cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digital Natives As Preservice Teachers: What Technology Preparation Is Needed?

AbstractThis study focused on “digital natives” as preservice teachers to examine their beliefs, attitudes, and technology experiences and expertise, identify the strengths and weaknesses in their technology knowledge and skills, and explore what technology preparation was needed to prepare them to integrate technology in their future classrooms. Results reveal that (a) the digital-native preservice teachers reported strong positive belief in technology, yet moderate confidence and reserved attitude in using technology; (b) the majority (80%) of them spent the most time on social-communication activities, and only about 10% of them spent the most time on learning-related activities; (c) they were very proficient with basic technologies but were not familiar with more advanced technologies; (d) the scope of their use of Web 2.0 technologies was limited to mainly social-networking Web sites, and they lacked the experiences and expertise in using Web 2.0 technologies with great potential for classroom applic...
Determining the Absolute Requirement of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase 5 for Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy Short Communication

Rationale:Heart failure (HF) is often the end phase of maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy. A contributing factor is activation of a hypertrophic gene expression program controlled by decreased class II histone deacetylase (HDAC) transcriptional repression via HDAC phosphorylation. Cardiac-specific overexpression of G proteinen–coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5) has previously been shown to possess nuclear activity as a HDAC5 kinase, promoting an intolerance to in vivo ventricular pressure overload; however, its endogenous requirement in adaptive and maladaptive hypertrophy remains unknown. Objective:We used mouse models with global or cardiomyocyte-specific GRK5 gene deletion to determine the absolute requirement of endogenous GRK5 for cardiac hypertrophy and HF development after chronic hypertrophic stimuli. Methods and Results:Mice with global deletion of GRK5 were subjected to transverse aortic constriction. At 12 weeks, these mice showed attenuated hypertrophy, remodeling, and hypertrophic gene transcripti...
Linked Courses: A Method to Reinforce Basic Skills

Abstract The authors report on an innovative learning community model in which two skills courses (introductory computer and library science) were linked with a content course (introductory economics). The primary link among the courses was the coordinated assignments that required the students to use all their skills in all three courses. Results indicate that the entering freshmen enrolled in the linked courses achieved the same level of mastery as did the more experienced students in the traditional sections. Attitudinal data indicate that the students felt that the linked courses enhanced learning and provided a supportive transition to college life. Finally, the faculty appreciated the opportunity to learn from each other and to experiment with teaching methods.
Conversion to Sirolimus in Pediatric Renal Transplantation Recipients

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of sirolimus (SRL) in 16 pediatric renal transplant recipients, who were 9.4 ± 4.1 years of age when they first received SRL. The indications for SRL therapy were rescue from steroid-resistant acute rejection (31.3%), neoplasia (31.3%), diabetes (12.5%), polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (6.3%), chronic allograft dysfunction (6.3%), calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity (6.3%), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (6.3%). Mean follow-up after the switch to SRL was 17.7 ± 15 months. The final immunosuppression was CNI + SRL + prednisone (PRED) in five patients, SRL + PRED in six, SRL + mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) + PRED in four, and SRL + MMF in one. The use of SRL in these selected pediatric renal recipients was successful, except when creatinine was high at the moment of conversion. Further studies are necessary to assess the benificial outcomes versus adverse events among the pediatric transplant population receiving SRL for immunosuppression.
Impact of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score on Anticoagulation Recommendations for Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background The Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke (CHADS 2 ) score is used to predict the need for oral anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation. The Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65-74 years, Sex category (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc) schema has been proposed as an improvement. Our objective is to determine how adoption of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score alters anticoagulation recommendations. Methods Between 2004 and 2008, 1664 patients were seen at the University of Virginia Atrial Fibrillation Center. We calculated the CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores for each patient. The 2006 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society guidelines for atrial fibrillation management were used to determine anticoagulation recommendations based on the CHADS 2 score, and the 2010 European Society of Cardiology guidelines were used to determine anticoagulation recommendations based on the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Results The average age was 62±13 years, and 34% were women. Average CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores were 1.1±1.1 and 1.8±1.5, respectively ( P 0001). The CHADS 2 score classified 33% as requiring oral anticoagulation. The CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score classified 53% as requiring oral anticoagulation. For women, 31% had a CHADS 2 score≥2, but 81% had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score≥2 ( P = . 0001). Also, 32% of women with a CHADS 2 score of zero had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score≥2. For men, 25% had a CHADS 2 score≥2, but 39% had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score≥2 ( P 0001). Conclusion Compared with the CHADS 2 score, the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score more clearly defines anticoagulation recommendations. Many patients, particularly older women, are redistributed from the low- to high-risk categories.
Process Evaluation of Serial Screening Criteria to Identify Injured Patients That Benefit From Brief Intervention: Practical Implications

