cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction between hydrokinetic turbine wakes and sediment dynamics: array performance and geomorphic effects under different siting strategies and sediment transport conditions

Abstract In-stream hydrokinetic energy conversion devices can be deployed in large scale rivers to produce energy with minimal infrastructure costs. They are however shown to actively interact with the channel bathymetry and sediment transport generating a scour and deposition pattern similar to bridge pier. Symmetric, streamwise, aligned turbine installations have shown to introduce only local effects, yet complex configurations may trigger non-local morphodynamic instabilities. Experimental investigations, based on continuous spatio-temporal measurements of bed topography, explore a number of inflow conditions and siting strategies for axial-flow hydrokinetic turbine models. Results show that asymmetric turbine installations in a portion of the channel cross section may introduce weak non-local deformation of the mean bed topography and alter bedform migration velocities. Geomorphic effects become stronger with increasing shear stress and with rotors deployed up to half of the channel width, resulting in mean flow distortion within the channel cross section and inducing an alternating scour-deposition pattern resembling the signature of steady, forced fluvial bars. Non-local effects can be mitigated, narrowing the turbine array, or amplified, distributing turbines in a vane-like installation, leading to different estimates of energy production averaged at the power plant scale. A discussion on the key quantities governing geomorphic effects and the potential benefits of asymmetric turbine deployments is provided as a preliminary guideline towards the expansion of Marine Hydrokinetic energy in rivers.
HIGHER RESTING HEART RATE IMPROVES HEART FAILURE SYMPTOMS AND EXERCISE CAPACITY IN PATIENTS WITH DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION

About half of the patients with heart failure have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) for which there is no evidence-based treatment. While lower heart rates (HR) provide an unequivocal benefit for patients with HF with a reduced EF, higher and not lower HRs might convey important hemodynamic and
Abstract P215: Adherence to the Healthy Eating Index-2015 May Reduce the Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Disease Mortality, and All-Cause Mortality

Background: The Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score measures adherence to recommendations from the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The HEI-2015 was altered from the HEI-2010 by...
Communicating acute coronary syndrome risk to women in primary care: A scoping review of the literature

Abstract Objectives Delay from symptom onset to hospital arrival drives poor outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly for women. Primary care clinicians can discuss ACS with high-risk women, potentially reducing delay. We conducted a scoping review to assess what is known about ACS risk communication to women in primary care. Methods We used Arksey and O'Malley's framework. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles from inception through September, 2018. No restrictions on study methodology were applied. At least two reviewers assessed each article. Articles addressing risk communication, coronary heart disease, and ACS, related to primary care settings, and including women were retained. Results Eleven articles met inclusion criteria. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk communication is common in primary care; however, ACS symptoms are rarely discussed. Structured risk calculators are used to frame discussions. Communication styles include patient-centered discussions, paternalistic orders, and “scare tactics;” no single style is more effective. Analysis of gender differences in risk communication is extremely limited. Conclusion There is scant evidence that primary care clinicians communicate effectively about ACS risk, symptoms, and appropriate symptom response. Practice implications Interventions are needed to improve communication about ACS to at-risk women in the primary care setting.
Improving regional cyberinfrastructure services through collaboration: Cyberteam for the Rocky Mountain Advanced Computing Consortium

Advances in the volume, diversity, and complexity of research data and associated workflows requires enhanced capabilities to access, secure, reuse, process, analyze, understand, curate, share, and preserve data. To address this need at the regional level the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the University of Utah formed a "Cyberteam" in 2017 to provide cyberinfrastructure (CI) support to researchers at institutions in the Rocky Mountain Advanced Computing Consortium (RMACC) encompassing states across the Intermountain West. The Cyberteam is comprised of CI professionals across the three institutions who collaborate closely, sharing expertise and resources. Since its establishment, the Cyberteam has worked to broaden accessibility and options for computing, storage, and data publishing for RMACC researchers; enhance training on data- and workflow-oriented topics; improve engagement with researchers using CI; and better understand user needs and challenges. One key accomplishment has been the development of a series of focus group and survey instruments to achieve better understanding the CI needs and challenges of researchers across a diverse spectrum of disciplines. This paper provides an overview of the RMACC Cyberteam's objectives, accomplishments, challenges, and future direction.
HR 3 AM: A Heat Resilient Design for RRAM-based Neuromorphic Computing

RRAM based accelerators have been widely adopted in many neuromorphic designs. However, RRAM cells are sensitive to temperature, which changes RRAM’s conductance. Such heat-induced interference can significantly decrease the computational accuracy because values are functions of RRAM conductance. In this paper, we propose HR3 AM, a heat resilience design, which improves accuracy and optimizes the thermal distribution of RRAM based neural network accelerators. HR3 AM consists of two key mechanisms: bitwidth downgrading and tile pairing. Bitwidth downgrading re-represents weights by shifting the conductance to improve the network inference accuracy. Tile pairing matches hot crossbar units with pre-defined idle units to mitigate high-temperature issues. We evaluated HR3 AM on four real world neural network models. Results show that HR3 AM improves classification accuracy by up to 41.8% compared with current state-of-the-art designs. For thermal optimization, HR3AM effectively decreases the maximum temperature by 6.2K and average temperature by 6K.
The Comprehensive School and Egalitarianism: From Demystification and Discreditation to Global Ascendance?

