cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matrix molecular orientation in fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites

A distinctive crystalline morphology which develops in certain fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, termed "transcrystallinity", occurs as the result of dense nucleation of polymer crystals at the surface of reinforcing fibers. As these fiber-sponsored nuclei grow, they impinge upon one another, such that crystal growth occurs essentially perpendicular to the fiber axis. Previous studies concerning transcrystallized composites have generally focused on single-fiber composites or model systems. Our interest is in elucidating the crystal orientation in conventional fiber-reinforced composites, and in quantifying the fraction of transcrystallized matrix, where present. In the present work, we develop a wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) technique to investigate composites formed from an isotactic polypropylene (PP) matrix with practical loading levels of unidirectional pitch-based carbon, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon, or aramid fibers. The transcrystalline fraction of the crystalline matrix approaches 0.95 in pitch-based carbon composites and 0.50 in the aramid composites near fiber loadings of 30 vol %. In addition, a previously-unreported mode of matrix orientation is observed in composites containing the non-transcrystallizing PAN-based carbon fibers, arising from restrictions on the isotropic growth of PP crystallites by the unidirectional fibers. This "constrained growth" orientation can coexist with the transcrystallized matrix at lower fiber loadings.
PHOSPHOLIPID METHYLATION, MEMBRANE FLUIDITY AND COUPLING OF THE β-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR

ABSTRACT L-isoproterenol and other β-adrenergic agonists stimulate the synthesis of phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine in rat reticulocyte membranes. The occupation of the β-adrenergic receptor is responsible for the increased methylation but activation of adenylate cyclase is not. Stimulation of phospholipid methylation by L-isoproterenol results in increased membrane fluidity. rapid phospholipid translocation, a greater degree of β-receptor adenylate cyclase coupling and unmasking of receptor binding sites.
Fine Particle Sources and Cognitive Function in An Older Puerto Rican Cohort in Greater Boston.

Background:Puerto Ricans living in the mainland US have substantially higher rates of impairment to cognitive performance as compared to non-Hispanic Whites, with air pollutant exposures a potential risk factor. We investigated whether exposures to specific air pollution sources were associated with
Managing Refractory Postoperative Fistulas as Chronic Wounds Using Video-Assisted Hydrodebridement (VAHD)

Postoperative fistula formation remains a serious complication following abdominal surgical procedures. Refractory fistulas requiring further surgical intervention delay adjuvant chemotherapy and functional recovery. Here, we present six cases of refractory fistulas and describe a new management technique, which we call video-assisted hydrodebridement. We postulate that refractory fistulas are a type of chronic wound, for which hydrodebridement may be used to hasten wound healing. In all cases, patients had undergone a prolonged period of conservative management and surgical intervention was not considered appropriate. Here, we describe the steps of the procedure in detail. We achieved timely closure of the refractory fistula in five of six cases. The median duration of attempted conservative management was 122 days (63–346 days) and median time to fistula closure after the procedure was 35 days (22–64 days) in the five successful cases. The findings during each procedure are discussed. We suspect that this procedure applies the same benefits to refractory fistulas that hydrodebridement provides to chronic wounds. The combination of endoscopic exploration and hydrodebridement can elucidate barriers to fistula resolution while creating a clean base for wound healing. This technique may be a useful tool to reduce the morbidity of refractory fistula management.
Modeling L-Band Reflection and Emission From Seawater, Foam, and Whitecaps Using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method

Reflection and emission from flat and rough seas with embedded whitecaps (WCs) are investigated at L-band using a custom finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic model. The model is applied to multiple layers, with vertically inhomogeneous dielectric profiles representing foam and spray overlying a homogeneous seawater layer. The foam and spray layers are adapted from an L-band radiative transfer model, and the rough sea surface is a statistical realization of the Kudryavtsev wave spectrum model. The 1-D and 2-D model versions are validated for a flat sea with optional foam cover, and the emissivity effects of WCs embedded in flat and rough seas are investigated. An overlying spray layer is found to markedly reduce WC detectability. Possible applications are the stochastic simulation of WC cover and its effect on emissivity at various wind speeds, and the effects of wave and WC shape on emissivity.
Social Networks and Construction Teams: Literature Review

AbstractFrom the relational contract approaches currently emphasized in construction, researchers have noted that there is enough evidence pointing toward social psychological theories of team form...
Mixed-model gravity representations for small celestial bodies using mascons and spherical harmonics

