cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rational Framework for Selecting Modes of Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention for respiratory failure and thus has become the cornerstone of the practice of critical care medicine. A mechanical ventilation mode describes the predetermined pattern of patient-ventilator interaction. In recent years there has been a dizzying proliferation of mechanical ventilation modes, driven by technological advances and market pressures, rather than clinical data. The comparison of these modes is hampered by the sheer number of combinations that need to be tested against one another, as well as the lack of a coherent, logical nomenclature that accurately describes a mode. In this paper we propose a logical nomenclature for mechanical ventilation modes, akin to biological taxonomy. Accordingly, the control variable, breath sequence, and targeting schemes for the primary and secondary breaths represent the order, family, genus, and species, respectively, for the described mode. To distinguish unique operational algorithms, a fifth level of distinction, termed variety, is utilized. We posit that such coherent ordering would facilitate comparison and understanding of modes. Next we suggest that the clinical goals of mechanical ventilation may be simplified into 3 broad categories: provision of safe gas exchange; provision of comfort; and promotion of liberation from mechanical ventilation. Safety is achieved via optimization of ventilation-perfusion matching and pressure-volume relationship of the lungs. Comfort is provided by fostering patient-ventilator synchrony. Liberation is promoted by optimization of the weaning experience. Then we follow a paradigm that matches the technological capacity of a particular mode to achieving a specific clinical goal. Finally, we provide the reader with a comparison of existing modes based on these principles. The status quo in mechanical ventilation mode nomenclature impedes communication and comparison of existing mechanical ventilation modes. The proposed model, utilizing a systematic nomenclature, provides a useful framework to address this unmet need. Key words: mechanical ventilation; ventilation mode; nomenclature. [Respir Care 2013;58(2):348‐366. © 2013 Daedalus Enterprises]
Measuring Professional Obsolescence: A Half-Life Model for the Physician

The article discusses the concept of half-life and a model of knowledge decay in the health care industry, in light of technological advances. A mathematical equation—developed from a descriptive model—can provide an analogy for physical science's half-life and the concept of knowledge decay in managerial and professional expertise. The concept can be used to calculate the obsolescence of practicing physicians or other professionals and is relevant in evaluating the effectiveness of training and continuing-education programs.
Cyclic permutations in doubly-transitive groups

(1997). Cyclic permutations in doubly-transitive groups. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 33-35.
Non-Classical Reaction Kinetics: Experiments

It has been well established by theory and simulations that the reaction rates of diffusion-limited reactions can be affected by the spatial dimension in which they occur. The types of reactions A + B → C, A + A → A, and A + C → C have been shown, theoretically and/or by simulation, to exhibit non-classical reaction kinetics in low and fractal dimensions. We present here experimental results from several 1D and fractal systems. An A + B → C type reaction was experimentally investigated in a long, thin capillary tube in which the reactants, A and B, are initially segregated. This initial segregation of reactants means that the net diffusion is along the length of the capillary only, making the system effectively 1D and allowing some of the properties of the resulting reaction front to be studied. The reaction rate of excitonic fusion, A + A → A, as well as trapping, A + C → C, reactions were observed via phosphorescence(P) and delayed fluorescence(F) of naphthalene within the channels of Vycor glass, in isotopically mixed naphthalene crystals and in the isolated chains of dilute polymer blends. In these experiments, the non-classical kinetics are measured in terms of the heterogeneity exponent, h, from the equation; Rate ~ F = kt-hPn, which gives the time dependence of the rate coefficient. Classically h = 0, while h = 1/2 in 1D, as well as in the fractal dimensions discussed here, for A + A → A as well as A + C → C type reactions.
Viral Plaque Analysis on a Wide Field-of-view, Time-lapse, On-chip Imaging Platform

The observation of viral plaques is the standard method for determining the viral titer and understanding the behaviors of viruses. Here, we report the application of a wide field-of-view (FOV), time-lapse, on-chip imaging platform, termed the ePetri, for plaque analysis of murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1). The ePetri offers the ability to dynamically track plaques at the individual cell death event level over a wide FOV of 6 mm × 4 mm. As demonstration, we captured high-resolution time-lapse images of MNV-1-infected cells at 30 min intervals. We implemented a customized image-processing program containing a density-based clustering algorithm to analyze the spatial-temporal distribution of cell death events to identify plaques at their earliest stages. By using the results in a viral titer count format, we showed that our approach gives results that are comparable to conventional plaque assays. We further showed that the extra information collected by the ePetri can be used to monitor the dynamics of plaque formation and growth. Finally, we performed a demonstration experiment to show the relevance of such an experimental format for viral inhibitor study. We believe the ePetri is a simple and compact solution for the automation of viral plaque assays, plaque behavior analysis, and antiviral drug discovery and study.
Analysis of photorefractive stratified volume holographic optical elements

