cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the use of network meta-analysis in education: examining the correlation between ORF and text complexity measures

Calls for empirical investigations of the Common Core standards (CCSSs) for English Language Arts have been widespread, particularly in the area of text complexity in the primary grades (e.g., Hiebert & Mesmer Educational Research, 42(1), 44-51, 2013). The CCSSs mention that qualitative methods (such as Fountas and Pinnell) and quantitative methods (such as Lexiles) can be used to gauge text complexity (CCSS Initiative, 2010). However, researchers have questioned the validity of these tools for several decades (e.g., Hiebert & Pearson, 2010). In an effort to establish criterion validity of these tools, individual studies have compared how well they correlate with actual student reading performance measures, most commonly reading comprehension and/or oral-reading fluency (ORF). ORF is a key aspect of reading success and as such is often used for progress monitoring purposes. However, to date, studies have not been able to evaluate different text complexity tools and relation to reading outcomes across studies. This is challenging because the pair-wise meta-analytic model is not able to synthesize several independent variables that differ both within and across studies. Therefore, it is unable to answer pressing research questions in education, such as, which text complexity tool is most correlated with student ORF (and, thus, a good measure of text difficulty)? This question is timely given that the Common Core State Standards explicitly mention various text complexity tools; yet, the validity of such tools has been repeatedly questioned by researchers. This article provides preliminary evidence to answer that question using an approach borrowed from the field of medicine-Network Meta-Analysis (NMA; Lumley Statistics in Medicine, 21, 2313-2324, 2002). A systematic search yielded 5 studies using 19 different text complexity tools with ORF as the reading outcome measured. Both a frequentist and Bayesian NMA were conducted to pool the correlations of a given text complexity tool with students' ORF. While the results differed slightly across the two approaches, there is preliminary evidence in support of the hypothesis that text complexity tools which incorporate more fine-grained sub-lexical variables were more strongly correlated with student outcomes. While the results of this example cannot be generalized due to the low sample size, this article shows how NMA is a promising new analytic tool for synthesizing educational research.
Relationships Among Organizational Values, Employee Engagement, and Patient Satisfaction in an Academic Medical Center.

Abstract Objective To examine the relationships among various organizational values, employee engagement, and patient satisfaction in an academic medical center. Participants and Methods Organizational values and engagement data were retrieved from 2015 all-staff survey results from 1876 clinical units at Mayo Clinic. For patient satisfaction data, Press Ganey scores from visits from July 1, 2015, through January 1, 2016, were matched with data for 26 outpatient units from the all-staff survey. The study was performed from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2017. Results From the all-staff survey results, we identified seven constructs related to values and employee engagement, all of which showed high positive correlation with each other. We were able to determine a structural equation model for values and engagement that had an excellent fit (comparative fit index, 0.957). Empowering leadership was positively correlated with the largest number of patient satisfaction items, followed by employee engagement and psychological safety/trust. All items from the care provider category had positive correlations with empowering leadership and psychological safety/trust. Conclusion All the organizational values studied showed positive correlation with employee engagement, and all the organizational values and engagement were predictors of excellence and innovation either directly or indirectly. This affirms that honoring organizational values related to respect, psychological safety/trust, empowering leadership, and fairness has a positive influence on employee engagement and desire to pursue excellence. Organizational values, engagement, and empowering leadership behavior were positively correlated with many patient satisfaction items.
Preoperative characteristics of over 1,300 functional septorhinoplasty patients

