cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The integrated managements of medical vectors for troops under field conditions

The endangerment characteristics of the important medical vectors such as mosquitoes,flies and rats etc.were summarized,and the control principles of medical vectors around campsite were discussed.The strategies of integrated pest managements were explained.
Measles antibody level analysis of children aged 1-14 years in Qinghai province in 2008

To investigation the measles antibody level of children age 1-14 years in Qinghai province and evaluate the immunization quality in some counties.8 counties were choosed from 8 states(city),the measles antibody level in health children was detected in the sellected 8 counties.The results showed that the positive rate of measles antibody is 89.90%,protection rate is 81.91%,GMT is 1:1551.76.These two indexes between age,sex and nationality group have no statistical differences.The positive rate of measles antibody of children is 79.41%in Hualong county,in all of the another 7 counties it is above 85%,but the protective rate of measles still is low in Qinghai province,It need to increase the coverage of measles vaccination.
Explaining Normal Quantile-Quantile Plots through Animation: The Water-Filling Analogy

ABSTRACTA normal quantile-quantile (QQ) plot is an important diagnostic for checking the assumption of normality. Though useful, these plots confuse students in my introductory statistics classes. A water-filling analogy, however, intuitively conveys the underlying concept. This analogy characterizes a QQ plot as a parametric plot of the water levels in two gradually filling vases. Each vase takes its shape from a probability distribution or sample. If the vases share a common shape, then the water levels match throughout the filling, and the QQ plot traces a diagonal line. An R package qqvases provides an interactive animation of this process and is suitable for classroom use.
ANALYSIS OF HAPTIC INFORMATION IN THE CEREBRAL CORTEX

Haptic sensing of objects acquires information about a number of properties. This review summarizes current understanding about how these properties are processed in the cerebral cortex of macaques and humans. Nonnoxious somatosensory inputs, after initial processing in primary somatosensory cortex, are partially segregated into different pathways. A ventrally directed pathway carries information about surface texture into parietal opercular cortex and thence to medial occipital cortex. A dorsally directed pathway transmits information regarding the location of features on objects to the intraparietal sulcus and frontal eye fields. Shape processing occurs mainly in the intraparietal sulcus and lateral occipital complex, while orientation processing is distributed across primary somatosensory cortex, the parietal operculum, the anterior intraparietal sulcus, and a parieto-occipital region. For each of these properties, the respective areas outside primary somatosensory cortex also process corresponding visual information and are thus multisensory. Consistent with the distributed neural processing of haptic object properties, tactile spatial acuity depends on interaction between bottom-up tactile inputs and top-down attentional signals in a distributed neural network. Future work should clarify the roles of the various brain regions and how they interact at the network level.
Association of RuBisCO Small Subunits with a Membrane Fraction From Chromatium Vinosum

Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxyqenase (RuBisCO) is the key enzyme of the Calvin-Benson cycle. RuBisCO in many prokaryotes and in all eukaryotes is present as a hexadecamer composed of eight copies of two types of polypeptides: a larqe subunit (L) of molecular weiqht 50,000 – 55,000 daltons which harbors the catalytic activity, and a small subunit (S) of molecular weight 12,000 – 16,000 daltons whose function is not well understood (1). In addition to the predominant L3S3 form of RuBisCO, the characterization of other structural forms of the enzyme, some lacking and some containing S subunits, has been previously described (2, 3). Since the function of S subunits remains unclear, the isolation of catalytically active RuBisCO preparations that are free of these subunits has stimulated considerable interest. In this context, more than a decade ago, RuBisCO was isolated from the purple non-sulfur bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum as an L2 enzyme (4) with turnover number comparable to that for the enzyme from higher plants.
Predictors of Patient Reported Pain After Lower Extremity Nonunion Surgery: The Nicotine Effect.

BACKGROUND Nonunion of long bone fractures is a serious complication for many patients leading to considerable morbidity. The purpose of this study is to elucidate factors affecting continued pain following long bone nonunion surgery and offer better pain control advice to patients. METHODS Patients presenting to our institutions for operative treatment of long bone fracture nonunion were enrolled in a prospective data registry. Enrolled patients were followed at regular intervals for 12 months using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), visual analog scale (VAS), physical examination, and radiographic examination. The registry was reviewed to identify patients with a tibial or femoral nonunion that went on to union with complete follow up. Univariate analyses were conducted to identify patient characteristics associated with postoperative pain. Identified patient factors with univariate p-values <0.1 were included in multivariate linear regression models in order to identify risk factors for pain 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after nonunion surgery. RESULTS Ninety-one patients with tibial or femoral nonunion who went on to union and had complete follow-up were identified. A Friedman test revealed mean pain score decreased significantly by 3 months postoperatively (p<0.0005). Univariate analyses demonstrated age (p=0.016), days from injury to nonunion surgery at our institution (p=0.067), smoking status (p<0.0005), wound status at time of injury (p=0.085), anesthesia (p=0.045), and nonunion location in the bone (p=0.047) were associated with postoperative pain in at least one time point postoperatively. These were included in multivariate models that revealed nonunion location (p=0.035) was predictive of pain 3 months postoperatively, smoking status was predictive of pain 3 months (p=0.012) and 6 months (p<0.0005) postoperatively, and days from injury to nonunion surgery at our institution was predictive of pain 6 months (p=0.024) and 12 months (p=0.004) postoperatively. CONCLUSION Healed patients have improved pain levels after lower extremity nonunion surgery. Orthopedic surgeons should stress smoking cessation programs and minimize delay to nonunion surgery, in order to maximize pain relief in this patient cohort.
Byzantine Army Structure

