cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internal Friction and Shear Modulus of Graphene Films

We report internal friction and shear modulus measurements of several types of synthesized graphene films. They include reduced graphene oxide, chemical-vapor deposited (CVD) graphene films on thin nickel films and on copper foils. These films were transferred from their host substrate into a water bath, and re-deposited onto to a high-Q single crystal silicon mechanical double-paddle oscillator. A minimal thickness dependence of both internal friction and shear modulus was found for reduced graphene oxide films varying thickness from 4 to 90 nm and CVD graphene films on nickel from 6 to 8 nm. The shear modulus of these multilayered films averages 53 GPa. Their internal friction exhibits a temperature independent plateau below 10K. The values of the plateaus are similar for both the reduced graphene oxide films and CVD graphene films on nickel, and they are as high as the universal "glassy range" where the tunneling states dominated internal friction of amorphous solids lies. In contrast, CVD graphene films on copper foils are 90~95% single layer. The shear modulus of these single layer graphene films are about five times higher, averaging 280 GPa. Their low temperature internal friction is too small to measure within the uncertainty of our experiments. Our results demonstrate the dramatic difference in the elastic properties of multilayer and single layer graphene films.
lac repressor-operator interaction. Analysis of the X86 repressor mutant

Abstract In vitro measurements show that the X86 repressor, which has an increased affinity for the lac operator as compared to wild-type repressor, also has an increased affinity for non-operator sites on Escherichia coli DNA. The rate constant of association of repressor and operator is decreased by E. coli DNA fivefold more for X86 repressor than for wild-type repressor. Low inducer concentrations increase the rate of association of X86 repressor and operator in the presence of E. coli DNA. In a partial equilibrium situation where part of the X86 repressor is bound to the operator, and part to either non-operator sites on E. coli DNA or to an O c operator, the formation of complexes between X86 repressor and wild-type operator is favored by low inducer concentrations. Repression of the lac enzymes increases drastically in the X86 mutant in the absence of DNA synthesis in vivo . A new explanation for the in vivo characteristics of the X86 mutant is suggested.
Exchange effect on the space charge in nanostructure resonances

It is elucidated that, for nanostructures in which the electron states are filled though the energy range of a transmission or reflection peak (quasilevel resonance), the electron pair distribution has a variety of the Fermi exchange hole in which, to a good approximation, just half of the electron pairs contribute to the Coulomb interaction energy. The displacement of current characteristics due to the space‐charge interaction should be calculated with this 1/2 factor.
The Adams-Hilton model for a fibration over a sphere

Abstract Let F→E→Sm+1 be a fibration, where E is 1-connected and m≥2. We show how the Adams-Hilton model for the total space can be expressed succinctly in terms of the Adams-Hilton model for the induced map μ : SmxF→F. We also explore how the Adams-Hilton model for F may be deduced from knowledge of the model for E. Lastly we examine certain iterated relative Samelson products in the mod p homotopy of F, and we extend the work of Cohen. Moore, and Neisendorfer concerning the fibers of pinch maps.
Ecological Prediction With Nonlinear Multivariate Time-Frequency Functional Data Models

Time-frequency analysis has become a fundamental component of many scientific inquiries. Due to improvements in technology, the amount of high-frequency signals that are collected for ecological and other scientific processes is increasing at a dramatic rate. In order to facilitate the use of these data in ecological prediction, we introduce a class of nonlinear multivariate time-frequency functional models that can identify important features of each signal as well as the interaction of signals corresponding to the response variable of interest. Our methodology is of independent interest and utilizes stochastic search variable selection to improve model selection and performs model averaging to enhance prediction. We illustrate the effectiveness of our approach through simulation and by application to predicting spawning success of shovelnose sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River.
Correlation of extrudate swelling measurements for polymer solutions by a reduced‐concentration technique

Previous work has demonstrated the possibility of obtaining curves of normal stress as a function of shearing stress for polymer solutions through the measurement of the swelling of a jet of the solution extruded from a long capillary. A new formulation of reduced variables is offered which allows results obtained at different concentrations to be correlated by a single curve for a given polymer system. Results are presented for water solutions of carboxymethylcellulose, and for xylene solutions of polyisobutylene. For polyisobutylene, the correlation is similar to those obtained by other investigators who measured normal stresses by standard techniques.
Edward Loughborough Keyes: an early twentieth century leader in urology.

