cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of Protein in Ground Wheat Samples by Mid-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

The objective of this study was to determine whether mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy could be used in the same manner as near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to quantitatively determine the protein content of ground wheat samples. One hundred and thirty hard red winter wheat samples were assayed for protein by combustion and scanned in the near- and mid-infrared. Samples (UDY ground) were scanned neat in the near-infrared from 1100 nm (9091 cm -1) to 2498 nm (4003 cm -1) on a scanning monochromator and in the mid-infrared from 4000 cm -1 (2500 nm) to 400 cm -1 (25,000 nm) on a Fourier transform spectrometer at 4- and 16-cm -1 resolutions. Protein content varied from a low of 8.98% to a high of 18.70% (average of 12.86% with a standard deviation of 1.66% ). Calibrations developed with the use of partial least-squares gave an R2 and bias-corrected standard error of performance of 0.999 and 0.054 for the near-infrared and 0.997 and 0.085 for the mid-infrared (4 cm -1 resolution). Calibration results based on mid-infrared spectra, while not as good as those for nearinfrared spectra, were nevertheless quite good. These results demonstrate that it is possible to develop satisfactory calibrations for protein in ground wheat with the use of mid-infrared spectra without the need for sample dilution with KBr.
Effect of Ionized Air on Early Growth of Black Mustard Seedlings

Mammalian systems, bacteria, and fungi have previously been reported to be affected by ionized air. The present paper records an effect of such air on a spermatophyte, black mustard Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Neither positive nor negative air ions influence germination of the seeds, but both types of ions depress the early growth of roots and shoots of the seedlings.
Julius H. Comroe, Jr., Distinguished Lecture: Central chemoreception: then … and now

The 2010 Julius H. Comroe, Jr., Lecture of the American Physiological Society focuses on evolving ideas in chemoreception for CO2/pH in terms of what is “sensed,” where it is sensed, and how the sensed information is used physiologically. Chemoreception is viewed as involving neurons (and glia) at many sites within the hindbrain, including, but not limited to, the retrotrapezoid nucleus, the medullary raphe, the locus ceruleus, the nucleus tractus solitarius, the lateral hypothalamus (orexin neurons), and the caudal ventrolateral medulla. Central chemoreception also has an important nonadditive interaction with afferent information arising at the carotid body. While ventilation has been viewed as the primary output variable, it appears that airway resistance, arousal, and blood pressure can also be significantly affected. Emphasis is placed on the importance of data derived from studies performed in the absence of anesthesia.
Favorable balance of anti-oxidant/pro-oxidant systems and ablated oxidative stress in Brown Norway rats in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Oxidative stress is important in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury; however whether imbalances in reactive oxygen production and disposal account for susceptibility to injury is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare necrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in IR-resistant Brown Norway rats vs. IR-susceptible Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in an in vivo model of renal IR injury. As superoxide (O 2 ·− ) interacts with nitric oxide (NO) to form peroxynitrite, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine were also examined. Renal IR was induced in SD and BN rats by bilateral clamping of renal arteries for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h (SD 24 and BN 24, respectively). BN rats were resistant to renal IR injury as evidenced by lower plasma creatinine and decreased acute tubular necrosis. TUNEL staining analysis demonstrated significantly decreased apoptosis in the BN rats vs. SD rats after IR. Following IR, O 2 ·− levels were also significantly lower in renal tissue of BN rats vs. SD rats (P < 0.05) in conjunction with a preservation of the O 2 ·− dismutating protein, CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD) (P < 0.05). This was accompanied by an overall decrease in 4-hydroxynonenal adducts in the BN but not SD rats after IR. BN rats also displayed lower iNOS expression (P < 0.05) resulting in lower tissue NO levels and decreased nitrotyrosine formation (P < 0.01) following IR. Collectively these results show that the resistance of the BN rat to renal IR injury is associated with a favorable balance of oxidant production vs. oxidant removal.
Decontamination of Raw Foods Using Ozone-Based Sanitization Techniques

Popular foods such as fresh produce and dry nuts are increasingly implicated in outbreaks of food-transmitted diseases. These products are not amenable to conventional processing technologies; therefore, many alternative decontamination methods are actively investigated. Ozone is a versatile sanitizer with promising applications in some high-risk foods. This antimicrobial agent is active against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, and it can be used effectively in its gaseous or aqueous state. The flexibility afforded by ozone use makes it a viable option for application on easy-to-damage products like fresh produce. If process parameters are adequately controlled, ozone treatment can enhance safety and increase shelf life without adversely affecting product quality. Despite these advantages, ozone may not be suitable for some applications, including treatment of liquid foods and products rich in unsaturated fats and soluble proteins. Ozone, as a powerful oxidizer, must be carefully controlled at all times, and equipment must be rigorously maintained to ensure safety of workers.
Symbolic Violence and Prison Wives Gender Roles and Protective Pairing in Men’s Prisons

