cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of continuous infusion of local anesthetic for pain control after median sternotomy: A single-center retrospective chart review

Abstract After cardiac surgery via median sternotomy, postoperative pain impairs coughing and ambulation, potentially resulting in atelectasis and prolonged recovery. Opioid analgesics are typically given postoperatively but can cause complications such as constipation, sedation, confusion, and long-term abuse. In an effort to improve postoperative pain control, we examined the safety and effectiveness of continuous ropivacaine infusion for sternotomy-related pain. We performed a single-center, retrospective, observational chart review of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, or both via full median sternotomy. Patients were excluded if they had a previous history of chronic opioid use, required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoperatively, could not be extubated within 48 h, or died within 96 h of the initial operation. We identified 149 patients who met the study criteria: 71 who received continuous ropivacaine via an elastomeric pump (47.7%), and 78 (control group) who received no local anesthetic (52.3%). Median total opioid use and pain scores were not significantly different between patients who received ropivacaine via an elastomeric pump and control patients. Both groups had similar rates of ambulation by postoperative day 4 (69% vs. 63%; p = 0.43). The ropivacaine group was more often able to wean from oxygen by postoperative day 4 (43.7% vs. 26%; p = 0.021) and had a shorter median time to extubation (15.3 h vs. 16.6 h; p = 0.0017) and a shorter median hospital stay (6.9 d vs. 8.1 d; p = 0.0001). However, a multivariable analysis did not show the use of ropivacaine to be a predictor of shorter length of stay, so it is likely that other contributing factors caused the ropivacaine recipients to be discharged from the hospital earlier. In conclusion, continuous infusion of ropivacaine at the sternotomy site appears feasible and safe in cardiac surgery patients; however, its effectiveness in reducing pain scores or opioid use remains questionable and should be further studied with prospective randomized trials. Studies of other methods to reduce opioid use may also be warranted.
Composite twin dark matter

We consider fraternal twin Higgs models where the twin bottom quark, ${b}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, is much heavier than the twin confinement scale. In this limit aspects of quark bound states, like the mass and binding energy, can be accurately calculated. We show that in this regime, dark matter can be primarily made of twin baryons containing ${b}^{\ensuremath{'}}{b}^{\ensuremath{'}}{b}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ or, when twin hypercharge is gauged, twin atoms, composed of a baryon bound to a twin ${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ lepton. We find that there are significant regions of parameter space which are allowed by current constraints but within the realm of detection in the near future. The case with twin atoms can alleviate the tension between dark matter properties inferred from dwarf galaxies and clusters.
Discovering the barriers to efficient robotic operating room turnover time: perceptions vs. reality.

Turnover time (TOT) has remained the subject of numerous research articles and operating room (OR) committee discussions. Inefficiencies associated with TOT are multiplied when complex technology, such as surgical robots, is involved. Using a human factors approach, this study investigated impediments to efficient robotic TOT and team members’ perceptions surrounding this topic. Researchers observed 20 robotic turnovers over 2 months at a tertiary hospital. TOT, cleaning time, number of staff present, bed set-up time, instrument set-up time and any major delays were recorded. Additionally, 79 OR team members completed a questionnaire regarding perceptions of OR turnover. Average TOT was 72 min (s, 24 min). Overall, cleaning required the most time (average of 27.4 min, 37.96% of TOT), followed by instrument set-up (15.4 min, 21.34% of TOT) and RN retrieval of the patient from pre-op (12 min, 17.72% of TOT). OR team members estimated that turnovers require 60.36 min. Physicians believed the greatest contributor to TOT was “time to set up the OR”, while OR staff rated “instrument availability” as the greatest issue, both of which were inaccurate. OR team members’ perceptions of robotic TOT and contributing factors were different from reality based on observed contributors. Data demonstrated several areas of opportunity for process improvement. These data can be used to guide the implementation of targeted interventions to improve TOT efficiency.
Impacts of personalized accessibility information on residential location choice and travel behavior

Abstract This paper investigates the impacts of personalized accessibility information provided to possible relocators on their residential location decision-making process and travel behavior after relocation. An experiment is designed and implemented using a sample of people relocating to Tippecanoe County in Indiana, United States. The participants are randomly allocated to either a control or treatment group. The treatment group participants are provided personalized neighborhood accessibility information before relocation that characterizes the ease of access of each neighborhood for six trip purposes (work, healthcare, social or recreational, restaurants, education, and retail or grocery shopping) using walk, bike, transit, or car mode. The control group participants are not given this information. Surveys are designed to capture participants’ self-reported residential location decision-making process and travel behavior before and after relocation. Simultaneous equation models are estimated to capture the potential interrelationship between the accessibility of participants’ residential neighborhood and their self-reported weekly driving time after relocation, and the factors that affect them. Descriptive statistics comparing behavior before and after relocation, and model estimation results, show that personalized accessibility information can potentially make relocators more informed about travel-related information, and assists them in selecting a residence that better addresses their travel needs based on higher accessibility to potential destinations. Ultimately, this information makes it more likely that they will travel less using car (about 10% less weekly driving time, on average) and use walk or transit mode more (about 10% and 5% more frequently on average, respectively) to their destinations.
Target Price Adjustment for Hip Fractures Is Not Sufficient in the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative.