Objective To identify characteristics of patients presenting preoperatively for functional septorhinoplasty associated with increased Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores. Study design Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort at a tertiary medical center. Only baseline assessments were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Methods 1,338 patients completed baseline nasal evaluation, resulting in 1,034 NOSE scores. Demographics, medical history, surgical history, and physical exam findings were recorded. Results The average preoperative NOSE score was 59.8 out of 100 (standard deviation: 24.9). Fifty-four percent (578 per 1,074) of respondents were female, although sex did not affect baseline NOSE score (P = 0.7). Forty-five percent (404 per 896) reported prior nasal surgery. History of rhinoplasty was not associated with a difference in baseline NOSE score (P = 0.1924); however, history of septoplasty (P = 0.0390) was associated with an increased baseline NOSE score. Snoring was also both associated with higher baseline NOSE score (P = 0.0003). All 12 septal/nasal valve measurements were associated with higher preoperative NOSE score, whereas the internal nasal valve narrowing variables retained significance in multivariate analysis (left: P = .0490; right: P = .0077). Conclusion Patients presenting for nasal airway obstruction were evaluated. Sex was not associated with difference in NOSE score. History of septoplasty was associated with higher baseline NOSE score, as were snoring and internal nasal valve narrowing at rest. Level of evidence 2C Laryngoscope, 130:25-31, 2020.
Burnout in Pediatric Residents: Three Years of National Survey Data.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the national epidemiology of burnout in pediatric residents. METHODS: We conducted surveys of residents at 34 programs in 2016, 43 programs in 2017, and 49 programs in 2018. Survey items included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, demographics, program characteristics, personal qualities, experiences, and satisfaction with support, work-life balance, and learning environment. Analyses included cross-sectional comparisons and cross-sectional and longitudinal regression. RESULTS: More than 60% of eligible residents participated; burnout rates were >50% in all years and not consistently associated with any demographic or residency characteristics. Cross-sectional associations were significant between burnout and stress, sleepiness, quality of life, mindfulness, self-compassion, empathy, confidence in providing compassionate care (CCC), being on a high-acuity rotation, recent major medical error, recent time off, satisfaction with support and career choice, and attitudes about residency. In cross-sectional logistic regression analyses, 4 factors were associated with an increased risk of burnout: stress, sleepiness, dissatisfaction with work-life balance, and recent medical error; 4 factors were associated with lower risk: empathy, self-compassion, quality of life, and CCC. Longitudinally, after controlling for 2017 burnout and 2018 risk factors (eg, recent error, sleepiness, rotation, and time off), 2017 quality of life was associated with 2018 burnout; 2017 self-compassion was associated with lower 2018 stress; and 2017 mindfulness, empathy, and satisfaction with learning environment and career choice were associated with 2018 CCC. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of residents met burnout criteria. Several identified factors (eg, stress, sleepiness, medical errors, empathy, CCC, and self-compassion) suggest targets for interventions to reduce burnout in future studies.
Discretionary Military Action in Political Time

This study investigates whether a president’s place in Stephen Skowronek’s theory of political time affects the likelihood that the president will use his power as commander-in-chief to take discre...
A Student-Led Approach to Integrate ASPEN Plus® in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum at The University of Kansas

Simulation software has experienced growing interest in chemical engineering curriculums for its usage in commercial engineering practices. This article describes the ASPEN Plus® version 10 (V10) simulations and a student teach students approach to integrate ASPEN in the chemical engineering curriculum at the University of Kansas (KU). Videos, handouts, and lectures created by the first author, an undergraduate senior, effectively teaches ASPEN to other chemical engineering students and enhances the learning experience of the classroom.
Tourism Microentrepreneurship: state of the art and research agenda

Microentrepreneurship has always been an important driving force of the tourism industry. However, until recently, this sector was mostly invisible and understudied. Microentrepreneurs are now becoming influential stakeholders due to new information technologies that make their offerings easily accessible to a broader clientele and render their economic activity more transparent and taxable. There is a growing consensus that tourism microentrepreneurs can make destinations more competitive and equitable. Accordingly, there has been a surge of scholarship on tourism microentrepreneurship to inform strategies and policies to fuel microentrepreneurial development and its integration with the formal tourism sector. The purpose of this conceptual article is threefold: first, to discuss the definition of tourism microentrepreneurship and commonly used theoretical conceptualizations, as well as the evolution of research on tourism microentrepreneurship; second, to identify research gaps in the existing literature and propose avenues for future research; third, to serve as an introduction to a Special Section on Tourism Microentrepreneurship. In addition, we offer a set of practical recommendations for destination managers and supporting organizations to develop and nurture networks of microentrepreneurs, and to identify suitable and rewarding microentrepreneurial opportunities in the tourism business ecosystem.
The motion induced by the orthogonal stretching and shearing of a membrane beneath a quiescent fluid

The flow induced above an impermeable membrane undergoing orthogonal linear stretching and orthogonal linear shearing is investigated. For an exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations, the orthogonal shearing motions must be related through the constant σ = γ δ, where γ and δ are the dimensionless streamwise and transverse shear rates, respectively. The resulting similarity reduction leads to three nonlinearly coupled ordinary differential equations governed by σ and the ratio of membrane stretch rates β. All possible solutions of these equations are found either numerically or, in special cases, analytically. Features of the σ = 0 solutions at β = 0 and asymptotically as β → ∞ are found to be in excellent agreement with numerical calculations. An aside calculation shows that orthogonal shearing in the absence of any plate stretching cannot exist. However, shearing in one coordinate direction is possible as long as the membrane stretches in at least one direction with the caveat that there exists uniform suction through a porous membrane.
Drug-Related Lupus

Adverse side effects to drugs and chemicals in which immune mechanisms may be responsible have been described in drug-related lupus (DRL). The spectrum of drugs that may elicit DRL includes such classes as the hydrazines, arylamines, and chemicals that can be metabolised to amines. The 2 major pathways of metabolism — acetylation and N-hydroxylation — are described in detail.
Another Look at Norris and Ortega (2000)

