cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antibody responses in spiral colon, ileum, and jejunum of bovine coronavirus-infected neonatal calves.

Abstract A preliminary study was conducted to compare the regional intestinal immune responses of neonatal calves inoculated with virulent or attenuated bovine coronavirus (BCV) to determine the cause of reported vaccine failures. A group of 9 newborn, colostrum-deprived calves was used; two calves were inoculated with attenuated virus, four calves were infected with virulent virus (including one naturally infected calf), and three calves were uninfected controls. Calves inoculated with virulent virus produced higher titers of BCV antibodies in the intestines than those inoculated with the attenuated virus. The failure of the calves to respond to the attenuated virus was apparently due to the inability of the virus to replicate to high titers. Spiral colon, ileum, and jejunum were found to be immunologically distinct; the highest anti-BCV antibody responses were detected in spiral colon, the primary site of infection, and involved all four isotypes of bovine immunoglobulins. The antibody response in ileum was lower than in spiral colon. The immune responses developed slowly in jejunum and were associated primarily with the IgG subtypes.
Muon-oxygen bonding in V 2 O 3

A muon site search using calculated internal fields has been performed for V2O3, where purely dipolar fields allow a site determination free from covalent complications. The obtained sites are a subset of the Rodriguez and Bates sites found in α-Fe2O3 and indicate muon oxygen bond formation. The sites missing at low temperatures are consistent with the vanadium pairing mechanism for the metal-to-insulator (corundum-to-monoclinic) phase transition.
State Education Governance and Policy: Dynamic Challenges, Diverse Approaches, and New Frontiers

State governments are crucial actors in the nation's system of education governance. This issue of the Peabody Journal of Education underscores the wide-ranging roles that state governments play in the oversight, development, and implementation of elementary and secondary education policy in the United States. In this article, I consider these individual analyses by reflecting on the broader themes and patterns that they suggest. I argue that at the dawn of the 21st century, the 50 U.S. states face dynamic challenges that are testing their institutions of governance. States are also simultaneously crossing new frontiers that will influence future policy and opportunities for the nation's students.
QoS-Based Service Composition

QoS has been one of the major challenges in Web Services area. Though negotiated in the contract, service quality usually can not be guaranteed by providers. Therefore, the service composer is obligated to detect real quality status of component services. Local monitoring can not fulfill this task. We propose a Probe-based architecture to address this problem. By running light weighted test cases, the Probe can collect accurate quality data to support runtime service composition and composition re-planning.
Merge: a programming model for heterogeneous multi-core systems

In this paper we propose the Merge framework, a general purpose programming model for heterogeneous multi-core systems. The Merge framework replaces current ad hoc approaches to parallel programming on heterogeneous platforms with a rigorous, library-based methodology that can automatically distribute computation across heterogeneous cores to achieve increased energy and performance efficiency. The Merge framework provides (1) a predicate dispatch-based library system for managing and invoking function variants for multiple architectures; (2) a high-level, library-oriented parallel language based on map-reduce; and (3) a compiler and runtime which implement the map-reduce language pattern by dynamically selecting the best available function implementations for a given input and machine configuration. Using a generic sequencer architecture interface for heterogeneous accelerators, the Merge framework can integrate function variants for specialized accelerators, offering the potential for to-the-metal performance for a wide range of heterogeneous architectures, all transparent to the user. The Merge framework has been prototyped on a heterogeneous platform consisting of an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and an 8-core 32-thread Intel Graphics and Media Accelerator X3000, and a homogeneous 32-way Unisys SMP system with Intel Xeon processors. We implemented a set of benchmarks using the Merge framework and enhanced the library with X3000 specific implementations, achieving speedups of 3.6x -- 8.5x using the X3000 and 5.2x -- 22x using the 32-way system relative to the straight C reference implementation on a single IA32 core.
Induction of benzo[a]pyrene metabolism by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

Abstract Primary hepatocyte cultures prepared from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were extremely sensitive to induction of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) metabolism by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), added to the cells in culture. A 48-hr exposure to 1 pmol TCDD/106 cells resulted in a 4-fold induction of BaP metabolism. Significant induction was produced by a 48-hr exposure to a dose as low as 0.01 pmol (3 pg) TCDD/106 cells. Cells exposed to TCDD from 7 to 55 hr in culture and then assayed for BaP metabolism responded to much lower doses of TCDD than did cells assayed at 36 hr in culture after being exposed to TCDD from 7 to 36 hr in culture. The doses of TCDD required for half-maximal induction of BaP metabolism were 24.8 and 164 fmol TCDD/106 cells for cells assayed at 55 and 36 hr, respectively. Hepatocytes treated with TCDD starting at later times in culture showed a much more rapid time course of induction than did cells treated at earlier times in culture. A 2.6-fold induction occurred in cells treated from 49 to 55 hr in culture, compared to a 1.2-fold induction from 31 to 37 hr in culture. In contrast to cells exposed to TCDD from 7 to 55 hr in culture, cells exposed from 49 to 55 hr in culture were nearly as sensitive to inhibition of BaP metabolism by SKF 525-A as were uninduced control cells. An apparent derepression of the induction of BaP metabolism is occurring in primary hepatocyte cultures, resulting in an increase in the intitial rate of induction by TCDD and a decrease in the dose of TCDD required to obtain the half-maximum response.
Paleozoic Impact Spherule/Ejecta Layers