When designing and navigating space missions to asteroids and comets, mascon models can be attractive because they are simple to compute, implement, and parallelize. However, to achieve a reasonable surface accuracy, mascon models typically require too many elements to compete with other models. Here, mascon models are revisited, with the intent to minimize the number of elements, optimize the placement of the elements, and modify the base model of elements in order to improve computational efficiency, while enabling their use at low altitudes. The addition of small radius spherical harmonics elements, buried within a mascon model, is shown to offer model evaluation speedups and reduced memory footprints at little or no accuracy cost over homogeneous mascon models. In addition, such hybrid models are shown to provide runtimes over an order of magnitude faster than low-resolution polyhedral models for equivalent accuracy. This hybrid gravity model approach is designed for use at small celestial bodies having any regular or irregular shape; a demonstrative and detailed analysis is presented for the case of 433 Eros.
Excitation of a uniformly moving atom through vacuum fluctuations

This paper shows that in systems with broken Lorentz invariance, a similar mechanism to the Unruh acceleration yields an excitation of the atom and the field even if the atom moves with a constant velocity. This is, for example, the case when the atom moves parallel to a flat metal surface or through an optical cavity.
Metabolomics of red‐light‐induced stomatal opening in Arabidopsis thaliana: Coupling with abscisic acid and jasmonic acid metabolism

Environmental stimuli-triggered stomatal movement is a key physiological process that regulates CO2 uptake and water loss in plants. Stomata are defined by pairs of guard cells that perceive and transduce external signals, leading to cellular volume changes and consequent stomatal aperture change. Within the visible light spectrum, red light induces stomatal opening in intact leaves. However, there has been debate regarding the extent to which red-light-induced stomatal opening arises from direct guard cell sensing of red light versus indirect responses as a result of red light influences on mesophyll photosynthesis. Here we identify conditions that result in red-light-stimulated stomatal opening in isolated epidermal peels and enlargement of protoplasts, firmly establishing a direct guard cell response to red light. We then employ metabolomics workflows utilizing gas chromatography mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for metabolite profiling and identification of Arabidopsis guard cell metabolic signatures in response to red light in the absence of the mesophyll. We quantified 223 metabolites in Arabidopsis guard cells, with 104 found to be red light responsive. These red-light-modulated metabolites participate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbon balance, phytohormone biosynthesis and redox homeostasis. We next analyzed selected Arabidopsis mutants, and discovered that stomatal opening response to red light is correlated with a decrease in guard cell abscisic acid content and an increase in jasmonic acid content. The red-light-modulated guard cell metabolome reported here provides fundamental information concerning autonomous red light signaling pathways in guard cells.
Phase Ib/II study of sorafenib (SOR) and pembrolizumab (PEM) in advanced hepatocellular cancer (HCC).

TPS596Background: SOR has been the backbone of advanced HCC therapy with poor outcome. Anti-PD-1 therapy is approved as a second-line treatment option in HCC due to its promising efficacy and safet...
Frontal Sinus Stenting

Post-operative stenting of the frontal sinus outflow tract has been demonstrated to improve long-term patency rates.
Serum triamcinolone levels during intensive, inpatient wet-dressing therapy.

BACKGROUND Wet dressings combined with topical corticosteroids are beneficial for patients with generalized and refractory dermatosis; however, to our knowledge, serum levels after topical corticosteroid absorption during intensive therapy have not been reported previously. AIM To examine serum levels of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) after topical corticosteroid application during intensive wet-dressing therapy. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of adult patients admitted for inpatient wet-dressing therapy from 7 November 2015 to 24 June 2016. Data were collected on sex, age, body surface area, TAC serum levels, number of wet-dressing changes after 24 and 48 h, and type of wet dressing. RESULTS In total, 29 patients (14 men, 15 women) were assessed. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 57 years (51.5-67.0 years) and involved body surface area was 1.98 m2 (1.88-2.15) m2 . Before the 24-hour blood draw, patients had received 1-3 dressing changes. Median (IQR) TAC level at 24 h was 0.33 µg/dL (0.20-0.58 µg/dL), with no significant difference noted between the number of dressing changes and TAC serum level. At 48 h, results of a serum TAC test were available for 22 patients with 2-6 dressing changes. Mean (IQR) serum level was 0.30 µg/dL (0.30-0.87 µg/dL). For each additional dressing change, there was an estimated 0.21 µg/dL increase in TAC serum level (95% CI 0.11-0.31; P < 0.001). TAC serum level was not significantly associated with sex, age, body surface area or dressing type. CONCLUSIONS Intensive, inpatient wet-dressing therapy is associated with detectable TAC serum levels. However, we suspect that topical TAC has a primarily local therapeutic effect on the skin.
Structural basis of seamless excision and specific targeting by piggyBac transposase.

