cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Cloud-based Architecture for the Internet of Things targeting Industrial Devices Remote Monitoring and Control

Abstract: The process of acquiring, analysing and managing data obtained by sensors and actuators in industrial environments can benefit from modern Cloud-based platforms towards a complete implementation of the Industrie 4.0 concept. The analysis of huge data sets produced by these sensors ( Big Data ) could allow quick and accurate decision making. For example, productivity improvements can be achieved by analysing device performance and degradation for real-time feedback on configuration and optimization. This work proposes a Cloud-based architecture for Internet of Things (IoT) applications to improve the deployment of smart industrial systems based on remote monitoring and control. By using specific technologies available as a service, we demonstrate the proposed architecture on an automated electric induction motor use case. This approach includes layers for sensor network data gathering, data transformation between standard protocols, message queuing, real-time data analysis, reporting for further analysis, and real-time control. Particularly, by using the proposed architecture, we remotely monitored, controlled and processed data produced by sensors and actuators coupled to the motor. Preliminary results indicate this foundation can support predictive methods and management of automated systems in the Industrie 4.0 context.
Caffeinated Beverage Consumption Rates and Reported Sleep in a United States Navy Ship

Ship crews live and work in an environment characterized by extreme sleep deprivation. In an attempt to maintain alertness, crewmembers frequently consume caffeinated beverages and energy drinks. A...
A divide-and-conquer framework for large-scale subspace clustering

Given data that lies in a union of low-dimensional subspaces, the problem of subspace clustering aims to learn — in an unsupervised manner — the membership of the data to their respective subspaces. State-of-the-art subspace clustering methods typically adopt a two-step procedure. In the first step, an affinity measure among data points is constructed, usually by exploiting some form of data self-representation. In the second step, spectral clustering is applied to the affinity measure to find the membership of the data to their respective subspaces. While such methods are broadly applicable to mid-size datasets with 10,000 data points in 10,000 variables, they cannot be directly applied to large-scale datasets. This paper proposes a divide-and-conquer framework for large-scale subspace clustering. The data is first divided into chunks and subspace clustering is applied to each chunk. After removing potential outliers from each cluster, a new cross-representation measure for the similarity between subspaces is used to merge clusters from different chunks that correspond to the same subspace. A self-representation method is then used to assign outliers to clusters. We evaluate the proposed strategy on synthetic large-scale dataset with 1,000,000 data points, as well as on the MNIST database, which contains 70,000 images of handwritten digits. The numerical results highlight the scalability of our approach.
Advancing Doctoral Social Work Education: An Application of the Social-Ecological Framework

Graduates of social work doctoral programs are an integral part of social work education and, as faculty, training of BSW and MSW students. Missing from the literature are theoretical frameworks th...
Factors Influencing Students' Help-Seeking Behavior while Programming with Human and Computer Tutors

When novice students encounter difficulty when learning to program, some can seek help from instructors or teaching assistants. This one-on-one tutoring is highly effective at fostering learning, but busy instructors and large class sizes can make expert help a scarce resource. Increasingly, programming environments attempt to imitate this human support by providing students with hints and feedback. In order to design effective, computer-based help, it is important to understand how and why students seek and avoid help when programming, and how this process differs when the help is provided by a human or a computer. We explore these questions through a qualitative analysis of 15 students' interviews, in which they reflect on solving two programming problems with human and computer help. We discuss implications for help design and present hypotheses on students' help-seeking behavior.
Wenyi, Wenqing and pure love: The European imaginary in Xu Jinglei's films

While much has been written about the use of wenyi in the film industry and among cultural theorists, as well as about the general features of wenyi pictures, the embodiment of wenyi sentiments in ...
Minimizing Areas and Volumes and a Generalized AM–GM Inequality

Solving optimization problems via Lagrange Multipliers leads us to a generalized AM–GM inequality. We give several related optimization problems, suitable as projects for calculus students, with an...
Use of an End-to-End-Simulator to Analyze CYGNSS

AbstractTropical convection during the onset of two Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) events, in October and December of 2011, was simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Observations from the Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO) field campaign were assimilated into the WRF Model for an improved simulation of the mesoscale features of tropical convection. The WRF simulations with the assimilation of DYNAMO data produced realistic representations of mesoscale convection related to westerly wind bursts (WWBs) as well as downdraft-induced gust fronts. An end-to-end simulator (E2ES) for the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission was then applied to the WRF dataset, producing simulated CYGNSS near-surface wind speed data. The results indicated that CYGNSS could detect mesoscale wind features such as WWBs and gust fronts even in the presence of simulated heavy precipitation. This study has two primary conclusions as a consequence: 1) satellite simulators could be used to exa...
Bleeding at Removal of Nuss Bar: Rare But Sometimes Significant.

