cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perioperative registered nurses knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers regarding pressure ulcer prevention in perioperative patients.

Abstract Background Hospital acquired pressure ulcers have a detrimental effect on patient quality of life, morbidity, mortality, and cost to the healthcare industry. Little is known about pressure ulcer prevention in perioperative services. Objectives The objectives of this study were to describe perioperative registered nurses (RNs) knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers about pressure ulcer prevention and to determine if knowledge and the availability of a pressure ulcer staging tool are predictors of pressure ulcer prevention behavior. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive pilot study was conducted. Sixty-two perioperative RNs from 10 acute care hospitals participated. Results Perioperative nurses believed carrying out pressure ulcer prevention strategies is essential to nursing practice but only two-thirds reported conducting pressure ulcer risk assessment on all patients and daily assessment on at risk patients. Results indicated a knowledge deficit regarding assessment and prevention of pressure ulcers as performance on the PUKT (72%) fell below the recommended score of 90%. Results of binary logistic regression indicated that knowledge as measured by the PUKT and availability of a pressure ulcer staging tool were statistically significant ( p =0.03) predictors of pressure ulcer prevention behavior. The initial model without the predictor variables, indicated an overall success rate of correct predictions of 64% which increase to 73% when the predictor variables were added to the initial model. Conclusions Although perioperative nurses believe that pressure ulcer prevention is important, a knowledge deficit exists and there is a need for pressure ulcer prevention education.
Disk failure prediction in heterogeneous environments

Recent studies have shown the benefits of using SMART attributes to predict disk failures in homogeneous populations of disks from the same make and model. We address here the case of data centers with more heterogeneous disk populations, such as the ones described in the BackBlaze datasets, and propose to build global disk failure predictors that would apply to disks of all makes and models. Our first challenge was the large number of SMART parameters that were missing for most makes and models in many disk instances of our dataset. As a result, we had to discard the SMART attributes that were missing in at least 90 percent of the disks, which left us with 21 SMART attributes. We then applied a Reverse Arrangement Test to these attributes to select the strongest disk failure indicators. We investigated three different machine learning models (Decision Trees, Neural Networks, and Logistic Regression) using the 2015 BackBlaze data to train and validate our predictors. Our best model was a decision tree that identified t rue failure events among the disks that tested positive for at least one of our failure indicators. We then used the 2016 BackBlaze data to evaluate its performance. Our results show that our decision tree identifies at least 52 percent of all disk failures and makes nearly all its predictions several days ahead: no more than 2.45 percent of the predicted failures occur within one day or two of the prediction. Finally, we compared the performance of our predictor with those of the RAIDShield and the original BackBlaze predictor. We found out that RAIDShield could predict at most 18 percent of disk failures, that is, 34 percent fewer failures than our decision tree while the BackBlaze predictor predicted 60 percent of disk failures but generated 4 to 5 false alarms per correct prediction.
Whole-Brain Connectivity in a Large Study of Huntington's Disease Gene Mutation Carriers and Healthy Controls

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited brain disorder characterized by progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunctions. It is caused by abnormally large trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat expansions on exon 1 of the Huntingtin gene. CAG repeat length (CAG-RL) inversely correlates with an earlier age of onset. Region-based studies have shown that HD gene mutation carrier (HDgmc) individuals (CAG-RL ≥36) present functional connectivity alterations in subcortical (SC) and default mode networks. In this analysis, we expand on previous HD studies by investigating associations between CAG-RL and connectivity in the whole brain, as well as between CAG-dependent connectivity and motor and cognitive performances. We used group-independent component analysis on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans of 261 individuals (183 HDgmc and 78 healthy controls) from the PREDICT-HD study, to obtain whole-brain resting state networks (RSNs). Regression analysis was applied within and between RSNs connectivity (functional network connectivity [FNC]) to identify CAG-RL associations. Connectivity within the putamen RSN is negatively correlated with CAG-RL. The FNC between putamen and insula decreases with increasing CAG-RL, and also shows significant associations with motor and cognitive measures. The FNC between calcarine and middle frontal gyri increased with CAG-RL. In contrast, FNC in other visual (VIS) networks declined with increasing CAG-RL. In addition to observed effects in SC areas known to be related to HD, our study identifies a strong presence of alterations in VIS regions less commonly observed in previous reports and provides a step forward in understanding FNC dysfunction in HDgmc.
ZnO nano-sensors and nano-energy harvesters

