cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive CentriMag ventricular assist device support integrated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in cardiogenic shock patients: a comparison with conventional CentriMag biventricular support configuration

OBJECTIVES We recently developed a novel minimally invasive surgical approach that combines extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and CentriMag ventricular assist device (Ec-VAD) for the treatment of cardiogenic shock as a short-term circulatory support. We compared the outcomes of this new approach to conventional CentriMag biventricular assist device (BiVAD) support through a median sternotomy. METHODS Between July 2015 and August 2016, 22 patients were implanted with CentriMag Ec-VAD and 90 patients were implanted with conventional CentriMag BiVAD. The Ec-VAD circuit was configured with left ventricular apical cannulation via a mini-thoracotomy and femoral venous cannulation as inflows and right axillary artery cannulation as an outflow. RESULTS Patients with Ec-VAD were older (58 ± 9.9 vs 53 ± 13 years, P = 0.06), had more preoperative percutaneous mechanical circulatory support use (82% vs 44%, P < 0.01) and less cardiopulmonary bypass use intraoperatively (0% vs 66%, P < 0.01). Patients who received Ec-VAD required less transfusions. The Ec-VAD group had a significantly lower incidence of major bleeding events during support (32% vs 72%, P < 0.01). Average systemic flow was similar (Ec-VAD: 5.5 ± 0.94 vs BiVAD: 5.7 ± 1.1 l/min, P = 0.4). Seventeen patients (77%) with Ec-VAD survived to the next destination compared with 66 patients (73%) with BiVAD (P = 0.45). Thirty-day survival was similar between groups (Ec-VAD 86% vs BiVAD 76%, P = 0.39), and overall 1-year survival was 61% in Ec-VAD and 55% in BiVAD (P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS Ec-VAD is a unique approach for the treatment of patients in cardiogenic shock. It eliminates the need for cardiopulmonary bypass and reduces blood product utilization and bleeding events.
Comparative metabolomics revealing Staphylococcus aureus metabolic response to different antibiotics.

Summary It is known that changes in bacterial metabolism can contribute to the modulation of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. Understanding how bacterial metabolism is impacted by antibiotics may improve our understanding of the antibiotic mechanism of actions from a metabolic perspective. Here, we utilized a mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolic profiling technique to characterize the metabolome of a pair of isogenic methicillin-susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) strains RN450 and 450M treated with the sublethal dose of three antibiotics from different classes (β-lactams, aminoglycosides and quinolones). These treatments induced a set of metabolic alterations after 6 h of co-incubation with antibiotics. Similar and divergent metabolic perturbations were observed from different antibiotics to the tested strains. Different metabolic response from MSSA and MRSA to the same antibiotics was also detected in the study and indicated the potentially different stress response mechanism in MSSA and MRSA metabolism. This work has shown that a complex set of metabolic changes can be induced by a variety of antibiotics, and the comparative metabolomics strategy can provide a good understanding of this process from a metabolic perspective.
Prevalence and predicators of insomnia among cancer survivors.

e21603Background: Insomnia is prevalent among cancer survivors. However, screening and treatment is inconsistent across U.S. cancer centers. We sought to identify factors associated with moderate t...
Laparoscopic Exploration for Trauma

Laparoscopy has become standard of care for many surgical diseases. As experience has increased, the indications have extended to the trauma patient. Generally, it is only utilized as a screening tool in hemodynamically stable patients; however, there are certain injury patterns which can be successfully managed laparoscopically. If this approach is considered, it is important to understand the complications that can arise. These would include equipment failure, iatrogenic injuries to viscera, pneumothorax, and bleeding. Conversion to an open laparotomy should be done in the face of hemodynamic instability or intolerance of pneumoperitoneum. Patients with hemorrhagic shock, frank peritonitis, or traumatic head injuries should not be considered appropriate candidates for laparoscopy.
Synthetic Biology Approaches to Engineer Probiotics and Members of the Human Microbiota for Biomedical Applications

An increasing number of studies have strongly correlated the composition of the human microbiota with many human health conditions and, in several cases, have shown that manipulating the microbiota directly affects health. These insights have generated significant interest in engineering indigenous microbiota community members and nonresident probiotic bacteria as biotic diagnostics and therapeutics that can probe and improve human health. In this review, we discuss recent advances in synthetic biology to engineer commensal and probiotic lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and Bacteroides for these purposes, and we provide our perspective on the future potential of these technologies.
Using Gemba Boards to Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice in Critical Care

