cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactions of small carbon cluster ions with HCN: a structural probe

The results of a detailed study of the primary and secondary reactions of carbon cluster ions, C+ n(3 ≤ n ≤ 20), with HCN are presented and discussed. The experiments were performed in a Fourier transform (ICR) mass spectrometer, using direct laser vaporization of graphite to form the carbon cluster ions. Evidence for two structural forms of the n = 7, 8 and 9 cluster ions is obtained from their differing reactivity with HCN. The C+ 7 ion is anomalous in its behavior in many respects, which is interpreted by an isomerization mechanism. The HCN reactions offer a contrast to the reactions with nonpolar neutrals studied previously. All HCN reactions produced ions of the type CnX+ (primary product) or CnXY+ (secondary product) where X, Y = H, CN or HCN. Fragmentation of the original carbon cluster was not observed, while radiative association is an important reaction channel. Low-energy collision-induced dissociation studies of the product ions support the mechanism of insertion into the H-CN bond and formation of covalent bonds at the carbene site for the primary reactions. In most secondary reactions however, the HCN associates weakly with the ion, rather than binding covalently.
Endoscopic Resection of Large Colon Polyps

Endoscopic resection, including polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and endoscopic submucosal dissection, is the preferred treatment method of large colorectal polyps. Its safety and efficacy have been shown. Endoscopic removal techniques are important because they provide a resection specimen for precise histopathologic staging to further direct diagnosis, prognosis, and management decisions. Used according to its indications, it provides curative resection and obviates the higher morbidity, mortality, and cost associated with alternative surgical treatment.
The modernization of a call center

The evolution of any technical support center can go through various phases. Due to increasing client demands, diversity of services and requests, and ever changing technologies that are being supported, IT departmental and procedural changes can be anticipated. This growth has required innovative strategies to be adopted across the industry; Client Support Services (CSS) at the University of Wyoming also reflects this national trend. Our goal was to incorporate call center technologies yet retain our present efficiencies and sound business practices. In order to take advantage of new strategies, the following changes and goals were proposed: !" Providing a central call center staffed by technical personnel (Previously, each department on campus was assigned only one User Consultant, who would handle most calls individually.) !" Tracking all client contacts, including phone, office visits, email, etc. !" Increase communication and accountability between IT departments !" Integrating call distribution technology Measures of our success: !" Increased customer satisfaction in that a technical answer can be obtained quickly. !" Decreased overall response time !" Increased first-call resolution at the newly created central help desk !" Decreasing CSS’s front desk, IT’s main phone number, and individual User Consultant’s call volume Since these points continually presented themselves as interrelated, we also were faced with issues of changing departmental structure. Coupled with our technology and structural change investment, we could now implement efficiencies not attainable in our previous environment. This paper outlines processes used to establish a more effective call center, integrating basic technologies and work load management techniques. As this is an ongoing project, the presentation will also provide a status report of the University of Wyoming’s Call Center project. Intended audience: those interested in implementing automation tools, call logging, and centralizing a previously decentralized call center.
On the coupling between DNA replication and mitosis

The rapid, early cell divisions in Xenopus laevis embryos are driven by an inflexible oscillator that is not influenced by the state of the DNA. In contrast, mitosis in somatic cells can be prevented by blocking replication or by damaging the DNA through irradiation. We have investigated the transition from the rapid, early cell cycle to the slower, more somatic-like cell cycle that occurs after division twelve in developing Xenopus embryos, a stage called the mid-blastula transition (MBT). When aphidicolin, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, was added to embryos just post-fertilization, the embryos continued to divide despite incomplete replication. Also, embryos incubated with aphidicolin from early times did not slow their cell cycles after division twelve as control embryos did, indicating a connection between the accumulation of DNA and the post-MBT timing of the cell cycle. However, incubation with hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase, resulted in an S phase arrest when the pools of dNTPs became depleted after division twelve. These experiments showed that the embryos had acquired the ability to arrest in S phase some time after the early divisions and before division thirteen. The acquisition of the ability to arrest in S phase did not depend upon new transcription. These experiments suggested that the number of nuclei present could be responsible for the extension of the cell cycle observed after the MBT. To investigate this, we added increasing concentrations of nuclei to an in vitro cell cycle system. We have shown that at high concentrations of nuclei the in vitro cycle is extended.
Intrathecal administration of iopamidol in children: clinical and diagnostic results

An open label, noncomparative clinical trial of intrathecal iopamidol in children was performed. Sixty-one subjects between the ages of 24 days and 17 years were studied. Opacification of the subarachnoid space was adequate in all cases. Mild adverse reactions were detected in 10% of the participants. Seizures, EEG alterations or other severe reactions did not occur. The findings confirm the efficacy and safety of iopamidol as an intrathecal contrast medium in pediatrics.
Chemotherapy-induced inflammation in seborrheic keratoses mimicking disseminated herpes zoster

