cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planning for Manipulation of Interlinked Deformable Linear Objects With Applications to Aircraft Assembly

Manipulation of deformable linear objects (DLOs) has potential applications in the fields of aerospace and automotive assembly. In this paper, we introduce a problem formulation for attaching a set of interlinked DLOs to a support structure using a set of clamping points. The formulation describes the manipulation planning problem in terms of known clamp poses; predetermined ideal clamping locations on the cables, called “reference points;” and a set of finite gripping points on the DLOs. We also present a prototype algorithm that generates a solution in terms of primitive manipulation actions. The algorithm guarantees that no interlink constraints are violated at any stage of manipulation. We incorporate gravity in the computation of a DLO shape and propose a property linking geometrically similar cable shapes across the space of cable length and stiffness. This property allows for the computation of solutions for unit length and scaling of these solutions to appropriate length, potentially resulting in faster shape computation. Note to Practitioners —This paper was motivated by the problem of automated robotic installation of electrical wiring into an aircraft fuselage. This process typically involves the alignment of a set of long cables along the side of the fuselage with temporary fasteners, followed by final clamping. The cables are connected to each other through electrical interlinks at certain intervals, and cannot be treated as independent entities during installation. Previous approaches have addressed the problem of motion planning for only a single DLO; these methods would fail to model interlinked DLOs. Here, we present a mathematical formulation for modeling the installation process as a manipulation planning problem. This approach would generate a plan to complete the installation process using a finite set of primitive actions. We demonstrate the use of this algorithm to produce plans for installation of cables into an aircraft fuselage, using specifications for an actual aircraft in production.
Abstract 14037: Improving Trend in Survival From Ventricular Fibrillation in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Rochester Minnesota

Introduction: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the US and a major public health problem. Although it is well known that ventricular fibrillation (VF) h...
What motivates merger and acquisition activities in the upstream oil & gas sectors in the U.S.?

Abstract The U.S. oil and gas (O&G) industry has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in the last decade or so due to the development of horizontal drilling and fracking technology. In the meantime, the industry has experienced heavy merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, especially in the upstream sectors. While these M&A activities may be related to the aggregate M&A waves in the country, they are unique in their own respect. We recognize that the M&A activities in the energy industry in general, and the O&G sectors in particular, can be different from the traditional sense of M&A activities. In this paper, we provide some stylized facts on the M&A patterns in the upstream O&G sectors, focusing on the factors that influenced these patterns. Our empirical evidence suggests that among the variables we studied, oil price and O&G production are the most important factors that influence M&A activities, while other variables do not show consistent effect across regions and definitions of M&A. In addition, the M&A activities had momentum-building periods and had patterns consistent with a wave hypothesis. Our findings support the notion that industry-specific factors are more important than general economic conditions in determining M&A in the O&G industry. We find evidence supporting both the behavioral and neoclassical theories on M&A.
A Multilingual Video Chat System Based on the Service-Oriented Architecture

The use of video chat and video conference applications is ubiquitous, especially in this era of wireless and mobility. However, a video chat system that allows communicating parties to speak/type indifferent languages has not been widely used. In this paper, we propose a service-oriented architecture to developa multilingual video chat system that supports people speaking/texting in different languages. It uses the Web Real Time Communication (WebRTC) technology andtakes advantage of the services available on the Internet, includingGoogle Web Speech API, Google Transliterate API, and Microsoft Translator. It is a browser based solution that allows users to connect from various platforms, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac. Since the application uses WebRTC, the user does not have to download and install any plugins. The service-oriented architecture design based on WebRTC allows us todevelop and implement the whole system in a short period of time.
Risk of Second Seizure in Pediatric Patients With Idiopathic Autism.

Purpose:Epilepsy is a comorbidity of idiopathic autism spectrum disorder. The aim was to characterize the risk and time of second seizure in children with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder.Methods:A retrospective review was performed at the University of Chicago and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Patients with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder, ≥1 seizure, and age 2 to 23 years were included.Results:153 patients were included; 141 (92%) had a second seizure. The average age at first seizure was 7.14 years (median: 5.08 years) and 8.12 years (median: 7.3 years) at second seizure. Average time between first and second seizure was 7.68 months.Discussion:A high risk of seizure recurrence was found in this population. There was a short time to second seizure, with most having a recurrence within 1 year. These findings may be used to guide therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy.
Locking the Coplanar Conformation of π‐Conjugated Molecules and Macromolecules Using Dynamic Noncovalent Bonds