Abstract Background Under the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusts the target price for total hip arthroplasty (THA) based upon the historical proportion of fracture cases. Concerns exist that hospitals that care for hip fracture patients may be penalized in BPCI. The purpose of this study is to compare the episode-of-care (EOC) costs of hip fracture patients to elective THA patients. Methods We reviewed a consecutive series of 4096 THA patients from 2015 to 2018. Patients were grouped into elective THA (n = 3686), fracture THA (n = 176), and hemiarthroplasty (n = 274). Using CMS claims data, we compared EOC costs, postacute care costs, and performance against the target price between the groups. To control for confounding variables, we performed a multivariate analysis to identify the effect of hip fracture diagnosis on costs. Results Elective THA patients had lower EOC ($18,200 vs $42,605 vs $38,371; P Conclusion Patients undergoing arthroplasty for fracture cost over twice as much as elective THA patients. CMS should change their methodology or exclude fracture patients from BPCI, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigations of rheology and a link to microstructure of oil-based drilling fluids

Abstract Towards establishing a first-principles physical link between the field-behavior and microstructure of oil-based drilling fluid (OBDF), we study rheology of an OBDF and its variation with different contents of water, clay viscosifier, or barite weighting agent during steady and dynamic rheological phenomena, and develop a “cryo-preserved” experimental methodology towards in-situ microscopy. Rheological data was collected for shear rate ramps between 0.0001 s and 1 and 1000 s−1, under temperatures ranging from 10°C to 60 °C, with three water/oil ratios, and multiple OBDF compositions. Oscillatory and constant shear rate measurements showed elastic and loss modulus co-dominate when stress is below ~1 Pa, but above a ~1 Pa “apparent yield-stress” the fluid microstructure reorganizes, elasticity decreases, and the flow follows a viscosity-dominated shear-thinning Herschel–Bulkley behavior. Signs of thixotropy are seen in increasing vs. decreasing flow curves when in the elastic regime, and elasticity shows time-dependency. Clay particles created elasticity more so than the other ingredients. Elimination of water, clay, or barite caused an approximately equal reduction of viscosity. Elimination of water also led to elastic modulus dominating over viscous modulus for a longer range of strain in the linear-elastic pre-yield state, likely due to water droplets having a shorter length scale over which yield-stress is broken than does a water-free mixture. Elimination of barite had a similar but lesser effect on elasticity. Cryological scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) and cryological x-ray spectroscopy (Cryo-EDS) methods show promise for future work to identify the spatial microstructure of the OBDF at nanometer to micrometer scales in a “cryo-preserved” state that approximates an in-situ like state. Chemical identification of individual phases within the mixture components is achieved via a quantitative elemental method. Water droplets, base oil, and barite are identifiable and future methods for in-situ imaging of sheared OBDFs is proposed.
G2-M block, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity are potently induced by novel bis-indoles in prostate cancer cells

5898 The overall goal of these studies was to identify novel chemotherapeutic agents for prostate cancer by screening of a series of bis-indoles analogs. A series of bis-indoles analogs was synthesized to test their potential antitumor activities. Cell viability was determined in human prostate cancer cells (LNCaP, PC-3, DU145, PPC-1 and TSU-Pr1) by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The concentration (IC50) required for 50 % cell growth inhibition was calculated based on dose response curve. To test the drug-induced apoptosis, LNCaP and PC-3 cells were exposed to compound of interest (concentrations ranged from 2-10 times of IC50) for 24 h. DNA fragmentation was determined by anti-histone ELISA assay and DNA laddering. Cell cycle progression was assessed by propidium iodide staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Bis-indole analogs inhibited prostate cancer cell growth with IC50 in the range of 0.034 to > 100 μM. One of the most potent compounds, Y-6, was found to be very toxic to prostate cancer cells (0.034-0.138 μM of IC50), the colon cancer cell line HT-29 (IC50=0.062 μM), and the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 (IC50=0.162 μM). We found that 100 nM of Y-6 induced apoptosis in both LNCaP and PC-3 after 24 h treatment and this was detected by anti-histone ELISA and DNA laddering. Apoptosis was also quantified by annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Cell cycle analyses revealed that Y-6 induced a strong G2-M arrest in LNCaP cells. The G2-M phase in the whole cell population was 12.7 %, 15.7 %, 32.2 % and 56.2 % at the concentration of 0, 50, 100 and 200 nM, respectively. The potent antitumor activity of Y-6 suggested that bis-indole analogs might represent a novel class of anticancer drugs for prostate cancer. Pharmacokinetic, in vivo antitumor and metabolism studies of Y-6 are currently underway. Supported by a grant from NIH R01 DK 065227-01.
Abelian Covers and Non-Commuting Sets in a Non-Abelian p -Group Which its Central Quotient is Metacyclic

