledge and experience. So when an Asian patient is seen by an American physician, some intercultural problems may occur. Particularly when expectations are not fulfilled, the patient does not usually express his or her feelings and communicate his or her frustrations. In return, the patient is seen as passive-aggressive and noncompliant by the physician and the treatment is often terminated prematurely, with the patient going for "doctor shopping."
Acquired Dysfunctions and Deformities of Joints

The articular ends are invested by a joint capsule, and together with this form a joint. The outer fibrous part of the joint capsule keeps the articular ends together by virtue of its reinforcements, the ligaments. These secure the proper contact of the articular ends at all angles of excursion. That these ends, despite their incomplete congruence, do not come apart even at the extreme ranges of motion attests to the mechanical reliability of the ligaments.
The Communicationally Challenged Testator

Your client may have difficulty with communication, that is, the client may be unable to see, hear, write, or understand English. To effectively prepare a will for these clients, the estate planner must initially ascertain whether the client has a communication challenge and then take affirmative steps to make certain the challenge does not negatively impact the validity of the will. Extra attention must be given to make certain the requirements of a valid will are satisfied and that individuals displeased with the will do not use the communication challenge as a foundation for claims of undue influence or fraud. Even without other evidence, courts may subject the will of a communicationally challenged client to higher scrutiny. This article reviews a variety of communication challenges (visually impaired, hearing or speaking impaired, physically unable to sign, illiterate, non-English speaking) and recommends techniques to reduce the likelihood of these challenges playing a part in setting aside the testator's will.
The “hot spots” conjecture for domains with two axes of symmetry

Consider a convex planar domain with two axes of symmetry. We show that the maximum and minimum of a Neumann eigenfunction with lowest nonzero eigenvalue occur at points on the boundary only. We deduce J. Rauch's "hot spots" conjecture in the following form. If the initial temperature distribution is not orthogonal to the first nonzero eigenspace, then the point at which the temperature achieves its maximum tends to the boundary. In fact the maximum point reaches the boundary in finite time if the boundary has positive curvature. Results of this type have already been proved by Bafiuelos and Burdzy [BB] using the heat equation and probabilistic methods to deform initial conditions to eigenfunctions. We introduce here a new technique based on deformation of the domain. An advantage of our method is that it works even in the case of multiple eigenvalues. On the way toward our results, we prove monotonicity properties for Neumann eigenfunctions for symmetric domains that need not be convex and deduce a sharp comparison of eigenvalues with the Dirichlet problem of independent interest.
Managerial and Organizational Cognition

The study of organizations as cognitive phenomena was stimulated by Simon's (1955; March and Simon, 1958) argument that managerial interpretations of organizational environments are influenced by managerial cognitive capacities and predilections. Keywords: cognition; managerial cognition; organizational cognition; perception; belief structures
Monitoring neural function during pelvic surgery

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that currently, intraoperative neural function monitoring appears to be of value for pelvic ring surgery, but this is not the case for acetabular fracture surgery. Regarding pelvic surgery there are two major functionally separate regions of bony pelvic anatomy: the pelvic ring and the acetabulum. The pelvic ring is a part of the axial skeleton formed by three bones and their connecting ligamentous structures at the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis. While the anterior structures mainly resist rotational forces, the posterior sacroiliac ligamentous complex is the primary stabilizer of the pelvic ring. The chapter reviews that nerve monitoring during pelvic ring surgery has been directed toward the intraoperative evaluation of lumbosacral nerve root function whereas during acetabular fracture surgery, it has been directed toward the intraoperative evaluation of sciatic nerve function. In future, the availability of real time fluoroscopically based intraoperative three-dimensional imaging may obviate the need for monitoring during the insertion of pelvic ring implants. In the interim, the performance of randomized prospective trials would be helpful in further delineating the specific indications for neural function monitoring during these operative procedures.
Psychiatric and psychological morbidity as a function of adaptive disability in preschool children with aggressive and hyperactive-impulsive-inattentive behavior

