cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Computed Tomography for Repair of Facial Fractures

Objective: To assess the practicality and potential benefitsofintraoperativecomputedtomographyusingamobile scanner in the operating room during repair of orbitozygomatic fractures. Setting: Level I trauma center. Design: Twenty-five patients undergoing open reductionofaunilateraldisplacedfractureofthezygomaand/or repairofablow-outfractureoftheorbitwithcranialbone grafts were placed into a radiolucent head holder and interfaced with the mobile scanner. Spatial vectors were drawn on scans displayed on a computer monitor to allow intraoperative side-to-side comparison of the position of the malar prominences and orbital walls. Corrections of fracture reduction or bone graft position were made as indicated by the comparisons. Results: All scans were accomplished without apparent contamination of the surgical field. Major revisions were performed, based on the scans, in 2 patients whose displaced, comminuted zygoma fractures had been initially reduced with wide exposure of all fracture sites. Minor revisions were performed in 3 patients with displaced but less severely comminuted fractures that had been reduced without exposure of all fracture sites. Bone grafts were repositioned within the orbit in 2 patients with large 2-wall blow-out fractures. Conclusions: Intraoperative computed tomographic evaluation of the adequacy of repair of orbitozygomatic fractures is feasible with the mobile computed tomographic scanner. The scanner allows correction of discrepancies in position of the malar prominences and orbital walls at the time of acute repair, rather than during costly, more difficult delayed revisions. It may eliminate the need for direct visualization of all fracture sites to ensure adequate reduction in selected cases with displaced, comminuted fractures, thus decreasing operating room time and expense. Further study is required to fully document the cost-effectiveness of this approach to facial fracture management.
Preparing preschool programs to care for children with HIV infection

As a consequence of the increasing incidence and prevalence of HIV infection, preschools are seeking help in developing and implementing nondiscriminatory policies. Pediatric nurse practitioners are in an ideal position to provide leadership in adapting preschool programs to meet the special health care needs of these children.
On stability robustness analysis for discrete-time dynamic systems

A method is presented for constructing the largest set of parameter variations for an asymptotically stable (convergent) matrix, whose corresponding set of perturbed matrices remains stable. The proposed method can also be used to estimate the largest class of stable homogeneous linear difference (discrete-time) equations which surrounds a convergent nonlinear system. >
Microarray Analysis and Organization of Circadian Gene Expression in Drosophila

We have used high-density oligonucleotide arrays to study global circadian gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Coupled with an analysis of clock mutant (Clk) flies, a cell line designed to identify direct targets of the CLOCK (CLK) transcription factor and differential display, we uncovered several striking features of circadian gene networks. These include the identification of 134 cycling genes, which contribute to a wide range of diverse processes. Many of these clock or clock-regulated genes are located in gene clusters, which appear subject to transcriptional coregulation. All oscillating gene expression is under clk control, indicating that Drosophila has no clk-independent circadian systems. An even larger number of genes is affected in Clk flies, suggesting that clk affects other genetic networks. As we identified a small number of direct target genes, the data suggest that most of the circadian gene network is indirectly regulated by clk.
Business Ethics: The State of the Art

The purpose of this paper is to give an account of some of the current areas of scholarship in business ethics and to suggest how these areas may be relevant for scholars working in other business disciplines. We endeavor to paint a picture of a healthy discipline full of controversy, rich intellectual discussions, and the beginnings of several research traditions. To begin, we examine how it is common practice to think of ‘business’ and ‘ethics’ as separate entities, and suggest how such a ‘separation thesis’ can be used to diagnose problems in a host of business disciplines. We next examine the literature on corporate agency and responsibility that questions whether or not a corporation can be said to be normally accountable, in the same way that individual moral agents can be held accountable, and we look at an emerging research tradition of ‘stakeholder theory’ that cuts across the disciplines of business. We then explore two contemporary issues in business ethics: (1) International Business Ethics; and, (2) Environmental Ethics and Business, and we conclude with suggestions for some additional research questions.
Stability analysis of nonlinear control systems by the second method of Liapunov

The second method of Liapunov is used to study asymptotic stability of feedback control systems with single non-linear elements. The paper aims at a systematic development of Liapunov functions in terms of canonic transformations of state variables. This approach yields various simplified stability criteria; a rather complete table of such criteria is included. Several insights believed novel concerning the failure of the method in certain practical cases are presented. The root locus of the linear portion of the system is used to predict the applicability of the method. The proposed pole- and zero-shifting techniques extend the applicability of the method to many practical systems in which the method would fail without these techniques.
Tardive dyskinesia and malpractice