Let G be a group. A set S in G is said to be non-commuting if $$xy \ne yx$$ for any two distinct elements $$x,y \in S$$ . We define w(G) to be the maximum possible cardinality of a non-commuting set in G. In this paper, we determine w(G) for a finite non-abelian p-group G such that G/Z(G) is metacyclic by obtaining an abelian centralizers cover of this group. As a consequence, we show that the set of all commuting automorphisms of a finite non-abelian p-group G such that G/Z(G) is metacyclic, forms a subgroup of $$\mathrm {Aut}(G)$$ .
Human gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiome-derived pro-inflammatory neurotoxins from Bacteroides fragilis: Effects of low fiber diets and environmental and lifestyle factors.

Over the last decade, our understanding of the immense contribution of GI-tract microbiome to human physiology and host metabolic functions has increased dramatically, yet progress is limited by the sheer complexity and dynamics of these microbial communities [3,81]. Microorganisms of the human GI-tract microbiome are now generally appreciated as playing some critical role in the maintenance of health and the development of disease, however the complexity and diversity of this ‘dispersed organ system’, and commensal and symbiotic relationships with human host cells, particularly with host cells of the central nervous system (CNS) remains incompletely understood. Neurotoxins detrimental to the normal structure, function and signaling properties of brain cells: (i) may be acquired directly via naturally-occurring, plant growth- and plant yield-promoting factors or processed components of ingested foodstuffs; (ii) from the environment; (iii) from the individual lifestyles that we live; and also (iv) from the neurotoxic exudates derived from thousands of species of stressed GI-tract resident microbes. Diet, environment and lifestyle are inextricably linked when considering ‘hologenome’ aspects of a highly networked ‘metaorganism’ and metagenomics factors with the most recent findings that microbiome-derived neurotoxins can strongly contribute to human diseases from intestinal and systemic inflammation, to obesity to schizophrenia and to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [21,27–33,37–40]. For example, in fiber-deprived diets which can be strongly impacted by environmental and lifestyle choices certain GI-tract abundant Gram negative bacilli such as B. fragilis appear to strongly proliferate, increasing both their potential and abundance for the synthesis and release of neurotoxins by mass action alone. Importantly, especially against a background of unwise and unhealthy environmental and lifestyle choices, some of the most potent neurotoxins known can be a significant and a continuous ‘life-long’ source from the diet, in part through an insufficient supply of dietary fiber and the maintenance, support and proliferation of dysbiotic microbes that maintain their persistent and continual residence in the human GI-tract microbiome.
Work Engagement and Its Relationship with Personal Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study of Human Service Workers

Studies on worker well-being within the human services sector have largely looked at factors that put the well-being of workers at risk but few studies have focused on workplace experiences that pr...
Water Shutoffs in Older American Cities: Causes, Extent, and Remedies

We highlight a worrisome situation in American cities – rising water bills that growing numbers of residents cannot afford to pay, leading to water shutoffs. A study of each state’s two largest water utilities suggested 15 million Americans experienced water shutoffs in 2016 (Food & Water Watch, 2018). We describe how utility responses to financial challenges facing older cities have caused shutoffs that disproportionally hurt low income customers. We present new data from public records requests illustrating the scale and distribution of shutoffs in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Detroit, and discuss the potential of income-based pricing to solve the water affordability challenge.
Peripheral Injury and CRPS

This chapter provides a review of current understanding about CRPS pathophysiology. As more information becomes available about physiological processes that occur following an injury, several theories have emerged to explain the underlying processes which may predict the risk of developing CRPS and to help guide the choice of treatment. There is currently no unifying theory to describe the development of CRPS, though neural and immune mechanisms have been implicated. Some of the recent studies have examined molecular and metabolic changes at the site of injury. Other studies have described local and global inflammatory processes that lead to tissue changes and peripheral sensitization leading to the characteristic changes of CRPS in the affected limb. Further studies point to mechanisms within the central nervous system that may also play a role in CRPS. Ultimately it is likely a combination of these peripheral and central, neural, and immune mechanisms that are at play in development and maintenance of CRPS.
Preferential alignment and heterogeneous distribution of active non-spherical swimmers near Lagrangian coherent structures