As the demand for low-or no-power nano-sensors increases, new processing techniques gain importance to introduce novel sensing structures using well-known materials. ZnO presents substantial opportunities in this aspect due to its semiconducting and piezoelectric properties and ability to crystalize at relatively low temperatures. Many nanostructure configurations of ZnO can be easily synthesized, making it an ideal material for nano-sensors and nano-energy harvesters. This paper reviews design, fabrication and performance analysis of several nano-sensors and nano-energy harvesters based on ZnO. Several possible techniques are discussed that can further improve the performance of ZnO in these nano-sensors and nano-energy harvesters.
Ceramide and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Ceramide, a bioactive membrane sphingolipid, functions as an important second messenger in apoptosis and cell signaling. In response to stresses, it may be generated by de novo synthesis, sphingomyelin hydrolysis, and/or recycling of complex sphingolipids. It is cleared from cells through the activity of ceramidases, phosphorylation to ceramide-1-phosphate, or resynthesis into more complex sphingolipids. Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury occurs when oxygen/nutrition is rapidly reintroduced into ischemic tissue, resulting in cell death and tissue damage, and is a major concern in diverse clinical settings, including organ resection and transplantation. Numerous reports show that ceramide levels are markedly elevated during IR. Mitochondria are major sites of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and play a key role in IR-induced and ceramide-mediated cell death and tissue damage. During the development of IR injury, the initial response of ROS and TNF-alpha production activates two major ceramide generating pathways (sphingomyelin hydrolysis and de novo ceramide synthesis). The increased ceramide has broad effects depending on the IR phases, including both pro- and antiapoptotic effects. Therefore, strategies that reduce the levels of ceramide, for example, by modulation of ceramidase and/or sphingomyelinases activities, may represent novel and promising therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat IR injury in diverse clinical settings.
Atom-Probe Tomographic Investigation of Austenite Stability and Carbide Precipitation in a TRIP-Assisted 10 Wt Pct Ni Steel and Its Weld Heat-Affected Zones

Newly developed low-carbon 10 wt pct Ni-Mo-Cr-V martensitic steels rely on the Ni-enriched, thermally stable austenite [formed via multistep intercritical Quench-Lamellarization-Tempering (QLT)-treatment] for their superior mechanical properties, specifically ballistic resistance. Critical to the thermal stability of austenite is its composition, which can be severely affected in the weld heat-affected zones (HAZs) and thus needs investigations. This article represents the first study of the nanoscale redistributions of C, Ni, and Mn in single-pass HAZ microstructures of QLT-treated 10 wt pct Ni steels. Local compositions of Ni-rich regions (representative of austenite compositions) in the HAZs are determined using site-specific 3-D atom-probe tomography (APT). Martensite-start temperatures are then calculated for these compositions, employing the Ghosh-Olson thermodynamic and kinetics approach. These calculations predict that austenite (present at high temperatures) in the HAZs is susceptible to a martensitic transformation upon cooling to room temperature, unlike the austenite in the QLT-treated base-metal. While C in the QLT-treated base-metal is consumed primarily in MC and M2C-type carbide precipitates (M is Mo, Cr, V), its higher concentration in the Ni-rich regions in the HAZs indicates the dissolution of carbide precipitates, particularly M2C carbide precipitates. The role of M2C carbide precipitates and austenite stability is discussed in relation to the increase in microhardness values observed in the HAZs, relative to the QLT-treated base-metal. Insights gained from this research on austenite stability and carbide precipitation in the single-pass HAZ microstructures will assist in designing multiple weld cycles for these novel 10 wt pct Ni steels.
Midlife vascular risk factors and midlife cognitive status in relation to prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in later life: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Abstract Introduction The interplay between midlife vascular risk factors and midlife cognitive function with later life mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (DEM) is not well understood. Methods In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, cardiovascular risk factors and cognition were assessed in midlife, ages 45–64 years. In 2011–2013, 20–25 years later, all consenting Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities participants underwent a cognitive and neurological evaluation and were given adjudicated diagnoses of cognitively normal, MCI, or DEM. Results In 5995 participants with complete covariate data, midlife diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia were associated with late-life MCI and DEM. Low midlife cognition function was also associated with greater likelihood of late-life MCI or DEM. Both midlife vascular risk factors and midlife cognitive function remained associated with later life MCI or DEM when both were in the model. Discussion Later life MCI and DEM were independently associated with midlife vascular risk factors and midlife cognition.
Application of construal level and value-belief norm theories to undergraduate decision-making on a wildlife socio-scientific issue

One aim of science education is to develop scientific literacy for decision-making in daily life. Socio-scientific issues (SSI) and structured decision-making frameworks can help students reach the...
Mikroelektronik und Arbeitsrechte

