呼吸道合胞病毒(Respiratory syncytial virus,RSV)是导致美国婴儿住院的主要原因。尼塞韦单抗已被推荐用于预防婴儿RSV相关下呼吸道感染(Lower respiratory tract infection,LRTI)。2023年8月,美国食品药品监督管理局(Food and Drug Ad...呼吸道合胞病毒(Respiratory syncytial virus,RSV)是导致美国婴儿住院的主要原因。尼塞韦单抗已被推荐用于预防婴儿RSV相关下呼吸道感染(Lower respiratory tract infection,LRTI)。2023年8月,美国食品药品监督管理局(Food and Drug Administration,FDA)批准将单剂量RSVpreF疫苗用于妊娠32-36周孕妇,以预防<6月龄婴儿发生RSV相关LRTI。自2021年10月起,美国免疫实践咨询委员会(Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,ACIP)RSV疫苗母婴工作组审查了RSV流行病学和RSV母婴预防产品(包括RSVpreF疫苗)在安全性、保护效果和潜在经济影响方面的证据。2023年9月22日,ACIP和疾病控制与预防中心(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,CDC)推荐采用季节性接种方式(在美国大陆大部分地区为9月至次年1月)为妊娠32-36周孕妇接种RSVpreF疫苗,以预防<6月龄婴儿发生RSV相关LRTI。孕妇在妊娠期间接种RSVpreF疫苗或者为婴儿使用尼塞韦单抗都是预防婴儿发生RSV相关LRTI的推荐方法,但大多数婴儿不需要同时采用两种方法。所有婴儿应通过上述某种产品获得保护,以预防RSV相关LRTI。展开更多
Background:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEi)and angiotensin-II receptor blockers(ARB),the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications,counter renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)activation...Background:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEi)and angiotensin-II receptor blockers(ARB),the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications,counter renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)activation via induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)expression.Considering that ACE2 is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells,the association of ACEi and ARB with COVID-19 outcomes needs thorough evaluation.Methods:We conducted retrospective analyses using both unmatched and propensity score(PS)-matched cohorts on electronic health records(EHRs)to assess the impact of RAAS inhibitors on the risk of receiving invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV)and 30-day mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Additionally,we investigated the immune cell gene expression profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with prior use of antihypertensive treatments from an observational prospective cohort.Results:The retrospective analysis revealed that there was no increased risk associated with either ACEi or ARB use.In fact,the use of ACEi showed decreased risk for mortality.Survival analyses using PS-matched cohorts suggested no significant relationship between RAAS inhibitors with a hospital stay and in-hospital mortality compared to non-RAAS medications and patients not on antihypertensive medications.From the analysis of gene expression profiles,we observed a noticeable up-regulation in the expression of 1L1R2(an anti-inflammatory receptor)and RETN(an immunosuppressive marker)genes in monocytes among prior users of ACE inhibitors.Conclusion:Overall,the findings do not support the discontinuation of ACEi or ARB treatment and suggest that ACEi may moderate the COVID-19 hyperinflammatory response.展开更多
A range of plant species produce root exudates that inhibit ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms.This biological nitrification inhibition(BNI)capacity can decrease N loss and increase N uptake from the rhizosphere.This st...A range of plant species produce root exudates that inhibit ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms.This biological nitrification inhibition(BNI)capacity can decrease N loss and increase N uptake from the rhizosphere.This study sought evidence for the existence and magnitude of BNI capacity in canola(Brassica napus).Seedlings of three canola cultivars,Brachiaria humidicola(BNI positive)and wheat(Triticum aestivum)were grown in a hydroponic system.Root exudates were collected and their inhibition of the ammonia oxidizing bacterium,Nitrosospira multiformis,was tested.Subsequent pot experiments were used to test the inhibition of native nitrifying communities in soil.Root exudates from canola significantly reduced nitrification rates of both N.multiformis cultures and native soil microbial communities.The level of nitrification inhibition across the three cultivars was similar to the well-studied high-BNI species B.humidicola.BNI capacity of canola may have implications for the N dynamics in farming systems and the N uptake efficiency of crops in rotational farming systems.By reducing nitrification rates canola crops may decrease N losses,increase plant N uptake and encourage microbial N immobilization and subsequently increase the pool of organic N that is available for mineralization during the following cereal crops.展开更多
