cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
‘Dismantle, change, build’: Designing abolition at the intersections of local, large-scale, and imagined infrastructures

As a theory and practice within the field of participatory design, infrastructuring holds complex intersections between people, groups, technologies, systems, and ideologies in view. Building on other researchers in participatory design, this article argues for an approach to infrastructuring that focuses on how we do, and create capacity to do, the work of infrastructuring locally with people and groups affected by and working in relation to the systems we seek to engage. These dynamics are explored in the literature and through a case story of an embedded design engagement with a social justice organization, where our focus and the relational practices we designed through long-term work together were shaped by the intersections of local, large-scale, and imagined infrastructures central to their organizing work.
Evaluating a voriconazole dose modification guideline to optimize dosing in patients with hematologic malignancies.

BackgroundVoriconazole is an azole antifungal utilized for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infections in hematologic patients. Previous studies have revealed decreased efficacy and inc...
Semantics and Syntax

A significant part of modern formal logic concerns semantics and syntax. Because the consideration of semantics and syntax is very closely allied with questions of computer syntax, it is important that we give a careful, if brief, treatment of some of these ideas here.
Synthesis and characterization of one, two and three-dimensional Cu(I) polymers supported by bipyridylamide ligands

Abstract Reaction of bipyridylamide ligands N-(3-pyridyl)nicotinamide (3-pna), N-(4-pyridyl)nicotinamide (4-pna) and N-(4-pyridyl)isonicotinamide (4-pina) with Cu(I) salts afforded four coordination polymers. X-ray crystallography analysis showed one-, two- and three-dimensional networks. The correlation between the pyridyl nitrogen donor disposition and dimensionality of the structures was discussed. Reflectance UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods were used to characterize the MLCT features of these complexes. Thermal stability of the coordination polymers under nitrogen was also investigated.
Multiracial Patient Experiences With Racial Microaggressions in Health Care Settings.

Purpose Illuminating patients' experiences of microaggressions in health care settings can help practitioners develop care that is more culturally responsive. While much of the literature on health care disparities focuses on minority groups generally, we sought to identify and to describe the ways in which racial microaggressions manifest for multiracial individuals and families specifically. Methods Using a combination of interviews and focus groups, we conducted 15 interviews and 3 focus groups. Eligible participants self-identified as more than one race and/or they self-identified as part of an interracial family, and they and/or someone they considered to be part of their family received health care in the past 12 months. We performed a content analysis to describe the dominant ways racial microaggressions presented in health care interactions. Results A total of 31 participants shared their experiences in health care settings, including their experiences with racism, racial bias, and microaggressions. Based on their experiences, we describe 6 prevalent microaggressions: mistaken identity, mistaken relationships, fixed forms, entitled examiner, pervasive stereotypes, and intersectionality. Many acknowledged their experiences with racial microaggressions in health care were similar to those they experienced in everyday settings; however, the power dynamics differed in health care. Conclusions Understanding patient perspectives about racial microaggressions suggests opportunities to improve patient-provider communication. For multiracial individuals and families, racial microaggressions may have implications for patient engagement in health care. Findings of this study highlight implications for theory and research as well as opportunities to facilitate systematic improvements in the provision of culturally responsive health care services.
Unsupervised lattice-based acoustic model adaptation for speaker-dependent conversational telephone speech transcription.

This paper examines the application of lattice adaptation techniques to speaker-dependent models for the purpose of conversational telephone speech transcription. Given sufficient training data per speaker, it is feasible to build adapted speakerdependent models using lattice MLLR and lattice MAP. Experiments on iterative and cascaded adaptation are presented. Additionally various strategies for thresholding frame posteriors are investigated, and it is shown that accumulating statistics from the local best-confidence path is sufficient to achieve optimal adaptation. Overall, an iterative cascaded lattice system was able to reduce WER by 7.0% abs., which was a 0.8% abs. gain over transcript-based adaptation. Lattice adaptation reduced the unsupervised/supervised adaptation gap from 2.5% to 1.7%.
Heterochrony in chimpanzee and bonobo spatial memory development

Objectives The emergence of human-unique cognitive abilities has been linked to our species' extended juvenile period. Comparisons of cognitive development across species can provide new insights into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping cognition. This study examined the development of different components of spatial memory, cognitive mechanisms that support complex foraging, by comparing two species with similar life history that vary in wild ecology: bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Materials and methods Spatial memory development was assessed using a cross-sectional experimental design comparing apes ranging from infancy to adulthood. Study 1 tested 73 sanctuary-living apes on a task examining recall of a single location after a 1-week delay, compared to an earlier session. Study 2 tested their ability to recall multiple locations within a complex environment. Study 3 examined a subset of individuals from Study 2 on a motivational control task. Results In Study 1, younger bonobos and chimpanzees of all ages exhibited improved performance in the test session compared to their initial learning experience. Older bonobos, in contrast, did not exhibit a memory boost in performance after the delay. In Study 2, older chimpanzees exhibited an improved ability to recall multiple locations, whereas bonobos did not exhibit any age-related differences. In Study 3, both species were similarly motivated to search for food in the absence of memory demands. Discussion These results indicate that closely related species with similar life history characteristics can exhibit divergent patterns of cognitive development, and suggests a role of socioecological niche in shaping patterns of cognition in Pan.
CEO TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SME INNOVATION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION

