cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Development of Dynamic Human Reliability Analysis Simulations for Inclusion in Risk Informed Safety Margin Characterization Frameworks

The United States Department of Energy is sponsoring the Light Water Reactor Sustainability program, which has the overall objective of supporting the near-term and the extended operation of commercial nuclear power plants. One key research and development (R&D) area in this program is the Risk-Informed Safety Margin Characterization pathway, which combines probabilistic risk simulation with thermohydraulic simulation codes to define and manage safety margins. The R&D efforts to date, however, have not included robust simulations of human operators, and how the reliability of human performance or lack thereof (i.e., human errors) can affect risk-margins and plant performance. This paper describes current and planned research efforts to address the absence of robust human reliability simulations and thereby increase the fidelity of simulated accident scenarios.
Comment on ;Radicalicity: A scale to compare reactivities of radicals; (Chem. Phys. Lett. 618 (2015) 99-101)

Abstract The recently proposed term “radicalicity” was described as a measure of the reactivity of a free radical Q , i.e., a kinetic quantity. It is shown here that in fact it is simply a frame-shifted version of the well-known bond dissociation energy, a thermodynamic quantity. Hence its use is discouraged.
USP6 Rearrangement Analysis in Giant-Cell Rich Lesions of the Head and Neck

Giant cell rich mesenchymal tumors (GTs) of the head and neck can show striking morphologic similarities. Examples include giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG), aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), and others. Rearrangements of the USP6 locus can be seen in up to 70% of primary ABCs. In this study, various GTs that show histologic features akin to ABC were evaluated for USP6 …
Survey epidemiology of Blastocystis hominis infection in Ganzhou

Objective To explore the infectious condition of Blastocystis hominis in Ganzhou.Methods With a randomized sampling,we heve researched infection rates through fecal samples of the target population and domestic animal and poultry and water specimens were collected from 20 communities of five counties or cities in Ganzhou(Jiangxi),the parasite egg was examined by direct wet mount preparation or nature sedimentation mount with 0.9% saline dilution using microscope.Results As a result,a total of 99 B.hominis infection occurred in the 1 336 survey persons.The infection rate was 7.41%.A total of 67 B.hominis infection occurred in the 628 survey stods from six kinds of domestic animals.The average infection rate was 10.67%.And a total of 11 positive sample occur in the 304 survey samples from three kinds of water samples.The average positive rate was 3.62%.Conclusion The B.hominis infection exist in human being and six kinds of domestic animals,three kinds of water are also polluted by B.hominis in Ganzhou.
Dietary dried plum increases bone mass, suppresses proinflammatory cytokines and promotes attainment of peak bone mass in male mice

Nutrition is an important determinant of bone health and attainment of peak bone mass. Diets containing dried plum (DP) have been shown to increase bone volume and strength. These effects may be linked to the immune system and DP-specific polyphenols. To better understand these relationships, we studied DP in skeletally mature (6-month-old) and growing (1- and 2-month-old) C57Bl/6 male mice. In adult mice, DP rapidly (<2 weeks) increased bone volume (+32%) and trabecular thickness (+24%). These changes were associated with decreased osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS) and decreased serum CTX, a marker of bone resorption. The reduction in Oc.S/BS was associated with a reduction in the osteoclast precursor pool. Osteoblast surface (Ob.S/BS) and bone formation rate were also decreased suggesting that the gain in bone in adult mice is a consequence of diminished bone resorption and formation, but resorption is reduced more than formation. The effects of DP on bone were accompanied by a decline in interleukins, TNF and MCP-1, suggesting that DP is acting in part through the immune system to suppress inflammatory activity and reduce the size of the osteoclast precursor pool. Feeding DP was accompanied by an increase in plasma phenolics, some of which have been shown to stimulate bone accrual. In growing and young adult mice DP at levels as low as 5% of diet (w/w) increased bone volume. At higher levels (DP 25%), bone volume was increased by as much as 94%. These data demonstrate that DP feeding dramatically increases peak bone mass during growth.
Establishment of nested RT-PCR assay for detection of coxsackie virus B5

Aim: To establish a rapid,sensitive,and specific method to detect coxsackie virus B5(CVB5).Methods: Two pairs of primers were designed according to the VP1 section of CVB5 isolated from Henan province nucleoprotein gene sequences published in GenBank. With optimized reaction conditions,a reverse transcription nested PCR assay for detection of CVB5 was developed specifically. The standard virus strains which had been identified as TCID50 were serially tenfold diluted and were used to determine the sensitivity of the method,and cDNA extracted from five different CVB5 strains and four other enteroviruses was used as template to assess the specificity of the method.Furthermore,52 samples of viral encephalitis were performed by using this nested RT-PCR method.Results: The sensitivity of two-wheeled amplification of CVB5 were respectively 10 TCID50 and 10-4TCID50.The amplification results of all CVB5 strains were positive, while the results of four other enteroviruses were negative.Ten positive results were obtained from the 52 samples using this method and the positive rate was 19.23%. Conclusion: A nested RT-PCR assay to detect CVB5 has been established successfully.
Separation and Characterization of Several Forms of Catalase in Leaf Extracts of Nicotiana Sylvestris.