The piggyBac DNA transposon is used widely in genome engineering applications. Unlike other transposons, its excision site can be precisely repaired without leaving footprints and it integrates specifically at TTAA tetranucleotides. We present cryo-EM structures of piggyBac transpososomes: a synaptic complex with hairpin DNA intermediates and a strand transfer complex capturing the integration step. The results show that the excised TTAA hairpin intermediate and the TTAA target adopt essentially identical conformations, providing a mechanistic link connecting the two unique properties of piggyBac. The transposase forms an asymmetric dimer in which the two central domains synapse the ends while two C-terminal domains form a separate dimer that contacts only one transposon end. In the strand transfer structure, target DNA is severely bent and the TTAA target is unpaired. In-cell data suggest that asymmetry promotes synaptic complex formation, and modifying ends with additional transposase binding sites stimulates activity. PiggyBac is a transposon used in genome engineering that does not leave excision footprints. Here the authors determine the structures of two complexes in which the piggyBac transposase is bound to DNA representing different steps of the transposition reaction, providing a basis for how the transposition reaction proceeds.
Enhancing SCADA System Security

Today’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks manage power grids, water and sewer systems, automated factories, and many other complex systems. As these systems have evolved, so have the security challenges they face. We describe our research in strengthening SCADA security through development of a test bed for experimentation, formal system modeling, efficient implementation of security protocols, and consideration of human factors impacting system security.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Storage at −20°C and Proximal Gastrointestinal Conditions on Viability of Equine Fecal Microbiota Transplant

Abstract Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), a technique used to restore normal intestinal microbial communities, has been successful in treating humans with Clostridioides difficile colitis. Subsequently, FMT is being used in veterinary patients with suspected intestinal dysbiosis. Unfortunately, little data are available regarding best practices for FMT in horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of storing manure prepared for equine FMT (MP-FMT) at −20°C for up to 4 weeks and passage through a simulated proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract on the viability of MP-FMT. The results of this study indicate that storage at −20°C for greater than 1 week and exposure to conditions consistent with the proximal GI tract significantly decreased viability of the microbial population, with gram-negative enteric bacteria most significantly impacted. This preliminary evaluation indicates that further work is necessary to determine best practices to preserve the viability MP-FMT in horses.
Leading in Times of Crisis

In educational organizations, any situation that disrupts the education process and makes it inoperable is defined as a crisis This teaching case study is relevant to practicing and prospective principals and administrators because it raises issues related to leading in times of crisis Specifically, this scenario addresses the role school culture plays in lifting teachers? and students? morale while also enhancing student learning This scenario takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when schools were suddenly mandated to deliver instruction remotely In this case study, the author provides a framework designed to create intentionally inviting school cultures Creating inviting school cultures should always be the goal of leaders, but it is even more crucial in times of crisis
Opposites Fit: Regulatory Focus Complementarity and Relationship Well-Being

Two studies of romantic couples examined the circumstances under which complementary goal-pursuit strategies (specifically, the pairing of a relationship partner who prefers to pursue goals eagerly with a relationship partner who prefers to pursue goals vigilantly) lead to positive relationship outcomes. As hypothesized, couples who reported higher levels of goal congruence (Study 1) or greater self-other overlap (Study 2) benefited from complementary regulatory focus orientations. We suggest that such benefits stem from the advantages provided by the availability of both eager and vigilant strategic preferences, which allow complementary couples to “divide and conquer” goal pursuits as a unit so that both relationship partners can take on their preferred eager or vigilant strategic role. We further suggest that goal congruence is necessary to capitalize on these proposed advantages of complementary eager or vigilant goal-pursuit strategies.
Structures of telomerase at several steps of telomere repeat synthesis.

Telomerase is unique among the reverse transcriptases in containing a noncoding RNA (known as telomerase RNA (TER)) that includes a short template that is used for the processive synthesis of G-rich telomeric DNA repeats at the 3′ ends of most eukaryotic chromosomes1. Telomerase maintains genomic integrity, and its activity or dysregulation are critical determinants of human longevity, stem cell renewal and cancer progression2,3. Previous cryo-electron microscopy structures have established the general architecture, protein components and stoichiometries of Tetrahymena and human telomerase, but our understandings of the details of DNA–protein and RNA–protein interactions and of the mechanisms and recruitment involved remain limited4–6. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of active Tetrahymena telomerase with telomeric DNA at different steps of nucleotide addition. Interactions between telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), TER and DNA reveal the structural basis of the determination of the 5′ and 3′ template boundaries, handling of the template–DNA duplex and separation of the product strand during nucleotide addition. The structure and binding interface between TERT and telomerase protein p50 (a homologue of human TPP17,8) define conserved interactions that are required for telomerase activation and recruitment to telomeres. Telomerase La-related protein p65 remodels several regions of TER, bridging the 5′ and 3′ ends and the conserved pseudoknot to facilitate assembly of the TERT–TER catalytic core. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of Tetrahymena telomerase with telomeric DNA at several steps of nucleotide addition provide insights into the structural basis of telomere repeat synthesis.
Application of a return of investment analysis for public health training by case study.