Although the Paleozoic Era lasted nearly five times longer than the Cenozoic, the number of Paleozoic distal impact ejecta layers that have been identified is much smaller (compare Table 6.1 with Table 4.1). Two probable Late Devonian distal impact ejecta layers have been reported. The youngest is a silicate glass spherule (microtektite?) layer and Ir anomaly found in Qidong (southern China) in Late Devonian deposits, about 1.5 to 2.0 Ma younger than the Frasnian–Famennian boundary. The second is an older layer of silicate glass spherules (microtektites) found just above the Frasnian–Famennian boundary at two sites (Senzeille and Hony) in Belgium. Four additional spherule occurrences of Frasnian to Famennian age have been reported in southern China: one above the Frasnian–Famennian boundary, one at the boundary, and two below the boundary. The most intensely studied Paleozoic ‘ejecta’ layer is at the Permian–Triassic boundary, but as of 2011, the impact origin of this boundary layer had not been established.
Hydration of guanidinium depends on its local environment

Hydration of gaseous guanidinium (Gdm+) with up to 100 water molecules attached was investigated using infrared photodissociation spectroscopy in the hydrogen stretch region between 2900 and 3800 cm-1. Comparisons to IR spectra of low-energy computed structures indicate that at small cluster size, water interacts strongly with Gdm+ with three inner shell water molecules each accepting two hydrogen bonds from adjacent NH2 groups in Gdm+. Comparisons to results for tetramethylammonium (TMA+) and Na+ enable structural information for larger clusters to be obtained. The similarity in the bonded OH region for Gdm(H2O)20+vs. Gdm(H2O)100+ and the similarity in the bonded OH regions between Gdm+ and TMA+ but not Na+ for clusters with <50 water molecules indicate that Gdm+ does not significantly affect the hydrogen-bonding network of water molecules at large size. These results indicate that the hydration around Gdm+ changes for clusters with more than about eight water molecules to one in which inner shell water molecules only accept a single H-bond from Gdm+. More effective H-bonding drives this change in inner-shell water molecule binding to other water molecules. These results show that hydration of Gdm+ depends on its local environment, and that Gdm+ will interact with water even more strongly in an environment where water is partially excluded, such as the surface of a protein. This enhanced hydration in a limited solvation environment may provide new insights into the effectiveness of Gdm+ as a protein denaturant.
Circulation during winter and northerly storm events in southern Lake Michigan

[1] Moored observations of winds, currents, and temperature made off the southeastern Lake Michigan shore during 1998 to 2000 winter-spring periods are studied to describe the mean winter circulation and episodic circulation during northerly storms in Lake Michigan. Late winter-spring sediment plumes in southeastern Lake Michigan were attributed to these episodic circulation features. The winter-spring currents in southeastern Lake Michigan are quite depth independent, and the mean currents flow predominantly alongshore and toward the north. The observed currents show the signature of a forced two-gyre circulation in the southeastern basin. The interannual variability of mean and fluctuating currents is mainly due to the variability of prevailing wind-forcing. The intermittent episodic circulation influenced by northerly storms causes significant asymmetry to the mean circulation. During northerly storm episodes, the mean current speeds increased significantly, and the currents within 10 km of shore followed the surface wind stress, while farther offshore the circulation was oppositely directed. During these episodes it is also observed that the combination of directly wind-forced currents and northward propagating vorticity wave generates significant offshore transport in this region.
DNA Binding Provides a Molecular Strap Activating the Adenovirus Proteinase

