cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TileCode: Creation of Video Games on Gaming Handhelds

We present TileCode, a video game creation environment that runs on battery-powered microcontroller-based gaming handhelds. Our work is motivated by the popularity of retro video games, the availability of low-cost gaming handhelds loaded with many such games, and the concomitant lack of a means to create games on the same handhelds. With TileCode, we seek to close the gap between the consumers and creators of video games and to motivate more individuals to participate in the design and creation of their own games. The TileCode programming model is based on tile maps and provides a visual means for specifying the context around a sprite, how a sprite should move based on that context, and what should happen upon sprite collisions. We demonstrate that a variety of popular video games can be programmed with TileCode using 10-15 visual rules and compare/contrast with block-based versions of the same games implemented using MakeCode Arcade.
The Paradox of Thailand's Success in Controlling COVID-19

Thailand has been remarkably successful in containing COVID-19, limiting the number of total cases to only 3,400 and deaths to 59 Since June 2020, Thailand has had only one domestically transmitted case, successfully avoiding a second wave This paper argues that Thailand's success could be attributed to the high public fear and strict border control at the initial stage, followed by the centralization of leadership, active involvement of health volunteers, the highly cautious phased lockdown lifting, and an effective response to threats of a second wave later However, Thailand's economy is expected to contract by 8 percent-the largest in Southeast Asia This appears to be a paradox that could be explained by Thailand's low potential GDP growth rate, high dependence on tourism, and overly strict measures used to contain the virus
Large-Scale Biasing and the Primordial Gravitational Potential

We modified the Press-Schechter (PS) formalism and then analytically derived a constrained mass distribution function n(M|) for the regions having some specified value of the primordial gravitational potential . The resulting modified PS theory predicts that gravitationally bound clumps with masses corresponding to rich clusters are significantly biased toward the regions of negative primordial potential—the troughs of the potential. The prediction is quantitative, depending on the mass and the depth of the troughs, which can be tested in large N-body simulations. As an illustration of the magnitude of the effect, we calculate the constrained mass function for the CDM model with Γ=Ωh=0.25 normalized to σ8=1. In particular, we show that the probability of finding a clump of mass 1014-1015 h-1 M☉ in the region of negative initial potential is 1.3-3 times greater (depending on the mass) than that in the region of positive initial potential. The scale of the potential fluctuations R=√3σ/σ' is shown to be ≈ 120 h-1 Mpc for the spectrum in question. The rms mass density contrast on this scale is only about σδ(R) ≈ 0.03. Assuming that the modified PS theory is statistically correct, we conclude that clusters are significantly biased (b≥10; b is a bias factor defined by Δncl/ncl=bΔρm/ρm) toward the regions having negative initial potential.
Management of Bleeding Associated with Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support

Heart failure patients that require mechanical circulatory support with a ventricular assist device (VAD) are at a high risk of bleeding due to the underlying physiology of their disease, the physical presence of the VAD, and the requirement of antithrombotic therapy. The VAD pump itself can influence hematologic, inflammatory, and immunologic parameters that can disrupt the hemostatic process. Continuous flow VADs are now more frequently used compared to the older, pulsatile flow devices due to their smaller size and reduced risk of thrombosis. These benefits are marginally offset by the higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding seen in patients using continuous flow devices. It is important that healthcare providers responsible for the management of these patients be prepared to deal with potential bleeding events appropriately.
Effect of a Multifaceted Clinical Pharmacist Intervention on Medication Safety After Hospitalization in Persons Prescribed High-risk Medications: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance The National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event (ADE) Prevention identified 3 high-priority, high-risk drug classes as targets for reducing the risk of drug-related injuries: anticoagulants, diabetes agents, and opioids. Objective To determine whether a multifaceted clinical pharmacist intervention improves medication safety for patients who are discharged from the hospital and prescribed medications within 1 or more of these high-risk drug classes. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial was conducted at a large multidisciplinary group practice in Massachusetts and included patients 50 years or older who were discharged from the hospital and prescribed at least 1 high-risk medication. Participants were enrolled into the trial from June 2016 through September 2018. Interventions The pharmacist-directed intervention included an in-home assessment by a clinical pharmacist, evidence-based educational resources, communication with the primary care team, and telephone follow-up. Participants in the control group were provided educational materials via mail. Main Outcomes and Measures The study assessed 2 outcomes over a 45-day posthospital discharge period: (1) adverse drug-related incidents and (2) a subset defined as clinically important medication errors, which included preventable or ameliorable ADEs and potential ADEs (ie, medication-related errors that may not yet have caused injury to a patient, but have the potential to cause future harm if not addressed). Clinically important medication errors were the primary study outcome. Results There were 361 participants (mean [SD] age, 68.7 [9.3] years; 177 women [49.0%]; 319 White [88.4%] and 8 Black individuals [2.2%]). Of these, 180 (49.9%) were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 181 (50.1%) to the control group. Among all participants, 100 (27.7%) experienced 1 or more adverse drug-related incidents, and 65 (18%) experienced 1 or more clinically important medication errors. There were 81 adverse drug-related incidents identified in the intervention group and 72 in the control group. There were 44 clinically important medication errors in the intervention group and 45 in the control group. The intervention did not significantly alter the per-patient rate of adverse drug-related incidents (unadjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.83-1.56) or clinically important medication errors (unadjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.65-1.49). Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, there was not an observed lower rate of adverse drug-related incidents or clinically important medication errors during the posthospitalization period that was associated with a clinical pharmacist intervention. However, there were study recruitment challenges and lower than expected numbers of events among the study population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02781662
Almost Periodic Functions with Values in a Non-locally Convex Space

