cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving Timeliness of Medical Evaluations for Children Entering Foster Care

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children in foster care (FC) have an initial medical evaluation within 3 days of custody initiation; however, this vulnerable population often suffers from disjointed care. Our aim was to improve the mean time to initial foster care evaluation (TIE) from 32 to METHODS: This study was a time series, quality improvement project used to target interventions within an academic clinic and a community agency. Interventions were tested through multiple plan-do-study-act cycles. Control charts of the primary outcome, the TIE, were constructed. Charts were annotated with the dates of interventions, including workshops, performance feedback, integration of state forms, identification of appointments, development of an urgent appointment pathway, and empowerment of the scheduler. RESULTS: The mean TIE improved from 32 to 9 days within 12 months. Significant improvement in the following 2 process measures contributed to this: the time from custody initiation to the referral date improved from an average of 10 to 3 days, and the time from referral date to the initial evaluation improved from an average of 22 to 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement interventions and increased collaboration between medical and child welfare agencies can result in significant improvement of the TIE. However, despite improvement efforts, challenges remain in meeting the AAP 3-day TIE recommendation. We recommend further assessment of the AAP guideline as it relates to implementation feasibility and health outcomes of children in FC.
Efficient coupling by oxygen accelerated photocatalyzed thiol-alkyne chemistry

Abstract Thiol reactions have gained attention in many areas of chemical research, such as organic small molecule synthesis, polymer synthesis, and bimolecular coupling due to the “click” chemistry characteristics of this process. This work is a study of a novel method of photochemical thiol-alkyne reactions using alkyl halides and an Ir(ppy)3 photocatalyst. This process is shown to lead to rapid reactions and has the benefit of low catalyst and initiator concentrations relative to reagents. Remarkably, this reaction also has an unusual feature of an increased rate in the presence of oxygen, in contrast to many other types of radical processes. Catalyst and initiator concentrations and reaction conditions are varied in order to gain an understanding of the mechanism of this process. This chemistry is then applied to the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers and polymer networks to demonstrate potential applications.
Body Size and the Righting Response: A Cost of Reproductive Success in Nauphoeta cinerea (Blattodea: Blaberidae)?

Life history evolution involves a series of trade-offs to maximize reproductive success at the expense of other physiological systems. Within insects, increased body size is associated with increased fecundity in males and females alike; hence, increased body size should be favored even if it is detrimental in the short term. The righting response is a reflexive mechanism used by individuals to regain proper dorsoventral orientation and is conserved among terrestrial animals of multiple taxa to avoid the consequences of being helpless on one's back. In this study, we examined the righting response as it related to body size in the cinereous cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea (Olivier), of both sexes and found that larger individuals were slower to right themselves relative to smaller individuals. Moreover, the reproductive history of the individual at testing differentially affected this relationship in a sex-specific manner. Individual females that were presumed mated at the time of testing were slower to right themselves than were same-sized males, while virgin females righted themselves more quickly. Taken together, these findings suggest that the reproductive gains associated with an increased body size within this species come at the expense of righting ability and that this outcome is compounded by reproductive history.
Development of a periprosthetic joint infection by Abiotrophia defectiva years after total knee arthroplasty

Abstract A 74-year-old male presented with acute right knee pain and inability to ambulate. The patient had a total knee arthroplasty, previously complicated by a periprosthetic femur fracture requiring surgical fixation and subsequent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis periprosthetic joint infection treated via two-stage revision. Cultures from knee fluid aspiration were positive for Abiotrophia defectiva. Identification was confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. The patient underwent a two-stage revision. Between stages, the patient received intravenous ceftriaxone for six weeks with subsequent normalization of inflammatory markers. Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection with identification of the organism is important to guide appropriate treatment.
Evaluation of Lonicera taxa for honeysuckle aphid susceptibility, winter hardiness and use.

Abstract One-hundred-thirty-five honeysuckle (Lonicera L.) taxa were evaluated in North Dakota, Manitoba and/or reviewed in the literature for relative honeysuckle aphid [Hyadaphis tataricae (Aizenberg)] susceptibility, winter hardiness and landscape characteristics. Sixty taxa are rated susceptible to highly susceptible, 13 lightly susceptible and 55 with apparent resistance to aphid attack. Lonicera tatarica L.,L. morrowii Gray. and L. ruprechtiana Reg., including cultivars and hybrids derived from these species, were particularly susceptible. Taxa with apparent aphid resistance were evaluated for hardiness zone assignment and landscape qualities. Only 3 taxa are rated in the high recommendation category for landscape planting in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 5. These include L. x brownii (Reg.) Carr. ‘Dropmore Scarlet’, L. x xylosteoides Tausch. ‘Miniglobe’ and L. xylosteum L. ‘Emerald Mound’. Sixteen taxa received an average recommendation and 27 taxa a low recommendation. The 60 taxa which proved su...
Structure of Cl38 and the quest for a comprehensive shell model interaction