Since Norris and Ortega‟s (2000) seminal work on the effectiveness of second language instruction, there has been a proliferation of meta-analyses in the field of applied linguistics. Subsequent meta-analysts, however, have uncritically followed the methodological choices made by Norris and Ortega. This paper suggests a critical reevaluation of the methodological procedures underlying the Norris and Ortega (2000) meta-analysis. I reexamined their procedures, and reassessed the 49 unique samples they used in their meta-analysis. In doing so, I identified three key methodological limitations with the study, pertaining, respectively, to (a) the data collection procedure, (b) the coding system, and (c) the statistical analysis. I argue that the lack of data quality inherent in the primary studies, the oversimplified coding scheme, and the inappropriate use of effect size statistics combine to compromise the validity of the conclusions Norris and Ortega have drawn from their meta-analysis. I subsequently provide alternative procedures which may yield a more empirically sound research synthesis, recommending, for future meta-analysts, the „best evidence synthesis‟ approach where conclusions are drawn from combining quantitative and qualitative analyses.
A comparison of methods to detect urinary tract infections using electronic data.

Article-at-a-Glance Background The use of electronic medical records to identify common health care–associated infections (HAIs), including pneumonia, surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), has been proposed to help perform HAI surveillance and guide infection prevention efforts. Increased attention on HAIs has led to public health reporting requirements and a focus on quality improvement activities around HAIs. Traditional surveillance to detect HAIs and focus prevention efforts is labor intensive, and computer algorithms could be useful to screen electronic data and provide actionable information. Methods Seven computer-based decision rules to identify UTIs were compared in a sample of 33,834 admissions to an urban academic health center. These decision rules included combinations of laboratory data, patient clinical data, and administrative data (for example, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Ninth Revision [ICD-9] codes). Results Of 33,834 hospital admissions, 3,870 UTIs were identified by at least one of the decision rules. The use of ICD-9 codes alone identified 2,614 UTIs. Laboratory-based definitions identified 2,773 infections, but when the presence of fever was included, only 1,125 UTIs were identified. The estimated sensitivity of ICD-9 codes was 55.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.5%–58.5%) when compared with a culture- and symptom-based definition. Of the UTIs identified by ICD-9 codes, 167/1,125 (14.8%) also met two urine-culture decision rules. Discussion Use of the example of UTI identification shows how different algorithms may be appropriate, depending on the goal of case identification. Electronic surveillance methods may be beneficial for mandatory reporting, process improvement, and economic analysis.
Gender and age in benign vocal fold lesions

Objective/Hypothesis Certain lesions appear to occur predominantly in one gender or in younger or older patients. We examined a large sample from a treatment-seeking population to describe gender and age associations of an array of benign vocal fold lesions. Study Design Retrospective review. Methods The medical records and evaluations of all adult patients presenting for care over a 5-year period were examined for demographic characteristics and lesion type. A total of 641 lesions in 602 patients were grouped into 13 broad categories, and prevalence was compared between male and female patients and three age groups. Results Pseudocysts and bilateral midfold lesions occurred principally in young (18–39 years old) females (P 39 years old) women (P < 0.012). Polyps, contact lesions, leukoplakia (all P < 0.0001), and sulcus (P < 0.0002) were found predominantly in men. Conclusion Certain benign mucosal lesions are strongly associated with age and especially with gender. These differences may be explained by intrinsic differences in laryngeal anatomy and phonatory physiology in these groups, including differences in phonatory frequency and air pressure, and in the ability of the membranous vocal fold to withstand phonotrauma. Such inherent differences have implications for treatment expectations and approaches. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:191–196, 2015
The Role of Magnetic Reconnection in Solar Activity

The central challenge in solar/heliospheric physics is to understand how the emergence and transport of magnetic flux at the photosphere drives the structure and dynamics that we observe in the corona and heliosphere. This presentation focuses on the role of magnetic reconnection in determining solar/heliospheric activity. We demonstrate that two generic properties of the photospheric magnetic and velocity fields are responsible for the ubiquitous reconnection in the corona. First, the photospheric velocities are complex, which leads to the injection of energy and helicity into the coronal magnetic fields and to the efficient, formation of small-scale structure. Second, the flux distribution at the photosphere is multi-polar, which implies that topological discontinuities and, consequently, current sheets, must be present in the coronal magnetic field. We: present numerical simulations showing that photospherically-driven reconnection is responsible for the heating and dynamics of coronal plasma, and for the topology of the coronal/heliospheric magnetic field.
Estimating the Area under a Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve For Repeated Measures Design

