ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Media reporting of suicide and its relationship with actual suicide has rarely been investigated in Mainland China. The "Foxconn suicides" is a description referring to a string of suicides/attempts during 2010, all of which were related to a giant electrical manufacturing company, Foxconn. This study aimed to examine ...

Few studies of microbial biogeography address variability across both multiple habitats and multiple seasons. Here we examine the spatial and temporal variability of bacterioplankton community composition of the Columbia River coastal margin using 16S amplicon pyrosequencing of 300 water samples collected in 2007 and 2008. Communities separated into seven groups ...

ABSTRACT: The first detailed temporal study of the human microbiome shows that individual body habitats exhibit surprising variation over time yet maintain distinguishable community structures.

We present efficient cache-oblivious algorithms for some well-studied string problems in bioinformatics including the longest common subsequence, global pairwise sequence alignment and three-way sequence alignment (or median), both with affine gap costs, and RNA secondary structure prediction with simple pseudoknots. For each of these problems, we present cache-oblivious algorithms that ...

We build on recent advances in the design of self-organizing interaction networks by introducing a sexual variant of an existing asexual, mutation-limited algorithm. Both the asexual and sexual variants are tested on benchmark optimization problems with varying levels of problem difficulty, deception, and epistasis. Specifically, we investigate algorithm performance on ...

We propose a quantum key distribution protocol based on a quantum retrodiction protocol, known as the Mean King problem. The protocol uses a two way quantum channel. We show security against coherent attacks in a transmission-error free scenario, even if Eve is allowed to attack both transmissions. This establishes a ...

We improve the lower bound on the extremal version of the Maximum Agreement Subtree problem. Namely we prove that two binary trees on the same n leaves have subtrees with the same >/= c log log n leaves which are homeomorphic, such that homeomorphism is identity on the leaves.

Goal is to improve communications between hospitalists, PCPs. Software includes med reconciliation, tests completed at time of discharge. "Personal touch" produces better results than communication alone.

The Fourier modal method equipped with the concept of adaptive spatial resolution (FMMASR) is shown to be naturally more stable than the classical Fourier modal method toward spurious modes that appear with metallic structures. It is demonstrated that this stability can be further improved by reformulating the eigenvalue problem of ...

Good communication is the key to educating, creating, and negotiating with others, and is especially important for security professionals whose jobs involve dealing with an employee having problems, negotiating with another department to get something we need, educating our bosses about hardening our targets or trying to de-escalate a family ...

A questionnaire survey (QS) among stakeholders in Tanzania had shown that in-kind drug donations (DDs) are important to boost the drug supply system. Major problems were their insufficient quantity for sustainable treatment and the discrepancy between the needs of the recipients and the donors' supply. Objectives in this study were ...

This paper reports a detailed cryptanalysis of a recently proposed encryption scheme based on the logistic map [A. Pisarchik et al., Chaos 16, 033118 (2006)]. Some problems are emphasized concerning the key space definition and the implementation of the cryptosystem using floating-point operations. It is also shown how it is ...

In outdoor screen cages, one and two-choice assays were conducted with gravid Cx. quinquefasciatus to assess and improve the efficacy of the Box gravid trap. Subsequently, in a field trial, a modified Box gravid trap was compared with three other gravid traps: the CDC gravid trap, the CFG gravid trap, ...

Virtual colonoscopy interpretation is improving rapidly with the development of efficient software using two-dimensional, three-dimensional (3D) endoluminal, and 3D novel views such as those that seem to cut the colon open and lay it flat for interpretation. Comparison of these various views, comparisons of supine and prone positioning, and comparisons ...

Prior knowledge over arbitrary general sets is incorporated into nonlinear kernel approximation problems in the form of linear constraints in a linear program. The key tool in this incorporation is a theorem of the alternative for convex functions that converts nonlinear prior knowledge implications into linear inequalities without the need ...

An appropriate institutional set up is essential for efficient transboundary flood management in the Rhine basin, particularly in view of future uncertainties like climate change. Flood management factors are identified based on a historical comparison in the Netherlands and Germany. They include differences in the perception of the problem and ...

The microarray layout problem is a generalization of the border length minimization problem and asks to distribute oligonucleotide probes on a microarray and to determine their embeddings in the deposition sequence in such a way that the overall quality of the resulting synthesized probes is maximized. Because of its inherent ...