Background Tradition-based practices lack supporting research evidence and may be harmful or ineffective. Engagement of key stakeholders is a critical step toward facilitating evidence-based practice change. Gemba, derived from Japanese, refers to the real place where work is done. Gemba boards (visual management tools) appear to be an innovative method to engage stakeholders and facilitate evidence-based practice. Objectives To explore the use of gemba boards and gemba huddles to facilitate practice change. Methods Twenty-two critical care nurses participated in interviews in this qualitative, descriptive study. Thematic analysis was used to code and categorize interview data. Two researchers reached consensus on coding and derived themes. Data were managed with qualitative analysis software. Results The code gemba occurred most frequently; a secondary analysis was performed to explore its impact on practice change. Four themes were derived from the gemba code: (1) facilitation of staff, leadership, and interdisciplinary communication, (2) transparency of outcome data, (3) solicitation of staff ideas and feedback, and (4) dissemination of practice changes. Gemba boards and gemba huddles became part of the organizational culture for promoting and disseminating evidence-based practices. Conclusions Unit-based, publicly located gemba boards and huddles have become key components of evidence-based practice culture. Gemba is both a tool and a process to engage team members and the public to generate clinical questions and to plan, implement, and evaluate practice changes. Future research on the effectiveness of gemba boards to facilitate evidence-based practice is warranted.
An Asymptotic-Numerical Method for the Orr-Sommerfeld Equation

This paper is a progress report on generating orthogonal polynomials for exponential weights of the form exp{−Q(x)}, where Q(x) is a polynomial on ( −1,1), and on applying the associated Gaussian quadrature to the numerical solution of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. Two nonlinear recurrence relations are derived for computing the coefficients a n and b n of the associated linear, three-term recurrence satisfied by the orthonormal polynomials, p n (x) on ( −1,1): $$ {a_{n + 1}}{p_{n + 1}}(x) = (x - {b_n}){p_n}(x) - {a_n}{p_{n - 1}}(x). $$
Filling the Prevention Gap: Multi-factor, Multi-system, Multi-level Intervention

The mixed effectiveness of prevention programming is illustrated by recent increases in adolescent substance abuse, an escalating delinquency rate, and increasing numbers of youths suffering the consequences of sexual promiscuity. Such increases suggest that many prevention activities may be insufficiently comprehensive. This paper proposes a model for comprehensive intervention. First, it describes the recent increases in substance abuse, delinquency, and sexual promiscuity. Next, it discusses implications for comprehensive planning from the prevention literature. Third, it suggests three characteristics of prevention planning necessary to insure optimal effectiveness. Finally, it makes specific recommendations for including these characteristics in prevention programming.
Feminist Constitutionalism: Pregnancy, Equality, and U.S. Constitutional Law

This chapter will be part of a collection on international feminist constitutionalism, forthcoming from Cambridge University Press. The chapter proposes a feminist theory of reproductive freedom grounded in U.S. Supreme Court precedent and applies the theory to abortion rights and to parental rights in the context of surrogacy agreements.
Struktur organischer Verbindungen

Quantenmechanisch wird die Bewegung eines Elektrons im Felde eines einzigen Atomkernes durch eine Eigenfunktion Φ beschrieben, die Atomorbital genannt wird. Im ubertragenen Sinne kann man unter einem Atomorbital den Raum verstehen, in dem sich das betreffende Elektron mit groster Wahrscheinlichkeit befindet. Das Quadrat Φ2 beschreibt die Ladungsverteilung, die durch die Bewegung des Elektrons entsteht.
No Difference in Total Episode-of-Care Cost Between Staged and Simultaneous Bilateral Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Due to concerns about higher complication rates, surgeons debate whether to perform simultaneous bilateral total joint arthroplasty (BTJA), particularly in the higher-risk Medicare population. Advances in pain management and rehabilitation protocols have called into question older studies that found an overall cost benefit for simultaneous procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare 90-day episode-of-care costs between staged and simultaneous BTJA among Medicare beneficiaries. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 319 simultaneous primary TJAs and 168 staged TJAs (336 procedures) at our institution between 2015 and 2016. We recorded demographics, comorbidities, readmission rates, and 90-day episode-of-care costs based upon Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data. To control for confounding variables, we performed a multivariate regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for increased costs. Results Simultaneous patients had decreased inpatient facility costs ($19,402 vs $23,025, P Conclusion In the Medicare population, there is no difference in 90-day episode-of-care costs between simultaneous and staged BTJA. Surgeons should use caution in performing a simultaneous procedure on older patients or those with a history of stroke, cardiac, or liver disease.
Structure-Property Relationship Studies of Influenza A Virus AM2-S31N Proton Channel Blockers.

Majority of current circulating influenza A viruses carry the S31N mutation in their M2 genes, rendering AM2-S31N as a high profile antiviral drug target. With our continuous interest in developing AM2-S31N channel blockers as novel antivirals targeting both oseltamivir-sensitive and -resistant influenza A viruses, we report herein the structure–property relationship studies of AM2-S31N inhibitors. The goal was to identify lead compounds with improved microsomal stability and membrane permeability. Two lead compounds, 10d and 10e, were found to have high mouse and human liver microsomal stability (T1/2 > 145 min) and membrane permeability (>200 nm/s). Both compounds also inhibit both currently circulating oseltamivir-sensitive and -resistant human influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) with EC50 values ranging from 0.4 to 2.8 μM and a selectivity index of >100. We also showed for the first time that AM2-S31N channel blockers such as 10e inhibited influenza virus replication at both low and high multiply of i...
Perioperative Visual Loss in Cardiac Surgery.