The current focus on the role of egalitarianism in advancing academic excellence has been brought about by the international comparisons of educational achievement, measured either by performance in school curricula (TIMSS) or by the development of critical thinking skills (PISA). Importantly, the extent of societal inequality is found to be significantly correlated with a lower level of average student achievement. Furthermore, national educational structures themselves play a role in promoting or hindering disparities in performance. Statistically, across educational systems the low variance in student achievement within schools and the low variance in achievement between schools translate into more equitable student performance. Conversely, high variance in the above two may indicate the segregation of low-performing and high-performing students in different types of schools and/or in ability grouping or tracking within schools. The consistently top PISA/TIMSS performing nations turned out to have more equitable educational structures, including comprehensive schools for all. Medium-high-performing nations are not as equitable as the top ones, and among these there are several Central European nations that have shown increasingly inequitable student performance over time. It is noteworthy that these post-socialist nations once relied on comprehensive schools but in more recent times have tended to abandon the comprehensive school model. This chapter will review how the ‘egalitarian comprehensive school’ was constructed, demystified and discredited in the countries formerly under socialism and the extent to which these nations differ in the level and inequality of their educational structures and student achievement today. Will inequitable educational structures ultimately hinder the academic achievement of the post-socialist societies? Alternately, will more equitable school structures such as the comprehensive school for all become the new ‘global ideal’?
Safety and efficacy of anticoagulant monotherapy in atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Adjunctive use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) and antiplatelet therapy (APT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is a challenge of daily practice. Methods A comprehensive literature search of databases was performed to identify studies comparing the safety and efficacy of OAC monotherapy and combined therapy (OAC plus single (S) APT). Events including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality, stroke and major bleeding were analyzed. Results Seven articles comprising 11,070 subjects were identified. Combined therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of major bleeding (pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 1.62, 95% CI 1.40–1.86, p= Conclusion OAC monotherapy might have a lower incidence of major bleeding events with no higher overall risk of MACE, ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality compared to the combined therapy group.
Conservation and development: A cross-disciplinary overview

The ability of national governments to set and implement policies that protect biodiversity is currently facing widespread scepticism within the conservation movement. Here, we review the literature from several disciplines to outline a positive agenda for how the global conservation movement can address this. We combine the strengths of the people-centred and science-led conservation approaches to develop a framework that emphasizes the importance of ecological infrastructure for the long-term prosperity of human societies in an ever-changing world. We show that one of the major goals of the conservation movement (enhancing global ecological infrastructure to end species and ecosystem loss) remains central and irreplaceable within the broad sustainable development agenda. Then, we argue that the conservation community is now more prepared than ever to face the challenge of supporting societies in designing the ecological infrastructure they need to move towards more sustainable states. Because it is where global and local priorities meet, the national level is where impactful changes can be made. Furthermore, we point out two priorities for the conservation movement for the next decade: (1) substantially increase the amount of financial resources dedicated to conservation; and (2) advance the next generation of policies for ecological infrastructure.
Racism and Rage in the Streets.

The summer of 2020 will be remembered not only for the continuing devastation of a global infectious disease pandemic but also for a global outcry against racist discrimination in all of its cruel ...
710 Association of Social Isolation, Perceived Stress, and CPAP Use in Sleep Medicine Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are likely experiencing increased stress and social isolation. This study aimed to examine the effect of perceived stress and social isolation on self-reported continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use and treatment adherence among sleep medicine clinic patients during the pandemic. Methods: Between June-November 2020, 81 sleep medicine clinic patients (54.8±15.9y, 44% male, 69% Caucasian) completed an online survey that included self-reported changes in CPAP use and using CPAP as advised;and PROMIS Social Isolation and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). CPAP measures were categorized based on reported changes during the pandemic. Stepwise logistic regression was performed using SAS to determine if Social Isolation and PSS predicted change in CPAP measures. Results: Among participants, 53% reported using CPAP. Out of those, 61% reported change, 16% reported no change, and 23% reported they do not know if there is a change in using CPAP as advised during the pandemic. Social Isolation predicted an increase in odds of CPAP use by a factor of 1.15 (p=0.024). PSS predicted a decrease in odds of using CPAP therapy as advised by a factor of 0.86 (p=0.049). Conclusion: Increases in perceived stress predicted lower odds of utilizing CPAP as advised. Increases in self-reported social isolation predicted greater odds of CPAP use in sleep medicine clinic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing stressors/coping and social isolation/support as part of routine clinical care in sleep medicine clinic patients is advised.
4D microstructural characterization of corrosion and corrosion-fatigue in a Ti–6Al–4V / AA 7075-T651 joint in saltwater environment