Parnell lays the foundation for his study of the careers and relationships of Byzantine army officers by describing the structure and functioning of that army in the sixth century. The chapter explains the differences among the various units of the Byzantine army, including the field armies, the federates, forces hired from allies, and the personal guardsmen of generals. The ranks and positions within each unit are also explained. Finally, Parnell addresses the processes, as much as is known, of recruitment and promotion in the army. Recruitment in the sixth century was primarily voluntary and promotion seems to have been determined through a combination of merit, seniority, and patronage from officers with whom one had a relationship.
Topographic mapping of left ventricular regional contractile injury in ischemic mitral regurgitation

Abstract Objective Restrictive leaflet tethering resulting from regional left ventricular (LV) contractile injury causes ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR). We hypothesized that 3-dimensional LV topographic mapping by MRI-based multiparametric strain analysis could characterize the regional contractile injury patterns that differentiate ischemic coronary artery disease patients who have ischemic MR from those who do not. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging-based multiparametric strain data were calculated for 15,300 LV grid points in 100 normal volunteers. Strain parameters from ischemic MR (n = 10) and ischemic no-MR (n = 36) patients were then normalized to this normal human strain database with z score quantification of standard deviation from the normal mean. Mean multiparametric strain z scores were calculated for 18 LV subregions (basilar/mid/apical levels; 6 LV regions). Mean strain z scores for papillary muscle-related (basilar/mid levels of anterolateral, posterolateral, and posterior) and nonpapillary muscle-related (all other) subregions were compared between ischemic MR and ischemic no-MR groups. Results Across all patients, contractile injury was greater in the papillary muscle-related regions compared with the nonpapillary regions ( P = .007). In the papillary regions, contractile injury was greater in the ischemic MR group compared with the no-MR group ( z scores, 1.91 ± 1.13 vs 1.20 ± 1.01, respectively; P P = .301). Conclusions Multiparametric strain analysis demonstrated severe normalized contractile injury in the papillary muscle-related LV subregions in patients with ischemic MR. The mean degree of normalized injury approached 2 standard deviations and was significantly worse than the levels seen in ischemic no-MR patients.
Preoperative chemoradiation versus preoperative chemotherapy alone for esophageal cancer: Higher response rates but equivalent survival.

4071 Background: Controversy exists over the optimal neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC). While most groups favor neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT), some advocate preoperative chemotherapy (nCT) without radiation. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes in EC patients undergoing either regimen, followed by surgery. Methods: We reviewed a prospectively collected database of EC patients undergoing esophagectomy following nCT or nCRT (1989-2013). Choice of therapy was at the discretion of the multidisciplinary team. Demographic data, clinical and pathologic staging, and survival (KM) were compared. Results: From 600 patients, 261 patients were identified with EC treated with nCRT (n=63) or nCT (n=199) followed by surgery. Patients were well matched for age, gender, PS, histology, and clinical stage. Following therapy, more nCRT patients had a complete clinical response (36% vs. 14%, p<0.001) by post-induction endoscopy and CT/PET. At surgery, 88% and 92% o...
Adaptive modularity maximization via edge weighting scheme

Modularity maximization is one of the state-of-the-art methods for community detection that has gained popularity in the last decade. Yet it suffers from the resolution limit problem by preferring under certain conditions large communities over small ones. To solve this problem, we propose to expand the meaning of the edges that are currently used to indicate propensity of nodes for sharing the same community. In our approach this is the role of edges with positive weights while edges with negative weights indicate aversion for putting their end-nodes into one community. We also present a novel regression model which assigns weights to the edges of a graph according to their local topological features to enhance the accuracy of modularity maximization algorithms. We construct artificial graphs based on the parameters sampled from a given unweighted network and train the regression model on ground truth communities of these artificial graphs in a supervised fashion. The extraction of local topological edge features can be done in linear time, making this process efficient. Experimental results on real and synthetic networks show that the state-of-the-art community detection algorithms improve their performance significantly by finding communities in the weighted graphs produced by our model.
Journalism, not ‘cheerleading’: An ombudsman’s paradigm repair in the JNU sedition case in India