Abstract We report a rare instance of chemotherapy-induced seborrheic keratoses of Leser-Trelat in a patient with acute leukemia. In addition, this is the first known case to mimic disseminated herpes zoster. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:643-4.)
TNF-induced activation of the Nox1 NADPH oxidase and its role in the induction of necrotic cell death

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important cytokine in immunity and inflammation and induces many cellular responses, including apoptosis and necrosis. TNF signaling enables the generation of superoxide in phagocytic and vascular cells through the activation of the NADPH oxidase Nox2/gp91. Here we show that TNF also activates the Nox1 NADPH oxidase in mouse fibroblasts when cells undergo necrosis. TNF treatment induces the formation of a signaling complex containing TRADD, RIP1, Nox1, and the small GTPase Rac1. TNF-treated RIP1-deficient fibroblasts fail to form such a complex, indicating that RIP1 is essential for Nox1 recruitment. Moreover, the prevention of TNF-induced superoxide generation with dominant-negative mutants of TRADD or Rac1, as well as knockdown of Nox1 using siRNA, inhibits necrosis. Thus our study suggests that activation of Nox1 through forming a complex with TNF signaling components plays a key role in TNF-induced necrotic cell death.
Enhanced Understand of Biological Systems Using Structure-Behavior-Function Models

An important issue in teaching interdisciplinary biologically inspired design is the external representations we use to foster understanding of biological systems. In this study we explore if functional models of biological systems, and in particular Structure-Behavior-Function (SBF) models, enable humans to better understand complex biological systems. The study compares the use of SBF models in answering questions about biological systems versus the use of textual, tabular and graphical representations. The results indicate that while no one representation is best for answering all types of questions, SBF models enable more accurate answers to questions entailing abstract and complex inferences.
Basophils: emerging roles in the pathogenesis of allergic disease

After approximately 130 years since their discovery as rare granulocytes that circulate in blood, basophils are just now gaining respect as significant contributors in the pathogenesis underlying allergic inflammation and disease. While long known for secreting preformed and newly synthesized mediators and for selectively infiltrating tissue during immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation, their role has largely been viewed as redundant to that of tissue mast cells in functioning as effector cells. This line of thought has persisted even though it has been known in humans for approximately 20 years that basophils additionally produce relatively large quantities of cytokines, e.g. interleukin-4 (IL-4)/IL-13, that are central for the manifestations of allergic disease. Studies using novel IL-4 reporter mice have significantly added to the in vivo importance of basophils as IL-4 producing cells, with recent findings indicating that these cells also function as antigen-presenting cells essential in initiating T-helper 2 responses. If confirmed and translated to humans, these provocative findings will give new meaning to the role basophils have in allergic disease, and in immunology overall.
Nonlinear surface waves in closed basins

The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian for nonlinear gravity waves in a cylindrical basin are constructed in terms of the generalized co-ordinates of the free-surface displacement, {qn(t)} ≡ q, thereby reducing the continuum-mechanics problem to one in classical mechanics. This requires a preliminary description, in terms of q, of the fluid motion beneath the free surface, which kinematical boundary-value problem is solved through a variational formulation and the truncation and inversion of an infinite matrix. The results are applied to weakly coupled oscillations, using the time-averaged Lagrangian, and to resonantly coupled oscillations, using Poincare's action—angle formulation. The general formulation provides for excitation through either horizontal or vertical translation of the basin and for dissipation. Detailed results are given for free and forced oscillations of two, resonantly coupled degrees of freedom.
A non-acidic sulfaphenazole analog demonstrating high intrinsic clearance and selectivity by canine CYP2C21.

In contrast to human CYP2C9, non-human CYP2C enzymes do not appear to preferentially bind and metabolize anionic drugs. Using analogs of sulfaphenazole, the effect of an acidic sulfonamide group on apparent affinity and turnover rates was characterized with canine CYP2C21. Blocking the sulfonamide with a methyl group increased the intrinsic clearance by CYP2C21 > 100-fold and decreased Km. Furthermore, CYP2C21 demonstrated selectivity for formation of the benzylic hydroxylation product and a high estimated fm,CYP value. The findings suggest that canine CYP2C21, unlike human CYP2C9, does not derive ligand binding affinity from an anion binding interaction with sulfaphenazole analogs.
Identification of a sperm penetration factor in the oviduct of the golden hamster.

