cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of High-Fidelity Simulation on Educational Outcomes in an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Course

Introduction:The use of high-fidelity simulation has been studied in many healthcare education areas. However, the use of this instructional technology in the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course has not been extensively reported, despite this program b
A pseudo-spectral solution of 2-parameter Bratu's equation

A simple, pseudo-spectral (collocation type) method is used to study Bratu's 2-parameter equation. The equation represent an important class of problems in both science and engineering. Simple polynomials are used to represent the dependent variable. The trial functions satisfy all the completeness requirement and make use of the various inherent symmetries of the problem to significantly reduce the size of the problem. The resulting nonlinear set of algebraic equations is solved using a constant-arc type method. For the 1-parameter Bratu's equation, the present results are found to be in good agreement with the previous results. Although the results were obtained using a main-frame computer, the present method can easily be used on a micro-computer. Results are obtained for variation of the value of the dependent parameter at the origin for different values of the two parameters. The present algorithm is capable of successfully obtaining the various turning points in both λ-u(0, 0) curves as well as e-u(0, 0) curves. A discussion of the future research work is also given.
The impact of personality on God image, religious coping, and religious motivation among Coptic Orthodox priests

This study examines the influence of personality on the spirituality of Oriental Orthodox priests, who account for approximately 1400 Christian leadership positions in America. The personality types of Orthodox priests are explored and evaluated in terms of their association with different aspects of spirituality as defined by the God Image Inventory, the Intrinsic/Extrinsic ‐ Revised (I/E ‐ R), and the Religious Coping Activities Scale. The 16‐Personality Factors is used to examine personality. Descriptive statistics reveal that no prototypical personality profile exists among Coptic Orthodox priests. Multiple regression analysis reveals that there are no significant relationships between personality and religious coping activities. However, the four personality constructs of anxiety, tough‐mindedness, independence, and self‐control do have a meaningful influence on one's God image and religious motivation. The study reveals five significant relationships between personality and spirituality.
Wound complications of laparoscopic vs open colectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine if laparoscopic colon surgery has changed the incidence of wound complications after colon resection. METHODS: Eighty-three patients were randomized to undergo either laparoscopic (LCR) or open colon resection (OCR) for cancer at our institution as part of a multicenter trial. Data were tabulated from review of the prospective database and physician records. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were randomized to LCR and 46 to OCR. Seven patients in the LCR group were converted to OCR. LCR was performed using a limited midline incision for anastomosis and specimen extraction. Incision length was significantly greater (p <0.001) in the OCR group (19.4 ± 5.6 cm) compared to the LCR extraction site (6.3 ± 1.4 cm). Wound infections occurred in 13.5% of patients after LCR (2.7% trocar, 10.8% extraction sites) and in 10.9% of patients after OCR. Over a mean follow-up period of 30.1 ± 17.8 months, incisional hernias developed in 24.3% of patients after LCR and 17.4% after OCR. In the LCR group, extraction sites accounted for 85.7% of all wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: The extraction site for LCR is associated with a high incidence of complications, comparable to open colectomy. Strategies to alter operative technique should be considered to reduce the incidence of these complications.
Formation and regulation of lipid microdomains in cell membranes: Theory, modeling, and speculation

Compositional lipid microdomains ("lipid rafts") in plasma membranes are believed to be important components of many cellular processes. The biophysical mechanisms by which cells regulate the size, lifetime, and spatial localization of these domains are rather poorly understood at the moment. Over the years, experimental studies of raft formation have inspired several phenomenological theories and speculations incorporating a wide variety of thermodynamic assumptions regarding lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions, and the potential role of active cellular processes on membrane structure. Here we critically review and discuss these theories, models, and speculations, and present our view on future directions.
Mechanisms of deformation of silicon nitride and silicon carbide at high temperatures

Abstract This paper compares the relative merits of liquid-phase sintered β -Si 3 N 4 with sintered α -SiC for high-temperature applications. These materials represent two extremes of ceramic microstructure: liquid-phase sintered β -Si 3 N 4 contains grains that are coated by a second phase, whereas sintered α -SiC contains grains that are in direct crystalline contact. As will be shown, the mechanical behavior of the two materials differs substantially. At temperatures up to 1500 °C, sintered α -SiC is a creep-resistant solid. At room temperature, however, it is brittle, K Ic =(2–4) MPa·m 1/2 , and has a low bending strength, σ b =(400–500) MPa. By contrast, liquid-phase sintered β -Si 3 N 4 is not as creep resistant since it contains a residual sintering aid at its grain boundaries that deforms at a lower temperature than the silicon nitride grains. Hence, its temperature capability is less than that of sintered α -SiC. Silicon nitride is, however, tougher, K Ic =(6–8) MPa·m 1/2 , and stronger, σ b =(700–1000) MPa, than sintered α -SiC. Deformation of liquid-phase sintered β -Si 3 N 4 , and other ceramics with a second phase at the grain boundaries, depends on the refractoriness of that phase, the more refractory the phase, the more resistant the material is to creep. Experimental results on β -Si 3 N 4 suggest that toughness decreases as creep resistance increases; hence, a trade-off must be made between creep resistance and material toughness to achieve an optimal high temperature microstructure.
ARF6-dependent activation of ERK and Rac1 modulates epithelial tubule development.