The invasion of hydrilla in many waterways has caused significant problems resulting in high main- tenance costs for eradicating this invasive aquatic weed. Present identification methods employed for detecting hydril...The invasion of hydrilla in many waterways has caused significant problems resulting in high main- tenance costs for eradicating this invasive aquatic weed. Present identification methods employed for detecting hydrilla invasions such as aerial photography and videos are difficult, costly, and time consuming. Remote sensing has been used for assessing wetlands and other aquatic vegetation, but very little information is available for detecting hydrilla invasions in coastal estuaries and other water bodies. The objective of this study is to construct a library of spectral signatures for identifying and classifying hydrilla invasions. Spectral signatures of hydrilla were collected from an experimental tank and field locations in a coastal estuary in the upper Chesapeake Bay. These measurements collected from the experimental tank, resulted in spectral signatures with an average peak surface reflectance in the near-infrared （NIR） region of 16% at a wavelength of 818 nm. However, the spectral measure- ments, collected in the estuary, resulted in a very different spectral signature with two surface reflectance peaks of 6% at wavelengths of 725 nm and 818 nm. The difference in spectral signatures between sites are a result of the components in the water column in the estuary because of increased turbidity （e.g., nutrients, dissolved matter and suspended matter）, and canopy being lower （submerged） in the water column. Spectral signatures of hydrilla observed in the tank and the field had similar characteristics with low reflectance in visible region of the spectrum from 400 to 700 nm, but high in the NIR region from 700 to 900 nm.展开更多
Abundances of important and imperiled fishes of the Snake River Basin continue to decline.We assessed the rationale for breaching the four lower Snake River Basin dams to prevent complete loss of these fishes,and to m...Abundances of important and imperiled fishes of the Snake River Basin continue to decline.We assessed the rationale for breaching the four lower Snake River Basin dams to prevent complete loss of these fishes,and to maximize their likelihood of recovery.We summarize the science surrounding Sockeye Salmon(Oncorhynchus nerka),Chinook Salmon(O.tshawytscha),steelhead(O.mykiss),Bull Trout(Salvelinus confluentus),White Sturgeon(Acipenser transmontanus),and Pacific Lamprey(Entosphenus tridentatus).From this,we drew ten conclusions:(1)development of the Columbia River System(including the Snake River Basin)has converted mainstem rivers into reservoirs,altering fish behavior and survival;(2)most populations currently record their lowest abundance;(3)the Columbia River System dams reduce productivity of diadromous fishes in the highest-quality spawning grounds that could buffer against future climate dynamics;(4)past actions have done little to reduce impacts or precipitate recovery;(5)the Columbia River System constrains survival and productivity of salmon,steelhead and Bull Trout;(6)Snake River Basin salmon and steelhead remain at high extinction risk;(7)eliminating migration impediments and improving mainstem habitats are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and improving Bull Trout persistence;(8)the lower Snake River Basin dams preclude passage of adult White Sturgeon,constraining gene flow and recruitment;(9)the lower Snake River Basin dams impede dramatically passage of adult and juvenile Pacific Lamprey,and(10)Snake River Basin Pacific Lamprey is at high risk of extirpation.Breaching the four lower Snake River Basin dams is an action likely to prevent extirpation and extinction of these fishes.Lessons from the Columbia River System can inform conservation in other impounded rivers.展开更多
Residential use of hydrogen(H_(2)),for utility or personal transportation,is currently limited by economic effectiveness,lack of residential sources,and need for engineering improvements.A modular photovoltaic hydroge...Residential use of hydrogen(H_(2)),for utility or personal transportation,is currently limited by economic effectiveness,lack of residential sources,and need for engineering improvements.A modular photovoltaic hydrogen production prototype(PHPP)was constructed to produce three liters of hydrogen per day at standard temperature and pressure with maximum energy and Faraday efficiencies of 75%and 89%,respectively.Producing 3 liters of H_(2)with the PHPP required 2.4 milliliters of distilled H_(2)O and 26 kJ of solar energy and eliminated 1.5 liters of byproduct CO_(2)relative to steam reforming of methane to generate H_(2).A capital investment of$5,651 to produce 30 liters per day using additional PHPP modules gave a return on investment of 4.2%and a payback period of 7.5 years.Interdisciplinary teams of university and high school students constructed the PHPP and were familiarized with key aspects of sustainable use of hydrogen as an energy carrier.Language and geographical barriers to effective communication and teamwork among the students were met by organizing teams to meet student needs,providing instruction and hands-on training in teamwork and facilitating web-based and in-class interactions.Quantitative ethnographic observation of student interactions showed involving students in lectures and extracurricular presentations and enhancing communication and teamwork with constructive responses to student feedback increased student satisfaction with the experience.展开更多