An analytical model is developed to study layered structures of photorefractive thin films, a promising application of stratified volume holographic optical elements. The theory gives a closed-form solution for the first-order diffraction efficiency of such elements. A new holographic multiplexing scheme that uses the photorefractive phase shift induced by an applied electric field is also analyzed with this theory.
Traveling wave solutions of a reaction diffusion model for competing pioneer and climax species

Presented is a reaction-diffusion model for the interaction of pioneer and climax species. For certain parameters the system exhibits bistability and traveling wave solutions. Specifically, we show that when the climax species diffuses at a slow rate there are traveling wave solutions which correspond to extinction waves of either the pioneer or climax species. A leading order analysis is used in the one-dimensional spatial case to estimate the wave speed sign that determines which species becomes extinct. Results of these analyses are then compared to numerical simulations of wave front propagation for the model on one and two-dimensional spatial domains. A simple mechanism for harvesting is also introduced.
Fiber-optic power limiter based on photothermal defocusing in an optical polymer

We describe the performance of a fiber-optic power-limiting component. The passive device is dynamically responsive to the input signal and has been shown to attenuate continuous-wave power with a dynamic range of up to 9 dB at 150 mW of input power at 1550 nm. The limiting threshold is approximately 30 mW from 1530 to 1565 nm and less than 10 mW at 1430 nm. The device is activated by a photothermal defocusing mechanism in an optical polymer fixed between two expanded core fibers that collimate light through the material. The magitude and threshold of the limiting response is dependent on the absorption properties of the polymer and the size of the gap between the two fiber endfaces. Simple model calculations have been made to predict the limiting response, and they agree reasonably well with the performance of the actual device.
Evaluation of long-term thermal resistance of gas-filled foams: State of the art

Some cellular plastics (foams) incorporate a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to improve their thermal insulating properties. During the service life of this type of insulation air diffuses into the foam cells and the CFC gas diffuses out, each at a rate that depends on type of polymer and temperature, eventually reducing the effectiveness of insulation. This effect is known as aging. Although literature on the aging process is extensive, there are no generally accepted procedures for evaluating long-term thermal resistance of new gas-filled foams. The mechanisms of the aging process are reviewed, and integrated approach to the evaluation of aging of gas-filled foams is proposed.
The Elite Media and the Military-Civilian Culture Gap

Even though some thoughtful studies exist on relations between the media and the military, most of them focus on the conflict over information security and control during wars, military operations,...
“We Don't Live Outside, We Live in Here”: Neighborhood and Residential Mobility Decisions Among Low‐Income Families†

Over 20 years of scholarship suggests that living in America's poorest and most dangerous communities diminishes the life course development of children and adults. In the 1990s, the dire condition...
Serum and urine pharmacokinetics of tigecycline in obese class III and normal weight adults

OBJECTIVES To compare the serum and urine pharmacokinetics (PK) of intravenous tigecycline in obese class III (obese-C3) adults with those in normal weight (NW) adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS Obese-C3 (n = 8) and NW (n = 4) healthy adult volunteers received a single intravenous dose of 100 mg of tigecycline for 30 min. Serum (0-96 h) and urine (0-48 h) tigecycline concentrations were assayed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Parametric population PK systems analyses were used to model the data and assess the effects of total body weight (TBW) on PK parameters. The area under the concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞) was simulated to estimate the probability of AUC0-∞ : MIC target attainment and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) based on wild-type MIC distributions of select pathogens. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01560143. RESULTS The median (range) age, TBW and initial body mass index were 42 (20-50) years, 121 (61-160) kg and 43.8 (20.8-53.8) kg/m(2), respectively. The serum concentration-time profiles and exposures were similar in the obese-C3 and NW adults, with a mean urine recovery of 15.8% and 13.4%, respectively. The median (range) AUC0-∞ was 8.19 (6.12, 11.2) and 7.50 (6.78, 9.13) mg · h/L in the obese-C3 and NW groups, respectively. The clearance of tigecycline was not related to TBW. The CFR was calculated to be <90% against Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae for an AUC0-∞ : MIC target ≥ 6.96. CONCLUSIONS The serum and urine PK of tigecycline is similar in obese-C3 and NW healthy adults. A lower CFR is predicted against certain Gram-negative pathogens with the current standard tigecycline dosing regimen, irrespective of TBW.
Missouri High Court Finds Constitutional Right to Collective Bargaining for Public Sector Employees