We report the interaction between active non-spherical swimmers and a long-standing flow structure, Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs), in a weakly turbulent two-dimensional flow. Using a hybrid experimental–numerical model, we show that rod-like swimmers have a much stronger and more robust preferential alignment with attracting LCSs than with repelling LCSs. Tracing the swimmers' Lagrangian trajectories, we reveal that the preferential alignment is the consequence of the competition between the intrinsic mobility of the swimmers and the reorientation ability of the strain rate near the attracting LCSs. The strong preferential alignment with attracting LCSs further leads to a strong accumulation near the attracting LCSs. Moreover, we show the self-similarity of this accumulation, which reduces the intricate interaction to only one control parameter. Our results generically elucidate the interaction between active and non-spherical swimmers with LCSs and, thus, can be widely applied to many natural and engineered fluids.
Augmented Reality Assisted Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Augmented reality (AR) is a novel technology for spine navigation. This tracking camera-integrated head-mounted display (HMD) represents a novel stereotactic computer navigation modality that has demonstrated excellent precision and accuracy with spinal instrumentation.1 Standard computer-assisted spine navigation systems have two major shortcomings: attention shift and line-of-sight limitations. The HMD allows visualization of the surgical field and navigation data concurrently in the same field of view.2,3 However, the use of AR in spine surgery has been limited to use for instrumentation, not for endoscopy. Fully endoscopic transforaminal interbody fusion under conscious sedation is an effective treatment option for degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Although this technique has a steep learning curve, the advantages are vast, including preservation of normal tissue, smaller incisional requirement, and reduced postoperative pain, all enabling rapid recovery after surgery. As with other endoscopic spine surgeries, this procedure has a steep learning curve and requires a robust understanding of foraminal anatomy in order to safely access the disc space.4,5 However, with the introduction of AR, the safety and precision of this procedure could be greatly improved upon. In this video, we present a case of a 60-yr-old female who presented with a grade 1 spondylolisthesis and severe spinal stenosis and was treated with an L4-L5 interbody fusion. All instrumentation steps and localization for the endoscopic portion of the case were performed with assistance from the AR-HMD system. Informed written consent was obtained from the patient. The participant and any identifiable individuals consented to the publication of his/her image.
Evaluating Human-AI Hybrid Conversational Systems with Chatbot Message Suggestions

AI chatbots can offer suggestions to help humans answer questions by reducing text entry effort and providing relevant knowledge for unfamiliar questions. We study whether chatbot suggestions can help people answer knowledge-demanding questions in a conversation and influence response quality and efficiency. We conducted a large-scale crowdsourcing user study and evaluated 20 hybrid system variants and a human-only baseline. The hybrid systems used four chatbots of varied response quality and differed in the number of suggestions and whether to preset the message box with top suggestions. Experimental results show that chatbot suggestions---even using poor-performing chatbots---have consistently improved response efficiency. Compared with the human-only setting, hybrid systems have reduced response time by 12%--35% and keystrokes by 33%--60%, and users have adopted a suggestion for the final response without any changes in 44%--68% of the cases. In contrast, crowd workers in the human-only setting typed most of the response texts and copied 5% of the answers from other sites. However, we also found that chatbot suggestions did not always help response quality. Specifically, in hybrid systems equipped with poor-performing chatbots, users responded with lower-quality answers than others in the human-only setting. It seems that users would not simply ignore poor suggestions and compose responses as they could without seeing the suggestions. Besides, presetting the message box has improved reply efficiency without hurting response quality. We did not find that showing more suggestions helps or hurts response quality or efficiency consistently. Our study reveals how and when AI chatbot suggestions can help people answer questions in hybrid conversational systems.
A Novel, Interactive Game to Improve Understanding of Respiratory Control Pathways in First-Year Medical Students.

The physiology of respiration is a challenging subject for many medical students. To assist students, we have developed an active learning game that physically places students within a model outlining the respiratory control pathway. Participants were provided with a vodcast describing the physiology of respiratory control and instructed to view this prior to the activity. Once in the classroom, groups of students sat at tables marked to represent components of the respiratory control pathway (e.g. apneustic center, diaphragm etc.). Tables were connected with green and red ropes indicating excitatory or inhibitory effects, respectively. Students were presented with various scenarios (e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis) and asked to predict and illustrate the scenario's effect on subsequent steps in the respiratory pathway by waving the appropriate connecting rope. The next table would continue the pattern in order to simulate the collective physiological adaptation of the respiratory pathway. 30 first-year medical students participated in this study. Following the activity, 25 out of the 30 participants completed an optional survey. The survey aimed to assess the benefits of adding this activity to our first-year medical curriculum in order to build a foundational understanding of the physiology of respiration. Responses were overwhelmingly favorable, and participants reported that playing the game significantly improved their perceived understanding of the physiology of respiratory control. All but one of the participants recommended using the activity in future classes. Because the small size of the study group may limit generalizability, future larger scale studies are planned.
Short-term and long-term effectiveness of a post-hospital care transitions program in an older, medically complex population.