Abstract Dissimilar alloy couples are susceptible to environmentally assisted damage owing to the presence of crevices and potential difference between the constituent alloys. In this study, x-ray computed tomography has been employed to non-destructively study the corrosion behavior of a dissimilar alloy fastener-plate couple (AA7075-T651/Ti–6Al–4V) in a 3.5 wt% NaCl environment. Following this, the specimen was subjected to corrosion fatigue and post fracture failure analysis was performed. The precise locations of corrosion pitting damage in the specimen were studied with respect to corrosion time. Microstructural factors that contribute to crack initiation were identified using a correlative microscopy-based approach and are discussed.
Mast Cell Stabilizers in the Treatment of Rosacea: A Review of Existing and Emerging Therapies

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by centrofacial erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasias. The onset of rosacea typically occurs after 30 years of age. It is estimated that approximately 2–5% of adults worldwide are affected. While the exact etiology of rosacea remains unknown, its pathogenesis is thought to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic factors implicated. Ultraviolet radiation, heat, steam, ingested agents, including spicy foods and alcohol, host vasculature, dermal matrix degeneration, genetic susceptibility, and microbial organisms, including Demodex mites and Heliobacter pylori, have been implicated in the development of rosacea. Recently, mast cells (MCs) have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis of rosacea through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and antimicrobial peptides leading to cutaneous vasodilation, angiogenesis, and tissue fibrosis. Several existing and emerging topical, oral, and injectable therapeutics have been associated with improvement of rosacea symptoms based on their ability to stabilize and downregulate activated MCs. Herein, we review the data implicating MCs in the pathogenesis of rosacea and discuss interventions that may stabilize this pathway.
Mindshaping, Enactivism, and Ideological Oppression

One of humans’ distinctive cognitive abilities is that they develop an array of capacities through an enculturation process. In “Cognition as a Social Skill,” Sally (Haslanger, Australas Philos Rev 3:5–25, 2019) points to one of the dangers associated with enculturation: ideological oppression. To conceptualize how such oppression takes root, Haslanager appeals to notions of mindshaping and social coordination, whereby people participate in oppressive social practices unthinkingly or even willingly. Arguably, an appeal to mindshaping provides a new kind of argument, grounded in philosophy of mind, which supports the claims that feminist and anti-racist want to defend. However, some theorists worry that Haslanger’s account does not shed much light on how individuals could exert their agency to resist oppression. I argue that enactivist conceptions of mindshaping and habit can help us to make sense of the power of social influences and how they have the potential to both enable and undermine cognition and agency. This moves us toward increased understanding of the workings of social oppression—distinguishing between (a) constructive and enabling forms of heteronomy, and (b) overdetermining and pernicious modes that lead to atrophied moral cognition and a narrowing of the field of affordances.
Life choices of African-American youth living in public housing: perspectives on drug trafficking

OBJECTIVE. Our understanding of youth involvement with drug trafficking is derived mainly from survey data. Personal narratives present the life choices that low-income, urban African-American youth perceive and the decisions that they make. Narratives provide insight into the complexities inherent in those choices. METHOD. Twenty youth were interviewed through semiclinical, open-ended interviews. Youths were asked to describe their perceptions of how people their age make choices about becoming involved or refraining from involvement in drug trafficking. Data were analyzed within the context of psychological factors which influence child development, including attributions of personal meaning and identity formation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION. Youth narratives reflect an awareness of the contradictory messages present within their environments. Youth articulate the importance of family and peer influences on their decisions to engage in or refrain from drug trafficking. Their perceptions of themselves as belonging to a racial minority group also influence their views regarding the viable alternatives available to them for achieving success. Youth who are able to identify alternative activities from which they can derive positive experiences are less likely to become involved in drug trafficking. Recommendations for intervention at the familial, community, and institutional levels are discussed. Language: en
Methods for Studying Mechanical Control of Angiogenesis by the Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix

Mechanical forces that capillary endothelial cells generate in their cytoskeleton and exert on their extracellular matrix adhesions feed back to modulate cell sensitivity to soluble angiogenic factors, and thereby control vascular development. Here we describe various genetic, biochemical, and engineering methods that can be used to study, manipulate, and probe this physical mechanism of developmental control. These techniques are useful as in vitro angiogenesis models and for analyzing the molecular and biophysical basis of vascular control.
Artificial life simulation of humans and lower animals: from biomechanics to intelligence

The confluence of virtual reality and artificial life, an emerging discipline that spans the computational and biological sciences, has yielded synthetic worlds inhabited by realistic artificial flora and fauna The latter are complex synthetic organisms with functional, biomechanically simulated bodies, sensors, and brains with locomotion, perception, behavior, learning, and cognition centers These biomimetic autonomous agents in their realistic virtual worlds foster deeper computationally-oriented insights into natural living systems Virtual humans and lower animals are of great interest in computer graphics because they are self-animating graphical characters poised to dramatically advance the motion picture and interactive game industries Furthermore, they engender interesting new applications in computer vision, medical imaging, sensor networks, archaeology, and many other domains.
Dissociation of ribosomes induced by centrifugation: evidence for doubting conformational changes in ribosomes.

