cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Computers and Image Processing in Image-Guided Brain Tumor Surgery

Computers and image processing pervade every stage of image-guided brain tumor surgery, from preoperative planning to intraoperative guidance to postoperative follow-up. An understanding of the role of computers and computing in neurosurgery requires familiarity with a few core concepts, including image segmentation, tractography, registration, and navigation. Segmentation involves identifying meaningful structures and regions within an image, such as normal anatomical tissue or pathology. Further subdivision of segmented tissues may also be called parcellation. Tractography refers to the modeling of white matter tracts from diffusion MR images. Registration or image alignment describes the process of identifying a transformation that aligns one data set with another, fusing complementary information sources for planning and intraprocedural guidance. Navigation allows the movement of surgical instruments during the procedure to be shown relative to diagnostic images.
Genetics of Corneal Disease

Genetic mutation can result in insignificant corneal changes that can simply be incidental findings on exam or can result in defects of enormous visual consequence. The more substantial phenotypes tend to be secondary to mutations that cause changes in gene expression early in embryogenesis. Less devastating mutations are those that cause a slow degeneration over time. In this chapter we will explore both ends of the spectrum and will discuss each disease entity in detail including presenting signs and symptoms as well as the genes responsible for each. We will also highlight corneal diseases that express variability in penetrance as well as those that exhibit allelic and locus heterogeneity.
Utility of positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan in detecting residual hepatocellular carcinoma post treatment: Series of case reports

Utility of positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan in detecting residual hepatocellular carcinoma post treatment: Series of case reports
Front-Line Human Resource Time-Use for Early Infant HIV Diagnosis: A Comparative Time-Motion Study at Centralized and Point-of-Care Health Facilities in Zimbabwe.

Background Point-of-care (POC) assays for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) increase access to testing, shorten time to results, and expedite initiation of antiretroviral therapy when compared with laboratory-based assays. However, there is a significant gap in our understanding of its human resource impact at the facility level. This study evaluates front-line health workers' (HWs') time associated with EID. Setting Using time-motion methodology, we collected time-use data on EID tasks performed by HWs at 3 EID facility types in Zimbabwe-5 POC hubs, 9 POC spokes, and 11 facilities that used centralized laboratories. Methods Data collectors observed 30 EID processes and 30 HWs' provided self-reported time. Comparisons of mean differences of HWs' time-use between centralized and POC EID were performed with a 2-sample t test with unequal variances. Results Observed average total labor time per EID test at POC facilities was 28 minutes, 22 seconds [95% confidence interval (CI): 22:51 to 35:48], which was equivalent to the average preresult time at facilities using centralized EID. HWs performed other tasks while the machine processed samples. Observed average preresult time (counseling to sample preparation) was 18 minutes, 6 Supported by seconds (95% CI: 13:00 to 23:42) for POC compared with 27 minutes, 48 seconds (95% CI: 23:48 to 32:50) for facilities using centralized laboratories. The mean difference of 9 minutes, 42 seconds (95% CI: 03:04 to 16:18) was statistically significant. The differences in self-reported average total labor time per EID test between HWs at facilities using centralized laboratories or POC were not statistically significant. Conclusion Use of POC assays did not incur additional human resource time compared with sending dried blood spots to a centralized laboratory for EID.
Science Informed Major Event Security Planning: From Vulnerability Analysis to Security Design

The post 9/11 security landscape has seen a fundamental shift in security planning, organization and management across the national and global security domain. This shift is particularly evident with regards to special events. Major national regional and global events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA world cup, the US Super Bowl, and the Boston Marathon draw large crowds of spectators and participants thereby creating vulnerable targets. The 1972 Munich Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Olympics are 2 examples of pre-9/11 attacks on sporting events. Since 9/11, we have seen attacks on events such as the Boston Marathon in 2013, Las Vegas active shooter in 2017 and the bombing in Manchester at the Ariana Grande concert in 2017. These examples highlight the inherent vulnerabilities and security challenges that reside in major events (sporting, cultural, religious, musical). With this in mind, security budgets have increased to deal with such risks and threats. For example, the security budget for the 2012 London Olympics topped $1.46 Billion and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics was over $900 million.
Carbon nanotube filler enhances incinerated thermoplastics-induced cytotoxicity and metabolic disruption in vitro

Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly being incorporated into synthetic materials as fillers and additives. The potential pathological effects of end-of-lifecycle recycling and disposal of virgin and nano-enabled composites have not been adequately addressed, particularly following incineration. The current investigation aims to characterize the cytotoxicity of incinerated virgin thermoplastics vs. incinerated nano-enabled thermoplastic composites on two in vitro pulmonary models. Ultrafine particles released from thermally decomposed virgin polycarbonate or polyurethane, and their carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled composites were collected and used for acute in vitro exposure to primary human small airway epithelial cell (pSAEC) and human bronchial epithelial cell (Beas-2B) models. Post-exposure, both cell lines were assessed for cytotoxicity, proliferative capacity, intracellular ROS generation, genotoxicity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The treated Beas-2B cells demonstrated significant dose-dependent cellular responses, as well as parent matrix-dependent and CNT-dependent sensitivity. Cytotoxicity, enhancement in reactive oxygen species, and dissipation of ΔΨm caused by incinerated polycarbonate were significantly more potent than polyurethane analogues, and CNT filler enhanced the cellular responses compared to the incinerated parent particles. Such effects observed in Beas-2B were generally higher in magnitude compared to pSAEC at treatments examined, which was likely attributable to differences in respective lung cell types. Whilst the effect of the treatments on the distal respiratory airway epithelia remains limited in interpretation, the current in vitro respiratory bronchial epithelia model demonstrated profound sensitivity to the test particles at depositional doses relevant for occupational cohorts.
The Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act

This Article seeks to be the first law review article to comprehensively examine the history and application of the Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act. Part I of this Article reviews the text of the statute as well as its legislative history and enactment into law. The second part of this Article analyzes the application of the Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act both with civil and criminal applications, with particular focus on the Monumental Task Committee, Inc. v. Foxx litigation. The Article concludes that with greater discussion of the role of monuments and statues of historic figures in American life, the Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act will continue to remain a prominently discussed statute.
Launching a saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing program on a university campus

Summary Regular surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 has played a vital role in SARS-CoV-2 outbreak prevention on college and university campuses. Here we describe the voluntary saliva testing program instituted at the University of California, Berkeley during an early period of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020. The program was administered as a research study ahead of clinical implementation, enabling us to launch surveillance testing while continuing to optimize the assay. Results of both the testing protocol itself and the study participants’ experience show how the program succeeded in providing routine, robust testing capable of contributing to outbreak prevention within a campus community and offer strategies for encouraging participation and a sense of civic responsibility.
From the ground up: Using structured community engagement to identify objectives for urban green infrastructure planning

Abstract Municipal governments are increasingly looking to green infrastructure to address climate-related flooding and water quality issues, and as a cost-effective way to augment aging 'grey' stormwater infrastructure. There is also a great deal of interest in more fully involving citizens in efforts to increase the amount of green infrastructure in cities. Despite this acknowledgement of the importance of public engagement, however, many green infrastructure initiatives still adhere to a top-down and expert-driven process of site selection and design. This mismatch between process and engagement ideals can lead to suboptimal outcomes in terms of sustaining these projects over the long term, the achievement of multifunctional and inclusive spaces, and missed opportunities to increase civic capacity to participate in and drive urban planning initiatives. Further, the turn to green infrastructure has been criticized for not including a diversity voices in planning, design and implementation, with green gentrification occurring as a result. Thus, the objectives of this research were to, in collaboration with communities, (i) use structured elicitation to establish social and ecological priorities (in the form of key ecosystem services and disservices) to inform a community-based GI design and planning process, and (ii) use this collaboration to inform the development of the Land.Info DSS that creates realistic representations of site scale landscape change and incorporates community identified priorities as real-time feedback. Community members reported that including their design objectives in the Land.Info design tool helped to guide their green infrastructure designs and that they modified their designs in response to the feedback provided within the interface. Additional desired outcomes of this research were to provide a vehicle for improved public engagement and learning opportunities for GI planning, design and implementation, and to develop a reliable and scalable method for incorporating community values and needs into these processes. Providing residents with meaningful opportunities for input and collaboration in urban landscape planning and design aligns with the growing interest in democratizing the design, management, and governance of public spaces.
Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Introduction: Checkpoint Inhibitors have revolutionized the management in oncology by stimulating the immunological response to cancer. On the contrary, there is an increase in immune-related adverse effects affecting various systems including the endocrine. We report a unique case of new-onset diabetes with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) within 18 days of receiving checkpoint inhibitors for Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Clinical Case: An 86-year-old man diagnosed with locally advanced Merkel cell carcinoma underwent surgery and radiotherapy to his right face and neck. Four months later, the positron emission tomography (PET) scan was consistent with liver metastasis. Pembrolizumab, a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor was initiated as next line treatment. Prior to starting pembrolizumab, his blood glucose was 92 mg/dL (60–120) with no previous history of diabetes mellitus. He presented 18 days later to the emergency room with altered mental status, polyuria, and polydipsia with a blood glucose of 980 mg/dL, anion gap of 26 mmol/L (5–15), and was managed for DKA with new-onset Diabetes Mellitus. HbA1C was 7.0% (4–5.6). He was discharged on subcutaneous insulin glargine once daily, pre-meals insulin aspart, and was referred to the endocrinology clinic. Further investigations obtained during the clinic visit demonstrated low C-peptide of 25,000 nmol/mL (<0.02), negative islet antigen-2 antibody, islet cell antibody and zinc transporter 8 antibodies. Other endocrine tests showed normal thyroid function, cortisol, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels. The patient was educated on checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmune diabetes and the need for a lifelong insulin regimen. Clinical Lesson: Our case highlights the immune-related adverse effect involving the endocrine system from checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In comparison to the other common endocrinopathies associated with checkpoint inhibitors, autoimmune diabetes is rare (~ 1–2% incidence) and only less than half demonstrate antibodies with a median time of 8 weeks since exposure. GAD-65 antibodies are the commonest antibody noted and our patient had a robust GAD-65 antibody of >25,000 depleting C-peptide within 18 days of receiving the Pembrolizumab resulting in DKA with a new onset of diabetes. We conclude that diabetes mellitus is a rare but serious adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Toxicity Management Working Group consensus recommendations from 2017 recommends routine screening to include baseline HbA1c, basic metabolic panel, thyroid function test, AM cortisol, and ACTH prior to treatment. It also recommends repeating the thyroid function test and basic metabolic panel to allow the monitoring of glycemic trends before each cycle.
Performance Measures, Motivated Reasoning, and Subjective Performance Evaluation

