cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of inhibited random-burst error correction decoders

This communication extends some earlier results [ibid., vol CS-10, pp. 425-435, December, 1962], on the performance of inhibited error-correction decoders. This extension was made necessary by the fact that an important new type of an inhibited error-control decoder has recently become available. The characteristic feature of these new error-control decoders is the correction of a class of errors which can be adjusted (in real time if desired) to include alternative specified patterns of either random, burst, or both random and burst errors together with detection of a corresponding class of uncorrectable errors, such that either the correction operation or the decoder output can be inhibited when doubtful. Because of this special characteristic, these decoders are called "detecting random-burst" (DRB) decoder
The Validity of the Achievement- Orientation Model for Gifted Middle School Students: An Exploratory Study

Gifted underachievement represents a frustrating loss of potential for society. Although attempts have been made to develop interventions to reverse gifted underachievement, the theoretical underpinnings of these interventions have yet to be empirically validated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of the Achievement-Orientation Model for gifted middle school students. Based on a sample of 156 gifted sixth- and seventh-grade mathematics students, results of the current study suggest two unique clusters of gifted students, those whose attitudes toward each of the model’s constructs are positive and those who attitudes are not as positive. Furthermore, results of a path analysis demonstrate that most of the relationships posited by the model do appear to exist. The findings of this study suggest that the Achievement-Orientation Model may hold promise for the development of interventions to address gifted underachievement.
Complex life science multidatabase queries

Recent advances in the development of new, high throughput screening technologies have resulted in a wealth of life science data. The complexity and volume of these data require technology beyond that of traditional database systems. Open research issues include the seamless, semantic-based integration of geographically distributed, autonomous web databases. Biological And Chemical Integration Information System (BACIIS) addresses these issues. This paper discusses the challenges associated with the integration of life science web databases and the techniques used in BACIIS to address these challenges. Particularly, the execution of life science, multidatabase queries is investigated, and an approach that can overcome the limitations of the query capabilities of each individual life science web database participating in the integration is presented. This approach hides the heterogeneity of the individual databases from the user while providing an efficient execution plan for complex, life science, multidatabase queries.
Index Policies for Resource Allocation in Wireless Networks

We consider the problem of resource allocation for data transfer between the base station and the users within a cell of a wireless telecommunication network with infinite data queues for each user. The aim is to study the tradeoff between the conflicting objectives of maximizing the system throughput and the quality of service (QoS) to an individual user. Using a policy improvement approach based on Markov decision processes, we develop an intuitive and easy-to-implement index policy. We also demonstrate its superior performance over the existing proportional fair metric algorithm through simulation experiments.
A CMOS differential noise cancelling low noise transconductance amplifier

In this paper a two stage CMOS Radio Frequency (RF) low noise transconductance amplifier is proposed. The feed-forward noise-cancelling technique is exploited to improve the Noise Figure (NF). Simulations with 45 nm CMOS process have been performed to verify the proposed design. The LNA achieves a transconductance of 115 mS, -3 dB bandwidth of 4.5 GHz, NF of 3.4 dB and IIP3 of -10 dBm. Compared to the single stage transconductance amplifier, the in band NF improves by 3.3 dB. The power consumption is 40 mW.
Order Beyond Crisis: Organizing Considerations Across the Public Service Configuration Life Cycle

This article responds to the preceding paper by Stephanie Moulton and Charles Wise, critiquing the dimensions that those authors use as organizing guides in the delivery of public services through public–private institutional configurations, including the evaluation of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). In this essay, Eva M. Witesman proposes a modification to the framework and provides suggestions for future research.
Evaluating the ligand specificity of zebrafish parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptors: comparison of PTH, PTH-related protein, and tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues.

Homologs of mammalian PTH1 and PTH2 receptors, and a novel PTH3 receptor have been identified in zebrafish (zPTH1, zPTH2, and zPTH3). zPTH1 receptor ligand specificity is similar to that of mammalian PTH1 receptors. The zPTH2 receptor is selective for PTH over PTH-related protein (PTHrP); however, PTH produces only modest cAMP accumulation. A PTH2 receptor-selective peptide, tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39), has recently been purified from bovine hypothalamus. The effect of TIP39 has not previously been examined on zebrafish receptors. The zPTH3 receptor was initially described as PTHrP selective based on comparison with the effects of human PTH. We have now examined the ligand specificity of the zebrafish PTH-recognizing receptors expressed in COS-7 cells using a wide range of ligands. TIP39 is a potent agonist for stimulation of cAMP accumulation at two putative splice variants of the zPTH2 receptor (EC50, 2.6 and 5.2 nm); in comparison, PTH is a partial agonist[ maximal effect (Emax) o...
Training the Police in Ukraine