Background—The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of serial screening methods for the identification of injured patients at risk for alcohol problems and are most likely to benefit from brief interventions. We hypothesize that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) alone is not sufficient to effectively identify at-risk drinkers in the trauma care setting. Methods—During a 2-year period, patients admitted to an urban Level I trauma center for treatment of an injury were screened for alcohol problems. Screening consisted of four serial screening criteria: (1) clinical indication of acute intoxication including positive BAC; (2) self-reported drinking 6 hours before injury; (3) at-risk drinking as defined by National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or (4) by responding yes to one or more items on the CAGE within the last year. Results—In all, 11,028 patients were seen. Fifty-eight percent were eligible for screening and 90% of eligible patients were screened. Of screened patients, 41% screened positive for an alcohol-related injury. Of patients that did not have a BAC drawn, 39% (n = 935) went on to screen positive using serial screening procedures. Additionally, 36% (n = 339) of patients with a negative BAC went on to screen positive using serial screening procedures. Conclusions—This evaluation clearly suggests that BAC alone is not sufficient to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from brief alcohol interventions. Self-reported drinking in conjunction with BAC facilitates identification and intervention of injured patients with alcohol problems.
The Relationships Among Organizational Context, Pay Dispersion, and Among Managerial Turnover

Relatively little research explores observed differences in pay dispersion across organizations and whether those observed differences have consequences for employee behaviors. Using data from two ...
A microcomputer-based activity meter for multiple animals

We describe and validate a computer-video system that records and displays in real-time the activity of multiple specimens in a user-defined space, at user-defined intervals. The computer program uses image subtraction algorithms to record changes in video images, and stores observations in column format or as a series of 2-D matrices. The program was tested under various lighting conditions, backgrounds, specimen size and specimen speed. An AV model of Macintosh computer with video input from a camera or video cassette recorder was used to record and analyze the mechanical movement of spots on a turntable and the locomotor activity of an ant colony. The limitations and potential applications of the program are discussed.
Results of the 1996 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology.

Rationale and Objectives. Diagnostic radiology chief residents were surveyed on issues related to residency training to compare features and gauge trends in training. Methods. Questionnaires were mailed to accredited programs in the United States. A variety of demographic and common-interest questions were asked. Results. Forty-three percent of surveys were returned. The percentage of female residents was similar to that reported in other recent surveys; however, the percentage of women among 1st-year residents had decreased. Resident salaries had increased, although the average salary for a 4th-year resident had decreased when adjusted for inflation. Most 1st-year residents started participating in overnight hospital coverage by their 12th month of residency, and the total number of call days during residency correlated inversely with the size of the residency program. Almost half of residency programs used a night-float resident to provide after-hours coverage. Conclusion. The information derived from the survey should be useful for program evaluation and future planning.
Regulation of rat intestinal GLUT2 mRNA abundance by luminal and systemic factors

Fructose in the lumen of the small intestine is transported across the brush border membrane by GLUT5, then across the basolateral membrane by GLUT2, which also transports glucose. Diets containing high fructose (HF) specifically enhance intestinal GLUT5 expression in neonatal rats, but there is little information concerning the dietary regulation of GLUT2 expression during early development. In this study, we perfused for 1-4 h 100 mM fructose, glucose (HG), alpha-methylglucose, or mannitol solutions into the jejunum of anaesthetized 20-day-old rat pups. GLUT2 mRNA abundance increased only in HF- and HG-perfused intestines, an effect inhibited by actinomycin D but not by cycloheximide. Bypassed (Thiry-Vella) intestinal loops were constructed, then pups were fed either HF or low-carbohydrate diets for 5 days. GLUT2 mRNA abundance increased significantly in both bypassed and anastomosed intestines of Thiry-Vella pups fed HF. In contrast, GLUT5 mRNA abundance increased only in the anastomosed segment. In sham-operated pups, GLUT2 and GLUT5 mRNA abundance increased in both intestinal regions that corresponded to the bypassed and anastomosed regions of Thiry-Vella pups. SGLT1 mRNA abundance was independent of diet and intestinal region in both Thiry-Vella and sham-operated pups. Unlike GLUT5 expression, which is regulated at the level of transcription only by luminal fructose, GLUT2 mRNA expression is transcriptionally regulated by luminal fructose and glucose as well as by systemic factors released during their absorption.
Oxidation Artifacts in the Electrospray Mass Spectrometry of Aβ Peptide