We provide theory-based evidence that potentially costly disagreements between subordinates and superiors is larger when a profit measure and an additional (non-redundant) performance measure are provided, rather than a profit measure only, as the basis for subjective performance evaluations. Specifically, we predict and find that when a profit measure and an additional performance measure are provided, subjective performance evaluations are less effective in inducing subordinates to make management decisions that superiors prefer and evaluate highly. In addition we predict and find that, controlling for subordinates’ management decisions, subordinates and superiors disagree more about the subordinates’ performance evaluations when a profit measure plus an additional performance measure is provided, rather than a profit measure only. Our study provides a potential explanation for why organizational policies sometimes limit the performance measures to be used for subjective performance evaluations, thus excluding potentially relevant information.
Abstract 2768: Relation Between Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram and Electroanatomic Mapping in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Background. Areas with fibrofatty replacement in the RV wall form the basis for reentry in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D). Signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) abnormalities are frequent and may reflect the presence of arrhythmogenic areas in these patients. Recent data show that also low-voltage areas (LVA) on 3-dimensional electroanatomic voltage mapping (EVM) may identify diseased areas in the RV wall. We tested the association between SAECG and low-voltage regions on EVM in patients with ARVC/D. Methods. Twenty consecutive patients (age 40±16 years, 11 men) who fulfilled the criteria of the Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ESC/ISFC) for ARVC/D diagnosis and had histological evidence of fibrofatty replacement at EVM-guided endomyocardial biopsy underwent right ventricular EVM and SAECG with 40 Hz filtering. A filtered averaged QRS (fQRS) was obtained and analyzed for fQRS duration, low amplitude signal duration below 40 μV (LAS40) and root mean square voltage in last 40 ms of the QRS (RMS40). LVA at EVM were defined as mean electrogram voltage Results. Multiple bipolar electrograms (155±36) during sinus rhythm were sampled in the RV outflow tract (RVOT), in the RV septal wall (RVSW), in the RV free wall (RVFW), in the RV posterior wall (RVPW) and in the RV apex (RVA). LVA were present in 11 patients (55%) and were localized in the RVOT in 6 patients (54%), in the RVPW in 7 (63%), in the RVFW in 2 (18%) and in the RVA in 1 patient (9%). Patients with ≥1 LVA on EVM showed longer fQRS than patients with normal EVM (114.5±20 vs. 94.4±13 ms, respectively, P=0.01) and longer LAS40 (51.7±24 vs. 35.2±9 ms, respectively, P=0.05). A significant correlation was found between all SAECG parameters and mean bipolar electrogram voltage amplitude in the RVOT (r=−0.65, P=0.002 for fQRS; r=−0.62, P=0.004 for LAS40; r=0.59, P=0.006 for RMS40), but not between SAECG parameters and electrogram voltages in other RV areas. An fQRS>114 ms was predictive of LVA in the RVOT with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 93%. Conclusion. In patients with ARVC/D, abnormal SAECG parameters reflect the presence of low voltage areas in the RVOT.
1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of domain 1 of receptor associated protein.