Torsional conformation of the backbone of a π-conjugated molecule or macromolecule shapes its solubility, optoelectronic characteristics, rheological behaviors, and ultimately solid-state functions. In order to tailor these molecular, supramolecular, and materials properties, the desired coplanar conformation in π-conjugated systems can be locked by using dynamic noncovalent bonds. In this article, the syntheses, characterizations, and unique properties of conjugated molecules/polymers involving a variety of bridging noncovalent bonds are disussed in the context of coplanar backbone conformation. In addition, challenges in this specific field are identified and discussed for future breakthroughs in exploiting the promising potential of noncovalent-bond-bridged, π-conjugated organic materials.
Multilingual Search User Behaviors -- Exploring Multilingual Querying and Result Selection Through Crowdsourcing

The unprecedented increase in online search user diversity across the globe has led to new challenges for search engine providers. In particular, among these challenges is the need to better support individuals who are proficient in multiple languages. To investigate this particular user characteristic, this paper presents an analysis of multilingual search user behaviors through a series of large-scale studies using crowdsourcing. Results show that multilingual users make significant use of each of their languages when searching, and that there are significant differences in behaviors between querying and result selection. In addition, results show that language use strongly depends on a number of task factors and individual user characteristics. These results are discussed in terms of building novel adaptive multilingual search solutions that better support and adapt to users who have multiple language abilities.
Republicans Should Vote: Partisan Conceptions of Electoral Participation in Campaign 2016:

Research has identified differences in partisan communication styles, cognitive processing, values, and cultures. This article assesses if there are also differences in how Democrats and Republican...
Frozen mode regime in finite periodic structures

Periodic structures with a Bloch dispersion relation supporting a stationary inflection point (SIP) can display a unique scattering feature, the frozen mode regime (FMR). The FMR is much more robust than common cavity resonances; it is much less sensitive to boundary conditions, structural imperfections, and losses. Using perturbation theory, we analyze the FMR in a realistic case of a finite fragment of a periodic structure. We show that in close proximity to a SIP frequency, the character of the FMR is qualitatively different from the known case of a semi-infinite structure.
Teacher Research and Evaluation: A Story From Two Perspectives

We have been fortunate to work with teachers at a 6-12 charter school who have taken the time to challenge themselves, to take a hard look at what is going on in their classrooms in terms of teaching and learning, reflect on what is working, what could be better, question how effective they are, and then share their reflections, their successes, and their doubts with each other. This project started out as voluntary and was changed to being mandatory and a part of the yearly teacher evaluation. We share our individual perspectives on this situation, and how it is unfolding.
Psychology as a Science within Comte's Hypothesized Hierarchy: Empirical Investigations and Conceptual Implications:

Auguste Comte suggested that the main sciences could be grouped into a hierarchical ordering that reflected their objective characteristics (viz., generality, dependence, and complexity). In partic...
Periarticular Ropivacaine Cocktail Is Equivalent to Liposomal Bupivacaine Cocktail in Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background This study compares the effectiveness of 2 commonly used periarticular injection formulations: liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine (EXP) and ropivacaine, epinephrine, ketorolac, and clonidine (ROP) in patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Methods Twenty-six total knee arthroplasty patients (52 knees) and 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty patients (6 knees) undergoing simultaneous, bilateral arthroplasty were randomized to receive periarticular injections in a blinded fashion. Even birth year patients were selected for PAI of EXP in the right knee and ROP in the left knee. This was reversed for odd birth years. Visual analog scale pain scores for each knee and patient perceived difference in knee functional recovery were recorded during physical therapy, throughout the hospitalization. Results There was no difference in visual analog scale pain scores between the EXP and ROP injected knees at any time point during the first 2 days after surgery. Postoperative pain scores averaged 41.9 mm (range 0-100 mm) for EXP and 43.1 mm (range 0-100 mm) for ROP. Patients were unable to detect a difference in the functional recovery between their knees on postoperative day 0, 1, or 2. No complications as a result of either periarticular injection occurred. Conclusion Periarticular injections of EXP and ROP are equally effective after knee arthroplasty and patients do not appreciate differences between knees as determined by pain score or perceived functional recovery during the first 2 days after bilateral knee arthroplasty. This study demonstrates that a liposomal bupivacaine injection does not add an incremental benefit for pain control compared to a less expensive injection formulation.
Teaching is Oppositional: On the Importance of Supporting Experimental Teaching During Student Teaching

This paper has two interrelated goals. The first is to introduce a framework: oppositional democracy. The second is to use this framework to address what I see as a central problem that occurs when learning to teach: the moment when someone with power tells an aspiring teacher that something she hopes to accomplish is unrealistic. The framework of oppositional democracy helps us understand this problem while also suggesting responses that free an aspiring teacher to experiment in responsible ways, thereby empowering her to work against practices she does not want to be complicit in perpetuating.
Association of environmental exposure to heavy metals and eczema in US population: Analysis of blood cadmium, lead, and mercury