Fano resonances between plasmons and diffracted light offer tunable energies and locales,but attribution of Fano resonance features to geometry and physicochemistry of metal nanostructures and adjacent dielectrics has...Fano resonances between plasmons and diffracted light offer tunable energies and locales,but attribution of Fano resonance features to geometry and physicochemistry of metal nanostructures and adjacent dielectrics has been confounded by complexity and computational expense.This work shows predictable modal shifts of Fano resonance in square lattices of plasmonic nanostructures can be attributed directly to changes in medium wavenumber,particle size,and lattice constant that alter plasmon polarizability and diffractive interference.For 45 to 80 nm radius particles,a window of lattice constants that support Fano resonances is identified in a range from 500 to 900 nm.Lattice constants that support high intensity resonances are determined by individual particle polarizability and medium wavenumber.Fano resonance wavelengths redshift from diffracted photon energies as local refractive index(RI)changes due to coupling with particle polarizability in the window.Redshift sensitivities for quadrupole,dipole,and Fano resonances are 150,348,and 541 nm,respectively,per RI unit.Fano resonance intensity may be enhanced more than tenfold by selecting nanoparticle sizes and lattice constants.The quantitative effects of such parametric changes are rapidly and intuitively distinguished using a semi-analytic approach,consisting of an exact expression for particle polarizability,a trigonometric description of diffraction,and a semianalytical coupled dipole approximation.展开更多
The constant improvement of Environment,Health & Safety(EHS)standards is part andparcel of Responsible Care.Only a respon-sible company will consider the impact ofits
Objectives: Intussusception, an uncommon but important cause of acute abdomen during infancy and early childhood, can be safely and effectively treated by fluoroscopic air reduction. Although pediatric radiology fello...Objectives: Intussusception, an uncommon but important cause of acute abdomen during infancy and early childhood, can be safely and effectively treated by fluoroscopic air reduction. Although pediatric radiology fellows report ample opportunity to practice intussusception reduction, radiology residents report few opportunities to participate in this procedure. Adequate training to reduce intussusception is essential, as successful reduction obviates the need for surgery. A teaching device that simulates intussusception reduction could help radiology residents develop the skills necessary to perform this procedure. Materials and Methods: We report on improvements made to a training device developed in 2010 by Stein-Wexler et al. Since then we have simplified the manufacturing process, added several unique patient cases, improved the software so that adding patient scenarios is easier, and improved the graphic interface to make the simulation more realistic and facilitate feedback. Results: The simulator is now a customizable and robust standalone package. A thorough instructor’s manual and improvements to the graphic design-such as embedded checklists, built-in feedback mechanisms, and a more intuitive interface-make the simulator easier to use. Conclusion: We have improved our previously-reported teaching device for intussusception reduction and produced a robust simulator. We plan to make this device available to programs that train physicians in pneumatic intussusception reduction.展开更多
With the launch of the U.S.Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED^(■))rating system,new building construction in the United States has rapidly begun adopting this guide as the st...With the launch of the U.S.Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED^(■))rating system,new building construction in the United States has rapidly begun adopting this guide as the standard for sustainable building.The rating system profoundly alters the design and operation of buildings,however,to date,little has been documented on the cumulative effects of the rating system across different phases of the project lifecycle:planning,architecture/design,engineering,construction and operational facility management(AEC+P+F).Further,the ability to gain efficiencies in the building phase itself is still unknown.Implications of the delivery system in LEED^(■)attainment also have not been clearly associated with the level of AEC+P+F integration.To