Children with high levels of aggressive-hyperactive-impulsive-inattentive behavior (AHII; n = 154) were subdivided into those with (n = 38) and without (n = 116) adaptive disability (+AD/-AD) defined as a discrepancy between expected versus actual adaptive functioning. They were compared to each other and a control group of 47 normal children. Both AHII groups were more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder than control children; more symptoms of general psychopathology; greater social skills deficits; more parental problems; and lower levels of academic achievement skills. Compared to AHII - AD children, AHII + AD children had (1) more conduct disorder; (2) greater inattention and aggression symptoms; (3) more social problems, less academic competence, and poorer self-control at school; (4) more severe and pervasive behavior problems across multiple home and school settings; and (5) parents with poorer child management practices. Thus, adaptive disability has utility as a marker for more severe and pervasive impairments in AHII children.
Agreeing on Validity Arguments.

Kane (this issue) presents a comprehensive review of validity theory and reminds usthat the focus of validation is on test score interpretations and use. In reacting tohis article, I support the argument-based approach to validity and all of the majorpoints regarding validation made by Dr. Kane. In addition, I call for a simpler,three-step method for developing validity arguments, one that focuses on explicittesting purposes, as suggested by the
Measurement of contact stresses using real-time shearing interferometry

The optical method coherent gradient sensing, a real-time lat- eral shearing interferometry, is proposed for measuring contact stress fields under static and dynamic loading conditions. Feasibility of the method is first established under quasi-static conditions. Under dynamic conditions, the method has been used in conjunction with high-speed photography. The interference patterns representing stress gradients are used for extracting impact load history. Loading rates of approximately 14 MN/sec have been observed. The optical measurements are com- pared with the computed values obtained using finite element simula- tions. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(99)01811-5)
Improved quasi-unary nucleation model for binary H2SO4-H2O homogeneous nucleation

Aerosol nucleation events have been observed at a variety of locations worldwide, and may have significant climatic and health implications. Binary homogeneous nucleation (BHN) of H2SO4 and H2O is the foundation of recently proposed nucleation mechanisms involving additional species such as ammonia, ions, and organic compounds, and it may dominate atmospheric nucleation under certain conditions. We have shown in previous work that H2SO4-H2O BHN can be treated as a quasi-unary nucleation (QUN) process involving H2SO4 in equilibrium with H2O vapor, and we have developed a self-consistent kinetic model for H2SO4-H2O nucleation. Here, the QUN approach is improved, and an analytical expression yielding H2SO4-H2O QUN rates is derived. Two independent measurements related to monomer hydration are used to constrain the equilibrium constants for this process, which reduces a major source of uncertainty. It is also shown that the capillarity approximation may lead to a large error in the calculated Gibbs free energy change for the evaporation of H2SO4 molecules from small H2SO4-H2O clusters, which affects the accuracy of predicted BHN nucleation rates. The improved QUN model-taking into account the recently measured energetics of small clusters-is thermodynamically more robust. Moreover, predicted QUN nucleation rates are in better agreement with available experimental data than rates calculated using classical H2SO4-H2O BHN theory.
China's Strategy for Energy Acquisition in the Middle East: Potential for Conflict and Cooperation With the United States

In this article, the authors examine China's evolving energy strategy in the Middle East, particularly in the three countries that have the largest energy reserves and form the epicenter of the U.S.-China rivalry: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. With $3 trillion in foreign currency reserves, Beijing is increasingly using its cash to secure future long-term access to energy in the region. Through energy-backed loans, as well as upstream and downstream joint ventures, China's policy banks and its national oil companies are pumping up the volume of oil and gas that will flow from the Middle East to the mainland in the 21st century. At the same time, Beijing is embedding itself deeply in the economies of these major oil-producing states through expanded bilateral trade involving multiple sectors of the Chinese economy. Beijing's monetary strength, coupled with its lack of military involvement and political baggage in the region, has China poised to benefit from its expansive access to the region's energy resources. This article critically examines the political implications of China's energy acquisition strategy, the potential for conflict as well as cooperation with the United States, and the possibility of the realignment of great powers in the Middle East.
Occurrence and dissipation of high lead level episodes in the lower Mississippi River