Tubules are the building blocks of epithelial organs and form in response to cues derived from morphogens such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Relatively little is known about signaling pathways that orchestrate the cellular behaviors that constitute tubule development. Here, using three-dimensional cell cultures of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells, we show that the ARF6 GTPase is a critical determinant of tubule initiation in response to HGF. ARF6 is transiently activated during tubulogenesis and perturbing the ARF6 GTP/GDP cycle by inducible expression of ARF6 mutants defective in GTP binding or hydrolysis, inhibits the development of mature tubules. Further, we show that activation of ARF6 is necessary and sufficient to initiate tubule extension. The effect of ARF6 on tubule initiation is two-fold. First, ARF6 regulates the subcellular distribution of the GTPase, Rac1, to tubule extensions. Second, ARF6-induced ERK activation regulates Rac1 activation during tubule initiation through the expression of the receptor for urokinase type plasminogen activator. Thus, we have identified a cellular apparatus downstream of ARF6 activation, which regulates membrane and cytoskeleton remodeling necessary for the early stages of tubule development.
Business Activity and Racial Differences in Unemployment in the United States

Advocates of minority groups often claim that the corporate management lays off minority workers first at the onset of recessions and hires them last once the recovery begins. Assertions of this sort are rooted in the belief that the labour market remains inherently discriminatory in spite of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action laws. Often times the popular media reinforces such assertions. An article in The Wall Street Journal claimed that during the U.S. recession of 1990–91 only blacks suffered a net employment loss (Sharpe, 1993), whereas another report by a Hispanic organisation contended that Hispanics were one of the few minority groups who did not recover from the last recession.
Temporal and spatial trends in biogeochemical conditions at a groundwater-surface water interface: Implications for natural bioattenuation

The biogeochemical effects of a large surface water on a contaminated anaerobic groundwater at the groundwater−surface water interface (GSI) were evaluated using spatially discretized multilevel arrays and interpreted in light of natural bioattenuation mechanisms. Groundwater samples, collected during a 5-month evaluation period with increasing storm activity, were evaluated to determine the effect of lake activity on the oxidation capacity and contaminant distribution within the plume. Our analyses indicate that concentrations of methane and chloroethene decreased as the groundwater became increasingly oxidized along the GSI in shallow sample points impacted by infiltration of oxygenated lake water. cis-1,2-Dichloroethene remained unchanged or slightly increased at the same locations, indicating that the decrease in methane and chloroethene was not due to dilution effects. Moreover, negative correlation of chloroethene and methane data with oxygen suggest that chloroethene is co-oxidized by methane-oxidi...
Conserved sequences and structures of group I introns: building an active site for RNA catalysis — a review

Group I introns fold to form an active site to mediate their own RNA splicing. Sequence elements conserved among the available set of 66 group I introns are compiled. Comparative sequence analysis leads to the prediction of some conserved structural features that have not been widely appreciated. The possible significance of conserved nucleotides within base-paired duplexes is discussed; they might be involved in base triplets or alternate pairing interactions.
The mode of occurrence and combustion characteristics of chlorine in British coal

Abstract Both classical and instrumental methods of analysis have been used to establish the most likely mode of occurrence of chlorine in coal. Thermal and solubility characteristics of the chlorine to coal bond have been studied extensively. A method for the determination of ‘organic’ chlorine has been shown to be unsuitable for coal. X-ray radiographic studies for the measurement of porosity of coal seams have shown the need to take into consideration the variation in proportions of lithotypes present. Impregnation of coal with sodium chloride solution with and without a radiotracer has shown that a reaction occurs within the coal's microstructure. Various chemicals and heat have been tried to convert the chlorine present in coal to inorganic chlorides. Some success was achieved using calcium oxide. The likelihood is that chlorine is present in one form uniformly distributed and linked ionically to the coal substance but sufficiently labile to be evolved mainly as hydrogen chloride at temperatures above about 170°C. It has no particular relationship with nitrogen, sodium or other alkali/alkaline earth metals. It is further suggested that chlorine has been deposited in coal after the rank has been established (epigenesis) via hypersaline strata waters.
Mesenteric Artery Vasoconstriction During Hypoxia is Mediated by a Loss of Basal Nitric Oxide (NO) Production † 983