Missouri High Court Finds Constitutional Right to Collective Bargaining for Public Sector Employees.
An Analysis of Marine Pollution: Danger to Coastal Inhabitants in Kanyakumari District

The short-sightedness policy of economy, commerce, and production inject the slow poison to people, flora and fauna in the name of pollution. The gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest especially in case of marine pollution; it is the fisherfolk of any country. Fishermen who are considered to be marginalized and backward in all aspects- socio, economic, educational, cultural and even political suffer a lot due to marine pollution in terms of health and loss of fish stock.
The Lassen hydrothermal system

The active Lassen hydrothermal system includes a central vapor-dominated zone or zones beneath the Lassen highlands underlain by ~240 °C high-chloride waters that discharge at lower elevations. It is the best-exposed and largest hydrothermal system in the Cascade Range, discharging 41 ± 10 kg/s of steam (~115 MW) and 23 ± 2 kg/s of high-chloride waters (~27 MW). The Lassen system accounts for a full 1/3 of the total high-temperature hydrothermal heat discharge in the U.S. Cascades (140/400 MW). Hydrothermal heat discharge of ~140 MW can be supported by crystallization and cooling of silicic magma at a rate of ~2400 km3/Ma, and the ongoing rates of heat and magmatic CO2 discharge are broadly consistent with a petrologic model for basalt-driven magmatic evolution. The clustering of observed seismicity at ~4–5 km depth may define zones of thermal cracking where the hydrothermal system mines heat from near-plastic rock. If so, the combined areal extent of the primary heat-transfer zones is ~5 km2, the average conductive heat flux over that area is >25 W/m2, and the conductive-boundary length <50 m. Observational records of hydrothermal discharge are likely too short to document long-term transients, whether they are intrinsic to the system or owe to various geologic events such as the eruption of Lassen Peak at 27 ka, deglaciation beginning ~18 ka, the eruptions of Chaos Crags at 1.1 ka, or the minor 1914–1917 eruption at the summit of Lassen Peak. However, there is a rich record of intermittent hydrothermal measurement over the past several decades and more-frequent measurement 2009–present. These data reveal sensitivity to climate and weather conditions, seasonal variability that owes to interaction with the shallow hydrologic system, and a transient 1.5- to twofold increase in high-chloride discharge in response to an earthquake swarm in mid-November 2014.
The Impact of Drought on Streamflow and Stream-Aquifer Exchange in the Upper Neosho River, Kansas

Meteorological drought in the Great Plains of the U.S. has a significant influence on the hydrology of small drainage basins. Its effect on local surface water and groundwater systems is complicated when streamflow is regulated by flood-control reservoirs. An analysis of local precipitation, discharge, and groundwater records on annual, monthly, and daily intervals in the upper Neosho River of Kansas demonstrates the importance of frequent, small-scale monitoring to resource management. Natural, drought-induced, noflow conditions prior to reservoir construction were eliminated by sustained, low-volume, reservoir outflow over five drought cycles. Temporary bank storage, caused by reservoirinduced, high-flow pulses, was observed at the Emporia State University Campus Woods field station during a prolonged recent drought. Gaining and losing stream conditions were observed in multi-year monitoring but, in drought years, losing conditions occurred only when reservoir releases generated stream flow. In drought and non-drought years, relatively low groundwater levels coincided with seasonal growing periods, reflecting the importance of transpiration by riparian vegetation on stream-aquifer exchange. An understanding of the drought response of the individual elements of a floodplain hydrologic system is important to management of the integrated resource.
Directly Observable Behavioral Effects of Lorcaserin in Rats.

(1R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (lorcaserin) is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treating obesity, and its therapeutic effects are thought to result from agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT)2C receptors. Lorcaserin has affinity for other 5-HT receptor subtypes, although its activity at those subtypes is not fully described. The current study compared the behavioral effects of lorcaserin (0.0032–32.0 mg/kg) to the effects of other 5-HT receptor selective agonists in rats (n = 8). The 5-HT2C receptor selective agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP, 0.032–1.0 mg/kg) and lorcaserin induced yawning which was attenuated by the 5-HT2C receptor selective antagonist 6-chloro-5-methyl-N-(6-[(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)oxy]pydidin-3-yl)indoline-1-carboxamide (1.0 mg/kg). The 5-HT2A receptor selective agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (0.1–3.2 mg/kg) induced head twitching, which was attenuated by the 5-HT2A receptor selective antagonist R-(+)-2,3-dimethoxyphenyl-1-[2-(4-piperidine)-methanol] (MDL 100907, 0.01 mg/kg), lorcaserin (3.2 mg/kg), and mCPP (3.2 mg/kg). In rats pretreated with MDL 100907 (1.0 mg/kg), lorcaserin also induced head twitching. At larger doses, lorcaserin produced forepaw treading, which was attenuated by the 5-HT1A receptor selective antagonist N-(2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl)-N-(2-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (0.178 mg/kg). While the behavioral effects of lorcaserin in rats are consistent with it having agonist activity at 5-HT2C receptors, these data suggest that at larger doses it also has agonist activity at 5-HT2A and possibly 5-HT1A receptors. Mounting evidence suggests that 5-HT2C receptor agonists might be effective for treating drug abuse. A more complete description of the activity of lorcaserin at 5-HT receptor subtypes will facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effects.
An evaluation of strain amplification concepts via Monte Carlo simulations of an ideal composite