Abstract 1. The dissociation of sea urchin ribosomes in response to monovalent cations was investigated. Sea urchin egg ribosomes readily dissociate in 0.50 M KCl at o°, and the subunits that are formed are active in translating poly(U) and readily reassociate when the ionic strength is reduced. 2. Subunits are also produced during sucrose gradient sedimentation in moderate concentrations (0.15–0.40 M) of KCl. These subunits display apparent increases in s value, which are not due to conformational changes, since subunits isolated from these gradients resediment only at 35 S and 56 S in a wide range of ionic strength. If prepared in 0.24 M KCl their ability to translate poly(U) is about three times greater than subunits produced in high (0.50 M) KCl. 3. Evidence is presented which supports the concept that ribosomes dissociate into subunits during centrifugation and that the process occurs at an apparently discrete point which is dependent upon: the ionic conditions, the gravitational field and the concentration of ribosomes. We have termed subunits produced during sedimentation as “sedimentation-derived subunits”. 4. The effect of the gravitational field on the sedimentation patterns of ribosomes is particularly striking. When all other conditions are kept constant and the gravitational force imposed on free monoribosomes is varied, totally different sedimentation patterns (hence, s values of the subunits) can be obtained. Furthermore, if the duration of centrifugation in moderate ionic strength is insufficient to resolve the subunits, a single band is observed which can be easily misinterpreted as a reduction in the apparent sedimentation velocity of the monoribosome due to a conformational alteration. These results are discussed in terms of reported alterations in ribosome conformation.
Effects of procainamide on intra-atrial [corrected] electrograms during atrial fibrillation: implications [corrected] for detection algorithms.

The effects of antiarrhythmic drugs on electrograms have implications for arrhythmia-detection algorithms in implantable antitachycardia devices. Filtered and unfiltered intra-atrial electrograms were analyzed in eight patients who received procainamide (50 mg/min iv, up to 1000 mg) during 11 episodes of atrial fibrillation. Continuous recordings were made before, during, and after the infusion. The recordings were digitized, divided into 4.27 sec segments, and analyzed for atrial rate, median frequency and amplitude probability density function. Significant differences were noted before and after infusion of procainamide for atrial rate (498 +/- 97 vs 356 +/- 146 beats/min; p less than .005), median frequency (5.50 +/- 1.22 vs 4.24 +/- 0.99 Hz; p less than .0005), and density (58.3 +/- 13.9% vs 69.1 +/- 15.0%; p less than .005). Pre- and postprocainamide values were compared with published criteria for detection of atrial fibrillation. Before procainamide, only 2.3%, 5.7%, and 3.4% of the data segments failed to meet criteria for atrial fibrillation by rate, frequency content, and density, respectively. In contrast, after procainamide, 50%, 36.4%, and 28.4% of the data segments failed to meet these same criteria, despite electrograms still meeting morphologic criteria for atrial fibrillation. Thus procainamide resulted in changes sufficient to cause failure of published criteria for detection of atrial fibrillation. These findings have broad implications for the function of antitachycardia devices in patients receiving antiarrhythmic drug therapy.
The Psychology of Self-Affirmation: Sustaining the Integrity of the Self

Publisher Summary Self-affirmation processes are being activated by information that threatens the perceived adequacy or integrity of the self and as running their course until this perception is restored through explanation, rationalization, and/or action. The purpose of these constant explanations (and rationalizations) is to maintain a phenomenal experience of the self-self-conceptions and images as adaptively and morally adequate—that is, as competent, good, coherent, unitary, stable, capable of free choice, capable of controlling important outcomes, and so on. The research reported in this chapter focuses on the way people cope with the implications of threat to their self-regard rather than on the way they cope with the threat itself. This chapter analyzes the way coping processes restore self-regard rather than the way they address the provoking threat itself.
Automatic gaze-based user-independent detection of mind wandering during computerized reading