The newborn intestinal circulation is unique in that its intrinsic response to hypoxemia is pronounced vasoconstriction. One mechanism for this unique response might be an acute reduction in endothelial cell NO production, inasmuch as newborn gut vascular tone is highly contingent on the NO/cGMP axis(Am J Physiol 268:G949, '95). To test this hypothesis, mesenteric artery rings from perinatal swine were suspended in buffer-filled myographs and tension recorded continuously; buffer hypoxia (pO2 <10 mmHg) was induced in phenylephrine (PE) precontracted rings by aeration with 95% N2 - 5% CO2 The initial response to hypoxia was brief relaxation(<15sec; -16±2% in both 3- and 35d rings), which was absent in endothelium-denuded rings (E-), but still present following pretreatment with LNMMA (blocks NO production) or indomethacin. Precontraction by depolarization(40 mM KCl) in place of PE significantly blunted this early dilation, suggesting its mediation by an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. The second, and principal response to hypoxia was pronounced constriction (to 36±4% of maximal KCl-induced constriction in rings from 3d, but only 12±3% in rings from 35d old subjects, p<0.01). Hypoxic vasoconstriction (HVC) was sustained until ATP depletion impaired the contractility of vascular smooth muscle. HVC was absent in E- rings and eliminated by LNMMA, but not by indomethacin, phenidone (lipoxygenase inhibitor), or BQ610 (endothelin ETA receptor antagonist). Addition of superoxide dismutase significantly enhanced HVC (O2- inactivates NO; O2- removal would thus accentuate NO-based responses). Impairment of ATP production with 2,4-dinitrophenol in the presence of adequate O2 did not induce HVC; thus, HVC was initiated by reduced pO2 and not by hypoxia-induced ATP depletion, consistent with the known requirement for molecular O2 in the oxidation of L-arg to L-cit+NO. Speculation: These data support the pivotal role of endothelial NO production in setting basal vascular tone in newborn intestine. Factors which attenuate NO production, such as hypoxia, should thus exert a particularly deleterious effect on newborn gut perfusion. This fact may explain, in part, the unique susceptibility of the newborn intestinal circulation to profound ischemia and the development of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Laminar-to-turbulent fluid–nanoparticle dynamics simulations: Model comparisons and nanoparticle-deposition applications

SUMMARY Relying on benchmark experimental data sets for flow in conduits with local constrictions, LES and three widely used RANS turbulence models, i.e. the low Reynolds number (LRN) k-ω model, standard k-ω model and shear stress transport (SST) transition model, were compared and evaluated to gain new physical insight and provide useful turbulence modeling information. These two geometric test cases may represent stenosed arteries and a segment of the human upper airways where the velocity fields undergo all flow regimes, i.e. from laminar, via transitional, to fully turbulent. The comparison study revealed that the standard k-ω models amplify the flow instabilities after the constrictions, and hence fail to capture the laminar flow behavior at relatively LRNs. The overall performances of LES, the LRN k-ω model and SST transition model do not have measurable differences in predicting laminar flows and transition to turbulent flow, while the SST transition model may give a better prediction of turbulence kinetic energy profiles in some cases. Clearly, LES can provide instantaneous velocity fluctuations, which may be significant for turbulent micron particle transport/deposition in the respiratory tract. However, it requires 100-fold more computational time than RANS turbulence models. The use of different turbulence models has a minor effect on nanoparticle deposition in human upper airways when the inspiratory flow rate is low, say, Q = 10L/min. The relative difference for deposition fraction (DF) of nanoparticles with dp>10nm is measurable at a medium inhalation flow rate (say, Q = 30L/min) when employing different turbulence models. However, the absolute difference in DFs is within 0.5% for all-sized nanoparticles (i.e. 1nm⩽dp⩽50nm) because the DF in the oral airway is very low (say, <1.5%) when 10 nm and 10 L/min. The modeling and simulation information provided are most useful for computational fluid–particle dynamics practitioners to obtain accurate lung deposition concentrations of inhaled toxic or therapeutic nanoparticles. The physical insight provided sheds additional light on the laminar-to-turbulent airflow and nanoparticle transport/deposition in locally constricted conduits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Respiratory System of Globonautes Macropus (Rathbun, 1898), a Terrestrial Freshwater Crab From Liberia (Gecarcinucoidea, Gecarcinucidae)