The higher-spin structure of $^{38}\mathrm{Cl}$ ($N=21$) was investigated following the $^{26}\mathrm{Mg}(^{14}\mathrm{C}$, $pn$) reaction at 30 and 37 MeV beam energies. The outgoing protons were detected in an $E\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}E$ Si telescope placed at ${0}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ close to the target with a Ta beam stopper between the target and telescope. Multiple $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were detected in time coincidence with the protons using an enhanced version of the FSU $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-detection array. The level scheme was extended up to 8420 keV with a likely spin of 10 $\ensuremath{\hbar}$. A new multishell interaction was developed guided by the experimental information. This FSU interaction was built by fitting to the energies of 270 experimental states from $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ to $^{51}\mathrm{Ti}$. Calculations using the FSU interaction reproduce observed properties of $^{38}\mathrm{Cl}$ rather well, including the spectroscopic factors. The interaction has been successfully used to interpret the 1p1h and 2p2h configurations in some nearby nuclei as well.
Using metapopulation theory for practical conservation of mangrove endemic birds

As a landscape becomes increasingly fragmented through habitat loss, the individual patches become smaller and more isolated and thus less likely to sustain a local population. Metapopulation theory is appropriate for analyzing fragmented landscapes because it combines empirical landscape features with species-specific information to produce direct information on population extinction risks. This approach contrasts with descriptions of habitat fragments, which provide only indirect information on risk. Combining a spatially explicit metapopulation model with empirical data on endemic species' ranges and maps of habitat cover, we calculated the metapopulation capacity-a measure of a landscape's ability to sustain a metapopulation. Mangroves provide an ideal model landscape because they are of conservation concern and their patch boundaries are easily delineated. For 2000-20015, we calculated global metapopulation capacity for 99 metapopulations of 32 different bird species endemic to mangroves. Northern Australia and Southeast Asia had the highest richness of mangrove endemic birds. The Caribbean, Pacific coast of Central America, Madagascar, Borneo, and isolated patches in Southeast Asia in Myanmar and Malaysia had the highest metapopulation losses. Regions with the highest loss of habitat area were not necessarily those with the highest loss of metapopulation capacity. Often, it was not a matter of how much, but how the habitat was lost. Our method can be used by managers to evaluate and prioritize a landscape for metapopulation persistence.
Multi-material Additive Manufacturing of Functional Soft Robot

Abstract The field of soft robotics has a lot of potential in various in-vivo bio-applications. However, there are several challenges in developing untethered soft robots including ease of fabrication, efficient actuation system and multiple integrated functionalities. This study proposes a fully 3D printed, monolithic soft robot capable of linear and turning locomotion. This multi-modal, multi-material soft robot has a compliant body structure made of magnetic particle-polymer composites and can be 3D printed directly from a digital computer model. The locally programmed magnetic material composition in the posterior and anterior legs allows untethered magnetic actuation. The robot has 3 degrees of freedom and is capable of bi-axial bending in xy plane and z directions. This paper presents design and fabrication process of the soft robot with the novel magnetic field assisted projection stereolithography (M-PSL) technique. The magnetic torque on the robot body during turning locomotion is also measured experimentally and compared with theoretical prediction. Additionally, a controlled dummy drug delivery application in model human stomach and lung is demonstrated to showcase the multi-functionality of the soft robot. A uniquely designed, magnetically controlled drug carrier reservoir is integrated into the anterior leg of the soft robot. This reservoir can hold the liquid drug during locomotion and releases the drug once the robot arrives at the targeted location. With different modes of locomotion and high bending capability, the robot is able to maneuver in confined spaces that represent the inside of human stomach and lungs.
Interferences in blood bank testing

Abstract Transfusion of blood products requires pre-transfusion testing in order to select and issue safe blood. Pre-transfusion evaluation for non-emergent blood transfusion includes a review of the patient's medical history and pre-transfusion testing. Medical history review should include clinical diagnosis, medication, potential sources for allo-immunization such as prior blood transfusion, pregnancy, hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) or organ transplantation, and prior blood bank (BB) history including records for clinically significant antibodies (Abs), adverse effects to blood transfusions and special transfusion requirements. The pre-transfusion testing includes (1) ABO/RhD typing and antibody screen (Ab screen) on recipient's blood sample; (2) confirmation of the ABO typing on all donor units and of the RhD type in the units labeled RhD-negative; (3) selection of appropriate ABO/Rh compatible units from the BB inventory; (4) in vitro compatibility testing or crossmatch (XM); and (5) labeling the red blood cell (RBC) units with at least two independent patient identifiers, donor unit number, and compatibility test results. The basics of BB tests and possible interferences are reviewed within this chapter and relevant clinical case-scenarios are presented.
In Pursuit of Balance: The UPMC Neurosurgery Wellness Initiative.