Beginning in 1999, the Police Executive Research Forum, with researchers from the Ukrainian Academy of Law Sciences, was funded by the National Institute of Justice to document and assess the U.S.-sponsored training for Ukrainian law enforcement. As part of that effort, project staff met with U.S. and Ukrainian officials, held focus groups with Ukrainian officers who had participated in trainings, interviewed providers of previous training courses, and conducted round-table discussions with Ukrainian law enforcement managers. During the summer of 2000, the U.S. and Ukrainian project staff completed a series of surveys of Ukrainian police, prosecutors, and judicial officials at both national and local levels. Although a far more difficult process than anticipated, the results of the effort offer added light on the quality and scope of the training offered. This article presents results of those efforts.
Local hands, international news: Palestinian journalists and the international media

Study of the production process of news about Palestinians rather than simply its final forms reveals the extent to which mainstream news is a cultural product not only of US society and western journalism’s professional norms, but of Palestinian society as well. Palestinian journalists working for international news contribute essential labor to the final product of international news. They serve as cultural and geographical guides for foreign correspondents. They are photojournalists and reporters on the scene covering both everyday political news and dangerous crises. Much of their work demands embodied skills acquired within Palestinian society under occupation. Yet, perhaps because journalism is generally thought of as intellectual work, and also because of the intensely local nature of these journalistic skills, Palestinian journalists’ contributions - which generally relate to the facilitation of knowledge production, rather than to the formulation of editorial positions - are rarely recognized in ...
Longevity and Aging in Budding Yeast

This chapter presents an overview of the current understanding of how yeast ages and the genes and pathways that play a role in determining yeast chronological and replicative life span. Several genes, as well as calorie restriction, have been found to regulate aging similarly in yeast and multicellular eukaryotes, and these potentially conserved determinants of longevity are emphasized. Descriptions of the chronological and replicative life span assay are provided in enough detail to allow a researcher with common knowledge of yeast methods to carry out his or her own aging studies.
Book Review: Typography for Lawyers: Essential Tools for Polished & Persuasive Documents by Matthew Butterick

Matthew Butterick’s Typography for Lawyers is a must-read for anyone who wants to make good writing look better. This book explains how to improve the appearance of legal writing (or any writing, for that matter) and why we should care.
Weaknesses in the Common Arguments for State and Local Tax Cuts and Incentives

The author says that tax cuts and incentives, especially when they occur at the expense of public investments, are not the best means to expand economic development. Tax incentives are not necessary to maintain competitiveness, the author suggests.
Using a health care practice framework to address smartphone use in the classroom

Abstract Existing research indicates that off-task smartphone use within classrooms is negatively related to many important academic measures such as attention, comprehension, and grades. However, many educators have begun to advocate smartphone utilization in education, particularly to prepare students for future work environments. There is an increasing use of mobile devices within health care environments and it will be important for pharmacy graduates to possess both technical and socio-technical skills to safely and effectively use digital information. Instructors face the difficult task of controlling digital distractions within the classroom. From a student perspective, it is important that the education environment includes technologies used in practice. Discussing the issues and opportunities of smartphone use within the framework of a health care environment may help guide instructors with regard to their approach to dealing with student smartphone use. This article summarizes existing literature regarding smartphone use in classrooms and provides recommendations to educators for addressing potential problems and opportunities.
Influence of current input-output and age of first exposure on phonological acquisition in early bilingual Spanish-English-speaking kindergarteners.

Background Although some investigations of phonological development have found that segmental accuracy is comparable in monolingual children and their bilingual peers, there is evidence that language use affects segmental accuracy in both languages. Aims To investigate the influence of age of first exposure to English and the amount of current input–output on phonological accuracy in English and Spanish in early bilingual Spanish–English kindergarteners. Also whether parent and teacher ratings of the children's intelligibility are correlated with phonological accuracy and the amount of experience with each language. Methods & Procedures Data for 91 kindergarteners (mean age = 5;6 years) were selected from a larger dataset focusing on Spanish–English bilingual language development. All children were from Central Texas, spoke a Mexican Spanish dialect and were learning American English. Children completed a single-word phonological assessment with separate forms for English and Spanish. The assessment was analyzed for segmental accuracy: percentage of consonants and vowels correct and percentage of early-, middle- and late-developing (EML) sounds correct were calculated. Outcomes & Results Children were more accurate on vowel production than consonant production and showed a decrease in accuracy from early to middle to late sounds. The amount of current input–output explained more of the variance in phonological accuracy than age of first English exposure. Although greater current input–output of a language was associated with greater accuracy in that language, English-dominant children were only significantly more accurate in English than Spanish on late sounds, whereas Spanish-dominant children were only significantly more accurate in Spanish than English on early sounds. Higher parent and teacher ratings of intelligibility in Spanish were correlated with greater consonant accuracy in Spanish, but the same did not hold for English. Higher intelligibility ratings in English were correlated with greater current English input–output, and the same held for Spanish. Conclusions & Implications Current input–output appears to be a better predictor of phonological accuracy than age of first English exposure for early bilinguals, consistent with findings on the effect of language experience on performance in other language domains in bilingual children. Although greater current input–output in a language predicts higher accuracy in that language, this interacts with sound complexity. The results highlight the utility of the EML classification in assessing bilingual children's phonology. The relationships of intelligibility ratings with current input–output and sound accuracy can shed light on the process of referral of bilingual children for speech and language services.
The Effect of Clearance Flow of Variable Area Nozzles on Radial Turbine Performance