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible disorder of involuntary movement which may result from the prolonged use of neuroleptic medication in some patients. Its increase in prevalence in recent years has been accompanied by increased apprehension in the medical community regarding malpractice litigation. Following an update of current knowledge about tardive dyskinesia, several legal aspects of tardive dyskinesia are reviewed, including negligence, breach of contract, fraud, strict liability and informed consent. Despite considerable criticism of the doctrine of informed consent, it is suggested that it constitutes an inherent and indispensable component of long-term psychiatric treatment, where tardive dyskinesia is at issue.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in pigs: quantitative pathologic features in 55 cases☆

naturally occurring hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was diagnosed in 55 purebred pigs 6 to 12 months of age. Ten (18%) of the pigs died suddenly during auction or shipment or were found dead by their keepers. The other 45 pigs failed to meet the criteria for brediing stock. Forty-six purebred and 64 hybrid pigs were studied for control. Heart weights were significantly heavier (p < 0.001) in the pigs with HCM (473.5 ± 31.8 g; heart weight [HW]/body weight [BW] ratio 4.6 ± 0.7) than in the purebred (334.4 ± 29.7 g; HW/BW 3.4 ± 0.3) and hybrid (344.3 ± 28.9 g; HW/BW 3.4 ± 0.1) pigs without HCM. The ventricular septum (VS) in the 55 pigs with HCM was significantly thicker (26.0 ± 3.1 mm; p < 0.001) than in the purebred (19.6 ± 2.6 mm) and hybrid (14.1 ± 0.5 mm) pigs without HCM. The left ventricular free wall (LV) was significantly thicker (p < 0.001) in the pigs with HCM (20.0 ± 2.7 mm) than in the purebred (18.1 ± 2.1 mm) and hybrid (15.6 ± 0.3 mm) pigs without HCM. Asymmetric septal hypertrophy was evident because the ratio of VS to LV was significantly greater (p < 0.001) in the pigs with HCM (1.3 ± 0.2) than in the purebred (1.0 ± 0.2) and hybrid (0.9 ± 0.01) pigs without HCM. The anterior portion of the VS appeared to bulge into and impinge upon the left ventricular outflow tract, in which a fibrotic endocardial plaque was often seen. Histologic features included marked muscle cell disorganization in the VS, LV, right ventricular free wall. Abnormal intramural coronary arteries and myocardial fibrosis were seen in most pigs with HCM. Silver impregnation stains showed that there were marked increases in perimysial coils, pericellular weaves, and cell-to-cell struts. Matrix disorientation was evident in the hearts with HCM. Quantitation revealed that the collagen protein in the hearts with HCM (23.8 ± 2.8 μg/mg protein) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the hearts of purebred (15.7 ± 1.8 μg/mg protein) and hybrid (13.9 ± 4.2 μg/m pprotein) pigs without HCM. Total muscle protein in the hearts of the purebred pigs with (51.6 ± 3.3 mg) and without (51.9 ± 3.0 mg) HCM was not different; however, in hearts with HCM (51.6 ± 3.3 mg) it was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in those of hybrid pigs (47.6 ± 4.4 mg) without HCM. There was 47% to 52% more stainable collagen in the heart with HCM (44.7 ± 5.2 μg collagen/mg protein) than in the purebred (30.3 ± 4.0 μg collagen/mg protein) and hybrid (28.3 ± 8.1 μg collagen/mg protein) hearts without HCM. Gross and histologic features and connective tissue abnormalities in the pigs with HCM were strikingly similar to those in humans, cats, and dogs with HCM. Thus we conclude that spontaneous porcine HCM presents a new and important model for the cardiovascular investigator.
Properties of β‐Galactosidase from Verticillium albo‐atrum

An intracellular, inducible β-galactosidase [EC 3.2.1.23] was partially purified from Verticillium albo-atrum. The activity was associated with a particle of about one million molecular weight and required polyhydroxyl compounds for stabilization and activation. It was inhibited by various sulfhydryl inhibitors and EDTA. The latter inhibition could be overcome by adding Mn2+ to reaction mixtures. The β- galactoside (ONPG) activity toward lactose (apparent Km= 0.08 M) and o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactoside (ONPG) (apparent Km= 2×10-23M) purified in parallel. Lactose competitively inhibited the degradation of ONPG with a Ki of 0.1 M. When activated by glycerol, the enzyme produced not only glucose and galactose from lactose, but also other unidentified products, perhaps by transglycosylation.
Why It’s Easier to Remember Seeing a Face We Already Know Than One We Don’t Preexisting Memory Representations Facilitate Memory Formation

In two experiments, we provided support for the hypothesis that stimuli with preexisting memory representations (e.g., famous faces) are easier to associate to their encoding context than are stimuli that lack long-term memory representations (e.g., unknown faces). Subjects viewed faces superimposed on different backgrounds (e.g., the Eiffel Tower). Face recognition on a surprise memory test was better when the encoding background was reinstated than when it was swapped with a different background; however, the reinstatement advantage was modulated by how many faces had been seen with a given background, and reinstatement did not improve recognition for unknown faces. The follow-up experiment added a drug intervention that inhibited the ability to form new associations. Context reinstatement did not improve recognition for famous or unknown faces under the influence of the drug. The results suggest that it is easier to associate context to faces that have a preexisting long-term memory representation than to faces that do not.
Natural Variation in Neuron Number in Mice Is Linked to a Major Quantitative Trait Locus on Chr 11