Background Burnout among physicians has been a topic of growing interest in both the scientific and the lay press. It has been well established that burnout and perceived inequity in work-life balance can contribute to poor physician work satisfaction and poorer patient outcomes. To better understand burnout among neurosurgery residents at our institution, we systematically surveyed residents for symptoms of burnout and enacted responsive protocols to try to combat its deleterious effects. Methods Before and after the institution of a series of initiatives aimed at combating burnout, residents were surveyed to assess for symptoms of burnout, strength of relationships, and status of physical and mental health. Initiatives included gym access and group gym visits, a mentoring program, and a lecture series targeting multiple facets of health and well-being. Results Nearly two thirds of neurosurgery residents demonstrated ≥1 signs of burnout at a moderate to severe level before and after the first year of our wellness initiative. Residents reported that work schedule and time availability were obstacles in focusing on their own personal health and wellness (utilization preventive health care visits, participation in group gym activities). Less than half of residents were content with their work-life balance. Conclusions Making a significant change in burnout rates in neurosurgery will require a number of key factors, including targeted initiatives that focus on specific local needs, honest buy-in by departmental leaders, and recognition by the physicians themselves that a problem exists.
Why is Developing Machine Learning Applications Challenging? A Study on Stack Overflow Posts

As smart and automated applications pervade our lives, an increasing number of software developers are required to incorporate machine learning (ML) techniques into application development. However, acquiring the ML skill set can be nontrivial for software developers owing to both the breadth and depth of the ML domain. Aims: We seek to understand the challenges developers face in the process of ML application development and offer insights to simplify the process. Despite its importance, there has been little research on this topic. A few existing studies on development challenges with ML are outdated, small scale, or they do no involve a representative set of developers. Method: We conduct an empirical study of ML-related developer posts on Stack Overflow. We perform in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses focusing on a series of research questions related to the challenges of developing ML applications and the directions to address them. Results: Our findings include: (1) ML questions suffer from a much higher percentage of unanswered questions on Stack Overflow than other domains; (2) there is a lack of ML experts in the Stack Overflow QA community; (3) the data preprocessing and model deployment phases are where most of the challenges lay; and (4) addressing most of these challenges require more ML implementation knowledge than ML conceptual knowledge. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that most challenges are under the data preparation and model deployment phases, i.e., early and late stages. Also, the implementation aspect of ML shows much higher difficulty level among developers than the conceptual aspect.
A Case for Compute Reuse in Future Edge Systems: An Empirical Study

Edge computing has been proposed as a solution to the ultra-low latency requirements of novel compute-intensive applications and systems such as autonomous driving, smart cities, etc. However, the scale of such compute-intensive systems coupled with stricter application requirements causes the computation load to exceed the current rate at which we provision the resources at the edge. In this paper, we advocate that reusing (partly or fully) the results of already executed computational tasks among multiple users to calculate new results, which we call "compute reuse", has the potential to significantly reduce resource utilization and lessen the time needed for the completion (i.e., execution) of new tasks. We conduct an experimental study to quantify the performance gain and improved utilization of resources that stem from systems being able to reuse previous computations. Our results demonstrate that such systems can result in up to 50× lower completion times and substantially lower utilization of computing resources. We also discuss alternative design options and tradeoffs of building systems aware of compute reuse semantics.
Cangrelor as an Effective Bridge in Patients Requiring Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Temporary Mechanical Support

Objectives Describe the experience at our institution using cangrelor during T-MCS as a bridge to durable support or weaning, including hematological complications and mortality. Background In patients with cardiogenic shock, temporary mechanical circulatory support (T-MCS) devices can provide cardiac or cardiopulmonary support as a bridge to myocardial recovery or need for long-term support. Intravenous cangrelor presents a promising drug therapy for maintaining adequate platelet inhibition while bridging to decision Methods This retrospective, cohort study included all patients from 06/22/2015 through 01/31/2018 who received cangrelor as a second antiplatelet therapy in addition to aspirin while being supported with a T-MCS device at a single large tertiary care center. The primary outcome was major bleeding according to the ELSO definition. Secondary endpoints included all cause index hospitalization mortality, decision to withdraw care, minor bleeding, stent thrombosis confirmed by angiography, and thromboembolic event confirmed by imaging during the patient's index hospitalization. Additional secondary endpoints were 1-year survival, and 1-year major adverse cardiac event rate. Results The primary outcome major bleeding occurred in four of ten cases. Four of the remaining six cases had a minor bleeding event. There were no episodes of acute/subacute stent thrombosis in the eight patients who received a drug-eluting stent. All cause index hospitalization mortality occurred in 60%, of which 5 patients had care withdrawn due to futility. None of the patients had a catastrophic bleeding event. Conclusions Our case series suggests a potential benefit of cangrelor as a bridge in patients requiring PCI and temporary mechanical support.
TOUGH LOVE AND INTERGENERATIONAL ALTRUISM*: tough love and intergenerational altruism