Purpose: Edward Loughborough Keyes was a renowned urologist, decorated war hero, prolific writer and beloved professor. Having served as president of the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons, the American Urological Association, the International Urological Society and the Clinical Urological Association, Keyes in large part steered the course of urology during the early twentieth century.Materials and Methods: We reviewed letters, original publications and historical records pertaining to Doctor Keyes found in the New York Hospital archives, the American Urological Association historical record, the medical literature and the popular press.Results: Edward Loughborough Keyes, Jr. received his M.D. from Columbia in 1895, and went on to hold academic positions in urology at Georgetown, the New York Polyclinic Medical School, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital, New York University and at the Cornell University Medical College, where he spent most of his career. He authored the premier urolog...
Robust stabilization of input/output linearizable systems under uncertainty and disturbances

In recent years, differential geometric techniques have been used to transform nonlinear systems into linear systems. Once such equivalent linear systems are obtained, classical linear controllers are designed to achieve desired stability and performance properties. A major critism against these techniques is their lack of guarantee for robustness. In particular, the design of controllers for transformed nonlinear systems under the influence of both disturbances and (parametric) modeling errors is not well-known. This article presents a methodology to design robust stabilizing controllers for such uncertain and perturbed nonlinear systems. For feedback linearizable systems, the method guarantees that the nonlinear system has nominally linear input/output dynamics and is stable for the given class of bounded parametric uncertainty and disturbances. The new concepts and the proposed design procedure are shown for an isothermal reactor with second-order kinetics.
Uracil–4‐Hydroxyuracil tautomerism revisited

The tautomerism of the uracil-4-hydroxyuracil system is examined with the 3–21G basis set and full geometry optimization using gradient techniques. Single-point calculations at the 6-31G level were also done and the results compared with the 2-pyridone–2-hydroxypyridine system. The best ΔE(taut) obtained in this work is 74.1 kJ/mol.
First Occurrence of Marine Vertebrates in the Early Cretaceous of Kansas: Champion Shell Bed, Basal Kiowa Formation

The Champion Shell Bed, the lowest defined lithostratigraphic unit of the Kiowa Formation that conformably overlies the Cheyenne Sandstone, is exposed near Belvidere in Kiowa County, south-central Kansas. The Champion Shell represents the earliest marine deposit that formed in the region as the Western Interior Sea advanced northward into the Midwest during the latter part of the Early Cretaceous (Upper Albian). Although invertebrate remains are abundant, the shell bed also contains the minute teeth of sharks and bony fish. The Champion Shell Bed provides the first records of marine vertebrate species from the Early Cretaceous of Kansas following a long hiatus of marine deposition extending back to the Upper Permian.
Surgical treatment of venous ulcers: role of subfascial endoscopic perforator vein ligation

Existing data in the literature lack answers to several questions about the optimal treatment of patients with advanced CVI, especially venous ulcers. There is no level I evidence to support the superiority of surgical over medical treatment and the extent of surgical intervention. Specifically, knowledge about the efficacy and applicability of SEPS is incomplete, and prospective, randomized studies are needed. In the light of present-day knowledge, all patients should undergo a trial of medical management before resorting to surgery. Patients who benefit from surgical treatment and the addition of SEPS, if indicated, are patients with ulcers resulting from PVI of the superficial and perforating veins, with or without DVI. Based on available data, these patients can be assured an 80% to 90% chance of long-term freedom from ulcer recurrence. Despite subjective symptomatic and objective clinical score improvement, the role of surgery and SEPS is controversial in patients with PT because only 50% of patients can be predicted to have long-term freedom from ulcer recurrence. Patients with ulcer recurrence after SEPS should undergo duplex scanning to exclude recurrent or persistent perforators. If these are found to be incompetent, repeat SEPS is warranted. If there is no perforator incompetence, patients should be considered for deep venous reconstruction.
Use of an Inclusive Option and the Optimal Number of Options for Multiple-Choice Items.

This study examined the validity of two item-writing rules in the design of test items: (a) the desirable number of options for a multiple-choice test item and (b) use of the inclusive none of these option. An experimental repeated measures design found that items with three options were more difficult than those with four options and items employing the none of these option were more difficult than those not using this inclusive option format. Neither format manipulation affected item discrimination. Therefore, evidence allows no recommendation for the none of these option but suggests an advantage for multiple-choice items with fewer than the traditional four or five options.
A Theory of Systems Theories or The Case of Mistaken Identity

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that it is possible, but probably undesirable, to bring order to the frequently noted chaotic state of theory within the field of family therapy. The basic assumption is that the field of family therapy can be viewed as a system. Methods familiar to family therapists are used: description and analysis of the problem, history, theory development, introduction of an organizing principle, and consideration of the consequences of problem resolution. The paper is in the form of a case presentation.
Understanding the provider contribution to race/ethnicity disparities in pain treatment: insights from dual process models of stereotyping.