Human adenovirus proteinase (AVP) requires two cofactors for maximal activity: pVIc, a peptide derived from the C terminus of adenovirus precursor protein pVI, and the viral DNA. Synchrotron protein footprinting was used to map the solvent accessible cofactor binding sites and to identify conformational changes associated with the binding of cofactors to AVP. The binding of pVIc alone or pVIc and DNA together to AVP triggered significant conformational changes adjacent to the active site cleft sandwiched between the two AVP subdomains. In addition, upon binding of DNA to AVP, it was observed that specific residues on each of the two major subdomains were significantly protected from hydroxyl radicals. Based on the locations of these protected side-chain residues and conserved aromatic and positively charged residues within AVP, a three-dimensional model of DNA binding was constructed. The model indicated that DNA binding can alter the relative orientation of the two AVP domains leading to the partial activation of AVP by DNA. In addition, both pVIc and DNA may independently alter the active site conformation as well as drive it cooperatively to fully activate AVP.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Contributes to the Antihypertensive Effects of Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition alone or in combination with the angiotensin type-I receptor (AT1) antagonist losartan augments circulating levels of the bioactive peptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. Hence, we determined whether Ang-(1-7) contributes to the hypotensive effects produced by the combined administration of lisinopril and losartan in spontaneously hypertensive rats by blocking the peptide's synthesis with either of two structurally different neprilysin inhibitors. Intravenous administration of CGS 24592 (30 mg/kg) to rats in which blood pressure was normalized by 9 days of therapy with lisinopril and losartan elicited an elevation of mean arterial pressure that was sustained throughout the infusion period and for 20 minutes thereafter. The hypertensive response was associated with a 62% reduction in circulating levels of Ang-(1-7) and no change in plasma angiotensin II (Ang II). Intravenous infusion of one other neprilysin inhibitor (SCH 39370, 30 mg/kg) produced an increase in mean blood pressure of a magnitude similar to that found with CGS 24592. Pretreatment with the nonselective antagonist [Sar1,Thr8]-Ang II abolished any additional pressor effects of either neprilysin inhibitor in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with lisinopril or losartan. However, neither the endothelin A antagonist BQ123 nor the kinin B2 antagonist HOE 140 had an effect on basal blood pressure or altered the pressor or heart rate effects of the neprilysin inhibitors. These data suggest that inhibition of Ang-(1-7) formation in rats exposed to the combined blockade of Ang II production and activity is associated with a reversal of the antihypertensive actions produced by these therapies. Thus, endogenous Ang-(1-7) functions as a vasodilator hormone in this form of genetic hypertension.
Imaging Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing, staging, and following patients with lung cancer. Most lung tumors are detected on chest radiographs, but unfortunately, the majority of patients have advanced stage disease at presentation. There is a wide spectrum of radiologic manifestations of lung cancer, and recognition of these findings is essential for patient management. As we continue to understand more about tumor biology, new imaging techniques should emerge and have the potential to significantly improve our diagnostic capabilities.
Nanoporous Bi 2 Te 3 thermoelectric based Knudsen gas pump

The first bi-directional thermoelectric based Knudsen pump is made using a multifunctional nanoporous P-type bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) thermoelectric material. The nanoporous material has been fabricated using a cold pressing and sintering technique under an argon atmosphere. Analysis of the nanoporous thermoelectric shows the average grain size is 680 nm, the pore radius ranges from 205 to 756 nm, and the average pore radius is 434 nm corresponding to a Knudsen number of 0.075 in the transitional flow regime. Gas flow due to the principle of thermal transpiration was demonstrated using a thermal gradient generated by running current through the thermoelectric, and measuring the gas flow rate and pressure. For an input power of 3.32 W, a maximum of 300 Pa pressure and 1.8 μ lm in −1 flow rate was observed. A reduction of the pore size down to 25 nm, and an improvement of the electrical contact resistance should lead to a 16 time increase in the generated pressure, and reduction in the consumed power respectively.
Chapman's Ambitious Comedy

AbstractTwo of George Chapman's comedies, The Gentleman Usher and Monsieur D'Olive, alluding explicitly to Twelfth Night, challenge that play's version of the motives and opportunities belonging to the servant's position. While Shakespeare's play mocks the ambition, arrogance, and blindness of Malvolio, The Gentleman Usher presents Bassiolo as a very conventional servant who is lured out of his depth by aristocrats claiming friendship. In lengthy exchanges fraught with tension about the relations of the servant to the nobility, the play displays a sympathy with the difficulties and satisfactions of the gentleman usher's situation. Importantly, though the play mocks Bassiolo, it eventually welcomes him into the romance resolution. Similarly deceived by a fake promotion, Monsieur D'Olive offers a complex critique of the plight of the lowly ranked courtier. This play also accepts the deluded figure into the comic reconciliation. In distinct reversal of Shakespeare's treatment of Malvolio, Chapman shows himse...
Direct Dynamics for Free Radical Kinetics in Solution: Solvent Effect on the Rate Constant for the Reaction of Methanol with Atomic Hydrogen