It is widely accepted that CEOs with a transformational leadership style can promote innovation in the organisations they lead, but the specific ways in which they influence followers and shape the...
Submesoscale Eddy Vertical Covariances and Dynamical Constraints from High-Resolution Numerical Simulations

AbstractWe analyze high-resolution (1 km) simulations of the western Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Arabian Sea to understand submesoscale eddy dynamics. A mask based on the Okubo–Weiss parameter iso...
Neuroimaging of central nervous system infections.

Abstract A wide variety of infectious diseases may afflict the central nervous system (CNS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is exquisitely sensitive in the detection and localization of such lesions. Moreover, many CNS infections exhibit signatures on MRI that make imaging quite specific. Diffusion-weighted imaging, for example, is of great value in differentiating bacterial from other CNS infections. Likewise, accquisition of contrast-enhanced turbo fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR images is very useful for the diagnosis of meningeal involvement in CNS infections. Familiarity with imaging findings of the different infectious diseases and their complications is very important as early diagnosis and recognition of complications may reduce morbidity and mortality. In this chapter, we review the imaging findings of CNS infections and their potential complications.
Artificial intelligence in medical imaging: switching from radiographic pathological data to clinically meaningful endpoints.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a disruptive technology that involves the use of computerised algorithms to dissect complicated data. Among the most promising clinical applications of AI is diagnostic imaging, and mounting attention is being directed at establishing and fine-tuning its performance to facilitate detection and quantification of a wide array of clinical conditions. Investigations leveraging computer-aided diagnostics have shown excellent accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the detection of small radiographic abnormalities, with the potential to improve public health. However, outcome assessment in AI imaging studies is commonly defined by lesion detection while ignoring the type and biological aggressiveness of a lesion, which might create a skewed representation of AI's performance. Moreover, the use of non-patient-focused radiographic and pathological endpoints might enhance the estimated sensitivity at the expense of increasing false positives and possible overdiagnosis as a result of identifying minor changes that might reflect subclinical or indolent disease. We argue for refinement of AI imaging studies via consistent selection of clinically meaningful endpoints such as survival, symptoms, and need for treatment.
Inertial Load Power Cycling Training Increases Muscle Mass and Aerobic Power in Older Adults.

PURPOSE Reductions in skeletal muscle mass, beginning after the third decade of life, reduce maximal neuromuscular power (Pmax). Maximal aerobic power generation is also reduced. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of maximal power cycling (PC) training using an inertial load ergometer on skeletal muscle mass and cardiovascular function in untrained 50- to 68-yr-old participants. METHODS The study used a pre- or postoutcome exercise intervention testing untrained 50- to 68-yr-old adults (n = 39, M = 15, mean ± SE = 58.5 ± 0.8, range = 50-68 yr). Over the course of 8 wk, participants performed 15 min of training 3 times per week. Each session involved repeated (15-30 times) 4-s sprints of PC. Measurements were thigh muscle volume, total body lean mass, Pmax, peak oxygen consumption, cardio-ankle vascular index, performance on functional tests of living (FTLChair and FTLRamp), and intermuscular fat volume. RESULTS Training for 8 wk increased thigh muscle volume (3.7% ± 0.9%, P < 0.001) and total body lean mass (1.5% ± 0.4%, P < 0.01) while increasing total body mass (TBM) (1.4% ± 0.3%, P < 0.01). Physical performance measures increased significantly (all P < 0.05) with improvements in Pmax (12.0% ± 1.5%); peak oxygen consumption (9.8% ± 1.8%), and FTL (8.5% ± 1.3% to 17.2% ± 2%). Cardio-ankle vascular index was significantly decreased -2.3% ± 1.1% (P < 0.05), indicating reduced arterial stiffness. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that 8 wk of PC training at true maximal power was effective at increasing muscle mass and maximal power, as well as maximal cardiovascular capacity and functional tasks in untrained 50- to 68-yr-olds.
The effect of screening for vaccine hesitancy on the subsequent development of hesitancy: a randomized controlled trial, Houston, TX.