Let E = E(τ) be a complete Hausdorff locally convex space. A function \(f:\mathbb R\to E\) is said to be almost periodic if for every neighborhood (of the origin) U, there exists a real number l > 0 such that every interval [a, a + l] contains at least one point s such that.
Surface discharge studies of insulation materials in aviation power system under DC voltage

The complicated electrical installation system in airspace environment is exposed to harsh operation condition such as high conductive and low pressure atmosphere which deteriorate the insulation between different electrical parts. The elevated DC voltage level in power distribution system of hybrid propulsion systems has raised the concern about high risk of degradation due to partial discharge in insulated wiring and cabling system. Since widely accepted systematic procedure for PD studies including test method and analysis strategy at DC voltage has not been established to assess insulation condition, different PD representations have been obtained and discussed in this work. Surface discharge behavior on three specific kinds of high-temperature insulation films which are commonly used in aviation systems (PTFE, ETFE and Kapton-CR) have been investigated at partially vacuumed condition (20kPa). The signatures of PD from recorded data have been extracted and used for PD pattern representation and PD behavior study occurred on the surface of material affected by environmental pressure. The content of this paper could be of great significance for the development of new hybrid thrusters for aircrafts.
Introduction to Teaching the Research Process

The research process is central to academic political science, but we rarely reflect on how and why we teach the process the way we do. This introductory chapter communicates the rationale for creating this handbook, including discussing the diversity in how the research process is taught from the community college to doctoral levels and across diverse institutions. In addition to explaining the approach of this handbook, the chapter offers context on our diverse community of contributors. We hope the entire work will spark greater conversation about how and why we teach the research process in political science.
Concurrent validity of the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) tool with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) among adolescents with vestibular symptoms/impairment following concussion.

Abstract Objective To determine whether the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) tool demonstrates concurrent validity with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) in a sample of concussed athletes referred for vestibular therapy and whether DHI items were predictive of VOMS outcomes. Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting Concussion specialty/vestibular therapy clinic. Methods Adolescents (n = 55; 15.4 ± 1.6 years) with diagnosed sport-related concussion (SRC) with vestibular symptoms and/or impairment between October 2018–February 2020. Patients completed VOMS and DHI at initial visit. Seven individual VOMS and twenty-five DHI items, VOMS and DHI total score and three DHI sub-scales, were compared with Spearman correlations. Three backwards linear regression (LR) models were built to predict 1. VOMS vestibular symptoms, 2. VOMS ocular symptoms, and 3. near-point of convergence-distance (NPC-distance) using individual DHI items as predictors. Results Spearman correlations (p) identified DHI items with moderate to strong associations for VOMS items. DHI sub-scales demonstrated moderate-to-strong correlations with VOMS items (p = 0.30–0.59). Total DHI score demonstrated a moderate-to-strong association with HSAC (p = 0.30), VSAC (p = 0.32), and SP (p = 0.61). Results from the LRs predicting VOMS ocular symptoms (R (Alsalaheen et al., 2010) = 0.56; p Conclusions There was moderate-to-strong associations between VOMS and 56% of DHI items (i.e., p > 0.30).
Disparities Between Men and Women in the Time of Initial EKG Acquisition