Visual loss associated with cardiac surgery is due primarily to retinal artery occlusion and ischemic optic neuropathy. This review summarizes current state of knowledge concerning these visually disabling complications.
Single Nanocrystal Spectroscopy of Shortwave Infrared Emitters

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) emitters are at the center of ground-breaking applications in biomedical imaging, next-generation optoelectronic devices, and optical communications. Colloidal nanocrystals based on indium arsenide are some of the most promising SWIR emitters to date. However, the lack of single-particle spectroscopic methods accessible in the SWIR has prevented advances in both nanocrystal synthesis and fundamental characterization of emitters. Here, we demonstrate an implementation of a solution photon correlation Fourier spectroscopy (s-PCFS) experiment utilizing the SWIR sensitivity and time resolution of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors to extract single-particle emission linewidths from colloidal indium arsenide/cadmium selenide (InAs/CdSe) core/shell nanocrystals emissive from 1.2 to 1.6 μm. We show that the average single InAs/CdSe nanocrystal fluorescence linewidth is, remarkably, as narrow as 52 meV, similar to what has been observed in some of the most narrowband nanostructured emitters in the visible region. Additionally, the single nanocrystal fluorescence linewidth increases with increasing shell thickness, suggesting exciton-phonon coupling as the dominant emission line-broadening mechanism in this system. The development of the SWIR s-PCFS technique has enabled measurements of spectral linewidths of colloidal SWIR-emissive NCs in solution and provides a platform to study the single NC spectral characteristics of SWIR emitters.
Managing the St. Anthony Sand Dunes: Rural resident support for off-road vehicle recreation development

Abstract Increased participation in recreational activities on public lands challenges land managers to maintain the integrity of landscapes and meet the needs of recreationists. Off-road vehicle (ORV) recreation is an increasingly-popular recreational activity that can offer social and economic benefits, but can also negatively impact the environment. As popularity of ORVs continues to grow, many land management agencies are pursuing strategies to mitigate associated conflicts. However, ORV studies have been scant in recent years. The research presented here addresses the lack of knowledge on ORV area management by exploring local resident and recreationist perspectives about future development in a popular Idaho ORV recreation area. Results indicate that support was influenced by three primary factors: 1) views that increased visitation might change local Dunes culture, 2) concerns that developments might allow government agencies to eventually over-regulate the Dunes, and 3) a desire to ensure that Dunes management decision-making is transparent and inclusive of local residents. We conclude by discussing management actions that land managers could implement to advance management of ORV recreation areas. Management implications Our results suggest that local community member perspectives about future development of ORV areas are influenced by the ways that management actions may affect existing recreation culture, concerns about future regulation, and how well local perspectives are reflected in the management process. Findings suggest that managers could: ● Organize local stakeholder advisory groups that would allow stakeholders to help evaluate new safety or crowding regulations, develop alternatives for travel management plans and outline resource values. ● Utilize a Limits of Acceptable Change process to improve trust in and transparency surrounding recreation management decisions. That process could develop indicators and standards for site-specific elements of crowding, safety concerns, and degradation that may be particularly salient in ORV areas. ● Explore the power of local recreation culture to motivate development or enforcement of recreation regulations ensuring rider safety or reducing crowding. This includes initiating new riders to area norms through orientation rides.
Special Issue: New Theory and Research on Sentencing

Occasionally, I encounter a colleague in criminology or sociology who does not share my fascination with courts and their sentencing decisions, and they ask me (usually with some bemusement) a vers...
Self-Regulation and Heart Disease

Heart disease continues to be one of the three leading causes of mortality among Americans and tops the list of causes of death in people over 65 years of age (Institute of Medicine, 1990). Personal health care expenditures for cardiovascular disease in 1980 totaled $33 billion (HCFA, 1989), and costs have continued upward since that time (Wittels, Hay, & Gotto, 1990). Prevention and control of almost all forms of heat disease (including coronary artery disease, angina, arrhythmia, valve disease, and congestive heart failure) as well as hypertension, a prominent risk factor for heart disease and stroke, largely require that individuals manage their ways of life. This management generally entails, among other things, modifying diets, changing exercise habits, taking medicine, giving up smoking, and avoiding stress. Obviously, the extent to which people can do these things is influenced by external factors (e.g., one’s job, the material resources that are available). It has been persuasively argued (Israel & Schurman, 1990) that more effective approaches to prevention and control of heart disease might involve changing working conditions (e.g., reducing stressful situations), laws (e.g., curtailing cigarette production), and policies (e.g., providing reduced insurance premiums for healthful behavior).
Understanding the spread and impact of exotic geckos in the greater Caribbean region