Gradual corrosion of stainless steel electrospray emitters under conditions of normal use generates surface irregularities that can promote electrical discharge. The increased emission current affects the electrochemical reactions associated with the spray process. When sampling the peptide Aβ(1−40), this is manifest by oxidation of methionine at position 35 to methionine sulfoxide. The resultant mass shift and reduced sensitivity can adversely affect H/D exchange experiments. These effects can be avoided by adding a redox buffer or (preferably) by repolishing the emitter, especially to a rounded geometry.
Extended Sparse Distributed Memory and Sequence Storage

Sparse distributed memory (SDM) is an auto-associative memory system that stores high-dimensional Boolean vectors. SDM uses the same vector for the data (word) and the location where it is stored (address). Here, we present an extension of the original SDM that uses word vectors of larger size than address vectors. This extension preserves many of the desirable properties of the original SDM: auto-associability, content addressability, distributed storage and robustness over noisy inputs. In addition, it adds new functionality, enabling an efficient auto-associative storage of sequences of vectors, as well as of other data structures such as trees. Simulations testing this new memory are described.
Near-field hybrid recording with a mode index waveguide lens

This paper describes a design for a near field hybrid recording system that uses a mode index waveguide lens in place of a SIL or optical fiber. The mode index waveguide lens is fabricated on the back of an air bearing slider with a thin film magnetic head and giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensor for reading and writing. The optical spot from the waveguide heats the media to its Curie temperature such that within the spot a region with a reduced coercive field (`Curie cylinder') is created. The thin film head then applies a magnetic field to switch the magnetization within the Curie cylinder thereby recording a written mark. In the system proposed here, the track width of the optical spot is less than that of the thin film head and as such defines the recording track width. A GMR sensor is used to sense the flux leakage from the surface of the media and may also be laser assisted. Calculations predict an aerial density of 70 Gbits/inch2 when using a simple mode index lens fabricated from a SiO2/SiNx/SiO2 waveguide. Furthermore, by using advanced lens designs and innovative materials, the track width can be reduced further thereby offering a promising way to achieve 500 Gb/inch2.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Uncoupling of an epithelial cell membrane junction by calcium-ion removal.

Calcium takes part in maintaining ion communication between salivary gland cells ( Chironomus thummi ). Its withdrawal from the cell systems results in virtual disconnection of ion communication, at Ca ++ concentrations which do not noticeably affect cell adhesion. The junctional membrane surfaces. which are normally quite freely permeable to ions, become as impermeable as the nonjunctional membrane surfaces; each cell seals itself off irreversibly as a unit. In maintaining ion communication Mg ++ substitutes for Ca ++
Negotiating socioacademic relations: English learners' reception by and reaction to college faculty

Abstract The experiences of English learners in tertiary education in the US are significantly colored by their interactions with faculty in courses across the curriculum, who are largely responsible for setting the tone in their classes. The intersection between L2 students' expectations, abilities, and needs and the requirements and attitudes of their instructors may be a site of frustrating contention or of enabling accommodation on both sides. Despite the potential academic and personal importance of such socioacademic interactions, relatively little research has systematically examined this feature of the academic context in which L2 undergraduate students must function. This report, based on case studies of immigrant and visa undergraduate students in the US and interview research with college faculty, explores these socioacademic interactions from three perspectives: the degrees and types of accommodation that faculty made for L2 students; the faculty's interview comments about L2 students; and the focal students' interview commentary on their experiences with these professors. In illuminating the relational context of these L2 students' undergraduate studies, this examination points to the students' efforts to manage their relationships with faculty and to construct comfortable subject positions for themselves in the context of unequal power relations.
In vitro basophil histamine release in response to the major Alternaria allergen rAlt a2

Abstract Rationale We have previously identified rAlt a2 as a major Alternaria allergen. IgE binding to rAlt a 2 occurs in 60% of subjects sensitive to Alternaria . In these studies, we sought to measure in vitro basophil histamine release to rAlt a2. Methods Blood was collected from five Alternaria sensitive subjects and the basophils were enriched by ficoll density centrifugation. Enriched basophils were incubated with increasing concentrations of r Alt a2, anti-IgE or crude Alternaria extract for 20 minutes, 37°C. Supernates were analyzed for histamine content by ELISA (Beckman Coulter). Histamine release was expressed as a percentage of total histamine obtained by lysis of basophils with perchloric acid. Results Maximum mean histamine released obtained was 2.76 +/− 1.07 SEM (n=5) with rAlt a2, 7.0% with crude Alternaria (n=1) and 13.5% +/− 5.07 SEM (n=4) with anti-IgE. Conclusion In this study we demonstrated the ability of rAlt a2 to induce in vitro histamine release from peripheral blood basophiles in Alternaria sensitive individuals. Further studies will be necessary to establish the in vivo biological response to rAlt a2.
E-book usage in an academic library: User attitudes and behaviors

