Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complications of posterior lumbar interbody fusion when using a titanium threaded cage device.

OBJECT The authors reviewed their series of patients to quantify clinical and radiographic complications in those who underwent a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedure in which a threaded interbody cage (TIC) was implanted. METHODS Sixty-seven patients underwent a posterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure in which a TIC was used. The authors excluded patients who underwent procedures in which other instrumentation was used or a nondorsal approach was performed. Fifteen percent of the cases (10 patients) were complicated by laceration of the dura. In three cases, bilateral implantation could not be performed. The average blood loss was 670 ml for all cases, and blood transfusion was required in 25% of the cases (17 patients). The rate of minor wound complication was 4.5% (three patients). One patient died. The average period of hospitalization was 4.25 days. Twenty-eight patients (42%) experienced significant low-back pain 3 months postoperatively, and in 10 (15%) of these cases it persisted beyond 1 year. In 10 patients postoperative radiculopathy was demonstrated, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed epidural fibrosis in six patients, arachnoiditis in one, and a recurrent disc herniation in one. One patient incurred a permanent motor deficit with sexual dysfunction. Pseudarthrosis was suggested radiographically with evidence of motion on lateral flexion-extension radiographs (10 cases), lucencies around the implants (seven cases), and posterior migration of the cage (two cases). Additional procedures (in 14 patients) consisted primarily of transverse process fusion with pedicle screw and plate augmentation for persistent back pain and radiographically demonstrated signs of spinal instability. In two patients with radiculopathy, migration of the TIC required that it be removed. Graft material that extruded from one implant necessitated its removal. In one patient scarectomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS Our high incidence of TIC-related complications in PLIF is inconsistent with that reported in previous studies.
A Study on Mental Health of Scientifically Gifted High School Males (SGM) and Females (SGF)*

Good mental health is a prerequisite for self actualization; that is one can develop gifts and talents only if one is psychologically well-adjusted. Mental health refers to good social and emotional adjustment and positive self-concept. Research is minimal in the area of personality and self-concept for the Korean scientifically gifted high school students and the relationship between gender and self-concept of the gifted youngsters was found somewhat controversial in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the personality of Korean scientifically gifted high school males (SGM) and females (SGF) and to compare the self-concept of these two groups of youngsters. In this study, Mental health was measured by the Korean adapted MMPI, self-concept instrument, intelligence test, and standardized achievement test were administered to 68 10th through 12 grade scientifically gifted high school students of superior intelligence who have high IQ scores of 145. Scientifically gifted males (SGM) and females (SGF) are more similar than different on mental health profiles, and those differences that exist generally are consistent with sex stereotypes in Korean culture. The results on MMPI scores showed both SGM and SGF were relatively free of maladjustment. There was only one sex difference for the sub scale of self-criticism out of 10 measures of self-concept SGM have a higher score on self-criticism sub scale than SGF (t = 1.99, p < 0.05). Two significant correlations between self-concept and intelligence referred to the positive relationship of a total score of intelligence with Personal self (r = 0.3097*) and Family self (r = 0.2847*). There were no significant correlations between self-concept and achievement. Implications are suggested for school programmings designed to facilitate the good personality and positive self-concept of SGM and SGF differently).
In vitro activity of colistin plus sulbactam against extensive-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii by checkerboard method.

OBJECTIVE To determine in vitro activity of colistin plus sulbactam against extensive-drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii. MATERIAL AND METHOD Checkerboard method was used to determine in vitro activity of colistin plus sulbactam against 11 clinical isolates of XDR A. baumannii. The concentrations of colistin and sulbactam used in the study were 0.025 to 128 mg/ 1 and 4 to 256 mg/l, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of colistin, sulbactam and colistin plus sulbactam at various concentrations were determined. Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated. The antibiotic combination is considered synergistic if FICI < 0.5, indifferent if FICI 0.5 to 4.0, and antagonistic if FICI > 4.0. RESULTS Ten isolates of XDR A. baumannii were susceptible to colistin (MIC < 2 mg/l) and one isolate was resistant to colistin (MIC 8 mg/l). There were no antagonistic effects of colistin plus sulbactam against all study isolates. For 10 isolates of colistin-susceptible XDR A. baumannii, some MIC values of the combinations were lower than those of single antibiotics. However no synergistic effect of colistin and sulbactam was observed in colistin-susceptible XDR A. baumannii isolates. The synergistic effect of colistin and sulbactam was detected in some concentrations of colistin and sulbactam against colistin-resistant XDR A. baumannii isolate. CONCLUSION The combination of colistin and sulbactam showed an indifferent effect against colistin-susceptible XDR A. baumannii. The combination of colistin and sulbactam showed synergistic effect at some concentrations of colistin and sulbactam against a clinical isolate of colistin-resistant XDR A. baumannii. In vitro time-kill method should be performed to confirm the aforementioned observations.
IC4663: the first unambiguous [WN] Wolf-Rayet central star of a planetary nebula