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death around the world. Initial treatment is often time dependent. An EKG is the single most important initial clinical test to diagnose acute myocardial infarctions. Recognizing acute coronary symptoms in the initial presentation to an emergency department is critical in order to obtain the initial EKG. Of concern is the likelihood of delay in the initial EKG acquisition for females. The purpose of the research study was to distinguish if there is a disparity between genders to the best practice of door to EKG in 10 minutes from the arrival time in the Emergency department. A retrospective chart review was conducted with a total of 60 charts consisting of 30 females and 30 males who experienced an AMI. The time of initial arrival to the ED and initial EKG acquisition were compared. Results demonstrated that the initial EKG acquisition was shorter for males, average of 15 minutes as compared to females, average of 18 minutes. The data also demonstrated that only 32% (n=19) of patients had an initial EKG in 10 minutes or less and 68% (n=41) in greater than 10 minutes. Average age of females was 72 compared to males at 62. Thirty seven percent (n=22) of the patients presented with a chief complaint other than chest pain. Further research is indicated to determine reasons for delay in initial EKG acquisition between genders.
Timing of Follow-up After Acute Ischemic Stroke And Readmissions (P5.154)

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the timing of follow-up with timing of readmission in our stroke population. BACKGROUND: All cause readmission after hospital discharge is an important quality indicator. Studies have shown that nearly 50[percnt] of hospital readmissions after stroke are preventable due to factors such as poor care coordination. Current guidelines suggest follow-up with primary care providers within one month of discharge after stroke to address stroke risk factors and to manage comorbidities. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of 286 patients admitted with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke from December 2013 to April 2014, 42 who were readmitted for any cause within 30 days of hospital discharge. Analysis was performed using JMP statistical analysis software. RESULTS: In a cohort of 286 patients, 42 [24 female(57.1[percnt]), mean age: 68±17 years;] were included in the analysis; All cause readmission rate before scheduled follow-up date was 14.7[percnt]. 15 (35.7[percnt]) readmissions were deemed preventable for a variety of reasons such as DVT and infections. Mean number of days from discharge to readmission was 11.4 days. Mean number of days after discharge to scheduled follow up was 23.3 days. 11 (26.2[percnt]) of patients went to their scheduled follow-up after discharge from index hospitalization. 16 (38.1[percnt]) of readmitted patients had a complication during the index admission. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlights the need for updated guidelines on the optimal timing for follow-up after hospital discharge for stroke. In our population, patients were readmitted on average 11.4 days after discharge from their initial hospitalization. Standard 30 day follow-up after stroke may not be an adequate method to detect preventable causes of readmission. This illustrates the need to investigate enhanced transitional care methods such as early timing of follow-up after hospital discharge in patients with stroke and its impact on hospital readmissions. Disclosure: Dr. Buletko has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khawaja has nothing to disclose.
Abrupt changes in North American climate during early Holocene times

Recent studies of the Greenland ice cores have offered many insights into Holocene climatic dynamics at decadal to century timescales1,2,3. Despite the abundance of continental records of Holocene climate, few have sufficient chronological control and sampling resolution to compare with the Greenland findings4. Butannually laminated sediments (varves) from lakes can provide high-resolution continental palaeoclimate data with secure chronologies. Here we present analyses of varved sediments from Deep Lake in Minnesota, USA. Trends in the stable oxygen-isotope composition of the sedimentary carbonate indicate a pronounced climate cooling from 8.9 to 8.3 kyr before present, probably characterized by increased outbreaks of polar air, decreased precipitation temperatures, and a higher fraction of the annual precipitation falling as snow. The abrupt onset of this climate reversal, over several decades, was probably caused by a reorganization of atmospheric circulation and cooling of the Arctic airmass in summer that resulted from the final collapse of the Laurentide ice near Hudson Bay and the discharge of icebergs from the Quebec and Keewatin centres into the Tyrell Sea. The timing and duration of this climate reversal suggest that it is distinct from the prominent widespread cold snap that occurred 8,200 years ago in Greenland and other regions1,5,6. No shifts in the oxygen-isotope composition of sediment carbonate occurred at 8.2 kyr before present at Deep Lake, but varve thickness increased dramatically, probably as a result of increased deposition of aeolian dust. Taken together, our data suggest that two separate regional-scale climate reversals occurred between 9,000 and 8,000 years ago, and that they were driven by different mechanisms.
One-Way Networks, Two-Way Networks, Compatibility, and Public Policy

Network industries are common: telephone, Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), railroads, roads, and electricity are just a few examples. An examination of some important public policy aspects of network industries requires a deeper understanding of the concepts of “compatibility” and “network externalities” and especially the role they play in determining market conduct and structure.1 This analysis leads us to conclude that compatibility and a form of network externalities play a similar role in non-network industries as long as there are significant complementarities between types of goods. This similarity allows us to utilize the significant volume of economic and legal thought on vertical relations to analyze antitrust and related regulatory problems for network industries.
Uncertain science-- uncertain world