We calculate the rate constant for the reaction •H + CH3OH → H2 + •CH2OH both in the gas phase and in aqueous solution at 298 K. To accomplish this, we apply two different methods to estimate the electronic energies along the reaction path. First, we use specific reaction parameters (SRP) to mix the exchange and correlation energies in Becke's adiabatic connection theory (AC-SRP) to optimize the model for the specific bond-breaking, bond-making combination under consideration. Second, we obtain the potential energy using a linear combination of the Hartree−Fock method and AM1 with specific reaction parameters (HF||AM1-SRP); in this linear mixing method, eight NDDO parameters and the linear mixing parameter are simultaneously optimized by a genetic algorithm. To calculate the reaction rate constants in solution, the solute atomic charges are represented by class IV charges, the electric polarization of the solvent is determined from the electronic charge distribution of the solute self-consistently, and th...
Classic Exodus commentary still relevant

R. Alan Cole published Exodus: An introduction and commentary in 1973. This commentary has remained in print for four decades, partly due to its place in the series Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Consistent with the other volumes in the series, it has a significant introduction (41 pages) and, although it is a small book, there is commentary of at least a sentence or paragraph on most verses, and important verses are given up to a page of commentary.
Acute motor axonal neuropathy in association with Sjögren syndrome

Sjogren syndrome (SS) has been known to manifest with neurological complications, most frequently of the peripheral nervous system, and often in advance of xerostomia and xerophthalmia. There has been one case report of a patient with SS presenting with acute motor neuropathy similar to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). We report the case of a patient who developed rapidly fulminant acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) with positive anti-GM1 antibody at high titers in association with serological and pathological evidence of SS without xerostomia or xerophthalmia.
An Empirical Analysis of Credit Spread Innovations

The author examines corporate bond yield spread innovations for different credit quality and maturity portfolios using option-adjusted spread data from the Salomon Brothers Yield Book for 1984–1999, and finds that credit spread volatility and the sensitivity of credit spreads to changes in economic conditions are clearly related to the credit quality and maturity of a corporate bond. These relations are largely consistent with predictions of a model of the default margin of credit spreads. Evidence is provided that a considerable portion of yield spread volatility is due to changes in the non-default margin components of the corporate bond yield spread.
Small Molecule–Based Approaches to Adult Stem Cell Therapies

There is considerable interest in the development of stem cell–based strategies for the treatment of a broad range of human diseases, including neurodegenerative, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases. To date, such regenerative approaches have focused largely on the development of cell transplantation therapies using cells derived from pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Although there have been exciting preliminary reports describing the efficacy of ESC-derived replacement therapies, approaches involving ex vivo manipulated ESCs are hindered by issues of mutation, immune rejection, and ethical controversy. An alternative approach involves direct in vivo modulation or ex vivo expansion of endogenous adult stem cell populations using drug-like small molecules. Here we describe chemical approaches to the regulation of somatic stem cell biology that are yielding new biological insights and that may ultimately lead to innovative new medicines.
Niaspan®: a powerful treatment option for ‘diabetic dyslipidaemia’

Low HDL-cholesterol is a common feature of the dyslipidaemia commonly encountered in patients with type 2 diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. Nicotinic acid, the most effective agent available for increasing levels of HDL-cholesterol, has been shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes in major outcome trials. These benefits are observed in patients with or without diabetes, and the magnitude of the outcome benefit was unaffected by changes in glycaemia during treatment. Niaspan® is a new prolonged-release formulation of nicotinic acid with equivalent efficacy and superior tolerability compared with the older, immediate-release formulation. Well-designed trials and retrospective analyses have shown that Niaspan, given alone or with a statin, improves HDL-cholesterol and other lipid components in patients with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome, resulting in a less atherogenic lipid profile. The changes in glycaemia during treatment with Niaspan are minimal and can be easily corrected by adjustments to antidiabetic medications. Niaspan provides a potent and practical means of correcting low HDL-cholesterol in patients with dysglycaemia.
Effects of Small Deviations from Stoichiometry on Grain Boundary Compositions in YBa2Cu3O7-x

Comparison of Auger electron spectra for intergranular and transgranular areas on fracture surfaces of sintered YBa2Cu3O7-x indicates the presence of a grain-boundary layer which is copper-rich and oxygen-poor compared to the bulk. This layer is believed to be an important factor limiting the critical current density in sintered material. The composition of the grain-boundary layer is strongly affected by small changes in sample composition, as might be expected for a line compound. These small deviations from the stoichiometric composition also affect the critical current density and the electrical resistivity above the transition temperature.
Power Series Methods for Cellular Calculations on Atoms, Molecules and Solids

Evidence is accumulating 1–5 that a calculation of the total energy of a molecule or crystal by the Xα method, as a function of nuclear positions, gives a surprisingly good approximation to the correct value. Unfortunately, most existing calculations of this type use either the muffin-tin or the overlapping-sphere method, neither of which is based on sufficiently sound foundations to give one complete confidence in the results. It is therefore highly desirable to look into as accurate methods as possible to make this calculation. The cellular formulation seems to be the first step in this direction.
Mechanisms regulating angiotensin II responsiveness by the uteroplacental circulation.