Vaccine hesitancy remains a global health threat. Addressing parental vaccine hesitancy is essential to maintaining high vaccine coverage levels and preventing disease outbreaks; however, it is unk...
Shape Detection Using Semi-Parametric Shape-Restricted Mixed Effects Regression Spline with Applications

Linear models are widely used in the field of epidemiology to model the relationship between placental-fetal hormone and fetal/infant outcome. When a nonlinear relationship is suspected, researchers explore nonparametric models such as regression splines, smoothing splines and penalized regression splines (Korevaar et al., Lancet: Diabetes Endocrinol. 4, 35–43 2016; Wu and Zhang 2006). By applying these nonparametric techniques, researchers can relax the linearity assumption and capture scientifically meaningful or appropriate shapes. In this paper, we focus on the regression spline technique and develop a method to help researchers select the most suitable shape to describe their data among increasing, decreasing, convex and concave shapes. Specifically, we develop a technique based on mixed effects regression spline to analyze hormonal data described in this paper. The proposed methodology is general enough to be applied to other similar problems. We illustrate the method using a prenatal screening program data set.
THE POTENTIAL OF ENHANCING AGRICULTURAL TRADE TO ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY BETWEEN EGYPT AND NILE BASIN COUNTRIES

The problem of the study shows that the value of trade exchangesbetween Egypt and the Nile Basin countries during the average period (2012-2016) it low. Egypt's exports to the basin countries amounted to about 1.04billion dollars, representing about 3.99% of the total value of Egyptian exportsto the world. Egypt's imports from Nile Basin countries amounted to about $420 million for the same period representing only 0.61% of the total value ofEgyptian imports from the world, the value of trade exchange between Egyptand the Nile Basin countries amounts to about 1.46 billion dollars, representingabout 1.53% of the value of trade exchange with the world, Which is very smallcompared to the value of trade exchange between Egypt and the world. Thisnecessitates an increase in the value of trade exchange between Egypt and NileBasin countries because of the distance between Egypt and the basin countries.Egypt enjoys a surplus in some crops and agricultural products that can beexported to the basin countries according to the deficit in each country.The study aims at analyzing the current status of the food balanceindicators of agricultural crops of Egypt and the Nile basin countries, andstudying the possibility of achieving agricultural integration between Egypt andthe Nile basin countries and its role in achieving food security for thesecountries.The results of the study indicate that there is a food gap in most foodcommodity groups in the Nile basin countries, where the production capacity ofthe commodity groups was not able to meet the food needs. The results of thestudy indicate that Egypt has surplus in the crops of dry beans, green beans,potatoes, tomatoes, onions, oranges and grapes with an estimated surplus of41.74, 27.21, 297.7, 56.23, 422.68, 851.34, 88.67 thousand tons, respectively,and the deficit in the Nile Basin countries of these crops, so should expandtrade exchange between Egypt and the basin countries to fill the deficit. Theresults also indicate a deficit in Egypt of tea, coffee, sesame and bran with adeficit of 46.02, 3.73, 9.05, and 63.03 thousand tons respectively, and surplus inthe basin countries. Therefore, the import of these crops and products from thebasin countries should be expanded, as there is a surplus of these crops andproducts.
Clinical benefits of routine examination and synchronous repair of occult inguinal hernia during laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion: a single-center experience

Occult inguinal hernias (IH) predispose peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients to the symptomatic IH formation after starting PD, which may cause complications. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the benefit/risk profile of routine laparoscopic examination for occult IH (RLEOH) with a synchronous repair in patients receiving PD catheter placement. 432 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients with an internal hernia sac at all sizes were deemed to have occult IH. We retrospectively reviewed data including demographic characteristics and operative details. We also measured incidence rates of symptomatic IH, metachronous IH repair, and catheter survival over a follow-up period after starting PD. These patients were classified into the RLEOH group (n = 365) and the non-RLEOH group (n = 67). The RLEOH group was subdivided into occult IH with a synchronous repair (n = 17; the subgroup A), no occult IH (n = 339; the subgroup B), and occult IH without a synchronous repair (n = 9; the subgroup C). The incidence rates of symptomatic IH developed after staring PD in subgroups A, B, and C were 0, 5.6, and 22.2%, respectively, whereas that in the non-RLEOH group was 13.4%. The RLEOH group had a reduced hazard ratio for metachronous IH repair compared with the non-RLEOH group (HR = 0.426; 95% CI 0.195–0.930, p = 0.032). None of our patients suffered from herniorrhaphy-related complications. RLEOH with a synchronous repair during PD catheter insertion confers clinical benefits in reducing the risk of developing IH after starting PD and the need for a metachronous repair. This is a safe and reasonable approach.
Repackaging libraries for survival : climbing out of the box

1. Introduction, Sul Lee. 2. "Climbing Out of the Box and Into the Cloud: Building Web-Scale for Libraries", Jay Jordan. 3. "Why Libraries Persist: Hermits, Clouds, Confucius, Bubbles, and Hortense Foglesong", Dennis Dillon. 4. "Year 2 of the "Great Recession": Surviving the Present by Building the Future", Charles B. Lowry. 5. "Finding the Right Metaphor: Restructuring, Realigning, and Repackaging Today's Research Libraries", Joan Giesecke. 6. "Advancing From Kumbaya to Radical Collaboration: Redefining the Future Research Library", James G. Neal. 7. "Repackaging the Library: What Do Faculty Think?", Kevin Guthrie. 8. "Times of Crisis Accelerate Inevitable Change", Allen Powell. 9. "From Surviving to Thriving", Carla J. Stoffle, Cheryl Cuillier.
A Selected Bibliography of Library Disaster Stories: Before, During, and After