Objective. This article applied dual process models of stereotyping to illustrate how various psychological mechanisms may lead to unintentional provider bias in decisions about pain treatment. Stereotypes have been shown to influence judgments and behaviors by two distinct cognitive processes, automatic stereotyping and goal-modified stereotyping, which differ both in level of individual conscious control and how much they are influenced by the goals in an interaction. Although these two processes may occur simultaneously and are difficult to disentangle, the conceptual distinction is important because unintentional bias that results from goal-modified rather than automatic stereotyping requires different types of interventions. We proposed a series of hypotheses that showed how these different processes may lead providers to contribute to disparities in pain treatment: 1) indirectly, by influencing the content and affective tone of the clinical encounter; and 2) directly, by influencing provider decision making. We also highlighted situations that may increase the likelihood that stereotype-based bias will occur and suggested directions for future research and interventions.
On Tail Distribution of Interpost Distance

Abstract A partial order on Z obtained by taking the transitive closure of a random relation {i x) decreasing at an exponential rate x1/2 at least, whence having all the moments finite. The latter information about L was all they needed in a proof of the central result, asymptotic lognormality of linear extension number. However, it remained unclear whether the exponential rate is actually linear. Our goal in this note is to confirm the conjecture.
Humic acid enhanced remediation of an emplaced diesel source in groundwater. 1. Laboratory-based pilot scale test.

Abstract The enhanced solubility of petroleum-derived compounds in humic acid solutions is the basis for a new groundwater remediation technology. In this unique pilot-scale test, a stationary contaminant source consisting of diesel fuel was placed below the water table in a model sand aquifer (1.2×5.5×1.8-m deep) and flushed with water at a flow rate of 2 cm/h over 5 years. At 51 days, laboratory grade humic acid was added to the water and maintained at a level of approximately 0.8 g/l. The addition of humic acid had only a small impact on the aqueous transport of the BTEX components, which were rapidly dissolved from the diesel, but had a large effect on the flushing of PAHs, including methylated naphthalenes (MNs). Binding to aqueous humic acid enhanced the solubilization of MNs two- to tenfold. During aqueous transport, biodegradation of the BTEX and PAHs occurred, limiting the lateral and longitudinal extent of the diesel contaminant plume in the model aquifer. It appears that through enhanced solubilization, the overall biodegradation rate of the MNs was increased. As the various MNs were depleted from the diesel source, the MN plume shrank and then disappeared.
Nitrogen-Implanted Silicon Oxynitride: A Coating for Suppressing Field Emission From Stainless Steel Used in High-Voltage Applications

In this paper, the authors examine the field emission performance of stainless steel polished to varying degrees, both before and after being coated with a nitrogen-implanted silicon oxynitride layer. The deposition procedure utilizes the simultaneous sputtering of silicon dioxide from a dielectric quartz window and ion implantation of nitrogen from an RF inductively coupled plasma. Here, the scanning field emission microscopy results indicate that prior to being coated, the number of emission sites increased drastically from 12 to more than 300 as the surface roughness increased from 4 to 64 nm, corresponding to polishing with 1-mum diamond paste to 15-mum (600 grit) silicon carbide paper. However, after being coated with nitrogen-implanted silicon oxynitride, all the samples displayed zero to five emission sites at electric field strengths at least three times higher than the uncoated stainless samples. Thus, neither the roughness of the underlying stainless steel nor that of the top surface of the coating had an effect on suppressing field emission. Depth profiling using Auger electron spectroscopy determined that the 0.24-mum-thick silicon oxynitride coating contained approximately 15% nitrogen. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of a coated silicon wafer confirmed this stoichiometry and bonding. The technical impact of this work is that coating the large contoured stainless steel surfaces with a nitrogen-implanted silicon oxynitride layer may eliminate the need for expensive labor-intensive polishing procedures currently used in high-voltage electrode structures, such as those found in electron injectors
Video Object Co-segmentation by Regulated Maximum Weight Cliques

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for object co-segmentation in arbitrary videos by sampling, tracking and matching object proposals via a Regulated Maximum Weight Clique (RMWC) extraction scheme. The proposed approach is able to achieve good segmentation results by pruning away noisy segments in each video through selection of object proposal tracklets that are spatially salient and temporally consistent, and by iteratively extracting weighted groupings of objects with similar shape and appearance (with-in and across videos). The object regions obtained from the video sets are used to initialize per-pixel segmentation to get the final co-segmentation results. Our approach is general in the sense that it can handle multiple objects, temporary occlusions, and objects going in and out of view. Additionally, it makes no prior assumption on the commonality of objects in the video collection. The proposed method is evaluated on publicly available multi-class video object co-segmentation dataset and demonstrates improved performance compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
Responsiveness to recombinant human erythropoietin of marrow erythroid progenitors from infants with the "anemia of prematurity"