Abstract In the modeling of carbon-black filled elastomers it is important to have a good estimate of the state of the elastomer itself, since many nonlinear effects originate in the matrix material. A common notion in such estimates is the idea of a “strain amplification” factor that relates a macroscopically imposed strain state to the average strain state in the elastomer matrix material. In this paper Mullins and Tobin's interpretation of the Guth—Gold and Smallwood's amplification factor, and a more recent proposal by Govindjee and Simo will be examined. All three theories are compared to the results of a series of Monte Carlo simulations on an ideal composite with a Neo-Hookean matrix and semi-rigid inclusions. It is shown that for the idealized material, one can not interpret the Guth—Gold and Smallwood amplification factors as an estimate of the strain state of the matrix material. The theory of Govindjee and Simo, on the other hand, is shown to accurately predict the strain state of the matrix.
Gender and Marital Satisfaction: A Replication Using a Seven-Point Item Response Version of the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale

In a subsample of married individuals, 97 married men and 154 married women, who had participated in a larger study of retention of church members, an effect size of 0.28 was found between gender and marital satisfaction as measured by the standard 21-point, three-item Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale. The results are consistent with previous reports of a gender effect associated with marital satisfaction, including an analysis of another subsample of the same larger study in which a 15-point version of the scale was used.
Vibration of beams immersed in a liquid

Experimental and analytical analysis of a vibrating beam immersed in a fluid and carrying concentrated mass and concentrated rotatory inertia was performed. It was found that mode shapes are not influenced by either the density or viscosity of the fluid, and that natural frequencies can be corrected to within 10-percent accuracy by adding and apparent mass. To adequately approximate frequency response, model damping must be added. In this way, the linear theory gives an adequate description of the beam.
Esophageal aerodynamics in an idealized experimental model of tracheoesophageal speech

Flow behavior is investigated in the esophageal tract in an idealized experimental model of tracheoesophageal speech. The tracheoesophageal prosthesis is idealized as a first-order approximation using a straight, constant diameter tube. The flow is scaled according to Reynolds, Strouhal, and Euler numbers to ensure dynamic similarity. Flow pulsatility is produced by a driven orifice that approximates the kinematics of the pharyngoesophageal segment during tracheoesophageal speech. Particle image velocimetry data are acquired in three orthogonal planes as the flow exits the model prosthesis and enters the esophageal tract. Contrary to prior investigations performed in steady flow with the prosthesis oriented in-line with the flow direction, the fluid dynamics are shown to be highly unsteady, suggesting that the esophageal pressure field will be similarly complex. A large vortex ring is formed at the inception of each phonatory cycle, followed by the formation of a persistent jet. This vortex ring appears to remain throughout the entire cycle due to the continued production of vorticity resulting from entrainment between the prosthesis jet and the curved esophageal walls. Mean flow in the axial direction of the esophagus produces significant stretching of the vortex throughout the phonatory cycle. The stagnation point created by the jet impinging on the esophageal wall varies throughout the cycle due to fluctuations in the jet trajectory, which most likely arises due to flow separation within the model prosthesis. Applications to tracheoesophageal speech, including shortcomings of the model and proposed future plans, are discussed.
Liver disease caused by medicinal agents.

The deleterious effects of numerous drugs on the liver are discussed . In regards to steroid contraceptives jaundice occurs in a small proportion of users. However the incidence of hepatic dysfunction may involve as many as 50% of oral contraceptive (0C) users. A personal or family history of jaundice of pregnancy increases the risk of jaundice in OC users. Hepatic adenoma may be produced or potentiated by OCs. However a definite association between OCs and focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver has yet to be established. The development of the Budd-Chiari syndrome in OC users is likely due to the known thrombogenic effects of contraceptive steroids. The basic treatment for hepatocellular jaundice includes termination of therapy and a diet high in calories (3000/day) moderately high in protein (70-100 gm/day) and high in carbohydrates (400-500 gm/day).
The first language in the foreign language classroom: teacher model and student language use – an exploratory study

This study investigates how three teachers differed in the amount of first language (L1; here, English) they used during teacher-led instruction in a foreign language (FL; here, German) class and w...
Surgical management of scleroderma reflux esophagitis.