Abstract Previous investigations involving lead in the lower Mississippi River generally reported low levels, prompting the conclusion that human activity has not resulted in undesirable lead levels in the river water. Our studies reveal that of 435 samples collected between 1978 and mid‐1983 from stations at river miles 266, 202, 147, 120, 75 and 49, about 9% had total lead levels exceeding the EPA allowable for drinking water. These values include one of 10,000 ug/1 and 5 larger than 500 ug/1 (10 tines the EPA allowable). On the basis of the observed variability of lead levels in time and distance, it is concluded that (a) the high lead levels are associated with the Lutcher‐Luling‐Belle Chasse river stretch (i.e. river miles 147–75); (b) the problem is a result of human activity; and (c) there are mechanisms for the relatively rapid removal of lead and/or dilution of high‐lead episodes as the river water flows down stream.
On models for the operation of a class of electronic marketplaces

Innovation in information technology and the use of the Internet have enabled electronic marketplaces to become an important mechanism for linking suppliers and customers in a cost-efficient fashion. Previous research has generally focused on the benefits of electronic marketplaces from transaction cost economics and strategic perspectives. Yet very little academic research has addressed how to actually operate such a marketplace. In this paper, after reviewing the status of electronic marketplaces research, we focus on an operational perspective. A model of an electronic marketplace linking customers and suppliers either directly or via an intermediary is given and solved under various scenarios. This model uses a single cost-minimizing objective and the extensions address issues such as (1) a physical presence for the electronic marketplace, which can provide value-added services and preserve anonymity; and (2) sole sourcing or dual sourcing. An additional model explicitly represents the diverse objectives of the multiple players in the market using goal programming. The contribution of this research to practitioners is to offer a cost-effective alternative to current forms of allocating supply and demand. The cost-minimizing and multiple criteria models and extensions in this study make a contribution to research by expanding the horizons of previous studies on the operation of electronic marketplaces.
Weather, beliefs about weather, and disease severity among patients with fibromyalgia.

Objective. This investigation 1) examined the relationships among actual weather, disease severity, and symptoms for individuals with fibromyalgia, 2) assessed subjects' beliefs about weather affecting their symptoms, and 3) examined differences between individuals with high and low “weather sensitivity.” Methods. Eighty-four individuals meeting Yunus' criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia participated. Subjects completed the Weather and Pain Questionnaire (WPQ), the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessing pain. A tender point index and a myalgic score were also obtained. Results. Subjects reported that weather affected musculoskeletal symptoms predominantly. The strongest relationship was found between weather beliefs and self-reported pain scores. Subjects with high weather sensitivity tended to have more functional impairment and psychological distress. Conclusions. Individuals with fibromyalgia believe that weather worsens their symptoms, but it is unlikely that physiologic changes are associates with actual weather.
Raman Spectra of Molten Mixtures of Zinc Halides with Alkali Metal Halides

Raman spectra of molten compositions in the systems contain strong, polarized bands at 230, 275, 290, and 305 cm−1 and weak bands, probably polarized, at ∼260 and 345 cm−1. The strong bands have essentially the same frequencies as those appearing in solutions in water and organic solvents. The variations in relative intensity of the bands in the melts with temperature and composition are consistent with assigning them to the same species identified in aqueous solutions, namely, 230 cm−1, a polymer; 275 cm−1, ; 290 cm−1, ; 305 cm−1, monomer. The weak 345 cm−1 band is tentatively assigned to the ion. The weak 260 cm−1 band is assumed to be associated with an unstable species containing at least one Zn‒Cl‒Zn bond. In melts the principal species are polymer, , and . The and species are much less stable relative to the corresponding chloride species.
Establishment and damage of the sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in corn as influenced by plant development.