Common genetic polymorphisms—as opposed to rare mutations—generate almost all heritable differences in the size and structure of the CNS. Surprisingly, these normal variants have not previously been mapped or cloned in any vertebrate species. In a recent paper (Williams et al., 1996a), we suggested that much of the variation in retinal ganglion cell number in mice, and the striking bimodality of strain averages, are caused by one or two quantitative trait loci (QTLs). To test this idea, and to map genes linked to this variable and highly heritable quantitative trait, we have counted ganglion cells in 38 recombinant inbred strains (BXD and BXH) derived from parental strains that have high and low cell numbers. A genome-wide search using simple and composite interval-mapping techniques revealed a major QTL on chromosome (Chr) 11 in a 3 cM interval between Hoxb and Krt1 (LOD = 6.8; genome-wide p = 0.001) and possible subsidiary QTLs on Chr 2 and Chr 8. The Chr 11 locus, neuron number control 1 ( Nnc1 ), accounts for one third of the genetic variance among BXH strains and more than half of that among BXD strains, but Nnc1 has no known effects on brain weight, eye weight, or total retinal cell number. Three strong candidate genes have been mapped previously to the same region as Nnc1 . These genes— Rara , Thra , and Erbb2 — encode receptors for retinoic acid, thyroxine, and neuregulin, respectively. Each receptor is expressed in the retina during development, and their ligands affect the proliferation or survival of retinal cells.
High-Q, low impedance polysilicon resonators with 10 nm air gaps

This paper presents a fabrication process to manufacture air-gap capacitively-transduced RF MEMS resonators. 2-port measurements show motional impedance (R x ) ≪ 1.3kΩ and quality factor (Q) ≫ 65,000 at 223MHz in vacuum. The fabrication process involves depositing a dual-layer spacer of 10nm of SiO 2 and 90nm of hafnia via atomic layer deposition (ALD) followed by oxide release. Nanometer air gaps are achieved, while the hafnia provides reliability against shorting of resonator and electrode. Consistent performance was achieved across multiple devices, demonstrating the robustness of the process.
Direct Effects of Smooth Muscle Relaxation and Contraction on In Vivo Human Brachial Artery Elastic Properties

The direct effect of smooth muscle relaxation on arterial elastic properties is controversial. Studies in animals show both a decrease and an increase in elastic modulus. In human subjects, the contribution of smooth muscle to arterial elastic mechanics has been limited by difficulty in separating the direct effects of a vasodilator drug on the arterial wall from the indirect effects due to reduced blood pressure. The purpose of the present study was to assess the direct contribution of vascular smooth muscle to brachial artery elastic mechanics in normal human subjects in vivo. We measured brachial artery compliance and incremental elastic modulus (Einc) in eight normal subjects (age, 22 to 51 years) by using intravascular ultrasound. A 3.5F 30-MHz intravascular ultrasound catheter was placed through a sheath into the brachial artery, and intraarterial pressure, cross-sectional area, and wall thickness were measured simultaneously under baseline conditions and after the administration of intra-arterial nitroglycerin (100 micrograms) and norepinephrine (1.2 micrograms). A pressurized cuff surrounding the brachial artery was inflated to reduce transmural brachial artery pressure. Using this technique, we were able to measure the following arterial characteristics for the first time in human subjects in vivo: (1) the effective unstressed arterial radius and (2) the pressure-area, stress-strain, and pressure-Einc relations over a wide pressure range (0 to 100 mm Hg). Intra-arterial nitroglycerin increased brachial artery area by 22% and intraarterial norepinephrine decreased brachial artery area by 17% at 100 mm Hg transmural pressure (P < .001 versus baseline).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Oxidation of Glutathione by Serum

Studies of serum glutathione reductase activity in this laboratory prompted an attempt to demonstrate glutathione oxidase in the serum. The oxidation of reduced glutathione in the sera of patients with various diseases does not differ from normal sera. Preheating the serum and addition of cytochrome c does not effect the oxidizing capacity of the serum. The ability of serum to oxidize reduced glutathione appears to represent autoxidation, not the effect of an oxidizing enzyme.
Using the axis of elongation to align shapes: developmental changes between 18 and 24 months of age.