This selected bibliography includes international sources detailing disasters in libraries, as well as disaster planning and recovery resources.
Low-Temperature Specific Heat

Numerous discussions of lattice specific heat are available in the literature; for descriptive introductory summaries, the reader is directed to standard texts, such as that of Kittel [Kit68], and a cryogenic monograph in this series by Gopal [Gop66]. In developing the Debye equations, it is usual to begin by calculating the thermal energy associated with the vibrations of N atoms of a solid. The resulting quantity is conveniently referred to as the “heat capacity” of the assembly. The Debye calculation takes place implicitly at constant volume, and leads accordingly to the constant-volume heat capacity, C v , which is, therefore, associated with some fixed volume, V, of material. If the solid is heated at constant pressure it generally expands, and in so doing absorbs some extra energy. The difference between the associated constant-pressure heat capacity, C p , and C v at some temperature T, is C p — C v = TVβ v 2 K, where β v is the volume expansion coefficient and K is the bulk modulus. Unless lattice expansion and its consequences are of special interest, as in Chapter 9, the difference C p – C v may be neglected, particularly below room temperature [Kit68, p. 165], and the bare symbol, C, may be assigned to the general heat capacity. In what follows that symbol will also be assigned to the molar heat capacity or the molar specific heat, while the superscripts v and g will designate specific heats per unit volume (cm3) and per gram, respectively. A subscript g may be employed to indicate lattice1 specific heat if a distinction between it and the electronic specific heat component of metals (see below) is to be made.
Prevention of secondary stroke and transient ischaemic attack with antiplatelet therapy: the role of the primary care physician role

SUMMARY Background: Stroke risk is heightened among patients who have had a primary stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The primary care physician is in the best position to monitor these patients for stroke recurrence. Because stroke recurrence can occur shortly after the primary event, guidelines recommend initiating antiplatelet therapy as soon as possible. Aspirin, with or without extended-release dipyridamole (ER-DP), and clopidogrel are options for such patients. Low-dose aspirin (75–150 mg/day) has the same efficacy as higher doses but with less gastrointestinal bleeding. Clopidogrel remains an option for prevention of secondary events and may benefit patients with symptomatic atherothrombosis, but its combined use with aspirin can harm patients with multiple risk factors and no history of symptomatic cerebrovascular, cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease. Results: Low dose aspirin is effective in secondary stroke prevention. Trials assessing aspirin plus ER-DP have shown that the combination is more effective than aspirin monotherapy in preventing stroke, with efficacy increasing among higher risk patients, notably those with prior stroke/TIA. Clopidogrel does not appear to have as much advantage over aspirin in secondary stroke prevention as aspirin plus ER-DP. Smoking cessation and cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure control are also important concerns in preventing recurrent stroke. In choosing pharmacological therapy, the physician must consider the individual patient’s risk factors and tolerance, as well as other issues, such as use of aspirin among patients with ulcers. Conclusion: Antiplatelet therapy is effective in secondary stroke prevention. Low dose aspirin can be used first-line, but aspirin plus ER-DP improves efficacy. Clopidogrel is another option in secondary stroke prevention, especially for aspirin-intolerant patients, but it appears to have less advantage over aspirin than aspirin plus ER-DP, and its combined use with aspirin has only marginally better efficacy and increased bleeding risk. Review Criteria Authors reviewed information on the role of primary care physicians in secondary stroke prevention, with data from current guidelines on secondary strokes included. Recent antiplatelet therapy studies, significant for secondary stroke prevention, were reviewed and put into context with guidelines for practicing primary care physicians. Ongoing trials evaluating antiplatelet therapy for the prevention of stroke and transient ischaemic attack were also reviewed.
Abstract T P168: A Wake-up Call for Wake-up Strokes

INTRODUCTION: Studies suggest 8%-28% of ischemic strokes present as wake-up strokes (WUS). The unknown time of symptom onset precludes these patients from approved treatments for acute ischemic stroke, but a substantial proportion of patients may be deemed candidates for treatment if other factors are considered. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics associated with clinical outcomes of WUS patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a large academic medical center between January 2011 and May 2012. We identified patients with stroke symptoms upon awakening or those who were found with stroke symptoms with an unknown time of onset. Baseline demographics, stroke mechanism, presenting NIHSS, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores on discharge and at 3-month follow-up were obtained. A good outcome was defined as mRS 0-2. RESULTS: WUS patients comprised 22% (162/731) of all patients with ischemic stroke at our institution during this time period. Median age was 74 years (range 15-100), median presenting NIHSS was 5 (range 0-28), and median initial ASPECTS 10 (range 0-10). A cardioembolic mechanism was identified in 68 patients (42%). Predictors of good outcome at hospital discharge were lower initial NIHSS (3.5 versus 12.0, p<0.0001) and higher ASPECTS (9.8 versus 8.1, p=0.0002). The predictors of good outcomes at 3 months were younger age (69.1 versus 75.8, p=0.009), lower initial NIHSS (5.0 versus 12.6, p<0.0001), and higher ASPECTS (9.5 versus 8.1, p=0.0006). One hundred and eleven patients (68.5%) had initial ASPECTS of 10. Of those, 19 had NIHSS≥10 and 7 were treated with acute recanalization therapies. Four of the 7 treated patients had good outcomes, and 2 of the 12 untreated patients had good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients with strokes of unknown onset and severe deficits have good outcomes without acute stroke treatment. Patients with NIHSS≥10 and ASPECTS 10 may be candidates for acute recanalization therapy.
Enhancement of current drivability in Field PMOS by optimized Field Plate