Die Industriegesellschaften erleben eine rasante Entwicklung, die allgemein als mikroelektronische Revolution bezeichnet wird und deren wichtigste Folgewirkung wohl das Aussterben herkommlicher Berufe und Qualifikationen sein konnte. Sicher werden an anderer Stelle neue Arbeitsplatze beziehungsweise Qualifikationen entstehen, doch nicht in entsprechender Anzahl. Der Ubergang wird in einigen Landern durch sogenannte „Vertrage zur Neuen Technologie“ erleichtert, welche die bereits Beschaftigten schutzen. Jedoch wird mit Ausnahme Skandinaviens fur den zukunftigen Arbeitssuchenden wenig getan. Die ubrigbleibenden Arbeitsplatze werden den nicht qualifizierten oder dequalifizierten Arbeitern kaum ein ausreichendes Einkommen bringen. Kurz gesagt, konnten wohl in der Zukunft weder der sprichwortliche Schweis des Angesichts noch die hinter dem Angesicht angesammelten Kenntnisse sichere Voraussetzungen zum Lebensunterhalt darstellen. Was ist eigentlich der Stellenwert der Arbeit in der Epoche der Mikrochips? und wie soll man denn den Wert derjenigen einschatzen, deren Qualifikationen in einer durch Hochtechnologie angekurbelten Wirtschaft schier altmodisch geworden sind?
Speaking of God in Thomas Aquinas and Meister Eckhart: Beyond Analogy

Contents: Preface Introduction: the problems and possibilities of speaking about God Study as contemplation: the mutual contexts of Aquinas and Eckhart Thomas Aquinas: a pedagogy for speaking about God Thomas Aquinas: from 'proof' to analogy Meister Eckhart: from analogy to silence Conclusion: living without a why and the Christian forms of life Bibliography Index.
On the Distribution of the Minimum and of the Maximum of a Random Number of I.I.D. Random Variables

Let Xi, i = 1,2,… be i.i.d. random variables with a common distribution function F(x). Let N be a positive integer-valued random variable, independent of the X’s, with a probability generating function ψ(u). Then G(x) = ψ(F(x)) and H(x) = 1−ψ(1−F(x)) are, respectively, the distributions of max(X1,…,XN) and of min(X1,…,XN). In sections 2 and 3 we derive some inequalities concerning F, G and H, their densities and their hazard rates. We also discuss there some cases in which the monotonicity of the hazard rate of F is preserved by G and H. In section 4 we give some solutions of a functional equation that appears as a condition in some of the theorems of section 3. We also characterize the geometric distributions by requiring the solutions to satisfy an additional assumption. By taking Xi and/or N as random vectors, we introduce in section 5 some methods of construction of multivariate distributions with desired marginals.
Atypical ipsilateral Dejerine Roussy syndrome following a left thalamic ischemic stroke (P3.249)

Objective: Describe an atypical case of ipsilateral Dejerine-Roussy syndrome(DRS) after an ischemic stroke. Background: Post-stroke thalamic pain was first described in 1906 by Joseph Dejerine and Gustave Roussy. Allodynia and tingling are the most frequent symptoms described. Anatomically, sensory signals originating in the peripheral nervous system decussate in different areas of the midbrain and spinal cord(SC) to reach the somatosensory cortex, causing contralateral symptoms. However, a small number of cases of ipsilateral findings have been described. Design/Methods: Case Report Results: 67 year old female with history of hypertension and diabetes presented with new-onset severe left lower extremity burning pain and tingling, associated with right-sided facial droop. Allodynia and hyperesthesia in the left lower extremity was noted on exam. Blood tests were unremarkable. CT head revealed a hazy decreased attenuation overlying the left thalamus , and brain MRI confirmed an acute infarct within the left thalamus. The presence of this thalamic stroke in the context of the patient’s unilateral extremity pain suggested the diagnosis of DRS. The patient received conventional analgesic treatment with no improvement. She was started on aspirin and atorvastatin, with gabapentin for neuropathic pain. Pain decreased mildly and she was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Conclusions: DRS is typically associated with contralateral neuropathic pain. However, few cases of thalamic strokes leading to ipsilateral symptomatology have been reported. The exact underlying mechanism of this atypical presentation remains unclear; however, studies in other neurologic disorders causing ipsilateral symptoms have suggested a few potential theories. These theories include: (1)neuroplastic reorganization of thalamic microstructure altering the distribution of neural pathways; (2)non-decussation of neural tracts; or (3)accessory ipsilateral descending tracts with bilateral operating systems:80–90% of cortico-spinal fibers decussate along the midbrain-medullary levels, however, remaining corticospinal fibers can travel to ipsilateral ventral aspect of the SC. Conventional treatment with neuroleptic medications is the first line to achieve pain control. Disclosure: Dr. Saleh Velez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Venkataraman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mariuma has nothing to disclose.
Optical PAM4 Signaling and System Performance for DCI Applications