The term 'habitat fragmentation' is often used inconsistently and as a broad umbrella for many patterns and processes that accompany landscape change. This has made it a panchreston or an explanation or theory used in such a variety of ways as to become meaningless. The panchreston problem has hampered efforts ...

Modern medical practice, and particularly that within the hospital environment, has been under intense scrutiny in an attempt to improve patient safety and optimize outcomes. Anesthesiology has been cited as among the most successful specialties effecting improvements. According to the Institute of Medicine's 1999 report, To Err is Human, "... ...

The 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami had major effects on coastal communities and ecosystems. An assessment of coastlines after the tsunami indicates that coastal vegetation such as mangroves and beach forests helped to provide protection and reduce effects on adjacent communities. In recent years, mangroves and other coastal vegetation ...

For telemedicine to realize the vision of anywhere, anytime access to care, the question of how to create a fully interoperable technical infrastructure must be addressed. After briefly discussing how "technical interoperability" compares with other types of interoperability being addressed in the telemedicine community today, this paper describes reasons for ...

Effective communication skills enable physicians to improve patients' understanding of their illnesses, improve patient adherence to treatment regimens, use time efficiently, avoid burnout, and increase professional fulfillment. Common communication pitfalls include blocking, lecturing, depending on a routine, collusion, and premature reassurance. Fundamental communication skills include "ask-tell-ask," "tell me more," and ...

George Williams is rightly honored for his contributions to basic biological theory. In addition, however, his thought and contribution paved the way for much needed integration of basic evolutionary theory and modern environmental problems. Specifically, his contributions to the levels of selection" debate, and his application of these contributions to ...

A clear aim is key for the success of improvement projects, yet many fail already at this stage. We studied how clinical teams and managers at a university hospital in Sweden identified problems and defined aims as they initiated 24 process improvement projects. Categorizing and comparing problems at 3 stages ...

Unwanted power line interference is one of the most common problems in electroencephalographic recording. This paper examines how the use of active electrodes together with a driven-right-leg circuit can significantly improve interference reduction, even when the same electrode is used for common and reference which is attractive because it saves ...

We study the problem of secret key distillation from bipartite states in the scenario where Alice and Bob can perform measurements only at the single-copy level and classically process the obtained outcomes. Even with these limitations, secret bits can be asymptotically distilled by the honest parties from any two-qubit entangled ...

Syntheses of phosphoramidate protides of several 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-fluoroadenosine derivatives by treatment of the nucleoside with phosphorochloridates in the presence of pyridine and t-BuMgCl is described. Several of these protides showed significantly improved antiviral potency over the parent nucleoside against HIV and HBV. Especially marked was the improvement in potency of phosphoramidate ...

At Mkwaja and Mivumoni ranches in NE Tanzania the catches of Glossina pallidipes Austen, G. brevipalpis Newstead, G. morsitans morsitans Westwood and G. austeni Newstead were usually about two to three times greater in traps of the NGU, Epsilon and F3 types than in the Blue Biconical and Pyramidal traps ...

One of the main problems in using environmental cost-benefit analysis is deciding on the relevant population: whose benefits should we count? This is important since aggregate benefits depend on both per-person benefit and the number of beneficiaries. Yet this latter term is often hard to evaluate. Distance-decay functions are one ...

The issue of healthcare and the lack of trust has grabbed recent headlines. However, for some healthcare organizations, building trust--both throughout the organization and in the community--has become an important touchpoint in delivering quality healthcare. They are finding that trust not only is a driving variable in improving patient compliance ...

Morton's neuroma is a common problem. Progress has been made in the understanding of this frequent problem since Morton's original description and treatment. Today, we accept a failure rate of 15% to 20%, even in the best of series. We must ask ourselves if this is good enough. What can ...

Recent observations of neutrino oscillations imply nonzero neutrino masses and lepton flavor violation (LFV), most economically explained by the seesaw mechanism. Within the context of supersymmetry, LFV among the neutrinos can be communicated to the sleptons and from there to the charged leptons. We show that LFV can appear in ...

Our purpose was to report about technical success, problems and solutions, as experienced in a first multicentre study on MR-guided localisation or vacuum biopsy of breast lesions. The study was carried out at four European sites using a dedicated prototype breast biopsy device. Experiences with 49 scheduled localisation procedures and ...