This paper presents a novel Field PMOS (FPMOS) with a LOCOS oxide film as a gate oxide for Plasma Display Panel scan drivers. In this novel FPMOS, an Aluminum Field Plate (Al-FP) is connected to a gate electrode and works as a secondary gate at high gate voltage (Vg). The drain current (Ids) of the novel FPMOS is about three times larger than that of conventional one at drain voltage (Vd)/Vg=-150/-200V, because the secondary gate accumulates holes in the drift region. Furthermore, the hot carrier reliability is superior; the absolute amount of Ids shift under DC stress conditions for the novel FPMOS is smaller than that of conventional one. This causes the drain current in the novel FPMOS to flow through the accumulated drift region induced by Al-FP at high Vg, and the trapped charge now has little influence on the Ids. Using a field plate as the second gate realizes higher drivability, and makes the Ids shift smaller at hot carrier stress.
An Outdoor Water Carnival

(1941). An Outdoor Water Carnival. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 12, No. 9, pp. 518-519.
Glucose, stress, and hippocampal neuronal vulnerability.

Publisher Summary The hippocampus has been recognized to be an important integration center for learning and memory. A number of underlying neurochemical systems within the hippocampus contribute to cognitive function, as well as hippocampal glucoregulatory activities. Metabolic disorders that disrupt the interactions of these systems may compromise hippocampal neuronal homeostasis and contribute to cognitive impairments. The dysregulation of glucose utilization that is observed in diabetes mellitus or Alzheimer disease may represent an important component of the cognitive impairments observed in these disease states. The hippocampus is one of the major target areas for glucocorticoids (GCs) in the central nervous system (CNS). While basal levels of glucocorticoids are essential for neuronal maintenance, exposure to the stress levels of GCs can reduce hippocampal glucose utilization and produce morphological changes that are accompanied by cognitive impairments. Diabetic subjects exhibit increased circulating levels of GCs, suggesting that neuronal allostatic load may be increased in the hippocampus by the combined actions of hyperglycemia and GCs. The aim of this chapter is to review and update the understanding of the effects of stress and disease states that are associated with metabolic disturbances, such as diabetes mellitus, upon hippocampal glucoregulatory activities.
Modeling spatio-temporal network computations: a summary of results

Spatio-temporal network is defined by a set of nodes, and a set of edges, where the properties of nodes and edges may vary over time. Such networks are encountered in a variety of domains ranging from transportation science to sensor data analysis. Given a spatio-temporal network, the aim is to develop a model that is simple, expressive and storage efficient. The model must also provide support for the design of algorithms to process frequent queries that need to be answered in the application domains. This problem is challenging due to potentially conflicting requirements of model simplicity and support for efficient algorithms. Time expanded networks which have been used to model dynamic networks employ replication of the network across time instants, resulting in high storage overhead and algorithms that are computationally expensive. This model is generally used to represent time-dependent flow networks and tends to be application-specific in nature. In contrast, the proposed time-aggregated graphs do not replicate nodes and edges across time; rather they allow the properties of edges and nodes to be modeled as a time series. Our approach achieves physical data independence and also addresses the issue of modeling spatio-temporal networks that do not involve flow parameters. In this paper, we describe the model at the conceptual, logical and physical levels. We also present case studies from various application domains.
Efficacy of Mechanical versus Non-Mechanical Sterile Preoperative Skin Preparation With Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4% Solution.