An object’s axis of elongation serves as an important frame of reference for forming three-dimensional representations of object shape. By several recent accounts, the formation of these representations is also related to experiences of acting on objects. Four experiments examined 18- to 24-month-olds’ (N = 103) sensitivity to the elongated axis in action tasks that required extracting, comparing, and physically rotating an object so that its major axis was aligned with that of a visual standard. In Experiments 1 and 2, the older toddlers precisely rotated both simple and complexly shaped three-dimensional objects in insertion tasks where the visual standard was the rectangular contour defining the opening in a box. The younger toddlers performed poorly. Experiments 3 and 4 provide evidence on emerging abilities in extracting and using the most extended axis as a frame of reference for shape comparison. Experiment 3 showed that 18-month-olds could rotate an object to align its major axis with the direction of their own hand motion, and Experiment 4 showed that they could align the major axis of one object with that of another object of the exact same three-dimensional shape. The results are discussed in terms of theories of the development of three-dimensional shape representations, visual object recognition, and the role of action in these developments.
Guidelines for Constructing Climate Scenarios

[1] Scientists and others from academia, government, and the private sector increasingly are using climate model outputs in research and decision support. For the most recent assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 18 global modeling centers contributed outputs from hundreds of simulations, coordinated through the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3), to the archive at the Program for Climate Model Diagnostics and Intercomparison (PCMDI; http://pcmdi3.llnl.gov) [Meehl et al., 2007]. Many users of climate model outputs prefer downscaled data—i.e., data at higher spatial resolution—to direct global climate model (GCM) outputs; downscaling can be statistical [e.g., Meehl et al., 2007] or dynamical [e.g., Mearns et al., 2009]. More than 800 users have obtained downscaled CMIP3 results from one such Web site alone (see http://gdo-dcp.ucllnl.org/downscaled cmip3_projections/, described by Meehl et al., [2007]).
Superactive pump-and-probe LIDAR technology: biophysical insight into aquatic remote sensing

Summary form only given. An advanced pump-and-probe (P&P) airborne LIDAR technology for remote monitoring of aquatic photosynthesis and complimentary environmental variables has been recently developed at Wallops Flight Facility (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center). The P&P LIDAR provides remote measurement of important phytoplankton photosynthetic characteristics, such as the functional absorption cross-section of photosystern II (PSII), PSII photochemical quantum yield, and PSII turnover time. In addition, the rate parameters of singlet-singlet and singlet-triplet quenching and carotenoid triplet lifetime are measured. A set of 'conventional' LIDAR characteristics, such as chlorophyll (Chl), phycoerythrin and dissolved organic matter fluorescence, as well as water Raman scattering are simultaneously retrieved for detailed characterization of the surveyed area. The utilization of an airplane as a platform allows the remote acquisition of unique biophysical and environmental data over large aquatic areas at synoptic space/time scales. The P&P LIDAR can be efficiently used in studies of regulatory mechanisms of biological "carbon pump" in the ocean and ocean responses to environmental changes, as well as for improved validation of satellite data and monitoring coastal processes and special events (phytoplankton blooms, nutrient deficiency, tidal mixing, floods, etc.).
Catastrophe modeling of the accident process: evaluation of an accident reduction program using the occupational hazards survey.

The report details a catastrophe theory model of the accident process with empirical validation. According to the cusp model, two distinct levels of risk can be observed for a distribution of group accident rates, one at 0.0 Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)-reportable accidents per 100 person-years of exposure and one at 11.5. Changes within or between the two levels are determined by two control parameters: environmental hazard (asymmetry) and operator load (bifurcation). The sample consisted of 68 work groups from 8 Milwaukee-Chicago area sheet metal mills and foundries who completed the Occupational Hazards Survey (OHS). The OHS contributed six bifurcation variables (safety management, life stress, physical stress anxiety, beliefs about accident control, and experience) and two asymmetry variables (environmental hazards and danger). All organizations received an interpretive report of their survey responses with recommendations for accident control, and had held their reports for two to nine months at the time the follow-up accident rate data were collected. There were two additional bifurcation variables: months holding report and group size. Regression analysis determined that the cusp model (R2 = .42) was more than twice as accurate as the best log-linear or linear alternative. Accidents were successfully controlled by safety managers' attention to recommendations produced by the OHS analysis. Catastrophe theory provided some novel insights regarding the linkage between predictor variables and actual behavior. Research has shown that a substantial percentage of occupational accidents are the result of human error. In an effort to explain and predict such errors in a systematic manner, an accident process model based on the cusp catastrophe is developed and tested. The model offers several unique and useful properties: (1) It proposes that changes in accident rates for work groups are the result of a nonlinear dynamic process. (2) The distribution of accident rates is bimodal, with one model near zero and the other at some higher level. (3) Changes in accident rates are predicted from four sources: (i) ambient danger and hazard levels, (ii) variables that impact upon human performance capability, (iii) initial accident rates, and (iv) the mathematical function that interrelates those variables. (4) The mathematical model has inherent properties that allow for causal inference. Environmental and human performance factors can be operationalized as sets of more specific variables. In this application. The Occupational Hazards Survey was used to gather data from mill and foundry workers pertaining to hazards and dangers, adequacy of safety management, stress, anxiety, and beliefs about accident control.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Whole blood human neutrophil trafficking in a microfluidic model of infection and inflammation