Le systeme respiratoire de Globonautes macropus (Rathbun, 1898) crabe d'eau douce arboricole de l'Ouest-Africain, est adapte pour des echanges gazeux aussi bien aeriens qu'aquatiques, ce qui reflete un mode de vie terrestre. Les premiers, seconds et troisiemes maxillipedes montrent des modifications pour la respiration de l'air. Globonautes a sept paires de branchies pleinement fonctionnelles, quoique ces structures soient reduites en taille et en nombre comparees a celle des crabes brachyoures aquatiques. La chambre branchiale dorsale elargie abrite des poumons extremement bien developpes dans les espaces epibranchiaux au-dessus des branchies. La surface interne de la membrane qui double la chambre branchiale dorsale est composee de grandes alveoles de forme irregulieres qui forment une structure complexe spongieuse en couches, et offrent une large surface pour les echanges gazeux. L'echange des gaz aeriens chez les crabes hors de l'eau est facilite par un flux d'air relativement lent vers l'avant, a travers les chambres branchiales. Les crabes en partie immerges dans l'eau peu profonde montrent une alternance entre le flux d'eau vers l'avant et le flux d'air inverse. Les crabes completement immerges en eau profonde presentent une predominance du flux d'eau vers l'avant. Ceux immerges dans une eau juste assez peu profonde pour qu'ils atteignent occasionnellement la surface, manifestent une manoeuvre d'emersion, ce qui montre que les crabes sous l'eau respirent de l'air en plus de l'eau. Les modifications de structure et de ventilation du systeme respiratoire de G. macropus ressemblent a celle des crabes d'eau douce et de terre adaptes a un mode de vie terrestre.
The Growing Outer Epidermal Wall: Design and Physiological Role of a Composite Structure

Background The cells of growing plant organs secrete an extracellular fibrous composite (the primary wall) that allows the turgid protoplasts to expand irreversibly via wall-yielding events, which are regulated by processes within the cytoplasm. The role of the epidermis in the control of stem elongation is described with special reference to the outer epidermal wall (OEW), which forms a 'tensile skin'. Novel facts The OEW is much thicker and less extensible than the walls of the inner tissues. Moreover, in the OEW the amount of cellulose per unit wall mass is considerably greater than in the inner tissues. Ultrastructural studies have shown that the expanding OEW is composed of a highly ordered internal and a diffuse outer half, with helicoidally organized cellulose microfibrils in the inner (load-bearing) region of this tension-stressed organ wall. The structural and mechanical backbone of the wall consists of helicoids, i.e. layers of parallel, inextensible cellulose microfibrils. These 'plywood laminates' contain crystalline 'cables' orientated in all directions with respect to the axis of elongation (isotropic material). Cessation of cell elongation is accompanied by a loss of order, i.e. the OEW is a dynamic structure. Helicoidally arranged extracellular polymers have also been found in certain bacteria, algae, fungi and animals. In the insect cuticle crystalline cutin nanofibrils form characteristic 'OEW-like' herringbone patterns. Conclusions Theoretical considerations, in vitro studies and computer simulations suggest that extracellular biological helicoids form by directed self-assembly of the crystalline biopolymers. This spontaneous generation of complex design 'without an intelligent designer' evolved independently in the protective 'skin' of plants, animals and many other organisms.
Analysis of serum protein glycosylation by a differential lectin immunosorbant assay (dLISA)

Background Lectin immunosorbant assays (LISAs) have been widely used for analyzing protein glycosylation. However, the analysis of serum samples by LISAs could suffer from high sample-dependent background noise. The aim of this study is to develop a differential lectin immunosorbant assay (dLISA) with reduced background interferences.
Voltage and current scaling relationships for electromagnetic launchers

Electromagnetic launchers (EMLs) including railguns, helical guns, and coilguns have been proposed for numerous applications. However, little information has been published regarding the scaling characteristics of EMLs. This investigation examines the non-linear operating characteristics of EMLs to derive the operating voltage and current scaling relationships as determined by the mass and velocity of the projectile and the length of the launcher. The scaling relationship is derived using the kinetic power relationship common to all types of EMLs. The scaling relationship is expressed as a simple function of projectile velocity, projectile mass, and launcher length. Resistive losses are included in the results as is the EML's energy conversion efficiency.
An Information Roadmap Method for Robotic Sensor Path Planning

A new probabilistic roadmap method is presented for planning the path of a robotic sensor deployed in order to classify multiple fixed targets located in an obstacle-populated workspace. Existing roadmap methods have been successful at planning a robot path for the purpose of moving from an initial to a final configuration in a workspace by a minimum distance. But they are not directly applicable to robots whose primary objective is to gather target information with an on-board sensor. In this paper, a novel information roadmap method is developed in which obstacles, targets, sensor's platform and field-of-view are represented as closed and bounded subsets of an Euclidean workspace. The information roadmap is sampled from a normalized information theoretic function that favors samples with a high expected value of information in configuration space. The method is applied to a landmine classification problem to plan the path of a robotic ground-penetrating radar, based on prior remote measurements and other geospatial data. Experiments show that paths obtained from the information roadmap exhibit a classification efficiency several times higher than that of existing search strategies. Also, the information roadmap can be used to deploy non-overpass capable robots that must avoid targets as well as obstacles.
Micron and submicron Nb/Al-AlO/sub x//Nb tunnel junctions with high critical current densities