Three different PAM4-based transmission systems are demonstrated for enhancing the receiver sensitivity, increasing the capacity, and extending the reach over SMF/MMF. The measured BERs are presented as a function of OMA for system performance comparison.
Laryngeal adductor function following potassium titanyl phosphate laser welding of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Objectives/hypothesis Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection injuries may occur during thyroidectomy and other surgical procedures. Laser nerve welding has been shown to cause less technique-related axonal damage than the traditional suture method. We compared functional adductor results using these two methods of RLN repair. Study design Animal model. Methods Canine hemilarynges underwent pretreatment testing of laryngeal adductor function, followed by RLN transection and repair using potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser welding (n = 8) or microneural suture (n = 16) techniques. Six months later, adductor function was measured again and expressed as a proportion of the pretreatment value. Results The mean laryngeal adductor pressure ratios were 82.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.8%-92.0%) for the laser repair group and 55.5% (95% CI: 49.4%-61.6%) for the suture control group, with a difference of 26.9% (95% CI: 15.3%-38.5%). Both spontaneous and stimulated glottic closure was observed in the laser welding and microsuture repair groups. Conclusions Laser nerve welding resulted in greater strength of adduction than suture repair of an acutely transected RLN. Suture anastomosis may traumatize more axons than the laser. Stronger vocal fold adduction is associated clinically with better protection from aspiration and improved voice outcomes. KTP laser welding should be considered for anastomosis of the RLN and other nerves. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 130:1764-1769, 2020.
Democracy and Demography

As Jeffrey Passel has indicated, immigration raises cultural issues in addition to legal ones.1 I want to pursue that suggestion from vantage points provided by recent ethnographic research on the "new immigration."2 In these comments, I explore three broad areas in which the ethnographic research suggests some of the more pressing cultural issues might lie. Although I will be primarily discussing the United States, some of these issues also arise in Europe and perhaps in other, intraregional migrations. Indeed, one would expect that the contemporary U.S. experience with immigration is comparable in cultural terms to that of other nations, particularly insofar as immigration arises from the globalization of markets and politics and as the altered demographics of diversity challenge everyday assumptions about meanings of the nation-state.3 This brief commentary will focus on three points of intersection between Passel's discussion and recent ethnographic literature on the United States: (1) a perceived tension between the limits of the nation-state and current "press" of diversity; (2) the corollary relationship between assimilation of immigrants and ethnic solidarity, or resistance to assimilation; and (3) the changing nature of cultural politics, which rests in part on misperceptions of immigrants as competing, perhaps unfairly, for opportunities and services.
The silent hip in idiopathic aseptic necrosis. Treatment by bone-grafting.

After identifying six stages in the development of idiopathic aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in a refrospective study of fifty-three patients with bilateral disease, the results in the treatment of eleven asymptomatic hips (Stages 1 and 2) by Phemister-type fibular and tibial bone grafts were analyzed. Using a defined rating system based on the amount of change after operation in the stage of the disease and in the Iowa hip rating, seven hips were classified satisfactory; three, fair; and one, poor, in which the grafts were not placed properly. From these cases it was concluded that this procedure is warranted in the treatment of the silent (asymptomatic) hip in selected patients with bilateral idiopathic aseptic necrosis.
Measurement of helicity parameters in top quark decay

It is important to be able to quantitatively assay future measurements of competing observables consistent with the $g_{V-A}$ coupling predictions for $t \rightarrow W^+ b $ decay, so plots of the values of these helicity parameters are given in terms of a “ $(V- A)$ + Additional Lorentz Structure”. Three phase-type ambiguities are shown to exist, but measurement of the sign of the large interference between the W longitudinal/transverse amplitudes will resolve two of them. The large $m_b$ effects in both $b_L$ and $b_R$ amplitudes from some couplings demonstrate that it is less model dependent to measure helicity parameters, instead of setting limits on some arbitrary subset of coupling constants.
Association of Renal Clearance with Cerebral White Matter Vascular Disease in Hospitalized Veterans With and Without Delirium.