Mind wandering is a ubiquitous phenomenon where attention involuntarily shifts from task-related thoughts to internal task-unrelated thoughts. Mind wandering can have negative effects on performance; hence, intelligent interfaces that detect mind wandering can improve performance by intervening and restoring attention to the current task. We investigated the use of eye gaze and contextual cues to automatically detect mind wandering during reading with a computer interface. Participants were pseudorandomly probed to report mind wandering while an eye tracker recorded their gaze during the reading task. Supervised machine learning techniques detected positive responses to mind wandering probes from eye gaze and context features in a user-independent fashion. Mind wandering was detected with an accuracy of 72 % (expected accuracy by chance was 60 %) when probed at the end of a page and an accuracy of 67 % (chance was 59 %) when probed in the midst of reading a page. Global gaze features (gaze patterns independent of content, such as fixation durations) were more effective than content-specific local gaze features. An analysis of the features revealed diagnostic patterns of eye gaze behavior during mind wandering: (1) certain types of fixations were longer; (2) reading times were longer than expected; (3) more words were skipped; and (4) there was a larger variability in pupil diameter. Finally, the automatically detected mind wandering rate correlated negatively with measures of learning and transfer even after controlling for prior knowledge, thereby providing evidence of predictive validity. Possible improvements to the detector and applications that utilize the detector are discussed.
Reaction pp-->n Delta ++: Observables and model predictions.

A recent analysis of exclusive pion production in proton-proton scattering allows for the direct comparison of theory with pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}^{++}$ observables. We have extracted NN\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N\ensuremath{\Delta} transition amplitudes from the Bonn meson-exchange model and calculated differential cross section and asymmetry for this reaction. In particular, we establish correlations between the asymmetry and the phases of the major inelastic transition amplitudes. We find evidence that the phases of the transition amplitude $^{3}$${\mathit{F}}_{3}$(NN)${\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}^{5}$${\mathit{P}}_{3}$(N\ensuremath{\Delta}) are responsible for the large discrepancy between theory and experiment in the asymmetry around 800 MeV incident laboratory kinetic energy. We also suggest how the theory can be improved.
Self-organizing model based expert controller

A self-tuning expert fuzzy controller is developed and applied in real time to a process control problem. The knowledge base consists of rules describing the control law in terms of the process error and the resulting control action. Conditions and conclusions of each rule are fuzzy variables which are described through their continuous membership curves. The inference engine used is the backward chaining process of the Prolog language. To implement the self-tuning property, the membership curve of the controller output is changed according to an error-based performance index. A control supervisor makes this tuning decision as a function of either past or predicted future set-point errors of the control system. If the current process model is considered reliable, then the decision is based on the predicted set-point error. The feasibility of this self-tuning expert controller is demonstrated on the speed control problem for a DC motor load system. >
Ellipsoids and lightcurves

The determination of the light curve (LC) of a geometrically scattering ellipsoid is considered in relation to the problem of investigating the physical properties of asteroids. A simple concise formula is derived for the area of a projection of an ellipsoid, and this expression is used to obtain a general formula for the projected, visible, illuminated area of a triaxial ellipsoid for arbitrary sun-earth-asteroid geometry. It is found that the LC of an ellipsoid has special properties that can be exploited to test the hypothesis that a given optical or radar LC could be due to a geometrically scattering ellipsoid.
A computerized method for environmental gas analysis in the hospital setting

Due to the obligation to employee health and OSHA's ever decreasing permissible exposure limits (PELS) for hazardous gases, it has become imperative that hospitals institute an effective and accurate method for gas analysis while adhering to time and budget restraints. Some of the most frequently monitored gases in the hospital environment are ethylene oxide (EtO), nitrous oxide, halothane, xylene, and formaldehyde. With toxic gases such as EtO, it is critical to obtain consistent, fast, and accurate gas levels. With little expense, one can interface the analog output of most analyzers with a small computer to not only increase reading accuracy for part per million (p.p.m.) gas levels but also provide multigas analysis and archiving of data for and report documentation. >
Identification and Expression of a Putative Facilitative Urea Transporter in Three Species of True Frogs (Ranidae): Implications for Terrestrial Adaptation

Urea transporters (UTs) help mediate the transmembrane movement of urea and therefore are likely important in amphibian osmoregulation. Although UTs contribute to urea reabsorption in anuran excretory organs, little is known about the protein’s distribution and functions in other tissues, and their importance in the evolutionary adaptation of amphibians to their environment remains unclear. To address these questions, we obtained a partial sequence of a putative UT and examined relative abundance of this protein in tissues of the wood frog (Rana sylvatica), leopard frog (R. pipiens), and mink frog (R. septentrionalis), closely related species that are adapted to different habitats. Using immunoblotting techniques, we found the protein to be abundant in the osmoregulatory organs but also present in visceral organs, suggesting that UTs play both osmoregulatory and nonosmoregulatory roles in amphibians. UT abundance seems to relate to the species’ habitat preference, as levels of the protein were higher in the terrestrial R. sylvatica, intermediate in the semiaquatic R. pipiens, and quite low in the aquatic R. septentrionalis. These findings suggest that, in amphibians, UTs are involved in various physiological processes, including solute and water dynamics, and that they have played a role in adaptation to the osmotic challenges of terrestrial environments.
Deciding who to admit to a critical care unit

Scarce resources may cause doctors to be pessimistic about prognosis and refuse critical care admissions
The Impact of Developmental Issues on Human Relations Training for Preservice Teachers

The developmental stage of an individual receiving human relations training is of critical importance in determining whether the training will be effective and whether it will be incorporated easily or only after overcoming stiff resistance.
Evaluation of Surface Dose outside the Treatment Area for Breast Cancer Irradiation Modalities using Thermoluminescence Dosimeters (TLDs).