We used cells from marrow aspirations that had been performed on 10 infants with the “anemia of prematurity” and tested the responsiveness of their erythroid colony-forming units (CFU-E) to recombinant human erythropoletin. For comparison, we also tested marrow-derived CFU-E from five healthy adults, and circulating CFU-E from cord blood of five healthy neonates. CFU-E from the anemic infants had a 50% maximal response at 0.073±0.024 U erythropoletin per milliliter (mean ± SD). They were therefore at least as responsive as were CFU-E from adults, which displayed a 50% maximal response at 0.118±0.076 U/ml, and as were circulating CFU-E of cord blood origin, which had a 50% maximal response at 0.109±0.047 U/ml. Because CFU-E from infants with the “anemia of prematurity” appeared highly sensitive to erythropoietin in vitro, we propose that its administration to these patients would likely result in a significant increase in erythrocyte production in vivo.
Fabrication of Functionally Graded and Aligned Porosity in Thin Ceramic Substrates With the Novel Freeze–Tape-Casting Process

Functionally graded and continuously aligned pore structures have been fabricated by a modified tape-casting process for use as solid oxide fuel cell electrodes, catalysts, sensors, and filtration/separation devices. Pore gradients from <5 to 100 μm and aligned pore tubules have been directly fabricated in various ceramic materials with thin substrate sections approximately 500-1500 μm utilizing both low-toxicity aqueous-based slips and organic solvents. This process allows for the generation of pores without the use of thermally fugitive pore formers in a single processing step with no need for tape lamination. The incorporation of tape casting, unidirectional solidification, and the freeze-drying process results in uniformly acicular pores aligned with the direction of the moving carrier film. Processing and microstructure variability will be discussed as it pertains to the effects of solids loading, freezing temperatures, and solvent type. Applications for this ceramic processing technology will also be discussed.
Lasting impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure and the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the developing brain

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance among pregnant women. Human epidemiological and animal studies have found that prenatal cannabis exposure influences brain development and can have long-lasting impacts on cognitive functions. Exploration of the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medicines and synthetic cannabinoid compounds has given us much insight into the physiological roles of endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) and their receptors. In this article, we examine human longitudinal cohort studies that document the long-term influence of prenatal exposure to cannabis, followed by an overview of the molecular composition of the endocannabinoid system and the temporal and spatial changes in their expression during brain development. How endocannabinoid signaling modulates fundamental developmental processes such as cell proliferation, neurogenesis, migration and axonal pathfinding are also summarized.
Delta-projection imaging on contrast-enhanced ultrasound to quantify tumor microvasculature and perfusion.

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the Δ-projection image processing technique for visualizing tumor microvessels and for quantifying the area of tissue perfused by them on contrast-enhanced ultrasound images. Materials and methods The Δ-projection algorithm was implemented to quantify perfusion by tracking the running maximum of the difference (Δ) between the contrast-enhanced ultrasound image sequence and a baseline image. Twenty-five mice with subcutaneous K1735 melanomas were first imaged with contrast-enhanced grayscale and then with minimum-exposure contrast-enhanced power Doppler (minexCPD) ultrasound. Delta-projection images were reconstructed from the grayscale images and then used to evaluate the evolution of tumor vascularity during the course of contrast enhancement. The extent of vascularity (ratio of the perfused area to the tumor area) for each tumor was determined quantitatively from Δ-projection images and compared to the extent of vascularity determined from contrast-enhanced power Doppler images. Delta-projection and minexCPD measurements were compared using linear regression analysis. Results Delta-projection was successfully performed in all 25 cases. The technique allowed the dynamic visualization of individual blood vessels as they filled in real time. Individual tumor blood vessels were distinctly visible during early image enhancement. Later, as an increasing number of blood vessels were filled with the contrast agent, clusters of vessels appeared as regions of perfusion, and the identification of individual vessels became difficult. Comparisons were made between the perfused area of tumors in Δ-projections and in minexCPD images. The Δ-projection perfusion measurements were correlated linearly with minexCPD. Conclusion Delta-projection visualized tumor vessels and enabled the quantitative assessment of the tumor area perfused by the contrast agent.
Deep venous reflux and incompetent perforators: significance and implications for therapy:

Objectives: To define the significance of perforator and deep vein pathology in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD).Methods: Consecutive patients with CVD were referred for venous evaluation (group A). Both saphenous veins and all the deep veins including those in the calf area were evaluated. A separate group of patients with deep venous reflux and/or obstruction was identified from our database and analysed separately (group B). The CEAP classification (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological) was used to grade the clinical severity of CVD.Results: Age, duration of disease and history of thrombosis increased significantly with disease severity (P <0.02). Reflux in the superficial veins was the most common pathology in group A and it was present in 75% of limbs in group B. The overall contribution of deep venous disease was 26% in group A and it increased significantly with the severity of disease in both groups. Isolated deep vein disease in group A was significantly less compared wit...
Next-Generation AB Initio Shell Model for Exotic Nuclear Structures