With increasing expectations to be accountable in the digital era, some newspapers have appointed ombudsmen. This study examines the process of ‘paradigm repair’ undertaken by the ombudsman of The ...
Evaluation of Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

In this chapter, we review current conceptualizations of female sexual interest/arousal disorder, which is new to DSM-5, with a focus on recent empirical and theoretical advances. In particular, we refer to the results of epidemiological and clinical studies and to the current controversy surrounding this new diagnosis. We provide a detailed description of the many biological and psychosocial factors that contribute to decreased sexual interest and arousal in women. Finally, we suggest that a comprehensive assessment is critical to the development of a strong treatment plan for women with this disorder.
Hip-Hop Headphones: A Scholar’s Critical Playlist

Hip hop, at its finest, is a linguistic experiment. It is a string of beats and harmonies—both original and tested—carrying sociopolitical weight and threads of topics worthy of urgent, microscopic...
Thickness engineering of atomic layer deposited Al2O3 films to suppress interfacial reaction and diffusion of Ni/Au gate metal in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs up to 600 °C in air

In this paper, we describe the use of 50 nm atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 to suppress the interfacial reaction and inter-diffusion between the gate metal and semiconductor interface, to extend the operation limit up to 600 °C in air. Suppression of diffusion is verified through Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and is further supported with electrical characterization. An ALD Al2O3 thin film (10 nm and 50 nm), which functions as a dielectric layer, was inserted between the gate metal (Ni/Au) and heterostructure-based semiconductor material (AlGaN/GaN) to form a metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT). This extended the 50 nm ALD Al2O3 MIS-HEMT (50-MIS) current-voltage (Ids-Vds) and gate leakage (Ig,leakage) characteristics up to 600 °C. Both, the 10 nm ALD Al2O3 MIS-HEMT (10-MIS) and HEMT, failed above 350 °C, as evidenced by a sudden increase of approximately 50 times and 5.3 × 106 times in Ig,leakage, respectively. AES o...
How e-WOM and local competition drive local retailers' decisions about daily deal offerings

Abstract Local retailers considering offering daily deals must take into account possible impacts of both electronic-word-of-mouth (e-WOM) and local competition. However, how e-WOM, local competition, and their interactions affect local retailers' decisions to offer daily deals remains unclear. Here we examine these effects utilizing a data set that contains details of daily deals, online reviews, and local competition measures for restaurants in the Chicago area. With a propensity score matching (PSA) method, we show: 1) local retailers with high ratings and high number of reviews were more likely to initiate daily deals; 2) local retailers in an area with a low level of local competition were more likely to initiate daily deals; and 3) the strength and direction of the impact of e-WOM depend on the level of local competition. Our results enhance understanding of local retailers' decisions to offer daily deals and yield important implications related to daily deal sites.
Assessing the extent of non-aggressive cancer in clinically detected stage I non-small cell lung cancer

Background Overdiagnosis among clinically detected lung cancers likely consists of cases that are non-aggressive and slowly progressive and will never disseminate, cause symptoms or be a threat to a subject’s survival, even if untreated. In this study, we estimate the prevalence of non-aggressive lung cancers from a large, population-based cancer registry. Methods We identified individuals ≥65 years with histologically confirmed, untreated stage I non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare registry. We estimated the rate of non-aggressive lung cancers by determining the point at which the cumulative lung cancer-specific survival curve no longer changed (ie, the slope approaches zero). At this point, there are no additional deaths due to progressive lung cancer observed among untreated patients after adjusting for deaths from competing risks (these long-term survivors can be considered ‘non-aggressive cases). Results The overall rate of non-aggressive cancers among 2197 clinically detected cases of untreated stage I NSCLC was 2.4%, 95% CI: 1.0% to 3.8%. The rate of non-aggressive cancer was 1.9% (95% CI: 0.0% to 4.9%) for women and 2.4% (95% CI: 0.7% to 4.1%) for men (p=0.84). When stratifying by tumour size, non-aggressive cancer rates were 10.2% (95% CI: 0.0% to 29.3%), 2.1% (95% CI: 0.0% to 9.2%), 4.9% (95% CI: 0.0% to 10.3%), 1.8% (95% CI: 0.0% to 5.2%) and 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0% to 1.0%) for tumour sizes 45 mm (p=0.30). Discussion We found relatively low rates of non-aggressive cancers among clinically detected, stage I NSCLC regardless of sex or size. Our findings suggest that most clinically diagnosed early stage cancers should be treated with curative intent.
The Origin of the Resting Membrane Potential