Subjective and objective control of reflux esophagitis can be achieved in patients with scleroderma. The operative technique used to achieve these results is the Collis gastroplasty with a partial or total fundoplication. Eighty-nine per cent of the patients have good to excellent relief from symptoms.
Hemming of Persia at Gudri (1881–1893)

By January 1881 no doubt remained about the Russian intentions in the Transcaspian region, particularly southward in the direction of the Atrak River and its mouth. The permanent nature of the Russian presence in this quarter, so close to the Persian heartland,1 was made evident in the 1881 Russian-Persian Telegraph Agreement.2 It extended the terms of the 1879 Telegraph Convention indefinitely and for as long as the Russian government required the connection in order to ensure communication with its military stations east of the Caspian.
Care of the Elderly Patient on Oral Oncolytics for Advanced Disease

Oral oncolytics are now a common component of cancer care for older individuals with advanced cancer when a new treatment regimen is needed. Many of the solid tumors in elderly patients may respond to the oral oncolytics, however, not without side effects and challenges to maintain adherence. This article describes some of the important areas to be considered when oral oncolytics are prescribed for elderly patients. A general overview of important intervention areas of focus is included.
Observation of High-Harmonic Generation from an Atomically Thin Semiconductor

We report the observation of nonperturbative high-harmonic generation from monolayer MoS2. The yield is higher in monolayer compared to a single layer of the bulk, an effect attributed to strong electron-hole interactions in the monolayer.
Social-Communication Intervention for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effects on Initiating Joint Attention and Interactions with Mother

From infancy, children who later receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show impairments in eye gaze within both joint attention and requesting contexts and, most notably, when initiating interactions. These impairments correlate with later social, communication, and play development. To adequately address the social-communication impairments that characterize ASD, early intervention must address each of these areas. We examined a brief social-communication intervention teaching eye gaze in select social-communication contexts while examining generalization to initiating joint attention and interactions with participants’ mothers. Three toddlers with ASD participated in intervention involving prompting, prompt fading, and reinforcement. Two toddlers showed generalization from requesting to joint attention with the interventionist; all three showed generalization to interactions with their mothers in a semi-structured play interaction. Findings are discussed in terms of generalization and efficiency of intervention.
Designing for End-User Interactive Concept Learning in CueFlik

The current information explosion fundamentally changes how people live and work with computing: vast numbers of documents and images are available on the Web; ubiquitous sensing enables near-continuous tracking and monitoring of people and objects; and inexpensive storage allows people to keep near-unlimited personal data and sensing archives. One strategy to enable effective access to and interaction with such large unstructured datasets is to support example-based iterative end-user training of machine learning systems to identify relevant concepts. These concepts can then be used specify desired manipulations. In the context of the CueFlik system for re-ranking Web image search results according to their visual characteristics, we have been examining general questions surrounding the design of end-user interactive machine learning.
Evidence of erosional self-channelization of pyroclastic density currents revealed by ground-penetrating radar imaging at Mount St. Helens, Washington (USA)

The causes and effects of erosion are among the least understood aspects of pyroclastic density current (PDC) dynamics. Evidence is especially limited for erosional self-channelization, a process whereby PDCs erode a channel that confines the body of the eroding flow or subsequent flows. We use ground-penetrating radar imaging to trace a large PDC scour and fill from outcrop to its point of inception and discover a second, larger PDC scour and fill. The scours are among the largest PDC erosional features on record, at >200 m wide and at least 500 m long; estimated eroded volumes are on the order of 106 m3. The scours are morphologically similar to incipient channels carved by turbidity currents. Erosion may be promoted by a moderate slope (5–15°), substrate pore pressure retention, and pulses of increased flow energy. These findings are the first direct evidence of erosional self-channelization by PDCs, a phenomenon that may increase flow velocity and runout distance through confinement and substrate erosion.
Case Study: Using Immunoassay Technology and a Dynamic Work Plan to Cost Effectively Achieve Site Cleanup and Statistical Certainty in Closure

The Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (WTFREC), located in Wenatchee, Washington, includes a former U.S. Public Health Service/EPA pesticide test plot area and a laboratory drain field, in addition to an active university tree fruit research and extension center. As a result of pesticide weathering experiments the test plot had been contaminated with organochlorine, organophosphorus, and other pesticides above known levels of concern for human health and the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington State University (the current property owner), and Washington Department of Ecology determined that remediation of the test plot area was necessary. The EPA requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District (USACE), to propose, design, and implement the characterization and remediation.
Causes of the Resurrection of a Positive Image of Stalin in Today's Russia: Its Historical Background and Putin's Strategy of Maneuvering People's Perceptions