Objective To compare the efficacy of sterile preoperative skin antisepsis using either a 5-minute mechanical preparation or 5-minute non-mechanical preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution. Study Design Matched design, ANOVA. Animals Healthy adult Thoroughbred horses (n = 30). Methods Each horse had both surgical preparation methods randomly assigned to identical sites on the left or right upper thigh. Prepared sites were sampled and cultured for bacteria after each preparation step. Results Mechanical and non-mechanical preparation techniques significantly reduced bacteria isolated from surface swab samples compared with samples taken from unprepared skin and after the preliminary rough prepared skin (P < 0.05). No difference in the number of skin-associated bacteria was detected between the mechanical and non-mechanical sterile preoperative preparation techniques (P = 0.77). Ten species of bacteria were identified by 16s PCR after final skin preparation. Conclusions Pre-surgical skin preparation without repeated mechanical scrubbing using chlorhexidine gluconate 4% solution (total contact time, 225 seconds) is effective in reducing bacterial counts.
The birds and the Bs in RS: the b → sγ penguin in a warped extra dimension

We calculate contributions to the photon and gluon magnetic dipole operators that mediate b → sγ and b → dγ transitions in the Randall-Sundrum model of a warped extra dimension with anarchic bulk fermions and a brane localized Higgs. Unlike the Standard Model, there are large contributions to the left-handed b quark decays, parameterized by the Wilson coefficient $ C_7^{\prime } $ , due to the pattern of bulk fermion localization, and sizable contributions from the gluonic penguins, $ C_8^{{\left( \prime \right)}} $ , through renormalization group mixing. Further, unlike the Randall-Sundrum result for μ → eγ, the unprimed Wilson coefficients receive non-negligible contributions from the misalignment of the bulk fermion spectrum with the Standard Model flavor sector. We compare the size of effects and the constraints imposed by the branching ratios Br(B → X sγ ) and 〈Br(B → X dγ )〉 within the minimal and the custodial model. Within the custodial framework, we study the effect on a number of benchmark observables and find that Br(B → X s μ + μ −) and the forward-backward asymmetry in B → K*μ + μ − remain close to their Standard Model predictions. On the other hand, there can be large enhancements of the time-dependent CP asymmetry in B → K*γ and the transverse asymmetry $ A_T^{{(2)}} $ .
The five steps toward Awakened Leadership

What is Awakened Leadership (AL)? This article reviews AWAKE, a five step process that can lead to the successful practice of AL as a tool toward human performance improvement. AL is a highly flexible meta-leadership style that integrates all distinctive leadership approaches into one all-encompassing way of living and leading.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy using a computer-enhanced surgical robot

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the technique of laparoscopic hysterectomy using a computer-enhanced robotic surgical system.
Plasma protein and free fatty acid levels in male whirler mice.

Des analyses electrophoretiques d'echantillons de plasma sanguin de souris tourneuses mâles, homozygotes et heterozygotes ont montre des taux de proteines plasmatiques totales nettement inferieurs chez les homozygotes. Bien que diverses fractions globuliniques soient nettement diminuees, les taux d'albumine furent sensiblement plus eleves chez le mutant homozygote.
Correlation of urodynamic measures of urethral resistance with clinical measures of incontinence severity in women with pure genuine stress incontinence

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to correlate multiple measures of urethral resistance with five clinical measures of incontinence severity in women with pure genuine stress incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-five women with pure genuine stress incontinence underwent passive and dynamic urethral pressure profilometry and Valsalva leak point pressure determinations. The standardized and validated measures of incontinence severity included (1) the number of incontinent episodes, (2) the number of continence pads used recorded in a prospective 1-week urinary diary, (3) grams of fluid loss on a pad quantitation test, and (4) two condition-specific quality-of-life scales, the urogenital distress inventory and the incontinence impact questionnaire. The urodynamic and severity measures were compared with Pearson product-moment correlation analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations betweendynamic urethral pressure profile pressure transmission ratios and any measure of incontinence severity. Passive urethral pressure profile variables correlated significantly with incontinence episodes and pad use. Valsalva leak point pressures correlated significantly with pad use and quantitation testing. None of the urodynamic measurements was significantly correlated with either of the quality-of-life scales, but our power to demonstrate a correlation was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Both passive urethral pressure profile measures and Valsalva leak point pressures correlate with some severity measures of genuine stress incontinence. Although inefficient pressure transmission during stress is critical to the pathogenesis of genuine stress incontinence, the severity of the pressure transmission defect is not related to clinical severity. Conversely, impairment of intrinsic urethral resistance is not essential to the pathogenesis of genuine stress incontinence, but the degree of sphincteric impairment is related to severity once the condition exists.
Sex differences in realization of individual potential for achievement

Abstract Data from 4035 participants in Project TALENT were analyzed to examine the extent to which known sex differences in achievement held up when early potential for achievement was contolled. Original TALENT data, consisting of information on socioeconomic background, cognitive abilities, and educational and occupational aspirations, were collected in 1960 when members of the study sample were in Grade 9. Follow-up surveys measuring participants' educational and occupational attainment were conducted at 1, 5, and 11 years after the date of participants' expected graduation from high school. Women had higher high school grades and scored higher on a composite of academic ability tests taken in Grade 9 than did men. However, by 11 years after high school, men had acquired more education and were earning more money on the job. Sex differences in realization of achievement potential were found across all socioeconomic levels. At least part of the reason behind women's relative failure to translate potential into achievement may lie in the greater conflict, for women, between the roles of spouse/parent and the roles of student/worker: variables measuring the onset, duration, and extent of family-related commitments were more strongly related to female than to male realization of potential. Sex differences in achievement grew larger between the 5- and 11-year follow-ups as a greater proportion of women in the study sample became wives and mothers. The widening of the sex gap in achievement during this period was particularly pronounced among the subgroup of individuals who were in the top quartile of potential in Grade 9.
Prostaglandin E2 concentration in gastric secretions of critically ill, full-term, and premature infants.