Understanding the patterns and drivers of the spread of exotic species is necessary for limiting their distributions and minimizing their impacts on biodiversity. Species that are spread unintentionally versus intentionally present distinct management challenges that must be addressed with unique solutions. We assessed the spread and impact of exotic gecko species in the greater Caribbean region—a taxa and region predicted to be conducive to a high rate of unintentionally spread exotic species. From the literature, we compiled a database of exotic gecko introductions to the greater Caribbean region, recording the year of introduction, introduction pathway, establishment success, habitat use, and ecological impacts. Exotic gecko species introductions have increased exponentially over time and geckos from multiple biogeographic realms are now present in the greater Caribbean region. Species from distant realms were largely introduced intentionally to Florida via the pet trade, whereas Caribbean endemics were mostly introduced to other Caribbean islands through unintentional or unknown pathways. Regardless of the introduction pathway, most introductions resulted in established populations, usually in anthropogenic habitat. Furthermore, the exotics, Hemidactylus mabouia and H. frenatus, appear to be on the ‘winning’ end of most species interactions, including those with other exotics. Overall, our results show exotic geckos are spreading both unintentionally and intentionally with a strong potential to displace native gecko species and impact ecosystems as generalist predators. As eradication success is usually low, future conservation efforts should focus on elucidating ecological impacts and preventing new introductions through pathway-specific trade policy, financial incentives, and education.
GeoDRIVE - a high performance computing flexible platform for seismic applications

Abstract GeoDRIVE, a high performance computing (HPC) software framework tailored to massive seismic applications and super-computers is presented. The paper discusses the flexibility and modularity of the application along with optimized HPC features. GeoDRIVE’s versatile design, associated to exascale computing capabilities, unlocks new classes of applications that significantly improve geoscientists’ abilities to understand, locate and characterize challenging targets in complex settings. As a result, uncertainties in subsurface models are reduced both quantitatively and qualitatively, along with reduced drilling risks and improved prospect generation.
Catalytic Perchlorate Reduction Using Iron: Mechanistic Insights and Improved Catalyst Turnover

Perchlorate is a non-coordinating and kinetically inert anion commonly used in solid rocket fuels and explosives. Upon introduction to the environment, it is a pervasive groundwater pollutant that ...
1984 National Debate Tournament Final Debate: Should Any and All Injury Resulting from the Disposal of Hazardous Waste in the United States Be the Legal Responsibility of the Producer of That Waste?.

Transcript, editorial analysis, and critiques of the NDT final debate: Should any and all injury resulting from the disposal of hazardous waste in the United States be the legal responsibility of t...
Selective autophagy inhibition through disruption of the PIK3C3-containing complex I

The PIK3C3/VPS34-containing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns3K) initiation complex (complex I) is necessary for macroautophagy/autophagy initiation and is comprised of PIK3R4/VPS15-PIK3C3/VPS34-BECN1-ATG14, while the endosomal trafficking complex (complex II) is necessary for vesicle trafficking and is comprised of PIK3R4/VPS15-PIK3C3/VPS34-BECN1-UVRAG. This composition difference was exploited to identify novel and specific autophagy inhibitors that disrupted the BECN1-ATG14 protein-protein interaction, without affecting vesicle trafficking. A cellular NanoBRET assay was implemented to identify these inhibitors, and one compound was able to successfully disrupt the BECN1-ATG14 interaction and inhibit autophagy, with limited impact on vesicle trafficking. These results reveal the first protein-protein interaction inhibitor targeting the autophagy initiation machinery and demonstrate the viability of targeting protein-protein interactions for the discovery of autophagy-specific modulators.
Case Series: Failure of imaging & biochemical markers to capture disease progression in COVID-19

We report four individuals admitted for acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 who demonstrated significant clinical improvement prior to discharge and subsequently were readmitted with worsening respiratory failure, elevated inflammatory markers and worsening chest imaging. We propose a multi-disciplinary discharge criterion to establish a safer discharge process including trending inflammatory markers, daily imaging and pursuing follow up CT chest, particularly in individuals with significant morbidities and health disparities.
Non-reciprocal Rayleigh wave propagation in space-time modulated surface

Abstract Research on non-reciprocal propagation of waves is of great significance in the field of photonic and phononic crystals for realizing flexible one-way propagation devices with potential engineering applications. Here, non-reciprocal Rayleigh waves are investigated in a continuous two-dimensional (2D) semi-infinite medium bound with an array of space–time modulated spring–mass oscillators. The involved modulation is a wave-like perturbation of the surface of the continuous medium that breaks time-reversal symmetry and reciprocity. To characterize the propagation of Rayleigh waves in such a complex 2D medium with continuous and discrete interface, an analytical study is performed to obtain dispersion-engineered bandgaps by adopting the asymptotic method and coupled mode theory, which is also validated by numerical simulation. Specifically, the non-reciprocal transmission of Rayleigh waves with one-way mode conversion is illustrated, and various relevant physical quantities, including conversion length and band gap size, are quantitatively estimated. This work sheds light on versatile control of Rayleigh wave propagation ranging from sensing and evaluation of engineering structures to guided wave-based damage detection techniques.
NIRS measures in pain and analgesia: Fundamentals, features, and function