This article examines the reasons of the rise in Stalin’s popularity in today’s Russia. Researchers and journalists have provided several accounts for the phenomenon: the lack of an effectual de-Stalinization campaign; psychological factors in Russians’ minds; and Putin’s personal endeavors into driving re-Stalinization. This paper, however, argues that the increased popularity of Stalin should be explained not only in its historical context but also as an indirect product of Putin’s strategy (“indirect re-Stalinization”). The author claims that as Putin has glorified the victory in World War II, the image of Stalin, widely associated with the War, has been firmly resurrected. Moreover, Putin’s strategy of feeding Russians with an authoritarian and statist view has arguably served as the basis for increasing number of people with a positive view on Stalin’s policies. Demonstrating various facts and figures with an original conceptual typology, the paper attempts to analyze the essence of the current social trends in Russia, motives and effects of Putin’s strategy, and the relation between the two.
THE AD-HOC SOR METHOD: A LOCAL RELAXATION SCHEME

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the ad-hoc successive over relaxation (SOR) method. In solving a system of five-point difference equations by the SOR method, an estimate of the optimal relaxation parameter is needed. This parameter is determined from the eigenvalues of the Jacobi matrix. However, the eigenvalues of the Jacobi matrix are not easily estimated in general, although methods have been developed to approximate the relaxation factor dynamically. The ad-hoc SOR method attempts to circumvent the need to estimate a relaxation factor by computing, for each equation, its own relaxation factor based on the difference equation coefficients of that equation and the boundary conditions and region shape.
Observation of the Single-Mode Instability in Optical Bistability

The effect of transverse intensity variation on the various instabilities associated with optical bistability seems to be catastrophic in the case of pure absorptive bistability1,2 but benign in the mixed absorptive-dispersive case.2,3 In particular, recent results of Lugiato et al.2 indicate that the mean-field single-mode instability is not destroyed by the assumption of a Gaussian transverse intensity profile, and that it should be observable for experimentally accessible parameter values. Stimulated by these results, we have looked for and observed self-pulsing due to the single-mode instability in the predicted region of parameter space.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bis[1]benzothieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]pyrroles: Quantitative Effects of Benzannulation on Dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]pyrroles.

The synthesis of four N-functionalized bis[1]benzothieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrroles (BBTPs) is reported in order to provide a more detailed characterization of these fused-ring units, as well as increase the scope of known BBTP units available for application to conjugated materials. The optical, electronic, and structural properties of the resulting BBTP units have been compared to the parent N-alkyl- and N-aryl-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrroles (DTPs), as well as their corresponding 2,6-diphenyl derivatives, in order to fully quantify the relative electronic effects resulting from benzannulation of the parent DTP building block. Such comparative analysis reveals that benzannulation results in a red-shifted absorbance, but to a lesser extent than simple phenyl-capping of the DTP. More surprising is that benzannulation results in stabilization of the BBTP HOMO, compared to the destabilization normally observed with extending the conjugation length of the backbone.
Medhere: A Smartwatch-based Medication Adherence Monitoring System using Machine Learning and Distributed Computing

Poor medication adherence threatens an individual's health and is responsible for substantial medical costs in the United States annually. In order to improve medication adherence rates and provide timely reminders, we developed a smartwatch application that collects data from embedded inertial sensors, which include an accelerometer and gyroscope, to monitor a series of actions happening during an individual's medication intake. After the collected data was delivered to a server, Apache Spark was used to distribute the data and apply machine learning algorithms in order to predict several discrete actions including medication intake. By utilizing these tools, we were able to preprocess high frequency sensor data and apply a random forest algorithm, yielding high frequency and recall of the aforementioned actions.
Comparison of the collection approaches of 2 large thyroid fine-needle aspiration practices reveals differing advantages for cytology and molecular testing adequacy rates.