Previously, we found oviductal eggs to be significantly more penetrable and fertilizable in vitro than ovulated eggs collected from the ovarian bursa, while bursal eggs were comparable to mature (unovulated) follicular eggs. Incubation of follicular eggs with a soluble eluate of oviductal egg cumulus complexes (COF) increased sperm penetration: the activity was macromolecular, was destroyed at 56°C, and was produced in the oviduct. We now report purification of this oviductal factor that enhances penetration of follicular eggs and have identified it as oviductin (OVN). Oviducts, 1-1.5 h post-LH from eCG-primed females, were homogenized and the cytosolic fraction was chromatographed on a Helix pomatia lectin affinity column; specific proteins were eluted with 0.2 M N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. Fractions were monitored by dot-blot assay using as the primary antibody monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1C4 against OVN. Proteins were resolved by one-dimensional SDS-gel electrophoresis, followed by electrotransfer and immunostaining of Western blots. OVN fractions were indexed to COF by quantitative dot-blot assay, and activity was bioassayed by penetration of follicular eggs within 1 h of coincubation with precapacitated sperm ± factors: COF and BSA (high and low controls, respectively) and fractions from the lectin-isolated peak. The mean penetration rates for three isolations were 17 4.0 a , 51.7 ± 5 .0 b, and 49 + 2.7 b% for BSA, COF, and column fractions, respectively (p 0.05). Purified OVN bound to follicular zonae during culture. Acrosome-intact sperm heads bound OVN during 30 min of incubation both before (t = 0 h) and after capacitation (t = 5.5 h) (visualized by indirect immunofluorescence). We conclude that OVN enhances penetration and fertilization by altering both sperm and eggs.
Clinical and Dosimetric Predictors of Acute Severe Lymphopenia During Radiation Therapy and Concurrent Temozolomide for High-Grade Glioma.

Purpose Acute severe lymphopenia (ASL) frequently develops during radiation therapy (RT) and concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) for high-grade glioma (HGG) and is associated with decreased survival. The current study was designed to identify potential predictors of ASL, with a focus on actionable RT-specific dosimetric parameters. Methods and Materials From January 2007 to December 2012, 183 patients with HGG were treated with RT+TMZ and had available data including total lymphocyte count (TLC) and radiation dose-volume histogram parameters. ASL was defined as TLC of Results Fifty-three patients (29%) developed ASL. Patients with ASL had significantly worse overall survival than those without (median: 12.5 vs 20.2 months, respectively, P 25Gy ) (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.003-1.05) as the most significant predictors for ASL. Brain V 25Gy P =.006). Conclusions Female sex, older age, lower baseline TLC, and higher brain V 25Gy are significant predictors of ASL during RT+TMZ therapy for HGG. Maintaining the V 25Gy of brain below 56% may reduce the risk of ASL.
High-Performance Mixed-Precision Linear Solver for FPGAs

Compared to higher-precision data formats, lower-precision data formats result in higher performance for computational intensive applications on FPGAs because of their lower resource cost, reduced memory bandwidth requirements, and higher circuit frequency. On the other hand, scientific computations usually demand highly accurate solutions. This paper seeks to utilize lower-precision data formats whenever possible for higher performance without losing the accuracy of higher-precision data formats by using mixed-precision algorithms and architectures. First, we analyze the floating-point performance of different data formats on FPGAs. Second, we introduce mixed-precision iterative refinement algorithms for linear solvers and give error analysis. Finally, we propose an innovative architecture for a mixed-precision direct solver for reconfigurable computing. Our results show that our mixed-precision algorithm and architecture significantly improve the performance of linear solvers on FPGAs.
The Reagan Regulatory Regime: Rhetoric vs. Reality

The author considers the policies implemented by the Reagan regulatory regime to the rhetoric offered.
A conceptual design for an actively cooled high-average-power electron-beam absorber (for space power applications)

A conceptual design of an electron-beam absorber system that uses water as both an energy absorber and a cooling medium is presented. This configuration uses an aluminum window to separate the water absorber from a vacuum beamline. Such an arrangement has several desirable features. First, any necessary reconfiguration for an increase or decrease in run time and/or beam power is minimal. Also, the subsystems use current technology. A point design for the window, the absorber tank, and its subsystems is described. >
Hemodialysis patient beliefs by stage of fluid adherence.

Fluid limitations are difficult for hemodialysis patients to follow, and factors related to fluid adherence are not well known. The primary purpose of this study, which was guided by the health belief model and the transtheoretical model for behavior change, was to determine whether differences exist in perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, seriousness, or self-efficacy among individuals in different stages of fluid adherence. In a cross-sectional descriptive design, 148 persons (mean age=53.9 years; 52% male) were interviewed using a structured format. Hemodialysis patients in the action/maintenance stage perceived significantly more benefits to fluid adherence than persons in the precontemplation stage. Persons who were in the action/maintenance stage perceived they were significantly more susceptible to pulmonary edema than persons in the contemplation stage. Stage-appropriate interventions may be needed to target specific beliefsabout fluid adherence. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 24: 105–112, 2001
Identification of characteristic oligonucleotides in the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA sequence dataset.