Infestations of Diatraea saccharalis (F.) on corn caused significant yield reductions ( P < 0.05) averaging 11.8, 9.9, and 14.1% per established larva per plant when infestations were initiated at early-whorl, midwhorl, and early-tassel stages of development, respectively. Although losses mainly were attributable to reductions in average ear weight, this response appears to have been caused by different types and combinations of injury in each case, i.e., stalk tunnelling for the early-whorl infestation, stalk and ear feeding for the midwhorl infestation, and ear feeding for the early-tassel infestation. Intraplant movement and feeding site selection were influenced both by plant development and by late-stage larval behavior. Most larval mortality occurred within the first 4 days after infestations, with survival stabilizing by day 9. Results indicate that tightly appressed upper leaf sheaths on the corn plant offer greater resistance ( P < 0.05) to larval establishment than do leaf sheaths at and below the ear.
Experience with Stereoscopic Display Devices and Output Algorithms

Unobtrusiveness seems much more important than price or image quality to high-end workstation stereo users. Polarizing plate technology freed our users to concentrate better on their application. Unobtrusiveness seems to he important in the marketplace too, since the polarizing plate is selling well despite a price 2-3 times that of similar active glasses installations. These observations come from watching chemists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as they used molecular computer graphics with many stereo display devices. The output algorithm of rotation to produce stereo is well known to be wrong for the perspective case, but correct for the non-perspective (orthographic) case. However, a shear is better for orthographic stereo, because it correctly handles clipping planes on some graphics hardware, and it is faster to compute than a rotation. A shear creates the illusion that transformations order is reversed.
LESSONS FOR RESEARCHERS AND FUNDING AGENCIES FROM HURRICANE KATRINA: A RESEARCH NOTE FROM MISSISSIPPI

We surveyed National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research in Mississippi to determine the economic extent of research damage and delays due to Hurricane Katrina. While several facilities were physically damaged, we found that the largest effects were time delays and missed opportunities. While psychological factors were not part of the original economic impact study, it became clear that they played an important role. Specifically, the Principal Investigator's (PI's) attitude of “just another delay” was one cultural barrier to fully accounting for the cost of these research delays. We concluded that Principal Investigators, with the assistance of funding agencies, should be better trained to measure time and opportunity costs associated with their research, so future disaster recovery efforts can more fully address those needs.
Reactions of Bis(tri-tert-butylphosphine)platinum with Metal Hydride Complexes. The Reactions of Pt(P-t-Bu3)2 with HRe(CO)4SbPh3

Pt(P-t-Bu3)2 reacts with the rhenium hydride complex HRe(CO)4(SbPh3), 1, at 25 °C to give the complex PtRe(CO)4(Ph)(P-t-Bu3)(μ-SbPh2)(μ-H), 2, in 75% yield by the oxidative-addition of a Sb−C bond ...
The Beck Anxiety Inventory in nonclinical samples: Initial psychometric properties

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was recently developed to assess clinical anxiety. Because one of its main features is a focus upon physiological sequelae of anxiety, the inventory may prove useful in nonclinical samples as well. The current paper provides initial psychometric properties with a nonclinical sample. Two studies are presented. The first presents scores and factor structure. A five factor solution was obtained, with one subjective and four somatic factors accounting for approximately 60% of the variance. The second study utilizes the total and factor scores to assess concordance with physiological responding. The total BAI correlated moderately with several physiological domains and with subjective distress. Factor scores were not consistently correlated with corresponding physiological domains. When subjects were divided into high- and low-anxiety groups, the relationships between self-report and physiological response increased in subjects with higher levels of anxiety. Results are discussed in terms of comparing clinical and nonclinical findings, use of the BAI in nonclinical samples, and future research.
Continuous Wavelet Transform Based Partial Least Squares Regression for Quantitative Analysis of Raman Spectrum