Current pain assessment techniques based only on clinical evaluation and self-reports are not objective and may lead to inadequate treatment. Having a functional biomarker will add to the clinical fidelity, diagnosis, and perhaps improve treatment efficacy in patients. While many approaches have been deployed in pain biomarker discovery, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a technology that allows for non-invasive measurement of cortical hemodynamics. The utility of fNIRS is especially attractive given its ability to detect specific changes in the somatosensory and high-order cortices as well as its ability to measure (1) brain function similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging, (2) graded responses to noxious and innocuous stimuli, (3) analgesia, and (4) nociception under anesthesia. In this review, we evaluate the utility of fNIRS in nociception/pain with particular focus on its sensitivity and specificity, methodological advantages and limitations, and the current and potential applications in various pain conditions. Everything considered, fNIRS technology could enhance our ability to evaluate evoked and persistent pain across different age groups and clinical populations.
Additively Manufactured Hollow Conductors with Integrated Cooling for High Specific Power Electrical Machines

Thick winding insulation required for partialdischarge-free electric machines used for aerospace applications is challenging for the design of thermal management system (TMS). This paper presents an advanced direct cooling approach using hollow conductors with coolant flow. The proposed concept is adopted in a direct-drive fractional-slot concentrated winding (FSCW) permanent magnet (PM) motor to have access to each winding conductor. The design shows significant merits including low pressure drop, fast thermal response and low thermal resistance. Additive manufacturing (AM) is adopted to build the coils (direct metal laser sintering, DMLS) and TMS (fuse filament fabrication, FFF). With the design flexibility brought by AM, parametric analysis is carried out to search for optimum design candidates. Therefore, highspecific-power (> 20kW/kg) and high-efficiency (> 95%) design targets are achieved. By adopting Aluminum alloy and Nylon for the coils and TMS, the goal of ultra-lightweight design can be met as well.
Windsor Beyond Marriage: Due Process, Equality, and Undocumented Immigration

The Supreme Court’s recent decision in United States v. Windsor, invalidating part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, presents a significant interpretive challenge. Early commentators have criticized the majority opinion’s lack of analytical rigor, and expressed doubt that Windsor can serve as a meaningful precedent with respect to constitutional questions outside the area of same-sex marriage. This short Article offers a more rehabilitative reading of Windsor, and shows how the decision can be used to analyze a significant constitutional question concerning the use of state criminal procedure to regulate immigration. From Windsor’s holding, the Article distills two concrete doctrinal propositions concerning the Due Process Clause’s application in cases that have significant equality dimensions. It then shows how these propositions can be used to evaluate the constitutionality of state laws that categorically deny bail to undocumented immigrants. The Article thereby makes a practical contribution to the burgeoning constitutional “dignity” literature. Furthermore, it offers an interpretation of Windsor that will be welcomed by those who applaud the recent triumphs of gay-rights advocates in the Supreme Court, but lament the stagnation and regression of constitutional protections for other groups.
Towards Sustainable Community Ownership: A Comparative Assessment of Scotland's Compulsory Community Right to Buy

This book chapter explores legislation recently enacted in Scotland: Part 3A of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which was introduced by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, and Part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016. This legislation, what the author calls the New Compulsory Community Right to Buy (NCCRtB), gives a "community body" a right to buy abandoned, neglected or environmentally harmful land or land that will foster sustainable development of the community from a private landowner even when the landowner does not wish to sell the land. The legislation will therefore result-at least in some cases-in what international property theorists call a "private taking" or what might be characterized as a private-to-private compulsory purchase order in the UK. The chapter analyzes the NCCRtB using the insights of four streams of international property theory that address the legitimacy of such takings, especially when justified by a claimed public interest in economic development: the Law and Economics Critique; the Progressive Property Critique; the Political Economy Critique; and the Ownership as Investment Critique. The chapter uses these critiques to examine seven pressure points in the new legislation that provide opportunities for the legislation to gain (or lose) democratic legitimacy. The chapter also suggests ways in which the Scottish Parliament might wish to modify the NCCRtB to respond to some of these critiques. The chapter concludes by identifying several disjunctions between the political, legal and cultural context of the United States, the jurisdiction from which most of the property theory critiques emerged, and Scotland. In doing so, the chapter reveals the striking optimism and ambition of the Scottish land reform movement.
Immiserizing growth in a closed economy

We develop a model with three key features: a factor market distortion, monopoly power in the product market and indivisibilities in consumption. In this setting, multiple equilibria arise, one with high and the other with low equilibrium wages, incomes and output. It is also shown that even in a closed economy, growth may be immiserizing and, finally, that redistribution could be a ‘‘rich man’s game’’.
Parameter calibration for high-porosity sandstones deformed in the compaction banding regime