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is widely used for diagnosing as well as for judging the discrimination ability of different statistical models. Although theories about ROC curves have been established and computation methods and computer software are available for cross-sectional design, limited research for estimating ROC curves and their summary statistics has been done for repeated measure designs, which are useful in many applications, such as biological, medical and health services research. Furthermore, there is no published statistical software available that can generate ROC curves and calculate summary statistics of the area under a ROC curve for data from a repeated measures design. Using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), we estimate the predicted probabilities of the positivity of a disease or condition, and the estimated probability is then used as a bio-marker for constructing the ROC curve and computing the area under the curve. The area under a ROC curve is calculated using the Wilcoxon non-parametric approach by comparing the predicted probability of all discordant pairs of observations. The ROC curve is constructed by plotting a series of pairs of true positive rate (sensitivity) and false positive rate (1- specificity) calculated from varying cuts of positivity escalated by increments of 0.005 in predicted probability. The computation software is written in SAS/IML/MACRO v8 and can be executed in any computer that has a working SAS v8 system with SAS/IML/MACRO.
In defense of pathogen disgust and disease avoidance: a response to Tybur et al. (2015)

Abstract The behavioral immune system (BIS) is a set of psychological mechanisms that evolved to serve a disease-avoidance function (Schaller, 2006). As other people are a primary source of disease transmission, the BIS plays a role in the development of social attitudes and beliefs. In particular, considerable evidence has demonstrated that the BIS is associated with higher levels of social conservatism (see Terrizzi, Shook, & McDaniel, 2013, for a review). Recently, Tybur and colleagues (2015) have argued that the BIS is only indirectly associated with social conservatism through sexual strategies. In this commentary, we outline several theoretical, methodological, and data analytic problems with the Tybur et al. (2015) paper. We also present empirical evidence that refutes the proposed model, demonstrating a direct link between the BIS and social conservatism, even after accounting for sexual strategies.
Open-loop training of recurrent neural networks for nonlinear dynamical system identification

We develop a training approach for a class of recurrent neural networks which are categorized by layered links from input neurons to output neurons and time-lagged feedback links from output neurons to input neurons. This particular neural network structure can be considered as a special case of time-lagged recurrent networks. The present approach treats the recurrent neural network as a multilayer feedforward neural network during training by opening up the feedback links. We also treat the nonlinear system to be identified as a nonlinear function with no dynamics during data collection. Such a process for training data collection allows the use of random system states and random control inputs to ensure good representation in data collection and less dependence on the initial states. The training process of the neural networks can be simplified since the gradient calculation is much less involved in feedforward neural networks. It is argued that the neural network structure considered herein is appropriate for performing nonlinear dynamical system identification.
Quantitative phase retrieval with arbitrary pupil and illumination

We present a general algorithm for combining measurements taken under various illumination and imaging conditions to quantitatively extract the amplitude and phase of an object wave. The algorithm uses the weak object transfer function, which incorporates arbitrary pupil functions and partially coherent illumination. The approach is extended beyond the weak object regime using an iterative algorithm. We demonstrate the method on measurements of Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) multilayer mask defects taken in an EUV zone plate microscope with both a standard zone plate lens and a zone plate implementing Zernike phase contrast.
Exercise training improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

Experimental studies examining the effects of regular exercise on cardiac responses to ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) are limited. Therefore, these experiments examined the effects of endurance exe...
New exponential-type approximations for the erfc(.) and erfc p (.) functions with applications

In this article, we first develop very tight second and third-order exponential-type approximations for the Gaussian probability integral Q(.) and/or the complementary error function erfc(.) which are subsequently used to devise the conditional symbol error probability (CEP) formulas for several classes of digital modulation schemes that are both invertible and in a “desirable” exponential form. These invertible CEP formulas are of interest in the optimization of discrete-rate adaptive modulation designs and for computation of the symbol/bit error outage performance metric. We also present new non-invertible higher-order exponential-type approximations for the erfc(.) and erfcp(.) functions based on Gauss-Chebyshev quadrature method. Our analytical framework also facilitates the derivation of simple and tight closed-form approximation formulas for the average symbol error rate performance metric of both cooperative and non-cooperative diversity systems in conjunction with a wide range of digital modulation schemes over generalized fading channels via the moment generating function (MGF) approach. The accuracies of our closed-form approximations have been validated with that of the “exact” formulas in an integral form and via computer simulations.
Marine-terrestrial contrasts in the ecology of plant chemical defenses against herbivores

Small marine herbivores that live on the plants they consume often selectively eat seaweeds that are chemically defended from fishes. Their feeding is unaffected or stimulated by the plant metabolites that deter fishes, and these small herbivores dramatically reduce their susceptibility to predation by associating with host plants that are noxious to fishes. Ecological similarities between these small marine herbivores and numerous terrestrial insects suggest that herbivorous insects also may have evolved a preference for toxic plants because this diminishes their losses to predators, parasites and pathogens. Although marine and terrestrial plants and herbivores evolved in strikingly different environments, the ease of experimentation in some marine systems makes them ideal for addressing certain questions of fundamental importance to both terrestrial and marine workers.
Dynamic Rheological and Thermal Properties of Soft Wheat Flour Dough Containing Structured Lipid