Quantitative analysis of Raman spectra using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles has shown the potential and promising trend of development in in vivo molecular imaging. Partial least square regression (PLSR) methods have been reported as state-of-the-art methods. However, the approaches fully rely on the intensities of Raman spectra and can not avoid the influences of the unstable background. In this paper we design a new continuous wavelet transform based PLSR (CWT-PLSR) algorithm that uses mixing concentrations and the average CWT coefficients of Raman spectra to carry out PLSR. We elaborate and prove how the average CWT coefficients with a Mexican hat mother wavelet are robust representations of Raman peaks, and the method can reduce the influences of unstable baseline and random noises during the prediction process. The algorithm was tested using three Raman spectra data sets with three cross-validation methods in comparison with current leading methods, and the results show its robustness and effectiveness.
Translating Clinical Findings into Knowledge in Drug Safety Evaluation - Drug Induced Liver Injury Prediction System (DILIps)

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant concern in drug development due to the poor concordance between preclinical and clinical findings of liver toxicity. We hypothesized that the DILI types (hepatotoxic side effects) seen in the clinic can be translated into the development of predictive in silico models for use in the drug discovery phase. We identified 13 hepatotoxic side effects with high accuracy for classifying marketed drugs for their DILI potential. We then developed in silico predictive models for each of these 13 side effects, which were further combined to construct a DILI prediction system (DILIps). The DILIps yielded 60–70% prediction accuracy for three independent validation sets. To enhance the confidence for identification of drugs that cause severe DILI in humans, the “Rule of Three” was developed in DILIps by using a consensus strategy based on 13 models. This gave high positive predictive value (91%) when applied to an external dataset containing 206 drugs from three independent literature datasets. Using the DILIps, we screened all the drugs in DrugBank and investigated their DILI potential in terms of protein targets and therapeutic categories through network modeling. We demonstrated that two therapeutic categories, anti-infectives for systemic use and musculoskeletal system drugs, were enriched for DILI, which is consistent with current knowledge. We also identified protein targets and pathways that are related to drugs that cause DILI by using pathway analysis and co-occurrence text mining. While marketed drugs were the focus of this study, the DILIps has a potential as an evaluation tool to screen and prioritize new drug candidates or chemicals, such as environmental chemicals, to avoid those that might cause liver toxicity. We expect that the methodology can be also applied to other drug safety endpoints, such as renal or cardiovascular toxicity.
Cognitive flexibility across the sleep-wake cycle: REM-sleep enhancement of anagram problem solving

Flexible or 'fluid' cognitive processes are regarded as fundamental to problem solving and creative ability, requiring a specific neurophysiological milieu. REM-sleep dreaming is associated with creative processes and abstract reasoning with increased strength of weak associations in cognitive networks. REM sleep is also mediated by a distinctive neurophysiological profile, different to that of wake and NREM sleep. This study compared the performance of 16 subjects on a test of cognitive flexibility using anagram word puzzles following REM and NREM awakenings across the night, and waking performances during the day. REM awakenings provided a significant 32% advantage in the number of anagrams solved compared with NREM awakenings and was equal to that of wake time trials. Correlations of individual performance profiles suggest that REM sleep may offer a different mode of problem solving compared with wake and NREM. When early and late REM and NREM awakening data were separated, a dissociation was evident, with NREM task performance becoming more REM-like later in the night, while REM performance remained constant. These data suggest that the neurophysiology of REM sleep represents a brain state more amenable to flexible cognitive processing than NREM and different from that in wake, and may offer insights into the neurocognitive properties of REM-sleep dreaming.
Senior centers in the era of the “Third Age:” Country clubs, community centers, or something else?