Pregnancy is associated with increases in cardiac output and uterine blood flow (UBF) and a fall in systemic vascular resistance. In ovine pregnancy, UBF rises from ∼3% of cardiac output to ∼25% at...
The relationship between obesity, pregnancy, and levels of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase

For a successful pregnancy to occur, foreign genetic material such as the allogeneic fetus must be tolerated within the maternal host. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines that has been shown to be key to this process. Obesity as a pro-inflammatory state is associated with poor obstetric outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between obesity and IDO activity.
The diagnosis of colonic obstruction on plain abdominal radiographs: start with the cecum, leave the rectum to last.

mediately before CT. Gas is seen in rectum. Proximal part of colon is dilated, and maximum diameter of cecum (arrowheads) is greater than that of all other segments of colon. With CT, maximum colonic distension was confirmed to be at level of ileocecal valve, and no colonic fluId and a paucity of feces were seen. B, Barium enema shows tapered total retrograde obstruction of rectum. Laparotomy revealed a large obstructing pelvic mass and other intraperltoneal metastases.
Mechanisms of cellular plasticity in cerebral perivascular region.

Abstract Brain vasculature acts in synergism with neurons to maintain brain function. This neurovascular coupling, or trophic coupling between cerebral endothelium and neuron, is now well accepted as a marker for mapping brain activity. Neurovascular coupling is most active in the perivascular region, in which there are ample opportunities for cell–cell interactions within the neurovascular unit. This trophic coupling between cells maintains neurovascular function and cellular plasticity. Recent studies have revealed that even adult brains contain multiple stem cells of various lineages, which may provide cellular plasticity through the process of differentiation among these stem cell populations. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the process by which neurovascular components contribute to cellular plasticity in the cerebral perivascular regions, focusing on mechanisms of cell–cell interaction in adult brain.
Regional Development Disequilibrium and Financial Resource Arrangement Difference:Based on 2000～2008 Panel Data of China's Provinces

This paper thought financial resource arrangement difference is the basic reason which causes regional development disequilibrium,and then launches theoretical analysis and empirical study.From the angle of financial institution's risk expectation,the theoretical model embarking regional development disequilibrium under the financial institution's financial resource arrangement with prejudice,and fixed the mechanism and path of regional finance development difference.Empirical analysis has supported the theory judgment.Based on 2000-2008 year Chinese inter-provincial panel data's study,we discovered that on several aspects such as economic development level,social growth degree as well as the opening degree Chinese regional development difference has remarkable influence to region financial resource arrangement difference.Moreover social development degree may be infecting the financial development more profoundly.Research's policy meaning was given finally.
Trying broadband characterization at home

In recent years the quantity and diversity of Internet-enabled consumer devices in the home have increased significantly. These trends complicate device usability and home resource management and have implications for crowdsourced approaches to broadband characterization. The UPnP protocol has emerged as an open standard for device and service discovery to simplify device usability and resource management in home networks. In this work, we leverage UPnP to understand the dynamics of home device usage, both at a macro and micro level, and to sketch an effective approach to broadband characterization that runs behind the last meter. Using UPnP measurements collected from over 13K end users, we show that while home networks can be quite complex, the number of devices that actively and regularly connect to the Internet is limited. Furthermore, we find a high correlation between the number of UPnP-enabled devices in home networks and the presence of UPnP-enabled gateways, and show how this can be leveraged for effective broadband characterization.
Facilitating Domain-General Problem Solving: Computers, Cognitive Processes and Instruction

Research on the transfer of problem solving between knowledge domains is reviewed. It is concluded that instructional and programming studies do not provide evidence for any essential contribution of the computer to problem solving. Instead, it is recommended that studies focus on the cognitive processes that are required for farther transfer and how these processes can be supported by instruction for students who fail to transfer. Two types of cognitive processes presumed to be active during problem solving are discussed: 1) The selecting of structural features of problem representations and 2) the connecting of features in two or more domains during transfer. The connecting process is discussed in depth and two types of connections are hypothesized, first, horizontal connections between knowledge structures in the form of analogies, and second, vertical connections within knowledge structures in the form of rule-example chains. It is suggested that analogies promote domain-general transfer because they provide horizontal connections between similar knowledge structures in different domains and induce rules that enlarge and extend the links between knowledge. Research focused on the use of analogies in problem solving is offered to support instructional prescriptions intended to facilitate domain-general problem solving.
Optimal medication dosing from suboptimal clinical examples: A deep reinforcement learning approach