Objectives: We aim to explore the association between blood heavy metal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and mercury with ever-report of eczema in the US population.Methods: We used NHANES cross-se...
The effect of iron therapy in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Two patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria who were iron deficient were treated with parenteral iron compounds. In both instances, a marked increase in hemoglobinuria followed, beginning 4 days after the first administration of the iron compound. The rise in hemolysis paralleled the rise in reticulocyte count. When erythropoiesis was suppressed with transfusion, the administration of iron did not bring about an increase in hemolysis. This indicates that the effect of iron in bringing about hemolysis in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is due to an increase in erythropoiesis, resulting in the production of excessive numbers of complement-sensitive cells.
The role of driver's situational awareness on right-hook bicycle-motor vehicle crashes

Abstract Objective The objective was to explore the effect of driver Situational Awareness (SA) on “right-hook” bicycle-motor vehicle crashes involving right turns into adjacent bicyclists. Background Previous literature suggests that improper allocation of motorists’ visual attention, inadequate surveillance, and poor SA are contributing factors to bicycle-motor vehicle crashes in other types of encounters. Method Fifty-one participants completed this driving simulator study. Right-turning motorists’ SA was measured using the SAGAT technique in the presence of a through-moving bicyclist in an adjacent bicycle lane during the latter portion of the green phase at a signalized intersection using a three (bicyclist’s relative position) by two (presence of oncoming left-turning vehicle) within-subject factorial design. Each participant made 21 right turns, nine of which were immediately followed by SA queries, and crash avoidance behavior was measured at the last intersection, which involved a crash-likely scenario. Results The bicyclist’s position significantly influenced motorists’ overall SA (p Conclusion Motorists focused more attention on cars in front of them and less attention on bicycles in the peripheral vision. A common cause of observed crashes in the simulator was detection error. The bicyclist approaching from behind the motorist is the most vulnerable to a right-turning motorist.
The Reconstruction of the Liberal Project

Hayek was a major player in the rebirth of the classical liberal project. His The Constitution of Liberty (1960) and Law, Legislation and Liberty (1973–1979) served as the foundations for the subsequent work of other classical liberal thinkers. Hayek developed a liberal (as opposed to illiberal) view of classical liberalism in which the end goal is the freeing of the creative energies of individuals. In order to be as productive, inventive, and creative as they possibly can, individuals must be left free to use their knowledge and property according to their independently devised plans. Hence, Hayek’s view of liberty is neither merely “negative” nor “positive.” His liberalism is a truly progressive, universalist, and cosmopolitan political philosophy.
An alternative approach to solving the opioid epidemic: is there a role for non-pharmacologic analgesic therapies?

In 2007, a review article [1] by international experts in pain management encouraged the more widespread use of opioid-containing analgesics by suggesting that ‘if only we [physicians and nurses] c...
Choosing to Co-Finance - An Analysis of Project Specific Alliances in the Film Industry

We use a movie industry project-by-project data set to consider the choice of internal project financing versus financing via through alliances that span the legal boundaries of several business entities. We find that project risk is positively correlated with alliance formation. Studios, which produce a variety of films, tend to develop the safest projects internally. Our findings are consistent with internal-capital-market explanations, in particular, with the theory offered by Robinson (2005). We find mixed evidence regarding "resource pooling," i.e., sharing the cost of large projects. Finally, we find that the ex-post performance of projects developed internally is similar to the performance of projects developed via through alliances.
The Effects of Military Occupation on Growth

A substantial literature exists on the effects of military expenditures on economic growth, yet no study has analyzed the effects of military occupation other than in anecdotal cases. This paper uses a panel of 214 countries from 1950 to 2013 to study how economic growth is impacted by different forms of military occupation. Transformative occupations aim to establish institutions to promote stability once the occupation ends, while subdual occupations are more malevolent in their objectives. Our results show that transformative occupations produce positive growth in occupied countries after the occupation period concludes. Separating these effects into the short run and long run, we find that while countries subject to a subdual occupation experience a short‐run increase in growth at the end of the occupation, countries with transformative occupation experience long‐run increases in growth. These findings are robust to the inclusion of traditional drivers of growth. Policy implications suggest that regional conflicts that are solved using military intervention may have lasting effects on growth as long as the intentions of the occupying force are transformative in nature.
Toward an understanding of the regulation of myofibrillar function.