Objectives To assess the relation between renal function and delirium and to assess and compare the relation between cerebral white matter lesion (WML) and renal function as estimated by three formulas for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in older adult hospitalized veterans with and without delirium. Methods Commonly used formulas to assess renal function-the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), the six-variable MDRD, and the Cockcroft-Gault eGFR equations-were used to assess renal function in 100 older adult hospitalized veterans with delirium (delirium group) and 100 hospitalized veterans without delirium (nondelirium group) that were age, sex, and race matched. WML location and volumes were assessed using brain computed tomography imaging for each of the 200 veterans in the study. One radiologist, blinded to the diagnoses of the veterans, examined head computed tomography scans for WML in the cortex, subcortex (frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital lobes), basal ganglia (globus pallidus, caudate, putamen), and internal capsule. WML were graded as not present, 2 cm. Exploratory χ2 analyses were used to determine the association between the stage of chronic kidney disease and WML. Simple logistic regression analyses were then used to estimate the strength of association between the stages of kidney disease and WML for particular regions of the brain. Results The mean age of delirium group and nondelirium group veterans was 66 years. χ2 tests revealed no reliable relation between stages of renal disease and delirium. χ2 exploratory analyses of WML in brain regions by renal disease stages demonstrated significant differences in associations among the MDRD-4, MDRD-6, and Cockcroft-Gault formulas for measuring eGFR. The MDRD-4 formula was least associated with the presence or absence of WML. The Cockcroft-Gault estimation of eGFR was most associated with the presence or absence of WML. Simple logistic regressions showed notable increases in the association between stages of renal failure and WMLs in specific areas of the brain, with the MDRD-4 being the least associative with the fewest specific areas and the Cockcroft-Gault formula being the most associative with the most specific areas. Conclusions The association between stages 2 through 5 of chronic kidney disease and WLM support the role of kidney function as a potential risk factor for WML in older adult military veterans. The Cockcroft-Gault formula is an important renal index of suspected WML and renal stages 2 through 5, superior to the MDRD-6 and MDRD-4, respectively, in association with WML in older adult military veterans.
Reflections on the 50th anniversary of the International Water Resources Association (IWRA)

It was 50 years ago this year that the International Water Resources Association (IWRA)was formally established. A half-century ago, in an increasingly globalized world, the founders of the associa...
Conclusion and Implications

This concluding chapter first highlights the main arguments and findings of the present study, and then discusses its theoretical, social, and policy implications. Theoretically, it covers three issues. First it calls for a broader structural approach to examining gender dynamics. Second, it points out that there may not be any real trade-off between economic growth and moderate redistribution of income. Finally, it emphasizes the role of the state in providing public goods, including family and individual well-being. Socially, it echoes many anti-liberal or anti-neoliberal thinkers in stressing the importance of embedding economic relations in social relations to restore collective well-being and strengthen social cohesion. Policy-wise, it advocates bringing the family into the public arena, increasing societal scope for public good, coordinating public interests and private business interests, and enhancing the collective well-being of families.
Acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Behavior Analysis Supervision

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition to virtual service delivery and supervision. This preliminary study examined acceptability and feasibility of virtual supervision for 94 BCBA/BCaBA trainees during COVID-19, including variables that affected perceived satisfaction, effectiveness, and supervision preference for this sample. Results indicate a decrease in accrual of direct client hours during the pandemic, with a third of participants reporting a decrease in individual supervision. In general, participants were satisfied with virtual individual and group supervision as indicated by high satisfaction domain scores and individual item means, with minimal overall change in satisfaction. Participants indicated preference for in-person or hybrid supervision and considered in-person most effective. In general, participants reported that virtual supervision was feasible and supervisors used best-practice strategies. We discuss variables that affected satisfaction (e.g., length of supervisory relationship), preference (e.g., age, services provided), and perceived effectiveness (e.g., time supervisor was a BCBA). We provide practical implications and recommendations for virtual supervision.
Chapter 16: A tale of two contingent protein kinase C activators: both neutral and acidic lipids regulate synaptic plasticity and information storage

Publisher Summary Protein kinase C (PKC) could be fully activated by cis unsaturated fatty acids (CUFAs) in the absence of calcium or phospholipid. It is suggested that calcium activated phospholipase A (PLA2) released CUFAs from the 2-acyl position of phospholipids, which in their monomeric form activated PKC. This chapter reviews the available information from different levels of analysis—molecular, biochemical, physiological, cellular, and behavioral—that converges in their support of the view that the CUFA/PKC mechanism has an important function in synaptic plasticity. Under physiological conditions the elevation of CUFAs and diacylglycerol along with calcium may be the required “contingency” for triggering synaptic plasticity. This might partially explain why CUFAs, which can fully activate purified PKC, have little influence by themselves, on long-term potentiation.
Risk factors of infected sternal wounds versus sterile wound dehiscence.