This article develops and studies a tough love model of intergenerational altruism. We model tough love by modifying the Barro‐Becker standard altruism model in two ways. First, the child’s discount factor is endogenously determined, so lower childhood consumption leads to a higher discount factor later in life. Second, the parent evaluates the child’s lifetime utility with a constant high discount factor. Our model predicts that parental transfers will fall when the child’s discount factor falls. This is in contrast with the standard altruism model, which predicts that parental transfers are independent of exogenous changes in the child’s discount factor.
Tidal and subtidal transport in short, tidally-driven estuaries with low rates of freshwater input

Abstract Tidal and subtidal current velocity structure and forcing mechanisms are important to forecasting estuary conditions linked to water quality problems in coastal areas. This study combined current velocity, salinity, temperature, and water level data with analytical and numerical models to understand dynamics in a small estuary in Downeast Maine, USA. Both the tidal and subtidal flow, as well as the drivers of the subtidal flow, were found to have substantial spatial variation along the estuary. An analysis of the along-channel momentum balance indicates that advection and friction alternate in balancing Stokes drift and the barotropic pressure gradient along the estuary, switching at locations of estuary width constriction or expansion. These dynamics influenced along-channel subtidal flows producing highest velocity at the shoals and lowest velocity in the channel in the mid-reaches of the estuary when advection was more influential than friction. This pattern reversed when friction dominated over advection, producing the highest velocity in the center of the channel, which is corroborated by field measurements. The idealized model produced a spatial structure of along-channel residual flows that do not align with field measurements and numerical simulation results due to the simplicity of the estuary geometry used in the model. The outcome of the analyses suggests that slight variations in along-channel geometry and bathymetry can alter tidal and subtidal flows and transport, even in small (
Sentiment Analysis of Product Reviews on Social Media

Social media is a platform where people share their interests and opinions. Users posting their opinions about a product or a service they used is very common nowadays. This information can be important to marketers. Knowledge about how a product is perceived in a society is crucial to improve the sales and formulate marketing business strategies. The data flow in social media is of extreme high volume and this data is generated in a scale of hundreds of gigabytes each day. There are many applications which have been built to make the most use of this idle data one of the most important one being sentiment analysis.
Communication with Detectable Deceit

Cheap-talk lies are at risk of being detected. We investigate the implications of this fact in a communication game in which players have no common interests and messages are cheap, but deceit is detectable with positive probability. In particular, when the sender makes a claim that is not true, with positive probability the receiver learns that the claim is a lie. We show that partially informative equilibria exist because lie detection generates an endogenous cost from lying consisting of being confused with lower types in equilibrium. In any informative equilibrium, the moderate and the highest types tell the truth, while the lowest types lie claiming to be the highest types. We show that more information may be revealed if the sender is given an opportunity to prepare a lie in advance and thereby decrease its detectability. We analyze an extension in which the sender may make multiple attempts at convincing the receiver, and show that if lie detectability is high, the receiver may benefit from committing to listening to the sender only once. And finally, we analyze a two-sender version of the model, and show that senders will exaggerate their claims only if the state disadvantages them sufficiently.
Identifying Opportunities for Vertical Integration of Biochemistry and Clinical Medicine.

Objectives: Retention of basic science knowledge, as judged by National Board of Medical Examiners' (NBME) data, suffers due to lack of apparent relevance and isolation of instruction from clinical application, especially in biochemistry. However, the literature reveals no systematic process for identifying key biochemical concepts and associated clinical conditions. This study systematically identified difficult biochemical concepts and their common clinical conditions as a critical step towards enhancing relevance and retention of biochemistry. Methods: A multi-step/ multiple stakeholder process was used to: (1) identify important biochemistry concepts; (2) determine students' perceptions of concept difficulty; (3) assess biochemistry faculty, student, and clinical teaching scholars' perceived relevance of identified concepts; and (4) identify associated common clinical conditions for relevant and difficult concepts. Surveys and a modified Delphi process were used to gather data, subsequently analyzed using SPSS for Windows. Results: Sixteen key biochemical concepts were identified. Second year medical students rated 14/16 concepts as extremely difficult while fourth year students rated nine concepts as moderately to extremely difficult. On average, each teaching scholar generated common clinical conditions for 6.2 of the 16 concepts, yielding a set of seven critical concepts and associated clinical conditions. Conclusions: Key stakeholders in the instructional process struggle to identify biochemistry concepts that are critical, difficult to learn and associated with common clinical conditions. However, through a systematic process beginning with identification of concepts and associated clinical conditions, relevance of basic science instruction can be enhanced.
Contours of White Ethnicity: Popular Ethnography and the Making of Usable Pasts in Greek America

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Yiorgos Anagnostou Year: 2009 Pages: 304 Publisher: Ohio University Press ISBN: 978-0-8214-1821-5 (soft cover).
Papilloma of the cervix.