: The effect of substituting canola oil/caprylic acid structured lipid for shortening (at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels) on the viscoelastic and thermal properties of soft wheat flour dough (28.4% total lipid, 43% moisture) was determined using dynamic rheological and differential scanning calorimetry tests. Ambient frequency scans produced higher G″ (loss modulus) and G′ (storage modulus) values at increasing frequencies. Temperature scans revealed rapid G″ and G′ increases for dough heated to above 56 °C, apparently because of starch gelatinization. Three differential scanning calorimetry endothermic peaks were observed at 54 °C, 69 °C, and 93 °C, which were attributed to shortening transition and gelatinization of starch granules.
Investigation of Cell Phones as a Potential Source of Bacterial Contamination in the Operating Room

Background: Cell phone use has become common in areas of the hospital, including the operating room. The purpose of this study was to document the frequency of bacterial contamination on the cell phones of orthopaedic surgeons in the operating room and to determine whether a standardized disinfecting protocol decreased the rate of bacterial contamination and the amount of organic material. Methods: Orthopaedic attending and resident cell phones were swabbed on the front and back in the operating room with adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence to quantify organic material contamination and culture swabs to evaluate bacterial contamination. Adenosine triphosphate was quantified with use of relative light units. One photon of light was emitted for each molecule of adenosine triphosphate. Thresholds of 250 and 500 relative light units were used. The phones were cleaned with a cleaning wipe and were retested. One week later, a final set of studies was obtained. Fifty-three participants were enrolled in this study. Pathogenic bacteria were defined as those commonly causing surgical site infections. Results: Of fifty-three cell phones, 83% (forty-four cell phones) had pathogenic bacteria at initial testing, 8% (four cell phones) had pathogenic bacteria after disinfection, and 75% (forty cell phones) had pathogenic bacteria one week later. The mean result (and standard deviation) at initial testing was 3488 ± 2998 relative light units, which reduced after disinfection to 200 ± 123 relative light units, indicating a cleaned surface, but increased one week later to 1825 ± 1699 relative light units, indicating a poorly cleaned surface. Conclusions: The cell phones of orthopaedic surgeons had a high rate of pathogenic bacteria and organic material contamination. Both were decreased after a single disinfecting process. However, recontamination occurred. It seems prudent to routinely disinfect them or avoid their use in the operating room. Clinical Relevance: The current study investigates orthopaedic surgeons’ cell phones as a potential source of nosocomial infection in the operating room. On the basis of the high percentage of cell phone contamination found, we would recommend periodic cell phone cleaning with either the wipes used in our study or similar ones. In addition, given that there was a high contamination rate one week after disinfection, we would recommend considering cell phone cleaning more frequently than once a week.
Differential effect of estrogen receptor alpha and beta agonists on the receptor for advanced glycation end product expression in human microvascular endothelial cells

Estrogens are known to induce the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). In the current investigation, we examined the effect of three estrogens with different potency for specific estrogen receptors (ER) on RAGE expression in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Of the three estrogens tested, ethinyl estradiol (EE), an estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) agonist, was the strongest inducer of RAGE expression in HMEC-1. By comparison, 17-epiestriol, an estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) agonist and 17-beta-E2, an ER agonist that is almost equally potent for ERalpha and ERbeta were less effective in stimulating RAGE expression. We then determined whether the prooxidative and proinflammatory transcription factors Sp1 or NF-kappaB were downstream modulators of ER-agonists that mediate RAGE expression. The results implicated Sp1 but not NF-kappaB in estrogen-dependent RAGE expression. We further demonstrated that ERalpha but not ERbeta was responsible for the estrogen-mediated Sp1 activation. In summary, the present investigation demonstrates that a direct interaction of EE-ERalpha-Sp1 plays a central role in estrogen-induced RAGE expression in HMEC-1.
Analytic output expression for integrated optic phase reversal modulators with microwave loss

Analytic output expressions are given for the amplitude and phase of the output of integrated optic phase reversal modulators including microwave loss. This result applies to periodic or aperiodic modulators with constant segment length.
Synthesis of Phosphoramides for the Lewis Base-Catalyzed Allylation and Aldol Addition Reactions.

Both chiral and achiral phosphoramides of diverse structure were prepared from diamines by the coupling to phosphorus(V) or phosphorus(III) reagents. Several enantiopure 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediam...
Vaccine Providers’ Perspectives on Impact, Challenges, and Response during the California 2010 Pertussis Outbreak