Abstract Background: Hemorrhage during Nuss bar removal is an uncommon but feared complication that can be life threatening if not controlled rapidly. This study aims to identify the incidence and ...
Developing Critical Conversations About Identity Research in Science Education

The chapters in this book offer a range of points of view concerning identity and its relationship to participation in science education. In the studies presented, identity is foregrounded to show various ways in which learners, teachers, students, children, and adults take on, and are positioned with, different ways of being with consequences for achievement, emotional well-being, career paths, and status within groups. I take a sociocultural point of view when reading these chapters.
An algorithmic approach to thyroid function testing in a managed care setting : 3-year experience

An algorithm (directed thyrotropin [TSH], directed thyroid testing algorithm [DRTSH]) for the initial evaluation and monitoring of thyroid function was established in our institution in 1990. The algorithm begins with measurement of TSH by a sensitive immunoassay. If TSH is either 5.5 mU/L, a free thyroid index (T4 x Resin Uptake Ratio (RU)) is automatically performed on the same sample on the same day. In the setting of a large, predominately outpatient, prepaid health care population, the algorithm reduces unnecessary testing and focuses resources on the patients who need it. Three years after its introduction, physician acceptance of this approach is high ( > 90%), test utilization is reduced, test turnaround time is reduced, and significant cost-savings can be demonstrated.
The Earth System

Climate depends not only on atmospheric processes but also on physical, chemical, and biological processes involving other components of the Earth system. This chapter reviews the structure and behavior of those other components. The chapter shows how the cycling of water, carbon, and oxygen among the components of the Earth system has affected the evolution of the atmosphere. The chapter summarizes the history of climate over the lifetime of the Earth, with the emphasis on causal mechanisms. The chapter also discusses why Earth is so much more habitable than its neighbors in the solar system. Earth is the only planet in the solar system on which advanced life forms have evolved due to a very special combination of circumstances. The range of surface temperatures on Earth has allowed for the possibility of oceans that have remained unfrozen throughout most of Earth's history. The surface of Venus is far too hot to allow for the possibility of oceans. Furthermore, it appears that nearly all of the hydrogen atoms that presumably once resided in the atmosphere and crust of Venus in the form of water have escaped to space, leaving the planet virtually devoid of life-sustaining water. The surface of Mars is far too cold to allow water to exist in the liquid phase. The presence of geological features that resemble river valleys but are pockmarked by crater impacts suggests that oceans might have existed on the surface of Mars early in its history but were not sustainable. Earth is the only planet with an ozone layer, the heating of which produces the temperature maximum that defines the stratopause.
Insulin resistance since early adulthood and appendicular lean mass in middle-aged adults without diabetes: 20 years of the CARDIA study

Abstract Aims To determine the association between 20-year trajectories in insulin resistance (IR) since young adulthood and appendicular lean mass (ALM) at middle-age in adults without diabetes. Methods A prospective cohort study was designed among young and middle-aged US men ( n = 925) and women ( n = 1193). Fasting serum glucose and insulin were measured five times in 1985–2005. IR was determined using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). ALM was measured in 2005 and ALM adjusted for BMI (ALM/BMI) was the outcome. Sex-specific analyses were performed. Results Three HOMA-IR trajectories were identified. Compared to the low-stable group, the adjusted ALM/BMI difference was −0.041 (95% CI: −0.060 to −0.022) and −0.114 (−0.141 to −0.086) in men, and −0.052 (−0.065 to −0.039) and −0.043 (−0.063 to −0.023) in women, respectively, for the medium-increase and high-increase groups. Further adjusting for the treadmill test duration attenuated these estimates to −0.022 (−0.040 to −0.004) and −0.061 (−0.089 to −0.034) in men and −0.026 (−0.038 to −0.014) and −0.007 (−0.026 to 0.012) in women. Conclusions Compared to the low-stable insulin resistance trajectory between early and middle adulthood, the high-increase trajectory was associated with lower ALM/BMI in middle-aged men, but not women, without diabetes, after adjusting for cardiorespiratory fitness.
Benefit of Mohs Micrographic Surgery Over Wide Local Excision for Melanoma of the Head and Neck: A Rational Approach to Treatment.

BACKGROUNDThere are limited published data comparing wide local excision (WLE) with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for the treatment of melanoma.OBJECTIVETo describe a novel treatment algorithm for the surgical management of head and neck melanoma and compare rates of local recurrence for tumors tr
Desensitization for Allergic Reactions to Chemotherapy

Drug desensitization is procedure by which patients can be tolerized to medications that have previously induced hypersensitivity reactions. Initially used in treating hypersensitivity reactions to antibiotics, desensitization is now frequently used in the setting of allergy to chemotherapy drugs and biologics, thus widening the clinical applicability of this procedure which has been proven to be quite safe and effective in improving clinical outcomes, mainly by allowing patients to remain on preferred first-line therapy. This paper reviews the history, application, and safety studies of drug desensitization for chemotherapy and biologics.
Masculine toughness and the categorical perception of onset sibilant clusters