Catalase is an abundant enzyme in the peroxisomes of leaves of C3 plants (1), where it plays a vital role in decomposition of H2O2 arising from the oxidation of photorespiratory glycolate. Although the leaves of some C3 plants appear to possess only one form of catalase (2, 3), multiple forms of leaf catalase have been reported in various C3 (4, 5, 6) and C4 (7) plants. Two of the catalase forms in maize leaves exhibit cell-type specificity, one residing in the cells of the bundle sheath, and the other in the mesophyll (8). Since photorespiration in maize would be confined to the bundle sheath, it appears that the mesophyll-specific catalase isozyme must perform some other function. The physiological significance of multiple forms of catalase in C3 leaves remains unclear. We have undertaken a characterization of leaf catalase in several C3 plants, with particular emphasis on Nicotiana, where multiple forms of the enzyme undergo marked changes during seedling development and major shifts in relative distribution in response to manipulation of photorespiratory activity.
The Harvard Years

A decade after lecturing at Harvard on a one-year appointment, Allyn Young arrived in Cambridge to take his position as Professor of Economics. Harvard College in 1920 had 180 faculty, 2534 undergraduate and 378 graduate students. Young’s good friend, F. W. Taussig, was chairman of the economics department, and Charles J. Bulloch, who had been at the University of Wisconsin when Young was a student there, was on the economics faculty. Both had been instrumental in securing Young’s appointment. His former history teachers at Wisconsin, Frederick Jackson Turner and Charles Haskins were in the history department. Haskins was also Dean of the Graduate School, and had been on ‘The Inquiry’ and in Paris with Young. There were a number of brilliant graduate student in economics, and the new Widener Library was one of the finest in the nation.
Imaging hepatocellular carcinoma using positron emission tomography

Yu Kuang received his B.Eng. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, in 1997 and 2004, respectively, and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH in 2009. He was a Research Fellow in the Department of Radiology at University of Michigan Hospital in 2010. And then he continued his radiation therapy physics clinical and postdoctoral research training in the Radiation Physics Division of Department of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University School of Medicine until 2012. Currently, he is a Lincy Endowed Assistant Professor in the Medical Physics Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He is an Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Nuclear Medicine & Radiation Therapy (OMICS Publishing Group). Recently, he has received two “Best in Physics” (BIP) awards (one for imaging track, the other for joint imaging-therapy track) in 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) annual meeting. BIPs were the scored highest in the blind abstract review process and were judged to reflect “the highest level of scientific quality and innovation”. Meanwhile, he also received a Basic Science Abstract Award -Radiation Physics Category in 2012 American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting, and a travel award in 2012 World Molecular Imaging Congress in Dublin, Ireland. He has a long standing research interest in the development and translation of novel imaging and therapeutic techniques utilizing ionizing radiation Imaging hepatocellular carcinoma using positron emission tomography
A kinetic model for GaAs growth by hydride vapor phase epitaxy

Precise control of the growth of III-V materials by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is complicated by the fact that the growth rate depends on the concentrations of nearly all inputs to the reactor and also the reaction temperature. This behavior is in contrast to metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), which in common practice operates in a mass transport limited regime where growth rate and alloy composition are controlled almost exclusively by flow of the Group III precursor. In HVPE, the growth rate and alloy compositions are very sensitive to temperature and reactant concentrations, which are strong functions of the reactor geometry. HVPE growth, particularly the growth of large area materials and devices, will benefit from the development of a growth model that can eventually be coupled with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a specific reactor geometry. In this work, we develop a growth rate law using a Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) analysis, fitting unknown parameters to growth rate data from the literature that captures the relevant kinetic and thermodynamic phenomena of the HVPE process. We compare the L-H rate law to growth rate data from our custom HVPE reactor, and develop quantitative insight into reactor performance, demonstrating the utility of the growth model.
Ford Financial Empowerment Model

The Ford Financial Empowerment Model (FFEM) is an integrative approach to financial therapy, blending popular theoretical models used in family therapy with basic financial counseling techniques, helping to support the development of financial success and empowerment. The multistage model in financial therapy specifically integrates two theoretically driven psychotherapy approaches (i.e., cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapies) with financial education and skill development. This chapter will focus on the elements and the implementation of the FFEM, including an overview of cognitive-behavioral and narrative approaches, the stages of FFEM, empowerment and contextual considerations, and relevant financial counseling and education techniques.
Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: Is Single-stage Revision According to a Strict Protocol Effective in Treatment of Chronic Knee Arthroplasty Infections?