Introduction: California has experienced its worst outbreak of pertussis in 50 y. In preparing for such outbreaks of pertussis, vaccine providers in the state play a key role in educating patients about the public health implications of vaccination, explaining the benefits to immunization, and facilitating patients' receipt of recommended immunizations. Methods: We conducted a survey of 800 California vaccine providers to investigate provider level response to recent pertussis outbreaks and regulation by provider type and geography. Results: Sixty-nine percent (533/777) of vaccine providers within the state of California responded to the survey. Fifty-three percent (278/527) of vaccine providers indicated that it was part of standard care at their practice or pharmacy location to ask adult patients about pertussis vaccine (Table 1) and this varied across practice types (P < 0.0001). Fifty-seven percent of providers (270/476) indicated that the information they received from the state about pertussis during the 2010 California pertussis outbreak was very useful or useful, while 52% of providers indicated this information was neutral, not useful, not at all useful. Vaccine administration, patient groups seen, and challenges varied by provider type however meaningful differences among subpopulations to which the vaccine was administered were found between provider types (P < 0.001, Table 2). Conclusion: The 2010 pertussis outbreak in California challenged vaccine providers in a way that changed the preparation, promotion, and planning for future outbreaks and emergency situations. Adaptability to the new state law and increased awareness of pertussis in the physician community were important in the number of patients receiving the vaccine. Also, forming partnerships with schools and health agencies were important in facilitating and promoting wide spread vaccination.
Electron-impact inner-shell excitation of Fe XVI

We report R -matrix calculations of electron-impact collision strengths for excitation from the inner L-shell into doubly excited states of Fe XVI. The basic close-coupling expansion used includes 59 LS terms of the target ion dominated by the configurations 2p6 3s, 2p6 3p, 2p6 3d, 2p5 3s2 , 2p5 3s3p, 2p5 3s3d, 2p5 3p2 and 2p5 3p3d. We investigate the convergence of the collision strengths with the number of partial waves included in the expansion, the contributions from relativistic effects and the convergence of the close-coupling expansion by using pseudo-orbitals that try to account for the effect of the infinite number of levels that lie between the bound and doubly excited states. The present collision strengths exhibit dense packs of high resonances that enhance the effective collision strengths by up to three orders of magnitude. Also important are relativistic effects which alter both the resonance structures and background cross sections, changing the effective collision strengths by up to several orders of magnitude. In addition, a large number of carefully optimized pseudo-orbitals are necessary to achieve convergence in the target expansion. By taking into account the bound states not explicitly included in the expansion, the collision strengths into the doubly excited levels are reduced by up to more than a decade in some cases.
Diel vertical migration of the marine copepod Calanopia americana. I. Twilight DVM and its relationship to the diel light cycle

Marine copepods commonly exhibit vertical movements in the water column over the diel cycle, termed diel vertical migration (DVM), with the most common pattern being an ascent in the water column to minimum depth around sunset and descent to maximum depth around sunrise. The present study characterized the DVM pattern of the pontellid copepod Calanopia americana Dahl in the Newport River estuary (North Carolina, USA, in July 2003). The estuary is shallow and well-mixed, and the study site (34°43′N; 76°40′W), 1.5 km inside the estuary entrance, is unusual in lying within a gyre where tidal currents are always in the seaward direction. Changes in C. americana vertical abundance were related to spectrally relevant changes in light throughout the diel cycle. Simultaneous measurements of light and zooplankton abundance near the surface (0.5 m depth) and near the bottom (0.5 m above bottom) were made over one 4-h period and two 3-day periods during different phases of the tide. These observations suggest that C. americana undertook twilight DVM in the Newport River estuary; an ascent to the surface occurred at sunset, followed by a descent to near the bottom around midnight, with a second ascent to the surface and then descent to near bottom at sunrise. DVM in C. americana was independent of the tidal cycle, with the initial ascent in the water column at sunset possibly associated with relative rates of irradiance change. Copepod vertical movements were consistent with a night-active endogenous rhythm, and appeared independent of the abundance of predatory chaetognaths, Sagitta spp. In DVM studies with migrators like C. americana that are broadly sensitive to visible wavelengths of light, measuring photosynthetically active radiation may be a reasonable alternative to measuring light in a spectrally relevant photometric unit.
Concerning the chemical nature of tubulin subunits that cap and stabilize microtubules.

There is no definitive evidence on the nature of the cap at microtubule ends that is responsible for dynamic instability behavior. It was, therefore, of interest that steady-state microtubules asse...
Apparent bioaccumulation of cylindrospermopsin and paralytic shellfish toxins by finfish in Lake Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico)

Compared to the well-characterized health threats associated with contamination of fish and shellfish by algal toxins in marine fisheries, the toxicological relevance of the bioaccumulation of toxins from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), as the primary toxigenic algae in freshwater systems, remains relatively unknown. Lake Catemaco (Veracruz, Mexico) is a small, tropical lake system specifically characterized by a year-round dominance of the known toxigenic cyanobacterial genus, Cylindrospermopsis, and by low, but detectable, levels of both a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin, cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). In the present study, we evaluated, using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), levels of both toxins in several species of finfish caught and consumed locally in the region to investigate the bioaccumulation of, and possible health threats associated with, these toxins as potential foodborne contaminants. ELISA detected levels of both CYN and PSTs in fish tissues from the lake...
Involvement of the calcium-independent receptor for α-latrotoxin in brain ischemia