pursue this goal,project participants are becoming involved earlier in the process;information exchanges take place throughout the project lifecycle;and the results of those frequent exchanges impact the value to the owner through focus on attainment of a particular green rating score.These features are confi guring a framework for green project delivery.This framework approaches lean thinking by generating value to the owner,improving the flow of information,and transforming the inputs required for the selection of materials and systems,to outputs in the form of a sustainability rating certification.This research focuses on exploring associations between LEED^(■)criteria,project lifecycle,the stakeholders’interests,lean process improvements and typical delivery systems used in building construction.The paper proposes a matrix of weighted indexes to explain and provide increased collaboration among project participants,improved efficiency throughout the project lifecycle,and new techniques which may be incorporated into the construction process.展开更多
文摘呼吸道合胞病毒(Respiratory syncytial virus,RSV)是导致美国婴儿住院的主要原因。尼塞韦单抗已被推荐用于预防婴儿RSV相关下呼吸道感染(Lower respiratory tract infection,LRTI)。2023年8月,美国食品药品监督管理局(Food and Drug Administration,FDA)批准将单剂量RSVpreF疫苗用于妊娠32-36周孕妇,以预防<6月龄婴儿发生RSV相关LRTI。自2021年10月起,美国免疫实践咨询委员会(Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,ACIP)RSV疫苗母婴工作组审查了RSV流行病学和RSV母婴预防产品(包括RSVpreF疫苗)在安全性、保护效果和潜在经济影响方面的证据。2023年9月22日,ACIP和疾病控制与预防中心(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,CDC)推荐采用季节性接种方式(在美国大陆大部分地区为9月至次年1月)为妊娠32-36周孕妇接种RSVpreF疫苗,以预防<6月龄婴儿发生RSV相关LRTI。孕妇在妊娠期间接种RSVpreF疫苗或者为婴儿使用尼塞韦单抗都是预防婴儿发生RSV相关LRTI的推荐方法,但大多数婴儿不需要同时采用两种方法。所有婴儿应通过上述某种产品获得保护,以预防RSV相关LRTI。
文摘Background:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEi)and angiotensin-II receptor blockers(ARB),the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications,counter renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)activation via induction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)expression.Considering that ACE2 is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells,the association of ACEi and ARB with COVID-19 outcomes needs thorough evaluation.Methods:We conducted retrospective analyses using both unmatched and propensity score(PS)-matched cohorts on electronic health records(EHRs)to assess the impact of RAAS inhibitors on the risk of receiving invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV)and 30-day mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Additionally,we investigated the immune cell gene expression profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with prior use of antihypertensive treatments from an observational prospective cohort.Results:The retrospective analysis revealed that there was no increased risk associated with either ACEi or ARB use.In fact,the use of ACEi showed decreased risk for mortality.Survival analyses using PS-matched cohorts suggested no significant relationship between RAAS inhibitors with a hospital stay and in-hospital mortality compared to non-RAAS medications and patients not on antihypertensive medications.From the analysis of gene expression profiles,we observed a noticeable up-regulation in the expression of 1L1R2(an anti-inflammatory receptor)and RETN(an immunosuppressive marker)genes in monocytes among prior users of ACE inhibitors.Conclusion:Overall,the findings do not support the discontinuation of ACEi or ARB treatment and suggest that ACEi may moderate the COVID-19 hyperinflammatory response.
文摘A range of plant species produce root exudates that inhibit ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms.This biological nitrification inhibition(BNI)capacity can decrease N loss and increase N uptake from the rhizosphere.This study sought evidence for the existence and magnitude of BNI capacity in canola(Brassica napus).Seedlings of three canola cultivars,Brachiaria humidicola(BNI positive)and wheat(Triticum aestivum)were grown in a hydroponic system.Root exudates were collected and their inhibition of the ammonia oxidizing bacterium,Nitrosospira multiformis,was tested.Subsequent pot experiments were used to test the inhibition of native nitrifying communities in soil.Root exudates from canola significantly reduced nitrification rates of both N.multiformis cultures and native soil microbial communities.The level of nitrification inhibition across the three cultivars was similar to the well-studied high-BNI species B.humidicola.BNI capacity of canola may have implications for the N dynamics in farming systems and the N uptake efficiency of crops in rotational farming systems.By reducing nitrification rates canola crops may decrease N losses,increase plant N uptake and encourage microbial N immobilization and subsequently increase the pool of organic N that is available for mineralization during the following cereal crops.