Introduction At our institution, almost all thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) procedures are performed by either Endocrinology or Radiology personnel. In this study, we compared the cytology and molecular adequacy rates of these 2 thyroid FNA practices, which differ on several aspects of specimen procurement. Materials and methods All thyroid FNA specimens from Endocrinology and Radiology practices between September 2008 and December 2016 were included. Over this time frame, the molecular testing modality transitioned from polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based (7-gene panel era) to next generation sequencing (NGS)-based (ThyroSeq era). In measuring cytology adequacy, the Bethesda System unsatisfactory rate was determined. Molecular adequacy was categorized as Optimal, Limited Thyroid Epithelial Cells, Limited Nucleic Acids, or Failed. These parameters were compared for the 2 practices. Results The study cohorts comprised 5810 specimens from Endocrinology and 4597 from Radiology. More Endocrinology specimens were satisfactory for cytology diagnosis than those from Radiology (94.7% versus 90.0%, P Conclusions The 2 thyroid FNA practices varied inversely in their adequacy rates for cytology and molecular testing. Had one practice been superior for both cytology and molecular adequacy, a recommendation for the method of choice would have been straightforward. However, our results show that optimization of FNA practice for the current practice of thyroid cytology requires further investigation due to the complex nature of specimen procurement.
OBSERVATION ON TOXICITY AND DISINFECTION FUNCTION OF GLYCEROL-ALCOHOL HAND-WASHING SOLUTION

Objective To explore toxicity and disinfection function of glycerol-alcohol hand-washing solution,and evaluate its germicidal efficacy and safety.Methods Suspension quantitative germicidal test and animal toxicity test were used to evaluate the germicidal efficacy and safety of the hand-washing solution.Results The killing logarithm values of Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli and Candida albicans exposed to the hand-washing solution containing 75% alcohol for 0.5 min,1.0 min and 1.5 min were ≥5.00.In field trial of disinfection of hand.Wiping the hand with the stock solution of the hand-washing for 1 min killed more than 90% of natural bacteria on hand.The LD50 of this hand-washing solution in mouse oral toxicity test was higher than 5000 mg/kg·bw.Its cumulative score in skin irritation test by repeated contact with intact skin was 0 and it did not cause micronucleus formation in mouse bone marrow polychronatic erythrocytes.Conclusion This hand-washing solution has good killing effect on vegetative forms of bacteria and fungi,and is nontoxic,and not irritating to intact skin.
Reconsidering Garth Robinson: fluid flow and the glomerular filtration barrier.

Purpose of review The goal of this review is to present recent models of the filtration barrier that may suggest mechanism-based treatments for proteinuric renal disease. The vast majority of renal failure occurs in diseases of glomerular proteinuria. The physiology of the filtration barrier remains incompletely understood, preventing invention of mechanism-based therapies. Research is currently dominated by molecular biology approaches to the kidney instead of engineering-based filtration and transport models. Recent findings Reexamination of two older paradigms (basement membrane and slit diaphragm) and critical analysis of newer models may provide mechanistic insight to guide further research. We expand on our theory of podocyte-basement membrane mechanical interactions and speculate on mechanisms of action of the leading treatment for proteinuria, angiotensin blockade. Summary Treatment of proteinuria remains largely empiric and based on inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, with additional benefit from statins and vitamin D. Improved definition of transport phenomena in the capillary wall may suggest rational design of new interventions.
A memorial tribute to Professor Constantin Corduneanu, the outstanding matematician

This paper contains the biographical sketch and reviews scientic contributions of Professor Constantin Corduneanu, an outstanding researcher in stability and control theory, and oscillations.
Reforming Medicaid Reimbursement before the Next Pandemic

On March 18, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the first economic relief bill in response to the pandemic It mandates that state Me
Deriving Performance Measures of Workflow in Radiation Therapy from Real-Time Data

Radiation treatment planning is a complex process with multiple, dependent steps involving an interdisciplinary patient care team. We have previously implemented an interactive, web-based dashboard, which requires a standardised radiation treatment planning workflow and provides real-time monitoring and visualization of the workflow. We present this framework and the results of performance measures characterising the standardised workflow in an effort to optimize clinical efficiency and patient safety. Quantitative representations of longitudinal progression of carepath activities were computed from staff-reported timestamps queried from the EMR. Performance measures evaluated included staff compliance in completing assigned tasks, timeliness in task completion, and the time to complete different tasks. The framework developed allows for informed, data-driven decisions regarding clinical workflow management and the impact of changes on existing workflow as we seek to optimize clinical efficiency and safety, and incorporate new interventions into clinical practice.
Valuing the Environment as Input, Ecosystem Services and Developing Countries