Critically ill, full-term, and premature infants are at increased risk to develop gastric mucosal ulceration. The cytoprotective effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) may be important in the preservation of gastric mucosal integrity in these patients. PGE2 concentrations in the gastric secretions of seven full-term and 16 premature infants with severe pulmonary disease were measured by radioimmunoassay. The mean PGE2 concentration was significantly greater in the full-term infants (460 +/- 94 pg/ml), (mean +/- S.E.M.) than in the premature infants (190 +/- 35 pg/ml), P less than 0.01. There was a linear correlation between gestational age and PGE2 concentration, r = 0.70, P less than 0.001. In the 11 infants greater than or equal to 35 wk gestational age there was a linear correlation between gastric pH and PGE2 concentration, r = 0.69, P less than 0.01.
Generation and transmission of millimeter wave signals using a mode-locked microchip laser

This paper is concerned with the optical domain generation and transmission of high fidelity millimeter wave signals. The optical transmitter employs a microchip laser, which is mode-locked by a Gunn oscillator. The paper describes the design, fabrication and experimental evaluation of the transmitter.
Explorations of relationships among learners, tasks, and learning

Abstract Based on a critical re-analysis of cognitive load theory (CLT), Schnotz and Kurschner identified the need for research on more sensitive ways of assessing learner characteristics, both prior to and during instruction, in order to understand learning processes and outcomes. One emergent theme of the papers in this special issue is that the “same” learning environment is differentially demanding and produces different results depending on characteristics of the learners, most importantly their knowledge in the task domain. These findings indicate that to optimize learning outcomes, theories of instructional design and learning need to be more adaptive and reflect the nuances of interactions among learners, tasks, and instructional supports.
Relationships of elevation, channel slope, and stream width to occurrences of native fishes at the Great Plains-Rocky Mountains interface

ABSTRACT Environmental gradients occur with upstream progression from plains to mountains and affect the occurrence of native warmwater fish species, but the relative importance of various environmental gradients are not defined. We assessed the relative influences of elevation, channel slope, and stream width on the occurrences of 15 native warmwater fish species among 152 reaches scattered across the North Platte River drainage of Wyoming at the interface of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Most species were collected in reaches that were lower in elevation, had lower channel slopes, and were wider than the medians of the 152 sampled reaches. Several species occurred over a relatively narrow range of elevation, channel slope, or stream width among the sampled reaches, but the distributions of some species appeared to extend beyond the ranges of the sampled reaches. We identified competing logistic-regression models that accounted for the occurrence of individual species using the information-theore...
The Impact of an Exocyclic Cytosine Adduct on DNA Duplex Properties: Significant Thermodynamic Consequences Despite Modest Lesion-Induced Structural Alterations †

The exocyclic base adduct 3,N 4 -deoxyethenocytosine (C) is a common DNA lesion that can arise from carcinogen exposure and/or as a biproduct of cellular processes. We have examined the thermal and thermodynamic impact of this lesion on DNA duplex properties, as well as the structural alterations imparted by the lesion. For these studies, we used calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques to investigate a family of 13-mer DNA duplexes of the form ( 5' CGCATGNGTACGC 3' )¥( 3' GCGTACNCATGCG 5' ), where the central N¥N base pair represents the four standard Watson-Crick base pairs (corresponding to four control duplexes), and where either one of the N bases has been replaced by C, yielding eight test duplexes. Studies on these 12 duplexes permit us to assess the impact of the C lesion as a function of sequence context. Our spectroscopic and calorimetric data allow us to reach the following conclusions: (i) The C lesion imparts a large penalty on duplex stability, with sequence context only modestly modulating the extent of this lesion-induced destabilization. This result contrasts with our recent studies of duplexes with abasic sites, where sequence context was found to be the predominant determinant of thermodynamic damage. (ii) For the C-containing duplexes, sequence context effects are most often observed in the enthalpic contribution to lesion-induced duplex destabilization. However, due to compensating entropies, the free energy changes associated with this lesion-induced duplex destablization are nearly independent of sequence context. (iii) Despite significant lesion-induced changes in duplex energetics, our spectroscopic probes detect only modest lesion-induced changes in duplex structure. In fact, the overall duplex maintains a global B-form conformation, in agreement with NMR structural data. We discuss possible interpretations of the apparent disparity between the severe thermodynamic and relatively mild structural impacts of the C lesion on duplex properties. We also note and discuss the implications of empirical correlations between biophysical and biological properties of lesion-containing duplexes.
SOA based switchable photonic delay line for broadband phased array antenna control

A single channel 3-bit PDL is demonstrated using SOA as switching elements. Optimum RF performance is obtained by optimizing input optical powers and bias current of the SOAs and filtering ASE noise at each bit.
The effects of paced tapping on heart rate, skin conductance, and muscle potential.