Several [WC]-type central stars of planetary nebulae (PNe) are known to mimic the spectroscopic appearance of massive carbon-rich or WC-type Wolf-Rayet stars. In stark contrast, no [WN]-type central stars have yet been identified as clear-cut analogues of the common nitrogen-rich or WN-type Wolf-Rayet stars. We have identified the [WN3] central star of IC4663 to be the first unambiguous example in PNe. The low luminosity nucleus and an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) halo surrounding the main nebula prove the bona-fide PN nature of IC4663. Model atmosphere analysis reveals the [WN3] star to have an exotic chemical composition of helium (95%), hydrogen ( O(He), that exists in parallel to the carbon-rich [WC]->PG1159 sequence. This suggests a simpler mechanism, perhaps a binary merger, can better explain H-deficiency in PNe and potentially other H-deficient/He-rich stars. In this respect IC4663 is the best supported case for a possible merged binary central star of a PN.
Characterizing Newly Repopulated Microglia in the Adult Mouse: Impacts on Animal Behavior, Cell Morphology, and Neuroinflammation

Microglia are the primary immune cell in the brain and are postulated to play important roles outside of immunity. Administration of the dual colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)/c-Kit kinase inhibitor, PLX3397, to adult mice results in the elimination of ~99% of microglia, which remain eliminated for as long as treatment continues. Upon removal of the inhibitor, microglia rapidly repopulate the entire adult brain, stemming from a central nervous system (CNS) resident progenitor cell. Using this method of microglial elimination and repopulation, the role of microglia in both healthy and diseased states can be explored. Here, we examine the responsiveness of newly repopulated microglia to an inflammatory stimulus, as well as determine the impact of these cells on behavior, cognition, and neuroinflammation. Two month-old wild-type mice were placed on either control or PLX3397 diet for 21 d to eliminate microglia. PLX3397 diet was then removed in a subset of animals to allow microglia to repopulate and behavioral testing conducted beginning at 14 d repopulation. Finally, inflammatory profiling of the microglia-repopulated brain in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.25 mg/kg) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was determined 21 d after inhibitor removal using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), as well as detailed analyses of microglial morphologies. We find mice with repopulated microglia to perform similarly to controls by measures of behavior, cognition, and motor function. Compared to control/resident microglia, repopulated microglia had larger cell bodies and less complex branching in their processes, which resolved over time after inhibitor removal. Inflammatory profiling revealed that the mRNA gene expression of repopulated microglia was similar to normal resident microglia and that these new cells appear functional and responsive to LPS. Overall, these data demonstrate that newly repopulated microglia function similarly to the original resident microglia without any apparent adverse effects in healthy adult mice.
Chronic stress and environmental enrichment as opposite factors affecting the immune response in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Procedures in the commercial production of animals involve stressful situations which lessen the animal's welfare. This study on Japanese quail evaluated whether an environmental enrichment manipulation can affect avian immune responses and if combined with a chronic stressor exposure can help to counteract the negative effects of stress on the immune system. Potential gender effects were also considered. After hatch, half of the birds were housed in non-enriched boxes and half were housed in environmentally enriched boxes. From day 33 to 42 of age, all birds within half of the non-enriched and enriched boxes remained undisturbed while the other half were daily exposed to a 15 min restraint stressor (chronic stressor). The inflammatory response (lymphoproliferation after phytohemagglutinin-p), percentage of lymphocytes, heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and primary antibody response against sheep red blood cells were assessed. The chronic stressor application and the enrichment procedure, respectively, either increased or reduced the four immunological parameters evaluated and always in opposite directions. Males consistently showed lower antibody titres than females and presented the highest H/L ratio in response to the stressor when reared in the non-enriched environment. The findings indicate that submitting these animals to an enriched environment can be effectively used to improve their immune response and to reduce the detrimental effects of a stressor exposure.
Thermal stress on silver conductive adhesive solder joints: Performance evaluation of medical ultrasound array transducer