Donaldson and Kupers describe protective pairing as a form of prison violence in which men protect other inmates in exchange for sex. In this article, interview data with male parolees who describe the conditions under which these relationships occur are used to update our understanding of this behavior. They describe protective pairs in gendered terms and the weaker of the two in the relationship is called a prison wife. This behavior is identified as symbolic violence by Pierre Bourdieu, who argues that the mere threat of violence is enough to control and dominate those in a subordinated social position. Typically, this form of male domination is used to control women. However, men explain that the threat of prison violence force some inmates to perform sexual acts for protection.
The Use of Input-Output in Industrial Planning

An informal survey conducted by Arthur D. Little, Inc., about three years ago showed that there were 200 corporations in the United States that, at one time or another, have used input‐output in some form in their corporate planning work. Of these 200 corporations, all of which have sales in excess of $500 million annually, 60 firms indicated that they used input‐output regularly and intended to continue to do so. From some other informal questionnaires that ADL circulated among some 50 or so major United States' corporations for whom it had undertaken input‐output studies, it was found that input‐output analysis was typically used in connection with forecasting work. A few other types of application have been made that tie directly into corporate planning.
The Effects of Prior Field Experience on Student Teacher Competence

Fifty-four special education student teachers were evaluated by university supervisors and cooperating teachers on eight variables, in the first week and the last week of their student teaching. Student teachers who had participated in a university-sponsored, field-based experience reported significantly higher levels of confidence prior to student teaching. In addition, these student teachers received significantly higher competence ratings by university supervisors and cooperating teachers. Student teachers who reported high levels of prior field experience independent of the field-based program received significantly higher ratings than students with less prior experience, although these student teachers did not report higher levels of confidence. Other variables (age, marital status, sex, etc.) did not bear a strong relation to student teacher competence. Results suggested that prior field experience, either independently acquired or university-sponsored, was associated with higher student teacher rat...
Formulating distance functions via the kernel trick

Tasks of data mining and information retrieval depend on a good distance function for measuring similarity between data instances. The most effective distance function must be formulated in a context-dependent (also application-, data-, and user-dependent) way. In this paper, we propose to learn a distance function by capturing the nonlinear relationships among contextual information provided by the application, data, or user. We show that through a process called the "kernel trick," such nonlinear relationships can be learned efficiently in a projected space. Theoretically, we substantiate that our method is both sound and optimal. Empirically, using several datasets and applications, we demonstrate that our method is effective and useful.
Frequency and yield of postoperative fever evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: In women undergoing major gynecologic surgery, we wish to determine the frequency and yield of blood culture, urine culture, and chest X-ray evaluation of postoperative fever. METHODS: A retrospective review of 537 consecutive patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery was performed. In patients who developed postoperative fever, it was determined whether blood culture, urine culture, and/or chest X-ray were performed, and, if so, the frequency of positive results was evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred eleven patients (39%) developed postoperative fever. Blood cultures were obtained in 77 of 211 (37%) febrile patients, urine cultures in 106 of 211 (50%) febrile patients, and chest X-ray in 54 of 211 (26%) febrile patients. Zero of 77 blood cultures were positive, 11 of 106 (10%) urine cultures were positive, and 5 of 54 (9%) chest X-rays were positive. Logistic regression revealed that late onset fever predicted for positive urine cultures and early onset fever and advanced age predicted for pneumonia. Eighty percent of patients with pneumonia were symptomatic. In 92% of patients with postoperative fever, no infections or pathologic process were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Although postoperative fever is frequently evaluated by blood culture, urine culture, and chest X-ray, evaluation rarely yields positive results.
Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells: Enabling Outpatient Transplantation

Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) are becoming the stem cell source of choice for rescuing patients from marrow aplasia after high-dose chemotherapy. Their advantages over bone marrow include avoidance of general anesthesia and more rapid hematologic recovery after transplantation. More rapid engraftment can reduce the risks associated with transplantation and shorten the hospital stay or, under certain circumstances, eliminate it. The cost reductions associated with a shorter stay have made PBPC transplantation cost-competitive with more conventional therapy. The move to outpatient transplantation requires increased patient and family involvement with posttransplantation care, as well as increased patient education and a multidisciplinary care team for the safe transition of patients between care sites. Improvements in outpatient transplantation may incorporate a cooperative care model with the intent of reducing readmission rates and extending this modality to most patients who undergo autologous transplantation.
Using EPR spectroscopy to go from the Jahn-Teller effect to nuclear waste disposal