Abstract Background Sterile sternal dehiscence (SSD) and sternal wound infections (SWIs) are two complications of median sternotomy with high rates of morbidity. Sternal wound complications also carry significant economic burden, almost tripling patients' hospital costs and are considered a nonreimbursable “never event” for Medicare. Historically, SDD and SWI have been recognized as discrete entities, but nonetheless continue to be categorized as a singular complication in literature. The purpose of this study was to determine specific patient demographic and perioperative predictors of SSD and SWI. Materials and methods An institutional review board–approved, retrospective study of 8098 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery at Columbia University Medical Center between January 2008 and December 2013 was conducted. Patients were categorized into three groups: no sternal wound complication, SSD, or SWI. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Of 8098 patients, there were 73 patients (0.9%) with SSD and 40 (0.5%) with SWI who required plastic surgical consultation, debridement, and flap closure. In univariate analysis of SSD, positive predictors (i.e., “risk” factors) were age >42 years, prior surgery this admission, ≥ 2 arterial conduits, internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting with or without previous IMA grafting, body mass index (BMI) >30 (obese), CHF, diabetes requiring medication, respiratory failure, and unplanned cardiac reoperation; negative predictors (i.e., “protective” factors) were no arterial conduits and extubation within 24 h. In univariate analysis of SWI, positive predictors were IMA grafting with or without previous IMA grafting, postoperative hematocrit urgent/emergent surgical priority, BMI >30 (obese), cardiac ejection fraction 30, diabetes requiring medication, and respiratory failure were determined to be significant positive predictors of SSD, and IMA grafting with or without prior IMA grafting and respiratory failure were significant positive predictors for SWI; no significant negative predictors were identified. Conclusions This study found that SSD and SWI have many common significant predictors consistent with findings that increased BMI, use of IMA grafts, poor cardiac reserve, and postoperative respiratory failure confer increased risk of sternal wound complications. Additionally, this study also found that there were predictors unique to each entity supporting that SSD and SWI may be related but are not a singular entity. Recognition and prevention of significant positive and negative predictors of SSD and SWI may be valuable in preoperative counseling, operative planning, and postoperative management. Although sternal wound complications can be successfully managed by plastic surgical intervention, preventing the development of median sternotomy complications may curb costs incurred by both patients and health care systems.
Permanents of Hessenberg (0,1)-matrices revisited

This paper considers the maximum value of the permanent over the class H(m, n )o f n × n Hessenberg, (0,1)-matrices with m 1's, and shows that among those matrices that attain the maximum value there exists a matrix with a special form. This special form determines the exact value of the maximum permanent on H(m, n) for certain values of m and n.
Thought Suppression and Mental Control

Consciously attempting not to think about something is a mental control strategy known as thought suppression. This strategy can be successful under certain conditions, but it often promotes an increase in the accessibility of the thought to consciousness, and along with this, a number of ironic processes and unwanted effects. Keywords: thought suppression; mental control; self-regulation; ironic process
Electrochemical Reduction of Cobalt Tetrafluoroborate in 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquid

Electrodeposition of cobalt from cobalt tetrafluoroborate (Co(BF4)2) was investigated using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) ionic liquid. The experiments were conducted at 353 K. Chronoamperometry experiments confirm that the electrodeposition of cobalt on tungsten electrode proceeds via three-dimensional instantaneous nucleation with diffusion-controlled growth process. The average diffusion coefficient of Co(II) was found to be 7.5 × 10-8 cm2s-1 at 353 K, which is in good agreement with the estimated value from cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical deposit was characterized using SEM-EDS and XRD methods. The SEM image shows formation of a dense and compact deposit at — 0.75 V. The EDS and XRD analysis confirm that the obtained deposit is pure cobalt metal.
Convergence of telephony and cable: vital step in the creation of an information superhighway

This paper argues that an essential step in the evolution to the information superhighway, is the convergence of a host of discrete information industries into one. Most importantly among these is the integration of the telephony and CATV networks. This convergence is occurring primarily because of changing technological and competitive forces. The integration of these networks is not only inevitable but will provide significant benefits in the area of economics, education and the environment. >
Testing normality of regression disturbances: a Monte Carlo study of the Filliben test

Abstract This paper investigates the size and the power of the Filliben test (or probability plot correlation coefficient test) for normality as applied to regression residuals. Differences in the order statistics used, the form of the standardized residuals used, and the non-normal error disturbance alternatives (for power) are considered. It is found that the use of either mean or median estimates of the order statistics has little impact on the size or power of the test. The form of residuals used does affect the size and power of the test. As a result of the study, it is concluded that the studentized deleted residuals should not be used with this normality test. In addition, the power of the test applied to regression residuals is compared to the power when applied to independent, identically distributed observations. The Filliben test is also shown to compare favorably to the Jarque and Bera [3] test.
Overview: The Climate System

The climate system consists of the atmosphere, cryosphere, oceans, and land interacting through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Key ingredients are the hydrological and energy exchanges between subsystems through radiative, convective, and fluid dynamical mechanisms. Climate involves changes on seasonal, year-to-year, and decadal or longer periods in contrast to day-to-day weather changes. However, extreme events and other statistical measures are as, or more, important than simple averages. Climate is seen to impact human activities most directly through the occurrence of extremes. The frequency of particular threshold extremes, as, for example, the number of days with maximum temperatures above 100°F, can change substantially with shifts in climate averages. Keywords: atmosphere; energy balance; atmospheric boundary layer; atmospheric hydrological cycle; stratosphere; cryosphere
Systematic adaptation for case-based planning