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a large scale survey designed to investigate usage patterns and library patron attitudes toward e-books. The survey reveals a university community's discovery and knowledge of e-books, their likes and dislikes about book content in electronic format as opposed to print, and their predictions of how they will use electronic and print book materials in the future. The survey shows that acceptance of e-books has reached a level where they have become an important library service. The results, based on a study conducted in collaboration with Springer, break down e-book awareness and attitudes into faculty, graduate student, and undergraduate student constituent groups. Additionally, statistics are presented to complement the survey results by showing that the usage of e-book content at the University of Illinois is increasing at a rapid pace.11 The author wishes to thank William H. Mischo and Sharif Islam for their invaluable assistance in managing and querying the s...
Channel independent Viterbi algorithm (CIVA) for blind sequence detection with near MLSE performance

This paper proposes a new blind method CIVA for channel equalization. The proposed method performs optimal trellis search without channel estimation. The trellis metrics are updated by the output of a bank of probes, which can be on-line implemented in parallel fashion as a filter bank. The algorithm has near maximum likelihood optimal performance even for SISO or ill-conditioned SIMO channels. In addition, it may practically outperform and converge faster than even training methods.
The K-resonant benzenoid systems

Abstract For a given positive integer k , a benzenoid system is k -resonant if all of its i (1,2, ·, k ) disjoint hexagons are mutually resonant. We give several criteria (from topological aspect) to determine whether or not a given benzenoid system is k -resonant ( i ⩾2), and show that a benzenoid system is k -resonant ( k ⩾3) if, and only if, it is 3-resonant.
Rhizobium inoculation of legumes

Abstract The large potential market for Rhizobium inoculum, both in the USA and elsewhere, is stimulating research into the basic biology of Rhizobium —legume interaction. The application of genetic engineering techniques promises to produce rapid improvement in Rhizobium inoculum strains. At present, however, identification of those traits that will enhance inoculum performance is difficult.
Hydroxylation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol by human peripheral blood monocytes in tissue culture.

The authors have sought to identify oxidized metabolites of human monocytes to d9THC in vitro
Fractionation of pyroxene-phyric MORB at low pressure: An experimental study

One-atmosphere melting experiments are used to assess the role of clinopyroxene in producing the compositional variations observed in mid-ocean-ridge basalts (MORBs) from the North Atlantic. Analog models of natural glasses and associated phenocrysts show that several possible parental magmas may undergo low pressure fractional crystallization involving olivine and spinel, followed by plagioclase, and then by augite. The phenocryst phase assemblages in natural deep-sea basalts are closely correlated with the major element compositions of their associated quenched glasses, and the projections of these glasses on the Oliv-Cpx-Qtz pseudoternary correspond to the 1-atmosphere phase boundaries and reaction points defined by laboratory experiments. Comparison of natural phenocryst's with experimental phases indicates that the augites preserved in moderately fractionated MORB from the FAMOUS area may have formed at or near the ocean floor and need not be relics of high pressure processes.
Multicomponent gas sorption in glassy polymers

Glassy polymers are nonequilibrium solids whose properties may change slowly due to time-dependent variation in the excess volume and enthalpy functions of these materials. Measurable changes in the gas sorption behavior of samples exposed to different time–temperature histories below the polymer's glass transition temperature can be explained primarily in terms of differences between the excess volume of different samples. A simple physical and mathematical model will be described which relates excess sorption in glasses, compared to rubbery polymers, to sorption into excess volume frozen into the quenched matrix. The model will be explained for pure component gases and then generalized to treat multicomponent sorption data for the CO2/C2H4 and CO2/N2O systems in poly(methyl methacrylate). The rather complex mixed gas behavior can be predicted quantitatively using only pure component sorption data in conjunction with the generalized model for multicomponent gases. The model, based on the concept of competition of sorbing penetrants for the excess volume present in the glass, is successful for the two systems described above for total pressures up to 300 psia.
National Labor Movements and Transnational Connections: Global Labor’s Evolving Architecture Under Neoliberalism