Purpose: To measure and compare the surface dose outside the treatment area at six different points of interest (POIs) for five different breast cancer radiation treatment modalities by using thermo-luminescent dosimeters (TLDs). This experiment will evaluate the magnitude of the dose due to scatter and leakage radiation at different areas outside the target on a patient that could potentially lead, in the long term, to radiation induced secondary malignancies. Methods: TLD-100 were calibrated according to the University of Wisconsin Radiation Calibration Laboratory protocol and then used for dose measurements at selected POIs namely sternum, lower abdomen, contralateral breast, thyroid, shoulder, and eye. Twenty five breast cancer patients and the following modalities were included in this study: Strut-adjusted volume implant (SAVI), mammosite multi-lumen (ML), Accuboost, electron boost and photon boost. The surface doses in all patients were measured in a single fraction. The delivered target doses were normalized to 200 cGy. Finally, breast quadrant analysis was performed. Results: The maximum average dose for each POI was as follows: Sternum 6.51 cGy (SD 2.93), lower abdomen 4.50 cGy (SD 2.63), contralateral breast 8.52 cGy (SD 3.86), thyroid 5.50 cGy (SD 2.75), shoulder 5.58 cGy (SD 2.77), and eye 2.65 cGy (SD 0.68). The highest POI dose of 15.84 cGy was found in contralateral breast. Conclusion: The measured surface dose at each POI varies with the modality of treatment. The surface doses show a strong correlation to the tumor bed location in the breast quadrant. The SAVI, electron boost, and photon boost modalities had delivered smaller surface dose at POIs than the Accuboost and Mammosite ML modalities. While the measured doses fall within the low range, its significance in producing second malignancies would require a large cohort of patients and a longer follow up.
Constraints on partial wave amplitudes from the Froissart-Gribov representation

Abstract It is shown that if a sequence al(s) of partial wave amplitudes satisfies a Froissart-Gribov representation, with a power bounded weight function, for l ⩾ N, where N is a nonnegative integer, then the amplitudes al(s) for l ⩾ N are constrained by an infinite set of algebraic inequalities, each inequality involving an infinite number of partial wave amplitudes. The discussion is limited to the case of scattering of spinless scalar particles.
Predictors of differences in left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes determined by quantitative gated rest and post-stress Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT

Background: Quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) is useful in evaluating left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end systolic volume (ESV), and end diastolic volume (EDV). Less is known regarding factors potentially associated with differences in LVEF and volumes obtained from QGS at rest and post-stress. Methods: Using a 2-day protocol, SPECT data was obtained at rest and post-stress with high dose (25 mCi) Tc-99m sestamibi bolus. LVEF, ESV, and EDV were derived from automated Cedars-Sinai QGS software. Of 100 patients prospectively studied, 92 studies were technically adequate. Delta LVEF was defined as QGS rest EF minus QGS post-stress LVEF. Delta ESV and EDV were similarly defined. Results: (See table). LVEF, ESV, and EDV rest and post-stress were highly correlated. LVEF and EDV were higher at rest than post-stress. Summed difference score (SDS) >0 was significantly associated with increased delta LVEF (p=0.02). Mean LVEF post-stress in ischemic patients was 55.0% vs 61.1% in nonischemic patients (p=0.01). SDS=0 was associated with increased delta EDV (p<0.001). Mean post-stress EDV in ischemic patients was 94.4 cc vs 80.1 cc in nonischemic patients (p<0.01). SDS=0 was associated with increased delta ESV (p=0.002). Mean post-stress ESV in ischemic patients was 43.4 cc vs 32.1 cc in nonischemic patients (p<0.01). Conclusion: QGS post-stress is highly correlated with QGS rest for LVEF, EDV, and ESV. The mean QGS rest LVEF and rest EDV are significantly higher than post-stress LVEF and stress EDV. Ischemia is associated with lower QGS post-stress LVEF which may represent post-stress ischemic LV dilatation with increased post-stress ESV and EDV. Rest Post-Stress r p Mean delta p LVEF (%) 61.1 59.2 0.89 <0.001 1.9 <0.001 EDV (cc) 88.1 84.8 0.88 <0.001 3.3 <0.01 ESV (cc) 35.4 35.8 0.93 <0.001 −0.4 NS Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV
Translating unrestricted relay ladder logic into Boolean form