Abstract Cerebral ischemia is caused by a reduced blood supply to neurons, and vulnerability to neurodegeneration varies considerably among neuronal types. In hippocampus, neurons in the CA1 region are more susceptible to ischemia-induced neuronal death than neurons in the CA3 region, and in response to transient forebrain ischemia a family of calcium-dependent receptors for α-latrotoxin is differentially expressed in the two regions. Here, we report that an ischemic insult up-regulated a family of calcium-independent receptors for α-latrotoxin (CIRL) mRNAs in CA1 neurons and down-regulated their mRNAs in CA3 neurons. Furthermore, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to CIRL-1 mRNA or CIRL-3 mRNA suppressed neuronal death associated with hypoxia in hippocampal and cortical cell cultures. The observed region-specific CIRL mRNA expression in hippocampus and an in vitro rescue experiment by antisense oligonucleotides against CIRL mRNAs suggest a functional importance of CIRL in neurodegeneration.
PRIVATIZANDO LA DIFERENCIA: EL LIBERALISMO IGUALITARIO Y EL PLURALISMO CULTURAL

Este articulo examina algunos de los problemas a los que se enfrenta el liberalismo igualitario cuando intenta abordar apropiadamente el desafio de la pluralidad cultural. En primer lugar, expone la estrategia de la privatizacion que defiende Barry. Luego, se critica esa aproximacion por ser ciega ante la diferencia. Y, para terminar, se revisa la pertinencia y potencia de tal reproche.
Hydrology and Geostatistics of a Vermont, USA Kettlehole Peatland

The ability to predict the response of peatland ecosystems to hydrologic changes is imperative for successful conservation and remediation efforts. We studied a 1.25-ha Vermont kettlehole bog for one year (September 2001–October 2002) to identify hydrologic controls, temporal and spatial variability in flow regimes, and to link hydrologic processes to density of the carnivorous plant (Sarracenia purpurea), an ombrotrophic bog specialist. Using a spatial array of nested piezometers, we measured surface and subsurface flow in shallow peat and surrounding mineral soil. Our unique sampling array was based on a repeated measures factorial design with: (1) incremental distances from a central kettlehole pond; (2) equal distances between piezometers; and (3) at three depths from the peat surface. Local flow patterns in the peat were controlled by snowpack storage during winter and spring months and by evapotranspiration and pond water elevation during summer and fall months. Hydraulic head values showed a local reversal within the peat during spring months which was reflected in higher chemical constituent concentrations in these wells. On a regional scale, higher permeable soils diverted groundwater beneath the peatland to a nearby wetland complex. Horizontal water gradient magnitudes were larger in zones where the peatland was perched above regional groundwater and smaller in zones where a hydraulic connection existed between the peatland and the regional groundwater. The density of pitcher plants (S. purpurea) is strongly correlated to the distance from a central pond, [Fe 3C ], [Na C ], [Cl K ], and ½SO 2K
A Flat Chern-Simons gauge theory for (2+1)-dimensional gravity coupled to point particles

Abstract We present a classical ISO (2,1) Chern-Simons gauge theory for planar gravity coupled to point-like sources. The theory is defined in terms of flat coordinates whose relation with the space-time coordinates is established. Though flat, the theory is equivalent to Einstein's as we show explicity in two examples.
Corticospinal projections from areas 4 and 6 in the raccoon.

The corticospinal projections from areas 4 and 6 were investigated in the raccoon using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde tracing technique. Multiple injections of lectin bound HRP and HRP were made into either the cervical or lumbar cord in 7 anesthetized raccoons. Retrogradely labeled neurons were observed throughout a wide extent of areas 4 and 6aβ. The HRP positive cells were most numerous within the dorsal bank of the cruciate sulcus within area 4 and continued around the fundus to occupy the lateral two-thirds of the ventral bank of the cruciate sulcus within area 6aβ. No labeled cells were observed in the more medially located area 6aα. Although the HRP positive cells observed following the lumbar cord injections were situated slightly more medial and caudal to those observed following the cervical cord injections, considerable overlap between the two projections was noted. The corticospinal projections arising from areas 4 and 6aβ in the raccoon largely correspond in location to the regions functionally defined as the primary motor cortex and the supplementary motor area, respectively.
Ambipolar phosphorene field-effect transistors with dielectric capping

We fabricated field-effect transistors based on few-layer phosphorene. We show a well-behaved back-gate few-layer phosphorene transistor with an on-current of 144 mA/mm, on/off ratio over 104 and hole field-effect mobility of 95.6 cm2/V·s. An ALD Al 2 O 3 top dielectric capping could tune the effective Schottky barrier heights for electrons/holes, and hence change the polarity of the transistor from p-type to ambipolar.
Competition Policy, Rivalries, and Defense Industry Consolidation