文摘The invasion of hydrilla in many waterways has caused significant problems resulting in high main- tenance costs for eradicating this invasive aquatic weed. Present identification methods employed for detecting hydrilla invasions such as aerial photography and videos are difficult, costly, and time consuming. Remote sensing has been used for assessing wetlands and other aquatic vegetation, but very little information is available for detecting hydrilla invasions in coastal estuaries and other water bodies. The objective of this study is to construct a library of spectral signatures for identifying and classifying hydrilla invasions. Spectral signatures of hydrilla were collected from an experimental tank and field locations in a coastal estuary in the upper Chesapeake Bay. These measurements collected from the experimental tank, resulted in spectral signatures with an average peak surface reflectance in the near-infrared （NIR） region of 16% at a wavelength of 818 nm. However, the spectral measure- ments, collected in the estuary, resulted in a very different spectral signature with two surface reflectance peaks of 6% at wavelengths of 725 nm and 818 nm. The difference in spectral signatures between sites are a result of the components in the water column in the estuary because of increased turbidity （e.g., nutrients, dissolved matter and suspended matter）, and canopy being lower （submerged） in the water column. Spectral signatures of hydrilla observed in the tank and the field had similar characteristics with low reflectance in visible region of the spectrum from 400 to 700 nm, but high in the NIR region from 700 to 900 nm.
文摘Abundances of important and imperiled fishes of the Snake River Basin continue to decline.We assessed the rationale for breaching the four lower Snake River Basin dams to prevent complete loss of these fishes,and to maximize their likelihood of recovery.We summarize the science surrounding Sockeye Salmon(Oncorhynchus nerka),Chinook Salmon(O.tshawytscha),steelhead(O.mykiss),Bull Trout(Salvelinus confluentus),White Sturgeon(Acipenser transmontanus),and Pacific Lamprey(Entosphenus tridentatus).From this,we drew ten conclusions:(1)development of the Columbia River System(including the Snake River Basin)has converted mainstem rivers into reservoirs,altering fish behavior and survival;(2)most populations currently record their lowest abundance;(3)the Columbia River System dams reduce productivity of diadromous fishes in the highest-quality spawning grounds that could buffer against future climate dynamics;(4)past actions have done little to reduce impacts or precipitate recovery;(5)the Columbia River System constrains survival and productivity of salmon,steelhead and Bull Trout;(6)Snake River Basin salmon and steelhead remain at high extinction risk;(7)eliminating migration impediments and improving mainstem habitats are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and improving Bull Trout persistence;(8)the lower Snake River Basin dams preclude passage of adult White Sturgeon,constraining gene flow and recruitment;(9)the lower Snake River Basin dams impede dramatically passage of adult and juvenile Pacific Lamprey,and(10)Snake River Basin Pacific Lamprey is at high risk of extirpation.Breaching the four lower Snake River Basin dams is an action likely to prevent extirpation and extinction of these fishes.Lessons from the Columbia River System can inform conservation in other impounded rivers.
基金financial support and personal involvement:Environmental Protection Agency P3 programUniversity of Utah Bennion Service Learning Center,Department of Chemical Engineering,and Undergraduate Research Opportunities ProgramAcademy for Math Engineering and Sciences.
文摘Residential use of hydrogen(H_(2)),for utility or personal transportation,is currently limited by economic effectiveness,lack of residential sources,and need for engineering improvements.A modular photovoltaic hydrogen production prototype(PHPP)was constructed to produce three liters of hydrogen per day at standard temperature and pressure with maximum energy and Faraday efficiencies of 75%and 89%,respectively.Producing 3 liters of H_(2)with the PHPP required 2.4 milliliters of distilled H_(2)O and 26 kJ of solar energy and eliminated 1.5 liters of byproduct CO_(2)relative to steam reforming of methane to generate H_(2).A capital investment of$5,651 to produce 30 liters per day using additional PHPP modules gave a return on investment of 4.2%and a payback period of 7.5 years.Interdisciplinary teams of university and high school students constructed the PHPP and were familiarized with key aspects of sustainable use of hydrogen as an energy carrier.Language and geographical barriers to effective communication and teamwork among the students were met by organizing teams to meet student needs,providing instruction and hands-on training in teamwork and facilitating web-based and in-class interactions.Quantitative ethnographic observation of student interactions showed involving students in lectures and extracurricular presentations and enhancing communication and teamwork with constructive responses to student feedback increased student satisfaction with the experience.