Abstract This paper discusses the parameter calibration procedure for an elastoplastic constitutive model for high-porosity rocks. The model selected for the study is formulated in the frame of the critical state theory, which is here used in a form able to accommodate non-associated plastic flow and softening effects due to volumetric and deviatoric plastic strains. The goal of this study is to generate a set of model constants able to capture both the stress-strain response and the compaction localization characteristics (e.g., stress and inclination at the onset of the deformation bands). For this purpose, data about the compaction localization properties of four extensively characterized sandstones have been considered. In particular, the strain localization theory has been used as a calibration tool, using explicitly information about the pressure-dependence of the localization mechanisms observed in experiments. The model constants have been defined by matching the constitutive response upon hydrostatic compression, as well as the stresses at the transition from high-angle shear bands to pure compaction bands, and from compaction bands to homogeneous cataclastic flow. It is shown that such procedure generates a set of model constants able to capture satisfactorily both the rheological response upon triaxial compression and the salient features of the compaction localization process.
Confidentiality in Substance Abuse Counseling

ABSTRACT This paper will discuss confidentiality issues in the field of social work, specifically when working in addictions. Exceptions to the Code of Ethics and the Federal statute on Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Patients are discussed. Specific cases are examined around the populations of clients with HIV/AIDS and adolescence. Implications for practice and future directions are considered.
The Suicide of Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton, a distinguished poet, killed herself in 1974. Sexton's poems, many of which deal with suicide, read together with a richly researched recent biography--enhanced by the biographer's access to tapes of Sexton's sessions with her psychiatrist and by a foreword by that psychiatrist--permit an unusual opportunity to understand the interrelationship of her illness, her treatment, and the meaning of suicide in her life.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy of Mg0.9Fe0.1 SiO3 perovskite

Ambient pressure Moessbauer spectra of Mg(0.9)Fe-57(0.1)SiO3 perovskite synthesized at pressure-temperature conditions of about 50 GPa and 1700 K show that the iron is entirely high-spin Fe(2+) and appears to be primarily located in the octahedral site within the crystal structure. We observe broad Moessbauer lines, suggesting a distribution of electric-field gradients caused by disorder associated with the Fe ions. Also, the perovskite exhibits magnetic ordering at temperatures lower than 5 K, implying that there is a magnetic contribution to the absolute ('third-law') entropy of this phase.
Assessment of Student Engagement in Higher Education: A Synthesis of Literature and Assessment Tools

Educational research increasingly highlights the importance of student engagement and its impact on retention, learning and persistence. Despite widespread agreement on the value of student engagement, assessing engagement in higher education remains a challenge. To effectively measure student engagement (and understand its influence on the learning experience), it is essential that each institution defines the scope of engagement within their unique context and selects assessment metrics that align with the target definition. The dynamic nature of engagement mandates a multi-faceted approach to assessment that captures the interactive nature of the behavioral, affective and cognitive dimensions comprising student engagement. The value of various modes and tools for assessing student engagement in higher education are discussed. Â
Analysis of capacitor voltage ripple minimization in modular multilevel converter based on average model

This paper investigates reduction of submodule voltage ripple in modular multilevel converter (MMC). The reduction is achieved by injecting the optimum amount of circulating current across the phase leg of the converter. The magnitude and phase angle of arm currents and submodule voltage quantities are calculated via an average model derived for the MMC topology. Then based on the derived equations for submodule voltage components at different ac frequencies, an effort is done to calculate and inject the optimum magnitude of circulating current in order to minimize the voltage fluctuation across submodule capacitors. Also in this paper, the effect of natural and optimized circulating currents on converter losses and efficiency is investigated via calculating semiconductor losses.
Ethics workshop through LEAP

Cooper Union has developed an innovative program called LEAP (Leadership in Engineering Advancing the Profession) to expose students to topics not normally covered in the engineering curriculum. One of the workshops offered through LEAP addresses the issue of ethics. The format of the workshop is to address a timely subject (i.e. the Ford-Firestone tire problem) and discuss the ethical implications. The discussion is carefully guided by a panel of faculty, and an environment is created where students feel safe to offer their opinions. Feedback from the students shows the workshop was successful. The students realized that ethical implications of decisions are not always clear.
Comparative Efficacy of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Africans Americans Compared With European Americans.