Evidence from production studies demonstrate that /s/-retraction, a sound change in American English where /s/ approaches [ʃ], is progressing in apparent time and highly context-dependent, occurring overwhelmingly in /str/ clusters. This study reports findings from a phoneme categorization task, suggesting that listeners perceive sibilants in /str/ clusters less categorically than in /spr/ and /skr/ clusters and are becoming less categorical in apparent time for all clusters. Indicators of masculine toughness, including the model talker's voice and face and the listener's endorsement of masculine stereotypes, additionally contribute to a less categorical perception of sibilants in these environments.
Producing mands in concurrent operant environments

This study examined strategies designed to increase the rate of targeted, low-probability mands in a concurrent operant environment. We examined the effects of schedule manipulations, prompt manipulations, motivating operation manipulations, and combined behavioral process manipulations. Increases in target mands were produced for all 8 participants. Schedule manipulations were effective in producing increased rates of targeted mands for 3 of 8 participants, whereas prompt manipulations were effective for 4 of 8 participants. Motivating operation manipulations were effective in producing increased rates of targeted mands for 2 of 8 participants and combined behavioral process manipulations were effective for the single participant exposed to the combination.
Factors Correlating Perceptions of HPV and Vaccine Uptake among High School Students

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is arguably the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection, and has been linked to a variety of health complications including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and anogenital warts. The HPV vaccine can prevent these health complications, but few studies have investigated the specific factors that impact HPV vaccine uptake. Methods: Two hundred seventy-five male and female high school students were surveyed in an ethnically diverse school district in southern California regarding HPV vaccine uptake and perceptions. Results: Less than one third of students reported their physician had discussed HPV vaccine with them, and fewer still for males (p<0.01). Students who did discuss HPV vaccination with their physician were significantly more likely to get vaccinated (p<0.01). Conclusion: These findings suggest the merit of the physician taking on a more active role during office visits to promote knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine to all youth in this age group.
The role of regulatory T cells in graft-versus-host disease management.

Introduction: Despite improvements in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching algorithms and supportive care, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains the leading cause of non-relapse morbidity and ...
Improving seismic performance using adaptive variable friction systems

Abstract Seismic isolation has been used to effectively protect buildings and bridges from earthquakes. One of the challenges in designing seismic isolation systems is that, many of them can only be designed to optimize their behavior to one targeted level of seismic hazard. When they are designed for rare events, their performance in more frequent events cannot be controlled, which may leads to non-optimal behavior. To address this issue, the Adaptive Variable Friction System (AVFS) was recently introduced, which can be designed to multiple levels of seismic hazard. This paper discusses, first, the mechanics of AVFSs, and a practical method for design. It then presents an extensive parametric study considering realistic structures and several ground motion intensities. It is shown that, when designed to the same performance target for rare events, compared to traditional friction pendulum systems, AVFSs are able to improve superstructure performance at more frequent events. The effect of design parameters on the performance of AVFS-isolated structures is also discussed.
Cross-Cultural Communication and IB Teaching

Cross-Border communication is important in international business activity. Such communication has been greatly facilitated by technology in recent times. The costs of international phone calls, vi...
PDE Connections and Potential Theory

Cauchy problem, Feynman–Kac formula, PDE existence and SDE uniqueness, harmonic functions, regularity, Dirichlet’s problem, transition and occupation densities, Greenian domain, Green function and potential, hitting and quitting kernels, sweeping measure and hitting, equilibrium measure and quitting, dependence on conductor and domain, time reversal, capacities and random sets, super-harmonic and excessive functions, additive functional as compensator, Riesz decomposition, measure-induced additive functional.
Copper carbon composite wire with a uniform carbon dispersion made by friction extrusion

Abstract Copper-carbon composites are a group of materials with excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal, and tribological properties. However, bulk size copper-carbon composites made by the traditional manufacturing processes, like rolling or extrusion, fall short of reaching some of these properties predicted by theory or demonstrated only by samples at centimeter scale or smaller. The two main challenges to the successful scaling-up are: 1) to uniformly disperse carbon in the metal matrix; 2) to avoid degradation due to oxidation or reaction from overheating. In this work, we first demonstrate friction extrusion as a new method to make bulk-size void-free copper-carbon composite wires with homogenized carbon dispersion. Three different carbon varieties, graphite powder, graphene nanopowder, and carbon nanotubes, were added to the copper matrix with the concentration ranging from 0.5 wt% to 15 wt%. Special tooling, processing parameters, and procedures were developed, especially for high carbon content samples. Ten-fold reductions of both copper grain size and carbon particle size were achieved and attributed to the high shear deformation. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry indicates the carbon powder was refined to a sub-micron level and uniformly dispersed in the copper matrix. Compared with that of pure copper, the thermal capacity of the composite wire increases by 30 % while density reduces by 29 %.
Modeling uniquely human gene regulatory function in humanized mice