MOTIVATION: The phylogenetic structure of the bacterial world has been intensively studied by comparing sequences of 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA). This database of sequences is now widely used to design probes for the detection of specific bacteria or groups of bacteria one at a time. The success of such methods reflects the fact that there are local sequence segments that are highly characteristic of particular organisms or groups of organisms. It is not clear, however, the extent to which such signature sequences exist in the 16S rRNA dataset. A better understanding of the numbers and distribution of highly informative oligonucleotide sequences may facilitate the design of hybridization arrays that can characterize the phylogenetic position of an unknown organism or serve as the basis for the development of novel approaches for use in bacterial identification. RESULTS: A computer-based algorithm that characterizes the extent to which any individual oligonucleotide sequence in 16S rRNA is characteristic of any particular bacterial grouping was developed. A measure of signature quality, Q(s), was formulated and subsequently calculated for every individual oligonucleotide sequence in the size range of 5-11 nucleotides and for 15mers with reference to each cluster and subcluster in a 929 organism representative phylogenetic tree. Subsequently, the perfect signature sequences were compared to the full set of 7322 sequences to see how common false positives were. The work completed here establishes beyond any doubt that highly characteristic oligonucleotides exist in the bacterial 16S rRNA sequence dataset in large numbers. Over 16,000 15mers were identified that might be useful as signatures. Signature oligonucleotides are available for over 80% of the nodes in the representative tree.
Comparing Lives: Rush Rhees on Humans and Animals

In several posthumously published writings about the differences between humans and animals, Rush Rhees criticises the view that human lives are more important than (or superior to) animal lives. Rhees' views may seem to be in sympathy with more recent critiques of “speciesism.” However, the most commonly discussed anti-speciesist moral frameworks – which take the capacity of sentience as the criterion of moral considerability – are inadequate. Rhees' remark that both humans and animals can be loved points towards a different way of accounting for the moral considerability of humans and animals that avoid the problems of the capacity-based approaches.
Branched-chain transaminase and keto acid dehydrogenase activities in burned rats: Evidence for a differential adaptation according to sex

Female and male rats show differences in nitrogen metabolism after trauma, and the contribution of the branched-chain amino acid oxidizing pathway following thermal injury was evaluated. Female and male rats were subdivided into baseline, burned and unburned, pair-fed groups. Burned and pair-fed rats were sacrificed on days 1, 2, and 3 postburn, and branched-chain amino acid transaminase (BCTA), branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) activated and total, and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities were measured in red and white muscle and in liver. BCTA was not measured in liver. Baseline and pair-fed groups had similar enzyme activities. Changes following thermal injury were: (1) elevated SDH in all tissues for both sexes; (2) increased BCTA activity in red and white muscles from male rats; and (3) increased percentage of activated BCKDH in red and white muscles on days 2 and 3 for male rats. All other activities were unchanged. These findings agree with previous post trauma differences in urinary nitrogen losses in female and male rats. The results show that the enzymes for oxidation of the branched-chain amino acids in males respond to injury while those do not in females.
Infant robot-assisted laparoscopic upper urinary tract reconstructive surgery.

Abstract Objective Our aim was to assess the outcomes of infant robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) upper urinary tract reconstruction. Materials and methods The medical records of all infants who underwent RAL upper urinary tract reconstruction were reviewed. Patients less than 1 year of age at surgery were included. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, narcotic usage, and complications were reviewed. Results Ten infants met the study criteria. There were five right and five left-sided procedures. Eight pyeloplasties (4 right, 4 left) and two ureteroureterostomies (1 right single system, 1 left duplex system) were performed. The median age was 8 months (range 3–12 months). Median weight was 7.7 kg (range 5.8–10.9 kg). Median operative time was 128 min (range 95–205 min). There was no significant blood loss or intraoperative complications. One (10%) patient received a regional block. Eight (80%) patients did not receive postoperative narcotics. Median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1–2). Median follow-up was 10 months (range 3–18 months). Complications included one urinary leak, one ileus, and one urinary tract infection. Hydronephrosis improved in all patients. Conclusions Infant RAL upper urinary tract reconstruction is technically feasible, safe, and effective. It can be applied for duplication anomalies and single system obstructions in infants.
TDM- vs. FDM- based data-item scheduling in wireless broadcast systems with user retrials

In the previous research works on wireless data broadcast, time-division-multiplex (TDM) based data-item scheduling has been exclusively studied, while no mention or clear evidence against frequency-division-multiplex (FDM) based data-item scheduling has been offered. This paper is one of the first studies concerning the performance of FDM-based data-item scheduling in wireless broadcast systems. In particular, in this paper it is shown that for any given FDM-based data-item schedule there exists a TDM-based data-item schedule that results in a better overall WDB system performance. Accordingly, it is demonstrated that the disregard of FDM-based scheduling by the earlier works on WDB is ultimately justifiable.
Amphibians, Trematodes, and Deformities: An Overview from Southern Michigan