Abstract Background Care transition programs can potentially reduce 30 day readmission; however, the effect on long-term hospital readmissions is still unclear. Objective We compared short-term (30 day) and long-term (180 day) utilization of participants enrolled in care transitions versus those matched referents eligible but not enrolled. Design This cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2011 until June 30, 2013 within a primary care academic practice. Participants Patients at high risk for hospital readmission based on age and comorbid health conditions had participated in care transitions group (cases) or usual care (referent). Main measures The primary outcomes were 30, 90, and 180 day hospital readmissions.. Secondary outcomes included: mortality; emergency room visits and days; combined rehospitalizations and emergency room visits; and total intensive care unit days. Cox proportional hazard models using propensity score matching were used to assess rehospitalization, emergency room visits and mortality. Poisson regression models were used to compare the numbers of hospital days. Key results Compared to referent ( n =365), Mayo Clinic Care Transitions patients exhibited a lower 30 day rehospitalization rate compared to referent; 12.4% (95% CI 8.9–15.7) versus 20.1% (95% CI 15.8–24.1%), respectively ( P =0.002). At 180-days, there was no difference in rehospitalization between transitions and referent; 39.9% (95% CI 34.6–44.9%) versus 44.8% (95% CI 39.4–49.8%), ( P =0.07). Conclusion We observed a reduction in 30 day rehospitalization rates among those enrolled in care transitions compared to referent. However, this effect was not sustained at 180 days. More work is needed to identify how the intervention can be sustained beyond 30 days.
Complexation hydrogels for oral protein delivery: an in vitro assessment of the insulin transport-enhancing effects following dissolution in simulated digestive fluids.

The insulin-transport enhancing effects of a pH-sensitive poly((methacrylic acid)-grafted-poly(ethylene glycol)) hydrogel system were studied using Caco-2 monolayers as an in vitro model of intestinal transport. Further, the ability of the hydrogel system to protect entrapped proteins through the upper gastrointestinal tract via digestion in simulated gastric and simulated intestinal fluids with digestive enzymes was confirmed. Caco-2 cell monolayers were exposed to a series of formulations including insulin alone, the polymer in insulin solution, insulin-loaded polymer (ILP) and ILP previously subjected to simulated digestive fluids with enzymes. These studies demonstrated greatly increased insulin transport for the ILP samples when compared with insulin alone and insulin in the presence of polymer, P app = 12.7 × 10−8 cm/s and 6.61 × 10−8 cm/s versus 0.07 × 10−8 cm/s and 0.06 × 10−8 cm/s, respectively. While enhanced transport with the ILP was observed, the largest changes in TEER values did not coincid...
INSIGHTS INTO THE INTRA-RING SUBUNIT ORDER OF TRIC/CCT: A STRUCTURAL AND EVOLUTIONARY ANALYSIS

TRiC is an important group II chaperonin that facilitates the folding of many eukaryotic proteins. The TRiC complex consists of two stacked rings, each comprised of eight paralogous subunits with a mutual sequence identity of 30-35%. Each subunit has unique functional roles that are manifested by corresponding sequence conservation. It is generally assumed that the subunit order within each ring is fixed, but this order is still uncertain. Here we address the problem of the intra-ring subunit order by combining two sources of information: evolutionary conservation and a structural hypothesis. Specifically, we identify residues in the TRiC subunits that are likely to be part of the intra-unit interface, based on homology modeling to the solved thermosome structure. Within this set of residues, we search for a subset that shows an evolutionary conservation pattern that is indicative of the subunit order key. This pattern shows considerable conservation across species, but large variation across the eight subunits. By this approach we were able to locate two parts of the interface where complementary interactions seem to favor certain pairing of subunits. This knowledge leads to restrictions on the 5,040 (=7!) possible subunits arrangements in the ring, and limits them to just 72. Although our findings give only partial understanding of the inter-subunit interactions that determine their order, we conclude that they are comprised of complementary charged, polar and hydrophobic interactions that occur in both the equatorial and middle domains of each subunit.
Processing of Ceramic Matrix Composites

Before describing the techniques for fabricating ceramic matrix composites, we list below some general points that should be considered in selecting the reinforcements and the matrix. Among the items that should be taken into account for choosing a reinforcement and a matrix material are: 1. melting point 2. volatility 3. density 4. elastic modulus 5. coefficient of thermal expansion 6. creep characteristics 7. strength 8. fracture toughness 9. compatibility between fiber and matrix (a) chemical compatibility (b) thermal compatibility (should be able to withstand high-temperature excursions) (c) compatibility with the environment, internal as well as external: the external compatibility mainly involves oxidation and evaporation characteristics.
Occurrence of adenovirus and other enteric viruses in limited-contact freshwater recreational areas and bathing waters.