Is the world warming due to the Greenhouse Effect?Can nuclear weapon arsenals be relied upon without periodic testing?Is the world running out of oil?What action should be taken against an outbreak of foot-and-mouth or BSE?Why can't scientists provide certain answers to these and many other questions?The uncertainty of science is puzzling. It arises when scientists have more than one answer to a problem or disagree amongst themselves. In this engaging book, Henry Pollack guides the reader through the maze of contradiction and uncertainty, acquainting them with the ways that uncertainty arises in science, how scientists accommodate and make use of uncertainty, and how in the face of uncertainty they reach their conclusions. Taking examples from recent science headlines and every day life, Uncertain Science … Uncertain World enables the reader to evaluate uncertainty from their own perspectives, and find out more about how science actually works.
Job matching assessment: Inter-rater reliability of an instrument assessing employment characteristics of young adults with intellectual disabilities

Job matching has been defined as an assessment of individual characteristics in relation to job requirements. The purpose of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability of a job matching assessment instrument designed for young adults with disabilities. Participants included 21 young adults with intellectual disabilities. Post-high school teachers and job coaches served as raters. The young adult participants first identified 2-3 preferred jobs. Five pairs of raters completed the job matching assessment to identify the job that was best matched to the participant's current characteristics. Ratings were based on 106 O * NET job dimensions related to knowledge, skill, and ability. Findings indicated relatively high inter-rater agreement. However, across job dimensions, data indicated high variability with disagreements apparent for particular ones (e.g., Knowledge of English Language, Safety Awareness Skill). Findings are discussed in relation to the importance of identifying preferred, well-matched jobs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A preliminary predictive model for wheelchair use 4 months after receipt

Objectives: To explore whether use of wheeled mobility devices 4 months after receipt can be predicted based on the type of information available at the time of initial wheelchair prescription/provision across diverse settings and providers. Design: Longitudinal cohort study. Setting: One private teaching hospital and one Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Participants: 86 consecutive, community-dwelling, cognitively intact persons with a wide range of diagnoses newly prescribed a wheeled mobility device. Interventions: Provision of a manual or motorized wheelchair, or scooter. Measurements: The dependent variable was self-reported device use (any versus none) 4 months after initial prescription; independent variables were self-reported medical conditions and impairment, activity limitations, personal and environmental contextual factors. Results: More than half (56.8%) of the subjects were still using their new wheeled mobility device 4 months after receipt. In bivariate analysis, persons still using the device were significantly ( p< 0.05) more likely to report that they had experienced confusion intheprior 6months, that their doctor had toldthem theyhad mental problems such as depression/and or anxiety, or that amputation was the reason they were prescribed a wheelchair. They were less likely to report being hospitalized in the previous 6 months. In the final multivariable model, based on stepwise regression, a history of recent confusion or prior amputation significantly increased the odds of continued device use (Odds Ratio (OR) 6.8 and 14.4 respectively) while recent hospitalization or prior fracture significantly decreased the odds (OR 0.15 and 0.30 respectively). An Index predicting wheelchair use, using weights for these 4 variables based on the multivariable regression, was significantly related to device use in 100 bootstrap replicate samples, with an average beta = 1.03, OR = 2.80, p< 0.001. Depending on the specific combination of variables, the sensitivity of the Index ranged from 0.07 to 0.94 for predicting wheelchair use and the specificity of the Index ranged from 0.27 to 0.99. Conclusions: Although preliminary, the study shows that it is possible to provide evidence-based prediction for short-term use of a new wheeled mobility device, based on information likely to be available at the outset.
Impulsivity as a predictor of treatment outcome in substance use disorders: Review and synthesis

Issues. Impulsivity is a widely studied personality trait and research construct that has been implicated as a risk factor for substance use,including initiating and continuing use.However,relatively few studies have examined impulsivity as a predictor of treatment outcome. Because impulsivity has been operationalised in many different ways, cross-comparisons of empirical studies have been difficult. Approach. The PubMed database was searched in September 2013. Reference lists of papers retrieved from this search were also manually scanned for additional resources.Studies were included if they presented data that assessed impulsivity as a predictor of treatment outcomes. Key Findings.The body of literature reviewed in this paper suggests that higher pretreatment impulsivity, regardless of how it is measured, usually is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Recent data indicate that some psychosocial and pharmacological treatments may directly impact impulsivity and thus represent an interesting avenue for further research. Conclusions.Impulsivity appears to be a key predictor of substance use treatment outcomes and warrants more attention in the improvement of treatment outcomes.Suggestions for future research on the role of impulsivity in substance use treatment are provided.[Amy M. Loree AM, Leslie H. Lundahl LH, David M. Ledgerwood DM. Impulsivity as a predictor of treatment outcome in substance use disorders: Review and synthesis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014]
Does Organizational Learning Lead to Higher Firm Performance? An Investigation of Chinese Listing Companies.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for studying organizational learning, firm innovation and firm financial performance. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the effects of organizational learning on innovation and performance among 287 listed Chinese companies. Findings – The results indicate a positive association between organizational learning dimensions and firm performance (both objective financial performance and perceptual innovation measure). Research limitations/implications – The sample includes only firms for which secondary data are available. Different results might have been obtained if we include smaller, private firms into the sample. This paper only includes a limited number of measures of financial performance to assess the relationship between organization learning dimensions and firm performance. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further with different performance measures. Practical implications – The resul...
An Asymmetry of Implicit Fictional Narrators in Literature and Film