Deformed amphibians have been reported from several locations in North America, with the prevalences of these deformities varying from region to region. These deformities have been attributed to both anthropogenic and natural changes in the abiotic and biotic factors in the environment. Suggested causes for these deformities include toxins, ultraviolet B irradiance, larval trematodes, or synergistic interactions of some or all of these factors. Several studies, beginning in 1990, have investigated the helminths infecting amphibians from southern Michigan, U.S.A., with emphasis on locating populations of deformed amphibians. Although high numbers of many species of larval and juvenile helminths (Fibricola sp., Clinostomum sp., gorgoderid, strigeid, or unknown metacercariae, Mesocestoides sp., Spiroxys sp.) were found infecting the hind limbs, these helminths did not cause deformities in southern Michigan.
A model of scale effects in mammalian quadrupedal running

Although the effects of body size on mammalian locomotion are well documented, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we present a computational model of the mechanics, control and energetics that unifies some well-known scale effects in running quadrupeds. The model consists of dynamic, physics-based simulations of six running mammals ranging in size from a chipmunk to a horse (0.115-676 kg). The 'virtual animals' are made up of rigid segments (head, trunk and four legs) linked by joints and are similar in morphology to particular species. In the model, each stance limb acts as a spring operating within a narrow range of stiffness, forward motion is powered and controlled by active hip and shoulder torques, and metabolic cost is predicted from the time course of supporting body weight. Model parameters that are important for stability (joint stiffnesses, limb-retraction times and target positions and velocities of the limbs) are selected such that (i) running kinematics (aerial height, forward speed and body pitch) is smooth and periodic and (ii) overall leg stiffness is in agreement with published data. Both trotting and galloping gaits are modeled, and comparisons across size are made at speeds that are physiologically similar among species. Model predictions are in agreement with data on vertical stiffness, limb angles, metabolic cost of transport, stride frequency, peak force and duty factor. This work supports the idea that a single, integrative model can predict important features of running across size by employing simple strategies to control overall leg stiffness. More broadly, the model provides a quantitative framework for testing hypotheses that relate limb control, stability and metabolic cost.
Neonatal Mitral Valve Repair in Biventricular Repair, Single Ventricle Palliation, and Secondary Left Ventricular Recruitment: Indications, Techniques, and Mid-Term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES Although mitral valve repair is rarely required in neonates, this population is considered to be at high risk for adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to review the indications for surgery, mechanisms, repair techniques, and mid-term outcomes of neonatal mitral valve repair. METHODS The demographic, procedural and outcome data were obtained for all neonates who underwent mitral valve repair from 2005 to 2012. The primary endpoints included mortality, transplantation and mitral valve reoperation. RESULTS Twenty patients were included during the study period. Median age at operation was 11 days (range 3-25). Eleven patients (55%) presented with mitral stenosis, 3 had regurgitation (15%), and 6 had mixed mitral disease (30%). Nineteen of 20 patients had mild or less regurgitation on immediate postoperative imaging. During a median follow-up of 5 months (1 month – 4.8 years), 6 patients died at a median of 33 months (7-41 months) from repair and one patient required orthotopic heart transplantation. Six patients required mitral valve reoperation, 5 for mitral valve re-repair and 1 for mitral valve replacement. Freedom from death, transplantation, or mitral valve replacement was 84.2±8.4% at 1 month, 71.3±11% at 6 months, 64.1±12% at 1 year and 51.3±15% at 2 years, and was worse for patients presenting with mitral regurgitation compared to stenosis or mixed mitral valve disease. CONCLUSIONS Although mitral valve repair can be performed with acceptable immediate postoperative result, this procedure carries a high burden of late death and mitral valve reoperations.
Anytime planning of optimal schedules for a mobile sensing robot

We study the problem in which a mobile sensing robot is tasked to travel among and gather intelligence at a set of spatially distributed points-of-interest (POIs). The quality of the information collected at a POI is characterized by some sensory (reward) function of time. With limited fuel, the robot must balance between spending time traveling to more POIs and performing time-consuming sensing activities at POIs to maximize the overall reward. In a dual formulation, the robot is required to acquire a minimum amount of reward with the least amount of time. We propose an anytime planning algorithm for solving these two NP-hard problems to arbitrary precision for arbitrary reward functions. The algorithm is effective on large instances with tens to hundreds of POIs, as demonstrated with an extensive set of computational experiments. Besides mobile sensor scheduling, our algorithm also applies to automation scenarios such as intelligent and optimal itinerary planning.
Histidines in the octapeptide repeat of PrPC react with PrPSc at an acidic pH.