The 39 kDa receptor associated protein (RAP) is a modular protein consisting of multiple domains. There has been no x-ray crystal structure of RAP available and the full-length protein does not behave well in a NMR tube. To elucidate the 3D structure of the RAP, we undertook structure determination of individual domains of the RAP. As the first step, here we report the nearly complete assignments of the 1H, 13C and 15N chemical shift signals of domain 1 of the RAP.
High-tech foragers? Folsom and later Paleoindian technology on the Great Plains

Archaeologists generally argue that early (ca. 11,000–8000 B.P. populations on the North American Great Plains moved over very large areas, relying on sophisticated, biface-based flaked stone technology and on extensive resharpening and recycling of tools to cope with unpredictable access to raw material sources. This paper reviews the development of this reconstruction and considers the degree to which data from assemblages of Paleoindian flaked stone tools support it. Published information implies that patterns of raw material use vary greatly over the Plains, that bifaces were not the centerpiece of Paleoindian technology, that there are no published efforts to document an unusual degree of resharpening or recycling, and that the data that are available on these topics do not suggest that either was important. Detailed analysis of one assemblage, from the Allen site in southwestern Nebraska, carried out with these issues in mind, shows similar patterns. The great difference between what the literature says about Paleoindian technology and the documented character of that technology suggests that Paleoindian lifeways were far more variable than current discussions suggest.
Pedagogical Approaches to Aviation Phraseology and Communication Training in Collegiate Flight Programs

The aim of this research was to determine how collegiate aviation programs in the U.S. provide aviation nomenclature and communication training. Possible differences in pedagogical approaches when teaching aviation phraseology to native vs. non-native English speakers were also considered. The work builds on earlier literature suggesting that failure to use standardized aviation phraseology, improper air/pilot traffic controller communications procedures, and lack of English language proficiency impact negatively on aviation/training safety. The study explored aviation phraseology and communication instruction curricula in use at accredited university aviation flight programs. Recommendations are made in terms of potential research applications for collegiate aviation programs.
Could Domestic Courts Enforce International Human Rights Norms? An Empirical Study of the Indian Supreme Court Since 1997

Over the last decade, many scholars have argued for the enforcement of international human rights norms by the domestic courts. Those claims are largely normative and there are hardly any empirical arguments advanced in support of the normative arguments. This paper presents an empirical study which examines the enforcement of international human rights norms by the Indian Supreme Court between 1997 and 2008; based on the content analysis of its judicial decisions. With specific focus on the Indian Supreme Court, it examines the reasons, justifications and means for referral to international human rights norms between 1997 and 2008. Firstly, it examines the human rights cases in which the Supreme Court refers to international human rights norms. Then, human rights cases are divided into three categories; those involving: 1. Civil and political rights, 2. Economic, social and cultural Rights and 3. Both. Secondly, techniques developed by the Supreme Court of India for the enforcement of international human rights norms in these three categories of cases are explained. The methodology deployed codes the variables aimed at ascertaining the frequency of the enforcement of international human rights norms by the Supreme Court of India, using different techniques between 1997 and 2008. The study finds that the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence during the years 1997-2008 can be defined as a transitional period, at least when it comes to the enforcement of international human rights norms. The Court has used international human rights norms largely as an interpretative tool, where international human rights norms were taken as a ‘given’ under the international human rights instruments. There are only a few instances where the Court has ‘defined’ what constitute international human rights norms by reading them into customary international law.This paper concludes by suggesting that the Supreme Court of India should take an ‘active,’ informed approach, while referring to international human rights norms, and should enforce international human rights norms by reading them into customary international law where needed; rather than its ‘passive’ approach of referring to international human rights norms for statutory interpretations. The Supreme Court should look at the relationship between international and domestic legal norms as a “co-constitutive, or synergistic,” and should utilize these norms actively as a participant in the dynamic process of developing international law. The Supreme Court must be able to apply customary law on human rights exhaustively and in a fully independent way, in particular, it must be able to verify that the violations of human rights recognized by customary international law are not committed by the executive. While the Supreme Court has been known for its judicial activism, it is time that it is also known for its informed approach and respect towards international human rights norms.
New rapid method of analysis of cefoxitin in serum and bone, by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A method for the extraction and quantification of cefoxitin in blood and bone samples is described in this paper. The procedure, which prepares biological material for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis is convenient, rapid and reproducible. It also allows for use of cephalothin as an internal standard in measuring serum cefoxitin levels. Conventional extraction procedures, involving use of organic solvents, generally yield drug recoveries of 60–80%. Use of Baker - 10 SPE® disposable extraction columns allowed us to consistently obtain greater than 98% recovery of both cefoxitin and cephalothin. Methods for quantification of the extracted drugs include comparison of peak ratios (for serum) or peak heights (for bone) to first-order equations obtained from regression analyses.
Intestinal ulceration, obstruction, and haemorrhage in congenital syphilis

Intestinal obstruction and bleeding are uncommon complications of congenital syphilis (CS). A VDRL-positive infant developed incomplete intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding. Despite conservative management, his symptoms continued. At laparotomy, terminal ileal inflammation and stenosis were demonstrated. He underwent ileal resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis with resolution of his symptoms. Histopathological examination demonstrated heavy plasmacytic infiltration of the lamina propria and submucosa with ulceration of the mucosa, consistent with syphilitic ileitis. This report documents for the first time bleeding from ileal ulcers associated with intestinal obstruction in CS and highlights an unusual presentation of the disease.
Well-Defined Liquid Crystal Gels from Telechelic Polymers