The neoliberal era has undermined worker’s rights and labor's power at the national level, but has also been characterized as an era of 'the new labor transnationalism'. Shifting fortunes at the national level have been fundamental to expanding openness to transnational alliances. An analysis of campaigns connecting U.S. labor to the Honduran CGT, the Bridgestone-Firestone workers in Liberia, the Gerdau Workers World Council, and other national unions in both North and South show how adversity at the national level has pushed U.S. labor toward transnational alliances. Conversely, the growing global role of major countries in the South has expanded their potential contribution to transnational alliances, as illustrated by Brazilian labor's involvement with both European unions like the Dutch FNV and U.S. unions like the UAW and the USW. New connections among national labor movements are complemented by the expansion of Global Union Federations and new governance instruments like Global Framework Agreements, which articulate multi-country connections. Assessing the connections among national labor movements and the new global organizational infrastructure that have emerged under neoliberalism is a necessary foundation for building better theories of labor’s evolving contestation with global capital.
Respiratory Disease in Agricultural Workers: Mortality and Morbidity Statistics

To quantify the respiratory disease burden among agricultural workers, we examined the 1988-1998 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) "Multiple Cause of Death Data" and the 1988-1994 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES III). Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were determined for 11 respiratory conditions among 6 agricultural groups: crop farm workers, livestock farm workers, farm managers, landscape and horticultural workers, forestry workers, and fishery workers. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were determined for 12 respiratory conditions among 3 agricultural groups: farm workers, farm managers, and other agricultural workers. Disease categories groups were based on the 9th International Classification of Diseases and the agricultural groups on the NCHS or NHANES III industry and occupation codes, respectively. Crop farm workers and livestock farm workers had significantly elevated mortality for several respiratory conditions, with mortality for hypersensitivity pneumonitis being 10 and 50 times higher than expected. Landscape and horticultural workers had significantly elevated mortality for abscess of the lung and mediastinum and chronic airways obstruction. Forestry workers had significantly elevated mortality for pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic airways obstruction, and pneumonia. Prevalence of wheeze was elevated for female farm workers, shortness of breath was elevated for farm workers who had ever smoked, and hay fever was elevated for black, non-Hispanic farm workers. Prevalence of asthma was elevated for other agricultural workers who had ever smoked. Farm workers had a PR of 173 for obstructive respiratory abnormality. Continued improvement in occupational health surveillance systems for agriculture is essential to help guide prevention efforts for respiratory disease.
A model for diffusion within emergent vegetation

Detailed velocity measurements made with laser Doppler velocimetry have shown that, except very close to the bed, the production of turbulence within a stand of emergent vegetation is dominated by the stem wakes rather than by the bottom-boundary shear, as in open-channel flows. This observation formed the basis for a modified randomwalk model that describes the contribution of stem wakes to the turbulent diffusivity within marsh grasses. The model was validated by comparison to observed diffusivity over a range of population and flow conditions within a simple plantlike array of circular cylinders. The diffusion model was also evaluated for a more complex morphology that included a flexible canopy. Laser-induced fluorescence and image-processing techniques were used to measure the diffusivity as well as to examine turbulence structure within the experimental system. The latter analysis documented changes in turbulence scale that arise as larger eddies are broken apart by the stems and smaller eddies (comparable to the stem diameter) are produced within the wakes.
Reciprocity, Cohesiveness and Cooperation in Two-Person Games

After manipulation of dyad cohesiveness, subjects played a differential power game from the position of low power. Their simulated opponent of high power accorded them benefits (reward) on 0%, 50%,...
Absolute neutron yields and energy spectra from 18 targets bombarded by 55 and 85 MeV bremsstrahlung

Abstract Absolute neutron yields and energy spectra are presented for 18 targets bombarded by 55 and 85 MeV bremsstrahlung. The yields fall off strongly with increasing neutron energy. Between neutron energies of 2 and 20 MeV, the yield falls by a factor of about 1000 in the heavy nuclei and about 30 in the light nuclei. For neutron energies of a few MeV, the yields divided by target mass number A increase strongly with A, whereas this trend is reversed for neutrons above 10 MeV. The implication of these results for neutron production targets is discussed.
Analog track angle error displays improve simulated GPS approach performance

Pilots flying non-precision instrument approaches traditionally rely on a course deviation indicator (CDI) analog display of cross track error (XTE) information. The new generation of GPS based area navigation (RNAV) receivers can also compute accurate track angle error (TAE). Does display of supplementary TAE information improve intercept and tracking performance? Six pilots each flew 20 approaches in a light twin simulator to evaluate 3 different TAE/XTE display formats, in comparison to a conventional receiver CDI display and a more centrally located Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI). Statistically significant performance improvements were seen in several phases of the approach when using the supplementary TAE information. Analog was preferred over numeric format. However, the advantage was offset by the need to widen the pilot's instrument scan to include the receiver display. Pilots found TAE helpful in establishing intercepts and the appropriate wind correction angle. Findings support the recent ...
Achieving Experiential Cross-cultural Training Through a Virtual Teams Project