Abstract The evolution of uniquely human traits likely entailed changes in developmental gene regulation. Human Accelerated Regions (HARs), which include transcriptional enhancers harboring a significant excess of human-specific sequence changes, are leading candidates for driving gene regulatory modifications in human development. However, insight into whether HARs alter the level, distribution and timing of endogenous gene expression remains limited. We examined the role of the HAR HACNS1 (HAR2) in human evolution by interrogating its molecular functions in a humanized mouse model. We find that HACNS1 maintains its human-specific enhancer activity in humanized mice and that it modifies expression of Gbx2, which encodes a homeobox transcription factor, during limb development. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrate that Gbx2 is upregulated in the chondrogenic mesenchyme of humanized limbs, supporting that HACNS1 alters gene expression in cell types involved in skeletal patterning. Our findings illustrate that humanized mouse models provide mechanistic insight into how HARs modified gene expression in human evolution.
Technology Demonstration Mission (Tdm) Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (Cpst). Cpst Project Overview and Cryogenic Activities

Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Project overview. A description of the mission is provided along with recent ground test activities.
The number of membranes matters

We look at a restricted model of a communicating P system, called RCPS, whose environment does not contain any object initially. The system can expel objects into the environment but only expelled objects can be retrieved from the environment. Such a system is initially given an input \(a_1^{i_1} ... a_n^{i_n}\) (with each i j representing the multiplicity of distinguished object a i , 1 ≤ i ≤ n) and is used as an acceptor. We show that RCPS’s are equivalent to two-way multihead finite automata over bounded languages (i.e., subsets of \(a_1^* ... a_n^*\), for some distinct symbols a 1, ..., a n ). We then show that there is an infinite hierarchy of RCPS’s in terms of the number of membranes. In fact, for every r, there is an s> r and a unary language L accepted by an RCPS with s membranes that cannot be accepted by an RCPS with r membranes. This provides an answer to an open problem in [12] which asks whether there is a nonuniversal model of a membrane computing system which induces an infinite hierarchy on the number of membranes. We also consider variants/generalizations of RCPS’s, e.g., acceptors of languages; models that allow a “polynomial bounded” supply of objects in the environment initially; models with tentacles, etc. We show that they also form an infinite hierarchy with respect to the number of membranes (or tentacles). The proof techniques can be used to obtain similar results for other restricted models of P systems, like symport/antiport systems.
On the Syntax and Semantics of Concurrent Computing

A mathematical model is presented as a common framework within which to discuss and compare different models of concurrent computation. Central to the model is the concept of flow net, which is used to describe concurrent computation, just as a conventional flowchart is used to describe serial computation. A flow-of-control algebra of flow nets is presented by defining a minimal set of operations for composing flow nets, together with an equational system they satisfy. These operations suggest a corresponding minimal syntax — the flow-of-control algebra of flow structures. In this algebra, which is continuous, a flow net is represented by its unfoldment — a finite system of recursion equations. Deadlock and equivalence are examples of properties of concurrent computation formulated in the presented syntax.
Capillary electrophoretic chiral separations with cyclodextrin additives: I. acids: Chiral selectivity as a function of pH and the concentration of β-cyclodextrin for fenoprofen and ibuprofen

Abstract An equilibrium model has been developed to describe the pH and cyclodextrin concentration dependence of the electrophoretic mobilities as well as the c
Identification of Signaling Pathways in Macrophage Exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis or to Its Purified Cell Wall Components

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can trigger an inflammatory condition leading to the destruction of periodontal tissues. However P. gingivalis LPS and its fimbriae (FimA) play different roles compared with the live bacteria in the context of intracellular molecule induction and cytokine secretion. To elucidate whether this difference results from different signaling pathways in host immune response to P. gingivalis, its LPS, or its FimA, we examined gene expression profile of human macrophages exposed to P. gingivalis, its LPS, or its FimA. A comparison of gene expression resulted in the identification of three distinct groups of expressed genes. Furthermore, computer-assisted promoter analysis of a subset of each group of differentially regulated genes revealed four putative transcriptional regulation models that associate with transcription factors NFkappaB, IRF7, and KLF4. Using gene knockout mice and siRNA to silence mouse genes, we showed that both TLR2 and TLR7 are essential for the induction of NFkappaB-containing genes and NFkappaB-IFN-sensitive response element (ISRE) cocontaining genes by either P. gingivalis or its purified components. The gene induction via either TLR2 or TLR7 is dependent on both MyD88 and p38 MAPK. However, the unique induction of IFN-beta by P. gingivalis LPS requires TLR7 and IFNalphabetaR cosignaling, and the induction of ISRE-containing gene is dependent on the activation of IFN-beta autocrine loop. Taken together, these data demonstrate that P. gingivalis and its components induce NFkappaB-containing genes through either TLR2- or TLR7-MyD88-p38 MAPK pathway, while P. gingivalis LPS uniquely induces ISRE-containing genes, which requires IFNalphabetaR signaling involving IRF7, KLF4, and pY701 STAT1.
External Galaxies I: CO Observations of Galaxies