The use of a tapping response as an indicant of interest or preference in studies of the physiological correlates of attitude and attitude change is discussed. The physiological effects of paced tapping, using rates that might be employed in attitudinal studies, were examined under conditions free of attitudinal import. Major findings were: (1) There is no significant difference in the effect on HR with rates up to 3/sec. (2) There is no significant difference in the effect on SCL with rates up to 7/sec. (3) When raw EMG scores are used as the basis of analysis no significant differences are found with rates up to 3/sec; however, when the square root transform of this variable is used, a significant effect is found for all rates used in at least one of the phases of the experiment. The results, taken as a whole, indicate the possibility of either controlling or mathematically compensating for the physiological effect of the tapping response, per se, in attitudinal studies.
Response properties of X and Y LGN neurons in Siamese cats

We investigated quantitatively the receptive-field properties of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus of Siamese cats. The experimental animals, “Mid-western” Siamese cats, exhibited varied degrees of ocular misalignment. The percentage of Y-cells, which receive projections from the area centralis, was significantly greater in Siamese cats than in normally pigmented cats. The spatial resolution of many, but not all, X-cells within the central 5 degrees of Siamese cats was reduced. A substantial number of Y-cells had significantly longer latencies to stimulation of the optic chiasm. In addition, some Siamese cat units had abnormal contrast threshold and lineweighting functions along with large receptive field center size and weak inhibitory effects from the RF surround. Finally, large variability was found with respect to the abnormalities among cells within a given cat and more importantly among the individual Siamese cats which we studied.
CYCLOPS: A mobile robotic platform for testing and validating image processing and autonomous navigation algorithms in support of artificial vision prostheses

While artificial vision prostheses are quickly becoming a reality, actual testing time with visual prosthesis carriers is at a premium. Moreover, it is helpful to have a more realistic functional approximation of a blind subject. Instead of a normal subject with a healthy retina looking at a low-resolution (pixelated) image on a computer monitor or head-mounted display, a more realistic approximation is achieved by employing a subject-independent mobile robotic platform that uses a pixelated view as its sole visual input for navigation purposes. We introduce CYCLOPS: an AWD, remote controllable, mobile robotic platform that serves as a testbed for real-time image processing and autonomous navigation systems for the purpose of enhancing the visual experience afforded by visual prosthesis carriers. Complete with wireless Internet connectivity and a fully articulated digital camera with wireless video link, CYCLOPS supports both interactive tele-commanding via joystick, and autonomous self-commanding. Due to its onboard computing capabilities and extended battery life, CYCLOPS can perform complex and numerically intensive calculations, such as image processing and autonomous navigation algorithms, in addition to interfacing to additional sensors. Its Internet connectivity renders CYCLOPS a worldwide accessible testbed for researchers in the field of artificial vision systems. CYCLOPS enables subject-independent evaluation and validation of image processing and autonomous navigation systems with respect to the utility and efficiency of supporting and enhancing visual prostheses, while potentially reducing to a necessary minimum the need for valuable testing time with actual visual prosthesis carriers.
Evolution of recurrent solar wind structures between 14 AU and the termination shock

The solar wind conditions observed from Voyager 2 at approximately 14 AU are extrapolated to the region of the outer heliosphere bounded by the termination shock, using an MHD simulation model. Results from two simulation studies are presented for two sets of nearly recurrent solar wind interaction regions, with initial conditions generated from plasma and magnetic field data observed on March 1984 at 13.8 AU, and on November 1984 at 15.4, respectively. Each simulation describes an idealized recurrent solar wind structure in the supersonic region of the outer heliosphere out to the termination shock far beyond the present reaches of the Pioneer and Voyager spacecraft. It is shown that a collision between the forward shock and the reverse shock occurs approximately every 40 AU. When a forward shock interacts with the termination shock, the latter is weakened and moves outward; the termination shock is strengthened and moves inward when a reverse shock interacts with it.
Correlating sonic and graphic materials in scientific visualization

A scientific animation, though complete in itself, is rarely seen as complete without a musical score. Sadly the music is often an afterthought showing little relation to the visual materials being presented. This report illustrates a correlative technique that builds a sonic score from the same data that creates the graphics. When the musical score represents aurally what is seen visually a high degree of integration between graphic and sonic elements is achieved. In mapping data into visual or aural materials the question of what is aesthetically successful can find itself in conflict with what is scientifically useful. In graphics a simple color map can often hide pertinent detail in an image. A differentiated map can overemphasize detail and hence distort overall forms and patterns. These same problems exist with pitch quantization and time sample intervals when building sonic maps of abstract data. Employing a series of four studies different levels of sonic detail are illustrated. It is hoped they will serve to encourage investigation in the integration of aural/visual materials into coherent and wholistic data presentation.