Research questions: How can our current knowledge of experiential learning be applied to cross-cultural web-based training? How do postproject interviews with the participants advance our knowledge about experiential learning? What practical recommendations for teachers and trainers can be offered based on this and similar case studies? Situating the case: Literature on virtual teams stipulates the importance of teaching leadership development within teams, including methods of conflict resolution, and flexibility in methods and tools of communication. Literature on experiential learning places a high value on learner experience, and on indirect and combined methods of assessing experiential learning projects. Methodology: The case was studied through the analysis of data obtained from unstructured class interviews with three of the US-based participants of the teaching project. Interview participants were chosen to ensure a variety of responses about their experiences while taking part in the project. About the case: The project was a part of an introductory graduate-level seminar in technical and scientific communication. Graduate students in technical communication from the US and graduate students in marketing from Ukraine participated in the project. The participants worked in virtual teams to create collaborative analyses of localized versions of websites of transnational corporations. The findings of this research are as follows. (1) Virtual teams work more effectively when given time to build trust and connections among participants. (2) Virtual teams work more effectively when time is devoted to the development of leaders and the articulation of leadership responsibilities within teams. (3) Experiential learning team participants use a variety of communication tools depending on the nature of the communicative task at hand. (4) As part of the learning process, virtual team members recognized and attempted to adjust to cultural and professional discourse differences between countries and professional fields.
Epitope map of the HLA-B7 CREG using affinity-purified human alloantibody probes.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing the B7 CREG have been used to construct an epitopic map of HLA-B7. Similar studies with human HLA alloantisera have been lacking due to the polyclonal nature of the alloantibodies (aAb). Detergent-solubilized HLA Class I antigens were purified and coupled to activated CH-Sepharose 4B. Sequential affinity isolation of aAb populations using a series of HLA antigen columns enabled us to produce a battery of aAb eluates against both the private B7, B13, B27, and Bw60 determinants and the public B7-42, B7-60, B7-60-61, B7-27-13-60, B7-42-22-27, B7-8-42-60-41, and Bw6 epitopes. The topographic relationship of the B7 family of determinants recognized by the Ab probes was derived using cross-competition Ab blocking assays with quantitation by indirect immunofluorescence and FACS analysis. We have found that aAb and mAb of similar specificity crossblock; Ab of different specificity give complex patterns including both overlapping blocking between the α domains and Ab-induced conformational change of the molecule. From these investigations, we conclude that HLA Class I alloantigens bear both multiple, topographically distinct public epitopes and separate private determinants that can be distinguished using human aAb probes. At least four discrete epitopes are expressed by each molecule of the HLA-B7 CREG and can be ascribed to unique aa substitutions on the hydrophilic β loops of the distal heavy chain domains and also on several exposed areas of the α helices. These findings are extremely similar to those of the HLA-A2 CREG and suggest that possibly all Class I molecules possess a comparable, complex degree of serologic polymorphism.
Path integral calculation of hydrogen diffusion rates on metal surfaces

Path integral quantum transition state theory is implemented to calculate the diffusion constant for atomic hydrogen on metal surfaces at low coverage. The path integral theory provides a unified computational methodology to study the influence on the diffusion constant from multidimensional tunneling, vibrational mode quantization, surface distortion, and phonon thermal fluctuations. An approximate technique has also been employed to incorporate the dissipative effect from the electron–hole pair excitations of the metal. The hydrogen diffusion rates on two model metal surfaces are calculated. These surface models are (1) a simple rigid model of the Cu(100) surface allowing a comparison with previous theoretical results, and (2) a more realistic moving model of the Cu(100) surface to examine the effects of surface atom motion. The quantum diffusion constant for hydrogen is calculated over a temperature range of 100–300 K. The largest effect from the moving lattice atoms is found to be the surface distortion effect, leading to a 5% modification of the activation free energy for site‐to‐site hopping. The phonon thermal fluctuations are not found to significantly enhance or dissipate the tunneling at low temperatures. The electron–hole pair dissipation is, however, estimated to have an effect on the tunneling behavior at the lowest temperature studied (100 K).
Approximate disaggregation and performance bounds for queueing networks with multiple-server stations

We introduce the concept of approximate disaggregation which enables us to replace a station by a subnetwork, i.e. a set of stations, such that the performance of the derived network is close to the performance of the initial network. We use this concept to disaggregate any multiple-server station into a set single-server stations. Using two different disaggregations, we are able to bound the performance of the initial network by the performance of a “lower” and an “upper” network each consisting of single-server stations, whose performance can in turn be bounded by the Balanced Job Bounds (or other known bounds). Several examples show the useful information provided by these bounds at a very low cost: for K stations and N customers, the computational complexity here is O(K) which is significantly less than the O(KN2) operations required for exact solution. Indeed, despite the multiple server stations, the computational complexity of our bounds is the same as that of Balanced Job Bounds.
Parathyroid Carcinosarcoma: A Case Study