This chapter shows how the resting membrane potential derives from relative conductances of all permeable ions. It does this by first considering hypothetical membranes that are permeable to single ions. The membrane in each of these cases is the equilibrium potential, and its magnitude is determined by the Nernst equation. The Nernst equation is derived from Fick’s law in the presence of a potential or from thermodynamics. The equilibrium potential is calculated for Na + , K + , and Cl − . How these individual ions determine the resting membrane potential is clarified by deriving the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz current equation by integrating the Nernst–Planck electrodiffusion equation. The dependence of ionic currents on membrane potential is used to introduce slope and chord conductance, and this is used to derive the chord conductance equation for resting membrane potential. The chapter ends with the conventions for potential and current flow.
Association of fruit and vegetable consumption with endometrial cancer risk

5824 Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate associations of fruits and vegetables consumptions with endometrial cancer risk in a population-based case-control study among Chinese women in Shanghai. Methods: This study included 832 incident endometrial cancer cases and 846 frequency-matched controls. Usual dietary habits were estimated by in-person interviews through a validated, quantative, food-frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of endometrial cancer. Results: There was an inverse relationship between consumption of total vegetables and endometrial cancer risk (highest quartile vs lowest: OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96). The risk of endometrial cancer was reduced with increasing intake of dark green/ dark yellow vegetables (trend test, p=0.02), fresh legumes (trend test, p
Ravulizumab: a complementary option for PNH.

In this issue of Blood , Lee et al 1 and Kulasekararaj et al 2 report the results of 2 phase 3, open-label, multicenter trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of ravulizumab in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
Delayed conservative treatment of an acute lateral ankle sprain in a non-athlete female following walking boot immobilisation.

Lateral ankle sprains are a common injury with an estimated occurrence rate of 23 000 per day in the USA. Prolonged immobilisation and delayed referral to physical therapy are associated with poorer outcomes. The patient was a 49-year-old woman working as a surgical technologist. She sustained an inversion injury to her left ankle while descending from a stool. Her primary care physician examined her, issued a Controlled Ankle Movement (CAM) walking boot and immobilised her ankle for 6 weeks. Patients with grade I and II lateral ankle sprains who are treated with early mobilisation and referral to physical therapy have demonstrated earlier return to function compared with patients who are treated with prolonged immobilisation and delayed referral. Nevertheless, it remains common for individuals who have sustained a lateral ankle sprain to be immobilised. This case study highlights the importance of early mobilisation and early physical therapy referral for patients with lateral ankle sprains.
Population Issues and Solutions

Our human species is pretty amazing. We have spread over most of the planet and changed much of Earth in order to support us. However, there are costs to our conquering the planet and to our technology. We are using up resources such as petroleum and metals. In addition, we are polluting with wastes such as the carbon dioxide produced from burning fossil fuels. Much of nature and many people are suffering because of human overconsumption. Our mark on the natural world is likely to become more and more severe as time goes on. Indeed, all the environmental indicators show this to be the case (see Chap. 4 by Washington in this volume). There is injustice in what we are doing to the planet—and injustice in what we are also doing to our fellow human beings. How can we make the world more just? Although there are many possible actions that can help, this chapter will concentrate on one—voluntary limitation of human fertility.
Continuous flow separation of particles with insulator-based dielectrophoresis chromatography

The development of insulator-based dielectrophoresis chromatography is proposed here as a novel hybrid technique that capitalizes on the simplicity of insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) and the well-known chromatographic theory. Chromatographic parameters are employed to characterize dielectrophoretic separation of particles with particles being eluted from the system as enriched particle peaks. By varying the characteristics of the insulating posts, it was possible to manipulate the interactions of the particles with the insulating post array which acted as the stationary phase. The present work studied how the characteristics of the particles affected the particle retention. Different types of particles have distinct interactions with the post array; these interactions depend on particle properties (size, electrical charge, and polarizability). This work includes mathematical modeling with COMSOL and extensive experimentation. Particles ranging from 1 to 10 μm in diameter were tested for retention time and eluted as peaks in the iDEP chromatography devices. Separation results were reported in the form of dielectropherograms including the estimation of retention time (tR), separation efficiency (N/meter), and separation resolution (Rs). Two full separations were demonstrated: a separation by charge between two types of particles of similar size (~ 10 μm) with different electrical surface charges and a separation by size between 2- and 5-μm particles with similar surface charge (difference in ζP of 4 mV). The achieved separation resolutions were Rs = 1.8 and Rs = 3.5, respectively. This is the first study on DEP chromatography to assess performance in terms of resolution and separation efficiency, demonstrating the unique potential of iDEP chromatography.
Oncolytic Virotherapy with Myxoma Virus