In outlining how “valuing the environment as input” could be applied to a number of contexts in low and middle-income countries, Karl-Goran Maler laid the foundation for many additional applications of the production function approach as reported (Maler in Valuing environmental benefits in developing countries. Special Report 29, Michigan State University, pp 11–32. 1991). The following review traces how his contribution has helped spawn a large literature on valuing ecosystem services as applied in low and middle-income countries. We examine a number of case studies illustrating such approaches. We also note growing interest in two important applications in low and middle-income countries: the hydrological function of forested watersheds and the storm protection provided by estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Using the example of storm protection by mangroves, we further explore the role of spatial characteristics in influencing the value attributed to this benefit.
Does routine postoperative contrast radiography improve outcomes for patients with perforated peptic ulcer? A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Perforated peptic ulcer is a morbid emergency general surgery condition. Best practices for postoperative care remain undefined. Surgical dogma preaches practices such as peritoneal drain placement, prolonged nil per os, and routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging despite a lack of evidence. We aimed to evaluate the role of postoperative enteral contrast imaging in postoperative perforated peptic ulcer care. Our primary objective was to assess effects of routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging on early detection of clinically significant leaks. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent repair of perforated peptic ulcer between July 2016 and June 2018. We compared outcomes between those who underwent routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging and those who did not. Results Our analysis included 95 patients who underwent primary/omental patch repair. The mean age was 60 years, and 54% were male. Thirteen (14%) had a leak. Eighty percent of patients had a drain placed. Nine patients had leaks diagnosed based on bilious drain output without routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging. Use of routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging varied significantly between institutions (30%–87%). Two late leaks after initial normal postoperative enteral contrast imaging were confirmed by imaging after a clinical change triggered the second study. Two patients had contained leaks identified by routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging but remained clinically well. Duration of hospital stay was longer in those who received routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging (12 vs 6 days, median; P = .000). Conclusion Routine postoperative enteral contrast imaging after perforated peptic ulcer repair likely does not improve the detection of clinically significant leaks and is associated with increased duration of hospital stay.
Opening a Marine Monument to Commercial Fishing Compromises Species Protections

One of today’s greatest conservation challenges is balancing policies, laws, and management strategies established to achieve economic goals that depend on extracting ocean resources with those established to conserve marine biodiversity. We use the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument (NCSM) as a case study to explore the consequences of changing from a policy that prevents fishing to a fisheries management policy. We found that opening the NCSM to commercial fishing reduces species protections. Fishing with pelagic and bottom tending fixed gear exposes species inhabiting the sea surface and midwater regions to entanglement and bycatch risk. Fishing with bottom tending fixed gear also exposes deep-sea coral habitat to gear known to have detrimental impacts. The NCSM was designated as a marine national monument due to the area’s unique ecological resources that are a subject of scientific interest. Our case study demonstrates that a fisheries management policy is insufficient to protect these ecological resources.
Resident Participation and Patient Outcomes in Vitreoretinal Surgery.

Abstract This prospective, observational cohort study of 116 patients found that residents could participate in ∼40% of vitreoretinal surgery cases with good visual and anatomical outcomes. Ophthalmology residents can participate in vitreoretinal surgery with appropriate supervision. Surgical training is a key component of ophthalmology residency. For a variety of extraocular and anterior segment procedures, studies evaluating outcomes and complications in resident-performed surgeries have found equivalent outcomes to attending-performed surgeries, 1 , 2 , 3 except resident cases have longer operative times. 4 In vitreoretinal surgery (VRS), however, only survey results exist. One report showed that, by the end of their residency, over 30% of residents reported performing a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) as the primary surgeon. 5 A second study reported that 60% of surveyed residents had performed at least 1 primary PPV. 6 Thus, a significant gap exists in the VRS education literature regarding resident involvement, surgical outcomes, operative time, and safety.
Impact of Obesity in Critical Illness.

The prevalence of obesity is rising worldwide. Adipose tissue exerts anatomic and physiological effects with significant implications for critical illness. Changes in respiratory mechanics cause expiratory flow limitation, atelectasis, and V/Q mismatch with resultant hypoxemia. Altered work of breathing and obesity hypoventilation syndrome may cause hypercapnia. Challenging mask ventilation and peri-intubation hypoxemia may complicate intubation. Patients with obesity are at increased risk of ARDS and should receive lung-protective ventilation based on predicted body weight. Increased positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), coupled with appropriate patient positioning, may overcome the alveolar decruitment and intrinsic PEEP caused by elevated baseline pleural pressure; however, evidence is insufficient regarding the impact of high PEEP strategies on outcomes. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be safely performed in patients with obesity. Fluid management should account for increased prevalence of chronic heart and kidney disease, expanded blood volume, and elevated acute kidney injury risk. Medication pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics may be altered by hydrophobic drug distribution to adipose depots and comorbid liver or kidney disease. Obesity is associated with increased risk of VTE and infection; appropriate dosing of prophylactic anticoagulation and early removal of indwelling catheters may decrease these risks. Obesity is associated with improved critical illness survival in some studies. It is unclear whether this reflects a protective effect or limitations inherent to observational research. Obesity is associated with increased risk of intubation and death in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ongoing molecular studies of adipose tissue may deepen our understanding of how obesity impacts critical illness pathophysiology.