RoHS European Directive, recently introduced, makes a restriction of hazardous substances, e.g. Lead (Pb) and so on, traditionally used in soldering process of electric components and equipments. The paper presents preliminary results concerning new electronic Pb-free solder joints, in terms of both joint performances and electronic properties. A particular application of silver conductive adhesive solder joints between a plate of piezoelectric material and fingers, brass micro-connections between the substrate of piezoelectric material and the printed circuit, is considered. Factors that influence the soldering process like “thickness of the conductive glue” and “temperature of polymerization” are analysed by means of the Design of Experiments technique. The aim is to realise samples for the experimental tests. Measurements of electrical resistance, parameter chosen like failure pointer, and morphologic and micro-chemical analyses were carried out in order to verify the samples behaviour to the thermal stresses.
Socialization and Trust in Work Groups

Several theoretical analyses of trust in organizations have been offered, but the social context in which that trust operates is often ignored. Our analysis examines trust in work groups, with a focus on changes in such groups over time. Socialization is an important form of temporal change in work groups (Moreland & Levine, 2000). Workers move into and out of these groups over time, so most groups contain people in different membership phases. We are intrigued by the issues of trust that can arise for full members of groups with new or marginal members. One such issue is how much a group’s full members can trust its new and marginal members, who belong to the group, but are not fully accepted by it. A related issue is how much full members can trust each other around any new or marginal members, whose thoughts, feelings, and behavior must be carefully monitored and shaped before they gain (or regain) the group’s acceptance. After analyzing both of these issues in some detail, we close by identifying several other issues of trust that can arise in work groups as they change over time.
Race-contingent aftereffects suggest distinct perceptual norms for different race faces

Faces of one's own race and of other races are thought to be located in different regions of face space (Valentine, 1991). Here we investigated whether faces of different races (Caucasian and Chinese faces) have dissociable neural coding and distinct norms. We used adaptation techniques to alter perceptions of normality (aftereffects) for faces. Caucasian and Chinese participants adapted to distorted faces of one race (e.g., Chinese contracted faces—Experiment 1), or oppositely distorted faces of both races (e.g., Chinese contracted and Caucasian expanded faces—Experiment 2). We then tested for aftereffects in Chinese and Caucasian test faces. In Experiment 1 aftereffects were reduced when a change in race between the adapt faces and test faces occurred. In Experiment 2 aftereffects occurred in opposite directions for the two races. These results demonstrate that dissociable neural populations code faces of different races and suggest the existence of race-specific face norms.
Searching for Tools Versus Asking for Answers: A Taxonomy of Counselee Behavioral Styles During Career Counseling

This article presents a new taxonomy of decision-making behavioral styles specific to clients in career counseling. It argues that clients differ along a dimension of "searching for tools versus asking for answers," that has three components: activity, independence, and insightfulness. Activity and independence have previously been discussed in the literature as a single component; client's insightfulness has not been treated as a component of behavioral style. The proposed taxonomy was tested on data from 372 clients of 11 vocational counselors using two confirmatory techniques, Similarity Structure Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Analyses confirmed the existence of the three correlated yet distinguishable components of one general dimension. Hypothesized relations of the activity, independence, and insightfulness components with counselors' satisfaction with both the process of counseling and its results were also supported.
Efeitos de um programa de ensino de discriminação de categorias estruturais implícitas de histórias em crianças

Research has shown the importance of identifying story structure categories in the development of an effective storytelling repertoire. Consequently, procedures that aim at teaching the identification of those categories have been developed and tested. The purpose of the present manuscript, which encompasses two studies, was to assess the effects of a teaching procedure for story category identification in 12 children (six in each study), ages ranging from eight to 12 years. A multiple probe design, which is comprised by probes of participants' performance before and after each category teaching, was used. Teaching sessions were divided in two phases - description and identification of each category - which consisted in the presentation of oral and written instructions and different stories. In both studies, the procedure yielded the learning of all categories by every participant. The studies contribute to the literature on teaching story structure category discrimination.
Hierarchical statistical characterization of mixed-signal circuits using behavioral modeling

A methodology for hierarchical statistical circuit characterization which does not rely upon circuit-level Monte Carlo simulation is presented. The methodology uses principal component analysis, response surface methodology, and statistics to directly calculate the statistical distributions of higher-level parameters from the distributions of lower-level parameters. We have used the methodology to characterize a folded cascode operational amplifier and a phase-locked loop. This methodology permits the statistical characterization of large analog and mixed-signal systems, many of which are extremely time-consuming or impossible to characterize using existing methods.
Child-Witness and Defendant Credibility: Child Evidence Presentation Mode and Judicial Instructions1