A symmetry-adapted open-core shell model with SU(3) the underpinning symmetry is described. The model reduces to the well established Elliott SU(3) model in its 0ħΩ limit and to the no-core shell model (NCSM) – successful in describing low-energy dynamics of light nuclei – if stripped of its special symmetry considerations. We show that this approach is effective in providing an efficient description of low-lying eigenstates of 12C and 16O. A symmetry-guided framework is suggested based on our recent findings of low-spin and high-deformation dominance in realistic NCSM results. This holds promise to significantly enhance the reach of ab initio shell models toward heavier nuclear systems as well as descriptions of collective and cluster phenomena.
Local Knowledge of Biotic Diversity and its Conservation in Rural Hausaland, Northern Nigeria1

Because biodiversity is debated primarily from western perspectives, the significance of threatened taxa has not been properly assessed in the cultural and ecological contexts of their use. Instead, conservable species tend to be identified by outsiders who are culturally and politically detached from the threatened environments. However, over the last decade or so a growing number of studies document why and how indigenous knowledge and people can become part of development and sustainable conservation. Presented here is a Nigerian example that illustrates how formal conservation efforts are handicapped by their failure to take into account local environmental knowledge. I argue that the potential erosion of biodiversity in Hausaland has been checked by the varied management of cultivated and other lands, and by the use of plants in overlapping contexts—as medicines, foods, and the like.
Electromagnetic Isolation Solutions in Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC).

Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) is a commercial ceramic-glass multilayer technology with compelling advantages for microelectronics, microsystems and sensors. High frequency applications require good electrical properties such as low dielectric los,s and newer applications require extreme isolation from electromagnetic interference (EMI) that is even difficult to measure (−150db). Approaches to providing this isolation, once provided by via fences, have included sidewall coating and full tape thickness features (FTTF) that have been introduced by the filling of slots with via-fill compositions. Several techniques for creating these structures have been modeled for stress and temperature effects in the face of other necessary attachments, such as metallic seal frames. The relative effects of attachment media, FTTF geometry, and alternative measures will be reported. Approaches for thick film and thin film implementations are described.
Empirical and Legal Trends at the High Court of Australia

In this paper, we examine several aspects of the High Court of Australia and demonstrate the changing nature of this tribunal. Specifically, we examine the agenda-setting role of the Court, the decision-making process, and policy trends.
Problems of Integration

ERE at last is the first book-length study of Comecon in English. We are beholden to Dr. Michael Kaser of Oxford University for a scholarly, meticulous, up-to-date work, covering the history, the organization, and the practical operation of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, and including a record of the most recent discussions, as they have transpired in East European publications. The book is the culmination of more than a decade of research on the Soviet bloc carried out by the author as a staff member of the Economic Commission for Europe's Research and Planning Division. This experience, combined with a versatile language background, enabled him to trace the evolution of Comecon and the progress made toward integration from the viewpoint of each individual member of the organization, including East Germany and Hungary, whose attitudes on problems of specialization are less well known than those of, say, the Soviet Union or Rumania. Dr. Kaser also took the felicitous decision to delve into the political background of intra-Comecon conflicts-particularly in the wake of the Sino-Soviet rift-which the reports of the E.C.E., for obvious reasons, must gloss over. His numerous formal and informal contacts with East European officials helped to round out the information from published sources. With all this preparation and background, Kaser was equipped to write a penetrating analysis of the integration problems of the planned economies. Unfortunately, from my point of view, he chose to concentrate his efforts on the collation of facts rather than on their elucidation. I do not mean that the search for deeper causes is entirely lacking. The book does contain a number of interesting events recorded in the author's account, but they are too often submerged in a welter of details. One such speculation, at the beginning of the book, ties in with a theme that runs like a leitmotiv throughout the study-the necessity of establishing a rational price system in each country to foster integration in the socialist bloc as a whole. Kaser argues that Nikolai Voznesensky, chairman of the Soviet State Planning Commission in I949, urged the introduction of an operational price mechanism in
Thoracoplasty for Postpneumonectomy Empyema Associated with Bronchopleural Fistula: A Case Series

Thoracoplasty is a historical procedure, initially devised for the treatment of refractory tuberculous empyema. Advances in medical treatments have nearly eliminated the need for this surgical procedure in pulmonary tuberculosis and it is rarely performed or taught in modern day surgical practice. However, few indications still exist, most prominently, in the treatment of postpneumonectomy refractory empyema often but not always associated with a bronchopleural fistula. In this case report, we present two cases of postpneumonectomy refractory empyema treated by thoracoplasty with long-term follow-up.
Role of Aggregates in the Luminescence Decay Dynamics of Conjugated Polymers