The flow behind the variable area nozzle for radial turbines was measured with a 3-hole yaw probe and calculated with CFD. Two nozzle throat-areas were investigated: the smallest and the largest opening for the variable nozzle. Test results agreed with the calculated results qualitatively. The leakage flow through the tip clearance of the nozzle vane significantly affected the flow field downstream of the nozzle vane with the smallest opening. However, the effect on leakage flow on the flow field downstream of the nozzle vane with the largest opening was very weak. In the flow field of the largest opening nozzle, the effect of wake s dominant. The effect of the clearance of the nozzle vane on the turbine performance was estimated by a 1D-model and the strong influence on the turbine efficiency was confirmed at smallest opening. The flow fields in the impeller downstream of the nozzle vane at the smallest opening with and without the nozzle clearance were investigated with CFD. The setting angle of the nozzle vane without clearance was adjusted to match the operating point of the turbine with the nozzle clearance. In order to extract the specific work from the impeller, the nozzle vane with the vane clearance requires the larger vane setting angle than that without clearance. The increase of the vane setting angle increases the incidence loss and deteriorates turbine efficiency.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Shape Memory Behavior of a Polyethylene-Based Carboxylate Ionomer

Shape memory behavior of a partially zinc-neutralized, poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomer was investigated. The ionomer was a semicrystalline ionomer with a broad melting transition in the range 60–100 °C. Physical crosslinks in the ionomer due to an ionic nanodomain structure provided a “permanent” crosslinked network, while polyethylene crystallinity provided a temporary network. The broad melting transition allowed one to tune the dual-shape memory behavior by choosing a switching temperature, Tc, anywhere within the melting transition. Similarly, multiple-shape memory behavior was achieved by choosing two or more switching temperatures within the melting transition, though the effectiveness of fixing (F) depended on how much material was melted and recrystallized to support the specific temporary shape. Crosslinking improved the recovery efficiency (R), and the crosslinked ionomer exhibited nearly ideal shape memory behavior in the dual-shape memory cycle.
The metabolism in vitro and hepatic microsomal interactions of some enantiomeric drug substrates

1. The metabolism in vitro and microsomal interactions of (+)-amphetamine, (−)-amphetamine, (+)-benzphetamine and (−)-benzphetamine were studied with hepatic microsomes from phenobarbitone-pretreated male rabbits. 2. (+)-Benzphetamine was N-demethylated 30–35% faster than (−)-benzphetamine, but the apparent Michaelis constants for the two enantiomers were similar. 3. (−)-Amphetamine was deaminated about 200% faster than (+)-amphetamine. 4. The benzphetamine enantiomers gave qualitatively and quantitatively identical type I microsomal difference spectra (peak, 390nm; trough, 425nm) indicating identical apparent binding affinities for microsomes and identical spectral changes at maxima (ΔEmax. values). 5. The amphetamine enantiomers gave qualitatively identical type II microsomal difference spectra (peak, 433nm; trough, 395nm). However, the type II spectral data indicated that (+)-amphetamine had a markedly higher apparent binding affinity than (−)-amphetamine for microsomes. The amphetamine enantiomers gave identical ΔEmax. values. 6. The benzphetamine enantiomers (0.5mm) enhanced the rate of microsomal cytochrome P-450 reduction by NADPH by 400–500%, (+)-benzphetamine enhancing the rate 20–25% more than (−)-benzphetamine. 7. The amphetamine enantiomers decreased the rate of microsomal cytochrome P-450 reduction by NADPH. At a concentration of 2mm, (+)-amphetamine decreased the rate more than (−)-amphetamine. 7. All four enantiomers enhanced microsomal NADPH oxidation.
Effect of bacterial immunization on experimental reflux nephropathy.