This special issue of the Journal of General Physiology is the first of two issues that are dedicated to muscle and nonmuscle contractile systems. The second issue will be published later in 2019. The papers included in these issues were submitted by attendees of the 2018 Myofilament Conference (<
Peer victimization and suicidality among LGBTQ youth: the roles of school belonging, self-compassion, and parental support

Research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth’s experiences at school has largely focused on stigma, adversity, disparities, and peer victimization. Factors like sch...
Multidimensional Audit Data Selection (MADS): A Framework for Using Data Analytics in the Audit Data Selection Process

SYNOPSIS Advances in data analytics techniques allow auditors to process the entire population of transaction data to identify outliers (i.e., unusual/suspicious transactions) that are more likely ...
Magnetic anisotropy and debris-dependent rheological heterogeneity within stratified basal ice

Basal ice of glaciers and ice sheets frequently contains a well-developed stratification of distinct, semi-continuous, alternating layers of debris-poor and debris-rich ice. Here, the nature and distribution of shear within stratified basal ice are assessed through the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of samples collected from Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Generally, the AMS reveals consistent moderate-to-strong fabrics reflecting simple shear in the direction of ice flow; however, AMS is also dependent upon debris content and morphology. While sample anisotropy is statistically similar throughout the sampled section, debris-rich basal ice composed of semi-continuous mm-scale layers (the stratified facies) possesses well-defined triaxial to oblate fabrics reflecting shear in the direction of ice flow, whereas debris-poor ice containing mm-scale star-shaped silt aggregates (the suspended facies) possesses nearly isotropic fabrics. Thus, deformation within the stratified basal ice appears concentrated in debris-rich layers, likely the result of decreased crystal size and greater availability of unfrozen water associated with high debris content. These results suggest that variations in debris-content over small spatial scales influence ice rheology and deformation in the basal zone.
ACM SIGGRAPH 2007 art gallery

Welcome to Global Eyes, the 2007 Art Gallery. This year's show focuses on transdisciplinary and transcultural approaches to digital art created around the world. Many countries and cultures are represented, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Wales, and the USA. We tried to be as inclusive as possible, welcoming artists from communities that are historically under-represented at the SIGGRAPH conference. Through rigorous and energetic reviews by the Art Gallery Jury and the international Art Gallery Committee's thoughtful curatorial work, we succeeded in extending our scope to new communities in the developed and developing world, including indigenous communities locally, regionally, and internationally. Our delight with this greater participation is mitigated only by the fact that enormous disparities still exist in resource availability between nations and populations, which limits digital visual culture's potential to become more globally democratic and inclusive.
29Si solid state MAS NMR study on leaching behaviors and chemical stability of different Mg-silicate structures for CO2 sequestration

Abstract Silicon is one of the most earth abundant elements, and thus, the fate and reactivity of silicate materials are often important for various energy and environmental technologies including carbon sequestration, where CO2 is captured and stored as a thermodynamically stable solid carbonate phase. Thus, understanding the structures and chemistries of different silicate phases has become an important research aim. In this study, the changes in the silicate structures (Q0–Q4) of heat-treated Mg-bearing mineral (serpentine) exposed to a CO2-water system (carbonic acid) was investigated using 29Si MAS NMR, XRPD and ICP-OES and the identified structures were employed to explain complex leaching behaviors of silicate materials. The 29Si MAS NMR and XRPD analysis indicated that the heat-treated serpentine is a mixture of amorphous (Q1: dehydroxylate I, Q2: enstatite, Q4: silica) and crystalline (Q0: forsterite, Q3: dehydroxylate II and serpentine) phase, while natural serpentine mineral has single crystalline Q3 silicate structure. The leaching experiments showed that both Mg and Si in the amorphous silicate structures (Q1: dehydroxylate I, Q2: enstatite) are more soluble than those in crystalline phase (Q0: forsterite, Q3: dehydroxylate II and serpentine). Therefore, tuning the silicate structure towards Q1 and Q2 would significantly improve carbon sequestration potential of silicate minerals, whereas silicate materials with Q3 structure would provide great chemical stabilities in acidic conditions. The solubilities of silicate structures were in the order of Q1 (dehydroxylate I) > Q2 (enstatite) ≫ Q0 (forsterite) > Q3 (dehydroxylate II) > Q3 (serpentine) and this finding can be used to better design a wide range of energy and environmental materials and reaction systems.
Metallic surface states in a correlated d-electron topological Kondo insulator candidate FeSb2

The resistance of a conventional insulator diverges as temperature approaches zero. The peculiar low-temperature resistivity saturation in the 4f Kondo insulator (KI) SmB6 has spurred proposals of a correlation-driven topological Kondo insulator (TKI) with exotic ground states. However, the scarcity of model TKI material families leaves difficulties in disentangling key ingredients from irrelevant details. Here we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to study FeSb2, a correlated d-electron KI candidate that also exhibits a low-temperature resistivity saturation. On the (010) surface, we find a rich assemblage of metallic states with two-dimensional dispersion. Measurements of the bulk band structure reveal band renormalization, a large temperature-dependent band shift, and flat spectral features along certain high-symmetry directions, providing spectroscopic evidence for strong correlations. Our observations suggest that exotic insulating states resembling those in SmB6 and YbB12 may also exist in systems with d instead of f electrons.
Critical assessment of hydrogen effects on the slip transmission across grain boundaries in α -Fe.