Recently, the debate on the ubiquity of fictional narrators – whether every fictional narrative has a fictional narrator – has spread from film to literature. In the first section of this paper I will present George Wilson’s near-ubiquity theory about fictional narrators and argue against it on the basis of its inconsistencies in the treatment of the text. In the second section I will draw attention to deficiencies in Jerrold Levinson’s argument for the claim that only fictional entities are capable of presenting fictional events to the reader or viewer. I will put forward a novel version of the ontological-gap argument for near-ubiquity of fictional narrators in literary fiction – the linguistic version. The near-ubiquity argued for will be the same in scope as Wilson’s, but instead of actual authors as narrators, it will posit implicit fictional narrators. In the last section I will argue that Wilson’s ubiquity theory for fiction film completely lacks any textual grounding. I will conclude that nothing akin to the linguistic version of the ontological-gap argument is applicable to film and that although there is a possibility for implicit fictional narrators, almost none of the existing movies have implemented it. Therefore there exists an asymmetry between film and literature with regard to the presence of implicit fictional narrators.
Multi-stage selection strategies: A Monte Carlo investigation of effects on performance and minority hiring.

This study explores alternative selection strategies available when a firm has two valid predictors that differ in the magnitude of subgroup differences. We examine 14 different selection rules (e.g., select on a composite of the two predictors versus screen on the first and then select on the second versus screen on the first and then select on a composite of the two), and document through a Monte Carlo simulation that the various selection rules can produce markedly different consequences in terms of the level of job performance achieved and the level of minority representation achieved. The selection rules examined include the use of within-group norming, whichwas restricted by the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the study examines how selection rules that do and do not include within-group norming fare in terms of the tradeoffs between performance and minority representation. The study shows that the preferred selection strategy will depend on the relative value the firm places on performance and on minority representation, and that the effects of different screen-then-select selection strategies vary as a result of the selection ratios at the screening and selection stages, thus precluding simple conclusions about the merits of each selection strategy.
In Search of Practical Design Criteria

We discuss the difficulties in modelling the computer assisted design optimization (C. A. D.) corresponding to a sensible engineering criteria, while making use of the available mathematical theories. In particular, what kind of outside loads should be assumed, and what constitutive equations and material theories would fit the estahlished numerical techniques now commonly adopted in C. A. D. software? While no definite answers are given, some numerical techniques are proposed for dealing with a very difficult practical problem.
The stress driven instability in elastic crystals: Mathematical models and physical manifestations

Equilibrium equations and stability conditions for the simple deformable elastic body are derived by means of considering a minimum of the static energy principle. The energy is supposed to be sum of the volume (elastic) and the surface terms. The ability to change relative positions of different material particles is taken into account, and appropriate natural definitions of the first and second variations of the energy are introduced and calculated explicitly. Considering the case of negligible magnitude of the surface tension, we establish that an equilibrium state of a nonhydrostatically stressed simple elastic body (of any physically reasonable elastic energy potential and of any symmetry) possessing any small smooth part of free surface is always unstable with respect to relative transfer of the material particles along the surface. Surface tension suppresses the mentioned instability with respect to sufficiently short disturbances of the boundary surface and thus can probably provide local smoothness of the equilibrium shape of the crystal. We derive explicit formulas for critical wavelength for the simplest models of the internal and surface energies and for the simplest equilibrium configurations. We also formulate the simplest problem of mathematical physics, revealing peculiarities and difficulties of the problem of equilibrium shape of elastic crystals, and discuss possible manifestations of the above-mentioned instability in the problems of crystal growth, materials science, fracture, physical chemistry, and low-temperature physics.
Effect of age on vascularization during fracture repair