It is with great pride that Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® presents the 2014 Proceedings of the Knee Society. As has been the case every year for nearly two decades now, the partnership between CORR® and the Knee Society has produced a collection of papers that should influence thought on the most important current issues in the treatment of the adult knee. While we could feature any of the dozens of papers from those proceedings in the spotlight section, including any of several award-winners [1, 3, 4], we have chosen to highlight a paper by Professor Fares S. Haddad’s group in the United Kingdom on a thorny and resistant topic: Single-stage exchange revision for the infected TKA.
Extent of surgical resection and tumor size predicts prognosis in granular cell tumor of the sellar region.

Rarely, granular cell tumor (GCT) occurs in the sellar region. The natural history of this clinical entity is not well known. This study sought to determine the clinical features and long-term outcome of GCT of the sellar region. Institutional databases, the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and PubMed/EMBASE were searched for GCT of the sellar region. Patient-level data were extracted where available, including age, sex, symptoms, tumor size and location, presumed diagnosis, surgical approach and result, subtotal resection (STR) and gross-total resection (GTR), use of radiation, and outcome. The primary endpoints of recurrence and survival were determined. A total of 141 cases were analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis was 48.9 (SD 15.3) with a female predominance (sex ratio 1.49:1). Almost all patients experienced either or both neurological and endocrine symptoms. The most common pre-operative diagnosis was pituitary adenoma. Approximately 60% of patients were treated with surgery, 57.7% with a craniotomy, and 39.7% with a transsphenoidal approach. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 84.7% (standard error, SE 4.2). Patients with tumors less than 2.5 cm experienced a greater 5-year OS (100.0%) than patients with tumors 2.5 cm or larger (74.0%, SE: 11.7), (Mantel–Cox, p = 0.024). GTR resulted in a greater 5-year OS (95.7%, SE 4.3) than STR (88.8%, SE 5.5) and no surgery or biopsy alone (75.0%, SE 15.3) (Mantel–Cox, p = 0.016). The use of radiation therapy did not improve OS. The 5-year progression-free survival rate was 80.8% (SE 9.2). Granular cell tumor of the sellar region is a relatively benign neoplasm with neurological and endocrine clinical manifestations. Surgical resection is appropriate for management. Tumor size and extent of resection influence overall survival.
Lumbar Osteotomy Techniques

The objective of this chapter is to discuss the decision-making and surgical technique of lumbar osteotomies for treatment of malalignment. A comprehensive literature review was performed on the history, indications, preoperative evaluation, and decision-making in patients with sagittal and coronal plane malalignment, as well as surgical technique for lumbar osteotomies. There has been an evolution of many different types of osteotomies for correcting deformities; however, three general categories exist: (1) posterior column osteotomy (PCO), (2) pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), and (3) vertebral column resection (VCR). More recently, the Schwab classification describes six anatomically defined osteotomies that are commonly accepted and used. Utilizing the best available evidence, we review the indications and patient selection as a first step and then discuss the decision-making and preoperative planning. Lastly, we detail the surgical technique with emphasis on complication avoidance.
A Simulation Model for Comparing Numerical Taxonomic Methods

Methods of reconstructing phylogeny generally cannot be validated by comparison with the true phylogeny. This is an obvious hindrance in debates concerning the relative merits of various taxonomic approaches. In order to be able to compare estimated trees with “true” phylogenies, I have developed a simulation model that generates artificial data sets with properties expected of real data sets, and having a known phylogeny.
BULLYING NO AMBIENTE ESCOLAR: O PAPEL DO PROFESSOR E DA ESCOLA COMO PROMOTORES DE RESILIÊNCIA

Este artigo tem como objetivo provocar reflexoes sobre o bullying escolar, definido como pratica violenta intencional praticada entre pares, com desigualdade de poder, que prejudica as relacoes humanas, com consequencias e mudancas nas caracteristicas biopsicologicas dos envolvidos. O relato de experiencia apresenta uma atividade desenvolvida por uma professora de uma escola publica do sul do Brasil, a qual solicitou aos seus alunos, no inicio do ano letivo, a producao de texto intitulada “Quem sou eu?”. O texto de um dos alunos sobre seu sofrimento de voltar para a escola por sofrer bullying motivou a docente a desenvolver um projeto de intervencao. Ao final do ano letivo, foi solicitada nova producao de texto, por meio do qual se constatou o desenvolvimento positivo do referido estudante. O relato dessa experiencia apresenta as duas producoes do aluno e o projeto de intervencao desenvolvido no ambiente escolar.
Lunar-based astronomy