Appropriate inflammatory responses to wounds and infections require adequate numbers of neutrophils arriving at injury sites. Both insufficient and excessive neutrophil recruitment can be detrimental, favouring systemic spread of microbes or triggering severe tissue damage. Despite its importance in health and disease, the trafficking of neutrophils through tissues remains difficult to control and the mechanisms regulating it are insufficiently understood. These mechanisms are also complex and difficult to isolate using traditional in vivo models. Here we designed a microfluidic model of tissue infection/inflammation, in which human neutrophils emerge from a droplet-size samples of whole blood and display bi-directional traffic between this and micro-chambers containing chemoattractant and microbe-like particles. Two geometrical barriers restrict the entrance of red blood cells from the blood to the micro-chambers and simulate the mechanical function of the endothelial barrier separating the cells in blood from cells in tissues. We found that in the presence of chemoattractant, the number of neutrophils departing the chambers by retrotaxis is in dynamic equilibrium with the neutrophils recruited by chemotaxis. We also found that in the presence of microbe-like particles, the number of neutrophils trapped in the chambers is proportional to the number of particles. Together, the dynamic equilibrium between migration, reversed-migration and trapping processes determine the optimal number of neutrophils at a site. These neutrophils are continuously refreshed and responsive to the number of microbes. Further studies using this infection-inflammation-on-a-chip-model could help study the processes of inflammation resolution. The new in vitro experimental tools may also eventually help testing new therapeutic strategies to limit neutrophil accumulation in tissues during chronic inflammation, without increasing the risk for infections.
Those Who Remain

ABSTRACT Kashmiri Pandits are a minority ethnic group from the Kashmir Valley in northern India. In 1989, the separatist movement to free Kashmir from India culminated in widespread violence against members of all communities, and initially against Kashmiri Pandits in particular. There was a mass exodus of nearly 95% of the Kashmiri Pandit community during the early 1990s. Sixteen years later, there are approximately 7,000 Kashmiri Pandits who permanently reside in Kashmir. These “non-migrants” have remained in Kashmir due to economic constraints, familial circumstances, and/or a deep attachment to the land, to name a few reasons. They face grave problems today, including lack of employment opportunities, government corruption and complacency, and inadequate monetary and moral support from the Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora.
DNA Methylation Indicates Susceptibility to Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Pathology and Is Associated With Chromatin States

Rationale:Only a small portion of the known heritability of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, can be explained based on single-gene mutations. Chromatin structure and regulation provide a substrate through which genetic differences in noncoding regions may affect cellular function and response to disease, but the mechanisms are unknown. Objective:We conducted genome-wide measurements of DNA methylation in different strains of mice that are susceptible and resistant to isoproterenol-induced dysfunction to test the hypothesis that this epigenetic mark may play a causal role in the development of heart failure. Methods and Results:BALB/cJ and BUB/BnJ mice, determined to be susceptible and resistant to isoproterenol-induced heart failure, respectively, were administered the drug for 3 weeks via osmotic minipump. Reduced representational bisulfite sequencing was then used to compare the differences between the cardiac DNA methylomes in the basal state between strains and then after isoproterenol ...
Effect of Particle Loading on DC Plasma Jet Profile During Low Pressure Plasma Deposition

In modelization of plasma jet profiles and calculating individual particle trajectories and the local temperature profile of the injected particles it has generally been assumed that the particles injected into the plasma plume constitute a dilute system. The latter allows one to decouple the jet profile calculations from the particle trajectory and temperature calculations. However, in practice, low pressure plasma deposition is carried out under high loading conditions to minimize thermal energy losses. In addition, the plasma experiences local cooling and deceleration due to the high loading of the injected particles. The effect of powder injection rates (10 kg/hr -30 kg/hr) on the plasma and the particles was studied and numerically modeled. An axisymmertrical parabolic supersonic flow model with compressibility corrected k-… turbulence formulation was developed and used in this study to describe the jet flow. The exchange of energy and momentum between the injected particles and the plasma flow was treated by considering the source term of the governing equations. The effect of particle loading on the resulting jet profiles, particle trajectories and temperature profiles are presented and discussed.
Convection Effects in Epitaxial Reactors: an Experimental and Theoretical Study

An experimental and theoretical study has been undertaken of the effects of natural and forced convection in horizontal epitaxial reactors. The epitaxial growth of GaAs was used as the experimental vehicle for this study. A mathematical model for mass, momentum and energy transfer in the reactor was developed. Excellent correlation between modeled and experimental results was demonstrated over a wide range of reactor pressures and susceptor geometries. Recirculation of hot gases, caused by natural convection, was found to result in a strong pressure dependence of growth rate at higher susceptor slopes. Low reactor pressures have been shown to be a more effective way to eliminate recirculation than high gas flow rates.
The Act (Active Critical Thinking) Method of Teaching Critical and Study Reading

(1996). The Act (Active Critical Thinking) Method of Teaching Critical and Study Reading. Journal of College Reading and Learning: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 40-44.
Measuring and Understanding Team Development by Capturing Self-assessed Enthusiasm and Skill Levels