Abstract This study explored how senior center employees conceptualize their work and organizational mission. Unstructured interviews with multiple service providers (N = 32) and participant observation in one center reveal a growing emphasis on selling individualized lifestyles to young, healthy, and active seniors, as opposed to a more communal, intergenerational approach. In interviews, service providers talked about “community” in vague and ambiguous terms. At the same time, the philosophy of some providers was informed by a well-developed discourse of individual choice. In discussing needed resources and future goals, service providers spoke to the difficulty of appealing to different cohorts of seniors, but focused primarily on the needs of young seniors and expressed a desire to combat the “image problem” of senior centers. These trends have potentially negative implications for intergenerational community and the developmental passages of seniors. Nevertheless, centers offer many opportunities for seniors to forge connections and bridge differences, and the study concludes with some suggestions for building on these existing resources.
d + Au hadron correlation measurements at PHENIX

In these proceedings, we discuss recent results from d + Au collisions in PHENIX ridge related measurements and their possible hydrodynamic origin. We present the v2 at midrapidity and measurements of the pseudorapidity dependence of the ridge, distinguishing between the d-going and Au-going directions. We investigate the possible geometrical origin by comparing v2 in d + Au to that in p + Pb, Au + Au and Pb + Pb collisions. Future plans to clarify the role of geometry in small collision systems at RHIC are discussed.
Observer orientation and actor-observer differences in attributions for failure☆

Abstract In a series of two experiments, male undergraduates either operated or watched another person operate a model racecar set. Instructions varied observers' expectancies about future involvement with the task. The drivers' causal attributions for their performance were compared with those of neutral observers as well as those of involved observers who anticipated running on the track. Predictions, derived from the Jones and Nisbett framework of actor/observer differences, were that actors should make more external than internal attributions and that neutral or “passive” observers should do the opposite. Moreover, the involved or “active” observer groups were expected to display attributional patterns similar to those of the actors. These predictions were confirmed. Results are discussed in terms of information and information-processing differences between groups.
Biodegradation of chlorinated phenols in subsurface soils

Microcosm studies were employed to determine the subsurface biodegradation rates of phenol, 2-chlorophenol (2-CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), and pentachlorophenol (PCP). Soil samples were taken from sites in Pennsylvania and Virginia from depths up to 31 m, and all samples contained significant microbial populations. Soil from both sites readily biodegraded all five compounds. Biodegradation rates increased as initial concentrations increased, and all biodegradation rates appeared to follow first-order kinetics with regard to the initial compound concentrations. Biodegradation rates for the five compounds followed the order: phenol = 2-CP > 2,4,6-TCP > 2,4-DCP. PCP was degraded more slowly than phenol or 2-CP, but similarly to 2,4,6-TCP and 2,4-DCP. Different soils exhibited different degradation rates, and the soil characteristics that may influence the rates are discussed. The data suggest that biological degradation is a significant attenuation mechanism for phenol and its chlorinated derivatives in subsurfaces saturated and unsaturated zones.
[(4R,5R)-(2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-di­yl)bis­(diphenyl­methano­lato)-κ2O:O′]bis(N-methyl­methanamin­ato)titanium(IV)

In the title four-coordinate complex, [Ti(C2H6N)2(C31H28O4)], two symmetry-independent mol­ecules are present in the asymmetric unit. The TiIV atom displays a distorted tetra­hedral geometry, with Ti—O bond lengths ranging from 1.805 (3) to 1.830 (3) A and O—Ti—O ligand bite angles of 100.16 (12) and 101.36 (12)°. The short Ti—N bond distances, ranging from 1.877 (4) to 1.905 (4) A, indicate strong bonding between the TiIV atom and the dimethyl­amide ligands.
Flux and fluence determination using the material scrapings approach