Grain boundaries (GBs) play a fundamental role in the strengthening mechanism of crystalline structures by acting as an impediment to dislocation motion. However, the presence of an aggressive environment such as hydrogen increases the susceptibility to intergranular fracture. Further, there is a lack of systematic investigations exploring the role of hydrogen on the dislocation-grain-boundary (DGB) interactions. Thus, in this work, the effect of hydrogen on the interactions between a screw dislocation and 〈111〉 tilt GBs in α-Fe were examined. Our simulations reveal that the outcome of the DGB interaction strongly depends on the underlying GB dislocation network. Further, there exists a strong correlation between the GB energy and the energy barrier for slip transmission. In other words, GBs with lower interfacial energy demonstrate a higher barrier for slip transmission. The introduction of hydrogen along the GB causes the energy barrier for slip transmission to increase consistently for all of the GBs examined. The energy balance for a crack initiation in the presence of hydrogen was examined with the help of our observations and previous findings. It was found that the presence of hydrogen increases the strain energy stored within the GB which could lead to a transgranular-to-intergranular fracture mode transition.
Effect of Realistic Test Conditions on Spectral and Temporal Processing in Normal-Hearing Listeners.

Purpose To measure the effect of testing conditions (in the soundproof booth vs. quiet room), test order, and number of test sessions on spectral and temporal processing in normal-hearing (NH) list...
Multimodal Elements of Suicidality Reduction After Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

OBJECTIVES Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising treatment for suicidality, but it is underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our prior findings indicated that frontostriatal functional connectivity correlates with the severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In this secondary analysis of data from an open label trial, we evaluated whether changes in frontostriatal functional connectivity would accompany suicidality reductions following TMS. We also explored the relationship between frontostriatal connectivity change and underlying white matter (WM) organization. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted seed-based functional connectivity analysis on participants (N = 25) with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and depression who received eight weeks of 5 Hz TMS to left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We measured clinical symptoms with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (IDS-SR) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). We derived suicidality from IDS-SR item 18. Magnetic resonance imaging data were collected before TMS, and at treatment end point. These data were entered into analyses of covariance, evaluating the effect of suicidality change across treatment on striatal and thalamic functional connectivity. Changes in other PTSD and depression symptoms were included as covariates and results were corrected for multiple comparisons. Diffusion connectometry in a participant subsample (N = 17) explored the relationship between frontal WM integrity at treatment baseline and subsequent functional connectivity changes correlated with differences in suicidality. RESULTS Suicidal ideation decreased in 65% of participants. Reductions in suicidality and functional connectivity between the dorsal striatum and frontopolar cortex were correlated (p-False Discover Rate-corrected < 0.001), after covariance for clinical symptom change. All other results were nonsignificant. Our connectometry results indicated that the integrity of frontostriatal WM may circumscribe functional connectivity response to TMS for suicide. CONCLUSIONS Targeted reduction of fronto-striatal connectivity with TMS may be a promising treatment for suicidality. Future research can build on this multimodal approach to advance individualized stimulation approaches in high-risk patients.
Effect of COVID19 on prehospital pronouncements and ED visits for stroke and myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objective The Novel Coronavirus19 (COVID19) arrived in northern New Jersey (NJ) in early March 2020, peaked at the beginning of April, and then declined. Starting in March, some patients who called 911 and required advanced life support (ALS) may have decompensated more rapidly than would have been expected, possibly because of concomitant COVID19 infection and/or delays in seeking medical care because of fear of exposure to the virus, and social isolation. In this study, our goal was to determine if there was an increase in prehospital ALS pronouncements and a decrease in ED visits for potentially serious conditions such as MI and stroke during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in northern NJ. Methods study design Retrospective cohort of prehospital patients pronounced dead by paramedics and patients with MI and stroke in the EDs of receiving hospitals of these paramedics. Study Setting and Population: Ten ground ALS units in northern NJ and nine receiving hospital EDs. Each ALS unit is staffed by two NJ-certified mobile intensive care paramedics and respond with a paramedic flycar in a two-tiered dispatch system. Data Analysis: We identified prehospital pronouncements using the EMSCharts electronic record (Zoll Medical, Chelmsford, Massachusetts). We tabulated the number of pronouncements by week from January 1 to June 30 in 2019 and 2020. We tabulated the combined total number of pronouncements and ED visits by month along with visits for MI and stroke and calculated the changes during the same timeframe. We used Chi-square to test for statistical significance for the monthly changes from 2019 to 2020. Results For January through June in 2019 and 2020, there were 12,210 and 13,200 ALS dispatches, and 366 and 555 prehospital pronouncements, respectively. In 2020, pronouncements rose from a weekly baseline of 13 in early March, reached a peak of 45 at the beginning of April, then returned to the baseline level by the end of May. April 2020, the month with the most pronouncements, had 183% more pronouncements than April 2019 but total ED visits and visits for MI and stroke were 49%, 46% and 42% less, respectively (p Conclusion Following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in northern NJ, we found pre-hospital ALS death pronouncements increased and ED visits for MI and stroke decreased. Although we have speculated about the reasons for these findings, further studies are needed to determine what the actual causes were.
Developing and validating an opioid overdose prevention and response curriculum for undergraduate medical education.