To increase superconducting IC speed and density, it is necessary to reduce junction size and increase critical current density. We describe the fabrication and properties of high critical current density micron and submicron Nb/Al-AlO/sub x//Nb tunnel junctions. Using a 10:1 reduction wafer stepper with I-line photoresist, we obtained a minimum linewidth of 0.6 /spl mu/m and junctions as small as 0.3 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. The critical current densities can be as high as 20 kA/cm/sup 2/ still with low subgap currents. The measured critical current spreads are small. This is due to the use of low-temperature, low-stress ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance)-based PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) SiO/sub 2/ insulation layers and light anodization around junction areas. The junctions have potential applications in very high-speed superconducting digital circuits and submillimeter microwave devices.
Renormalized Versus Unrenormalized Perturbation-Theoretical Approaches to the Mott Transition

I employ an exactly soluble toy model to investigate why unrenormalized perturbation theory works better than fully self-consistent approaches in describing the correlation-driven metal–insulator transition.
Efficient BISR Techniques for Embedded Memories Considering Cluster Faults

Instead of the traditional spare row/column redundancy architectures, block-based redundancy architectures are proposed in this paper. The redundant rows/columns are divided into row/column blocks. Therefore, the repair of faulty memory cells can be performed at the row/column block level. Moreover, the redundant row/column blocks can be used to replace faulty cells anywhere in the memory array. This global characteristic is helpful for repairing cluster faults. The proposed redundancy architecture can be easily integrated with the embedded memory cores. Based on the proposed global redundancy architecture, a heuristic MESP (modified essential spare pivoting) algorithm suitable for built-in implementation is also proposed. According to experimental results, the area overhead for implementing the MESP algorithm is almost negligible. Due to the efficient usage of the redundancy, the manufacturing yield, repair rate, and reliability can all be improved significantly.
Concepts in Computer Control for Frequency Surveillance

The computer controlled frequency surveillance system utilizes a small computer in conjunction with a digital interface unit, to act as the controller between the computer and two completely programmable receivers. It operates in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 GHz with a programmed dynamic range of at least 120 dB. The system can, with proper programming, detect, analyze, correlate, and display all of the frequency information which the basic receivers are capable of intercepting. In addition, self-calibrating features are also included as well as the ability to make decisions based on the data received by the receiver. These decision making aspects, or branches in the program allow the frequency surveillance system to perform a multiplicity of functions, which can be predetermined. The basic concepts required in the development of a computer controlled frequency surveillance system are presented. Numerous applications are cited describing the far-reaching potentials inherent in this type of system. The functional operation of the system is discussed in relationship to the receiving systems and the computer programs.
State Space Modeling of Sheet Metal Assembly for Dimensional Control

In this paper, a state space modeling approach is developed for the dimensional control of sheet metal assembly processes. In this study, a 3-2-1 scheme is assumed for the sheet metal assembly. Several key concepts, such as tooling locating error, part accumulative error, and re-orientation error, are defined. The inherent relationships among these error components are developed. Those relationships finally lead to a state space model which describes the variation propagation throughout the assembly process. An observation equation is also developed to represent the relationship between the observation vector (the in-line OCMM measurement information) and the state vector (the part accumulative error). Potential usage of the developed model is discussed in the paper.
Synchronization of unified chaotic system with unknown parameter

The adaptive synchronization of unified chaotic system is studied when the parameter of drive system is unknown and the parameter of response system is adjustable. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and combining driving method, two new adaptive control methods for the synchronization of unified chaotic system are presented by employing multiple controllers and only a single controller. The analytical expression of synchronization controllers and adaptive law of parameter are given. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness and feasibility of the two developed methods.
System reliability and safety assessment using non-parametric flowgraph models

Multi-state Markov models are widely used for prediction in reliability, safety, and risk analysis. Systems typically pass through different states between correct, reliable operation and failure, as a result of external events or internal ageing, and Markov models provide an effective compromise between realism and mathematical tractability. Statistical flowgraphs analyse these models using transforms of the transition time distributions between states, which are combined and inverted to obtain quantities of interest for the entire model. This paper presents an approach to flowgraphs using empirical transforms based on historical or testing data, with no assumption of parametric probability models for transition times. The non-parametric method is illustrated with an application to predicting cumulative earthquake damage to structures.
Pharyngeal airway protective reflexes are triggered before the maximum volume of fluid that the hypopharynx can safely hold is exceeded

Aerodigestive reflexes triggered by pharyngeal stimulation can protect the airways by clearing fluid from the pharynx. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the maxi...
New limit on the permanent electric dipole moment of 199Hg.