Well-defined liquid crystal networks with controlled molecular weight between cross-links and cross-link functionality were prepared by "click" cross-linking of telechelic polymers produced by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The networks readily swell in a small molecule liquid crystal, 5CB, to form LC gels with high swelling ratios. These gels exhibit fast, reversible, and low-threshold optic switching under applied electric fields when they are unconstrained between electrodes. For a given electric field, the LC gels prepared from shorter telechelic polymers showed a reduced degree of switching than their counterparts made from longer polymer strands. The reported approach provides control over important parameters for LC networks, such as the length of the network strands between cross-links, cross-linker functionality, and mesogen density. Therefore, it allows a detailed study of relationships between molecular structure and macroscopic properties of these scientifically and technologically interesting networks.
Matching second graders to text: The utility of a group‐administered comprehension measure

Abstract This is a study of the utility of Lexile scores for predicting adequate oral reading accuracy and oral reading rate in a tradebook. A Lexile score is a quantitative measure of readability that can be applied to texts and also a metric for describing reading achievement through the use of standardized reading comprehension measures. Participants included 47 second‐grade readers who took a group‐administered reading comprehension test, yielding individual Lexile scores. Trade book titles were randomly selected to correspond to their Lexile scores. After a controlled story introduction, each participant read a single text orally, and researchers calculated oral reading accuracy and rate. Results indicated that 93% of the participants read their Lexile‐identified trade book with oral reading accuracy > 90% but only 57% with reading rate >70 words per minute. Implications for using Lexile scores as part of a school‐level assessment plan are discussed.
Latina Magazine and the Invocation of a Panethnic Family: Latino Identity as It Is Informed by Celebrities and Papis Chulos

Latina magazine is a bilingual women’s magazine that was launched in 1996 for a target audience of bicultural college-educated Latinas between the ages of 18 and 45. In an attempt to reach such a wide range of Latinas, the magazine makes an appeal to familial forms of identification, often presenting discourses of familial allegiances alongside calls for panethnic solidarity. This article presents a case study of the construction of Latinidad through a textual analysis of Latina articles on entertainment and romance and through interviews with the magazine’s editorial staff. Latina oscillates between celebrating the inclusion of Latina/os in the U.S. entertainment industry and speaking out against the criminalization of Latino men and the hypersexualization of Latina/os. This study situates the creation of Latino media in relation to theories of panethnic identification and research on the ideological function of popular culture and the marketing of ethnicity.
Performance-based assessment, science festival exhibit presentations, and elementary science achievement

The purpose of this research study was to describe the effective use of performance-based assessment for evaluating fifth-and sixth-grade student science achievement as demonstrated by student exhibit presentations at a science festival. A performance-based assessment was employed by preservice teachers from a local university to evaluate student presentations individually and through group negotiation. Individual evaluation scores (M=17.67) and group negotiated evaluations (M=7.42) were consistent, with both having a range from 12 to 20. Percentages of the evaluators’ ranked responses for each criterion on the performance-based assessment were analyzed to determine overall student achievement.
Platelet increments and their relationship to acidification.

Acidification of platelet-rich plasma to a pH of approximately 6.5 by the use of additional ACD anticoagulant solution before preparation of platelet concentrates results in a greater increment of the one-hour posttransfusion platelet count and better clinical hemostatic effects when compared with preparations whose pH values are reduced to approximately 6.7 to 6.8. The latter preparations show greater tendency to aggregate spontaneously and a larger response to ADP in vitro than those at a pH of 6.5. If maximum recovery of platelets from a single donor is the primary objective, platelet-rich plasma should be acidified to pH 6.5 before preparation of platelet concentrates.
An O(mn) time algorithm for optimal buffer insertion of nets with m sinks

Buffer insertion is an effective technique to reduce interconnect delay. In this paper, we give a simple O(mn) time algorithm for optimal buffer insertion, where m is the number of sinks and n is the number of buffer positions. This is the first linear time buffer insertion algorithm for nets with constant number of sinks. When m is small, it is a significant improvement over our recent O(nlog/sup 2/n) time algorithm, and the O(n/sup 2/) time algorithm of van Ginneken. For b buffer types, the new algorithm runs in O(b/sup 2/n + bmn) time, an improvement of our recent O(bn/sup 2/) algorithm. The improvement is made possible by a clever bookkeeping method and an innovative linked list data structure that can perform addition of a wire, and addition of a buffer in amortized O(1) time. On industrial test cases, the new algorithm is faster than previous best algorithms by an order of magnitude.
Catalytic homologation of vinyltributylstannane to allyltributylstannane by Mo(IV) complexes in the presence of ethylene.