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE:*At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants should be able to understand the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid carcinoma, as well as gain awareness of parathyroid carcinosarcoma, an even more rare clinical entity. Objectives:*Parathyroid Carcinosarcoma was first described by Nacamuli et. al. in 2002. We present the second case of this rare disease. Methods/Study Design:* We present a case report of a patient with parathyroid carcinosarcoma and review the relevant literature. A 57 year old woman with long standing right sided vocal cord paralysis presented with a progressive 3 x 2 x 3 cm mass in the right neck. She had previously undergone a total thyroidectomy at an outside hospital, revealing benign pathology. Parathyroid hormone and calcium blood levels were within normal limits. Results:* The mass was surgically removed with negative surgical margins. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry was consistent with parathyroid carcinosarcoma. The patient received adjuvant chemoradiation therapy, and now, seven months post-operatively she has no evidence of local regional recurrence but has developed progressive pulmonary metastases. Conclusions:* This is only the second reported case of parathyroid carcinosarcoma. In our patient as well as the previously reported case, the disease has shown systemic progression despite aggressive surgical resection and adjuvant therapy.
The Use of Mammography by Women Aged 75 and Older: Factors Related to Health, Functioning, and Age

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mammographic screening for breast cancer is of uncertain clinical benefit for women 75 years of age and older. Some have argued against instituting routine screening in this age group, noting that disability and shorter life expectancy may diminish the desirability and cost-effectiveness of screening. We sought to determine the extent to which health, functioning, and age influence mammography use in this cohort. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective cohort study of a representative sample of women in the US aged 75 and older (n = 2352) who participated in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. MEASURES: Information about general health, level of functioning, medical history, age, and various sociodemographic characteristics elicited in the survey was linked with subjects' Medicare bills for 1991 and 1992 to ascertain patterns of mammography use. RESULTS: Overall, 26.7% of the women had mammograms during the 2-year period. Advanced age was associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving a mammogram. This did not reflect simply the decline in health and functioning that may accompany aging; those aged 85 and older were less likely to receive mammograms than those in the 75 to 79 age group, controlling for general health, medical history, functional status, and sociodemographic factors (adjusted OR =.41; 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.64). ADL limitations were also associated independently with decreased mammography use. For example, controlling for age, women with any limitations in Activities of Daily Living were 0.71 times as likely to have mammograms as women without ADL limitations (95% CI = 0.59 to 0.85). However, several comorbid conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a history of myocardial infarction were not significantly related to mammography use. CONCLUSIONS: Within the cohort of women aged 75 and older, more advanced age and impaired functional status both substantially reduce the likelihood of mammography use. The extent to which this reflects patients' informed decisions, physicians' judgments, or other factors remains to be explored. J Am Geriatr Soc 46:941–946, 1998.
Home enteral tube feeding in patients with inherited metabolic disorders: safety issues

Background Many children with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD), at risk of hypoglycaemia and metabolic decompensation, are dependent on long-term home overnight enteral tube feeding but its safety issues have not been evaluated. Objective To identify common safety issues and carer pressures for patients with IMD on home enteral tube feeds (HETF). Methods Thirty-four patients (53% male; median age 4.1, range: 1.2–15.8 years), with IMD on home continuous overnight tube feeds were recruited. They were all following specialized feeding regimens. A questionnaire, administered by face-to-face interview with carers identified family members involved in feeding, training they received; child safety issues; equipment reliability and carer night time disturbance. Results The principal problems were: carer sleep disturbance (100%); tube entanglement (71%); untrained secondary carers (71%); faulty pumps (50%); tube blockages (45%); faulty equipment (32%); and child tampering with pumps and feeding equipment (29%). Conclusions Significant risks for children on HETF with IMD were identified, potentially leading to metabolic decompensation and hospitalization. The safety of feeding equipment, lack of training of extended family members and practical support for carers requires urgent attention.
Suction lesions of the frontal cerebral cortex in the rat induce asymmetrical behavioral and catecholaminergic responses.