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for elucidating the fundamental solid-statechemical and crystal-field ground-state electronic properties of rare-earth and actinide ions that are incorporated into single-crystal host materials. In the case of rare-earth or rare-earth-like ions that are characterized by a degenerate orbital doublet ground state when placed in a cubic crystal field, EPR has proven to be an extremely valuable approach to the study of various manifestations of the Jahn–Teller (J–T) effect. The contributions of EPR spectroscopy to the study of the J–T effect in ions such as La 2+ ,Y 2+ and Sc 2+ include the discovery of quadrupolar effects in J–T systems and a verification of Frank Ham’s theory of the dynamic J–T effect. Such basic studies can often have unforeseen consequences—like leading to the discovery of new scintillators for gamma-ray detection or the development of a matrix for the disposal of radioactive waste. r 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Heparin-coated versus uncoated extracorporeal circuit in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract Objective: To assess the effect of heparin-coated circuits on bleeding, transfusion, and platelet count in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting with full heparinization. Design: Randomized, double-blind study. Setting: Tertiary-care academic medical center. Participants: Eighty-eight patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) without previous sternotomy. Interventions: Subjects received either a heparin-coated or an uncoated extracorporeal circuit for CPB. Heparin, 300 μ/kg, was administered, and supplemental amounts were administered to maintain an activated coagulation time of greater than 480 seconds. Platelet counts were determined during CPB. Mediastinal chest tube drainage was collected in the intensive care unit for 24 hours. Measurements and Main Results: The mean platelet counts were similar between the groups during CPB. There was no significant difference in 24-hour mediastinal chest tube drainage (mean ± standard deviation; median) between the heparin-coated (n = 44, 1096 ± 401, 1015 mL) and uncoated group (n = 44, 1150 ± 548,1040 mL; p = 0.91). The heparin-coated group received less allogeneic packed red blood cells (0.9 ± 1.6, 0.0 v 1.5 ± 1.8, 1.0 U; p = 0.04). Conclusions: The use of a heparin-coated or uncoated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit and full heparinization marginally reduced only red blood cell transfusion but was not associated with platelet sparing or reduced perioperative bleeding. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A Model Based Hierarchical Approach to Control Design for Morphing Dynamics

This paper presents a state-based hierarchical approach to control law design for morphing dynamics. The proposed methodology requires knowledge of dynamics of the states being controlled; in this case, the morphing states. The starting point is a performance map defined on a subspace of the state-space, which defines the operation regime of the morphing structure. The objective is to traverse the map to reach desired operation configurations. It is shown that a connected discrete graph can be superimposed on the performance map that makes all reachable morphing states inside the map accessible from all other points on the map. The control laws for transferring the system from one node on the graph to another are designed using a successive linear-quadratic-regulator approach. An example is presented based on a two-dimensional, two degree-of-freedom morphing structure to illustrate the hierarchical approach. The ideas are also applied to an advanced morphing
Adaptive Evolution Drives the Diversification of Zinc-Finger Binding Domains

The human genome is estimated to contain 700 zinc-finger genes, which perform many key functions, including regulating transcription. The dramatic increase in the number of these genes as we move from yeast to C. elegans to Drosophila and to humans, as well as the clustered organization of these genes in humans, suggests that gene duplication has played an important role in expanding this family of genes. Using likelihood methods developed by Yang and parsimony methods introduced by Suzuki and Gojobori, we have investigated four clusters of zinc-finger genes on human chromosome 19 and found evidence that positive selection was involved in diversifying the family of zinc-finger binding motifs.
Enhanced Mars rover navigation techniques

Robust navigation through rocky terrain by small mobile robots is important for maximizing science return from missions to Mars. We are addressing this problem at multiple levels through the development of intelligent sequencing, sensor constrained path planning, natural terrain visual localization, and real-time state estimation. Each of these techniques is described and their complementary aspects discussed. Experimental results are provided from implementation on our Mars rover prototype operating in realistic scenarios.
Neglect in vision and visual imagery: a double dissociation.