Aims: The goal of this study was to characterize enteric virus concentrations and their infectivity in a variety of limited-contact recreation and bathing waters, including Great Lakes beaches, inland lakes, rivers, and an effluent-dominated urban waterway. Additionally, we evaluated associations between point sources of human faecal pollution and enterovirus and adenovirus presence and concentrations. Methods and Results: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and two cell culture lines were used to identify and quantify viruses in water samples. The presence of human adenoviruses F was strongly associated with effluent-dominated waters (odds ratio 6·1, confidence interval 2·3, 15·7), as was adenovirus concentration; though, neither enterovirus presence nor concentration was associated with an effluent source. Samples with high concentrations of qPCR targets all tested positive by cell culture on both cell lines, although qPCR target concentrations were not correlated with culture values. Conclusions: Adenovirus was strongly associated with point sources of human faecal pollution while enterovirus was not, indicating that adenovirus measured by qPCR is a better target than enterovirus for identifying wastewater discharges in recreational freshwaters. Significance and Impact of the Study: The development of monitoring for enteric human viral pathogens at recreational waters should include adenovirus testing. Further research is needed to interpret the results of qPCR testing in relationship to the presence of infectious viruses using cell culture.
Do You Really Get What You Paid For

Recent health care policy reforms proposed by President Obama have prompted an increased interest in the efficiency of the US health care system. Looking at total health expenditure and life expectancy alone, the President has good reason to be hasty in his desire for change. Comparing the US to 18 other Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries at similar levels of development; namely: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK; one finds that the US has much to improve upon in these areas. In 2006, the US spent approximately 15.1% of its GDP on health care, more than any other OECD country and considerably larger than the 9.0% average of its peer nations (OECD Health Data, 2009). This is quite negatively juxtaposed with the fact that the US also has the lowest female and male life expectancies at birth of the same 18 OECD nations. The US female life expectancy at birth is 80.7 years (tied with Denmark), falling 2.1 years below the average of 82.8 years; the US male life expectancy at birth is 75.4 years, again, falling two years below the average of 77.4 years (OECD Health Data, 2009). This raw and partial evidence suggests that the US health care system may be performing inefficiently compared to its peer nations.
An Efficient Analog Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Regulator for the Parallel Hybrid Photo Voltaic – Diesel and Wind Energy Systems

In this research article we have proposed a new analog MPPT regulator with the high efficiency DC-DC converter for the photo voltaic and high efficient z- source converter for the variable speed wind energy systems. The both renewable energy output power is connected in parallel with the diesel generator and whole system provide the efficient hybrid energy systems to given the electrical power to the external grid. The MPPT regulator provides the control signal for the DC-DC converter and tracks the maximum power from the solar panel. In which here a logic truth table based perturbation and observation (P and O) algorithm used for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and hybrid bridge resonant DC-DC converter is giving the constant output voltage equal to the DC bus voltage by changing the proper modes. The parallel configuration is selected for the energy transformation from the solar panel, wind power and diesel systems to the load. The design includes a bidirectional inverter along with a dc-dc converter capable of interfacing a battery bank with the AC bus. The goals of the project included the implementation of two modes of operation: a battery discharge mode where current is being fed into the AC bus and a battery charging mode in which current is pulled from the grid and put into the batteries. A secondary goal of the design was to ensure that the current being injected into AC bus was at or near unity power factor by utilizing a hysteresis current control method.
A QM/MM Monte Carlo Simulation Study of Solvent Effects on the Decarboxylation Reaction of N-Carboxy-2-imidazolidinone Anion in Aqueous Solution

The solvent effects on the decarboxylation reaction of N-carboxy-2-imidazolidinone anion in aqueous solution have been investigated by a combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) Monte Carlo simulation method. In the present approach, the gas-phase intrinsic reaction coordinate of the reaction is first obtained by ab initio molecular orbital calculations at the RHF/6-31+G(d) level. Then, the potential of mean force for the decarboxylation reaction is determined via statistical perturbation theory using the combined QM/MM-AM1/TIP3P potential in Monte Carlo simulations. The computed free energy of activation in water is 22.7 ± 0.2 kcal/mol, in very good agreement with the experimental value of 23.2 kcal/mol. Detailed insights into the structural and energetic nature of the differential solvation of the reactant and the transition state are presented.
Perturbation of FliL interferes with Proteus mirabilis swarmer cell gene expression and differentiation.