Abstract This study was designed to test the hypothesis that young animals with vesicoureteral reflux might be more vulnerable to renal parenchymal infection by bacteria to which they had not been previously exposed. Forty-four crossbred male piglets had surgical induction of vesicoureteral reflux at 2 weeks of age and introduction of urinary tract infection at 6 weeks. They were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. Between the ages of 2 and 6 weeks, 22 piglets received subcutaneous injections of formalin-killed Escherichia coli in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant as described. The remaining 22 piglets received incomplete Freund’s adjuvant and vehicle alone. The antibody responses to antigenic challenge were weak to moderate. Immunized animals tended to have less renal scarring and better renal tubular uptake of dimercaptosuccinic acid, in addition to significantly lower serum creatinine values (p
The Relationship Between Pain Catastrophizing and Outcomes of a 3-Week Comprehensive Pain Rehabilitation Program

Objective. Pain catastrophizing is an important predictor of functioning and disability among individuals with chronic pain, and modification of catastrophic interpretations of pain is a proposed treatment mechanism of pain rehabilitation. The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between changes in catastrophic thinking and treatment outcomes for a large sample of patients with chronic pain. Methods. 648 adult patients with chronic pain completed a 3-week intensive outpatient comprehensive pain rehabilitation program. Measures of pain severity, pain-related life interference, depression, and pain catastrophizing were completed at admission and discharge. Results. Consistent with prior research, pain catastrophizing was associated with several negative pain-related outcomes. Results of a within-subjects mediational analysis indicated that pain catastrophizing not only improved during the treatment program, but also accounted for a significant portion of the variance in the reduction of pain severity, pain interference, and depression at the end of treatment. Conclusions. This study adds further support to the position that pain catastrophizing has a detrimental role in adaptation to chronic pain, and that this construct can be successfully modified in treatment to improve patient outcomes.
A Method of Adjustment of Male Peak Urinary Flow Rate for Varying Age and Volume Voided

AbstractPeak or maximum urinary flow rate has been useful to identify voiding dysfunctions, especially obstructive prostatic disease. However, the usefulness of peak urinary flow rate is limited unless volume voided and age also are considered, since we have defined previously the clinical and mathematical relationship of male peak urinary flow rate as a function of volume voided and age. An accurate method of adjusting peak urinary flow rate to a single value that incorporates age and volume voided is reported herein. This adjusted peak flow rate has been tested clinically by comparison of preoperative and postoperative voidings of prostatectomy patients, and its accuracy has been affirmed.
System-Level Integration of Silicon Photonics Based on Scalable Optical Coupling using Polymer Waveguides

We report on the optimization of a scalable optical interfacing approach for silicon photonics based on adiabatic optical coupling between tapered silicon waveguides and singlemode polymer waveguides.
Coupled Membrane Transport Parameters for Ionic Species in All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

Abstract One of the major sources of capacity loss in all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) is the undesired transport of active vanadium species across the ion-exchange membrane, generically termed crossover. In this work, a novel system has been designed and built to investigate the concentration- and electrostatic potential gradient-driven crossover for all vanadium species through the membrane in real-time. For this study, a perfluorosulphonic acid membrane separator (Nafion® 117) was used. The test system utilizes ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy to differentiate vanadium ion species and separates contributions to crossover stemming from concentration and electrostatic potential gradients. It is shown that the rate of species transport through the ion-exchange membrane is state of charge dependent and, as a result, interaction coefficients have been deduced which can be used to better estimate expected crossover over a range of operating conditions. The electric field was shown to increase the negative-to-positive transport of V(II)/V(III) and suppress the positive-to-negative transport of V(IV)/V(V) during discharge, with an inverse trend during charging conditions. Electric-field-induced transport coefficients were deduced directly from experimental data.
An important cause of erythroderma.

A 78 year old man presented from an assisted living facility with an itchy dermatitis that was refractory to antifungal and topical steroid treatment. Physical examination showed diffuse scaly erythema covering 90% …
SPORTS SPECIALIZED RISKS FOR REINJURY IN YOUNG ATHLETES: A 2+ YEAR CLINICAL PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION

Background We previously demonstrated an independent risk of sports specialization in young athletes. However, there is no longitudinal study on the risks of sports specialization and reinjury in young athletes. Objective To determine the longitudinal risk factors for sports specialization in a clinical population of young athletes. To outline the patterns of reinjury in this clinical population. Design Prospective cohort observational study. Setting Multicenter clinical study from sports medicine clinics and pediatric/family medicine offices. Patients (or Participants) Young athletes 7–18 years old presenting for sports-related injury to a sports medicine clinic or for for a sports physical. Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors) Each subject is enrolled at baseline and then given follow up survey every 6 months for up to 3 years. We assessed the following risk factors: Sex, Age, Age of specialization, degree of sports specialization, training volume (organized, free play), year round training (>8 months). Main Outcome Measurements Injury, injury type (acute, overuse, serious overuse), clinical diagnosis. Results There were 1191 subjects analysed at baseline, with a total of 1083 follow up evaluations for up to 3 years of follow up. There were 39.4% (427/1083) injured follow up evaluations, 60.6%(656/1083) uninjured. Of the 427 injuries, 69.6% (297/427) were a reinjury (142 repeat injury (same location) and 155 recurrent injury. There were 134 new injuries. Injured follow up subjects were more likely to be female (p 8 mths/yr (p Conclusions Young athletes are more likely to develop a reinjury than a new injury on follow ups up to 3 years. Athletes specializing
Mitochondrial biogenesis. Protein import into and across the inner membrane

The mitochondrion has developed an elaborate translocation system for the import of nuclear-coded proteins and the export of proteins coded on the mitochondrial genome. Precursor proteins contain targeting and sorting information to reach the mitochondrion, while the translocons recognize the information and direct the pre-cursor to the correct compartment. The outer membrane contains the TOM (translocase of the outer membrane) complex while the inner membrane has developed a more complex system. The TIM23 (translocase of the inner membrane) mediates the import of mitochondrial proteins with a typical amino-terminal targeting sequence, and the TIM22 complex mediates the import of polytopic inner membrane proteins. Based on its prokaryotic origin, the inner membrane also contains several components that mediate the export and assembly of proteins from within the matrix. Together the export complexes and TIM translocons coordinate mitochondrial inner membrane biogenesis.
W.E.B. DuBois and John Dewey

Each of these thinkers—interestingly of the same generation—has an understanding of justice and the good that are indigenous to the American world and, more importantly, are not racist. This chapter explains the thought of DuBois and Dewey about these things and emphasizes their definitive differences from the conventional understandings of justice discussed in Part I. Both DuBois and Dewey seek an American democracy of brotherhood and sisterhood.
The Moral Integrative Levels

The investigation of ethics is conducted by and for members of the human species, but it must range in a far wider fashion, if only in order to indicate the particular setting of human ethics. We shall see that human individuals are tied to each other through the use of material tools. This is particularly true of the tools of communication: signs scratched on hard surfaces (writing) and sound waves modulated (speaking), for example. Human individuals are tied also to their immediate environment by other material tools, such tools for instance as buildings and bulldozers. It is important to remember that these signs and other tools (here collectively called “artifacts”) are parts of the immediate material environment. They most assuredly are not parts of the human organism. But they have important human roles to play, and in some of these roles as least they have a high relevance to morality.
Same-Sex Marriage and Education: Implications for Schools, Students, and Parents

In Marian County, located in Northern California, students from the Pleasant Valley Elementary School gathered around their family dinner tahles. When asked the usual question of how school went today, many parents were surprised by the responses from their children. For example, one school boy responded, "We had an assembly today. We learned that there are all kinds of families [including] two mommies [and] two daddies." He also shared with his parents new words he had learned such as homosexual, leshian, and faggot. At the school assembly, skits had heen performed. In one skit, one of the girls cut off her hair and ran off with her girl friend. One elementary girl asked her father, "Daddy, am I a leshian? I like girls hetter than boys."' It was a beautiful fall day in San Francisco, less than a month away from the state-wide vote on Proposition 8 which would determine the legality of same-sex marriage in California. Some eighteen first-graders attending the Creative Arts Charter School went on a field trip to City Hall. As they arrived at the appointed hour of high noon, they tossed flower petals and blew soap bubbles as their first grade teacher descended down the steps of City Hall with her new wife. One 6-year old youngster wore a political campaign button on her shirt proclaiming, "No on 8." The outing was the idea of one of
The road to sustainability

The oil shock of the 1970s triggered worldwide awareness of oil dependency and launched a search for alternative sources of energy. But three decades on, these efforts have barely had an impact: oil still accounts for almost 40% of global energy use, and fossil fuels make up 85%. The US, for example, imported 20% of its oil in 1970; today the figure is 60%, and other countries import even larger fractions of the oil they consume. The problem of oil dependency is compounded by cost. Before the current recession, the price of oil peaked at $140 a barrel – five times its price in 2002 and 10 times its price in 1976 – rewriting the economics of transportation, food, manufacturing and trade that underlie the operation of society. In addition to dependency and cost, energy security is a pervasive threat. The concentration of oil production in a few regions of the world makes the supply of oil vulnerable to unpredictable events such as weather, terrorism, and geopolitical manoeuvring. Because oil provides so much of our energy, severe reductions in its flow would dramatically change the way we live.
Introduction: Mapping the Terrains