Child-witness presentation mode, judicial instructions, and deliberation stage effects on juror ratings of child witness and defendant were investigated. Perceptions of the impact of presentation mode on witnesses, juror task, and justice also were explored. Participants (N = 108) viewed a simulated child sexual abuse trial videotape. Overall child-witness credibility was significantly more positive with videodeposition or court-given child evidence than with videolink. The defendant was seen as more definitely guilty when child testimony was court given than by videodeposition or videolink. Presentation mode also significantly influenced perceived impact on child witness, defendant case, and juror task. Judicial instructions interacted with presentation mode to affect perceptions of impact on child witness and juror task. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research, and implications for future research and practice are outlined.
Employee development and turnover intention: theory validation

Purpose – This study aims to examine the pattern of behavior of turnover intentions in developing countries vis-a-vis Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a sample of 329 collected from 16 public universities in the province with about 3,500 population for analysis. The hypothesized relationships are tested using Amos 18 through path analysis. Findings – The results indicate employee's turnover intention is predicted by employee development perceptions. The study validates the theory of development-attitude-behavior relationship. Research limitations/implications – The paper carries discussion about the methodology used in the paper, limitations of the research and recommendations for possible future research. Originality/value – This is an empirical study of academia in a region of Pakistan with a sufficiently large sample that has not been carried out earlier. The study has importance for those at the helm of affairs and policy makers.
Pursuing a “Sense of Success”: New Teachers Explain Their Career Decisions

This article, based on a longitudinal interview study of 50 new teachers in Massachusetts, presents respondents’ reasons for staying in their schools, moving to new schools, or leaving public school teaching within their first 3 years of teaching. Although the respondents’ prior career orientations, financial situations, and preparation played a role in their career decisions, their experiences at the school sites were central in influencing their decisions. Teachers who felt successful with students and whose schools were organized to support them in their teaching—providing collegial interaction, opportunities for growth, appropriate assignments, adequate resources, and schoolwide structures supporting student learning—were more likely to stay in their schools, and in teaching, than teachers whose whose schools were not so organized.
Small cortical thymocytes are subject to positive selection

To determine the developmental stages at which positive selection can act to produce mature T cells, CD4+8+3lo thymocytes of large dividing type and of small nondividing type were sorted and transferred into the thymus of nonirradiated Thy-1 congenic recipient mice. In contrast to earlier studies, the small as well as the large thymocytes produced mature CD4+8-3hi and CD4-8+3hi progeny, although production was less efficient from the small cells. The relative efficiency of small cells was increased and was close to that of large cells when bcl-2/anti-HY T cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta transgenic donors were used to improve cell survival, overcome stress effects of the transfer process, and increase the frequency of selectable cells. The results from transferring small CD4+8+3lo thymocytes expressing a TCR transgene from a nonselecting to a selecting thymic MHC environment also confirmed that the small cells were capable of being selected and maturing. Thus the developmental window available for positive selection includes the small CD4+8+3lo thymocytes. The results also showed a striking difference in the kinetics of production of mature progeny from the transferred CD4+8+3lo precursors. CD4+8-3hi cells appeared several days before CD4-8+3hi cells, apparently because the CD4-8+ lineage cells spent several days in transit as CD4+8+3hi intermediates before losing CD4. Most CD4+8- lineage cells on the other hand, either passed very rapidly through this intermediate stage, or lost CD8 before increasing the expression of CD3.
Constructing reservoir flow simulator proxies using genetic programming for history matching and production forecast uncertainty analysis

Reservoir modeling is a critical step in the planning and development of oil fields. Before a reservoir model can be accepted for forecasting future production, the model has to be updated with historical production data. This process is called history matching. History matching requires computer flow simulation, which is very time-consuming. As a result, only a small number of simulation runs are conducted and the history-matching results are normally unsatisfactory. This is particularly evident when the reservoir has a long production history and the quality of production data is poor. The inadequacy of the history-matching results frequently leads to high uncertainty of production forecasting. To enhance the quality of the history-matching results and improve the confidence of production forecasts, we introduce a methodology using genetic programming (GP) to construct proxies for reservoir simulators. Acting as surrogates for the computer simulators, the "cheap" GP proxies can evaluate a large number (millions) of reservoir models within a very short time frame. With such a large sampling size, the reservoir history-matching results are more informative and the production forecasts are more reliable than those based on a small number of simulation models. We have developed a workflow which incorporates the two GP proxies into the history matching and production forecast process. Additionally, we conducted a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. The study has revealed useful reservoir information and delivered more reliable production forecasts. All of these were accomplished without introducing new computer simulation runs.