Introduction: As rates of overdose and substance use disorders (SUDs) increase, medical schools are starting to incorporate more content on SUDs and harm reduction in undergraduate medical educatio...
Learning about germs in a global pandemic: Children's knowledge and avoidance of contagious illness before and after COVID-19

Abstract The present research investigates how a global pandemic may be affecting children’s understanding of contagion. In Study 1, 130 parents (85.4 % White, 6.9 % Hispanic, 3.8 % Asian, 3.8 % Black) of children ages 3–9 described discussions surrounding contagion pre- and post-pandemic. Content of these discussions focused on risks and preventative behaviors rather than causal mechanisms of contagion. In Study 2, US children tested during the pandemic (ages 4−7, N = 60, 51.7 % males) were compared to a sample tested before the pandemic (ages 4−5, N = 30, 50 % males) on tasks of contagion-related declarative knowledge and causal reasoning. Greater declarative knowledge and causal reasoning in the pandemic sample suggests the effectiveness of informal learning experiences in young children.
GnRH Neurons: Changes Across the Life Cycle

GnRH-1 neurons undergo developmental changes beginning in the embryonic period and continuing throughout the life of the organism. Some of the changes in hypophysiotropic GnRH neurons are intrinsic to these cells, and others are due to alterations in inputs that affect their function. The following discussion of changes in GnRH neurons across the life cycle of the organism will be broken down into four developmental phases. First, the embryonic origin and migration of GnRH neurons will be discussed. This phenomenon is particularly interesting and unusual, as GnRH neurons are born outside of the brain in the olfactory placode, and migrate into the central nervous system and hypothalamus during embryogenesis. Second, GnRH neurons will be considered during postnatal development and puberty. The activation of GnRH neurons during development is the critical event for the attainment of adult reproductive function, and thus developmental changes in the GnRH neurosecretory system during the pubertal period are crucial to this process. Third, GnRH neurons and their regulation of reproductive function in females and males during adulthood will be discussed. This section will include the negative and positive feedback regulation of GnRH neurons in females, with its relationship to ovulation, and negative feedback regulation of GnRH neurons by steroid hormones in males. Fourth, changes in GnRH neurons during reproductive senescence will be discussed.
Geometric Linear Programming

This chapter is devoted entirely to the solution of linear programming problems by graphical and/or geometrical methods. We introduce linear programming problems, provide a rudimentary procedure for solving linear programming problems, and motivate the need for a better, more efficient algorithm to be discussed in Chapter 2.
A Constraint-Based Architecture for Flexible Support to Activity Scheduling

The O-OSCAR software architecture is a problem solving environment for complex scheduling problem that is based on a constraint-basedrep resentation. On top of this core representation a problem solver module and a schedule execution system guarantee a complete support to address a scheduling problem. Furthermore, a rather sophisticated interaction module allows users to maintain control on different phases of schedule management.
The Spatial and Demographic Determinants of Racial Threat

Objective: Although scholars have cast doubt on Key’s (1949) racial threat hypothesis, race continues to play a central role in American Politics. But does living a racially diverse context lead to liberalization or a white backlash? We aim to test the validity of the racial threat hypothesis in the modern day Deep South, using data and an approach that is broadly similar to the approach Key adopted when he initially formulated the threat hypothesis. Methods: The data used for this analysis spans multiple federal elections from the state of Louisiana, from 2000, 2004 and 2008 in addition to census data from 2000 and 2010. We utilize ArcGIS mapping software to construct a detailed depiction of voters’ racial environments. Results: We find that whites that live in racially diverse precincts exhibit lower rates of turnout than whites in homogenous precincts; however, segregation within the precinct mitigates the liberalizing effects of precinct level diversity among whites. Conclusion: The results of our analysis provide help to clarify the previously mixed empirical findings regarding the geographic distribution of minorities and white racial conservatism.
A Review of the Claim that Excess Morbidity and Disability Can Be Ascribed to Smoking