Declining outlays for new weapons programs have triggered a process of consolidation that promises to shrink the U.S. defense industry drastically. Consolidation in the defense industry raises complex competition policy issues that are not amenable to conventional antitrust merger analysis. This paper presents a framework for identifying important contractor competencies, assessing rivalries in defense industry segments, and evaluating the competitive effects of mergers and other consolidation events. As applied to antitrust oversight and to Department of Defense funding, program, and acquisition strategy decisions, this framework can help preserve supply alternatives for developing state-of-the-art weapons needed to satisfy national security requirements.
Latent defects of atrioventricular conduction in right coronary artery disease.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of latent defects in AV conduction in patients with right coronary artery disease. Twenty-two patients with greater than 50 per cent obstruction of the right coronary artery and a predominant right coronary artery system or pattern were studied with His bundle electrograms and determinations were made of the functional refractory period of the AV node and the point at which AV Wenckebach developed during rapid atrial pacing with a fixed cycle length. The patients were studied prior to or at least six months after the onset of clinical or electrocardiographic evidence of acute infarction. Similar measurements were made in eighteen control subjects with less than 50 per cent occlusion of the right coronary artery. The results showed significant prolongation of the functional refractory period (467 ± 63 msec. for patients with right coronary disease versus 408 ± 43 msec. in the control group; P
A New Look at Navajo Social Organization1

The concrete social system of the Navajo is ordered by the conceptual or symbolic system. The central symbol of Navajo social organization is motherhood. The symbolic meaning of motherhood is found in life, reproduction, and subsistence. It is expressed in affectionate care and in the giving or providing of food. The basic unit of the concrete social system of the Navajo, the subsistence residential unit, is organized, structured, and integrated by the symbols of motherhood.
Quantitation of rabbit cytochrome P-450, form 2, in microsomal preparations bound directly to nitrocellulose paper using a modified peroxidase-immunostaining procedure

Abstract Rabbit hepatic microsomal suspensions were bound directly to nitrocellulose sheets using a “Hybridot” apparatus to ensure uniformity. Cytochrome P -450, form 2, was then detected by a modified immunochemical method wherein the nitrocellulose paper was incubated sequentially with antibody to form 2 for 1 h at 25°C, rabbit anti-goat immunoglobulin G (IgG) at a 1:100 dilution for 15 min at 25°C, goat peroxidase-antiperoxidase at a 1:2000 dilution for 15 min at 25°C, and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine at 0.3 mg/ml plus 0.002% hydrogen peroxide for 30 min at 25°C. These conditions, as opposed to those previously published, yielded less background staining. The density of the stain, scanned with a soft laser (Zeineh), increased linearly from 2 to 100 fmol for purified form 2. Cytochrome P -450, form 2, was detected and quantitated in microsomal samples containing 0.1 to 0.5 and 0.02 to 0.05 μg protein for preparations from untreated and phenobarbital-treated rabbits, respectively. The results agreed with those obtained by Western blotting and single radial immunodiffusion. This assay is more sensitive than either Western blotting or radial immunodiffusion and has significant advantages such as ease of operation, increased sample numbers, and reduced interference from extraneous proteins.
Alteration of liposome disposition in vivo by bilayer situated carbohydrates.

The inclusion of either lactosylcerebroside or dimannosyldiglyceride at a 9% molar ratio in small unilamellar vesicles increased by two-three fold the fraction of the I.V. dose that appeared in mouse liver. For lactosylcerebroside containing liposomes, the half-time for clearance from plasma was 1.2 hours compared to 5.5 hours for liposomes of similar size, charge, and composition but lacking the glycolipid. Uptake of the lactosylcerebroside containing liposomes by the liver could be significantly reduced but not eliminated by the simultaneous injection of asialoorosomucid.
Choosing between international technology licensing partners: An empirical analysis of U.S. biotechnology firms

This paper examines the potential factors that might influence U.S. biotechnology holders' licensing decisions regarding whom to choose as foreign licensing partners in the context of a global environment. The important explanatory factors relate to the knowledge appropriability regime of the licensee country (i.e. strength of IPR protection), familiarity through prior interaction, business similarity between partners, and prior independent experience as a licensor. U.S. biotechnology firms also license technology more to partners who have joint manufacturing, marketing, and research and development (R&D) experience. The results show that transaction cost considerations weigh heavily when choosing international licensing partners.
Overview of Professional Liability

Eighty-nine percent of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists fellows responding to the 2006 Professional Liability Survey indicated that they had been sued during their careers. Thirty-seven percent had at least one claim from residency, and there were an average of 2.6 claims per obstetrician. Sixty-two percent of these claims were from obstetrics as opposed to gynecology. The articles in this issue discuss various areas of perinatal medicine from the medical and legal perspectives, emphasizing those issues in maternal-fetal medicine that are the most frequent subjects of medical malpractice litigation.