Background: Local health departments require assurance of competence of their workforce to prevent and mitigate outbreaks by supporting the implementation of evidence-based actions in clinical practice, medical procedures and infection control practices. Too often outdated policies or reduction in budgets prevent the appropriate training strategies or resources to recruit, retain or support this capability. Design and Methods: In this 2018 case study analysis, we coupled the Phillip's Return on Investment model with a standard financial proforma model to make a business case that investing in training, specifically the Certification in Infection Control (CIC), was worthwhile for cost reduction, improved knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and improved employee retention. Results: Our model demonstrated that our initial investment (USD $1,840) was profitable based on the internal rate of return (IRR = 130%, Year. 5), payback period (0.71 years), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR = 1.41) and Return of Investment (ROI = 41%), if an epidemiologist worked a minimum of 3 healthcare associated infection outbreaks per year. Data from 4 local epidemiologists demonstrated that the application of KSA's reduced investigation hours by 10%-25% for all types of outbreaks with payback periods of less than 6 months and positive ROIs for staff with retention greater than 1 year. Our model demonstrated that at the highest end of our investment costs (US $2940) with an investigation improve efficiency of 25%, the IRR was 85% after year 5 with a payback period of 1.13 years if the epidemiologist worked on 3 HAI outbreaks per year over the 5 years. Conclusions: Our results validate the profitability of investment into the CIC for local epidemiologists if they could be retained longer than the payback period. The model provides a method for managers to leverage training opportunities for employee retention while ensuring competencies in the workforce.
Brief Report: Feasibility of the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task as an Outcome Measure in an Intervention Trial for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cognitive flexibility deficits are a hallmark feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but few evidence-based behavioral interventions have successfully addressed this treatment target. Outcome measurement selection may help account for previous findings. The probabilistic reversal learning task (PRL) is a measure of cognitive flexibility previously validated for use in ASD, but its use as an outcome measure has not yet been assessed. The current study examined the feasibility, reproducibility, and sensitivity of PRL in a within-subjects trial of Regulating Together, a group-based intervention targeting emotion regulation. We demonstrated the PRL is highly feasible, showed test–retest reproducibility, and is sensitive to detect change following the intervention. Our findings demonstrate the PRL task may be a useful outcome measure of cognitive flexibility in future intervention trials in ASD.
Direct oral anticoagulants or low-molecular-weight heparins for venous thromboembolism in patients with brain tumors.

Abstract Introduction Patients with central nervous system malignancies have limited representation in studies evaluating DOACs for VTE treatment. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of DOACs in comparison with LMWH for cancer-associated VTE in patients with primary brain tumors or secondary brain metastases. Materials & methods In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study, adult patients with a diagnosis of primary brain tumor or secondary brain metastases who received either a DOAC or LMWH for treatment of cancer-associated VTE were evaluated. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of any intracranial hemorrhage within a 6-month period following the initiation of anticoagulation. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative incidence of any bleeding event, and recurrent VTE events. Results Between January 1, 2012 and October 9, 2019, one-hundred eleven patients met inclusion criteria. The 6-month cumulative incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 4.3% (95% CI, 0.74–13.2%) in the DOAC group, compared to 5.9% (95% CI, 1.5–14.9%) in the LMWH group (p = 0.61). The 6-month cumulative incidence of bleeding events was 14.3% (95% CI, 6.2–25.8%) in the DOAC group, compared to 27.8% (95% CI, 15.5–41.6%) in the LMWH group (p = 0.10). The 6-month cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE events was 5.6% in the DOAC group (95% CI, 1.5–14.2%), compared to 6.6% in the LMWH group (95% CI, 1.7–16.5%) (p = 0.96). No differences were found with respect to other secondary outcomes. Conclusion There were no significant differences in bleeding or recurrent VTE events between DOACs and LMWH. These findings suggest DOACs may be safe and effective for VTE treatment in this patient population.
Changing predictability of Indian monsoon rainfall anomalies