Abstract This article analyzes an HEW report on smoking and morbidity based on a study suffering from two major flaws. First, the data actually presented in the report may not warrant the conclusion that cigarette smoking leads to increases in disease and disabilities (female smokers, by and large, report fewer diseases than do female non-smokers, and moderate smokers, comprising over 72% of the smoking population for males and over 88% for females, report the fewest number of diseases and have the lowest prevalence rates for both men and women), second, inadequate attention has been paid to the potential influence of various aspects of the survey method on these findings. There appears to be several obvious sources of error for which adjustments were not made.
Study of Conformations of the adenosine phosphates. II: Adenosine tri- and diphosphate (ATP, ADP).

Abstract Using extended Huckel theory (EHT), a theoretical study of the preferred conformations of ATP and ADP are compared with the experimentally observed structures, as the second of a set of studies on the molecular conformations of AMP, ATP and ADP. Results show that EHT yields a minimum energy ATP configuration that corresponds to the observed structure when atoms from the crystal are included in the calculations. Eight torsional angles were examined for ATP and six for ADP with all atoms included in the calculations. Results indicate that torsional rotations involving the adenosine part of the molecule show well-defined local minima. The predominant feature of the pyrophosphate section, however, is a low energy profile enabling the molecule to adapt its conformation to the environmental conditions.
The impact of instrumental dead-space in volume-targeted ventilation of the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infant.

Background Volume-targeted ventilation is increasingly used in neonatal ventilation to reduce the risk of volutrauma and inadvertent hyperventilation. However, normative data for appropriate tidal volume (VT) settings are lacking, especially in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in whom the added dead space (DS) of the flow sensor may be important. Objective To quantify the effect of instrumental dead-space (IDS) on ventilation and to obtain normative data for initial VT associated with normocapnia in ELBW infants ventilated with volume guarantee (VG) ventilation. Design/methods Set and measured VT, respiratory rate (RR) and arterial blood gas values (ABG) were extracted from charts of babies <800 g born between January 2003 and August 2005, who were ventilated with VG. Data were collected at the time of each ABG during the 1st 48 hr of life. Theoretical alveolar minute ventilation (AMV) was calculated as (VT − DS) × RR. IDS was measured by filling with water a 2.5 mm endotracheal tube cut to 10 cm with attached hub of the inline suction catheter and flow sensor. We added 0.5 mL/kg to this value to account for distal tracheal/mainstem bronchi DS (anatomical dead space). Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used for analysis. Results The measured IDS was 2.7 mL. Mean combined DS (instrumental + anatomical) was 3.01 mL. There were 344 paired observations of VT and ABG with PaCO2 in the normocapnic range in 38 infants (mean birth weight 625 g ± 115 g SD, range 400–790 g) during the study period. The mean pH was 7.30 ± 0.06 (SD), mean PaCO2 43.4 ± 5.4 Torr. The mean target VT was 3.11 ± 0.64 mL and the measured VT was 3.17 ± 0.73 mL. Despite normocapnia, 47% of the VT were equal to or less than estimated DS. Mean theoretical AMV was only 8.7 mL/kg/min. The VT/kg needed for normocapnia was inversely related to weight (r = −0.70, P 700 g (P < 0.001). Conclusions Effective alveolar ventilation occurs with VT at or below calculated DS. This can be explained by the fact that at the high flow rates seen in these tiny infants who have extremely short inspiratory times, fresh gas penetrates through the dead space gas, rather than pushing it ahead. Therefore there is no need to forego synchronized and volume targeted ventilation because of dead space concerns. In infants <800 g, initial VT of 5–6 mL/kg was associated with normocapnia when using assist/control or pressure support ventilation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:128–133. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anatomic Location Is a Risk Factor for Atypical and Malignant Meningiomas