Misdosing medications with sensitive therapeutic windows, such as heparin, can place patients at unnecessary risk, increase length of hospital stay, and lead to wasted hospital resources. In this work, we present a clinician-in-the-loop sequential decision making framework, which provides an individualized dosing policy adapted to each patient's evolving clinical phenotype. We employed retrospective data from the publicly available MIMIC II intensive care unit database, and developed a deep reinforcement learning algorithm that learns an optimal heparin dosing policy from sample dosing trails and their associated outcomes in large electronic medical records. Using separate training and testing datasets, our model was observed to be effective in proposing heparin doses that resulted in better expected outcomes than the clinical guidelines. Our results demonstrate that a sequential modeling approach, learned from retrospective data, could potentially be used at the bedside to derive individualized patient dosing policies.
The Fourth Year of Medical School for the Surgery Student

The fourth year of medical school is an exciting time for students as it is the culmination of medical school and the time when students prepare for residency. This chapter will focus on the preparation and process of making the year a successful capstone for medical school and a solid foundation for surgical residency.
Continuing educational needs assessments of engineering firms: a case study

This paper presents the results of a recent survey conducted to determine the continuing educational needs assessment of selected firms in the state of Wisconsin and adjoining states. Three hypotheses were formulated and empirically tested. Based on the results of the analyses, there was ample evidence that there exists a strong demand on the part of the firms surveyed for continuing educational offerings, particularly non–credit offerings related to the specific problems facing these firms. The results also indicated that engineering management was the most popular subject among the respondents. The results of this survey present an encouraging outlook for the universities in terms of determining and fulfilling the continuing educational needs of the industry.
Tools to Support Motivational Design

This chapter contains six tools that support or supplement those that were presented in earlier chapters. Four of them provide heuristic support for specific kinds of motivational design tasks and two are measurement instruments that have been validated and used in many research studies. Simplified approach to motivational design Motivational idea worksheet Two motivational measurement instruments The Course Interest Survey The Instructional Materials Motivational Survey Motivational tactics checklist Motivational delivery checklist
The vicissitudes of common-sense virtue ethics, part I : From Aristotle to Slote

Critique de la these de l'independance de l'ethique de la vertu par rapport aux autres theories morales, defendue par M. Slote a partir des notions d'intuition et de sens commun. Se referant a la conception du sens commun et de l'ethique de la vertu chez Aristote, l'A. souligne les lacunes de l'argumentation de M. Slote en ce qui concerne la nature humaine, la societe et la condition humaine, fondees sur les notions de bien moral et de bien personnel, concernant a la fois la communaute et l'individu dans la tradition rationaliste representee par Kant et Rawls
Collision-Free Reactive Mission and Motion Planning for Multi-robot Systems

This paper describes a holistic method for automatically synthesizing controllers for a team of robots operating in an environment shared with other agents. The proposed approach builds on recent advances in Reactive Mission Planning using Linear Temporal Logic, and Local Motion Planning using convex optimization. A local planner enforces the dynamic constraints of the robot and guarantees collision avoidance in 2D and 3D workspaces. A reactive mission planner takes a high-level specification that captures complex motion sequencing, and generates a correct-by-construction controller guaranteed to achieve the specified behavior and be reactive to sensor events. If there is no controller that fulfills the specification because of possible deadlock in the local planner, a minimal set of human-readable assumptions is generated as a certificate of the conditions on deadlock where the task is guaranteed. This is truly a synergistic method: the low-level motion planner enables scalability of the high-level plan synthesis with respect to dynamic obstacles, and the high-level mission planner enforces correctness of the low-level motion. We provide formal guarantees for our approach and demonstrate it via physical experiments with ground robots and simulations with a team of quadrotors.
Lesson Plans for Moving in the Science Classroom

This chapter features six full-length inquiry-based lesson plans that utilize the 5E Instructional Model and incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). At the elementary level, science standards are incorporated into the English Language Arts objectives for the CCSS. There are two life science lessons, two earth science lessons, and two physical science lessons. Although there are specific grade levels from K-5 attached to each lesson, the lesson plans could easily be modified and/or scaffolded to address science standards at other grade levels.
Sample-based tree search with fixed and adaptive state abstractions