The predictability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall from pre-season circulation indices is explored from observations during 1939–91. The predictand is the all-India average of June–September precipitation NIR, and the precursors examined are the latitude position of the 500 mb ridge along 75°E in April (L), the pressure tendency April minus January at Darwin (DPT), March-April-May temperature at six stations in west central India (T6), the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the northeastern Arabian Sea in May (ASM), SST anomaly in the Arabian Sea in January (ANJ), northern hemisphere temperature anomaly in January–February (NHT), and Eurasian snow cover in January (SNOW). Monsoon rainfall tends to be enhanced with a more northerly ridge position, small Darwin pressure tendency, warmer pre-season conditions, and reduced winter snow cover. However, relationships have varied considerably over the past half-century, with the strongest associations during 1950–80, and a drastic weakening in the 1980s. Four prediction models were constructed based on stepwise multiple regression, using as predictors combinations of L, DPT, T6, ASM, and NHT, with 1939–68 as “dependent” dataset, or training period, and 1969–91 as “independent” dataset or verification period. For the 1969–80 portion of the verification period calculated and observed NIR values agreed closely, with the models explaining 74–79% of the variance. By contrast, after 1980 predictions deteriorated drastically, with the explained variance for the 1969–89 time span dropping to 25–31%. The monsoon rainfall of 1990 and 1991 turned out to be again highly predictable from models based on stepwise multiple regression and linear discriminant analysis and using as input L + DPT or L + DPT + NHT, and with this encouragement an experimental real-time forecast was issued of the 1992 monsoon rainfall. These results underline the need for investigations into decadal-scale changes in the general circulation setting and raise concern for the continued success of seasonal forecasting.
Why Mathematics Education Needs Large-Scale Research

Over the years our community has benefitted greatly from the application of survey methods to the discernment of patterns in student mathematics performance, attitudes, and to some degree, policies and practices. In particular, such research has helped us discover differential patterns in socioeconomic, gender, and ethnic groups and point out that, as a system, mathematics curriculum and instruction has hardly been equitable to all students. From the National Center on Education Statistics (in the US), large scale studies such as High School and Beyond, the Longitudinal Study of American Youth, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress came important calls to focus attention on improving instruction for marginalized populations and to increase emphasis on more complex problem solving than had typically been the norm (Dossey & Wu, 2013).
The involutional phase of the menstrual cycle (Climacteric)

Abstract 1. 1. The term “climacteric,” describing the period of normal reproductive regression, is preferable to the term “menopause,” which simply designates the final menstrual period. 2. 2. This epoch should not be considered a disease, unless the process of ageing and living is so considered. Neither should it be considered as entirely dependent and definite with ovarian failures. Many other factors, occult and manifest, influence the severity of the process. 3. 3. The hormonology of the climacteric is now generally better understood. Refractivity of the ovary to pituitary stimulation, failure of ovulation, gradual lag in the response to follicle stimulation with receding waves of estrogenic output, a temporarily uninhibited pituitary with varying adrenal and thyroid stimulation is a brief summation. 4. 4. The complications of the climacteric should be investigated before therapy is instituted. These are irregular bleeding, vasomotor phenomena, abnormal psychic states, thyroid disorders, pelvic relaxation, and systemic breakdowns. 5. 5. The therapy should include practical and orthodox psychotherapy, explanation and correction of irregular bleeding, systemic treatment, necessary repair work, mild sedation and organotherapy. 6. 6. Progesterone is of little value. Thyroid may be indicated. There is no indication for the androgens. Estrogen therapy has definite value. Preferably it is given by mouth in smaller doses than those usually preseribed. The daily dose of diethylstilbestrol, if used, should not exceed 1 mg. a day. Smaller doses are preferred and usually suffice.
The learning environment in the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship: an exploratory study of students’ perceptions before and after the clerkship