Abstract Research efforts in case-based reasoning have made advances in various problem domains, but general principles and domain-independent algorithms have been slower to emerge. We seek to explore the theoretical foundations of case-based planning, in particular to characterize the fundamental tradeoffs that govern the process of plan adaptation. To do so we view the planning process as a search through a graph of partial plans: plan generation starts at the graph's root and adds constraints, plan adaptation starts at an arbitrary place in the graph and can either add or delete constraints. This paper develops a domain-independent algorithm for case-based plan adaptation that is sound, complete, and systematic. Since our algorithm is sound, every plan it returns is guaranteed to achieve the goal. Since our algorithm is complete, it is guaranteed to find a plan if one exists, regardless of the initial plan returned from the library. Systematicity guarantees that our algorithm explores the space of partially specified, incomplete plans avoiding redundant or wasted effort. The algorithm provides an excellent vehicle for further study, particularly on issues involving the role of heuristic and problem-specific knowledge in the planning process. This paper describes the algorithm and its implementation in some detail, and presents experimental results that shed light on performance issues an implementation must confront.
Quantitative genetics of response to competitors in Nemophila menziesii: a field experiment.

Recent investigations of evolution in heterogeneous environments have begun to accommodate genetic and environmental complexity typical of natural populations. Theoretical studies demonstrate that evolution of polygenic characters depends heavily on the genetic interdependence of the expression of traits in the different environments in which selection occurs, but information concerning this issue is scarce. We conducted a field experiment to assess the genetic variability of the annual plant Nemophila menziesii in five biotic regimes differing in plant density and composition. Significant, though modest, additive genetic variance in plant size was expressed in particular treatments. Evidence of additive genetic tradeoffs between interspecific and intraspecific competitive performance was found, but this result was not consistent throughout the experiment. Two aspects of experimental design may tend to obscure genetically based tradeoffs across environments in many previously published experiments: (1) inability to isolate additive genetic from other sources of variation and (2) use of novel (e.g., laboratory) environments.
Creativity in STEM education: Reshaping the creative project

The use of creativity-based assignments to assess student learning is not as common in STEM classrooms as perhaps it is within those of other disciplines. On the other hand, there is a great demand for creative and innovative thinkers in STEM. While scientists and engineers are often perceived as only being concerned about hard facts and numerical data and computations, a great deal of creativity is required. Creativity is not something that normally comes to mind when characterizing a scientist or engineer. The fact that it takes a great deal of creativity when performing tasks within the STEM domains is often overlooked. This fact is overlooked not only in terms of perceptions, but also within the formal STEM curriculum. Perhaps it is because the curriculum is already so over-packed with technical courses that there is just no room for creative projects. In this paper, a strategy developed to incorporate creativity into a science course taken by both majors and non-majors will be outlined. The course is entitled Changing Views of the Universe and is often taken to satisfy the university's general education requirements towards graduation. Following a brief description of the Changing Views course, the creative project activity will be outlined. Next, the mechanism used to assess student learning as a result of the creative project will be shared. Examples of the students' creative projects will be illustrated. One student's end-product will be briefly showcased to help illustrate how student learning can be assessed. This paper aims to demonstrate that a creative project activity can provide an alternative and correspondingly robust assessment of student learning in comparison with more conventional tools such as traditional homework and summative exams.
Modelling a particular class of stochastic systems

In this paper a method is given for obtaining a mathematical model of a class of black boxes having multiple inputs and multiple outputs in terms of Ito stochastic integral equations. This method is applicable to the class of black boxes having ergodic correlation functions when there is zero applied input. The point of view adopted in this paper is phenomenological in that it is desired that calculations made using the mathematical model should be 'close' to what is actually observed at the output of the black box.
Early and Long-Term Effects of Direct Myocardial Revascularization on Cardiac Function: A Prospective Study Using Multivariable Physiological Analysis

Perioperative and late follow-up hemodynamic cardiovascular studies to assess the effects of direct myocardial revascularization on cardiac function objectively have been completed on 51 patients. Analysis of the data delineated three distinct groups basedon the patterns of their early postoperative recovery. Group I patients (12) had a hyperdynamic cardiovascular response to operation and returned to a normal physiological range of cardiac function within 24 hours. Group II patients (24) initially had moderate to severe myocardial decompensation postoperatively but responded to inotropic support and moved into the normal physiological range within 24 to 48 hours. Group III patients (15) had severe, prolonged myocardial decompensation with little response to inotropic support. There were no early deaths in Group I, 1 early iatrogenic death in Group II, and 2 deaths from sepsis, 1 in Group I and 1 in Group II. All 7 cardiogenic deaths occurred in Group III patients. Late follow-up studies 4 to 23 months postoperatively have been completed on 29 patients. These showed cardiovascular stability in the mean values in Groups I and II. Significant improvement in mean cardiac function was seen in surviving Group III patients.
Gender and Sexuality Politics in the James Bond Film Series: Cultural Origins of Gay Inclusion in the U.S Military