Race has seldomly been reported in the major clinical trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). When described, African Americans (AAs) were substantially under-represented. This study sought to compare reverse ventricular remodeling and long-term outcomes in AAs versus European Americans (EAs) with advanced heart failure who underwent CRT. We extracted demographic (including race), clinical, and echocardiographic data on patients with advanced heart failure who underwent CRT with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% and a QRS duration ≥120 ms. Long-term outcomes were compared between AAs and EAs. In patients in whom follow-up echocardiograms were available, improvement in LVEF (defined as an absolute improvement ≥5%) was compared between races. From a cohort of 662 patients, there were 88 AAs and 574 EAs. At a mean follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.5 years, survival rate free of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart transplant was 54.5% for AAs and 53.8% for EAs (log-rank p = 0.997). In multivariate analysis, there was no difference in survival free of heart transplant or LVAD based on race (hazard ratio 1.1 [0.74 to 1.56], p = 0.72, EAs race as referent); 424 patients had a follow-up echocardiogram (55.4% EAs and 64.7% AAs). In multivariate analysis, there was no difference in the incidence of response based on race (1.1 [0.6 to 2.1, p = 0.80], EAs as referent). AAs derive similar benefits with CRT compared with EAs in terms of improvement in LVEF and long-term survival free of LVAD and heart transplant.
Some physical and chemical properties of trypsin-digested nucleoprotein.

A DNA–peptide complex that is soluble in 0·2m-sodium chloride can be prepared by trypsin digestion of calf thymus nucleoprotein. The trypsin-digested nucleoprotein molecule contains about 70% of DNA and 30% of peptides by weight, and consists of one DNA molecule associated with arginine-rich peptides. A series of trypsin-digested nucleoprotein preparations differing only in molecular weight were prepared by blending. The intrinsic viscosity and average sedimentation coefficient were determined for each of these preparations. Then the DNA was isolated from each preparation and the hydrodynamic measurements were repeated on the DNA. From a comparison of these results it was concluded that the presence of the complex-forming peptides causes a large decrease in intrinsic viscosity of the DNA and an increase in sedimentation coefficient. In addition, the hydrodynamic data indicate that the DNA–peptide complex behaves like a coil in solution but is more compact than the same length of DNA. The ‘melting’ profiles, streptomycin precipitation curves and maximum viscosities obtained with ethidium bromide binding for the trypsin-digested nucleoprotein are similar to those of purified DNA, and markedly different from those of undigested nucleoprotein. These findings suggest that the peptides are not strongly associated with the DNA, and that secondary valency forces are involved in the binding.
Leaf-preserving quantizations of PoissonSU(2) are not coalgebra homomorphisms

Although it has been found that some deformation quantizations of the PoissonSU(2) preserve symplectic leaves and some preserve the group (i.e. coalgebra) operation, this paper shows that a quantization ofSU(2) cannot be both leaf-preserving and group-preserving.
Altering Party Systems: Strategic Behavior and the Emergence of New Political Parties in Western Democracies. By Simon Hug. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2001. 216p. $47.50

The questions of when and why new political parties decide to form and contest elections in established democracies are not new, but they have grown in importance over the last two decades. The rise of postmaterialist and nationalist parties across Western Europe has led to an increased focus on the causal factors involved in the formation and electoral success of new parties. In this new book, Simon Hug attempts to move beyond existing studies to create generalizable hypotheses capable of predicting when we should expect these phenomena to occur. It is innovative both in terms of its approach, which is explicitly game-theoretic, and in its goal to move toward a truly generalizable theory of new party formation (and, to some degree, success). Although there are some theoretical as well as empirical weaknesses in the work, Hug has made a laudable effort in his attempts to move the analysis of new party development beyond the bulk of existing descriptive case or class studies.
Cytologic changes in the spermatogonial nuclei correlated with increased radio-resistance☆

Abstract The morphological variants in nucleated spermatogonia are described. Only one form of resting nucleus is recognized. The other variations can be arranged in an orderly sequence in the direction of spermatogonial reproduction or of differentiation. Reproductive nuclei are characterized by loss of reticulum. Differentiation in the direction of spermatocyte formation is recognized by retention of reticulum. It is suggested that the reproductive series is increasingly radio-sensitive, while the differentiating series is more resistant. This confirms the observation that the frequently appearing reticulated nucleus is more resistant than a mitotic or resting spermatogonial nucleus. It has been demonstrated that recognition of increased radio-resistance in an early differentiating nucleus is possible by a knowledge of its cytology.
INHERITANCE OF RESISTANCE TO SULFUR IN THE SPIDER MITE PREDATOR METASEIULUS OCCIDENTALS