We report two patients with right hemisphere lesions who demonstrate a double dissociation on visual imagery and visual perceptual tasks. One (M.N.) performed normally on a variety of standard tests for neglects as well as on measures of visual attention known to be sensitive to the presence of neglect, yet failed to report items from the left side of an imagined scene. In contrast, the other (C.I.) performed normally on tests of visual imagery but demonstrated substantial neglect on visual perceptual and visual attentional tasks. These data are not readily accommodated by accounts which attribute neglect to a single processing deficit, but suggest that the disorder is a heterogeneous syndrome attributable to disruptions of different aspects of spatial cognition.
Conjugated gold nanoparticles as a tool for probing the bacterial cell envelope: The case of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

The bacterial cell envelope forms the interface between the interior of the cell and the outer world and is, thus, the means of communication with the environment. In particular, the outer cell surface mediates the adhesion of bacteria to the surface, the first step in biofilm formation. While a number of ligand-based interactions are known for the attachment process in commensal organisms and, as a result, opportunistic pathogens, the process of nonspecific attachment is thought to be mediated by colloidal, physiochemical, interactions. It is becoming clear, however, that colloidal models ignore the heterogeneity of the bacterial surface, and that the so-called nonspecific attachment may be mediated by specific regions of the cell surface, whether or not the relevant interaction is ligand-mediate. The authors introduce surface functionalized gold nanoparticles to probe the surface chemistry of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as it relates to surface attachment to ω-substituted alkanethiolates self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A linear relationship between the attachment of S. oneidensis to SAM modified planar substrates and the number of similarly modified nanoparticles attached to the bacterial surfaces was demonstrated. In addition, the authors demonstrate that carboxylic acid-terminated nanoparticles attach preferentially to the subpolar region of the S. oneidensis and obliteration of that binding preference corresponds in loss of attachment to carboxylic acid terminated SAMs. Moreover, this region corresponds to suspected functional regions of the S. oneidensis surface. Because this method can be employed over large numbers of cells, this method is expected to be generally applicable for understanding cell surface organization across populations.
Minimum energy subharmonic synchronization of an uncertain nonlinear oscillator

The synchronization of one or more rhythmic or oscillating processes to an external forcing signal is a central design goal for many engineered systems, as well as a notable function of many natural processes. Such phenomena may involve subharmonic synchrony, in which the stimulating input is periodic on a different time-scale from the actuated process. Specifically, the establishment of a synchronized state in which N control input cycles occur for every M cycles of a forced oscillator is referred to as N∶M entrainment. By applying phase variable reduction, formal averaging, and the calculus of variations, we derive minimum-energy inputs for N∶M entrainment of weakly forced nonlinear oscillators with parameter uncertainty. The Van der Pol oscillator and the Hodgkin-Huxley neuron model are examined as examples.
Allelopathic Effects on Seeds Germination of Lactuca Sativa L. Seeds and Antibacterial Activity of Thymus Capitatus Essential Oil from Zintan-Libya flora

The present study was amid to evaluate the essential oil composition of Thymus capitatus and its allelopathy effects on seeds germination of Lactuca sativa L., based on germination assay, also antibacterial activity was tested against to bacteria species ( Salmonella gallinarum and E. coli ) using the disc diffusion method. The oil analysis by GC-MS, showed that the main class was oxygenated monoterpenes with percentage (87.61 %), while hydrocarpons monterpend represented by (10.46 %) of the total oil, and the dominated compounds were carvacrol (68.19 %), thymol (12.29 %) and p-cymene (3.25 %) respectively. The allelopathy effect based on germination assay, where we used three essential oil concentration (0.5 µl/ml, 1 µl/ml, 2 µl/ml) showed that the activity increase with the increase of the oil concentration and the inhibition percent (IP) reached 96.66 % and germination percentage (GP) 3.4 % at the maximum concentration (2µl/ml) compared with control which was only water IP 0 % and GP (100%). In the case of antimicrobial activity the oil showed activity better than positive control (Gentamycine) against the two bacteria species and diameter of the clear zone around the discs were (35 mm, 32mm, 15 mm) for S. gallinarum , E. coli and positive control respectively.
Uptake and fate of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in coastal marine biota determined using a stable isotopic tracer, 15N – [RDX]

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) is globally one of the most commonly used military explosives and environmental contaminant. (15)N labeled RDX was added into a mesocosm containing 9 different coastal marine species in a time series experiment to quantify the uptake of RDX and assess the RDX derived (15)N retention into biota tissue. The (15)N attributed to munitions compounds reached steady state concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.67 μg (15)N g dw(-1), the bulk (15)N tissue concentration for all species was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher suggesting a common mechanism or pathway of RDX biotransformation and retention of (15)N. A toxicokinetic model was created that described the (15)N uptake, elimination, and transformation rates. While modeled uptake rates were within previous published values, elimination rates were several orders of magnitude smaller than previous studies ranging from 0.05 to 0.7 days(-1). These small elimination rates were offset by high rates of retention of (15)N previously not measured. Bioconcentration factors and related aqueous:organism ratios of compounds and tracer calculated using different tracer and non-tracer methods yielded a broad range of values (0.35-101.6 mL g(-1)) that were largely method dependent. Despite the method-derived variability, all values were generally low and consistent with little bioaccumulation potential. The use of (15)N labeled RDX in this study indicates four possible explanations for the observed distribution of compounds and tracer; each with unique potential implications for possible toxicological impacts in the coastal marine environment.
Bulk-Sensitive Characterization of the Discharged Products in Li–O2 Batteries by Nonresonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering

Understanding the nature of discharged products is critical to identifying suitable electrolyte systems for Li–O2 batteries. We have employed nonresonant inelastic X-ray scattering (NIXS), which is a hard X-ray photon-in photon-out technique to monitor low energy core–shell excitations and to obtain bulk sensitive information on the solid discharged products in Li–O2 batteries using various electrolyte solvent/salt combinations. NIXS measurements were performed on cathodes after discharging the Li–O2 cells using low discharge current (∼25 mA/g of carbon). NIXS results reveal that, even in cells containing current state-of-the-art electrolytes, the oxygen in the discharged products is bound predominantly to species other than a peroxide or lithia. This finding shows that electrolyte decomposition is a significant pathway during discharge of Li–O2 batteries using ether and oligoether substituted silane based electrolytes.
Questions linger over POISE-2 and perioperative aspirin management.

Commentary on : Devereaux PJ, Mrkobrada M, Sessler DI, et al. Aspirin in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. N Engl J Med 2014;370:1494–503.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Aspirin therapy for secondary prevention in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease was catalysed by the Antithrombotic Trialists’ Collaboration meta-analysis in which antiplatelet therapy (primarily aspirin) demonstrated a 22% reduction in mortality from any vascular cause.1 Based on this meta-analysis and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, high-risk patients (those with coronary artery, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease) should be prescribed aspirin indefinitely.2 For primary prevention, aspirin is equivocal except in patients with diabetes with certain additional risks.3 The recent Perioperative Ischaemic Evaluation-2 (POISE-2) Trial is the largest prospective study to date designed to clarify the issues surrounding perioperative aspirin management. There were two components of POISE-2: perioperative aspirin versus placebo and perioperative clonidine versus placebo. This paper addresses the aspirin component. POISE-2 was a randomised, controlled, multicentre, international … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DN%2BEngl%2BJ%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D370%26rft.spage%253D1494%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa1401105%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F24679062%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa1401105&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=24679062&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F6%2F224.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000334601600006&link_type=ISI
An atomistically validated continuum model for strain relaxation and misfit dislocation formation

Abstract In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) calculations have been used to examine the physics behind continuum models of misfit dislocation formation and to assess the limitations and consequences of approximations made within these models. Without compromising the physics of misfit dislocations below a surface, our MD calculations consider arrays of dislocation dipoles constituting a mirror imaged “surface”. This allows use of periodic boundary conditions to create a direct correspondence between atomistic and continuum representations of dislocations, which would be difficult to achieve with free surfaces. Additionally, by using long-time averages of system properties, we have essentially reduced the errors of atomistic simulations of large systems to “zero”. This enables us to deterministically compare atomistic and continuum calculations. Our work results in a robust approach that uses atomistic simulation to accurately calculate dislocation core radius and energy without the continuum boundary conditions typically assumed in the past, and the novel insight that continuum misfit dislocation models can be inaccurate when incorrect definitions of dislocation spacing and Burgers vector in lattice-mismatched systems are used. We show that when these insights are properly incorporated into the continuum model, the resulting energy density expression of the lattice-mismatched systems is essentially indistinguishable from the MD results.
Clinical experience with i.v. Mannitol in the treatment of ciguatera.

To assess the effectiveness of i.v. Mannitol treatment for Ciguatera Poisoning, 35 patients were treated from the Miami-Caribbean area with symptoms of acute and chronic Ciguatera Poisoning. Information was collected on demographics, fish type and location, timing and type of symptoms, and response to treatment. Iv Mannitol (1 g/kg infused 3-4 hours) given within 48 hours dramatically decreased the acute morbidity of Ciguatera Poisoning without serious side effects. Treatment also appears to be safe and effective in chronic cases up to eight weeks from ingestion of toxic fish.
Evidence for Gap Flows in the Birch Creek Valley, Idaho