Age affects fracture repair; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The goal of this study was to assess the effects that age has on vascularization during fracture healing. Tibial fractures were created in juvenile (4-week-old), middle-aged (6-month-old), and elderly (18-month-old) mice. The length density and surface density of blood vessels within fracture calluses were analyzed using stereology at 7 days after fracture. The expression of molecules that regulate vascular invasion of the fracture callus was also compared among the three age groups by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. At 7 days after fracture, juvenile mice had a higher surface density of blood vessels compared to the middle-aged and elderly. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha protein and transcripts of vascular endothelial growth factor were detected at 3 days postinjury in juvenile but not middle-aged and elderly mice. Stronger Mmp-9 and -13 expression was detected in fracture calluses at day 7 in the juvenile compared to the middle-aged and elderly mice. At 21 days postfracture, expression of both Mmps was more robust in the elderly than juvenile and middle-aged animals. These data indicate that age affects vascularization during fracture repair, and the changes we observed are directly correlated with altered expression of biochemical factors that regulate the process of angiogenesis. However, whether the increased vascularization is the cause or result of accelerated bone repair in juvenile animals remains unknown. Nonetheless, our results indicate that enhancing vascularization during fracture repair in the elderly may provide unique therapeutic opportunities.
Bounds for the Natural Frequencies of a Simply Supported beam Carrying a Uniformly Distributed Axial Load

Bounds for natural frequency eigenvalues of simply supported uniform beam with constant end load and uniformly distributed axial load
Needle aspiration of spontaneous pneumothorax.

A 25-year-old man with a medical history of mild intermittent asthma and daily tobacco use presented to the emergency department with 6 hours of sudden-onset dyspnea and rightsided pleuritic chest pain. He had no fevers, chills, cough, or recent trauma. He was in no respiratory distress and was alert and oriented to person, place, and time. His vital signs were temperature 98.2 F, heart rate 56 beats ⁄min, respiratory rate 18 breaths ⁄min, blood pressure 112 ⁄ 71 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation 99% while breathing room air. Upright end-expiratory chest radiography demonstrated a small right-sided pneumothorax (Figure 1). Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a moderate right-sided pneumothorax and multiple small peripheral blebs (Figure 2). Given the patient’s underlying structural lung disease evident on CT, a tube thoracostomy was planned. The patient, however, requested that an attempt at needle aspiration be performed. Before the procedure, the emergency physician performed a bedside lung ultrasound using a 10–5 MHz linear array transducer (SonoSite MTurbo, Bothell, WA). Examination of the right anterior chest wall demonstrated absent pleural sliding (Video Clip S1). After written informed consent was obtained, the patient underwent aspiration of the right-sided pneumothorax using a single-lumen catheter with a three-way stopcock and syringe (Video Clip S2). During the procedure, a repeat ultrasound examination demonstrated partial resolution of the pneumothorax, with visualization of the ‘‘lung point’’ sign (Video Clip S3); pleural sliding was visualized along one side of an interspace, with absent pleural sliding on the other side of the same interspace (representing the border of the pneumothorax). After repositioning of the catheter and aspiration of an additional 100 mL of air, ultrasound examination confirmed return of normal pleural sliding anteriorly (Video Clip S4). Chest radiography was performed 30 minutes after completion of the procedure and demonstrated reaccumulation of the pneumothorax. A tube thoracostomy was performed, resulting in complete resolution of the pneumothorax, and the patient was admitted to the cardiothoracic surgery service for further management. While primary spontaneous pneumothorax can be managed with needle aspiration or tube thoracostomy with similar results, patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces (pneumothoraces associated with underlying structural lung disease) are more likely to have persistent air leaks that result in recurrence of their
Principles of Modeling and Simulation in Teaching and Research

Abstract A well defined mathematical model allows manipulation, condensation, interpretation, and utilization of quantitative information about complex problems. Modeling and simulation can provide a valuable adjunct to traditional research and teaching methods. Modeling aids the researcher and teacher by: (1) organizing information and crystallizing his thinking; (2) identifying new research and teaching areas and techniques; and (3) testing research and hypotheses. In addition to the attributes of modeling, simulation can aid the researcher and teacher by (1) quantifying experimental benefits and (2) predicting outcomes under new conditions, and assisting in deriving important experimental estimates of parameters. Although modeling and simulation are a combination of art and science, there are guidelines which can be used by the teacher or researcher to develop and utilize models: (1) define the problem and modeling goals, (2) observe and analyze the real system, (3) block diagram and synthesize the model, (4) mathematically formulate and implement the model, (5) process relevant data for variable and parameter estimates, (6) verify and validate the model, (7) improve the model, (8) accept it, (9) simulate results using the model, and (10) evaluate the simulation results. For adequate use of this research and teaching tool, its limitations and difficulties must be understood. Modeling and simulation require extensive communication between the modeler and his audience. Both the model and the data for its implementation must be reproduced in such a way that other researchers and teachers can duplicate the results and build upon its base. Finally, modelers should retain a healthy skepticism of models, especially their own, to ensure that they are evaluated adequately and used correctly.
Effect of CO2 on succinate production in dual-phase Escherichia coli fermentations