We present the first results of a new search for a permanent electric dipole moment of the ${}^{199}\mathrm{Hg}$ atom using a UV laser. Our measurements give $d{(}^{199}\mathrm{Hg})\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\ensuremath{-}(1.06\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.40)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}28}e\mathrm{cm}$. We interpret the result as an upper limit $|d{(}^{199}\mathrm{Hg})|l2.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}28}e\mathrm{cm}$ (95% C.L.), which sets new constraints on ${\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathrm{QCD}}$, chromo-EDMs of the quarks, and CP violation in supersymmetric models.
Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Diets Based on Sorghum and Ryegrass Silage and Different Energy Supplements

ABSTRACT Forty-one Holstein cows were used in a 7-wk completely randomized trial to evaluate the effect of forage combination and energy source on performance. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 3 factorial to include 2 combinations of sorghum silage and ryegrass silage (50:50 or 75:25) and 3 energy sources: ground corn, and corn hominy feed, or a 50:50 blend of ground corn and corn hominy feed. Diets were formulated to contain similar concentrations of CP, NDF, and energy and were fed once daily. No interactions of forage combination and energy source were observed except for milk protein percentage, which was highest when the 50:50 diet was supplemented with the blend of ground corn and hominy feed, but lowest when the 75:25 diet supplemented with the blend of ground corn hominy feed. Dry matter intake and milk yield were similar among treatments. Yield of milk fat, energy-corrected milk, and efficiency of milk production were higher with 75:25 compared with 50:50 forage combinations. Energy supplement did not influence milk composition. These results indicate that production is improved when greater proportions of sorghum silage relative to ryegrass silage are fed.
Abbott and the Aids Crisis (C): What Lies Ahead?

The partnership between Abbott and the government of Tanzania continued to flourish. As a demonstration of Abbott’s long-term commitment to Tanzania, in 2007, the Abbott Fund opened its first office outside Abbott headquarters in Illinois. The new office in Dar es Salaam, led by Divisional Vice President Christy Wistar, oversaw the expanding number of philanthropic projects in Tanzania. In June 2007, Abbott CEO Miles White returned to Tanzania for the third time and announced the Abbott Fund’s future plans to modernize the 23 regional laboratories across Tanzania. By the end of 2007, the Abbott Fund had invested more than $50 million in Tanzania alone, strengthening and modernizing the health care infrastructure and systems countrywide. The Abbott Fund planned to continue its support of numerous programs and organizations that were working to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS and deliver effective care and treatment to HIV-infected patients. The Abbott Fund also supported programs that provided for the basic needs of orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa and India.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Changes in Hypertension Care Under the Patient-Centered Medical Home

Introduction Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease, yet the proportion of adults whose hypertension is controlled is low. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a model for care delivery that emphasizes patient-centered and team-based care and focuses on quality and safety. Our goal was to investigate changes in hypertension care under PCMH implementation in a large multipayer PCMH demonstration project that may have led to improvements in hypertension control. Methods The PCMH transformation initiative conducted 118 semistructured interviews at 17 primary care practices in southeastern Pennsylvania between January 2011 and January 2012. Clinicians (n = 47), medical assistants (n = 26), office administrators (n = 12), care managers (n = 11), front office staff (n = 7), patient educators (n = 4), nurses (n = 4), social workers (n = 4), and other administrators (n = 3) participated in interviews. Study personnel used thematic analysis to identify themes related to hypertension care. Results Clinicians described difficulties in expanding services under PCMH to meet the needs of the growing number of patients with hypertension as well as how perceptions of hypertension control differed from actual performance. Staff and office administrators discussed achieving patient-centered hypertension care through patient education and self-management support with personalized care plans. They indicated that patient report cards were helpful tools. Participants across all groups discussed a team- and systems-based approach to hypertension care. Conclusion Practices undergoing PCMH transformation may consider stakeholder perspectives about patient-centered, team-based, and systems-based approaches as they work to optimize hypertension care.
Mechanistic insight into the photoredox catalysis of anti-markovnikov alkene hydrofunctionalization reactions.