Abstract The literature on papillomas of the cervix has been reviewed. Eight additional cases have been presented, including one case which showed malignant transformation. The definition of papilloma, its relationship to pregnancy, its malignant potentiality, and the present status of condyloma acuminatum have been discussed.
Fuzzy logic inference systems for discriminating plants from soil and residue with machine vision

This paper summarizes the theory of fuzzy inference systems and its application to plant and weed detection. Two simple examples are presented, both of which discriminate between plants and soil and residue backgrounds in color images based on derived excess green and excess red color indices. The first example shows that a numerical excess red model can be readily replaced with a fuzzy inference system, based on training of red, green, and blue inputs and excess red. The second example shows an arbitrary system of fuzzy inference with excess red and excess green using human preselection, which also gives satisfactory discrimination results.
Opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels enhances cardioplegic protection.

Abstract Background . Mitochondrial and sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channels have been implicated in cardioprotection; however, the role of these channels in magnesium-supplemented potassium (K/Mg) cardioplegia during ischemia or reperfusion is unknown. Methods . Rabbit hearts (n = 76) were used for Langendorff perfusion. Sham hearts were perfused for 180 minutes. Global ischemia hearts received 30 minutes of global ischemia and 120 minutes of reperfusion. K/Mg hearts received cardioplegia before ischemia. The role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in K/Mg cardioprotection during ischemia and reperfusion was investigated, separately using the selective mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium and channel blocker, 5-hydroxydecanoate, and the selective sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker HMR1883. Separate studies were performed using the selective mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, diazoxide, and the nonselective ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener pinacidil. Results . Infarct size was 1.9% ± 0.4% in sham, 3.7% ± 0.5% in K/Mg, and 27.8% ± 2.4% in global ischemia hearts ( p p p p p Conclusions . The cardioprotection afforded by K/Mg cardioplegia is modulated by mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Diazoxide when added to K/Mg cardioplegia significantly reduces infarct size, suggesting that the opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels with K/Mg cardioplegic protection would allow for enhanced myocardial protection in cardiac operations.
Predicted structure of agonist-bound glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, a class B G protein-coupled receptor

The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in insulin synthesis and regulation; therefore, it is an important drug target for treatment of diabetes. However, GLP1R is a member of the class B1 family of GPCRs for which there are no experimental structures. To provide a structural basis for drug design and to probe class B GPCR activation, we predicted the transmembrane (TM) bundle structure of GLP1R bound to the peptide Exendin-4 (Exe4; a GLP1R agonist on the market for treating diabetes) using the MembStruk method for scanning TM bundle conformations. We used protein–protein docking methods to combine the TM bundle with the X-ray crystal structure of the 143-aa N terminus coupled to the Exe4 peptide. This complex was subjected to 28 ns of full-solvent, full-lipid molecular dynamics. We find 14 strong polar interactions of Exe4 with GLP1R, of which 8 interactions are in the TM bundle (2 interactions confirmed by mutation studies) and 6 interactions involve the N terminus (3 interactions found in the crystal structure). We also find 10 important hydrophobic interactions, of which 4 interactions are in the TM bundle (2 interactions confirmed by mutation studies) and 6 interactions are in the N terminus (6 interactions present in the crystal structure). Thus, our predicted structure agrees with available mutagenesis studies. We suggest a number of mutation experiments to further validate our predicted structure. The structure should be useful for guiding drug design and can provide a structural basis for understanding ligand binding and receptor activation of GLP1R and other class B1 GPCRs.
Determining a Probability-Based Distance Threshold for Conjunction Screening

To reduce processing time, satellite-conjunction prediction tools often employ methods to decrease the number of objects for consideration. Various economizing filters are used to identify orbiting pairs that cannot come close enough over a prescribed time period to be considered hazardous. Such pairings can then be eliminated from further computation to quicken the overall processing time. For each pair that remains, the respective orbits are propagated to determine if the minimum distance between objects is below a preset screening threshold. When conjunction probability is to be used as a metric, the minimum distance threshold must be determined from the minimum acceptable-probability threshold. This work develops an analytical approximation that relates maximum probability to a miss-distance threshold, thereby ensuring that the screening distance is adequate for probability-based conjunction assessment.
On the points of order 3 of the period parallelogram of the Weierstrass elliptic function

We examine the significance of the values of the Weierstrass ℘ function at the points of order three in the period parallelogram. Based upon the well-known duplication formulae and the differential equation of the Weierstrass ℘ function, we derive a set of identities involving the values of ℘ at these points.
Combined Influence of Inflow and Lake Temperatures on Spring Circulation in a Riverine Lake