Fluorescence quantum yields of conjugated polymer films are systematically lower than their counterparts in dilute solution. Films also exhibit a long "temporal tail" in their fluorescence decay dynamics not present in solution. We study the spectroscopy, excitation wavelength dependence, temperature dependence, and electric field quenching of the temporal tail of the photoluminescence in MEH-PPV on a nanosecond time scale to elucidate the relationship between those observations. We conclude that the tail represents emission from H-like aggregated regions in the polymer. Using a simple model of the photophysics, we estimate the formation yield of the aggregates responsible for the tail emission to be <20% so that they cannot account for the large reduction in fluorescence observed in densely packed films relative to that in solution.
Clinical analysis and antifungal susceptibility test of deep fungal infections in Beijing Chaoyang hospital

Objective To investigate the current conditions about deep fungal infections in hospital and to provide the evidence to clinical treatment by identification and susceptibility test of 450 strains from fungal infections in target population.Methods Four hundred and fifty strains were isolated with CHRO-Megar medium.Strains were dyed with cotton blue to directly examine under microscopy and combined with being cultured by sahorand medium .The susceptibility test was by Kirby-Bauer methods.Results Among the 450 fungi strains, 396 were Candida Spp. which accounted for 88.0%,and the rest 54 were mould strains which accounted for 12.0%. The resistant rate to fluconazole was (90.15%),to amphotericin B 97.98%,to itraconazole 91.67%,and to flucytosine 89.1%.Conclusion Candida spp.,especially Candida albicans and C.trpoicalis were the most common pathogen in nosocomial fungal infections.
Clinical distribution and drug resistance of multidrug-resistant bacteria in Children's Hospital in Hebei in 2011

OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate the clinical distribution and drug resistance of multidrug-resistant bacteria in Children's Hospital, so to provide references for the rational use of antibacterial drugs. METHODS A total of4 164 specimens received by the hospital in 2011 and tested pathogen-positive were selected. Pathogens isolated by regular methods from the specimens were identified and multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs) among the identified pathogens were selected by standard screeing methods. Kirby-Bauer(K-B) method was used to test susceptibility of the MRDOs. RESULTS A total of 1 620 strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria were detected, including 56.30% of gram-negative bacteria and43.70% of gram-positive bacteria. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci(CNS) were the most prominent MDRO among the isolated gram-positive bacteria. Resistance rate of the isolated CNS against vancomycin was 32.90%. No ciprofloxacin-resistant CNS strains were detected, suggesting that ciprofloxacin could be used as the preferred drug for the treatment of infections in children. The two most prominent gram-negative MDRO among the isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, accounting for 29.75% and 15.56%, respectively. The isolated E. coli and K. pneumoniae were resistant against multiple antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins, and were highly susceptible to cefoxitin, amikacin, and carbapenem antibiotics(meropenem), suggesting that the antibiotics could also be used as the preferred drugs clinically. CONCLUSION Resistance against multiple antibacterial drugs is a common feature among the isolated strains. Pathogenology examination, monitoring of drug resistance, and rational use of antibiotics should be emphasized in clinical practices.
The Paradoxical Success of an Antipolitical Philosophy

As the Evil Empire showed signs of exhaustion before finally disappearing with barely a whimper, normative political theory came to play a political role in spite of its deontological premises. Political decisions and democratic choices could no longer be justified simply by their opposition to the supposed values of the enemy, as if it sufficed to say that since they’re bad we must be good. At about the same time, many on the critical left turned away from a socio-economic critique of capitalism to discover political philosophy by studying the work of Hannah Arendt. This turn to a German-born former student of Martin Heidegger had a curious precedent on the political right among students whose rejection of the consensus liberalism of the placid 1950s led them to the discovery of political philosophy through the work of Leo Strauss, another former student of Heidegger. I have discussed Arendt’s work in another chapter of this book1; and I will leave the comparison of the political thinker and the master philosopher to intellectual historians. In the present context, I want to try to understand how an explicitly antipolitical philosophy could come to exercise so much political influence, within the academy and still more outside of its borders.
Metasurface-enhanced transparency

We consider the problem of light transmission from a high refractive index medium into a low-index environment. While total internal reflection severely limits such transmission in systems with smooth interfaces, diffractive metasurfaces may help out-couple light that enters an interface at blazing angles. We demonstrate that the profile of the structured interface can be numerically optimized to target a specific emission pattern. Our study suggests that while metasurfaces can help to out-couple light from a range of incident directions, there exists a universal limit for total transmission efficiency that depends only on the dielectric properties of the two materials and is independent of the profile and the composition of the metasurface coupler.
Parent Preferences and Perceptions of Milliliters and Teaspoons: Role of Health Literacy and Experience