To prepare graduates for today's work environment, they must be immersed in positive (and perhaps negative) small group experiences in their courses, which will in turn provide a basic understanding of how teams form and develop over time. In the fall of 2009, we started exploring how software development teams form and interact in a computer science college capstone course setting. Our initial findings were presented at ICER 2010 in Aarhus, Denmark. The focus of our research was on the experiences of computer science college course teams as compared and contrasted to the theory of Bruce Tuckman's stages of small group development model, which he characterized as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.We continued data collection with the computer science capstone course in the fall of 2010 and added an information systems capstone course as well. At the conclusion of the spring 2014 semester, we have collected and analyzed data for a total of 5 academic years from nine cohorts of students taught by five instructors involving 215 students on 51 teams. Each year, participants repeatedly self-assessed their enthusiasm and skill levels over time using a questionnaire by agreeing or disagreeing to statements. The data shows patterns similar to that of Tuckman's model. Since most people find Tuckman's model easy to understand, it may provide an effective tool to teach teamwork and monitor team development.In addition to briefly presenting our empirical findings in this article, we provide a simple conceptualization of Tuckman's model that can be captured in two data points: enthusiasm and skill level. By comparing changes in these two dimensions over time, team development can be tracked through the various Tuckman stages of small group development. We also provide a minicurriculum which can be used to introduce students to Tuckman's model and provide them insight into what leadership style works best in each of the development stages.
Video image character recognition based on stroke-related weight

In order to extract the subtitle in the video image,a robust method was proposed.First,the image edge feature was adopted in caption location step,and the binarization method of text images with the edge information was given.Then,the method combined with projection and regional generation was used to locate a character.Finally,taking fully account of the topology of the text strokes,the stroke correlation among the adjacent sub-grids was determined and the stroke fuzzy membership was used to complete the elastic grid feature extraction.This method can effectively get the binary image of characters from a complex background image,ensure the stability and robustness in feature extraction.The experimental results show the method is effective,and its recognition rate has been up to 92.1%.
Nomogram to predict perioperative blood transfusion for hepatopancreaticobiliary and colorectal surgery

Background Predictive tools assessing risk of transfusion have not been evaluated extensively among patients undergoing complex gastrointestinal surgery. In this study preoperative variables associated with blood transfusion were incorporated into a nomogram to predict transfusion following hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) or colorectal surgery. Methods A nomogram to predict receipt of perioperative transfusion was developed using a cohort of patients who underwent HPB or colorectal surgery between January 2009 and December 2014. The discriminatory ability of the nomogram was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and internal validation performed via bootstrap resampling. Results Among 4961 patients undergoing either a HPB (56·3 per cent) or colorectal (43·7 per cent) resection, a total of 1549 received at least 1 unit of packed red blood cells, giving a perioperative transfusion rate of 31·2 per cent. On multivariable analysis, age 65 years and over (odds ratio (OR) 1·52), race (versus white: black, OR 1·58; Asian, OR 1·86), preoperative haemoglobin 8·0 g/dl or less (versus over 12·0 g/dl: OR 26·79), preoperative international normalized ratio more than 1·2 (OR 2·44), Charlson co-morbidity index score over 3 (OR 1·86) and procedure type (versus colonic surgery: major hepatectomy, OR 1·71; other pancreatectomy, OR 2·12; rectal surgery, OR 1·39; duodenopancreatectomy, OR 2·65) were associated with a significantly higher risk of transfusion and were included in the nomogram. A nomogram was constructed to predict transfusion using these seven variables. Discrimination and calibration of the nomogram revealed good predictive abilities (area under ROC curve 0·756). Conclusion The nomogram predicted blood transfusion in major HPB and colorectal surgery.
Genital herpesvirus infection: Diagnosis and significance

Abstract Herpesvirus type 2 was isolated from genital lesions of 15 patients whose average age was 19 years. All complained of pain and urinary symptoms related to the location of the lesions on the vulva and vagina. Other venereal diseases, particularly gonorrhea and syphilis, were associated with the viral infection in 7 of the 15 patients. Non—Group A Beta streptococcus or Phthirus pubis was found in 5 other patients. Abnormal papanicolaou smears suggesting dysplastic or atypical lesions of the cervix were found in 5 patients. However, 69.5 per cent of patients with cytologically diagnosed herpesvirus infection were found to have abnormal Papanicolaou smears, prior to the diagnosis of herpesvirus infection. The report emphasizes the ease and rapidity with which herpesvirus can be isolated. A greater effort should be made to identify those patients who have genital herpesvirus infection.
Executive function deficits associated with current and past major depressive symptoms