The most commonly used spectral lines for studying molecular gas in external galaxies are those of CO. Since CO is easily excited, it traces essentially all of the molecular gas in a galaxy. CO has been used to measure the molecular gas mass, the distribution of molecular gas, the kinematics in nuclei and spiral arms, and the physical condition of the molecular ISM in galaxies. This lecture reviews the major results of extragalactic CO research.
Etoposide: A Semisynthetic Epipodophyllotoxin Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Adverse Effects and Use as an Antineoplastic Agent

Etoposide (VP 16) is a semi-synthetic derivative of 4'- demethylepipodophyllotoxin , a naturally occurring compound synthesized by the North American May apple (Podophyllum peltatum ) and the Indian species Podophyllum emodi Wallich . Although podophyllotoxins are classical spindle poisons causing inhibition of mitosis by blocking mitrotubular assembly, etoposide inhibits cell cycle progression at a premitotic phase (late S and G2), probably via inhibition of DNA synthesis. There appears to be a selective antileukemic dose response relationship when compared to normal hematopoietic elements. Etoposide is effective when administered orally at about twice the recommended parenteral dosage. Schedule dependency in both animal models and clinical trials has been observed; multiple dosing over three to five consecutive days is superior to weekly single dose administration. Etoposide's dose-limiting toxicity is myelosuppression (leukopenia), which is quite predictable; alopecia and Gl toxicity (nausea, vomiting, stomatitis) occur in about 20-30% of patients given recommended dosages. Etoposide appears to be one of the most active drugs for small cell lung cancer, testicular carcinoma (the Food and Drug Administration approved indication), ANLL and malignant lymphoma. Etoposide also has demonstrated activity in refractory pediatric neoplasms, hepatocellular, esophageal, gastric and prostatic carcinoma, ovarian cancer, chronic and acute leukemias and non-small cell lung cancer, although additional single and combination drug studies are needed to substantiate these data. Its contribution in front-line combination chemotherapeutic regimens for these cancers will be better defined in the forthcoming years. Etoposide appears to have minimal activity in breast cancer and, based on current data, it is inactive against malignant melanoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma and cancer of the head and neck, although the dosage and schedules used in many of the Phase II studies may have been suboptimal.
Survey on ventral hernias: surgeon indications, contraindications, and management of large ventral hernias.

Abstract Repair of ventral hernias constitutes one of the most common surgical procedures. Although an abundance of data exists on objective outcome measures, very little information exists on subjective measures of surgeon preference and patient satisfaction in surgical management of ventral hernias. Moreover, there are minimal data on indications for elective repair of ventral hernias. Two questionnaires were sent to a population of general and plastic surgeons active in hernia surgery. The first of these aimed at gathering information from surgeons about their indications and contraindications for repair of ventral hernias. The second survey was aimed at determining surgeons' perception of patient satisfaction with repair of large ventral hernias (greater than 15 cm width). Five hundred sixty-eight surgeons responded to the first survey and 336 responded to the second survey. The most common indications for elective repair of abdominal wall hernias were generalized pain (68.7%) and cosmesis (54.6%), whereas the most common contraindications were morbid obesity (43.3%), American Society of Anesthesiologists Class III or IV (35.4%), and enterocutaneous fistula (33.1%). The majority of surgeons do not routinely repair large abdominal wall hernias in asymptomatic patients, but 31.6 per cent do repair asymptomatic large hernias. Most surgeons reported that the majority of patients had resolution of pain and subjective impression of improved cosmesis after surgery. This study demonstrates uniform indications and contraindications for surgical repair of ventral hernias among surgeons as well as surgeons' perception of improvements in satisfaction of most patients after surgery. Future studies will focus on comparing surgeon and patient satisfaction.
The role of the contact pathway in thrombus propagation

The continued search for the ideal antithrombotic agent that would prevent or reduce thrombus growth inside blood vessels without an effect on the essential hemostatic functions of blood, including extraluminal thrombin generation and platelet activation, has been going in new directions in the past decade. These directions include studies suggesting that activation of the intrinsic coagulation cascade through contact activation of factor XII, and the resultant thrombin generation is a pathologic event that leads to undesirable consequences. Recent animal studies of contact pathway inhibitors in experimental thrombogenesis suggest that the contact activation pathway of blood coagulation may play a pathogenic role in thrombosis, and pharmacologic inhibition of contact activation may have antithrombotic effects. Development of reasonably potent selective inhibitors of contact activation pathway components or activities now allow for the conduct of studies in various animal species, including primates. These studies have generated interesting data that now support the hypothesis that thrombogenesis in humans may also involve the pathological activation of the intrinsic coagulation cascade. Moreover, baboons, mice, and rabbits, pretreated with antibodies that selectively inhibit factor XII activation, procoagulant factor XIIa activity, or all enzymatic activities of factor XIIa show significantly reduced propensity for occlusive thrombus propagation in various models of acute thrombogenesis on vascular grafts, membrane oxygenators, and even on injured arteries. Since contact activation of blood does not play a demonstrable role in normal hemostasis, and there has been no evidence generated to date suggesting that activation of factor XII has a physiologic function, current research now supports the original concept, developed over 2 decades ago, that temporal pharmacologic inhibition of thrombin generation through the contact pathway may have therapeutic potential and could produce beneficial antithrombotic activities without hemostasis impairment.
MOLECULAR ORBITAL AND IMOMM STUDIES OF THE CHAIN TRANSFER MECHANISMS OF THE DIIMINE-M(II)-CATALYZED (M = NI, PD) ETHYLENE POLYMERIZATION REACTION