AbstractA field study was conducted of flows in the Birch Creek Valley in eastern Idaho. There is a distinct topographic constriction in the Birch Creek Valley that creates two subbasins: an upper and lower valley. The data were classified into one of three groups based on synoptic influence (weak/absent, high wind speeds, and other evidence of synoptic influence). Gap flows commonly developed downwind of the constriction in association with the weak/absent group but also occurred in association with the two synoptic groups suggesting the potential for more diverse origins. In general, the frequency and strength of gap flows appeared to be linked to the development of the requisite thermal regime and minimization of any synoptically driven southerly winds that would suppress outflows. Gap flows were characterized by high wind speeds with jetlike vertical profiles along the axis of the lower valley. For all three groups the morning transition in the upper valley and western sidewall usually proceeded sligh...
Acute Postoperative Pain Management in Elderly Patients

In their review article, Brennan, Carr, and Cousins conclude that “because pain management is the subject of many initiatives within the disciplines of medicine, ethics, and law, we are at an ‘inflection point’ in which unreasonable failure to treat pain is viewed worldwide as poor medicine, unethical practice, and an abrogation of a fundamental human right” [1]. In coming to this conclusion these authors review much of the medical ethics literature which taken together is summarized in their statement that “…a virtue ethics approach to bioethics would also yield a clear response to patient’s pain. A virtuous doctor would place the recognition, monitoring, and treatment of pain as a high priority. To this end, a virtuous doctor would inquire regularly about pain, respond appropriately, and refer wisely if unable to control it” [1]. This of course became mandated by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) in 2000–2002, and the declaration by the US Congress calling 2001–2010 the “Decade of Pain Control and Research” [1].
A collaborative filtering algorithm to control the quality variance in an environment-sensitive process manufacturing industry

Optimizing the process parameters is recognized as one of the most important steps to reduce the manufacturing variance. In this paper, we proposed a collaborative filtering (CF) algorithm in which the process parameters are optimized referring to the most similar well-controlled historical records in an environment-sensitive process manufacturing. A performance metrics was proposed and numerical studies were conducted to demonstrate the algorithm's validity. The numerical results show that using the Euclidean similarity can achieve a better performance. The findings suggest that the CF algorithm can be effectively applied to not only commerce domain but also manufacturing domain and offer another applicable option to accomplish the precise manufacturing.
Roles of Non-coding RNAs in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

Analysis of host gene expression profiles following viral infections of target cells/tissues can reveal crucial insights into the host: virus interaction and enables the development of novel therapeutics and prophylactics. Regions of the host genome that do not code for protein, encode structural, and functional non-coding RNAs that are important not only in regulation of host gene expression but also may impact viral replication. This review summarizes the role of host non-coding RNAs during replication of multiple respiratory viruses with a focus on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), an important pediatric pathogen. This review highlights the current state of knowledge and understanding regarding the function(s) of ncRNAs for respiratory viral infection and host immunity in general.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Pharmacotherapy on Adolescent Obesity

Adolescent obesity is an urgent health issue in the U.S., and is a precursor to many physiological and psychological conditions. There are different treatment options for adolescent obesity, and it is important for the general public to understand the benefits and risks associated with the particular treatments. This paper focuses on two treatment options for adolescent obesity, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; type of psychological therapy) and Orlistat (medication for obesity), and discusses the effectiveness of each treatment for adolescent obesity. CBT focuses on the behaviors that are associated with the development and maintenance of obesity, while Orlistat targets the physiologic mechanisms of obesity. It appears that while both treatments may be effective for obesity, in general, CBT could help adolescents make lifestyle changes that are more beneficial in long-term mental and physical health. Additionally, when CBT is combined with Orlistat to initiate weight loss, which is then maintained by CBT alone, it could have the greater treatment effects.
Development and Validation of the Voice Catastrophization Index.

Summary Introduction Catastrophization is a cognitive distortion that has been studied in pain patients and found to be a significant factor in their disability and response to treatment. Dysphonia patients may demonstrate a similar behavior, suggesting the existence of voice catastrophization. Objective To establish the validity of the Voice Catastrophization Index (VCI), a new instrument estimating voice symptoms catastrophization. Methods A prospective study. Patients with and without voice conditions were administered with the VCI, Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)questionnaires. Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) rating was determined for patients with voice conditions. Results Ninety-one patients participated, 65 with voice conditions and 26 without. 61.5% were females; mean age was 49.8 ± 15.7 years. The VCI score for patients with voice conditions was significantly higher, 22.46 ± 16.56, compared with 3.96 ± 10.79, respectively (P value Conclusions The VCI accomplished the requirements of a scale's validity for estimation of voice symptoms catastrophization in voice patients. The potential role of voice catastrophization as a predictor of treatment response and tailoring can now be investigated using the VCI.
Catheters Used for Intermittent Catheterization