Abstract Single-pass translation of unrestricted relay ladder logic (RLL) into an and/or Boolean form is described. A data representation of the ladder is specified for supporting computer-aided entry and flow displays, as well as the translation. The representation separates downward and upward vertical flow channels to simplify interpretation. The vertically separated representation can be derived during interactive keyboard entry of the model, without placing added demands on the user. The translation algorithm is explained in structured pseudocode and with a series of graphic translation examples. A dynamic data structure is given for the target and/or tree form. Algorithmic descriptions are done in the readable syntax of Modula-2, with pseudocode in place of specialized constructions.
αv-Integrin Utilization in Human β-Cell Adhesion, Spreading, and Motility

The role of individual integrins in human beta-cell development and function is largely unknown. This study describes the contribution of alpha(v)-integrins to human beta-cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. Developmental differences in alpha(v)-integrin utilization are addressed by comparing the responses of adult and fetal beta-cells, and vitronectin is used as a substrate based on its unique pattern of expression in the developing pancreas. Fetal and adult beta-cells attached equally to vitronectin and integrin alpha(v)beta(5) was found to support the adhesion of both mature and immature beta-cell populations. Fetal beta-cells were also observed to spread and migrate on vitronectin, and integrin alpha(v)beta(1) was found to be essential for these responses. In contrast to their fetal counterparts, adult beta-cells failed to either spread or migrate and this deficit was associated with a marked down-regulation of alpha(v)beta(1) expression in adult islet preparations. The integrin alpha(v)beta(3) was not found to support significant beta-cell attachment or migration. Based on our findings, we conclude that integrins alpha(v)beta(5) and alpha(v)beta(1) are important mediators of human beta-cell adhesion and motility, respectively. By supporting fetal beta-cell migration, alpha(v)beta(1) could play an important role in early motile processes required for islet neogenesis.
Three Decades of Research on O-GlcNAcylation - A Major Nutrient Sensor That Regulates Signaling, Transcription and Cellular Metabolism.

Even though the dynamic modification of polypeptides by the monosaccharide, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) was discovered over thirty-years ago, its physiological significance as a major nutrient sensor that regulates myriad cellular processes has only recently been more widely appreciated. O-GlcNAcylation, either on its own or by its interplay with other post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination and others, modulates the activities of signaling proteins, regulates most components of the transcription machinery, affects cell cycle progression and regulates the targeting/turnover or functions of myriad other regulatory proteins, in response to nutrients. Acute increases in O-GlcNAcylation protect cells from stress-induced injury, while chronic deregulation of O-GlcNAc cycling contributes to the etiology of major human diseases of aging, such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration. Recent advances in tools to study O-GlcNAcylation at the individual site level and specific inhibitors of O-GlcNAc cycling have allowed more rapid progress toward elucidating the specific functions of O-GlcNAcylation in essential cellular processes.
Mass loss from solar-type stars

Winds are directly detected from solar-type stars only when they are very young. At ages ~ 106 yr, these stars have mass loss rates ~ 106 times the mass flux of the present solar wind. Although these young T Tauri stars exhibit ultraviolet transition-region and X-ray coronal emission, the large particle densities of the massive winds lead to efficient radiative cooling, and wind temperatures are only ~ 104 K. In these circumstances thermal acceleration is unlikely to play an important role in driving the mass loss. Turbulent energy fluxes may be responsible for the observed mass loss, particularly if substantial magnetic fields are present.
Critiquing Borders: Teaching About Religions in a Postcolonial World

. In a postcolonial environment, our students will encounter multiple representations and diverse followers of various religions outside the classroom. Students need to think critically about the representations of all religions and recognize the humanity of all people. Too often, students leave courses discussing one or more world religions with an idealized view of other religions that draws strict boundaries around the components of each religion. Bringing postcolonial thought into introductory and survey courses highlights the diversity within each lived religion and encourages students to critique those strict borders and all representation of religions. Based on continuing experiments with critical theory in undergraduate classes, the six strategies presented here use the diversity of lived religions to promote critical analysis of representations of religions. These strategies move beyond the rejection of common representations by introducing set theory as an alternative framework that students can use to theorize about the complexity within religions.
Changement des pratiques de transfusion au passage du nouveau millénaire : Étude rétrospective des patients adultes ayant un traitement chirurgical réglé d’anévrysme de l’aorte abdominale dans la base de données de la Mayo Clinic