Associative displacement and H-exchange chain transfer/termination mechanisms for the diimine−M(II)-catalyzed (M = Ni, Pd) ethylene polymerization have been studied using B3LYP and IMOMM methods. For unsubstituted diimine complexes the coordination of ethylene to the metal−olefin−hydride complexes L2M(C2H4)H+ and L2M(C3H6)H+ is exothermic and gives the five-coordinate complex 22. From 22, the following processes can take place: (a) the associative displacement, path E, corresponding to dissociation of propylene, (b) the dissociation of ethylene, reverse path D, (c) the H-exchange, path F, and (d) the reattaching of the hydrogen to the polymer chain, path G. For M = Ni, the associative displacement cannot compete with paths F and G and is unlikely to take place. For M = Pd, the energetics for the paths E−G are similar, and the chain transfer/termination via the associative dissociation path E is more likely. The H-exchange process, path F, is the most favorable chain transfer/termination mechanism for bot...
Comparison of nitrile gloves and nitrile over Nomex gloves.

Abstract Objectives Aeromedical flight crews must perform many tasks in flight requiring manual dexterity and fine precision. A common perception is that safety-enhancing fire-retardant gloves compromise patient care if worn during such tasks by providing added bulk and barrier to the hand. This study is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of this possible compromise to patient care. Methods Sixteen practicing flight nurses and respiratory therapists were asked to perform 10 different standard patient care tasks while wearing either nitrile gloves or a nitrile-Nomex glove pair. Tasks were timed, rated as completed successfully or not, and were subsequently judged subjectively by the participants. Results Whereas the time required to insert an intravenous catheter and to insert a central line while wearing only nitrile gloves was significantly faster than when wearing both gloves, the time to perform all other tasks was not significantly different. In subjective ratings, the nitrile glove alone was scored significantly better than the two-glove combination by the study participants. Conclusions Comfort, dexterity, tactile discrimination, and ease of use were all adversely affected by wearing a Nomex glove under a nitrile glove. Although the differences in times for most tasks may not be clinically significant, the difference in the subjective parameters may be great enough to cause helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) practitioners to not wear Nomex gloves under nitrile gloves while performing procedures.
3324 Antibiotic prophylaxis before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy prevents infection and is cost saving.

Background: AP for the prevention of peristomal wound infection is recommended before PEG but is not practiced universally. Results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of AP have produced conflicting results. Objectives: To ascertain if AP reduces the risk of peristomal wound infection and to quantify any effect by meta-analysis. To estimate the cost savings of routine AP using cost-minimization analysis. Methods: Fully recursive literature search for RCTs of AP in the prevention of wound infection following PEG. Homogeneity of RCTs assessed by Breslow-Day method. Pooling of RCTs and calculation of relative and absolute risk reduction (RRR, ARR) and number needed to treat (NNT). Decision analysis model and sensitivity analysis (DATA 3.5, TreeAge Inc.) to estimate cost benefits of routine AP before PEG. Results: 7 RCTs of AP without significant heterogeneity (P=0.28). Crude pooled rates of wound infection were 6.4% in 421 patients receiving AP and 23.9% in 356 controls; RRR=73%; ARR=17.5% (95% CI 12.5-22.5%); NNT = 5.7 (95% CI 4.4-8.0). Cost minimization analysis: The probabilities (range for sensitivity analysis) for stomal and systemic infection on AP were 7% (1-15) and 1%(0.1-5) respectively. The corresponding values on no prophylaxis (NP) were 24% (10-30) and 7% (1-15%), respectively. The pharmacy cost (range for sensitivity analysis) for a course of topical, oral and iv antibiotics to treat infection were $1 (0.5-5), $5 (1-25) and $ 60 (40-200), respectively and for single dose AP was $ 4 (1-10). Cost for one day of hospitalization was $ 968 (500-5000). The cost / patient of AP and NP were $ 87 and $ 461 respectively. AP was cheaper than NP for all ranges of cost and probabilities tested. Conclusions: AP is effective in preventing peristomal wound infections and should be the standard of care in patients who are not already receiving antibiotics. AP will result in a cost saving of $ 374 / patient.
46,XX,15p+ documented as dup (17p) by fluorescence in situ hybridization