Abstract Background and Objectives A recent American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement recommends milliliter-exclusive dosing for pediatric liquid medications. Little is known about parent preferences regarding units, perceptions about moving to milliliters only, and the role of health literacy and prior milliliter-dosing experience. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of data collected as part of a randomized controlled study in 3 urban pediatric clinics (SAFE Rx for Kids study). English- and Spanish-speaking parents (n = 493) of children aged ≤8 years were randomized to 1 of 4 study arms and given labels and dosing tools which varied in label instruction format (text plus pictogram, text only) and units (milliliter only ["mL"], milliliter/teaspoon ["mL"/"tsp"]). Outcomes included teaspoon preference in dosing instructions and perceived difficulty with milliliter-only dosing. The predictor variable was health literacy (Newest Vital Sign; low [0–1], marginal [2–3], adequate [4–6]). The mediating variable was prior milliliter-dosing experience. Results Over two-thirds of parents had low or marginal health literacy. The majority (>70%) preferred to use milliliters, perceived milliliter-only dosing to be easy, and had prior milliliter-dosing experience; 11.5% had a teaspoon preference, 18.1% perceived milliliter-only dosing will be difficult, and 17.7% had no prior milliliter-dosing experience. Parents with lower health literacy had a higher odds of having a teaspoon preference (low vs adequate: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.9 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–6.2]), and greater odds of perceiving difficulty with milliliter-only dosing (low vs adequate: AOR = 13.9 [95% CI 4.8–40.6], marginal vs adequate: AOR = 7.1 [95% CI 2.5–20.4]). Lack of experience with milliliter dosing partially mediated the impact of health literacy. Conclusions Most parents were comfortable with milliliter-only dosing. Parents with low health literacy were more likely to perceive milliliter-only dosing to be difficult; educational efforts will need to target this group to ensure safe medication use.
Structural toggle in the RNaseH domain of Prp8 helps balance splicing fidelity and catalytic efficiency.

Abstract Pre-mRNA splicing is an essential step of eukaryotic gene expression that requires both high efficiency and high fidelity. Prp8 has long been considered the “master regulator” of the spliceosome, the molecular machine that executes pre-mRNA splicing. Cross-linking and structural studies place the RNaseH domain (RH) of Prp8 near the spliceosome’s catalytic core and demonstrate that prp8 alleles that map to a 17-aa extension in RH stabilize it in one of two mutually exclusive structures, the biological relevance of which are unknown. We performed an extensive characterization of prp8 alleles that map to this extension and, using in vitro and in vivo reporter assays, show they fall into two functional classes associated with the two structures: those that promote error-prone/efficient splicing and those that promote hyperaccurate/inefficient splicing. Identification of global locations of endogenous splice-site activation by lariat sequencing confirms the fidelity effects seen in our reporter assays. Furthermore, we show that error-prone/efficient RH alleles suppress a prp2 mutant deficient at promoting the first catalytic step of splicing, whereas hyperaccurate/inefficient RH alleles exhibit synthetic sickness. Together our data indicate that prp8 RH alleles link splicing fidelity with catalytic efficiency by biasing the relative stabilities of distinct spliceosome conformations. We hypothesize that the spliceosome “toggles” between such error-prone/efficient and hyperaccurate/inefficient conformations during the splicing cycle to regulate splicing fidelity.
Ischemic Tolerance: In Situ and Remote Pre- and Postconditioning

Abstract Ischemic tolerance was originally induced by in situ ischemic preconditioning (PreC, i.e., before ischemia). This classic concept of ischemic PreC has now evolved into ischemic postconditioning (PostC, i.e., after ischemia), remote PreC and PostC, and remote perconditioning (PerC, i.e., during ischemia). In addition, ischemic tolerance induced by ischemic PreC and PostC can be triggered by many nonischemic stressors. Each type of ischemic conditioning has specific therapeutic time windows, and unique protective mechanisms. PreC adapts the brain to resist brain injury induced by a subsequent severe stroke; PostC alters reperfusion after a stroke to attenuate the brain injury it caused. In contrast, remote conditioning exerts its effect on the brain via various factors produced in the remote ischemic organ. Despite these differences, the protective mechanisms of in situ and remote conditioning converge on some similar cellular and molecular mechanisms at a later stage after stroke.
Transition of Intravenous Treprostinil to Oral Therapy in a Patient with Functional Class IV Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) occurs when pulmonary emboli fail to resolve with anticoagulation. For patients with inoperable or residual CTEPH, riociguat is currently the only therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, some patients with CTEPH may require therapy beyond riociguat, such as intravenous prostacyclins, which can present significant administration challenges in patients with complex comorbid conditions. We describe a 42-year-old man with T12 paraplegia complicated by CTEPH (functional class IV with substantial right ventricular dysfunction) and severe pressure ulcers. In order to facilitate goals of care (hospital discharge to a skilled nursing facility where parenteral prostanoids could not be administered), he underwent rapid transition from intravenous treprostinil to oral selexipag in the form of a cross-taper over 6 days. The patient required readmission due to worsening symptoms and was transitioned back to intravenous treprostinil; he tolerated conversion to oral treprostinil for approximately 4 months, but it was subsequently discontinued due to nausea and modified goals of care. The patient underwent transition to hospice care 3 months later and eventually died from clinical deterioration. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe transition from intravenous treprostinil to selexipag as well as conversion from parenteral treprostinil to oral treprostinil in a patient with CTEPH and illustrates the approaches to and potential issues with prostanoid transitions. Additional observations are necessary to better understand the relative roles of selexipag and oral treprostinil regarding comparative efficacy and tolerability.
Curated language learning spaces: Design principles of physical 21st century language centers