For reasons that remain not entirely clear, Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clerkships often exhibit comparatively higher rates of medical student mistreatment. To explore perceptions of our local learning environment, focus groups were held with students yet to start (pre-students) and students having completed (post-students) their Ob/Gyn clerkship. Topics of discussion included learning expectations and experiences, perceptions of mistreatment, and suggestions for improving the learning environment and student treatment. Using a naturalistic approach, we conducted a conventional content analysis to identify emergent themes. Nine pre-students and nine post-students participated. While pre-students anticipated being actively engaged, they also expected – based on peer accounts – to be subject to an unwelcoming learning environment on the Ob/Gyn clerkship, despite working hard to become team members. Due to patient advocacy and protection concerns, post-students reported low levels of student involvement and, subsequently, an overall passive learning experience. Students from both groups offered valuable suggestions for improving the learning environment and student treatment. The sensitive nature of Ob/Gyn clinical encounters may lead to overprotective behaviors that contribute to students feeling mistreated and excluded from patient care and team membership. Students’ experiences during Ob/Gyn clerkships could be improved by better balancing patient advocacy and student involvement. Practical implications to address these issues are offered. Keywords: student mistreatment; workplace learning; Ob/Gyn clerkship (Published: 15 June 2015) Citation: Med Educ Online 2015, 20: 27273 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v20.27273
Root causes of errors in a simulated prehospital pediatric emergency.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:37–47 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Systematic evaluation of prehospital provider performance during actual resuscitations is difficult. Although prior studies reported pediatric drug-dosing mistakes and other types of management errors, the underlying causes of those errors were not investigated. The objective of this study was to identify causes of errors during a simulated, prehospital pediatric emergency. Methods: Two-person emergency medical services (EMS) crews from five geographically diverse agencies participated in a validated simulation of an infant with altered mental status, seizures, and respiratory arrest using their own equipment and drugs. A scoring protocol was used to identify errors. A debriefing conducted by a trained facilitator immediately after the simulated event elicited root causes of active and latent errors, which were analyzed by thematic qualitative assessment methods. Results: Forty-five crews completed the study. Clinically important themes that emerged from the data included oxygen delivery, equipment organization and use, glucose measurement, drug administration, and inappropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Delay in delivery of supplemental oxygen resulted from two different automaticity errors and a 54% failure rate in using an oropharyngeal airway (OPA). Most crews struggled to locate essential pediatric equipment. Three found broken or inoperable bag/valve/masks (BVMs), resulting in delayed ventilation. Some mistrusted their intraosseous (IO) injection gun device; others used it incorrectly. Only 51% of crews measured blood glucose; some discovered that glucometers were not stored in their sealed pediatric bags. The error rate for diazepam dosing was 47%; for midazolam, it was 60%. Underlying causes of dosing errors were found in four domains (cognitive, procedural, affective, and teamwork), and they included incorrect estimates of weight, incorrect use of the Broselow pediatric emergency tape, faulty recollection of doses, difficulty with calculations under stress, mg/kg to mg to mL conversion errors, inaccurate measurement of volumes, use of the wrong end of prefilled syringes, and failure to crosscheck doses with partners. Conclusions: Simulation, followed immediately by facilitated debriefing, uncovered underlying causes of active cognitive, procedural, affective, and teamwork errors, latent errors, and error-producing conditions in EMS pediatric care.
Every Tiling of the First Quadrant by Ribbon L n-Ominoes Follows the Rectangular Pattern

Let and let be the set of four ribbon L-shaped n-ominoes. We study tiling problems for regions in a square lattice by . Our main result shows a remarkable property of this set of tiles: any tiling of the first quadrant by , n even, reduces to a tiling by and rectangles, each rectangle being covered by two ribbon L-shaped n-ominoes. An application of our result is the characterization of all rectangles that can be tiled by , n even: a rectangle can be tiled by , n even, if and only if both of its sides are even and at least one side is divisible by n. Another application is the existence of the local move property for an infinite family of sets of tiles: , n even, has the local move property for the class of rectangular regions with respect to the local moves that interchange a tiling of an square by n/2 vertical rectangles, with a tiling by n/2 horizontal rectangles, each vertical/horizontal rectangle being covered by two ribbon L-shaped n-ominoes. We show that none of these results are valid for any odd n. The rectangular pattern of a tiling of the first quadrant persists if we add an extra tile to , n even. A rectangle can be tiled by the larger set of tiles if and only if it has both sides even. We also show that our main result implies that a skewed L-shaped n-omino, n even, is not a replicating tile of order k2 for any odd k.
MPEG-4 performance analysis for a CDMA network-on-chip

Realistic traffic patterns for a multi-processor MPEG-4 architecture are used to evaluate the performance of network-on-chip (NoC) implementations. In particular, we study the characteristics for a design that is based on CDMA switching techniques and a star-network topology. The results are compared to those for a more conventional mesh-topology NoC. We evaluate metrics for bandwidth requirements, latency and area overhead and show that the CDMA star design is a good candidate for the implementation of these systems.
Six Sigma in healthcare delivery

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the extant Six Sigma healthcare literature, focusing on: application, process changes initiated and outcomes, including improvements in process metrics, cost and revenue. Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained from an extensive literature search. Healthcare Six Sigma applications were categorized by functional area and department, key process metric, cost savings and revenue generation (if any) and other key implementation characteristics. Findings – Several inpatient care areas have seen most applications, including admission, discharge, medication administration, operating room (OR), cardiac and intensive care. About 42.1 percent of the applications have error rate as their driving metric, with the remainder focusing on process time (38 percent) and productivity (18.9 percent). While 67 percent had initial improvement in the key process metric, only 10 percent reported sustained improvement. Only 28 perc...
Querying the past, the present, and the future

Database technology has done an excellent job of managing data. SQL92/99 and XML are generally considered to be powerful building blocks; these building blocks are complemented by support for Text, Images, Audio, Video, Spatial, Expressions, and other complex data structures. Database technology can also transparently manage access to data in other (remote) databases, in file systems, and in applications. Furthermore, database technology has achieved impressive operational characteristics with respect to, e.g., performance, scalability, reliability, component and site tolerance, and security.
Identification and initial characterization of five Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite antigen genes.