Metaseiulus (= Typhlodromus or Galendromus) occidentalis (Nesbitt), Acarina, Phytoseudae, colonies collected from California vineyards are resistant to all formulations of sulfur tested. Colonies collected from apple, pear, or almond orchards are susceptible to sulfur. Resistant larvae survive to adulthood on treated leaves whereas susceptible larvae rarely survive to become protonymphs. In contrast, fecundity and longevity of resistant and susceptible adult females on sulfur-treated leaves are not significantly different. Survival rates of reciprocal F1, F2, and backcross larvae fit a model in which sulfur resistance is determined by a major semidominant gene. Sons inherit their resistance genes from their mothers, supporting the parahaploidy model for M. occidentalis. An acquired resistance to sulfur has never before been demonstrated in a phytoseiid, or any other biological control agent. RESUME Heridite de la resistance au soufre chez l'acarien predateur, Metaseiulus occidentalis Des colonies de Metaseiulus occidentalis recoltees dans des vignobles de San Joaquin Valley (Californie) sont resistentes (R) a toutes les compositions de soufre utilisees tandis que les colonies recoltees dans des vergers d'amandiers, de poiriers ou de pommiers ainsi que sur mures sauvages y sont sensibles (S). La resistance se manifeste chez les larves; les larves (R) donnent des adultes sur feuilles traitees tandis que les larves (S) y poursuivent rarement leur developpement jusqu'au stade prenymphes. DL 50 est de 27 (12–56) grammes de soufre AI pour 100 litres d'eau pour la colonie de mures sauvages de Berkeley (95 % CI). Le taux etiquete est 480 grammes 80 WP/100 litres d'eau. La mortalite des larves de la colonie du vignoble Raven (R) plafonne a 22 %. soit a un quart du taux etiquete; il n'y a aucune augmentation de la mortalite meme pour des doses correspondant a 32 fois le taux etiquete. Ainsi, aucune valeur DL 50 ne peut etre calculee pour les larves R. Les femelles adultes des colonies R et S ont une longevite et une productivite a peu pres normales sur feuilles traitees au soufre. Les larves provenant de F1 de F2 ou de croisements en retour presentent des niveaux eleves de resistance. Dans ces conditions, la resistance de M. occidentalis au soufre correspond a un modele pour lequel la resistance est provoquee par un gene majeur partiellement dominant. La proportion de descendance femelle survivant au soufre en F1, F2 et croisement retour est conforme au modele genetique parahaploide; les adultes mâles parahaploides sont supposes heriter leurs genes R uniquement des meres. C'est la premiere fois qu'un predateur phytoseide, ou n'importe quel agent de lutte biologique, a pu presenter une resistance acquise au soufre.
Numerical simulation of the microstructure and compression behavior of Eckernförde Bay sediments

Abstract Transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies conducted on sediments recovered using diver-collected cores and gravity cores from Eckernforde Bay in the Baltic Sea, Germany, reveal that the sediments consist of silt- to clay-sized sediment, both free and bound into fecal pellets, organic matter, biogenic materials, methane gas and microorganisms. The microstructure of the upper 2 m of the sediment is complex, with the clay particles arranged in a very open structure with variable inter- and intra-domain pore space. In an effort to understand the relationship between microscopic variables (e.g., microfabric) and macroscopic geotechnical properties (e.g., compressibility), a numerical study was performed using the discrete element method. The objective of this study was to develop an understanding of the micro- to macro-linkage of mechanical properties. Specifically, one-dimensional compression behavior of the sediment was numerically simulated and compared with experimental data. Compositional parameters of the sediment were obtained from specific tests conducted at the Naval Research Laboratory and from tests conducted by other researchers participating in the project. Image analysis was used to quantify the microfabric parameters from TEM images of the sediment. The effect of organic matter was simulated by introducing inter-particle contact cementation. Results indicate that inter-particle bonding due to inter-particle cementation and/or the van der Waals attractive force (1) contributes to the apparent overconsolidation observed in the laboratory and (2) holds the highly porous, unstable microstructure together until a threshold stress level is reached. Change in void ratio during compression is due to inter-, rather than intra-domain movement.
Distal cervical spine evaluation using swimmer's flexion-extension radiographs

Abstract Radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine begins with anteroposterior, lateral, and odontoid views. Unless the junction of C7-T1 can be adequately visualized on the cross-table lateral view, a swimmer's view is often performed. After fractures and subluxations have been excluded with these nonstressed views, spinal stability may be evaluated with stressed view radiographs such as a flexion-extension series. However, there is currently no protocol for evaluating the distal spinal stability in patients in whom traditional flexion-extension radiographs fail to visualize the important distal C7-Tl juncture. The present case study describes a trauma patient suffering from neck pain in whom cervical spine instability was ruled out using a swimmer's flexion-extension technique. Further study of this technique as a supplement to the conventional flexion and extension views in the stressed assessment of the entire cervical spine is recommended.
Developing the random phase approximation into a practical post-Kohn–Sham correlation model

The random phase approximation (RPA) to the density functional correlation energy systematically improves upon many limitations of present semilocal functionals, but was considered too computationally expensive for widespread use in the past. Here a physically appealing reformulation of the RPA correlation model is developed that substantially reduces its computational complexity. The density functional RPA correlation energy is shown to equal one-half times the difference of all RPA electronic excitation energies computed at full and first order coupling. Thus, the RPA correlation energy may be considered as a difference of electronic zero point vibrational energies, where each eigenmode corresponds to an electronic excitation. This surprisingly simple result is intimately related to plasma theories of electron correlation. Differences to electron pair correlation models underlying popular correlated wave function methods are discussed. The RPA correlation energy is further transformed into an explicit f...