Bladder emptying is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and micturition centers in the brain. Any disruption of the nerve pathways can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder (Nazarko. Br J Community Nurs 17(9):408–12, 2012 and Newman DK, Wein. Managing and treating urinary incontinence. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press; 2009). Intermittent catheterization is the insertion of a tube several times a day to drain the bladder. Re-catheterization occurs on a scheduled basis to mimic bladder function of filling and emptying. Intermittent catheterization is a preferred bladder management technique for persons with urinary retention, bladder obstruction, catheterizable channel following a urinary diversion, neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction from disorders that cause a loss of sensation requiring assisted bladder emptying. Individual sterile single-use catheters and catheter included kits, usually with self-contained collection bags may be used. Newer catheter materials, designed for ease and comfort, have helped to improve the quality of life of those who depend on intermittent catheterization for bladder management. Patient choice and ease of use are major considerations in the process of catheter selection. Other important factors include patient lifestyle, hand function, and caregiver abilities. Prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infection requires an understanding of multiple factors related to neuroanatomy, bladder function, management approaches, and medical options.
Effects of the Medicare Modernization Act on Spending for Outpatient Surgery.

OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of Medicare's revised ambulatory surgery center (ASC) payment schedule on overall payments for outpatient surgery. DATA SOURCES Twenty percent sample of national Medicare beneficiaries. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a pre-post study of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent outpatient surgery in a hospital outpatient department (HOPD), ASC, or physician office between 2004 and 2011. Specifically, we used multivariable regression to compare temporal trends in outpatient surgery before and after implementation of Medicare's revised payment schedule in 2008, which reduced ASC facility payments to roughly two-thirds that of HOPDs. Our outcome measures included overall Medicare payments, utilization rates, per beneficiary spending, and average episode payments for outpatient surgery. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Between the last quarters of 2007 and 2008, overall Medicare payments for outpatient surgery grew by $334 million-an amount nearly three times higher than would have been expected without the policy change (p < .001 for the difference). While utilization rates of outpatient surgery were attenuated, per beneficiary spending and average surgical episode payments increased by 10.4 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively, over the same period. By the end of 2011, Medicare payments for outpatient surgery reached $5.1 billion. Without the policy change, they would have totaled only $4.1 billion. CONCLUSIONS Despite lessening demand, reduced ASC facility payments did not curb spending for outpatient surgery. In fact, overall payments actually increased following the policy change, driven by higher average episode payments.
A Method to Separate Proton Damage in LED and Phototransistor of Optocouplers

This paper reports proton damage in light-emitting diode (LED) and phototransistor of the Micropac 66296 optocoupler. Our results show that the optocoupler current transfer ratio (CTR) data are influenced by the gain of the phototransistor. Analysis of the test data reveals interesting information, such as the dependence of the phototransistor gain on irradiation and photocurrent. Only a small reduction of phototransistor gain is observed with increasing irradiation when the irradiation is sufficiently large. The phototransistor gain reduction is more significant when comparisons are made with the unirradiated case. Statistical analysis is performed, using a one-sided tolerance method, on the LED light intensity and the optocoupler CTR data. Mean and statistically derated values of the optocoupler CTR and the LED light intensity data at room temperature are presented.
Correction to: Organochlorine Chemical Residues in Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Eggs from Greater Washington, DC USA

The original version of this article contained a mistake. Author name in the text citation and reference in section should be Maldonado et al (2016), it was incorrectly spelled as Maldinado et al (2015).
Handling self-interest in groups, with minimal cost

In group decision-making problems that involve selfinterested agents with private information, reaching socially optimal outcomes requires aligning the goals of individuals with the welfare of the entire group. The well-known VCG mechanism achieves this by requiring specific payments from agents to a central coordinator. However, when the goal of coordination is to allow the group to jointly realize the greatest possible welfare, these payments amount to an unwanted cost of implementation, or waste. While it has often been stated that the payments VCG prescribes are necessary in order to implement the socially optimal outcome in dominant strategies without running a deficit, this is in fact not generally true. (Cavallo 2006) specified the mechanism that requires the minimal payments among all mechanisms that are socially optimal, never run a deficit, and are ex post individual rational with an anonymity property. The mechanism achieves significant savings over VCG in a broad range of practically relevant domains, including allocation problems, by using information about the structure of valuations in the domain. This paper gives a high-level overview of that result, and discusses some potential applications to AI.
Cognition and Behavioral Ecology

The idea that animals are machines, fitted to their niches by some combination of physiology, instinct, and automatic conditioning, is no longer very useful. A variety of animals have cognitive skills that help them make decisions, organize their thought, and make plans. These abilities have a great impact on niche breadth and adaptability.
Basic Solutions and Complementary Slackness in Pairs of Dual Systems