Abstract Background Although there has been extensive research showing that depression is associated with executive function (EF) deficits, the nature of these deficits is not clearly delineated. Specifically, previous reviews on this topic have yielded different conclusions about the particular domains of EF that are disrupted in depressed individuals. Further, research on whether these deficits persist after depressed mood has remitted is less prevalent and not consistent. Methods In two independent samples of college students, we examined associations between clinical ratings of current and past symptoms of a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and difficulties in two domains of EF: inhibition and shifting. In Study 1 (n=162), EF was measured using behavioral tasks shown to index these two domains. In Study 2 (n=95), EF was measured using a self-report questionnaire believed to capture EF difficulties experienced in daily life. Results In both studies, past MDE symptoms were associated with worse shifting. In contrast, current MDE symptoms were associated with worse inhibition, though only on the behavioral measure (in Study 1). Limitations Both studies used college samples and retrospective assessments of past symptoms. Further, only two domains of EF were examined, and the EF measures employed in each study have their own unique methodological limitations. Conclusions Findings suggest that inhibition deficits vary as a function of current symptoms and thus may be a by-product of distress rather than a causal contributor. In contrast, shifting deficits associated with depression appear to be more enduring, suggesting that they could contribute to risk for depression.
Disruption of the gene encoding restriction endonuclease SuaI and development of a host–vector system for the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is a useful model organism for the genetic study of thermophilic archaea due to its ease of cultivation. Here we describe the development of a host-vector system for S. acidocaldarius consisting of SuaI restriction system-deficient strain SK-1 and shuttle vector pSAV2. The new host strain SK-1 was constructed by pop-out recombination based on the pyrE marker gene. Plasmid pSAV2 was constructed from the S. islandicus native plasmid pRN1, in which selectable markers and functional genes were inserted in suitable locations and orientations followed by the deletion of non-essential open reading frames. SK-1 allowed direct transformation without N(4)-methylation at SuaI restriction sites, so unmethylated vector pSAV2 could be introduced directly into SK-1 by electroporation. The transformants were selected by pyrEF complementation on xyrose-tryptone solid medium without prior liquid culturing. The transformation efficiency was approximately 1.0 × 10(3)/μg DNA. After replication in S. acidocaldarius, pSAV2 was successfully recovered from transformant cultures by the standard alkaline lysis method. Plasmid yield was approximately 40-50 ng/ml from late-log through stationary phase cultures. In addition, pSAV2 was maintained stably and at relatively high copy number in S. acidocaldarius.
Application of Large-Scale Phase-Field Simulations in the Context of High-Performance Computing

In material science, simulations became a common tool for the understanding of the underlying behaviour of different classes of materials. Due to the growing complexity of problems at hand, the simulation domains, and therefore the computational effort is steadily increasing. We presents various application of the phase-field method; ranging from the solidification of ternary eutectics and pure ice systems to the interaction of multiple liquid phases on fibers. All these topics have in common, that they need a large number of cores to investigate the decisive physical effects in adequate time. We show an overview of the results for this wide range of applications and the scaling behaviour of the used software frameworks.
MO-FG-CAMPUS-IeP2-02: Effects of Metal On CT Size-Specific Dose Estimates

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of size-specific dose estimates (SSDE) in CT in the presence of simulated metal prostheses. Methods: Radiation dose in tissue (f-factor = 0.94) was measured at various chamber positions in a conventional nested CTDI phantom with nominal 0.5 inch metal rods inserted to simulate the presence of prosthetic implant(s). An average weighted tissue dose (AWTD) was calculated in a manner similar to CTDIw. Subsequent scans were performed with varying phantom diameter, number of metal rods and type of metal. The scan acquisition parameters were fixed for all such measurements (i.e. CTDIvol was constant). Axial CT images reconstructed both with and without a metal artifact reduction algorithm (SEMAR) were used to calculate the water-equivalent diameter (Dw) per AAPM TG Report 220. The Dw values were subsequently used to determine the SSDE from the known CTDIvol. In addition SSDE was also calculated from the effective diameter per AAPM TG Report 204. Accuracy of the calculated SSDE values were assessed by comparing to the AWTD measurements. Results: In the 32-cm diameter phantom the SSDE calculations from Dw (TG-220) were within ±1% of the AWTD measurements regardless of type of metal and number of metal rods while SSDE calculated from effective diameter (TG-204) overestimated the AWTD by 7–10%. In the 16-cm diameter phantom the SSDE calculations from Dw (TG-220) were within ±4% of the AWTD measurement. The Dw calculations used to determine SSDE varied by less than 0.2% between the images reconstructed with and without the metal artifact reduction algorithm. Conclusion: The TG-220 SSDE method can provide an accurate estimation of tissue dose in the presence of metal while TG-204 SSDE method overestimates the dose. The determination of Dw is independent of reconstruction algorithm.
Constituents, MERGE and trees

CONSTITUENCY Objectives: Understand the definition of constituent. Explore constituency tests including: standing alone, replacement and displacement. Start looking at representing these structures in tree format. Constituents Definition A constituent is an identifiable subpart of a sentence. It can either be a single word or a group of words that functions as a unit. Most constituents are called phrases . (We'll develop a better definition of “phrase” later.) Comment In unit 3, looking at evidence from the formation of yes/no questions, we saw that rules like Subject/Auxiliary Inversion make reference to the internal structure of sentences. Constituents are these internal structures. In this unit, we look at how we identify these structures. Discussion As a first step, we can observe that constituents typically correspond to strings of words that are bound together in terms of semantics. The relevant notion here is vague but hopefully intuitive: modification. If one word modifies the meaning of another, they will be linked together in a constituent. Consider the string the very big can of tuna . Look at the words very and big; notice how there is a close relationship between these. Very modifies big; it tells you how big the can is. Compare this to the relationship between very and can : very does not tell you how can something is! This means that there is a constituent consisting of very and big , but excluding can .
Critically Evaluating Non-Scholarly Sources Through Team-Based Learning