Sample-based tree search (SBTS) is an approach to solving Markov decision problems based on constructing a lookahead search tree using random samples from a generative model of the MDP. It encompasses Monte Carlo tree search (MCTS) algorithms like UCT as well as algorithms such as sparse sampling. SBTS is well-suited to solving MDPs with large state spaces due to the relative insensitivity of SBTS algorithms to the size of the state space. The limiting factor in the performance of SBTS tends to be the exponential dependence of sample complexity on the depth of the search tree. The number of samples required to build a search tree is O((|A|B)d), where |A| is the number of available actions, B is the number of possible random outcomes of taking an action, and d is the depth of the tree. State abstraction can be used to reduce B by aggregating random outcomes together into abstract states. Recent work has shown that abstract tree search often performs substantially better than tree search conducted in the ground state space. This paper presents a theoretical and empirical evaluation of tree search with both fixed and adaptive state abstractions. We derive a bound on regret due to state abstraction in tree search that decomposes abstraction error into three components arising from properties of the abstraction and the search algorithm. We describe versions of popular SBTS algorithms that use fixed state abstractions, and we introduce the Progressive Abstraction Refinement in Sparse Sampling (PARSS) algorithm, which adapts its abstraction during search. We evaluate PARSS as well as sparse sampling with fixed abstractions on 12 experimental problems, and find that PARSS outperforms search with a fixed abstraction and that search with even highly inaccurate fixed abstractions outperforms search without abstraction. These results establish progressive abstraction refinement as a promising basis for new tree search algorithms, and we propose directions for future work within the progressive refinement framework.
THE ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR NEPRILYSIN INHIBITOR (ARNI), SACUBITRIL/VALSARTAN, IMPROVES LEFT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIAL DEFORMATION IN HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION (PARAMOUNT TRIAL)

The angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) improves cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and reduced NT-proBNP and left atrial size in a phase II heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) trial. Global
Anthropometric Study of the Radiocapitellar Joint.

Purpose There is scant knowledge about the relationship between the size of the radial head and the size of the capitellum. Also, no data exist comparing the size of the capitellum between the left and the right elbow. Methods Eight pairs of elbows and 12 single elbows from fresh-frozen cadavers were obtained for this study. The vertical height and anterior width of the capitellum were measured with digital calipers. Four different measurements were performed at the radial head: longest outer diameter, shortest outer diameter, the long dish diameter, and short dish diameter. The Pearson intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients were obtained for all measurements. Results For the paired elbows, the correlations ranged between 0.95 and 0.96 for the capitellar dimensions and 0.77 and 0.98 for the radial head dimensions. The correlations between the long outer diameter of the radial head with the vertical height and the anterior width of the capitellum were 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. Conclusions There is a high correlation between the long outer diameter of the radial head and the vertical height of the capitellum as well its anterior width. There is also a high correlation between the left and the right elbow. Clinical relevance These findings are relevant to radiocapitellar arthroplasty and may be useful for radiocapitellar prosthetic design as well as in the preoperative planning of cases in which the radial head and/or the capitellum is destroyed.
Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation Demonstrates Stable Engraftment in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract We report on the screening and development of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for adult patients with clinically aggressive sickle cell disease (SCD) at our institution. Of 50 adult SCD patients referred for HSCT between January 2014 and March 2017, 20% were denied by insurance. Of 41 patients initially screened, 10% lacked an available haploidentical donor, 29% had elevated donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), and 34% declined to proceed to HSCT. All 10 patients who were transplanted received peripheral blood stem cells. The initial 2 were conditioned with alemtuzumab/total body irradiation (TBI) 3 Gy followed by post-transplant cyclophosphamide and failed to engraft. The next 8 patients received the regimen developed at Johns Hopkins University with TBI 3 Gy. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered from day +12 in those with HbS .5 × 109/L of 22 days (range, 18 to 23). One patient subsequently lost the graft, and 7 (87.5%) maintained >95% donor cell chimerism at 1-year post-HSCT. Two patients developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of at least grade II. One had chronic GVHD and died >1 year after HSCT of unknown causes. With a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 11 to 29), 7 patients (87.5%) are alive. Our findings suggest that limited insurance coverage, high rate of DSAs, and patient declining HSCT may limit the availability of haploidentical HSCT in adult SCD patients. The modified Hopkins regimen used here demonstrates high engraftment and low morbidity rates and should be tested in larger, multicenter, prospective clinical trials.
Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children is defined as at least three episodes of pain that occur over at least three months and affect the child's ability to perform normal activities. RAP is most often considered functional (nonorganic) abdominal pain, but an organic cause is found in 5% to 10% of cases. Further workup is warranted in children who have RAP and fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, more than three alarm symptoms, or a history of urinary tract infections. Physical examination findings that should prompt further workup include weight loss or failure to grow; jaundice; costovertebral tenderness or back pain with lower extremity neurologic symptoms; liver, spleen, or kidney enlargement; an abdominal mass; or localized tenderness on abdominal examination. Workup may include complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, fecal guaiac testing, fecal ova and parasite testing, or urinalysis. Pregnancy testing and screening for sexually transmitted infections should be considered in adolescents or if there are concerns about sexual abuse. Abdominal radiography can be helpful for diagnosing obstruction or constipation. Abdominal ultrasonography identifies an abnormality in up to 10% of children with RAP who meet criteria for further workup, compared with 1% of those who do not meet these criteria. Functional abdominal pain is a clinical diagnosis and no workup is needed. Management of functional abdominal pain focuses on improving quality of life, reducing parent and child concerns about the seriousness of the condition, and reducing the disability associated with pain rather than complete resolution of pain. Although evidence is lacking for most pharmacologic treatments of functional abdominal pain, psychological therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy and hypnotherapy have been shown to be beneficial.
Safety Aspects of Anterior Segment Laser Photodisrupters