Oncolytic viruses are one of the most promising novel therapeutics for malignant cancers. They selectively infect and kill cancer cells while sparing the normal counterparts, expose cancer- specific antigens and activate the host immune system against both viral and tumor determinants. Oncolytic viruses can be used as monotherapy or combined with existing cancer therapies to become more potent. Among the many types of oncolytic viruses that have been developed thus far, members of poxviruses are the most promising candidates against diverse cancer types. This review summarizes recent advances that are made with oncolytic myxoma virus (MYXV), a member of the Leporipoxvirus genus. Unlike other oncolytic viruses, MYXV infects only rabbits in nature and causes no harm to humans or any other non-leporid animals. However, MYXV can selectively infect and kill cancer cells originating from human, mouse and other host species. This selective cancer tropism and safety profile have led to the testing of MYXV in various types of preclinical cancer models. The next stage will be successful GMP manufacturing and clinical trials that will bring MYXV from bench to bedside for the treatment of currently intractable malignancies.
Miscellaneous peripheral nerve stimulations

Abstract A 39-year-old man presented to the emergency room (ER) at his local hospital with obesity and severe localized pain in the right groin after doing some cleanup and sweeping in his garage the previous weekend. After examination by ER staff and a consultation from the general surgeon on call, it was identified that he likely had a nonincarcerated inguinal hernia defect. He was told to gently push in the region where there was a faintly noted bulge in the painful region and to try ice over the area or even lying flat with his head lower than his pelvis to try to reduce the hernia if the pain persisted at times. He was given some hydrocodone for more severe pain on an as-needed basis and told to make an appointment with the general surgeon as an outpatient in follow-up as he may want to consider surgical repair electively to prevent the possibility of an incarcerated bowel loop in the future, particularly if the pain only briefly subsides in the meantime.
The Untouchables of Self-Regulation

An under-appreciated feature of the regulation of investment bankers is that they must register with, and comply with rules promulgated by, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The self-regulatory body for broker-dealers, FINRA was formed on the principle that self-regulation is more effective than direct government regulation in governing the ethics of broker-dealers. Investment bankers generally fall within the definition of broker in federal securities laws because of the functions they perform and their compensation structure. Investment bankers must therefore comply with FINRA rules, including the requirement to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” This paper examines the extent to which FINRA enforces it rules against investment bankers. Based on a unique data set of every disciplinary matter by FINRA from January 2008 to June 2013, this study finds weak FINRA enforcement activity against investment bankers. Applying optimal deterrence theory, the paper argues that the self-regulation of investment bankers offers no credible deterrence against misconduct. Moreover, since the costs of self-regulation likely exceed its benefits (measured in terms of deterrent force), the paper concludes that the self-regulation of investment bankers should be considered a failure. The paper further argues that other deterrence mechanisms likely under-deter misconduct by investment bankers – a preliminary conclusion that underscores the gravity of the failure of self-regulation. The paper suggests various proposals for reform.
Youth Exposure to Alcohol Advertising in the United States: Assessment of Two Types of Television Ratings and Implications for Voluntary Advertising Guidelines.

Objective:Do youth switch channels during alcohol advertisements at different rates than adults? This question has implications for the alcohol industry’s self-regulation of its advertising placeme...
PrEP, TasP and the casual sex scripts among serodiscordant gay men

HIV-prevention strategies have produced a divide between serodiscordant gay men. Using Sexual Scripts Theory and interviews, we explore how pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is shaping gay men’s casu...
Accuracy of ultrasound in verifying endotracheal tube position in neonates

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound in verifying endotracheal tube (ETT) position in neonates. Methods Sixty neonates of both sexes, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ , aged 2-28 days, weighing 2.5-4.8 kg, scheduled for urachal fistula/urachal resection or inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups (n=30 each) using a random number table method: auscultation group and ultrasound group.Confirmation of ETT position was performed in two stages.In the first stage, misplacement of ETT into esophagus was identified using auscultation and ultrasound techniques after intubation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure was considered as the gold standard for identification of esophageal intubation.In the second stage, misplacement of ETT into bronchus was identified using auscultation and ultrasound after confirming ETT position was within the trachea, and electronic bronchoscope served as the gold standard for identification of bronchial intubation. Results Compared with auscultation group, the accurate rate of identification of bronchial intubation was significantly increased in ultrasound group (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of auscultation for identification of esophageal intubation was 100%, 96.3%, 75% and 100%, respectively.The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of auscultation for identification of bronchial intubation was 33.3%, 95.8%, 66.7% and 85.2%, respectively.The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of ultrasound for identification of esophageal or bronchial intubation were all 100%. Conclusion Ultrasound can verify ETT position accurately in neonates. Key words: Ultrasonography; Intubation, intratracheal; Infant, newborn
Evaluation of the Risk of Laboratory Microbial Contamination during Routine Testing in Automated Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories.