Space exploration and science go hand in hand. This is true for both robotic and manned missions. The advantage of missions that include astronauts is that they may be able to figure out how to repair something that stopped working, and they can modify the research itinerary if something unexpected of greater scientific interest is found. (It would be a shame if non-carbon-based life forms were sitting to the side of a robotic explorer that is looking for carbon-based life forms, and the robot’s sensors did not notice these life forms because the sensors were programmed so narrowly!)
Fabrication and Characterization of Optical Tissue Phantoms Containing Macrostructure

The rapid development of new optical imaging techniques is dependent on the availability of low-cost, customizable, and easily reproducible standards. By replicating the imaging environment, costly animal experiments to validate a technique may be circumvented. Predicting and optimizing the performance of in vivo and ex vivo imaging techniques requires testing on samples that are optically similar to tissues of interest. Tissue-mimicking optical phantoms provide a standard for evaluation, characterization, or calibration of an optical system. Homogenous polymer optical tissue phantoms are widely used to mimic the optical properties of a specific tissue type within a narrow spectral range. Layered tissues, such as the epidermis and dermis, can be mimicked by simply stacking these homogenous slab phantoms. However, many in vivo imaging techniques are applied to more spatially complex tissue where three dimensional structures, such as blood vessels, airways, or tissue defects, can affect the performance of the imaging system. This protocol describes the fabrication of a tissue-mimicking phantom that incorporates three-dimensional structural complexity using material with optical properties of tissue. Look-up tables provide India ink and titanium dioxide recipes for optical absorption and scattering targets. Methods to characterize and tune the material optical properties are described. The phantom fabrication detailed in this article has an internal branching mock airway void; however, the technique can be broadly applied to other tissue or organ structures.
The Power of Toads

There might be some toads who actually believe That the loin-shaking thunder of the banks, the evening filled with damp, the warm softening mud and rising Riverlets are the facts of their own persistent Performance. Maybe they think that when they sing They sing more than songs, creating rain and mist By their voices, initiating the union of water and dusk, Females materializing on the banks shaped perfectly By their calls.
Modeling Competition Between Two Influenza Strains

We use spatial and nonspatial models to argue that competition alone may explain why two influenza strains do not usually coexist during a given flu season. The more virulent strain is likely to crowd out the less virulent one. This can be seen as a consequence of the Exclusion Principle of Ecology. We exhibit, however, a spatial model for which coexistence is possible.
The doubly-fed induction generator in the rotor-tied configuration

The demand for electricity from renewable sources continues to rise, and with it, the need for more efficient wind energy conversion systems. Wind turbines equipped with a wound-rotor induction machine can be operated in a more efficient configuration than currently popular, with little to no change in system hardware. By coupling the machine to the grid inversely to the norm, losses in the system can be reduced. The theory describing this configuration and mode of operation is detailed, with steady-state operating conditions calculated. Theoretical analysis shows that core loss due to magnetic hysteresis can be reduced, and efficiency increased. Operation in the proposed configuration is compared experimentally to the conventional one, with results indicating a substantial improvement of energy-conversion efficiency for the machine under test. Losses associated with the electronic power converters and auxiliary hardware are not expected to change significantly, and are not considered.
Unique Continuation with Weak Type Lower Order Terms

This paper proves a unique continuation property for the elliptic differential inequality |Δu| ≤ A|u| + B|∇u|, where the coefficients A and B are functions in the Lorentz space with small weak type norm.
Cell-cell adhesion interface: orthogonal and parallel forces from contraction, protrusion, and retraction.

The epithelial lateral membrane plays a central role in the integration of intercellular signals and, by doing so, is a principal determinant in the emerging properties of epithelial tissues. Mechanical force, when applied to the lateral cell–cell interface, can modulate the strength of adhesion and influence intercellular dynamics. Yet the relationship between mechanical force and epithelial cell behavior is complex and not completely understood. This commentary aims to provide an investigative look at the usage of cellular forces at the epithelial cell–cell adhesion interface.
Design and 22-step synthesis of highly potent D-ring modified and linker-equipped analogs of spongistatin 1

Spongistatin 1 is among the most potent anti-proliferative agents ever discovered rendering it an attractive candidate for development as a payload for antibody–drug conjugates and other targeted delivery approaches. Unfortunately, it is unavailable from natural sources and its size and complex stereostructure render chemical synthesis highly time- and resource-intensive. As a result, the design and synthesis of more acid-stable and linker functional group-equipped analogs that retain the low picomolar potency of the parent natural product requires more efficient and step-economical synthetic access. Using uniquely enabling direct complex fragment coupling crotyl- and alkallylsilylation reactions, we report a 22-step synthesis of a rationally designed D-ring modified analog of spongistatin 1 that is characterized by GI50 values in the low picomolar range, and a proof-of-concept result that the C(15) acetate may be replaced with linker functional group-bearing esters with only minimal reductions in potency. Step-economical and efficient syntheses of Spongistatin 1 analogs are desirable for the development of potent anti-proliferative agents. Here, the authors report a 22-step synthesis of a D-ring modified Spongistatin 1 analog with retained picomolar potency among a group of C(15) ester derivatives.
The role of wind in sediment removal from potholes in semiarid environments