We report on a patient with a complex heart defect, short webbed neck, multiple other minor features, and a 46,XX,15p+ de novo karyotype. The enlarged short arm of the chromosome 15 was Distamycin-DAPI and C-band negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using an alpha satellite probe from chromosome 15 demonstrated hybridization only to the normal 15. In situ hybridization using a set of probes that bind to the short arm (17p13) and centromere of chromosome 17 demonstrated that the extra material on chromosome 15, including the centromere, was derived from chromosome 17. Therefore, this patient has a duplication of the centromere and short arm of chromosome 17. Clinical manifestations in this patient were consistent with those in previously described patients with dup (17p).
Tips and tricks for understanding and using SR results—no 12: Outcomes—don't be misled by results in which you are not interested

This twelfth article for ‘Tips and tricks for understanding and using SR results’ in Evidence Based Child Health is, like the previous ones, aimed at helping readers to understand the results of systematic reviews and to use the results in clinical practice. This time, we focus on outcomes. The information in this article is based on earlier papers, the Cochrane Handbook, and the experience of the author in teaching evidence-based medicine. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Is comparative politics dead? Rethinking the field in the post-Cold War era

(1998). Is comparative politics dead? Rethinking the field in the post-Cold War era. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 19, No. 5, pp. 935-949.
Small degree coverings of the affine line in characteristic two

Unramified coverings of the affine line in characteristic two are constructed having alternating groups of degree six and seven as Galois groups. Some other small degree unramified coverings of the affine line in characteristic two are also considered.
Elucidating Mechanisms in Complex Systems by Multi-wavelength Single-molecule Fluorescence

Many biological systems function through multiple non-covalent interactions between different proteins or nucleic acids. Even when only a few different kinds of macromolecules are involved, it is often true that a large number of different non-covalent complexes can form. This combinatorial complexity can make using conventional biochemical approaches to elucidate the kinetic mechanisms of these systems intractably difficult. Multi-wavelength single-molecule fluorescence is powerful approach to mechanistic analysis of these complex systems. By following individual molecules, this method can define reaction pathways and measure kinetics even in mixtures as complex as whole cell extracts. This talk will illustrate this approach with examples taken from basic processes in molecular biology including transcription and pre-mRNA splicing.
Plane-parallel plate method of laser localization and laser positioning

Rotating a plane-parallel glass plate in a laser beam can provide precise sub-millimeter beam translation useful for intraoperative localization and laser positioning. Fine control of beam translation by this method can aid in establishing laser-defined planes of a coordinate system used to locate patient anatomy or to align a stereotactic frame. To implement this method, laser dot or line projectors can be equipped with small motor-driven glass plates at or near their output ports. The author assembled an optical system consisting of a six mm thick crown glass plate, a visible diode laser projector and a 40-step stepper motor. This combination of simple and relatively inexpensive elements produces approximately one-half mm increments of beam translation over a five mm adjustment range. Benefits include fine control and freedom from perturbations caused by contact with adjustment thumbscrews. The addition of infrared remote control would allow easy adjustment of positioning lasers in hard-to-access areas of the operating or treatment room.
Acute and chronic effects of gum chewing on food reinforcement and energy intake

Although chewing gum has been considered a potential method for reducing energy intake, little empirical data exist to support this idea. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that chewing gum before eating reduces motivation to eat, hunger, and energy intake. In order to test this hypothesis, we conducted two experiments in which participants chewed gum prior to completing a food reinforcement task or before all eating occasions for two of three weeks. In Experiment 1, we found that chewing gum had no influence on the reinforcing value of food, but chewing mint gum reduced liking of and energy intake from fruit. In addition, chewing gum reduced self-reported hunger immediately after gum chewing and after eating compared with the no gum condition. In Experiment 2, gum chewing had no significant effect on total energy intake, but participants consumed fewer meals, consumed more energy per meal, and had a lower nutrient adequacy ratio during the gum chewing weeks. These studies provide no evidence that acute or chronic gum chewing reduces hunger or energy intake. In fact, chewing mint-flavored gum may deter consumption of fruit and reduce diet quality.
ANTECEDENTS OF INVOLUNTARY TURNOVER DUE TO A REDUCTION IN FORCE

This study examined antecedents to involuntary turnover due to a reduction in force. The authors used structural equation modeling and logit regression analysis with a sample of 194 salespeople to test an exploratory process model of involuntary turnover. Results showed that general mental ability and conscientiousness were indirectly correlated with involuntary turnover through job performance, whereas the relationship of tenure, gender, job involvement, sales volume, and supervisory ratings of job performance to turnover was direct. The results demonstrate that involuntary turnover decisions are significantly related to performance; however, other variables also influenced these decisions. Implications and future research needs are discussed.
Seedling survival and growth of native tree species in pastures: Implications for dry tropical forest rehabilitation in central Panama