Background Every clinical specimen is potentially infectious, but data regarding risk for contamination of the laboratory environment during routine testing are scarce. We assessed contamination during routine sample analysis in automated clinical chemistry and microbiology laboratories. Methods A fluorescent marker was applied to specimen container exteriors to assess the impact of gross contamination. Nonpathogenic MS2 virus was added to remnant blood, urine, and ESwab matrices as a biomarker of cross-contamination. Samples were processed and analyzed using Roche Cobas 8100 and ISE, c502, e602, and c702 modules (blood) and BD Kiestra total laboratory automation (blood, urine, ESwabs) over 3 experiments. Fluorescence transfer to laboratory surfaces and personnel was visualized using ultraviolet light. Surfaces were swabbed and assessed for MS2 cross-contamination by RT-PCR. Adherence to standard precautions by laboratory staff was assessed by observation. Results Fluorescence was observed on 49 of 165 (30%) laboratory surfaces and personnel and 21 of 93 (23%) total laboratory automation instruments. Fluorescence transferred most frequently to gloves (31/40), computer accessories (9/18), and specimen loading racks (12/12). None of 123 areas swabbed were positive for MS2. Improper personal protective equipment use occurred at a rate of 0.36 and 0.15 events per staff per hour in the chemistry and microbiology laboratories, respectively. Hand-washing compliance was observed for 61 of 132 (46%) staff members evaluated. Conclusions Analysis of grossly contaminated specimens on automated chemistry and microbiology equipment elicits a low likelihood of instrument contamination. However, handling contaminated specimen containers can result in contamination of environmental laboratory surfaces, representing a source of risk that is heightened by low adherence to appropriate personal protective equipment.
Estimation of ARMA Model Order via Artificial Neural Network for Modeling Physiological Systems

Model order estimation is the most important but challenging step for system identification using an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. In this paper, we propose an artificial neural network (ANN) structure to estimate the best model order for ARMA modeling of linear, time-invariant systems using the system’s input and output data. The proposed algorithm creates an equivalent ANN structure corresponding to an ARMA model and chooses the best model order using the neural network’s mean squared error (MSE) loss function. The proposed method is validated on simulated ARMA model data and the performance is compared with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). We considered three hypothetical linear systems and performed 100 Monte Carlo simulations for each model, with different data lengths, and with additive noise. For each of the three simulation models, the proposed method significantly outperformed the AIC and BIC in terms of the correct model order selection. Finally, the proposed ANN-based model order estimator was successfully applied to determine the dynamic relationship between heart rate (HR) and instantaneous lung volume (ILV) using an ARMA model. The results indicate that physiological and biological systems can be modeled with appropriate ARMA models obtained by the proposed algorithm to better understand the system dynamics.
Spark plasma sintered porous aluminum oxide for filtration applications

Abstract In this study, porous alumina (Al2O3) for aqueous and gaseous filtration applications is fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The starting Al2O3 powder is sieved to achieve uniform size distribution with an average particle size >100 μm. For desirable pore shape and size, optimization of temperature/pressure cyclograms during SPS is done. The optimized process parameters (1500 °C for 30 min, pressure of 10 MPa) were used to fabricate an alumina filter. Filtration testing was done using both aqueous solution gravitational drop and pressurized gas methods. For aqueous media testing, 0.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) water solution was poured through the sample, dried, and observed microstructurally to examine the filtration behavior of the sintered sample. For gaseous media testing, soot suspended in compressed air flowed through the filter inside a quartz tube. Owing to an average pore size of ~80 μm at optimized sintering conditions, the filter effectively removed both the particulates of size ~15 μm (GNPs) and 3 μm (soot). The successful removal of the particulate matter from the sintered Al2O3 filter exhibited an excellent filtration performance for up to three cycles. Thus, this study reveals an excellent filtration ability of SPS processed Al2O3 filter for aqueous and gaseous applications.
Ocular Pressure-Volume Relationship and Ganglion Cell Death in Glaucoma.