Abstract Potholes, or rock basins, are depressions that have been carved out of bedrock. While there has been speculation in the literature regarding the processes involved in the addition or removal of sediment in existing potholes, the processes have not been systematically documented. This study attempts to fill this knowledge gap through data collection on 50 potholes in the Navajo Sandstone located on the top of Rock Window Mesa in Chinle Valley, AZ. For spatial analysis, we obtained a high-resolution digital elevation model and detailed orthophoto of the mesa. These data allowed us to precisely measure many aspects of the potholes, which we then compared to wind data we collected to draw conclusions on how pothole morphology, catchment size, and water retention capacity affect the sediment removal processes. Wind measurements were done on 11 potholes with a range of sizes representative of the 50 potholes on the mesa. Wind speed across the top of the mesa is almost always greater than wind speed in the pothole at any given moment, and there is a robust linear relationship between the wind speed above the pothole and the wind speed in the pothole for all shapes and sizes of potholes tested. In dry conditions, the wind speed threshold for sand removal from the potholes is about 50 km/h, independent of pothole size. We observed the formation of wind eddies in the potholes which formed vortices several meters in height, and these eddies, traveling upward with a helical motion, removed the sand. We conclude that wind is an effective agent for the removal of sediment from the potholes, preventing their infill via the accumulation of sand debris brought in by the wind and spalled from the pothole sides.
Parental Control for Latinas and Non-Latinas: Implications for Emerging Adult Mental Health

The overall goal of this study was to develop a stronger understanding of the role of culture in shaping the experience of parental control and its mental health implications for emerging adults. Specifically, the study focused parental psychological and behavioral control, and their potential implications for emerging adults’ hopelessness and depressive symptoms. A core hypothesis is that associations of parental control with mental health would differ between Latinas and non-Latinas because of cultural differences in parental expectations and parent-child dynamics. Additionally, similarities and differences in the role of mothers’ and fathers’ control were explored. The sample consisted of 330 female emerging adults, including 146 Latinas and 184 non-Latinas. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of parental psychological and behavioral control, of mothers and fathers separately, and mental health indicators. Results from path models demonstrated the relevance of mothers’ psychological control for both Latinas and non-Latinas, while differential implications of mothers’ behavioral control were found for Latinas and non-Latinas. In addition, mothers’ psychological control appeared to be more salient than fathers’ psychological control for female emerging adults’ mental health. The role of culture in the function of parental control for emerging adults’ mental health is discussed.
A New (?) Educational View of Computing

When considering potential solutions to today's hot topics in computing, such as security, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and modeling performance, it is becoming clearer that such approaches need to incorporate hardware -oriented aspects, which is a step backward in our current educational view of computing.
Impact of a community-based approach to patient engagement in rural, low-income adults with type 2 diabetes.

Objective This secondary analysis examined the relationships between Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scores, use of health services, and HgA1C. Design A feasibility study was conducted for a community-based intervention for high-risk adults with uncontrolled diabetes. Data were collected at baseline and monthly, including PAM and modified Diabetes Self-Management Assessment Report Tool. Intervention Participants (n = 58) were randomized to a 3-month nurse (RN) telephone management or community health worker (CHW) in-home intervention, focusing on medication adherence, timely follow-up, diabetes self-management coaching, and linkage to resources. Results Sample was mostly female (73%), African-American (90%), low income (75%), high school education or less (80%), and mean age of 59 years. A positive association between PAM score and self-reported diabetes care recommendations was found (r = .356, p = .014) and significant correlation between baseline PAM score and HgA1C levels (r = -.306, p = .029). A paired samples t test showed statistically significant increases in PAM scores in the CHW intervention group (mean increase +8.5, CI [+2.49 to +14.65]); baseline (M = 60.31, SD = 13.3) to end of study ([M = 68.89, SD = 16.39], t(22) = 2.924, p = .008 [two-tailed]). Conclusion A community-based approach to diabetes management demonstrated a positive effect on patient activation. Although disparities in health care access among rural, low-income populations exist, community-based interventions show potential for improving patient engagement in diabetes management and recommended health services.
Electrical Circuit Modeling and Validation of Through-Silicon Vias Embedded in a Silicon Microfluidic Pin-Fin Heat Sink Filled With Deionized Water