Abstract Kamloops Lake is a long (25 km), deep (maximum depth, 145 m) intermontane lake in central British Columbia fed at its eastern end by the Thompson River (mean annual flow, 720 m2 s−1). Here I describe spring overturn and the onset of stratification on the basis of three conceptual models distinguishing among river-induced, surface-induced and edge-induced circulations. The lake during winter is characterized by weak reverse stratification; the incoming river waters are less dense than ambient lake water and thus tend to remain at the lake surface. During spring,, the shallow river water warms more rapidly than the deep water of the lake; as inflow water warms toward the temperature of maximum density (4°C), it becomes denser than lake water and thus tends to sink on entry into the lake. Further warning of the inflow water above 4°C decreases its density causing it to again enter the lake as a surface overflow. Although the inflow itself is less dense than lake water, some mixtures of the two will ...
Effect of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry sampler interface on electron temperature, electron number density, gas-kinetic temperature and analyte emission intensity upstream in the plasma

Abstract Thomson scattering, Rayleigh scattering and line-of-sight emission intensities of Ca ion and Sr ion from the inductively coupled plasma were measured in the presence and in the absence of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry sampler interface. When present, the sampler interface was located 13 mm above the load coil (ALC); optical measurements were made 6, 7 and 8 mm ALC. The experimental results suggest that both the electron temperature (Te) and gas-kinetic temperature (Tg) dropped in the presence of the sampler interface, with the change in Tg seemingly greater than that in Te, suggesting a faster cooling process for the heavy particles. In contrast, electron number density (ne) seemed to be generally increased in the outer regions of the discharge but went down in the central channel, a reflection that ne is possibly dominated by ambipolar diffusion which becomes less efficient as Te drops. Assuming these results, the plasma decays more gradually ALC and deviates from local thermodynamic equilibrium even more significantly in the presence of the sampler interface. Analyte line emission intensity was either depressed or enhanced in the presence of the interface, depending on the element being observed and the operating conditions. In addition, the change in emission intensity caused by the sampler interface became much more dramatic when a matrix element, such as Li or Zn, was introduced.
Arthroscopic suture fixation of displaced tibial eminence fractures.

Summary The purpose of this article is to describe a technique for arthroscopic reduction and suture fixation of avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Six patients (five type III, one type II) with tibial eminence fractures underwent arthroscopic evaluation when closed reduction after aspiration failed to yield an anatomic reduction. The study population was composed of five males and one female. Average age was 24 years (range 16–36). One fracture (type II) was easily reduced after manipulating the interposed anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. In five patients the fragment was stabilized with multiple sutures. The technique involved arthroscopic placement of multiple sutures of 2-0 polydioxanone suture (PDS) into the base of the ACL pulled through a tibia drill hole and tied onto a 4.5-mm screw post. Patients were placed in a standard postoperative ACL protocol. All fractures demonstrated radiographic healing by 8 weeks, and no patients had subjective complaints of instability at 1 year. All patients obtained full extension intraoperatively, and only one patient lost 2° of terminal extension at latest follow-up. Arthroscopic reduction and suture fixation of avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence restores the length of the ACL, provides stable fixation promoting early motion with minimal morbidity, and does not require a second operation for metal removal.
Localized Necking of Sheet at Negative Minor Strains

Localized necking in sheet metal has been examined for strain paths between uniaxial tension and plane strain (i.e., the negative minor strain region of a forming limit diagram). The behavior of sheet with preexisting imperfections has been analyzed and is contrasted to that free of imperfections. In particular, it is shown that the size and orientation of an imperfection is critical in determining whether or not localized necking is initiated along the imperfection. The influence of strain hardening, strain rate hardening, and plastic anisotropy on localized necking of an imperfect sheet is also examined. One of the most significant conclusions obtained from present analysis and from a reexamination of Hill’s theory is the prediction of a critical thickness strain criterion for the onset of localized necking at negative minor strains, regardless of whether or not an imperfection is present. The critical thickness strain criterion is observed in Ti alloys, Al alloys, steels, and brass.
Toughening mechanisms in titanium aluminides

The relevant toughening mechanisms in two-phase titanium aluminides are reviewed in order to elucidate microstructure/fracture toughness relationships. Both intrinsic and extrinsic toughening mechanisms are present in Ti3Al- and TiAl-base alloys. The former affects the initiation toughness(i.e., KIC value) at the onset of crack extension, while the latter leads to crack growth toughness by instigating a resistance-curve behavior. Intrinsic toughening arises from matrix slip and ductile-phase blunting. In contrast, extrinsic toughening originates from crack deflection, ductile-phase bridging, shear ligament toughening, microcrack shielding, twin toughening, and the growing crack singularity. The influence of microstructure on toughening mechanisms in two-phase Ti3Al- and TiAl-base alloys is discussed, with particular emphasis on the need to control the microstructure in order to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
A Dynamic Interindustry Model for the Economic Analysis of Pollution Abatement