Non-scholarly sources of information (e.g., non-peer-reviewed popular press and mass media articles) have been shown to shape individual opinions about global climate change (GCC) and subsequently reinforce those opinions by isolating individuals from dissenting viewpoints. The diversity of non-scholarly material surrounding the public GCC debate provides an opportunity to critically evaluate these sources and demonstrate to students the dangers of citing non-scholarly sources. In this chapter’s activity, students will be assigned readings as homework, answer questions about the readings individually and with a small team, and then work with their teams to understand broader issues raised by the readings. After completing this activity, students should be able to (1) know that non-scholarly sources need to be critically evaluated because they may not be reliable, (2) recognize that all sources of information are potentially biased, and (3) discuss, in a general sense, how and why GCC science can be misreported and/or misconstrued by non-scholarly sources.
Identification of novel reaction products of methylene-bis-phenylisocyanate ("MDI") with oxidized glutathione in aqueous solution and also during incubation of MDI with a murine hepatic S9 fraction.

Abstract Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is an important industrial chemical and asthmagenic respiratory sensitizer, however its metabolism remains unclear. In this study we used LC-MS and LC-MS/MS to identify novel reaction products of MDI with oxidized glutathione (GSSG), including an 837 m/z [M + H] + ion corresponding to GSSG bound (via one of its N-termini) to partially hydrolyzed MDI, and an 863 m/z [M + H] + ion corresponding to GSSG cross - linked by MDI (via its two γ-glutamine N-termini). Further studies with heavy isotope labeled and native reduced glutathione (GSH) identified an [M + H] + ion corresponding to previously described mono(GSH)-MDI, and evidence for “oligomeric” GSH-MDI conjugates. This study also investigated transformational changes in MDI after incubation with an S9 fraction prepared from murine liver. LC-MS analyses of the S9 reaction products revealed the formation of [M + H] + ions with m/z 's and retention times identical to the newly described GSSG-MDI (837 and 863) conjugates and the previously described mono(GSH)-MDI conjugate. Together the data identify novel biological transformations of MDI, which could have implications for exposure-related health effects, and may help target future in vivo studies of metabolism.
Enhanced split-architecture Δ-Σ ADC

A split Δ-Σ ADC topology is proposed which provides enhanced noise shaping by cross-coupling the quantisation errors of the two halves of the structure. Unlike the multi-stage noise shaping architecture, the new structure is insensitive to mismatch errors and it does not reduce the stability of the loops. Simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Immunoregulatory Role of NK Cells in Tissue Inflammation and Regeneration

NK cells represent an important first line of defense against viral infection and cancer and are also involved in tissue homeostasis. Studies of NK cell activation in the last decade have revealed that they are able to respond to the inflammatory stimuli evoked by tissue damage and contribute to both progression and resolution of diseases. Exacerbation of the inflammatory response through interactions between immune effector cells facilitates the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into steatosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. When hepatic damage is incurred, macrophage activation is crucial for initiating crosstalk with neighboring cells present in the liver, including hepatocytes and NK cells, and the importance of this interaction in shaping the immune response in liver disease is increasingly recognized. Inflicted structural damage can be in part regenerated via the process of self-limiting fibrosis, though persistent hepatic damage will lead to chronic fibrosis and loss of tissue organization and function. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells plays an important role in inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis and thus curtailing the progression of fibrosis. Alternatively, in some diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), NK cells may become dysregulated, promoting an immunosuppressive state where tumors are able to escape immune surveillance. This review describes the current understanding of the contributions of NK cells to tissue inflammation and metabolic liver diseases and the ongoing effort to develop therapeutics that target the immunoregulatory function of NK cells.
Matched Comparison Between Partial Nephrectomy and Radical Nephrectomy for T2 N0 M0 Tumors, a Study Based on the National Cancer Database.

Abstract Objectives: To compare overall survival (OS) and immediate postoperative outcomes between partial and radical nephrectomy (RN) for T2 N0 M0 tumors and identify significant factors for poor OS. Patients and Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, we identified patients with T2 N0 M0 renal cancer between 2004 and 2009 who were treated with partial or radical nephrectomy. The partial and RN groups were statistically matched by demographics and tumor characteristics. We used Cox multiple regression to identify significant factors for all-cause mortality and plotted survival curves for both groups. We compared immediate postoperative outcomes between groups by χ2 test and independent samples t-test. Results: After statistical matching, there were 527 patients in each group, with high similarities in age, gender, race, comorbid status, tumor size, histology, and grade. RN was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 5.289; p < 0.001) than partial nephrectomy (PN), after ...