We have found that CH2CHSnBu3 is converted into CH2CHCH2SnBu3 catalytically in the presence of Mo(IV) olefin complexes such as Mo(NAr)(CH2CH2)[biphen] (where Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3 and [biphen]2- = 3,3‘-di-tert-butyl-5,5‘,6,6‘-tetramethyl-1,1‘-biphenyl-2,2‘-diolate). The proposed mechanism involves formation of a metalacyclopentane (MC4) complex from ethylene and CH2CHSnBu3, “contraction” of this MC4 complex to a metalacyclobutane (MC3) complex, and finally metathesis of the MC3 complex to give CH2CHCH2SnBu3 and Mo(NAr)(CH2)[biphen]. These new findings suggest (inter alia) that contraction of an MC4 ring to an MC3 ring may be a much more common mode of decomposition of metalacyclopentane rings in d0 complexes than previously believed.
Local size distributions of particles deposited by inertial impaction on a cylindrical target in dust-laden streams

Abstract We exploit recent developments on impinging single particle capture laws and rational correlations for inertial impaction on a circular cylinder in high Reynolds number crossflow [Israel and Rosner (1983) Aerosol Sci. Technol. 2, 45–51; Wessel and Righi (1988) Aerosol Sci. Technol. 9, 26–60] to predict the local size distribution of particles deposited by impaction on a cylindrical target when the mainstream particle suspension is “log-normal”. Because of both the aerodynamics of selective impingement, and the nature of the sticking/rebound law, we show that the granular deposit particle size distribution (hereafter abbreviated (PSD)w) is generally quite different from mainstream particle size distribution (PSD)∞, by so much that (PSD)w generally cannot be characterized accurately by single-mode log-normal distribution parameters. Apart from its relevance in correcting for systematic errors in aerosol sampling from high-speed streams, this local variation of the “granular deposit” PSD along with information on deposit morphology, must be known (in addition to the total mass accumulated per unit area) to predict, say, the loss in convective heat transfer rate associated with the growth of a fouling layer. Three distinct classes of single solid particle capture laws are considered: constant capture fraction (independent of impinging particle velocity and angle of incidence), “on-off” capture behavior expected for impaction on a clean, particle-free, smooth solid surface, and particle capture on a dry, sufficiently thick, granular deposit. Our (PSD)w results are cast in terms of following accessible dimensionless parameters: sensitivity of capture fraction to particle incident velocity and angle, ratio of mainstream velocity to the critical (threshold) velocity for particle rebound (at, say, normal incidence), ratio of mean particle size in the mainstream to the critical size required for impaction on a cylindrical target in crossflow, spread of log-normal mainstream particle size distribution, and the characteristic “slip” Reynolds number for the critical size particle in the mainstream.
Comparison of Test Methods for Determining the Particle Removal Efficiency of Filters in Residential and Light-Commercial Central HVAC Systems

Central heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) filters are often the dominant mechanism for particle removal in buildings. However, little is known about filter performance in real environments, particularly in residential and light-commercial buildings where particle concentrations and compositions can be very different from laboratory test conditions. This article explores differences in HVAC filter test protocols and refines a whole-house method for in situ testing of filters for size-resolved particle removal efficiencies. Results from the in situ method are compared with those from a simple upstream–downstream method for three types of commercially available filters in an unoccupied test house. Results from both field methods are compared with standardized laboratory test results as measured by an independent laboratory and as reported by the manufacturer. In general, comparisons between filter efficiency as measured by the refined whole-house method and as measured by the upstream–downstr...
15 Assessing the Clinical Reasoning Skills of Emergency Medicine Clerkship Students Using a Script Concordance Test

Fourth-year medical students in emergency medicine (EM) clerkships are evaluated by various methods. Multiple choice examinations are frequently used to supplement clinical evaluations. These are limited in their ability to evaluate students’ clinical reasoning skills. The Script Concordance Test (SCT) is an innovative assessment method developed to evaluate clinical reasoning. The SCT consists of a series of clinical vignettes, each followed by a series of specific questions that present an additional piece of data (a lab result, a physical finding, etc.) to the student. The students then indicate how the additional data affect their thinking regarding a possible diagnosis, an investigational strategy, or a therapeutic intervention, using a 5 point Likert scale (-2,-1,0,+1,+2). SCT questions have no single correct answer; instead, students receive credit based upon the level of agreement between their answers and those of a panel of 10 to 20 expert physicians who take the test to derive the answer key. The SCT is easily administered. In other disciplines, the SCT has demonstrated the ability to differentiate between the clinical reasoning skills of experienced and novice clinicians. The clerkship directors developed an EM SCT using an expert panel of 10 EM attending physicians. For the 07-08 academic year, SCT questions have been incorporated into the EM clerkship end-of-rotation written examination. The EM SCT shows promise as a measure of a student's clinical reasoning ability. Future studies will assess in greater detail the performance and statistical properties of the SCT in the setting of the EM clerkship.
Design and fabrication of a PDMS microchip based immunoassay