Our study tested the effects of herbicide application and cattle removal on the survival and growth of three native tree species planted in pastures within a deforested, dry tropical region of Panama. We investigated whether enrichment planting may be a potential, complementing reforestation tool with natural regeneration. Three economically valuable tree species were chosen for the study; Cedrela odorata L., Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb, and Copaifera aromatica Dwyer. Planted seedlings were monitored for survival, root collar diameter and height growth in the presence or absence of two factors; (1) initial herbicide application and (2) cattle. After 16 months, subsamples of seedlings within each treatment were harvested and measured for dry masses and leaf areas. In the initial stages of development, C. odorata seedlings had the greatest growth rates with herbicide application whereas E. cyclocarpum seedlings had the greatest growth rates with cattle exclusion. The combination of these two factors yielded the best growth for both species. Of the three species, C. odorata had the lowest mortality rates (58%), and the greatest average dry mass (m = 403.7 g), leaf area (m = 169.3 m 2 ), diameter growth rate (m = 3.7 cm year � 1 ) and height growth rate (m = 81.7 cm year � 1 ) at 16 months. In addition, in the presence of cattle, C. odorata grew significantly better than E. cyclocarpum. To accelerate forest succession, herbicide should be applied initially and cattle removed before enrichment planting. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Bioassays for Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito oviposition attractants and stimulants

Bioassay methods for mosquito oviposition attractants and stimulants were developed and compared, using Culex tarsalis Coq. gravid females as test insects, and distilled water, dyed water, or Bermuda grass infusions as the test stimuli. Bioassays with sticky screens covering jars containing volatile test stimuli or with colorless and odorless Triton X100 surfactant in the aqueous oviposition medium demonstrated that gravid mosquitoes were attracted to distilled water, with the attraction increased by the addition of dye, grass infusion, or the steam distillate of grass infusion to the water. A variation of the sticky screen bioassay was used to demonstrate that the grass infusion also contained oviposition stimulants. A forced oviposition bioassay was minimally useful, because it failed to discriminate between a solution known to contain oviposition stimulants and a distilled-water control. Overall, the bioassays developed can be used to distinguish between oviposition attractants and stimulants, a distinction that cannot be made by simply counting egg rafts.
Open-Label Treatment of Comorbid Depression and Attentional Disorders with Co-administration of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Psychostimulants in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: A Case Series

ABSTRACT Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depression are common ailments that can cause significant dysfunction throughout the life cycle. These two disorders may occur comorbidly. This case series describes 7 pediatric patients (aged 10–16 years) and 4 adults (aged 38–44 years) whose ADHD and comorbid major depression were treated in a naturalistic open clinical fashion. For all 11 patients, symptoms of major depression appeared to respond well to either fluoxetine or sertraline monotherapy. Using starting doses of fluoxetine 10 mg or sertraline 25 mg daily, we did not observe any adverse behavioral activation or clinical deterioration. However, no improvement in ADHD symptoms was observed in any patient during fluoxetine or sertraline monotherapy. Adjunctive treatment with a psychostimulant seemed necessary for chronic ADHD symptoms to be effectively addressed. The psychostimulants did not appear to provide observable antidepressant effects. With the exception of one adult who h...
Changes in atherosclerotic plaque composition assessed by MRI in the superficial femoral artery with two years of lipid lowering therapy

Methods 43 patients with PAD (age 63±9, ABI 0.72±0.14) were imaged at baseline and annually for 2 years after beginning lipid lowering therapy. Twenty statin-naive patients were randomized to simvastatin (S, n=11) or simvastatin +ezetimibe (S+E, n=9). Patients already on statins not at LDL cholesterol goal had open-label ezetimibe added (E, n=23). MRI of a single slice of the SFA was performed on Siemens Avanto 1.5T scanner with a proton-density weighted image (TR 1100ms, TE 7.6ms), T1-W image (TR 700ms, TE 7.7ms) and T2-W image (TR 2000ms, TE 85ms), using slice thickness 3mm, matrix 256x256 pixels, FOV 150mm, flip angle 180°. Image location was repeated over time using the distance of the imaged slice from the bifurcation of the common femoral artery. Image quality scale from 1-4 was used to grade the images, excluding 6 studies for score ≤ 2 in more than one image. VesselMASS software was used to measure plaque components (lipids, calcium, loose matrix and fibrous tissue) based on published critieria for appearance on T1/T2/PDW images. Changes in parameters were assessed with ANOVA repeated measures model and correlation with two-tailed Pearson.
Effect of dielectric constant on modulation voltage for nonlinear optic polymer-based optoelectronic devices

Presented is the effect of using various cladding layers with different dielectric constants on the applied modulation voltage for nonlinear optic (NLO) polymer based integrated OE devices. The dielectric constants of the core and cladding materials used for NLOs polymer based integrated optoelectronic devices are typically very similar in magnitude. This suggests that even for low modulation rates, only 20% to 25% of the applied modulation voltage (voltage between the electrodes) is being dropped across the core region. With this small percentage of applied voltage reaching the NLO core layer, it becomes necessary to apply 4 to 5 times higher modulation voltage in order to achieve the desired (pi) phase change through the core.