A survey of container-breeding mosquitoes was conducted on urban islands (Big Coppitt Key, Rockland Key, Key West, and Stock Island) and rural islands (Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key, Little Torch Key, No Name Key, Ramrod Key, Saddlebunch Keys, Sugarloaf Key, and Summerland Key) within the Florida Keys. Five mosquito species ...

Treating psychiatrists may precipitously and unwittingly be thrust into the role of expert witness because of certain actions they may take on behalf of their patients and may suffer adverse consequences as a result of lack of training and experience. The authors review this problem and suggest means of avoiding ...

A small park in downtown Oakland, California, has been a focal point for community-building and neighborhood improvement. This effort embodies the Healthy Cities cooperative approach to promoting social justice and positive community change. The story of the revitalization of this park is a story of individual and personal actions that ...

The Healthy Cities/Healthy Communities movement is in its second decade. Examples of both successful and unsuccessful Healthy Communities efforts can be found in large and small communities across the country. What are the key components of a successful effort? Movement leaders from California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina as well ...

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals practicing in small communities and rural areas encounter unique situations and customs that may complicate the task of maintaining treatment boundaries. Boundary adjustments are frequently required that do not disturb the psychiatrist-patient relationship. The authors discuss specific boundary problems that arise in maintaining the ...

Attention to the basics can often eliminate, or at least minimize, problems experienced throughout an organization, saving critical resources for more positive endeavors such as quality improvement and service development. Agencies with a good grip on the basics spend less time fixing problems, and more time on innovation and quality.

[formula: see text] The allylboration of alkenes with allyldibromoborane is described. Utilizing an improved methodology for the synthesis of allyldibromoborane, 1,3-dienes, styrene, and even isolated alkenes could be carbometalated in high yield regio- and stereospecifically at 0 degree C. This high reactivity of allyldibromoborane significantly expands the scope of carbometalations ...

OBJECTIVE: My goal was to determine the function served by ethnopsychological writings of prominent Croatian and Serbian psychiatrists, published between 1990 and 1998, when fierce interethnic strife between their communities occurred. METHOD: These writings, which deal with the national character of the Croats and Serbs, were analysed. RESULTS: The writings ...

Good communication about expectations is essential to encouraging the best performance from staff. An excellent tool for fostering this communication is the performance evaluation. Used correctly, it can open a dialogue that can lead to agreement between the supervisor and staff member on areas that need to be improved and ...

This article describes two performance improvement tools: an affinity map and a relationship diagram. The author suggests when to use them and provides instructions on how to scan the environment of a nursing unit to discover problems, organize ideas about the problem, and find the root cause and effect of ...

Data from a 1998 migration survey in Hubei province are used to examine gender differences in the determinants of temporary labor migration from a multi-level perspective. The authors find that community level factors play a key role in temporary labor migration; models omitting community level variables are poor in predicting ...

"With reference to the Bangladeshi community in Rome, this paper provides some answers to three key geographical questions: what is the migrants' regional pattern of origin in their home country; what are the mechanisms and routes of their migration to Italy; how are they spatially distributed in Rome?... Chain migration ...

BACKGROUND: Few studies have attempted to analyse the organisational aspects of the workplace that may affect the well-being of psychiatrists and even fewer have offered insights into what a positive workplace might look like. This study provides an outline of such a workplace, with reference to individual and organisational factors. ...

The study describes the outcome of home detoxification from opiates using lofexidine, a centrally-acting alpha2-adrenergic agonist, in a consecutive series of 28 unselected individuals. Eleven detoxifications (39%) were successful and 17 (61%) unsuccessful. No major medical or psychological problems were reported. Successful outcome was associated with not using heroin, good ...

The practice of forensic psychiatry can be exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling; however, there are also a number of pitfalls that the practitioner may encounter. Scheduling conflicts may pose significant problems for the busy practitioner, especially one who has an active treatment practice. Differences of opinion between and among forensic psychiatrists ...

This article employs an ethnoecological analysis to link indigenous, ethnomedical, and Western biomedical ideas of infectious disease causation/prevention. The ethnoecological analysis is expanded to include the cultural and historical context of political will and community participation in dengue fever control activities in an urban neighborhood in the Dominican Republic. Findings ...

Manufacturing managements and practitioners alike are at long last realizing that the heartbeat of competitive advantage springs from peopleware, not hardware and software. But despite this heightened awareness the problem persists even among manufacturing professionals--they may talk a good game about priortizing people and quality, but all too many have ...