Proteus mirabilis is a dimorphic, motile bacterium often associated with urinary tract infections. Colonization of urinary tract surfaces is aided by swarmer cell differentiation, which is initiated by inhibition of flagellar rotation when the bacteria first contact a surface. Mutations in fliL, encoding a flagellar structural protein with an enigmatic function, result in the inappropriate production of differentiated swarmer cells, called pseudoswarmer cells, under noninducing conditions, indicating involvement of FliL in the surface sensing pathway. In the present study, we compared the fliL transcriptome with that of wild-type swarmer cells and showed that nearly all genes associated with motility (flagellar class II and III genes) and chemotaxis are repressed. In contrast, spontaneous motile revertants of fliL cells that regained motility yet produced differentiated swarmer cells under noninducing conditions transcribed flagellar class II promoters at consistent levels. Expression of umoA (a known regulator of swarmer cells), flgF, and flgI increased significantly in both swarmer and pseudoswarmer cells, as did genes in a degenerate prophage region situated immediately adjacent to the Rcs phosphorelay system. Unlike swarmer cells, pseudoswarmers displayed increased activity, rather than transcription, of the flagellar master regulatory protein, FlhD4C2, and analyses of the fliL parent strain and its motile revertants showed that they result from mutations altering the C-terminal 14 amino acids of FliL. Collectively, the data suggest a functional role for the C terminus of FliL in surface sensing and implicate UmoA as part of the signal relay leading to the master flagellar regulator FlhD4C2, which ultimately controls swarmer cell differentiation.
Sacrifice, the Body, and Yoga: Theoretical Entailments of Embodiment in Hathayoga

Abstract In most general terms, hathayoga involves the internalisation and embodied literalisation of the Vedic fire sacrifice. Reflecting on the place of sacrifice in anthropological theory, and on the way in which sacrifice structures the relationship between humans and gods in terms of gift obligations, this paper explores the theoretical implications of hathayoga's embodied literalisation of a profoundly symbolic act. Although similar to various forms of ascetic renunciation, hathayoga is unique, it will be argued, in being structured as the physiological antithesis of religious ritual. Self-realisation based on the internalised yajna sacrifice undermines the binary structure of the sacred and the profane and makes god irrelevant. This raises theoretical questions concerning the social significance of a ritual that is anti-social on a number of different levels.
X-ray study of human aortas.

Projection and contact microradiographs using the K X-rays of titanium and aluminum have been combined with X-ray probe and macro X-ray spectrographic analyses of healthy and calcified human aortas. These preliminary observations demonstrate the value of such an X-ray study of calcium in sclerotic blood vessels; they are being extended.
Zinc induced iron deficiency in soybeans

Abstract When soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr. Bragg) were grown in solution culture, the PI54619–5–1 cultivar was Fe‐deficient when the Zn level was 10‐4 M. Iron contents in leaves were reduced by the high Zn level in the Hawkeye cultivar but less so than with the PI54619–5–1 cultivar. The high Zn resulted in depressed Fe contents in leaves, stems, and roots of both cultivars and in some direct effects of Zn toxicity with the Hawkeye cultivar. A high level of FeEDDHA (ferric ethylenediamine (di(o‐hydroxy‐phenylacetic acid)) partially overcame the Fe deficiency induced by a high Zn level.
The Win-Win of Adult Degree Programs.

Adult degree programs have been seen as a win-win solution for private colleges and adult learners, but their innovative and often-entrepreneurial postures are not a natural fit with governance structures in more traditional institutions. Through narrative and illustrative vignettes, this chapter presents an overview of efforts employed by some institutions to strike a balance between their historic missions and these nontraditional programs.
A decade of air–ground temperature exchange from Fargo, North Dakota

Abstract In borehole paleoclimatology, it is commonly assumed that a direct coupling exists between air and ground temperatures. This assumption is valid only if variables affecting ground-surface temperature exchange have remained constant through time. In an analysis of a 9-year record of air and ground temperature data, we found that several critical variables changed in ways that cause decoupling between air and ground temperatures. Mean-annual ground temperatures in the upper 12 m increased by 0.93±0.09°C during the study. Air temperatures used as model-forcing signals generated ground temperatures that exhibit no significant increase. The decoupling of winter air and ground temperatures is due to snow cover and latent energy effects. Maximum residual temperatures for freezing, summer and thawing modeling periods averaged ±0.18°C, ±0.30°C, and ±0.75°C, respectively. Duration of winter snow cover increased during the time of record and correlates with winter air–ground temperature differences (r2=0.71). Annual values of modeled latent energy of ground freezing show a dependence upon total precipitation 60 days prior to ground freezing.
The use of Soluble Metal-Polyselenide Complexes as Precursors to Binary and Ternary Solid Metal Selenides

The use of several soluble metal polychalcogenides to prepare solid state materials is presented. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) data, under inert atmosphere, of the molecular compounds (Ph4P)2[Cd(Se4)2], (Ph4P)4[Cu2Se14], (Ph4P)2[Cu4Se12], (Ph4P)4[In2Se21] and (Et4N)3[M3Se15], (M=In, TI), show that the corresponding binary solid state compounds are formed as single phases at temperatures as low as 530°C. We have grown films of CdSe, Cu2-xSe, β-In2Se3, TISe and CuInSe2 using these complexes as precursors. The films were prepared by pyrolysis of green precursor films, cast from DMF solutions. CuInSe2 was prepared by co-thermolysis of Cu/Sex and In/Sex complexes. The chemical, X-ray, spectroscopic and electron microscopic characterization of these molecular precursor-derived films as well as their charge transport characterization is reported.
Optimal State Assignment for Finite State Machines