We studied how GC death in glaucoma related to the intraocular pressure (IOP), eyeball volume (VS) and elasticity (volumetric KS and tensile ES), and eyeball volume-pressure relation. Glaucomatous GC loss was studied in DBA/2J (D2) mice with wild-type mice as controls. GCs were retrogradely identified and observed with a confocal microscope. The elasticity calculation was also done on published data from patients treated by a gas bubble injection in the vitreous cavity. The GC population in D2 mice (1.5- to 14-month-old) was negatively correlated with following factors: VS (p = 0.0003), age (p = 0.0026) and IOP (but p = 0.0966). As indicated by average values, adult D2 mice (³6 months) suffered significant GC loss, low KS and ES, and universal expansion of VS with normal IOP. KS and ES in the patients were also lower upon prolonged eyeball expansion compared to acute expansion. Based on the results and presumptions of a closed and continuous eyeball space (thereby ΔVS » ΔVW, ΔVW-the change in the aqueous humor amount), we deduced equations on the ocular volume-pressure relationship: ΔIOP = KS*ΔVW/VS or ΔIOP = (2/3)*[1/(1-n)]*(H/R)*ES*ΔVW/VS (n, Poisson’s ratio taken as 0.5; R, the curvature radius; and H, the shell thickness). Under normal atmospheric pressure, IOP of 10~50 mmHg contributed only 1.2~6.6% of the pressure opposing the retina and eyeball shell. We conclude: 1) A disturbance of ocular volume-pressure homeostasis, mediated primarily by low KS and ES, expanded VS, and large ΔVW, is correlated with GC death in glaucoma and 2) D2 mice with GC loss and normal IOP may serve as animal models for human normal-tension glaucoma.
The Tax Sacrifice Rules under Alternate Definitions of Progressivity

This article extends the author's previous publication in PFQ on the utility Abstract sacrifice rules of taxation. Whether a particular sacrifice rule and income utility function together require progressive. proportional, or regressive taxation is shown to be independent of the manner in which the degree of progression is measured. Musgrave's three alternate ways of measuring progression are considered: average rate, liability, and residual income progression.
Path planning for Unmanned Ground Vehicle in urban parking area

This paper focuses on development of path planning for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) during the parking behavior operation in an urban area. The proposed method developed in this paper is the Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) to search for a collision-free trajectory in an environment with moving and static obstacles. The collision avoidance is based on a geometric search in the transformed vehicle's space. The line segments of the collision free path that is derived from the proposed method is interpolated to yield a smooth and short path. In order to test the strategy a C/C++ simulator incorporating an openGL visualizer was developed. The test vehicle is the Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle which was developed for the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge.
Heimlich valve orientation error leading to radiographic tension pneumothorax: analysis of an error and a call for education, device redesign and regulatory action

Medical errors are commonly multifactorial, with adverse clinical consequences often requiring the simultaneous failure of a series of protective layers, termed the Swiss Cheese model. Remedying and preventing future medical errors requires a series of steps, including detection, mitigation of patient harm, disclosure, reporting, root cause analysis, system modification, regulatory action, and engineering and manufacturing reforms. We describe this process applied to two cases of improper orientation of a Heimlich valve in a thoracostomy tube system, resulting in enlargement of an existing pneumothorax and the development of radiographic features of tension pneumothorax. We analyse elements contributing to the occurrence of the error and depict the implementation of reforms within our healthcare system and with regulatory authorities and the manufacturer. We identify features of the Heimlich valve promoting this error and suggest educational, design, and regulatory reforms for enhanced patient safety.
Evaluation of FR901464 analogues in vitro and in vivo

This study was designed to determine the in vitro and in vivo antitumor behaviour of three analogues of the natural product FR901464. All analogues demonstrated effective inhibition of cell proliferation. Minimal in vivo antitumor activity was observed, warranting further PK and antitumor efficacy studies.
Human Emotion and Response in Surgery (HEARS): A Simulation-Based Curriculum for Communication Skills, Systems-Based Practice, and Professionalism in Surgical Residency Training

Background This study examines the development and implementation of a pilot human factors curriculum during a 2-year period. It is one component of a comprehensive 5-year human factors curriculum spanning core competencies of interpersonal and communication skills, systems-based practice, and professionalism and using low-and high-fidelity simulation techniques. Study Design Members of the Department of Surgery and the Center for Clinical Communication and Performance Outcomes jointly constructed a curriculum for PGY1 and PGY2 residents on topics ranging from challenging communication to time and stress management. Video demonstrations, triggers, and simulated scenarios involving acting patients were created by surgeons and medical educators. Pre- and postintervention measures were obtained for communication skills, perceived stress level, and teamwork. Communication skills were evaluated using a series of video vignettes. The validated Perceived Stress Scale and Teamwork and Patient Safety Attitudes survey were used. Residents' perceptions of the program were also measured. Results Twenty-seven PGY1 residents and 15 PGY2 residents participated during 2 years. Analyses of video vignette tests indicated significant improvement in empathic communication for PGY1 ( t = 3.62, p=0.001) and PGY2 ( t = 5.00, p=0.004). There were no significant changes to teamwork attitudes. Perceived levels of stress became considerably higher. PGY1 residents reported trying 1 to 3 strategies taught in the time management session, with 60% to 75% reporting improvement post-training. Conclusions This unique and comprehensive human factors curriculum is shown to be effective in building communication competency for junior-level residents in the human and emotional aspects of surgical training and practice. Continued refinement and ongoing data acquisition and analyses are underway.
Molecular pincers: antibody-based homogeneous protein sensors.