During the past two years the world of ophthalmic surgery has been alive with the discussion of the latest surgical technique using lasers. Two European ophthalmologists pioneered this laser application: Prof. Danielle Aron-Roas in Paris and Prof. F. Fankhauser in Bern[l–2]. In essence this application consists of focussing a very high-peak-power, pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam into the anterior segment of the eye to cut membranes by vaporizing tissue within a very small focal zone. In this focal zone the beam irradiance is so enormous (of the order of 1010 W/cm2) that optical breakdown occurs in ordinarily “transparent tissue”, forming a high temperature microplasma(∿ 0.2–0.3 mm across) to vaporize and thereby cut tissue[3–4]. Two types of Nd:YAG pulsed lasers are used: Q-switched (8–20 ns) and mode-locked (7–10 pulses in a train of 30 ps pulses). The optical breakdown phenomena responsible for igniting the microplasma differ with each pulse form, but the surgical results are basically the same[3–4]. In this lecture we shall explore the safety aspects of this procedure without delving deeply into the details of the mechanisms of microplasma formation (which are reported elsewhere). The safety aspects of anterior segment laser surgery with Nd:YAG lasers are centered upon two aspects: one must consider hazards to the patient’s eye and also the protection of the surgeon and any bystanders.
Chemistry and Conformation of the Bovine Parathyroid Hormone

This chapter reviews the recent development in the chemistry and conformation of the bovine parathyroid hormone. The hormone utilized in these studies is purified from a trichloroacetic acid powder of defatted bovine parathyroid glands by gel filtration followed by ion exchange chromatography on CM-Sephadex. The purified hormone is a single electrophoretic band on disc gel electrophoresis and gives a single amino terminal amino acid, alanine, by the Edman technique. The alignment of the carboxyl terminal tryptic peptides is confirmed by tryptic digestion of the trifluoroacylated hormone. The secondary structure of bovine PTH is evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) and infrared spectroscopy. Bovine PTH is, therefore, similar in conformation to the calcitonin molecule. The tertiary interactions of bovine PTH are assessed by analysis of the fluorescence and CD behavior of the aromatic amino acids. The involvement of the tyrosine residue in the conformation of the hormone may explain some of the difficulty in isotopically labeling of PTH for radioimmunoassay. Studies with nonaqueous solvents and lysolecithin micellar solutions strongly suggest that the hormone may undergo dramatic helical conformational changes at the hydrophobic membrane receptor site.
US-Regional Agreements with Latin America - The Long and Unsuccessful Saga of CAFTA and the FTAA

As the trade negotiations within the FTAA region become more complicated with many more options for both the United States and its Latin American partners, it becomes more difficult to determine the prime motivation for any of the partners. Some have argued that the US negotiating process can be best described as having multiple tracks. The first and primary track is a commitment to a reduction in average tariffs. The second track consists in sector or issue specific agreements which can not be easily concluded in a regional tariff reduction exercise.In order to simplify and manage the theoretical construct for this complicated bargaining process, this paper develops a sequential bargaining game framework and applies it to US-Latin American trade negotiations. Within this process, the US representing the offering party has multiple recipients. Not all recipients will simultaneously accept a sector or issue specific agreement. Consequently, the search for partners which may appear as a random walk is in reality a sequential probe for an agreeable partner starting with the WTO shifting to a regional FTAA then digressing to a sub-regional CAFTA and finally to a group of bilateral agreements. While a multilateral agreement within the confines of the WTO may appear to be the best solution, at first blush, a Hemisphere wide FTA may turn out to be the first best outcome, especially given the activities of the Europeans in the WTO.
Problems in the Synthesis of Block Polymers by Anionic Mechanism

The recently developed “thermoplastic elastomers” owe their properties to their block polymer structure. As is well known, these can be defined as SDS block polymers, where S represents a polystyrene block while D represents a polydiene block (generally butadiene or isoprene). The result is that these linear polymers show similar behavior to that of crosslinked networks, presumably due to the fact that the polystyrene end blocks aggregate into “domains”, because of their incompatibility with the polydiene, and these glassy domains can act as “network” junctions at ambient temperatures.
Single Pilot Operations in Domestic Commercial Aviation.

Objective:To provide an overview of concepts of operation for single pilot operations (SPO) and a synthesis of recently published work evaluating these concepts.Background:Advances in technology ha...
Extra Credit in the Sociology Classroom

The role of extra credit in the college classroom has been examined as a philosophical and pedagogical issue, but in this project, we argue that the matter of extra credit is also a sociological on...