This chapter sets the tone by introducing the main theme, posing the research questions, and specifying the research design. The method of structured, focused comparison is employed as the main methodology: each case of Chinese oil companies operating in one particular host country will be systematically examined by the standard of the two general research questions. In explaining case outcomes, the influences of civil society organizations and host government regulations are emphasized. Essentially, the research follows an inductive logic of heuristic case studies aimed at identifying new causal mechanisms between exogenous factors in the context of host countries and CSR records of national oil companies (NOCs). The book expects to find that Chinese oil companies are socially committed when they operate in host countries where supportive government regulations and civil society oversight are mutually reinforcing.
Calcineurin inhibitors and the generalization of the presenting protein strategy.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the recent advancement in taking advantage of the specificity of cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 drugs for calcineurin. The highly specific calcineurin inhibitors CsA and FK506 are powerful drugs, which have made organ transplantation far more successful because they inhibit the rejection reaction that would otherwise be launched by the host immune system. The ability of CsA and FK506 to prevent graft rejection by suppression of the immune response has made organ transplantation much more successful. However, because calcineurin plays central roles in many processes outside of the immune system, better calcineurin inhibitors may not make better pharmaceuticals. Instead, pathways that lie downstream of calcineurin are ripe for therapeutic targeting, and better immuno suppressants or drugs that treat cardiac hypertrophy may be developed by targeting such pathways. The chapter also examines the structures of the inhibited calcineurin complexes, as it is the unique mode of action of CsA and FK506 that give these drugs their exquisite specificity. Finally, a generalization of the mode of action of these drugs suggests a new approach for drug development, and these implications are also discussed in the chapter.
Improving the use of computer simulations in the hospitality curriculum.

(1993). Improving the Use of Computer Simulations in the Hospitality Curriculum. Hospitality & Tourism Educator: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 25-29.
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL IN THE UK WATER INDUSTRY: A REVIEW

ABSTRACT A discussion is given in this paper on current attitudes in the UK to the need for improved instrumentation, control and automation (ICA), both for process control in water and wastewater treatment and transport, and in environmental monitoring generally. Existing and future requirements are discussed as are some possible new directions for research needed to bring about improvements. Requirements in instrumentation of the Industrial Sector as a whole, the recently privatised Water Authorities, and the newly constituted National Rivers Authority, are discussed, together with the demands of recent European Community (EC) legislation. The effects in terms of economics and on research impetus are discussed, particularly the impact of recent developments of relevance in fibre and electro-optic technology, solid state sensors and biosensors.
Developing and Evaluating a Simulator for Complex IVC Filter Retrieval.

Rationale and Objectives Simulation models allow trainees to acquire and develop procedural skills without compromising patient safety. Complex inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval requires the operator to be proficient at using devices, such as endobronchial forceps, and advanced techniques to carefully dissect free embedded filter tips encased in fibrous tissue adherent to the IVC. Therefore, it is important to develop an effective, inexpensive model to simulate tip-embedded IVC filter retrieval. Materials and Methods Silicone tubes (Flexi-Seal SIGNAL, ConvaTec Inc., Skilman, NJ), IVC filters (Cook Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN), and endobronchial forceps (Lymol Medical, Woburn, MA) were obtained to assemble the model. A total of 12 combinations of adhesive binding methods were used to adhere IVC filter fragments to the silicone tubes, and these were blind tested. A single operator with over 10 years of experience using forceps scored the adhesives subjectively on a three-point scale for adherence, elasticity, and tactile feel. The adhesive most similar to IVC fibrous tissue was selected to assemble the final tip-embedded IVC filter model. 20 trainees were then assigned to practice on the model. A 3-point scale scoring metric objectively measured confidence before and after training on the model. Results Sil-poxy Silicone Adhesive (Smooth-On, Macungie, PA) was found to be the most similar to human IVC fibrous tissue with an average score of 3 of 3 on all metrics. Comparing scores from before and after use of the model, trainee confidence improved significantly (p Conclusion The development of a low-cost simulator for embedded IVC filters is feasible and can be used to improve trainee confidence and skill for complex IVC filter retrieval.
Outcome of urethral mobilization and advancement after anterior hypospadias surgery

In hypospadias surgery, despite continued refinement of various surgical procedures, there is no completely satisfactory technique in terms of complications and cosmesis. In recent literature, urethral mobilization and advancement (UMA) is gaining popularity in the management of distal penile hypospadias with no or very low complication rate as compared to all other techniques. The aim of this study is to share our results by using UMA in the management of anterior hypospadias with or without chordae. A total of 60 patients of anterior hypospadias having the mean age 57.15 ± 38.73 months were included. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.83 ± 1.33 days. The only peroperative complication was urethral injury during urethral mobilization seen in one patient. The most common postoperative complication was hematoma seen in five (8.3%) cases. Two patients (3.3%) had retraction of urethra. One patient had wound infection. Stenosis was labeled in four (6.6%). At 3 months follow-up, 93.3% patients had slit-like meatus and good urinary stream. We found that UMA technique had good functional as well as excellent cosmetic outcome, so the technique can be adopted for anterior hypospadias correction.
Anatomic Assessment of the Limits of an Endoscopically Assisted Retrolabyrinthine Approach to the Internal Auditory Canal.