A two-component model is presented for the analysis of the economic impact of pollution abatement. The primary component is a dynamic input-output system in which the structure of the economy is related to the level of environmental control as well as to time. A submodel, which consists of the various abatement activities within each industry, is used to explore the underlying nature of structural changes which take place as a result of changes in environmental regulations. The usefulness of the overall model for policy and planning purposes is illustrated by an example in which the submodel is transformed into a linear-programming format.
In Vivo Neurochemical Monitoring using Benzoyl Chloride Derivatization and Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry

In vivo neurochemical monitoring using microdialysis sampling is important in neuroscience because it allows correlation of neurotransmission with behavior, disease state, and drug concentrations in the intact brain. A significant limitation of current practice is that different assays are utilized for measuring each class of neurotransmitter. We present a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–tandem mass spectrometry method that utilizes benzoyl chloride for determination of the most common low molecular weight neurotransmitters and metabolites. In this method, 17 analytes were separated in 8 min. The limit of detection was 0.03–0.2 nM for monoamine neurotransmitters, 0.05–11 nM for monoamine metabolites, 2–250 nM for amino acids, 0.5 nM for acetylcholine, 2 nM for histamine, and 25 nM for adenosine at sample volume of 5 μL. Relative standard deviation for repeated analysis at concentrations expected in vivo averaged 7% (n = 3). Commercially available 13C benzoyl chloride was used to generate iso...
How Many Hospital Beds

For many years, average bed occupancy level has been the primary measure that has guided hospital bed capacity decisions at both policy and managerial levels. Even now, the common wisdom that there is an excess of beds nationally has been based on a federal target of 85% occupancy that was developed about 25 years ago. This paper examines data from New York state and uses queueing analysis to estimate bed unavailability in intensive care units (ICUs) and obstetrics units. Using various patient delay standards, units that appear to have insufficient capacity are identified. The results indicate that as many as 40% of all obstetrics units and 90% of ICUs have insufficient capacity to provide an appropriate bed when needed. This contrasts sharply with what would be deduced using standard average occupancy targets. Furthermore, given the model's assumptions, these estimates are likely to be conservative. These findings illustrate that if service quality is deemed important, hospitals need to plan capacity bas...
Transmission electron microscopy of synthetic 2- and 6-line ferrihydrite

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images, and electron nano-diffraction were used to examine structures of synthetic 2- and 6-line ferrihydrite specimens. HRTEM images of 2-line ferrihydrite (2LFh) show scattered small (~1-3 nm) areas with lattice fringes surrounded by areas free of fringes. All SAED patterns show two bright rings corresponding to d-values of ~0.15 and 0.25 nm; each ring has a conspicuous shoulder on each side. Faint rings corresponding to d-values of 0.08, 0.095, 0.100, 0.106-0.114 (very broad ring), and 0.122 nm are visible in strongly exposed SAED patterns. Nanodiffraction patterns show conspicuous streaks and a lack of superlattice formation. HRTEM images of 6-line ferrihydrite (6LFh) display larger crystallites (typically ~5-6 nm) with lattice fringes visible in many thin areas. SAED patterns show rings corresponding to d-values of 0.148, 0.156, 0.176, 0.202, 0.227, and 0.25-0.26 nm and a shoulder extending between d-values of ~0.25 and 0.32 nm. Faint rings corresponding to d-values of 0.086, 0.093, 0.107, 0.112, 0.119, 0.125, and 0.135 nm are visible in strongly exposed SAED patterns. Small quantities of hematite, magnetite or maghemite, and an acicular material tentatively identified as goethite were observed in the 6-line ferrihydrite, but these quantities do not contribute significantly to the overall diffracted intensity from the sample.
Ecological Analyses of Permanent and Temporary Migration Streams in China in the 1990s

Using data from China’s Fifth National Census of 2000, we analyze the dynamics of China’s inter-provincial permanent and temporary migration streams for the 1995–2000 period. The permanent and temporary migration streams are shown to have similar patterns, but the volume of the temporary migration streams greatly outnumbers that of the permanent streams. A human ecological model of migration is proposed and tested, and its results are compared with those of a gravity model of migration. Of the various ecological variables examined in the models, investment levels at destination, and being a coastal province at destination, all have strong effects on migration. The effects of the independent variables are more similar than different with regard to predicting the permanent and the temporary migration streams.
Antifungal therapy of dermatophytosis in guinea pigs and congenitally athymic rats.