We describe our efforts to understand the key mechanistic aspects of the previously reported alkene hydrofunctionalization reactions using 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium (Mes-Acr+) as a photoredox catalyst. Importantly, we are able to detect alkene cation radical intermediates, and confirm that phenylthiyl radical is capable of oxidizing the persistent acridinyl radical in a fast process that unites the catalytic activity of the photoredox and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) manifolds. Additionally, we present evidence that diphenyl disulfide ((PhS)2) operates on a common catalytic cycle with thiophenol (PhSH) by way of photolytic cleaveage of the disulfide bond. Transition structure analysis of the HAT step using DFT reveals that the activation barrier for H atom donation from PhSH is significantly lower than 2-phenylmalononitrile (PMN) due to structural reorganization. In the early stages of the reaction, Mes-Acr+ is observed to engage in off-cycle adduct formation, presumably as buildup of PhS− becomes sig...
Sol−Gel Synthesis of Thick Ta2O5 Films

Advances in microelectromechanical systems have generated an ever-growing demand for novel insulating material applicable to high-temperature systems. Ta2O5 is appealing for such applications because of its high index of refraction, refractory nature, and negligible absorbance in the infrared region. The challenge faced in the realization of such materials is the synthesis of crack-free Ta2O5 films whose thickness is on the order of a quarter wavelength of the incident infrared radiation. This work seeks to investigate the effect of addition of polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP) as a binder material in the presence of 2-methoxyethanol and acetylacetone in the sol−gel synthesis of thick, uniform, and crack-free Ta2O5 films. Incorporation of PVP into the sol precursor has enabled uniform and crack-free films with thicknesses of up to 2.4 μm to be realized. Chemical probing of the precursor was conducted via TGA, FTIR, and NMR analysis of the sol to elucidate the processes behind this film formation, showing that t...
Process Groups: A Survey of Small College Counseling Center Issues and Solutions

This study examined the use of long-term process oriented counseling groups at 74 colleges and universities. Colleges with fewer total staff and fewer trained group counselors were less likely to offer group counseling than were institutions with large staffs and more counselors trained to do group work. Qualitative feedback from small college respondents cites resource limitations and staff attitudes as reasons for lesser frequencies of group counseling at their respective institutions. Several staff attitudes are identified and challenged.
Action of Bufotoxins

Wieland and Alles1 isolated bufotoxin from the skin of B. vulgaris or B. bufo bufo. In our study of Ch'an Su and the secretions of 10 additional species of toads, we obtained a buf otoxin from the dried venom of each species. The word buf otoxin is used generically for the same reason as given for bufagins. Chemically, the bufotoxins are formed by the conjugation of one molecule of suberyl-arginine with one molecule of a specific buf agin found in the respective secretions. Their pharmacological action is similar to that of bufagins, being different only in degree (Table I), as shown by the systolic standstill in the myocardiogram of frogs, typical changes in the electrocardiograms of cats, and emesis in cats and pigeons. Locally, they are bitter to the taste.
Research of iSCSI—based Disaster-tolerant System Frame with Multiple Data Protection Technologies

A data centre which stores important information must has the ability to avoid unexpected data loss because of device failure or natural disaster,restore invalid data change because of human mistake or malicious software and supply continuous data service to upper application.Such requests really make big troubles to the designers.An iSCSI—based inexpensive disaster-tolerant system which realizes a feasible scheme through multiple data protection technologies is design and well meets the given problems.
Helicopter Parenting and Emerging Adult Self-Efficacy: Implications for Mental and Physical Health

Helicopter parenting has become an increasing concern among practitioners, college administrators, and professors. Further, some research has indicated that this form of parenting may have a deleterious effect on emerging adult college students’ mental health. This study examines the factor structure of the Helicopter Parenting Behaviors measure, a recent scale developed to examine intrusive and supportive parenting behaviors, by using confirmatory factor analysis. We utilized a self-determination theoretical framework to replicate and expand current research regarding the impact of helicopter parenting and autonomy supportive parenting on emerging adult mental and physical well-being. Further, we examined self-efficacy as a mechanism for helicopter parenting and autonomy supportive parenting to impact well-being, using structural equation modeling with a sample of 461 emerging adult college students from a large southeastern, United States university. The two-factor structure of the Helicopter Parenting Behaviors measure was confirmed, indicating helicopter parenting and autonomy supportive parenting are two unique, but related, constructs. Both autonomy supportive parenting and helicopter parenting were found to have indirect effects on anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and physical health through self-efficacy. Results also indicated autonomy supportive parenting was directly related to life satisfaction and physical health when accounting for self-efficacy, whereas helicopter parenting was not directly related to well-being. This study adds to the extant literature by its’ application of a family-level lens to the self-determination theory, its’ advancement of parenting behaviors measurement, and its’ exploration of the continued influence of parenting during emerging adulthood.
Cerebral hemodynamics in the elderly a transcranial doppler study in the Einstein aging study cohort