This article presents the electrical circuit model of signal–ground through-silicon vias (TSVs) in a silicon microfluidic pin-fin heat sink in which the pin-fins are surrounded by deionized water. Such TSVs are asymmetric vertically because the TSVs are partially embedded in cylindrical pin-fins as well as in a rectangular silicon base. In this article, we propose a circuit model that segregates the asymmetric geometry into two symmetric segments: one segment for a silicon base and the other segment for cylindrical silicon pin-fins surrounded by deionized water, which we refer to as “a pin-fin segment.” Specifically, the pin-fin segment is modeled using two-dielectric coaxial-line formulas to represent the double layers of silicon dioxide and silicon that surround the copper vias. Using the developed circuit model, this article quantitatively analyzes the impact of fluidic designs, such as the diameter and height of pin-fins on the electrical characteristics of TSVs. Following circuit model validation using high-frequency electromagnetic field simulations, the modeling results are compared with measured data.
Factors That Contribute to Provider Decision Between Direct and Video Laryngoscopy in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services System: A Survey

Abstract Objective In caring for critically ill patients in the prehospital setting, rapid, definitive airway management is a high-risk, crucial procedure. All helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) providers must proficiently and safely perform this procedure. Little information is available about the preference and efficacy of video laryngoscopy (VL) compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL). Additionally, there is a paucity of research investigating which method of intubation is more successful in the HEMS setting. The objective of this study was to delineate factors that contribute to provider decision regarding the method of orotracheal intubation and compare the frequency of use for each method. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to all providers in a single HEMS program. The survey results were deidentified and blinded to the researchers. Results The survey was sent to 40 HEMS providers; 29 responded, and 119 total intubations were reported. Method familiarity and patient condition were the most commonly cited reasons for choosing both DL and VL for intubation. DL accounted for 15 intubation attempts, whereas 104 attempts were completed by VL. Conclusion For both laryngoscopy techniques, the top reasons cited for selecting an intubation technique were being comfortable with that technique and patient presentation. Further investigation with chart review would help confirm the reported data.
Offshore transport of floodwaters following extreme storms impacts sponge health and associated microbial communities

Abstract Terrestrial runoff can negatively impact marine ecosystems through stressors including excess nutrients, freshwater, sediments, and contaminants. Severe storms, which are increasing with global climate change, generate massive inputs of runoff over short timescales (hours to days); such runoff impacted offshore reefs in the northwest Gulf of Mexico (NW GoM) following severe storms in 2016 and 2017. Several weeks after coastal flooding from these events, NW GoM reef corals, sponges, and other benthic invertebrates experienced mortality (2016 only) and/or sub-lethal stress (both years). To assess the impact of storm-derived runoff on reef filter feeders, we characterized the microbiomes of two sponges, Agelas clathrodes and Xestospongia muta, during periods of lethal stress, sub-lethal stress, and no stress over a three-year period (2016-2018). Increased anaerobes during lethal stress indicate hypoxic conditions were associated with the 2016 mortality event. Additionally, we found evidence of wastewater contamination (based on 16S rRNA gene libraries and quantitative PCR) in sponges 185 km offshore following storms (2016 and 2017), but not during the non-flooding year (2018). We show that flooding after severe storms reaches offshore reef ecosystems and may impact offshore benthic organisms, highlighting the need for molecular and microbial time series from near- and offshore reef ecosystems, and for the continued mitigation of stormwater runoff and climate change impacts. Importance Stressors associated with terrestrial runoff have contributed to substantial population declines in nearshore marine ecosystems worldwide over the last three decades. It has been assumed that offshore marine ecosystems (>100 km from land) are largely unaffected by terrestrial runoff. Our findings, however, suggest that flooding events can significantly impact offshore marine organisms, based on the detection of shifted microbiomes and human pathogens in offshore sponges after extreme storm events across two separate years, and lack of detection in a non-flooding year.
Re-evaluating Blood Markers as Predictors of Outcome in Multivisceral and Intestinal Transplantation

Abstract Background Multivisceral transplant (MVTx) and isolated intestinal transplant (ITx) are complex surgical procedures. The subsequent proinflammatory state in the immediate postoperative period makes interpretation of blood markers difficult. Method We aimed to establish the course of various blood markers after MVTx/ITx, and to evaluate their use as diagnostic markers of complications. This was a single center prospective cohort. We analyzed blood markers collected preoperatively, on alternate days for the first postoperative week, and then weekly for 4 weeks. This study was in compliance with The Declaration of Helsinki. Results Over a 16-month period (July 2017-October 2018), 20 subjects aged 2 to 67 years with a median age of 24.5 years received MVTx/ITx. Twelve recipients (60%) had an infection. Neutrophil lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) was higher than established upper limits of normal, regardless of infection status. NLCR and white blood cell count were useful to identify infected MVTx/ITx recipients, with P values Conclusions This is the first study to extensively track the course of blood markers post MVTx/ITx and identified NLCR and white blood cell count as potential diagnostic blood markers of infection.
Assessing the utility and attitudes toward molecular testing in neuro-oncology: a survey of the Society for Neuro-Oncology members.