We describe here a new homogeneous antibody-based protein sensor design (molecular pincers) that allows rapid and sensitive detection of a specific protein in solution. In the presence of the target protein these sensors produce fluorescence signal derived from target-dependent annealing of short complementary fluorochrome-labeled oligonucleotides attached to a pair of target-specific antibodies via nanometer-scale flexible linkers. The sensors allow near-instantaneous detection of the target with sensitivity and specificity approaching that of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) but requiring no sample manipulation other then the addition of the sample to the sensor mix. We used cardiac troponin I and C-reactive protein as the targets to validate these desirable properties of the sensors. Due to the availability of antibodies to thousands of interesting targets and the straightforward design blueprint of the sensors we expect their wide-ranging applications in research and medical diagnosis, especi...
Finding probably best systems quickly via simulation

The performance of computer systems can in theory be optimized by selecting the system configuration having the best simulated performance. Unfortunately, it is often computationally intractable to estimate the performance of all system configurations accurately via simulation. We propose an algorithm for finding the best system configuration without estimating the performance of each system configuration accurately, so that the total simulation time is minimized. We prove that with high probability our algorithm finds the best system configuration. In addition, our algorithm has an advantage in that it only infrequently changes the system configurations to be simulated. Numerical experiments show that our algorithm improves upon existing algorithms with respect to the total simulation time and the frequency of changing the system configurations.
A convergent approach to the synthesis of aprepitant: a potent human NK-1 receptor antagonist ☆

Abstract A simple and convergent approach to enantiomerically pure 5-[[2-[1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)morpholin-4-yl]methyl]-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one 1, a potent orally active antagonist of the human neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor, is described. The synthetic procedure starts from p-fluorobenzaldehyde to access the racemic morpholinone 2 via a modified Strecker synthesis and utilizes a diastereomeric salt resolution technique to accomplish the synthesis of 1 in enantiomerically pure form and good yield.
The Geometry of Piero della Francesca

Piero’s books are a mass of detail—detailed arithmetic, detailed instructions. In the case ofDe Prospectiva Pingendi, though, we have another medium, the paintings, to reveal what it is really about. We see that a simplistic reading would completely miss the point. With the mathematical treatises we are not so fortunate—there is no other medium. If we want to know the real meaning, we have to construct it from the treatises alone by getting behind the superficial details and discovering the mathematical thought. Beneath the surface, the thought is surprisingly deep. Piero was a real mathematician—one can say it without apology.
Reliability of Sn/Pb and lead-free (SnAgCu) solders of surface mounted miniaturized passive components for extreme temperature (-185??C to +125??C) space missions

Surface mount electronic package test boards have been assembled using tin/lead (Sn/Pb) and lead-free (Pb-free or SnAgCu or SAC305) solders. The soldered surface mount packages include ball grid arrays (BGA), flat packs, various sizes of passive chip components, etc. They have been optically inspected after assembly and subsequently subjected to extreme temperature thermal cycling to assess their reliability or future deep space, long-term, extreme temperature environmental missions. In this study, the employed temperature range (-185oC to +125oC) covers military specifications (-55oC to +100oC), extreme old Martian (-120oC to +115oC), asteroid Nereus (-180oC to +25oC) and JUNO (-150oC to +120oC) environments. The boards were inspected at room temperature and at various intervals as a function of extreme temperature thermal cycling and bake duration. Electrical resistance measurements made at room temperature are reported and the tests to date have shown some change in resistance as a function of extreme temperature thermal cycling and some showed increase in resistance. However, the change in interconnect resistance becomes more noticeable with increasing number of thermal cycles. Further research work will be carried out to understand the reliability of packages under extreme temperature applications (-185oC to +125oC) via continuously monitoring the daisy chain resistance for BGA, Flat-packs, lead less chip packages, etc. This paper will describe the experimental reliability results of miniaturized passive components (01005, 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805, and 1206) assembled using surface mounting processes with tin-lead and lead-free solder alloys under extreme temperature environments.
Can performance appraisals motivate employees to improve performance? A Mexican study

In this study of Mexican employees, we examined the relationship between performance appraisal characteristics (appraisal source, appraisal purpose and feedback richness) and perceived reactions of employees to the appraisal characteristics (perceived fairness and perceived accuracy of appraisals) and appraisal outcomes (appraisal satisfaction and motivation to improve). We hypothesized that multisource appraisals, appraisals used for administrative and developmental appraisals (multipurpose appraisals) and appraisals that have a high degree of feedback richness would lead to more perceived accuracy and perceived fairness of appraisals. We further hypothesized that higher levels of perceived fairness and accuracy would lead to higher levels of employee appraisal satisfaction and motivation to improve performance in the future. Results based on a survey of Mexican employees provide support for most of the hypothesized relationships. We discuss implications of the findings for research and practice of perfo...