This article develops a set of design principles for 21st century language centers. It is based on a 2013 survey of language center directors and staff for the International Association for Language Learning and Technology (IALLT). The proposed criteria, which are flexibility and adaptability, mission-based design, situatedness, social space and community design, and de-emphasis of technology, offer a new direction in the physical and conceptual design of 21st century language learning spaces.
Reframing Misbehavior: Positive School Discipline and the New Meaning of “Safety” in Schools

Since 2011, the federal government has become increasingly interested in stemming the disproportionate suspension of students of color (as well as the overall spike in suspensions and expulsions nationwide). The Supportive School Discipline Initiative, a joint venture launched in January of 2014 by the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), published a set of documents titled the Climate Guidance Package. The Initiative’s website frames this package as a means of support for school districts. This frame neglects to acknowledge that while racial disproportionality in discipline has been a phenomenon since school desegregation, federal law mandated zero-tolerance policies (Anfinson et al. Int J School Disaffect 7(2):5–20, 2010) and funneled money into police presence in schools that has not as yet been reallocated to preventative programs (Losen et al. The school to prison pipeline. NYU Press, New York, 2013). This chapter is a Critical Discourse Analysis of the Supportive School Discipline Initiative, a set of policy documents released to school leaders to encourage school-discipline reform. These documents discursively position school leaders and teachers as entirely responsible for the harmful effects of harsh disciplinary policies like zero tolerance, when in fact these policies were a federal response to violence in schools and hundreds of thousands of dollars are still being funneled into paying school safety officers. This allows governments and districts to punish schools for not reducing their school suspension rates without providing adequate funds to implement alternatives.
Intersections of Victimization among Middle and High School Youth: Associations between Polyvictimization and School Climate

Polyvictimization, defined as exposure to multiple forms of victimization, is associated with negative outcomes for youth. This study investigated the intersections between harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying (polyvictimization) and three indicators of school climate: safety, connection, and equity. Data comes from the 2015 Vermont Middle and High School Pilot Climate Survey (N = 2, 589). Almost half of the sample, (43.13%) experienced at least one form of victimization during the current school year. Students experiencing polyvictimization, compared to students experiencing no victimization or singular victimization experiences, were more likely to identify as female and transgender. In the multivariate regression models, polyvictimization was significantly associated with all school climate outcomes. These findings illustrate the additive effect of polyvictimization; highlighting intersections among bullying and harassment on indicators of school climate.
Foundations and new paradigms of brain computing: past, present, and future

Aparadigmshift: autonomousadaptationtoachangingworld. There has been rapid progress over the past fifty years in modeling how brains control behavior; that is, in developing increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive computational solutions of the classical mind/body problem. Not surprisingly, such progress embodies a major paradigm shift, but one that is taking a long time to fully take hold because it requires a synthesis of knowledge from multiple disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, mathematics, and computer science.
Why Did They Comply While Others Did Not? Labor Law Compliance of Private Firms in China

In recent years, China has strengthened labor protection with the implementation of a series of labor regulations; however, studies examining firms’ compliance with labor laws have been scarce. Usi...
Clinical Pearls: Etiologies of Superscan Appearance on Fluorine-18-Fludeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography

The term "superscan" usually refers to a characteristic pattern on skeletal scintigraphy consisting of symmetrically intense and diffuse radiotracer uptake in the skeleton with absent or diminished visualization of the genitourinary system and soft tissues. Superscans and superscan-like appearances have also been described on fluorine-18-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18-F-FDG PET/CT). We review reported cases of 18-F-FDG PET/CT superscans and propose criteria for differentiating pathologic superscans from physiologic causes. Knowledge of the 18-F-FDG PET/CT superscan, its reported pathologic causes, its benign imitators, and its clinical implications is important to the nuclear medicine physician or radiologist specializing in the interpretation of nuclear studies to avoid several diagnostic pitfalls.