In this paper, we describe the design and fabrication of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchip for on-chip multiplex immunoassay applications. The microchip consists of a PDMS microfluidic channel layer and a micro pneumatic valve control layer. By selectively pressurizing the pneumatic microvalves, immuno reagents were controlled to flow and react in certain fluidic channel sites. Cross contamination was prevented by tightly closed valves. Our design was proposed to utilize PDMS micro channel surface as the solid phase immunoassay substrate and simultaneously detect four targets antigens on chip. Experimental results show that 20psi valve pressure is sufficient to tightly close a 200μm wide micro channel with flow rate up to 20μl/min.
Reconstruction induced changes in the electronic states of ZnSe(100)

Abstract Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and ultraviolet photoemission have been used to study the electronic structure of ZnSe(100) surfaces. Changes in both the occupied states and electronic transitions are observed upon passing from the disordered, Se-saturated (1 × 1) surface to ordered Se-stabilized (2 × 1) and Zn-terminated c(2 × 2) reconstructions. In particular, the (2 × 1) surface is found to exhibit a lower onset of interband transitions than both the c(2 × 2) phase and bulk ZnSe. The smaller surface band-gap for this surface can be attributed to transitions involving Se dimer states lying within the bulk gap.
Collaboration between allergists and pharmacists increases β-lactam antibiotic prescriptions in patients with a history of penicillin allergy.

Background: Over 90% of patients with a history of penicillin allergy have negative penicillin skin tests. Pharmacists are trained to identify and resolve medication-related problem
The effects of interleukin-15 on human γδ T cell responses to Plasmodium falciparum in vitro

We observed that the gammadelta T cell subset expands when human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from malaria-naive donors are cultured with Plasmodium falciparum lysate in the presence of IL-2 or IL-15, cytokines that utilize two common IL-2 receptor subunits. IL-15 induced the expansion of the gammadelta T cell subset at all levels tested, whereas IL-2 was not stimulatory at high levels. Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis using the TUNEL assay indicated that the percentage and absolute number of gammadelta T cells undergoing apoptosis were greater in cultures stimulated with antigen and IL-2 than in cultures stimulated with either antigen and IL-15 or control erythrocyte lysate and IL-2. The ability of IL-15 to enhance gammadelta T cell function was also assessed; the results suggest that IL-15 can function with IL-2 to enhance the capacity of gammadelta T cells to inhibit parasite replication. Together these data indicate that IL-2 and IL-15, which both bind to IL-2Rbeta and IL-2R(gamma)c, enhance gammadelta T cell function, but they appear to have different effects on proliferation and survival.
Carbon nanotube photo- and electroluminescence in longitudinal electric fields.

The photoluminescence of a partially suspended, semiconducting carbon nanotube that forms the active channel of a field-effect transistor is quenched and red-shifted upon application of a longitudinal electrical (source−drain) field. The quenching can be explained by a loss of oscillator strength and an increased Auger-like nonradiative decay of the E11 exciton. The spectral shifts are due to drain-field-induced doping that leads to enhanced dielectric screening. Electroluminescence due to electron impact excitation of E11 excitons is red-shifted and broadened with respect to the zero-field photoluminescence. A combination of screening and heating of the carbon nanotube can explain both spectral shift and broadening of the electrically induced light emission.
Medicaid eligibility, benefits, and provider payment: state preferences and implications for national goals

This research relates the economic concept of preference to a political theory of policy-making. It regresses measures of state Medicaid eligibility, benefit coverage, and payment rate policies on sets of economic and political variables. Results suggest that political factors may help to determine state preferences for a trade-off between generosity to the poor (eligibility and benefits) and generosity to providers (reimbursement rates). Because the federal-state Medicaid financing scheme implies some national goals for the program, these results are important. If state decisions regarding the trade-off between eligibility/benefits and provider payment are based in part on political factors, then policy-makers may have to look to a stronger federal presence to ensure that national Medicaid financial and access-related objectives are met.
Use of force plate instrumentation to assess kinetic variables during touch screen use

Touch screens are becoming ubiquitous technology, allowing for enhanced speed and convenience of user interfaces. To date, the majority of touch screen usability studies have focused on timing and accuracy of young, healthy individuals. This information alone may not be sufficient to improve accessibility and usability of touch screens. Kinetic data (e.g. force, impulse, and direction) may provide valuable information regarding human performance during touch screen use. Since kinetic information cannot be measured with a touch screen alone, touch screen-force plate instrumentation, software, and methodology were developed. Individuals with motor control disabilities (Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis), as well as gender- and age-matched non-disabled participants, completed a pilot reciprocal tapping task to evaluate the validity of this new instrumentation to quantify touch characteristics. Results indicate that the instrumentation was able to successfully evaluate performance and kinetic characteristics. The kinetic information measured by the new instrumentation provides important insight into touch characteristics which may lead to improved usability and accessibility of touch screens.
Stability analysis of a wind turbine active power control system