Cryptosporidium parvum, an Apicomplexan parasite of gastrointestinal epithelial cells, causes severe disease in persons with AIDS and is a common cause of self-limited diarrhea in children, animal handlers, and residents of developing countries. No approved therapy exists; in research studies, however, hyperimmune bovine colostrum raised to Cryptosporidium oocysts and sporozoites has eradicated disease or decreased parasite burden in some AIDS patients. Although the protective antigens recognized by bovine hyperimmune colostrum have not been defined, protective antigens of other Apicomplexan parasites frequently have been associated with two unique structures of invasive forms, the trilaminar pellicle and the apical complex. In order to identify immunogenic Cryptosporidium proteins that may be protective antigens for use as recombinant immunogens in passive and/or active immunotherapy, we screened two genomic DNA expression libraries with polyspecific anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies. We used an approach to cloning apical complex and pellicle protein antigens that succeeded despite the lack of large numbers of organisms that would be necessitated for conventional biochemical approaches requiring organelle or membrane purification. We report here the molecular cloning of five C. parvum genes and the characterization of the cognate sporozoite proteins having molecular masses of greater than 500, 68/95, 45, 23, and 15/35 kDa. The light microscopic immunofluorescence pattern of antibodies recognizing these protein antigens suggest that they are located in the pellicle or apical complex of Cryptosporidium sporozoites. Images
A Stochastic Dynamic Programming Approach for the Equipment Replacement Optimization under Uncertainty

In this paper, a stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) based optimization model is formulated for the equipment replacement optimization (ERO) problem that can explicitly account for the uncertainty in vehicle utilization. The Bellman approach is developed and implemented to solving the ERO SDP problem. Particular attention is paid to the SDP state-space growth and special scenario reduction techniques are developed to resolve the “curse of dimensionality” issue that is inherent to the dynamic programming method to ensure that the computer memory and solution computational time required will not increase exponentially with the increase in time horizon. SDP software computer implementation techniques, functionalities and the Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) are discussed. The developed SDP-based ERO software is tested and validated using the current Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicle fleet data. Comprehensive numerical results, such as statistical analyses, the software computational time and solution quality, are described and substantial cost-savings have been estimated by using this ERO software. Finally, future research directions are also suggested.
Fluoroalkylene ether silicate/Viton GLT blends: An approach toward improved low temperature flexibility

Low molecular weight fluoroalkylene ether silicate (FES) polymers demonstrating glass transition temperatures of −82°C to −91°C were obtained from the condensation polymerization of fluoroether bisdimethyl carbinols and bis(dimethylamino)methyl vinyl and dimethyl silane derivatives. Peroxide cure reactivity through the pendant vinyl moieties was demonstrated. In an effort to improve the low temperature flexibility of a peroxide curable fluorocarbon elastomer (Viton GLT from Du-Pont), blends were prepared using the FES material as an additive cocuring plasticizer. Temperature retraction tests demonstrated an optimum 5°C (9°F) improvement in low temperature flexibility. The optimum blend formulation employed FES polymers with vinyl cure site concentrations ranging from 2.35 to 2.70 mol %. The optimum blend formulation maintained the strength and low compression set properties of the Viton GLT standard. These properties reflect sufficient cocuring between the FES and Viton GLT components to provide physical properties adequate for o-ring seal application. o-Ring seal evaluations in Freon E6.5 fluid (rod and piston seal tests) demonstrated some seal enhancement and comparable durability to standard Viton GLT o-rings.
Modeling fundamental frequency dynamics in hypokinetic dysarthria

Hypokinetic dysarthria (Hd), which often accompanies Parkinson's Disease (PD), is characterized by hypernasality and by compromised phonation, prosody, and articulation. This paper proposes automated methods for detection of Hd. Whereas most such studies focus on measures of phonation, this paper focuses on prosody, specifically on fundamental frequency (F0) dynamics. Prosody in Hd is clinically described as involving monopitch, which has been confirmed in numerous studies reporting reduced within-utterance pitch variability. We show that a new measure of F0 dynamics, based on a superpositional pitch model that decomposes the F0 contour into a declining phrase curve and (generally, single-peaked) accent curves, performs more accurate Hd vs. Control classification than simpler versions of the model or than conventional variability statistics.
Our daily lead

The Lead Debate: The Environment, Toxicology and Child Health. Edited by R. Lansdowne and W. Yule. Croom Helm: 1986. Pp.276. Hbk 25, Pbk 14.95.
Geochemical evidence for the tectonic setting of the Coast Range ophiolite: A composite island arc–oceanic crust terrane in western California