Objectives We sought to describe the relationship between age, sex, and race/ethnicity with transcranial Doppler hemodynamic characteristics from major intracerebral arterial segments in a large elderly population with varying demographics. Methods We analyzed 369 stroke-free participants aged 70 years and older from the Einstein Aging Study. Single-gate, nonimaging transcranial Doppler sonography, a noninvasive sonographic technique that assesses real-time cerebrovascular hemodynamics, was used to interrogate 9 cerebral arterial segments. Individual Doppler spectra and cerebral blood flow velocities were acquired, and the pulsatility index and resistive index were calculated by the device's automated waveform-tracking function. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the independent associations of age, sex, and race/ethnicity with transcranial Doppler measures, adjusting for hypertension, history of myocardial infarction or revascularization, and history of diabetes. Results Among enrolled participants, 303 individuals had at least 1 vessel insonated (mean age [SD], 80 [6] years; 63% women; 58% white; and 32% black). With age, transcranial Doppler measures of mean blood flow velocity were significantly decreased in the basilar artery (P = .001) and posterior cerebral artery (right, P = .003; left, P = .02). Pulsatility indices increased in the left middle cerebral artery (P = .01) and left anterior cerebral artery (P = .03), and the resistive index was increased in the left middle cerebral artery (P = .007) with age. Women had higher pulsatility and resistive indices compared to men in several vessels. Conclusions We report a decreased mean blood flow velocity and weakly increased arterial pulsatility and resistance with aging in a large elderly stroke-free population. These referential trends in cerebrovascular hemodynamics may carry important implications in vascular diseases associated with advanced age, increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Case Studies: Urban Food Security Research with a Focus on Methodology

This chapter provides a suite of four case studies of food security and urban agriculture research in Anchorage, Alaska, all of which were conducted by students and faculty members at the University of Alaska Anchorage in collaboration with community partners. While Alaska might not immediately come to mind when thinking about urban food issues, Anchorage is a city much like many others across the country – and it’s experiencing the same wave of interest in improving food security that is sweeping the rest of the nation. While situated in a breathtaking geographic location and populated by productive communities with rich and diverse food cultures, stakeholders are continuously searching out sustainable solutions to the common challenges of income disparity, housing and food access, public transportation, environmental injustice, cheap unhealthy foods, and high levels of food imports. The case studies described here respond directly to these challenges.
Transurethral Prostatectomy in Patients with Severe Hip Deformity

AbstractThe use of a modified lithotomy position and perineal urethrotomy has permitted transurethral prostatectomy in patients with severe hip disease. The procedure is described.
Geomorphology and Public Policy

Geomorphology is a subdiscipline of geology and geography. It involves analysis of surface features of the earth and those processes that create landforms and landscapes. Since humans live, work, build, and play on the earth’s surface such endeavors inevitably produce changes to the land-water ecosystem. Thus it is common for geomorphologists to take a special interest in those societal activities that are designed to modify natural processes. Mankind then becomes a physical force for topographic metamorphism along with the other agents that alter terrain…. running water, groundwater, shoreline water, glaciers, gravity, and wind. Therefore, it is altogether appropriate and necessary that geomorphologists become involved with those in government who are authorized to make decisions which may affect the character of the topography and the materials and processes that comprise it.
Network Formation and Bargaining in Vertical Markets: The Case of Narrow Networks in Health Insurance

"Network adequacy regulations" expand patients' access to hospitals by mandating a lower bound on the number of hospitals that health insurers must include in their networks. Such regulations, however, compromise insurers' bargaining position with hospitals, which may increase hospital reimbursement rates, and may consequently be passed through to consumers in the form of higher premiums. In this paper, I quantify this effect by developing a model that endogenously captures: (i) how insurers form hospital-networks, (ii) how they bargain with hospitals over rates by threatening to drop them out of network or to replace them with an out of network hospital, and (iii) how they set premiums in an imperfectly competitive market. I estimate this model using detailed data from a Massachusetts health insurance market, and I simulate the effects of a range of regulations. I find that "tighter" regulations, which force insurers to include more than 85% of the hospital-systems in the market, raise the average reimbursement rates paid by some insurers by at least 28%. More moderate regulations, however, can expand the hospital networks without leading to large hikes in reimbursement-rates.
Object-tracking based on particle filter using particle swarm optimization with density estimation

Visual object-tracking is a fundamental task applied in many applications of computer vision. Many different tracking algorithms have been used ranging from point-tracking, to kernel-tracking, to silhouette-tracking based on different appearance models chosen. This paper investigates the particle filter that is used as a tracking algorithm based on the Bayesian tracking framework. The problems that the particle filter tracking technique suffers from are degeneracy and the impoverishment degradation. These two issues are addressed by the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) as the sampling mechanism. In particular, particles are generated via the PSO process in order to estimate the importance distribution. Two density estimation methods are used, one is a parametric method using the Half-Normal distribution fitting, and the other is a non-parametric method using kernel density estimation. The experiments revealed that the non-parametric density estimation method combined with PSO outperforms the other comparison algorithms.
The Impact of Cyber Attacks on Brand Image

The question this essay asks is, Why are typically consumer-centered companies failing to adequately prepare for and manage the consequences of data breaches? Could this failure be related to marketing's lack of involvement?