Rationnelle Des changements cruciaux de pratique en matiere de transfusion peri-operatoire de globule rouge (GR) ont ete rapportes pendant les dernieres deux decennies mais les donnees semblables ne sont pas disponibles pour des patients ayant une chirurgie d’anevrysme de l’aorte abdominale (AAA). Methodes Les patients adultes qui ont eu la reparation primaire, reglee, ouverte d’AAA etaient stratifies dans un de deux groupes de pratique de transfusion: pratique ancienne (1980 - 1982) ou pratique recente (2003 - 2006). La transfusion de GR et la concentration en hemoglobine (Hb) ont ete analysees en tant que variables continues et comparees entre les groupes a l’aide du test de Wilcoxon. Les complications peri-operatoires ont ete comparees entre les groupes a l’aide du test exact de Fisher. Les donnees etaient ajustees pour l’âge, et des analyses ont ete corrigees pour des comparaisons multiples. Resultats Compare au groupe de pratique ancienne, les patients du groupe de pratique recente ont eu des taux d’Hb peroperatoire (moyenne 10 ± 1,4 contre 11,5 ± 1,5 g/dl), postoperatoire sensiblement inferieurs (11,9 ± 1.4 contre 13,4 ± 1,5 g/dl), et a la sortie (10,8 ± 1,2 contre 12,5 ± 1,5 g/dl) significativement inferieurs ( p p p p p = 0,27). Conclusion Dans cette analyse retrospective, nous avons observe un taux d’Hb peri-operatoire sensiblement inferieur, peu de transfusions allogenes de GR, et plus d’autotransfusions dans des reparations ouvertes d’AAA faites en 2003 - 2006 par rapport a celles pratiquees en 1980 - 1982. De plus, les patients recents etaient plus âges et avaient plus de comorbidites. En depit de ces observations, on n’a observe aucune difference significative dans la morbidite peri-operatoire ou la mortalite entre les groupes.
A Quasi-Optical Converter For Efficient Conversion Of Whispering Gallery Modes Into Narrow Beam Waves

A quasi-optical converter for converting rotating whispering gallery modes into a linearly polarized quasi-Gaussian beam was designed and experimentally tested. The shapes of the launcher and the reflectors were optimized in order to increase the efficiency.
A dynamical theory of elastic dielectrics

A theory of the electromagnetic field in moving, finitely deformed elastic dielectrics is developed. The equations for a weak field superimposed on a strong field and an arbitrary state of finite deformation are deduced. It is shown how certain electro- and magneto-optical effects and the retardation of a sound wave by a strong magnetic field in a dielectric can be explained and correlated.
Safety Effect of Officer Enforcement Programs That Target Red Light Violations

This paper examines the effectiveness of a citywide targeted enforcement program implemented in eight cities. In this program, enforcement agencies focused on intersection traffic control violations and used a heightened level of enforcement relative to that otherwise employed. The program was sustained for a period that ranged from several months to 2 years and was coupled with a public awareness campaign. The results of the analysis revealed that crashes related to red light running were reduced by 6.4% during program implementation. An analysis of program benefits and costs indicated that it had a benefit-cost ratio of 12:1. The effectiveness of this type of officer enforcement program was found to be similar to that of camera (or automated) enforcement.
Sick building syndrome--a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Objective Reading this article will acquaint the reader with possible outcomes associated with the diagnosis of “sick building syndrome.” The definition, epidemiology, and precipitating events of this symptom complex are distinguished from other defined building-related illnesses. Data source The author's experience with many patients presenting with this diagnostic label and selected studies on indoor pollution and “sick building syndrome” are carefully reviewed. Study selection Pertinent scientific investigations on “sick building syndrome” and previously published reviews on this and related subjects that met the educational objectives were critically reviewed. Results “Sick building syndrome” is a pseudodiagnosis composed of nonspecific, transient symptoms without proven biologic markers. Its application in the clinical setting invites frequent subsequent linkage to other similar vague diagnoses associated with chronic debility and lack of therapeutic intervention. Conclusion The reader is encouraged to avoid the use of this term in favor of a simpler, descriptive diagnosis (eg, transient office-related annoyance and /or irritation) or if this seems inadequate, adoption of the diagnostic label of “idiopathic building intolerance.”
Statistical analysis of a fast frequency estimator using a symbolic algebra system

Statistical analysis of a fast algorithm for frequency estimation is presented. Details of how the analysis was derived with the aid of a symbolic algebra software package, Maple, are given, and some issues involved in the use of symbolic algebra packages in signal processing research are discussed. >
Radiographic technic, safety, and interpretation in the newborn nursery

The technic and safety aspects of the radiographic evaluation of neonates with RDS are discussed. A study of radiographs taken in an intensive care nursery revealed that densitometric measurements are helpful in distinguishing changes in lung aeration from changes in radiographic quality. The radiation exposure to neonates was 5.1 (SD 2.3) mR per film and 44.9 (SD 39.7) MR per neonate. Limited chromosomal studies revealed no detectable abnormalities. The radiation exposure to the staff was minimal. The low-radiation exposure to the staff and neonates is the result of careful attention to radiation hygiene.
Inpatient behavior therapy: the St. Louis University model.

Abstract Many of the problems that impede the practice of behavior therapy on traditional psychiatric and medical impatient services can be avoided by a separate behaviorally-oriented inpatient unit, but few guidelines exist for establishing such a unit. The present paper describes the inpatient Behavioral Treatment Unit developed at St. Louis University Medical Center. Critical administrative and clinical features of the Unit are discussed, including the administrative philosophy which emphasizes unit autonomy and participative management, the central role of nursing staff, the importance of the clinical team system, the development of referral sources, admission procedures and criteria, and basic approaches to assessment and treatment.