Cellular PrP is actively cycled between the cell surface and the endosomal pathway. The exact site and mechanism of conversion from PrPC to PrPSc remain unknown. We have previously used recombinant antibodies containing grafts of PrP sequence to identify three regions of PrPC (aa23−27, 98−110, and 136−158) that react with PrPSc at neutral pH. To determine if any regions of PrPC react with PrPSc at an acidic pH similar to that of an endosomal compartment, we tested our panel of grafted antibodies for the ability to precipitate PrPSc in a range of pH conditions. At pH near or lower than 6, PrP-grafted antibodies representing the octapeptide repeat react strongly with PrPSc but not PrPC. Modified grafts in which the histidines of the octarepeat were replaced with alanines did not react with PrPSc. PrPSc precipitated by the octapeptide at pH 5.7 was able to seed conversion of normal PrP to PrPSc in vitro. However, modified PrP containing histidine to alanine substitutions within the octapeptide repeats was st...
Competency Based Education in Lower-Division Computer Science Taught at Community Colleges (Abstract Only)

Many community colleges are looking at Competency Based Education (CBE) as a way to increase student recruitment, engagement, completion, and transfer to baccalaureate programs. In addition, colleges are looking at CBE as a way to reduce costs as well as provide students with clear, marketable skills for employment. CBE is particularly suited to computer science due to the nature of the discipline where well-defined, measurable outcomes can be designed and implemented. Is your college exploring a curricular redesign using CBE? Do you want to know what CBE is and how to implement a CBE curriculum in computer science? This BoF will host a discussion on planning, implementation, and scale-up of CBE programs. Besides learning about CBE, this BoF will provide attendees with a chance to connect with others trying to implement CBE programs so that they can share knowledge, share resources, and form future collaborations. The recent CS2013 curricular guidance will also be discussed as an important resource for developing CBE in CS.
Fractional Factorials in Psychology: An: Examination of the Basis for the Holistic Approach

Statistical methods and experimental designs are used by the researcher to collect and analyze data. One of the most commonly used treatment designs is the analysis of variance. Simon (1976) has examined data from fourteen years of experiments published in the Human Factors journal that were analyzed using this approach. One of his conclusions is that interactions of three or more variables are negligible. To take advantage of this Simon (1973, 1977) has proposed using fractional factorials in psychological research. This investigation examined Simon's analysis and conclusions and questions the use of fractional factorials without proper theoretical justification. An empirical investigation of fractional factorials using computer simulation techniques examined the effect of confounding when the assumption that high order interactions are negligible is violated. The results show that in certain cases biases of unconfounded and confounded effects can result.
Parent Perceptions of How Nurse Encounters Can Provide Caring Support for the Family in Early Acute Care After Children's Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

ABSTRACT:Objective: A child’s severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) creates a family crisis requiring extensive cultural, informational, psychological, and environmental support. Nurses need to understand parents’ expectations of caring in early acute care so they can tailor their attitudes, beliefs,
LIPOPROTEIN(A)-CHOLESTEROL (LP(A)-C) LEVELS DETERMINED BY VERTICAL AUTO PROFILE (VAP) CORRELATES WEAKLY WITH LP(A) MASS IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC SUBJECTS

Lp(a) is the major lipoprotein carrier of OxPL, and predicts CVD events and faster progression of aortic stenosis. All clinical laboratory methods of “LDL-C” contain Lp(a)-C as part of the total LDL-C, which contributes 30-45% of “LDL-C”. VAP is an alternative method for determining Lp(a)-C
The Third: Levinas' theoretical move from an-archical ethics to the realm of justice and politics

Emmanuel Levinas' radical heteronomous ethics has received a great deal of scholarly attention. However, his political thought remains relatively neglected. This essay shows how Levinas moves from the an-archical, ethical relationship with the Other to the totalizing realm of politics with his phenomenology of the third person, the Third. With the appearance of the Third, the ego must respond to more than one Other. It must decide whom to respond to first. This decision leads the ego from the an-archical, ethical realm to the realm of politics. Although the Third universalizes the an-archical relationship with the Other into the political realm, it does not supplant the original ethical relationship. Instead, there is a never-ending oscillation between ethics and politics. The world of institutions and impersonal justice must be held in check by the an-archical responsibility for the Other, Levinas calls for both an-archy and justice.
Strategies to improve accurate in pre-examination and pre-diagnosis for febrile children

Epidenic of infectious atypical pneumonia and highly pathologic avian influenza has attracted national great concern for prevention and control of epidemic situation.Xi'an Municipal Children's Hospital has set up a standardized pre-examination and pre-diagnosis system and pre-examination room.In it,the febrile children can be pre-diagnosed,which plays important role in controlling infectious diseases accurately.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE QUANTIFICATION APPRAISAL SYSTEM FOR PROMOTION OF PROFESSIONAL TITLE

Objective To set up a scientific quantification appraisal system for promotion of professional title. MethodsData of the system used in our hospital for five-year period were analyzed and summarized. Results A set of rational quantification appraisal system of job title promotion was established. Conclusion The established quantification appraisal system for job title can meet the requirement of selecting excellent professionals for our hospital.
Mechanical strain modulates maximal phosphatidylinositol turnover in airway smooth muscle.