Background Molecular testing (MT) is utilized in neuro-oncology with increasing frequency. The aim of this study was to determine clinical practice patterns to acquire this information, interpret and utilize MT for patient care, and identify unmet needs in the practical clinical application of MT. Methods We conducted a voluntary online survey of providers within the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) membership database between March and April 2019. Results We received 152 responses out of 2022 SNO members (7.5% of membership). 88.8% of respondents routinely order MT for newly diagnosed gliomas. Of those who do not, testing is preferentially performed in younger patients or those with midline tumors. 82.8% use MT in recurrent gliomas. Other common indications included: metastatic tumors, meningioma, and medulloblastoma. Many providers utilize more than one resource (36.0%), most frequently using in-house (41.8%) over commercially available panels. 78.1% used the results for clinical decision-making, with BRAF, EGFR, ALK, and H3K27 mutations most commonly directing treatment decisions. Approximately, half (48.5%) of respondents have molecular tumor boards at their institutions. Respondents would like to see SNO-endorsed guidelines on MT, organized lists of targeted agents available for specific mutations, a database of targetable mutations and clinical trials, and more educational programs on MT. Conclusion This survey was marked by several limitations including response rate and interpretation of MT. Among respondents, there is routine use of MT in Neuro-Oncology, however, there remains a need for increased guidance for providers to effectively incorporate the expanding genomic data resulting from MT into daily Neuro-Oncology practice.
Little Things Mean a Lot in Simulations

All teachers using business simulations are concerned about what students learn when they participate in these games. Their questions are often: Is the business game I am using designed to teach the concepts I want it to? Are the teams balanced in terms of ability? Is the room designed correctly for little group discussions? There may also be other, simpler, and more controllable conditions to worry about that some would call, “the little things”. For example, Does the gender of the participant influence performance? Do teams with international students perform differently? Do teams that “share the load” perform differently than teams that do not try to “share the load?” Do teams that select their own leaders perform better than teams with designated leaders? Did teams that became good friends do better than teams that did not become good friends? This paper discusses exploratory research about the impact of some of these “little things”. This research has found that many of these “little things” have highly significant influences upon performance and should be considered when using a business simulation for experiential learning.
Estimating Pluvial Depth-Damage Functions for Areas Within the United States Using Historical Claims Data

Flooding has been the most costly natural disaster over the past two decades within the United States. Therefore, recent research has focused on more accurately predicting economic losses from flooding to aid decision makers and mitigate economic exposure. For this, depth-damage functions have commonly been employed to predict the relative or absolute damage to buildings caused by different magnitudes of flooding. While depth-damage functions, such as those adopted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, are widely available for fluvial and coastal flooding, less work has been done to develop functions for pluvial induced flooding. Here, we use a database containing 13.5 million claims to develop pluvial depth-damage functions. For this, recently released flood hazard data are utilized to identify claims within the database that are likely related to pluvial flooding. We employed two types of regression models to fit the depth-damage functions. Secondarily, we developed an AVM model to estimate building values across the state of New Jersey. These building values were then combined with flood hazard layers in order to apply the depth-damage functions and compute an aggregate annualized loss for New Jersey. The results indicate moderate agreement between the observed damage within the state of New Jersey and that computed by applying the study-developed depth-damage curves to buildings within the state using pluvial flood hazard layers. It is anticipated that the depth-damage functions developed by this research will aid future work in more accurately quantifying the economic risks associated with flooding across the United States.
The Devil Is in the Lack of Details

This is a commentary on Deirdre M. Bowen’s article, Brilliant Disguise: An Empirical Analysis of a Social Experiment Banning Affirmative Action, appearing in the same issue of the journal. The main focus of this piece is that, though Bowen presented an interesting hypothesis, her conclusions were unfortunately not supported given the methodological problems inherent in her study.
Atomic Scale Imaging and Spectroscopy of a C u O 2 Plane at the Surface of B i 2 S r 2 C a C u 2 O 8 + δ

We have used a scanning tunneling microscope to demonstrate that a single $\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}$ plane can form a stable and atomically ordered layer at the surface of $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{r}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{u}}_{\mathrm{2}}{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{8}\mathrm{+}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$. In contrast to previous studies on high-${T}_{c}$ surfaces, the $\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}$-terminated surface exhibits a strongly suppressed tunneling conductance at low voltages. We consider a number of different explanations for this phenomena and propose that it may be caused by how the orbital symmetry of the $\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}$ plane's electronic states affects the tunneling process.
Cimbiosys: a platform for content-based partial replication