The conventional approach to flux determination is to use high-purity dosimeters to characterize the neutron field. An alternative approach referred to as the material scrapings method is presented. Steel scrapings are cut from an in-service component and this material is used to measure the specific activity for various reactions. This approach enables the determination of the neutron flux and fluence incident on any component for which small chips of material can be safely obtained. The scrapings methodology was benchmarked by comparison with the results obtained using conventional dosimetry data from the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station Unit 2. Pseudo fast fluxes (E {gt} 1.0 and 0.1 MeV) are calculated by combining the surveillance capsule dosimetry measured activities with the corresponding effective cross sections. The effective cross sections for the reactions of interest are calculated using the analytically determined neutron spectrum at the surveillance capsule position. After the evaluation and testing of the surveillance capsule were completed, scrapings were taken from a broken Charpy specimen. The pseudo fluxes for the {sup 54}Fe(n,p){sup 54}Mn and {sup 58}Ni(n, p){sup 58}Co reactions were calculated using the same cross sections as those used for the capsule dosimetry analysis. The pseudo fluxes determined suing the scrapingsmore » dosimetry are within 5% of the corresponding surveillance capsule pseudo fluxes.« less
Aortic regurgitation in coronary artery bypass grafting: Implications for cardioplegia administration

Background. Echocardiography can detect aortic regurgitation (AR) that may interfere with the adequate delivery of cardioplegia solution to the myocardium during cardiac operation. When aware of this lesion, the surgeon can modify the operative technique accordingly. We sought to evaluate the ability of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography to detect AR and to correlate the severity of the lesion with the need for retrograde cardioplegia administration. Methods. Eighty-four consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were evaluated. When AR was noted by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, a cannula was placed in the coronary sinus for possible retrograde cardioplegia administration. The surgeon was unaware of the severity of AR. After operation, the severity of AR was quantitated using the ratio of the regurgitation jet width to the left ventricular outflow tract diameter. Results. The AR patients who required retrograde cardioplegia had a significantly higher ratio of regurgitation jet width to left ventricular outflow tract diameter than those AR patients who did not (0.36 ± 0.06 versus 0.19 ± 0.06, p Conclusions. Transesophageal echocardiography can provide accurate information regarding the presence and severity of AR. The calculated severity of AR on transesophageal echocardiography is associated with the need for retrograde cardioplegia administration.
Cognitive Engineering Issues in the Design of a Knowledge-Based Information Retrieval System

EP-X (Environmental Pollution expert) is a prototype expert system that acts as an expert search intermediary for a bibliographic information retrieval system. It searches for documents in the Chemical Abstracts database in the domain of environmental pollution, providing an intelligent human-computer interface that accommodates a wide variety of user backgrounds and interests. This paper discusses1) the general problem of bibliographic information retrival,2) the value of combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Factors Engineering (HFE) techniques in the design of an intelligent human-computer interface.3) the general architecture and functioning of EP-X, and4) examples of specific issues that arise when attempting to apply both AI and HFE techniques to the design of an interactive computer system.
Allocation of time in three academic specialties.

Abstract A survey was done to: 1) characterize the allocation and distribution of time by tenure track emergency physicians, and 2) compare the time distribution of emergency physicians to two other academic disciplines. All emergency medicine residency programs were surveyed by telephone to determine if faculty were eligible for tenure and if tenure was available, how many hours per week were spent on clinical duties, research, and administrative tasks. Similar information was compiled from cardiology and orthopedic surgery faculty at the same universities. Data from the survey revealed that a tenure track assistant professor spends 23 hours (46%) working clinical shifts in the emergency department; 11 hours (20%) doing research and 18 hours (34%) in administrative tasks. In contrast, cardiologists spend significantly more time in clinical duties (32 hours) and research (18 hours). However, cardiologists spend significantly less time in administrative duties (10 hours). Data for orthopedic surgeons showa similar pattern. Distributions within each academic discipline were also analyzed and a significant difference in research time was found between four tenure track emergency medicine programs and the other eighteen. Data from this survey may help academic emergency physicians evaluate how they are allocating their time in comparison to other busy clinical specialties.