Wind penetration levels have increased dramatically in recent years. This has motivated the need for wind turbines and wind plants to provide grid frequency regulation services. Wind turbines do not inherently provide frequency regulation services in the same manner as conventional synchronous generators because modern wind turbines are decoupled from the grid via their power electronics. Consequently, active power control (APC) must be performed to allow wind turbines to participate in grid frequency regulation. In this paper, we consider a wind turbine APC system, which uses a generator torque controller to operate in a derated manner, allowing the turbine to maintain overhead power. Derated operation is achieved by operating the turbine at a higher-than-optimal tip-speed ratio. We show the stability of the APC torque controller and the asymptotic stability of the derated operating points for a constant input. Further, the control system is shown to be input-to-state stable for time-varying inputs.
Verifying and enforcing network paths with icing

We describe a new networking primitive, called a Path Verification Mechanism (pvm). There has been much recent work about how senders and receivers express policies about the paths that their packets take. For instance, a company might want fine-grained control over which providers carry which traffic between its branch offices, or a receiver may want traffic sent to it to travel through an intrusion detection service.While the ability to express policies has been well-studied, the ability to enforce policies has not. The core challenge is: if we assume an adversarial, decentralized, and high-speed environment, then when a packet arrives at a node, how can the node be sure that the packet followed an approved path? Our solution, icing, incorporates an optimized cryptographic construction that is compact, and requires negligible configuration state and no PKI. We demonstrate icing's plausibility with a NetFPGA hardware implementation. At 93% more costly than an IP router on the same platform, its cost is significant but affordable. Indeed, our evaluation suggests that icing can scale to backbone speeds.
Netrin-1 Prevents Ischemia/Reperfusion-induced Myocardial Infarction via a DCC/ERK1/2/eNOSs1177/NO/DCC Feed-forward Mechanism

We have recently shown that a novel endothelial mitogen netrin-1 potently stimulates nitric oxide (NO()) production via a DCC-ERK1/2 dependent mechanism. In view of the well-established cardioprotective role of NO(), the present study investigated whether netrin-1 is cardioprotective via NO(*) signaling in the heart. Netrin-1 receptor DCC was abundantly expressed in the C57BL/6J mouse hearts. Perfusion of heart with netrin-1 (100 ng/mL) using a Langendorff system significantly increased NO(*) production. Under ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), netrin-1 induced a substantial reduction in infarct size (21.8+/-4.9% from 42.5+/-3.6% in the controls), which was accompanied by an augmented production of NO(*). Pre-perfusion with DCC-antibody, U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor), L-NAME or PTIO (NO(*) scavenger) attenuated protective effects of netrin-1 on infarct size and NO(*) production, indicating upstream roles of DCC and ERK1/2 in NO(*) production, as well as an essential role of NO(*) in cardioprotection. Netrin-1 induced reduction in infarct size was significantly attenuated in DCC+/- mice, confirming an intermediate role of DCC. In additional experiments we found netrin-1 increased ERK1/2 and eNOS(s1177) phosphorylation, and DCC protein expression, which was diminished by I/R. Furthermore, netrin-1-induced DCC upregulation was NO(*) and ERK1/2-dependent, implicating a feed-forward mechanism. DAF-AM staining revealed enhanced NO(*) production in both cardiac endothelial cells (ECs) and myocytes. In primarily isolated cardiomyocytes, netrin-1 also increased NO(*) production, DCC abundance and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Of note, cardiac apoptosis was significantly attenuated by netrin-1, which was reversed by DCC-antibody, U0126, L-NAME or PTIO. In summary, our data clearly demonstrate that netrin-1 potently protects the heart from I/R injury by stimulating NO(*) production from cardiac ECs and myocytes. This potent effect is mediated by a DCC/ERK1/2/eNOS(s1177)/NO(*)/DCC feed-forward mechanism in both cell types.
Reframing Reality: Hope as a Different Perspective

(1988). Reframing Reality: Hope as a Different Perspective. Care Giver: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 195-203.
AN INACTIVE PRECURSOR OF STREPTOCOCCAL PROTEINASE

1. Streptococcal proteinase is derived from an inactive precursor found in culture filtrates of proteinase-producing streptococci. 2. The precursor can be converted into the proteinase by low concentrations of trypsin but not by chymotrypsin. 3. In cultures grown in suitable media the conversion of precursor to proteinase is effected autocatalytically. This reaction occurs under reducing conditions and is initiated by active proteinase present in low concentrations with the precursor. 4. The autocatalytic reaction is suppressed or retarded by conditions which decrease the activity of the proteinase, e.g . by growing cultures at 22°C. instead of at 37°C. or by growing them under markedly aerobic conditions. It is also retarded in the presence of casein.