Guinea pigs and athymic nude (RNU/RNU) rats were used to assess the efficacy of three orally administered antifungal agents — Tolciclate, Tolnaftate, and Ketoconazole — against Trichophyton mentagrophytes dermatophytosis. All three antifungal agents inhibited the test strain of T. mentagrophytes in vitro. Antifungal agents were tested in intervention (oral therapy started 5 days after challenge) or prophylaxis (oral therapy started 5 days before challenge) protocols. Oral treatment of dermatophytosis on guinea pig skin demonstrated that Tolciclate and Tolnaftate alleviated clinical symptoms and shortened the duration of the dermatophytosis, in comparison to nontreated controls. Assessment of antifungal efficacy in the guinea pig model was time consuming (30–35 days) and variability in the duration and severity of clinical symptoms on guinea pig skin was common.
Minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation

Lumbar fusion is a commonly practiced method of achieving spinal fixation in a variety of pathological entities that affect the spine. Pedicle screws are frequently used to provide immediate stabilization while the arthrodesis occurs. Conventional techniques of lumbar fusion and pedicle screw placement are associated with significant iatrogenic soft tissue injury and potential functional impairment. Minimally invasive lumbar fusion techniques seek to minimize this injury without adversely affecting the efficacy of the procedure. Percutaneous pedicle screws can be used to supplement various conventional and minimally invasive lumbar fusion techniques such as anterior lumbar interbody fusion, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and posterolateral fusion. Navigation through the pedicle is the most critical step of percutaneous pedicle screw placement, and consequently the surgeon must be comfortable interpreting radiographic images. Once the pedicle has been cannulated a K-wire is placed, and both tapping and screw placement are performed over the wire. This manuscript describes the technique required for safe minimally invasive pedicle screw placement and reviews both surgical pearls and pitfalls associated with the procedure.
Gauged N=8 D=5 Supergravity

Abstract The complete gauged nonlinear N = 8 d = 5 supergravity action and supersymmetry transformation laws (without four- and three-fermion terms) are presented. They are obtained from the ungauged model by reinterpreting part of the field strenghts of the abelian vector fields as real self-dual second-rank antisymmetric tensors. The complete set of T-tensor identities are given and their validity is checked numerically. The model has a local Yang-Mills SO(6) and a local composite USp(8) symmetry. The self-duality is essential for the consistent coupling of the antisymmetric tensors to the nonabelian gauge fields.
Measurement of the pressure exerted by earmuffs and its relationship to perceived comfort

Abstract One commonly accepted method (BS 6344; Part 1) of calculating the average pressure exerted by earmuff cushions against the head is analyzed and discussed. The inaccuracies of the method are illustrated by using it to determine the pressure for two different types of foam-cushion earmuffs. The published literature concerning the relationship between subjective assessments of earmuff comfort and objectively measurable quantities is also reviewed. Those data also indicate that the standard method of calculating cushion pressure does not generate results that bear a strong enough relationship to earmuff comfort to provide a useful method of evaluation. It is concluded that limiting acceptable calculated pressure to an arbitrary value, such as 4000 Pa, is not substantiated by the available data. Suggestions are provided for future research.
Observations of a Major Stratospheric Warming during December 1984

Abstract A major stratospheric sudden warming occurred in the Northern Hemisphere during late December 1984, one of the earliest times such an event has been observed during winter. The seasonal evolution of the stratospheric circumpolar vortex during this winter is strongly affected by this disruption, particularly in the lower stratosphere, and normal midwinter conditions are not reestablished until mid-February. The anomalous postwarming state has a pronounced effect on the vertical propagation of planetary waves from the troposphere.
Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of hydroxyapatite-binding molecules

Carboxyl-containing molecules can bind to HA with sufficient affinity to prevent the uptake of AZ by this mineral. Structural features that favor binding can be discerned. Isolated carboxyls are inactive; adjacent dicarboxylic functions are marginally active. Crowding of oxygens in the form of vicinal carboxyls or hydroxyls contributes the property of HA binding ability. This property exhibits gradation in magnitude and the variation can be correlated with structural features of the carboxylcontaining molecule. Phospho functions are generally more powerful contributors to HA binding property than are carboxyls.
The influence of stimulus incongruity on the familiarity effect in visual selection

A consistent finding in the literature concerning visual selection is that a stimulus exposed to S subsequently loses some of its potential to elicit looking responses. Studies examining the familiarity effect in visual selection have not systematically examined the influence on that effect of various stimulus characteristics possessed by the familiarized stimulus. The present experiments examined the relationship between the magnitude of the familiarity effect and the level of incongruity represented by the familiarized stimulus and found it to be increasing and monotonie. In addition, Experiment 3 examined the generality of reports that familiarized stimuli are “liked” less than their unfamiliarized counterparts. The ease of explaining the results of the experiments using an “affect change” model of the familiarity effect and an “inforjnation-conflict resolution” model of that effect are discussed.