How did gays in the military go from being characterized as dangerous perverts threatening the state to potential heroes fighting on behalf of the state? Numerous studies have identified various legal and political conditions that can account for resistance to this change. This article explores popular culture as a contributor to public understanding that, in turn, supported these political developments. Using the James Bond film series to track shifts in public understanding of gender and sexuality norms, I argue that such developments can be seen as a contributing factor leading to lifting the ban on gays in the military, an important step in a classic civil rights narrative in the United States in which the interests of a previously excluded minority group and the liberal state gradually converge, leading to greater political inclusion over time. I conclude by suggesting that popular culture analysis may also provide the basis for a more critical civil rights narrative that reveals persistent divergences between state and minority group interests, highlighting an ongoing basis for dissent from state power.
The Accounting Faculty Shortage: Causes and Contemporary Solutions

SYNOPSIS: The shortage of doctorally qualified accounting faculty has been a concern for the accounting profession for many years (Plumlee, Kachelmeier, Madeo, Pratt, and Krull 2006; Advisory Commi...
Effects of causative organism and presence or absence of meningitis on white blood cell counts in children with bacteremia

The records of 182 children with bacteremia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Neisseria meningitidis were reviewed to determine which variables other than the presence or absence of bacteremia might affect patients' white blood cell (WBC) counts. There were no significant or consistent effects of age, sex, race, or duration of illness on WBC counts. Significantly lower mean WBC counts were noted for patients with, versus those without, meningitis and patients with H influenzae type b bacteremia versus those with S pneumoniae bacteremia. As a screening test for bacteremia, the WBC count is less useful in children with either meningitis or infection caused by H influenzae type b than in children with nonmeningeal infections caused by S pneumoniae.
Employee Trip Reduction Without Government Mandates: Cost and Effectiveness Estimates from Chicago

Employee trip reduction demonstration projects were organized by the Chicago Area Transportation Study, the metropolitan planning organization in the Chicago area. This paper is based on an independent evaluation of the demonstration projects. The primary source of data for this evaluation was a series of interviews conducted with program administrators and employee trip coordinators at each organization that participated in the demonstration. Voluntary costs, which are costs incurred to implement an employee trip reduction program without the necessity to comply with government regulation, are estimated. The average demonstration organization was able to reduce solo driving rates by 5.5 percentage points. This reduction was attained at an average annual voluntary cost per employee of $34.38. The average voluntary cost per car removed for organizations that actually reduced the solo driving rate was $473. Each $10 expenditure per employee is associated with a 1 percent reduction in the solo driving rate. ...
Radiation of sound from an infinite cylindrical elastic shell excited by an internal monopole source

The radiation of sound from an infinite elastic cylindrical shell excited by an internal monopole source is investigated analytically. Coupled equations of motion are used. The modal mobility of the shell wall at the source plane is examined for differing source locations and the behavior is explained in terms of free wave propagation. The radiated pressure and line power from the shell surface is then evaluated for a similar range of source positions and frequencies. A real surface power flow, that circulates backwards and forward between the shell and fluid while propagating axially, but does not contribute to the radiated far field, is uncovered. Finally, the transmission loss of the shell wall is evaluated and found to be between 10 and 35 dB lower than predicted by existing simplified theories. The lower transmission losses predicted by the coupled analysis presented here are shown to be due to excitation of higher order 'shell' type waves at the source plane.
Time Dependent Response of Human Intervertebral Disc to Loading

Pressures in the nucleus pulposus and under the annulus fibrosus have been measured, using the specially developed miniature pressure transducers when the vertebral segment was subjected to physiological loading. Stress-relaxation of the spinal disc was also measured. Results show that pressures are linear with loading. Pressure variations within the nucleus are due to disc degeneration. The point at which facet joint loading begins has also been pinpointed out by these experiments.
Reproductive disruption in fish downstream from an estrogenic wastewater effluent.

To assess the impact of an estrogenic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent on fish reproduction, white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) were collected from immediately upstream and downstream (effluent site) of the city of Boulder, CO, WWTP outfall. Gonadal intersex, altered sex ratios, reduced gonad size, disrupted ovarian and testicular histopathology, and vitellogenin induction consistent with exposure to estrogenic wastewater contaminants were identified in white suckers downstream from the WWTP outfall and not at the upstream site. The sex ratio was female-biased at the effluent site in both the fall of 2003 and the spring of 2004; the frequency of males at the effluent site (17–21%) was half that of the upstream site (36–46%). Intersex white suckers comprised 18–22% of the population at the effluent site. Intersex fish were not found at the upstream site. Chemical analyses determined that the WWTP effluent contained a complex mixture of endocrine-active chemicals, including 17β-estradiol (E2) 1...