Mechanical strain regulates the maximal level of myosin light chain phosphorylation mediated by muscarinic activation in airway smooth muscle. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that mechanical ...
An urban forest-inventory-and-analysis investigation in Oregon and Washington

Abstract The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis program recently inventoried trees on 257 sample plots in the urbanized areas of Oregon and Washington. Plots were located on the standard grid (≈1 plot/2428 ha) and installed with the 4-subplot footprint (≈.067 ha with 4 circular subplots). Using these data, we examined: 1) use of the land use classification data from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for post-stratification; 2) the resolution of the inventory data to make inferences about subdomains (specifically sub-regions) and subgroups (species and diameter classes); and 3) the i-Tree Eco software as a tool for data compilation, estimation, and reporting.
Experimental and numerical measurements of adhesion energies between PHEMA and PGLYMA with hydroxyapatite crystal

Synthetic orthopaedic materials consisting of a single bioinert polymeric material do not meet the complex biological and physical requirements of scaffold-guided bone tissue repair and regeneration. Of particular interest is the design of biocompatible hydrogel-hydroxyapatite composite bone substitutes with outstanding interfacial adhesion that would warranty the ability for the composite to withstand functional loadings without exhibiting brittle fractures during the dynamic guided tissue regeneration. For this purpose, the hydroxylated side chain of chemically cross-linked poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) is substitute with a carboxylated side chain to make poly (glycerol methacrylate) (pGLYMA). Here, we carry out atomistic simulations and atomic force microscopy to predict and experimentally determine the interfacial adhesion energies of pHEMA and pGLYMA with the surface of single-crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) whiskers. Both experimental and numerical results showed that pGLYMA has stronger adhesion forces with HA and may be used for preparing a high-affinity polymer-HA composite. The high adhesive interactions between pGLYMA and HA were found to be due to strong electrostatic energies.
Single Syringe-Pump Solid-Phase Protein Sequencer

Publisher Summary The chapter describes the construction of a unique solid-phase protein sequencer having the capability to deliver reagents at precise flow rates with a single syringe-pump employed as a pneumatic displacement device. The instrument utilizes solenoid valves. The chapter illustrates the principles of the single syringe-pump concept. Initially, the syringe is filled with argon gas, which is metered by a pressure regulator through a port on a Rusnak valve. Any one of the six reagents that access the Hexagonal valve may be metered into a 500 μl volumetric loop situated between the Rusnak and Hexagonal valves. The volumetric loop may be partially filled or completely filled to waste via the second port on a Rusnak valve. The reagent is delivered to the reaction cartridge in a flow-rate dependent manner by displacing the contents of the volumetric loop with argon gas delivered from the syringe. The software driver allows flow rates to be corrected for solvent compressibility. Although compressibility correction factors can be calculated for pure solvents, they must be determined experimentally for solvent mixtures.
EDAPHIC PROPERTIES AND FOLIAR ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS FROM SAND PINE (PINUS CLAUSA) POPULATIONS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

Soil physical and chemical properties, plus foliar elemental concentrations, are reported for surface (5–10 cm) and subsurface (35–40 cm) soil and foliar tissue samples from 20 sand pine (Pinus clausa) populations, 9 from the Choctawhatchee variety on the Florida panhandle and 11 from the Ocala variety on the Florida peninsula. Sand pine occurred exclusively on sandy soils, with mean sand content >97%. Soils generally were low in organic carbon and soil elemental concentrations. Both K and P were below analytic detection limits, whereas Ca and Mg were present at only modest levels. Only soil Al and Fe were relatively abundant. Foliar elemental concentrations indicated pronounced bioconcentration of nutrients by sand pine. Macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, and P) approached or exceeded levels typical of other southern pine species. Some contrasts in edaphic and foliar tissue properties were apparent between varieties, but contrasts were more pronounced between groups of populations based on both soil color (yello...
The multi-spectral line-polarization MSE system on Alcator C-Mod

A multi-spectral line-polarization motional Stark effect (MSE-MSLP) diagnostic has been developed for the Alcator C-Mod tokamak wherein the Stokes vector is measured in multiple wavelength bands simultaneously on the same sightline to enable better polarized background subtraction. A ten-sightline, four wavelength MSE-MSLP detector system was designed, constructed, and qualified. This system consists of a high-throughput polychromator for each sightline designed to provide large etendue and precise spectral filtering in a cost-effective manner. Each polychromator utilizes four narrow bandpass interference filters and four custom large diameter avalanche photodiode detectors. Two filters collect light to the red and blue of the MSE emission spectrum while the remaining two filters collect the beam pi and sigma emission generated at the same viewing volume. The filter wavelengths are temperature tuned using custom ovens in an automated manner. All system functions are remote controllable and the system can be easily retrofitted to existing single-wavelength line-polarization MSE systems.
Exploiting multi-agent interactions for identifying the best-payoff information source