Abstract Succinate production under different concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) was studied in Escherichia coli AFP111, which contains mutations in pyruvate formate lyase (pfl), lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA) and the phosphotransferase system glucosephosphotransferase enzyme II (ptsG). A series of two-phase fermentations were conducted in which an aerobic cell growth phase was followed by an anaerobic succinate production phase using several constant concentrations of CO2. As the concentration of CO2 in the gas phase increased from 0% to 50%, the succinate specific productivity increased from 1.9 mg/g h to 225 mg/g h, and the succinate yield increased from 0.04 g/g to 0.75 g/g. Above 50% CO2, succinate production did not increase further. Intracellular fluxes were determined at three different CO2 concentrations (3%, 10%, and 50%) using 13C-label tracing coupled with LC–MS analysis. The fraction of carbon flux into the pentose phosphate pathway increased from 0.04 at 3% CO2 to 0.17 at 50% CO2. Also, the fractional flux through anaplerotic carboxylation at the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) node increased slightly from 0.53 at 3% CO2 to 0.63 at 50% CO2. The increased flux into the pentose phosphate pathway is attributed to an increased demand for reduced cofactors with elevated CO2. A four-process explicit model to describe the CO2 transfer and utilization was proposed. The model predicted that at CO2 concentrations below about 30–40% the system becomes limited by gas phase CO2, while at higher CO2 concentrations the system is limited by PEP carboxylase enzyme kinetics.
Several measures of expectancy of vocational counseling.

Summary.-The internal-external (I-E) control scale was used as a measure of expectancies about vocational counseling. There were no significant differences among high, medium, or low I-E control clients in terms of their certainty about a vocation or their satisfaction with a vocation. In general, clients became more certain abocr their vocational choice after counseling, but they did not become more satisfied about their choice. A short counseling expectancy scale showed that clients not expecting counselor intervention were more satisfied with non-directive counseling. The number of interviews for vocational counseling did not affecr clients' amount of change during counseling. One of the variables in the vocational counseling situation is the student's expectancy. He may believe that the counselor will advise him and make his decision or he may think the advisor will only offer information without advice. The nature of the counselor's response as contrasted with the student's expectancies is crucial. Literature (Tyler, 1961; Goldman, 1961; Super, 1963) suggests that a counselor should approach the situation in a non-directive way, by not giving advice or mzking decisions, and he should give information and encourage the student to reach his own solution. It is probable that a student expecting advice and decision making will be disappointed with non-directive counseling and will not define his vocational goals. The present study investigated the interaction of student's expectancies about vocational counseling and the effect of non-directive vocational counseling. A growing body of literature (Joe, 1971; Throop & MacDonald, 1971) suggests that one's belief about control of one's life strongly influences the individual's response to any intervention in that person's life. In the experiment Ss' expectancies about vocational counseling were assessed by means of Rotter's Internal-External (I-E) Control Scale (Rotter, 1966) and a short questionnaire measuring actual counseling expectancies. The Rotter rest of internal-external control is a measure of generalized expectancy relating to an individual's power over what happens to him. Individuals who expect to control their destiny and believe that reinforcement is contingent on their own behavior are called "internal~" by Rotter's criteria Externals believe their destinies are controlled by others. 'This article is based on the author's doctoral dissertation ac Southern Illinois University under the direction of G. D. MacLean and C. E. Ladd. This research was partially funded by Grant 5-T01-MH06752-11 from the National Institute of Mental Health. Ttequests for reprints should be sent to Maureen Ullrich, School of Business Adrninstration, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59801.
Learning, Matching and Growth

We examine an endogenous growth model in which market frictions are an integral part of the economic environment. Workers invest in education when young, which raises their productivity onice employed. The level of schooling also acts as a key determinant of the rate of economic growth by influencing workers' ability to accumulate additional human capital on-the-job. Once schooling is completed, workers search for employment. The division of the surplus between vacancies and searching workers is characterized, as is the optimal level of education. The economy may display multiple steady-state growth paths.
Laboratory experience with 24 hour partial heart-lung bypass*

Summary Eight out of eleven dogs were long term survivors when submitted to 24 hours of partial heart-lung bypass using a membrane oxygenator with a low priming volume. It was possible to maintain an adequate metabolic balance in these animals and tests of hepatic and renal function after perfusion gave normal results. Blood damage during perfusion remained well within limits of compensation by the organism. However, the survival time of erythrocytes tagged at the end of the procedure was shortened, explaining the occurrence of hemolytic anemia in the first week after perfusion. Nonsurvivors showed pulmonary damage, water and electrolyte retention, splanchnic congestion and impairment of liver function. These experiments suggest that extracorporeal blood oxygenation can be offered safely for clinically useful periods with simple equipment requiring little or no priming blood.
On the optimization of running-in operating conditions in applications involving EHL line contact