BACKGROUND: Grade II and III meningiomas have higher rates of tumor recurrence than grade I meningiomas after surgery and/or external irradiation. As the utility of noninvasive treatments for brain tumors increases, it is becoming increasingly important to assess the likelihood that a tumor is not benign before treatment initiation. Hence, the authors have reviewed a large series of their patients to determine risk factors for higher-grade pathology, with particular interest paid to tumor location. METHODS: The authors reviewed 378 patients presenting at their institution from 2000 to 2007 with histologically confirmed meningioma, central pathology grading according to the World Health Organization 2000 guidelines, and tumor location confirmed with preoperative imaging. They performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression on potential risk factors for high-grade pathology. RESULTS: Risk factors for grade II/III pathology included nonskull base location (2-fold) and male sex (2-fold). Patients with prior surgery had a 3-fold increased incidence of higher-grade meningiomas at presentation at the authors' center. The authors controlled for this referral bias by performing a multivariate regression, and analysis without patients receiving prior treatment. Ninety-seven percent of operations were performed for tumor size and clinical symptoms, whereas <3% were performed for interval growth or features concerning higher-grade pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Nonskull-base meningiomas, male sex, and prior surgery impart increased risk for grade II or III pathology. This increased risk translates to probable poorer prognosis and increased likelihood of recurrence after treatment. Thus, it is prudent to take these specific variables into consideration in conjunction with the complete clinical presentation when advising patients regarding their prognosis. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Effects of tail‐like substituents on the binding of competitive inhibitors to the QB site of photosystem II

The QB quinone-binding site of photosystem II is an important target for herbicides. Two major classes of herbicides are based on s-triazine and phenylurea moieties. A small library of triazine and phenylurea compounds has been synthesized which have tail-like substituents in order to test the effects of charge, hydrophobicity and size of the tail on binding properties. It is found that a tail can be attached to one of the alkylamino groups of triazine-type herbicides or to the para position of phenylurea-type herbicides without loss of binding, provided that the tail is hydrophobic. This indicates that the herbicides must be oriented in the QB site such that these positions point toward the natural isoprenyl tail-binding pocket that extends out of the Q(B) site. In turn, the requirement that the tail must extend out of the QB site constrains the size of the other herbicide substituents in the pocket. This is in agreement with the presumed orientation and fit of ligands in the QB site. When longer hydrophobic tails are used, the binding penalty that occurs upon adding a charged substituent at the distal end is reduced. This allows the use of a series of tail substituents possessing a distal charge as an approximate molecular ruler to measure the distance from the QB site to the aqueous phase. Even a 10-carbon alkyl chain still shows a 4-fold effect from the presence or absence of a distal charge. Such a chain does not appear to be long enough to extend from the bulk aqueous phase to the QB site because binding is completely lost when a large hydrophilic domain (PEG(4000)) is attached to the distal end. Longer tails are effective only if they are sufficiently hydrophobic. An effort was made to use tailed herbicides for affinity binding of photosystem II. It was found that hydrophobic linkers promote nonspecific binding, but careful choice of solvent conditions, such as the use of excess nonionic detergent well above its critical micelle concentration, might obviate this problem during affinity-binding applications.
Post-operative enteral immunonutrition for gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy decreases wound complications

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to determine if peri-operative immune modulating dietary supplements decrease wound complications in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy. Methods In July 2013 we instituted a practice change and recommended pre- and post-operative oral immune modulating diets (IMDs) to patients undergoing laparotomy. We retrospectively compared patients who received IMDs to those who did not for the study period July 2012 to June 2014. Our outcome of interest was the frequency of Centers for Disease Control surgical site infections (CDC SSIs). Results Of the 338 patients who underwent laparotomy during the study period, 112 (33%) received IMDs post-operatively. There were 89 (26%) wound complications, including 69 (78%) CDC SSI class 1, 7(8%) class 2 and 13(15%) class 3. Patients receiving IMDs had fewer wound complications than those who did not (19.6% vs. 33%, p=0.049). After controlling for variables significantly associated with the development of a wound complication (ASA classification, body mass index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus or pelvic radiation, length of surgery and blood loss) consumption of IMDs remained protective against wound complications (OR 0.45, CI 0.25–0.84, p=0.013) and was associated with a 78% reduction in the incidence of CDC SSI class 2 and 3 infections (OR=0.22, CI 0.05–0.95, p=0.044). Conclusions Post-operative IMDs are associated with fewer wound complications in patients undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic malignancy and may reduce the incidence of CDC SSI class 2 and 3 infections.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Malignant Melanoma to the Colon from an Unknown Primary

Metastatic melanoma from an unknown primary (MUP) is rare; its occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract is of exceedingly low prevalence. We report a case of a 73-year-old man with metastatic malignant melanoma to the colon from an unknown primary. The rarity of MUP and importance of screening for gastrointestinal metastasis in patients with malignant melanoma are discussed along with the role of surgical resection in improving prognosis and overall survival.
The Specialized Associate's Degree in Teacher Education: Effective Pathway or Degree Proliferation?:

To address the teacher shortage, some states have developed special associate's degrees in teacher education. This article explores the prevalence and structure of these specialized associate's degrees and presents a case for their development to smooth the transfer pathway for community college students who wish to become teachers.