In many different applications on the Web, distributed agents would like to discover and access high quality information sources. This is a challenging problem since an agent does not know a priori which information source would provide high quality information for particular topics. In this paper, we utilize machine learning techniques to allow a set of distributed agents to use their past experience and collaborate with others to identify information sources with the best payoff. The proposed method allows an individual agent to estimate the next payoff based on its own history of interactions with the information source and also on collaboration with other agents whose individual analysis of the next payoff the agent trusts. Q-learning is applied for stochastic updates to the payoff. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides the best results when an individual agent collaborates with a moderate number of neighbors.
δ 15 N analyses of ammonium-rich silicate minerals by sealed-tube extractions and dual inlet, viscous-flow mass spectrometry

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of techniques for the routine, quantitative extraction and isotopic analysis of trace amounts of nitrogen in micas and whole-rock silicate samples. In order to obtain highly accurate and precise δ15N and N concentration data for such materials relatively straight-forward sealed-tube extraction techniques and standard cryogenic purification methods and dynamic-vacuum, dual inlet, viscous-flow mass spectrometry are used. For δ15N values of samples containing > 100 ppm N, 1σ for 2-10 duplicate analyses typically approaches 0.1%, and N concentration data nearly always have < 5% uncertainty. Blanks of these extraction techniques are < 0.025 μmol N2, affording analyses of small N2 samples to 1.0 μmole. The precision of these analyses is typically higher than that obtainable by static mass spectrometry techniques, with the latter methods commonly producing data with 1σ nearer 0.5%. The requirement of viscous-flow conditions and the geometry of the sealed-tube experiments impose a practical limit of ∼ 10 ppm as the minimum N concentration that can reliably be analyzed by these technique. In many crustal igneous and metamorphic rocks, white-micas and biotite, both of which strongly partition N as NH4 + into their interlayer sites, contain the majority of the whole-rock N and commonly have N concentrations in the range of 10 - 1000 ppm.
Migration Behavior of Normal and Metastatic Human Mammary Cells

Metastasis is the process by which cancer spreads from a primary tumor site to other sites in the body. Once a cancer has metastasized it is much more difficult to treat, and a better understanding of metastasis is, thus, a critical goal in cancer research. Metastasis involves cell movement through the body, and the aim of our study was to explore the differences in motility between metastatic cells and noncancerous cells. Toward this end, we investigated cell motility using migration assays, in which cells are grown in two adjacent, but separate zones to confluency. After confluency is reached, the barrier separating the two cell zones on a glass bottom dish is removed, and the motion of the two edges of the cells separated across the septum gap is recorded. We hypothesized that cancerous human breast cells (MDA-MB-231 cells) would exhibit a higher rate of migration and a lower degree of coordinated movement than normal breast cells (HMEC cells). Migration assays were performed on both types of cells, and the migration into the gap between cell populations was recorded using time-lapse DIC microscopy. The resulting videos were processed using areal analysis and particle image velocimetry (PIV), which allowed extraction of areal migration rates and velocity vector fields. An average migration rate of 242μm2/min was measured for HMEC cells, and a lower degree of coordination was observed in MDA cells compared to HMEC cells.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Self-Modeling as an Intervention for Stuttering

This brief article reports a long-term follow-up of the effects of self-modeling on the reduction of stuttering in two groups of students who initially evidenced different mean percentages of stutt...
Human Papillomavirus Status and the Risk of Cerebrovascular Events Following Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Background Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard treatment for head and neck cancer; however, it is associated with inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis, and cerebrovascular events (CVEs; stroke or transient ischemic attack). Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in nearly half of head and neck cancers and is associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. Whether HPV confers an increased risk of CVEs after RT is unknown. Methods and Results Using an institutional database, we identified all consecutive patients treated with RT from 2002 to 2012 for head and neck cancer who were tested for HPV. The outcome of interest was the composite of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, and the association between HPV and CVEs was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models, competing risk analysis, and inverse probability weighting. Overall, 326 participants who underwent RT for head and neck cancer were tested for HPV (age 59±12 years, 75% were male, 9% had diabetes mellitus, 45% had hypertension, and 61% were smokers), of which 191 (59%) were tumor HPV positive. Traditional risk factors for CVEs were similar between HPV‐positive and ‐negative patients. Over a median follow‐up of 3.4 years, there were 18 ischemic strokes and 5 transient ischemic attacks (event rate of 1.8% per year). The annual event rate was higher in the HPV‐positive patients compared with the HPV‐negative patients (2.6% versus 0.9%, P =0.002). In a multivariable model, HPV‐positive status was associated with a >4 times increased risk of CVEs (hazard ratio: 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–13.2; P =0.008). Conclusions In this study, HPV‐positive status is associated with an increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack following RT for head and neck cancer.