Objective Data regarding the surgical advantages and anatomic constraints of a hearing-preserving endoscopic-assisted retrolabyrinthine approach to the IAC are scarce. This study aimed to define the minimum amount of retrosigmoid dural exposure necessary for endoscopic exposure of the IAC and the surgical freedom of motion afforded by this approach. Methods Presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approaches were performed on fresh cadaveric heads. The IAC was exposed under endoscopic guidance. The retrosigmoid posterior fossa dura was decompressed until the fundus of the IAC was exposed. Surgical freedom of motion at the fundus was calculated after both retrolabyrinthine and translabyrinthine approaches. Results The IAC was entirely exposed in nine specimens with a median length of 12 mm (range: 10-13 mm). Complete IAC exposure could be achieved with 1 cm of retrosigmoid dural exposure in eight of nine mastoids. For the retrolabyrinthine approach, the median anterior-posterior surgical freedom was 13 degrees (range: 6-23 degrees) compared with 46 degrees (range: 36-53 degrees) for the translabyrinthine approach ( p = 0.014). For the retrolabyrinthine approach, the median superior-inferior surgical freedom was 40 degrees (range 33-46 degrees) compared with 47 degrees (range: 42-51 degrees) for the translabyrinthine approach ( p = 0.022). Conclusion Using endoscopic assistance, the retrolabyrinthine approach can expose the entire IAC. We recommend at least 1.5 cm of retrosigmoid posterior fossa dura exposure for this approach. Although this strategy provides significantly less instrument freedom of motion in both the horizontal and vertical axes than the translabyrinthine approach, it may be appropriate for carefully selected patients with intact hearing and small-to-medium sized tumors involving the IAC.
Vascular-Derived SPARC and SerpinE1 Regulate Interneuron Tangential Migration and Accelerate Functional Maturation of Human Stem Cell-Derived Interneurons

Abstract Cortical interneurons establish inhibitory microcircuits throughout the neocortex and their dysfunction has been implicated in epilepsy and neuropsychiatric diseases. Developmentally, interneurons migrate from a distal progenitor domain in order to populate the neocortex – a process that occurs at a slower rate in humans than in mice. In this study, we sought to identify factors that regulate the rate of interneuron maturation across the two species. Using embryonic mouse development as a model system, we found that the process of initiating interneuron migration is regulated by blood vessels of the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), an interneuron progenitor domain. We identified two endothelial cell-derived paracrine factors, SPARC and SerpinE1, that enhance interneuron migration in mouse MGE explants and organotypic cultures. Moreover, pre-treatment of human stem cell-derived interneurons (hSC-interneurons) with SPARC and SerpinE1 prior to transplantation into neonatal mouse cortex enhanced their migration and morphological elaboration in the host cortex. Further, SPARC and SerpinE1-treated hSC-interneurons also exhibited more mature electrophysiological characteristics compared to controls. Overall, our studies suggest a critical role for CNS vasculature in regulating interneuron developmental maturation in both mice and humans.
School-age bullying victimization and perpetration: a meta-analysis of prospective studies and research