Computer-Aided synthesis of sequential functions of VLSI systems, such as microprocessor control units, must include design optimization procedures to yield area-effective circuits. We model sequential functions as deterministic synchronous Finite State Machines (FSM's), and we consider a regular and structured implementation by means of Programmable Logic Arrays (PLA's) and feedback registers. State assignment, i.e., binary encoding of the internal states of the finite state machine, affects substantially the silicon area taken by such an implementation. Several state assignment techniques have been proposed in the past. However, to the best of our knowledge, no Computer-Aided Design tool is in use today for an efficient encoding of control logic. We propose an algorithm for optimal state assignment. Optimal state assignment is based on an innovative strategy: logic minimization of the combinational component of the finite state machine is applied before state encoding. Logic minimization is performed on a symbolic (code independent) description of the finite state machine. The minimal symbolic representation defines the constraints of a new encoding problem, whose solutions are the state assignments that allow the implementation of the PLA with at most as many product-terms as the cardinality of the minimal symbolic representation. In this class, an optimal encoding is one of minimal length satisfying these constraints. A heuristic algorithm constructs a solution to the constrained encoding problem. The algorithm has been coded in a computer program, KISS, and tested on several examples of finite state machines. Experimental results have shown that the method is an effective tool for designing finite state machines.
3He and methane in Sakurajima Caldera, Kagoshima Bay, Japan

Abstract Volcanic gases from the submerged caldera of Sakurajima Volcano are characterized by 3 He 4 He = 6.1R A , CH 4 3 He ≈ 10 9 , and a ratio of excess ΣCO2 to 3He of 140 × 109. Helium in the Kagoshima Bay waters is a mixture of volcanic helium and atmospheric-solubility helium in surface waters, and provides a strong signature for seawater injected into the protocaldera by flow through the volcanic edifice, the probable source of the warm deep water that replaces the colder, more saline deep water of the North Basin in November.
Nanoengineering Polyaniline for Advanced Chemosensing Applications

The focus of this study is the development of polyaniline based hybrid systems for selective room temperature detection of NO2 . The electrospinning technique has been employed to produce highly dispersed nanocomposites of leucoemeraldine base polyaniline (LEB-PANI) with cellulose acetate (CA) as a secondary component. The nanocomposites exhibit sensitivity and selectivity to NO2 down to 1 ppm with response time of 70s and recovery time of 155s. Spectroscopic analyses of the nanocomposites reveal that the molecular interactions between cellulose acetate and LEB-PANI yields enhanced sensitivity and selectivity to NO2 . DC electrical resistance measurements of the composite during exposure to the analyte suggest that the response mechanism has some dependency on the humidity level in the gas chamber. This is found to be partly attributed to the byproduct of hydrolyzed CA: acetic acid. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that the acetate ions from the acid and polymer transforms base groups of LEB-PANI to higher oxidized states and affix to quinoid, benzenoid, and imine groups along polyaniline’s chain. These sites operate as additional reactions sites along the polymer backbone for increased ion mobility and aid in retaining the sensor’s stability and selectivity under varying gas atmospheres. This paper details the results from sensing experimentation and classical characterization techniques in an effort to develop a paradigm for chemical sensing with CA-PANI nanocomposites.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Charge transport at mid-gap in trans-(CH)x: An electrochemical study

Abstract Electrochemical studies demonstrate that ∼300 ppm of charge (equal to the number of neutral solitons in undoped trans -(CH) x ) is removed at mid-gap. These charges are transported through the polyacetylene electrode via hopping among states at the center of the energy gap, in agreement with Kivelson's theory. From analysis of the data, we have been able to determine the soliton creation energy, E s ≃ 0.5eV, which is in good agreement with the theoretical value, E s = (2/ π ) Δ .
The Genome Sequence DataBase version 1.0 (GSDB): from low pass sequences to complete genomes

The Genome Sequence DataBase (GSDB) has completed its conversion to an improved relational database. The new database, GSDB 1.0, is fully operational and publicly available. Data contributions, including both original sequence submissions and community annotation, are being accomplished through the use of a graphical client-server interface tool, the GSDB Annotator, and via GIO (GSDB Input/Output) files. Data retrieval services are being provided through a new Web Query Tool and direct SQL. All methods of data contribution and data retrieval fully support the new data types that have been incorporated into GSDB, including discontiguous sequences, multiple sequence alignments, and community annotation.
The Effect of Micelles on the Steady-State and Time-Resolved Fluorescence of Indole, 1-Methylindole, and 3-Methylindole in Aqueous Media

3-Methylindole (skatole) is a component of animal waste and is, consequently, a primary component in odor problems arising in livestock management, notably swine production. The ability to probe an...