Abstract The running-in characteristics of an EHL line contact is investigated in an effort to optimize its steady-state performance. During the running-in process, asperities experience both elastic and plastic contact and as a result of the plastic deformation, the asperity heights change. Extensive simulations are performed to quantify the change in the arithmetic average of asperity heights as a function of operating conditions, and appropriate relationships are developed for design applications. It is also shown that corresponding to a specified load, there exist a value of speed which results in the lowest steady-state friction. The significance of this finding is that if during the running-in period the speed is maintained at this optimum value, the steady-state power loss and wear will be minimum.
Christian Community in Action: Bruderhof Schools

The Bruderhof communities in the United States have organized their own private schools with a distinctly Christian philosophy of education, adding to the interesting mix of American private and religious schools. Rooted in early 20th century German pedagogy, romanticism, and shared responsibility, Bruderhof schools represent the essence of a pluralistic environment in which citizens can choose to educate their children in ways that are consistent with their personal philosophy and at the same time supportive of the good of the entire society. This article explores the Bruderhof educational philosophy as exhibited in their communities and their schools.
Testing the “Proximate Casualties Hypothesis”: Local Troop Loss, Attention to News, and Support for Military Intervention

In academic and policy circles, it is believed that the American public is casualties-averse when sending its troops into war and that as casualties mount the public will increasingly call for withdrawal of troops from foreign military interventions. This study tests a variant of this “casualties hypothesis” by examining whether the public conceptualizes the human costs of war in local as well as national terms. Using a massive quantity of public opinion data combined with information on deaths to U.S. soldiers in the Iraq war theater between 2003 and 2006, we show that recent deaths to soldiers from a person's home state prompt an increase in the likelihood of the person supporting withdrawal of troops, independent of cumulative national casualties and recent casualties to soldiers from elsewhere in the country. These results are explained in terms of journalism norms that make recent, local casualties salient to consumers of news, who then use this salient information when their opinions about the progr...
Matrix enhanced laser desorption in mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry

When sampled by laser irradiation from a suitable matrix, cationized sugars can be desorbed in far higher yields for longer periods than in experiments which do not employ a matrix. Daughter spectra reveal that Li+ reacts differently from the other alkali ions in that it can catalyse ring opening; collision-induced dissociation then causes successive CC cleavage reactions. Selectivity is also exhibited by the substrate; some isomers yield much more intense ion currents with the alkali metals than do others. These findings should contribute to a wider use of laser desorption, including selective examination of mixtures for particular types of compounds, as well as detailed structural studies on individual substances.
Populations of predatory and pest mites in first‐level and second‐level commercial apple orchard blocks in Massachusetts

: Populations of predatory and phytophagous mites were sampled weekly throughout the growing season in first- and second-level integrated pest management (IPM) blocks in 12 commercial apple orchards in Massachusetts in 1993. In first-level blocks, insecticides were used throughout the growing season. In second-level blocks, no insecticides were sprayed after early June. Among the 12 orchards, 92% contained Amblyseius fallacis, 8% contained Typhlodromus pyri and 50% contained Zetzellia mali as predaceous species, while 100% contained Panonychus ulmi and 58% contained Tetranychus urticae as pest species. When averaged over the entire season, populations of predaceous A. fallacis and Z. mali and populations of pest P. ulmi were numerically, but not statistically, greater in second-level blocks than in first-level blocks. The opposite was true for T. urticae. Initial time of appearance of each species was about the same in both types of blocks. Panonychus ulmi peaked in mid-July, much earlier than A. fallacis, the most frequently observed predaceous mite. Populations of the latter peaked in September at relatively low densities, too late in the growing season for this species to provide, by itself, timely biological control of pest mites. Winter mortality from cold temperatures and spring/summer mortality from the use of fungicides are suspected to be the principal agents responsible for the slow build-up of A. fallacis. Zetzellia mali was present in early spring and increased slowly until reaching peak levels in autumn. Absence of pre-bloom oil and other acaricide sprays in a small portion of each second-level block did not facilitate build-up of predaceous mites, but did result in rapid build-up of P. ulmi.
X-band outphasing power amplifier with internal load modulation measurements

This paper presents a general measurement based design method for outphasing amplifiers. Both isolated and non-isolated combiners are designed based on individual PA load-pull measurements, in order to load modulate two 0.15μm GaN MMIC power amplifiers at 10.1GHz. Load modulation measurements are performed at ports internal to the PA, with the inclusion of couplers in the combiner and a four-port LSNA, to gain insight into the dynamics of load modulation during outphasing operation. Both outphasing systems exhibit a peak PAE greater than 41.5% at a peak output power greater than 35.7 dBm.