The Middle to Late Jurassic age Coast Range ophiolite (CRO) of California contains two geochemically distinct volcanic rock associations that formed in different tectonic settings. Volcanic rocks from the southern CRO (Point Sal, Cuesta Ridge, Stanley Mountain, Llanada, Quinto Creek, and Del Puerto) and parts of the northern CRO (Healdsburg, Elder Creek) are similar to low-K tholeiites and calc-alkaline rocks of the island-arc suite. The thin volcanic sections of these ophiolite remnants suggest formation by intra-arc rifting. In contrast, volcanic rocks from Stonyford seamount and Paskenta in the northern CRO are transitional subalkaline metabasalts with geochemical characteristics similar to enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts or ocean-island tholeiites. These rocks are associated with Tithonian radiolarian cherts and may be part of the Franciscan Complex. Alternatively, they may represent a change in tectonic setting within the CRO during the Late Jurassic. Regardless, the CRO as currently conceived cannot be considered a single terrane with one mode of origin.
Medetomidine analogs as α2-adrenergic ligands. 2. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of conformationally restricted naphthalene derivatives of medetomidine

A new series of naphthalene analogs of medetomidine have been prepared and evaluated for their α-adrenergic activities. The methylnaphthyl analog 5a showed significant selectivity for α2-adrenoceptors and behaved as a partial α1-agonist in rat aorta preparations. In contrast, the Z-ethylene analog 8c was α1-selective and behaved as a potent α1-antagonist. Two rigid analogs (6 and 7) exhibited large differences in binding affinities at α1- vs α2-receptors, indicating that the conformational flexibility of 5a is important for the fulfillment of the α-adrenergic activities. Molecular modeling studies began with conformational analysis of classical phenethylamines and medetomidine analogs. Superimposition of medetomidine conformations with those of phenethylamines provided a tentative explanation for the α2-adrenergic activity of the new imidazoles. A common binding mode for phenethylamines and imidazoles with α2-adrenoceptors is proposed. Knowledge of the biological properties of the 4-substituted imidazoles...
Charge-based recursive fast-multipole micromagnetics

Several methods exist for computing the magnetostatic field of a discretized magnetization distribution in micromagnetics. In principle, this field can be computed either from the magnetization or from its divergence, the equivalent magnetic charge density. However, these are computationally quite different, since for a flux-closure configuration, the magnetization can be very large, though the charge density and the resulting magnetostatic field are very small. In this paper we show how a fast multipole formulation, previously implemented to calculate the field from the magnetization density, can be modified to calculate the field from the magnetic charge density instead. We give examples of systems in which the charge formulation converges much faster (as the multipole order is increased) to the correct field than does the magnetization formulation. The fast multipole formulation (FMM) used in this paper is based on a Cartesian formulation of the FMM, for which we have developed several recursive techniques to simplify its implementation by eliminating hard coding of formulas.
An empirical examination of the relationship between communication apprehension and tolerance of ambiguity

The purpose of the research was to investigate the previously discovered negative linear relationship between communication apprehension and tolerance of ambiguity. The authors took exception to the notion that a simple negative correlation reflected the true nature of the relationship. Instead, they hypothesized that the reported correlation would hold primarily for those with high communication apprehension and that because of this fact, a quadratic rather than linear explanation of the relationship would be more realistic.
Pharmacological versus non-pharmacological prophylaxis of recurrent migraine headache: a meta-analytic review of clinical trials.

In order to generate information about the relative effectiveness of the most widely used pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the prophylaxis of recurrent migraine (i.e., propranolol HCl and combined relaxation/thermal biofeedback training), meta-analysis was used to integrate results from 25 clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of propranolol and 35 clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of relaxation/biofeedback training (2445 patients, collectively). Meta-analysis revealed substantial, but very similar improvements have been obtained with propranolol and with relaxation/biofeedback training. When daily recordings have been used to assess treatment outcome, both propranolol and relaxation/biofeedback have yielded a 43% reduction in migraine headache activity in the average patient. When improvements have been assessed using other outcome measures (e.g., physician/therapist ratings), improvements observed with each treatment have been about 20% greater. In both cases, improvements observed with propranolol and relaxation/biofeedback have been significantly larger than improvement observed with placebo medication (14% reduction) or in untreated patients (no reduction). Meta-analysis thus revealed substantial empirical support for the effectiveness of both propranolol and relaxation/biofeedback training, but revealed no support for the contention that the two treatments differ in effectiveness. These results suggest that greater attention should be paid to determining the relative costs and benefits of widely used pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.