Consider the simultaneous linear system Ax = b where A is of order (m x n) and ρ(A) = ρ[A, b] (the system is consistent). If m < n, then we have an underdetermined equation system which, given that it is consistent, possesses an infinite number of particular solutions. Furthermore, let ρ(A) = m so that Ax = b is consistent for every b and none of the linear equations is redundant i.e., expressible as a linear combination of one or more other equations in the system.
Complications of Labor Analgesia

This chapter discusses the complications encountered during labor analgesia, such as unintentional dural puncture, unintentional intravascular or subarachnoid injection, and epidural hematoma. Furthermore, it discusses various causes of postpartum headache and neurologic complications of labor analgesia.
Work-related injuries within a large urban public school system in the Mid-Western United States.

Background More than 13 million employees are working in the public education sector which includes more than just teachers in the United States. This industry sector also employs custodians, maintenance, and administration. To date, there is very limited information about the type and frequency of injuries for these employees. Objective To identify injury trends related to frequency and severity for different occupational injuries in a large urban school district. Methods Between 2014-2015, school district employees reported a total of 598 occupational injuries. Initial analysis of the data provided the frequency of injuries overall and for individual occupational categories. The Severity Index provides a score for job category and injury type based on severity and frequency. Results Overall, the Slip, Trip and Fall category had the highest frequency, followed by Combative Situations, and Over-exertion. Teacher and Para-professional workers experienced the greatest number of injuries with violence being the most frequent cause. Based on the Severity Index, Over-exertion was identified as the primary exposure concern for Custodians, while Slip, Trip and Fall category had the greatest impact on Building Engineers. Conclusions With the diversity of negative outcomes, the administration will need targeted interventions for the various professions represented in the school systems. The injury severity profile indicates non-teachers should be a high priority for interventions with over-exertion and slips, trips and falls leading the risk.
Functional Electrical Stimulation

Functional electrical stimulation uses electrical stimulation to stimulate peripheral motor or sensory nerves to treat various neurological disorders; the techniques and strategies for treatment are discussed in this article.
Error qualification for multi-axis BC-type machine tools

Abstract Multi-axis machining processes are often used to fabricate complex components with tight geometric tolerances. Thus, the need for highly accurate 5-axis machine tools is imperative in high precision industries such as aerospace and mold and die. Often, construction errors result in geometric errors within the machine tool. These errors must be identified and compensated in order to guarantee accuracy of the machine. In this work, kinematic equations of motion for a BC-style machine tool were derived while incorporating the 8 distinct kinematic error constants associated with a 5-axis machine tool. A method is presented to derive these kinematic error constants from eccentricity values obtained using 3-axis simultaneous tests for table-table style 5-axis machine tools. To validate this method, error constants were input into the kinematic simulation. Eccentricity values were then output from the simulation and error constants were derived and compared to the input values. It was shown that if the procedure is followed, the error constants can be correctly derived and compensated. This method was then implemented on a BC-style machine tool and error constants were derived.
Culinary Skills Intervention: Immediate Impacts on Knowledge, Attitudes and Self-Efficacy in Adolescent Youth

Childhood obesity continues to be a public health concern in the United States. Youth acceptability of foods is higher when adolescents prepare a food item themselves, rather than consuming the sam...
Single-Port extraperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in a patient with preexisting artificial urinary sphincter: First clinical experience

Abstract Introduction Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with a history artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement has not been previously described. We describe the technique of extraperitoneal single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in a patient with a preexisting functional AUS, with emphasis on critical technical details of the procedure to prevent injury to the AUS components. Methods The patient was a 69-year-old male with history of total urinary incontinence after transurethral resection of the prostate managed with AUS placement in 2011. He was diagnosed with multifocal intermediate risk Gleason 3 + 4 prostate cancer and scheduled for robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Results Extraperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection were performed with a pure single-site approach using the da Vinci SP® surgical system. There were no intraoperative complications. There was no damage to the adjacent organs or the AUS components. Operative time was 180 min with negligible blood loss. The Foley catheter was removed on postoperative day 7 and the AUS was reactivated afterwards. Patient could void without any difficulty and was pad free when AUS was active. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed prostate adenocarcinoma with Gleason score 3 + 4 disease and unilateral extra prostatic extension (pT3a) with focally positive margins. Three-month postoperative nadir prostate specific antigen (PSA) was undetectable and the patient remained pad-free during the same period. Conclusion Extra-peritoneal robotic-assisted RP in a patient with preexisting AUS by using a single-port robotic platform is safe and feasible. When compared to multi-port robotic instrumentation, the single-port robotic arms enter from the same incision, which may result in decreased out-of-field instrument contact with the AUS hardware.