Increasingly people manage and share information across a wide variety of computing devices from cell phones to Internet services. Selective replication of content is essential because devices, especially portable ones, have limited resources for storage and communication. Cimbiosys is a novel replication platform that permits each device to define its own content-based filtering criteria and to share updates directly with other devices. In the face of fluid network connectivity, redefinable content filters, and changing content, Cimbiosys ensures two properties not achieved by previous systems. First, every device eventually stores exactly those items whose latest version matches its filter. Second, every device represents its replication-specific metadata in a compact form, with state proportional to the number of devices rather than the number of items. Such compact representation results in low data synchronization overhead, which permits ad hoc replication between newly encountered devices and frequent replication between established partners, even over low bandwidth wireless networks.
Stability of Candida utilis Cells and Spheroplasts Toward Gravitational Forces

Abstract Candida utilis cells and spheroplasts containing uric acid crystals in their vacuoles were not damaged by the mechanical stress of centrifugation at 20,000 × g for 10 min, as judged by plating, microscopy, and spectrophotometry.
Distance Learning and the Control Theory Metaphor

Abstract This monogram offers an empirical discussion of a common issue appearing in the design of eLearning courses nowadays and the even more commonly found misperception of many faculty about delivering such courses. These issues are viewed from the perspective of an engineer designing a mechanical control system, the design of which can affect the mechanical output or behaviour of the system resulting in different outputs based on the existence and proper use of its various components. Courses designed for online delivery, just like mechanical systems, require input, controllers and regulators, and a sought-after output. The components of online courses form a dynamical eLearning system in which, similarly to its mechanical counterparts, the mere presence of the components themselves cannot result in an optimally controlled system without the presence of necessary and appropriate controllers. This critical review of the topic identifies the current realities and drawbacks and offers an innovative view in the context of distance learning systems and their impact.
Association of White Blood Cell Count and Differential with the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background Although inflammation is involved in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), the association of white blood cell (WBC) count and differential with AF has not been thoroughly examined in large cohorts with extended follow-up. Methods We studied 14,500 men and women (25% blacks, 55% women, mean age 54) free of AF at baseline (1987–89) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a community-based cohort in the United States. Incident AF cases through 2010 were identified from study electrocardiograms, hospital discharge records and death certificates. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for AF associated with WBC count and differential. Results Over a median follow-up time of 21.5 years for the entire cohort, 1928 participants had incident AF. Higher total WBC count was associated with higher AF risk independent of AF risk factors and potential confounders (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.15 per 1-standard deviation [SD] increase). Higher neutrophil and monocyte counts were positively associated with AF risk, while an inverse association was identified between lymphocyte count and AF (multivariable adjusted HRs 1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.23; 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.11; 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.97 per 1-SD, respectively). No significant association was identified between eosinophils or basophils and AF. Conclusions High total WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were each associated with higher AF risk while lymphocyte count was inversely associated with AF risk. Systemic inflammation may underlie this association and requires further investigation for strategies to prevent AF.
DEUTERON CROSS SECTIONS FOR HIGH ENERGY PROJECTILES

Abstract The absorption cross section of a deuteron for high energy particles is computed in a semi-classical model in which the elementary neutron and proton cross sections are represented by classical black disks and the impulse approximation describes the collision. Computations have been carried out for Hulthdn and Gartenhaus wave functions and results are presented in graphical or tabular form. Approximate formulas and the sensitivity of the calculations to deuteron wave function are discussed. Recent antiproton experiments imply that the shadow corrections are a large fraction of the antiproton-nucleon cross sections.
The photoproducts of retinal-based visual pigments In situ: A contrast between Rana pipiens and Gekko gekko

The slow thermal reactions following the formation of metarhodopsin II in the bleached isolated retina of Rana pipiens have been studied at different pH and temperature and compared with the behaviour of the photoproducts of the P521 1 of Gekko gekko . In R. pipiens metarhodopsin III, at 5°C and pH 7.2, decayed with a rate constant of1.44 × 10 −4 sec −1 , sensitive to pH with a pK at about pH 6.5. The reaction had a Q 10 of2 60 ± 0.15. The results support a two pathway model for the breakdown of metarhodopsin II; one direct to retinal and a second through metarhodopsin III. In the gecko no evidence was seen for a metarhodopsin III and the only photoproduct detected absorbed maximally at about 385 nm. It is suggested that this may be a retinal-opsin complex orientated slightly parallel to the rod axis, in contrast to the transversely orientated retinal-opsin complex formed in the frog. The apparent very rapid kinetics of the decay of the photoproducts of the gecko pigment are discussed in relation to the transmutation theory of Walls (1934).