基金This work was supported in part by NSF CMMI-0909749,NSF CBET 1134222,NSF ECCS-1006927,the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation,and the University of Arkansas Foundation.
文摘Fano resonances between plasmons and diffracted light offer tunable energies and locales,but attribution of Fano resonance features to geometry and physicochemistry of metal nanostructures and adjacent dielectrics has been confounded by complexity and computational expense.This work shows predictable modal shifts of Fano resonance in square lattices of plasmonic nanostructures can be attributed directly to changes in medium wavenumber,particle size,and lattice constant that alter plasmon polarizability and diffractive interference.For 45 to 80 nm radius particles,a window of lattice constants that support Fano resonances is identified in a range from 500 to 900 nm.Lattice constants that support high intensity resonances are determined by individual particle polarizability and medium wavenumber.Fano resonance wavelengths redshift from diffracted photon energies as local refractive index(RI)changes due to coupling with particle polarizability in the window.Redshift sensitivities for quadrupole,dipole,and Fano resonances are 150,348,and 541 nm,respectively,per RI unit.Fano resonance intensity may be enhanced more than tenfold by selecting nanoparticle sizes and lattice constants.The quantitative effects of such parametric changes are rapidly and intuitively distinguished using a semi-analytic approach,consisting of an exact expression for particle polarizability,a trigonometric description of diffraction,and a semianalytical coupled dipole approximation.
文摘The constant improvement of Environment,Health & Safety(EHS)standards is part andparcel of Responsible Care.Only a respon-sible company will consider the impact ofits
文摘Objectives: Intussusception, an uncommon but important cause of acute abdomen during infancy and early childhood, can be safely and effectively treated by fluoroscopic air reduction. Although pediatric radiology fellows report ample opportunity to practice intussusception reduction, radiology residents report few opportunities to participate in this procedure. Adequate training to reduce intussusception is essential, as successful reduction obviates the need for surgery. A teaching device that simulates intussusception reduction could help radiology residents develop the skills necessary to perform this procedure. Materials and Methods: We report on improvements made to a training device developed in 2010 by Stein-Wexler et al. Since then we have simplified the manufacturing process, added several unique patient cases, improved the software so that adding patient scenarios is easier, and improved the graphic interface to make the simulation more realistic and facilitate feedback. Results: The simulator is now a customizable and robust standalone package. A thorough instructor’s manual and improvements to the graphic design-such as embedded checklists, built-in feedback mechanisms, and a more intuitive interface-make the simulator easier to use. Conclusion: We have improved our previously-reported teaching device for intussusception reduction and produced a robust simulator. We plan to make this device available to programs that train physicians in pneumatic intussusception reduction.
文摘With the launch of the U.S.Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED^(■))rating system,new building construction in the United States has rapidly begun adopting this guide as the standard for sustainable building.The rating system profoundly alters the design and operation of buildings,however,to date,little has been documented on the cumulative effects of the rating system across different phases of the project lifecycle:planning,architecture/design,engineering,construction and operational facility management(AEC+P+F).Further,the ability to gain efficiencies in the building phase itself is still unknown.Implications of the delivery system in LEED^(■)attainment also have not been clearly associated with the level of AEC+P+F integration.To pursue this goal,project participants are becoming involved earlier in the process;information exchanges take place throughout the project lifecycle;and the results of those frequent exchanges impact the value to the owner through focus on attainment of a particular green rating score.These features are confi guring a framework for green project delivery.This framework approaches lean thinking by generating value to the owner,improving the flow of information,and transforming the inputs required for the selection of materials and systems,to outputs in the form of a sustainability rating certification.This research focuses on exploring associations between LEED^(■)criteria,project lifecycle,the stakeholders’interests,lean process improvements and typical delivery systems used in building construction.The paper proposes a matrix of weighted indexes to explain and provide increased collaboration among project participants,improved efficiency throughout the project lifecycle,and new techniques which may be incorporated into the construction process.