Twenty-three samples from 22 longitudinal studies assessing both bullying perpetration and bullying victimization were selected from a sample of 1,408 candidate studies using several prespecified c...
Biobehavioral Intervention Targeting Physical Activity Behavior Change for Older Veterans after Nontraumatic Amputation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Lower-limb amputation (LLA) due to non-traumatic vascular etiology is linked to extremely low physical activity and high disability. Objective To test the feasibility of a biobehavioral intervention designed to promote physical activity. Design A randomized, single-blind feasibility trial with a crossover design. Setting Veterans Administration Medical Center. Participants Military veterans (age: 65.7 [7.8] years; mean [standard deviation]) with nontraumatic lower-limb amputation (LLA), randomized to two groups: GROUP1 (n = 16) and GROUP2 (n = 15). Both groups had similar baseline amputation characteristics (level of amputation and time since amputation). Interventions Twelve weekly, 30-minute telehealth sessions of physical activity behavior-change intervention, with GROUP1 participating in weeks 1-12 and GROUP2 in weeks 13-24. GROUP1 noncontact phase in weeks 13-24 and GROUP2 attention control telehealth phase in weeks 1-12. Main outcome measures Feasibility (participant retention, dose goal attainment, intervention acceptability [Intrinsic Motivation Inventory [IMI] Interest and Enjoyment scale], safety) and signal of efficacy (free-living physical activity [accelerometer-based average daily step count], Late Life Function and Disability Index - Disability Scale [LLFDI-DS]). Results Participant retention rate was high (90%), with three participants lost to follow-up during the intervention period. Dose goal attainment was low, with only 10% of participants achieving an a priori walking dose goal. Intervention was rated as acceptable, with mean IMI Interest and Enjoyment score (5.8) statistically higher than the null value of 5.0 (P = .002). There were no between-group differences in adverse event rates (falls: P = .19, lower extremity wounds: P = .60). There was no signal of efficacy for change in average daily step count (d = -0.15) or LLFDI-DS (d = -0.22 and 0.17 for frequency and limitations scales, respectively). Conclusions Telehealth delivered biobehavioral intervention resulted in acceptable participant retention, low dose goal attainment, high participant acceptability, and low safety risk, while having no signal of efficacy (physical activity, disability) for people with nontraumatic LLA.
Using Intervention Mapping to Develop Health Education and Health Policy Components to Increase Breast Cancer Screening and Chemotherapy Adherence Among Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Women in Beirut, Lebanon

Introduction: Despite the continuous increase in the incidence of metastatic breast cancer among Syrian and Iraqi refugee women residing in camp settings in Lebanon, mammography and chemotherapy adherence rates remain low due to multiple social, economic, and environmental interfering factors. This in turn led to an alarming increase in breast cancer morbidity and mortality rates among the disadvantaged population. Methods: Intervention mapping, a systematic approach which guides researchers and public health experts in the development of comprehensive evidence-based interventions (EBIs) was used to plan a health education and health policy intervention to increase breast cancer screening and chemotherapy adherence among Iraqi and Syrian refugee women aged 30 and older who are residing in refugee camps within the Beirut district of Lebanon. Results: The generation of the logic model during the needs assessment phase was guided by an extensive review of the literature and reports published in peer-reviewed journals or by international/local organizations in the country to determine breast cancer incidence and mortality rates among refugee women of Syrian and Iraqi nationalities. The underlying behavioral and environmental determinants of the disease were identified from qualitative and quantitative studies carried out among the target population and also aided in assessing the sub-behaviors related to the determinants of breast cancer screening and chemotherapy completion as well as factors affecting policy execution to formulate performance objectives. We then developed matrices of change objectives and their respective methods and practical applications for behavior change at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. Both educational components (brochures, flyers) and technological methods (videos disseminated via Whats app and Facebook) will be adopted to apply the different methods selected (modeling, self-reevaluation, consciousness raising, persuasion, and tailoring). We also described the development of the educational and technological tools, in addition to providing future implementers with methods for pre-testing and pilot-testing of individual and environmental prototype components. Conclusion: The use of intervention mapping in the planning and implementation of holistic health promotion interventions based on information collected from published literature, case reports, and theory can integrate the multiple disciplines of public health to attain the desired behavioral change.
Care Coordination Program for Children With Complex Chronic Conditions Discharged From a Rural Tertiary-Care Academic Medical Center.

OBJECTIVES: Hospital discharge offers an opportunity to initiate coordination of follow-up care, preventing readmissions or emergency department (ED) recidivism. We evaluated how revisits and costs of care varied in a 12-month period between children in a care coordination program at our center (enrolled after hospital discharge with a tracheostomy or on a ventilator) and children with complex chronic condition discharges who were not enrolled. METHODS: Children ages 1 to 17 years were retrospectively included if they had a hospital discharge in 2017 with an International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code meeting complex chronic condition criteria or if they were in active follow-up with the care coordination program. Revisits and total costs of care were compared over 2018 for included patients. RESULTS: Seventy patients in the program were compared with 56 patients in the control group. On bivariate analysis, the median combined number of hospitalizations and ED visits in 2018 was lower among program participants (0 vs 1; P = .033), and program participation was associated with lower median total costs of care in 2018 ($700 vs $3200; P = .024). On multivariable analysis, care coordination program participation was associated with 59% fewer hospitalizations in 2018 (incidence rate ratio: 0.41; 95% confidence interval: 0.23 to 0.75; P = .004) but was not significantly associated with reduced ED visits or costs. CONCLUSIONS: The care coordination program is a robust service spanning the continuum of patient care. We found program participation to be associated with reduced rehospitalization, which is an important driver of costs for children with medical complexity.