Abstract Suction lesions of the right frontal cerebral cortex in rats induce a period of spontaneous hyperactivity. This hyperactivity, as measured by an increase in running wheel activity begins about one week post-operatively and continues throughout the remainder of a 30-day observation period. The increased activity is accompanied by a bilateral decrease in norepinephrine concentrations in both the ipsilateral and contralateral cortex and locus coeruleus. Identical lesions of the left frontal cerebral cortex produce neither the hyperactivity nor a decrease in norepinephrine concentrations. These experiments have reproduced many of the behavioral and biochemical asymmetries seen after middle cerebral artery ligation; however, suction lesions are both simpler to produce and histologically less variable in their effects.
On editability of feature-based design

Techniques needed for editing generative designs are presented. When a feature is edited, all features attached later must be re-evaluated to satisfy the required constraints and shape references in the initial design. We describe name matching techniques that support the design reevaluation procedure. The algorithms account for failed or multiple matches. The matching uses a naming schema based on historical, topological, and geometric design information that has been described in a companion paper.
Eversion technique increases the risk for post–carotid endarterectomy hypertension

Abstract Objective: The incidence of postoperative hypertension (HTN) after eversion carotid endarterectomy (e-CEA) was compared with that after standard carotid endarterectomy (s-CEA). Methods: In a retrospective analysis from January 1998 to January 2000, 217 patients underwent 219 CEAs for symptomatic (68) or asymptomatic (151) high-grade (>80%) carotid artery stenosis by either standard (137) or eversion (82) techniques. The eversion technique involves an oblique transection of the internal carotid artery at the carotid bulb and a subsequent endarterectomy by everting the internal carotid artery over the atheromatous plaque. All procedures were done under general anesthesia, and somatosensory-evoked potentials were used for cerebral monitoring. Patients with s-CEA were compared with those with e-CEA for postoperative hemodynamic instability, carotid sinus nerve block, requirement for intravenous vasodilators or vasopressors, stroke, and death. Results: Patients who underwent e-CEA had a significantly ( P Conclusion: e-CEA is a substantial risk factor for HTN in the immediate postoperative period, when compared with the s-CEA. This difference would be even more remarkable in the absence of antihypertensive medications in the e-CEA group and vasopressors in the s-CEA group. Therefore, particular attention should be focused on diagnosing and controlling postoperative HTN in patients after e-CEA. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:839-45.)
Container seedlings outperform barefoot stock : survival and growth after 10 years

Ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, and Douglas-fir seedlings were planted in container or bareroot form at three elevations in northern California. At the lowest elevation (762 m), container seedlings of ponderosa pine were significantly taller than bareroot seedlings at ages 4 and 10, and had breast-height diameters that were significantly larger than bareroot counterparts at age 10. Survival of Douglas-fir container seedlings was significantly greater than that of barefoot seedlings for all ages tested. At the mid-elevation site (1220 m), container seedlings of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir were significantly larger in breast-height diameter than bareroot seedlings at age 10. Douglas-fir container seedlings survived significantly better at all ages than barefoot seedlings. At the highest elevation (1662 m), seedling height and diameter did not differ significantly, but survival of container seedlings was significantly higher than barefoot seedlings for both pine species at all ages tested.
Finite word effects in pipelined recursive filters

High sample rate recursive filtering can be achieved by transforming the original filters to higher-order filters using the scattered look-ahead computation technique (which relies upon pole-zero cancellation). Finite word-length implementation of these filters leads to inexact pole-zero cancellation. This necessitates a thorough study of finite word effects in these filters. Theoretical results on roundoff and coefficient quantization errors in these filters are presented. It is shown that to maintain the same error at the filter output, the word length needs to be at most increased by log/sub 2/ log/sub 2/ 2M bit for a scattered look-ahead decomposed filter (where as M is the level of loop pipelining). This worst case corresponds to the case when all poles are close to zero. For M between two and eight, the word length needs to be increased only by 1 or 2 bit. Contrary to common beliefs, it is concluded that pole-zero canceling scattered look-ahead pipelined recursive filters have good finite word error properties. >
Monitoring total endotoxin and (1→3)-β-d-glucan at the air exhaust of concentrated animal feeding operations

Mitigation of bioaerosol emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) demands knowledge of bioaerosol concentrations feeding into an end-of-pipe air treatment process. The aim of this preliminary study was to measure total endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-glucan concentrations at the air exhaust of 18 commercial CAFOs and to examine their variability with animal operation type (swine farrowing, swine gestation, swine weaning, swine finishing, manure belt laying hen, and tom turkey) and season (cold, mild, and hot). The measured airborne concentrations of total endotoxin ranged from 98 to 23,157 endotoxin units (EU)/m3, and the airborne concentrations of total (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan ranged from 2.4 to 537.9 ng/m3. Animal operation type in this study had a significant effect on airborne concentrations of total endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan but no significant effect on their concentrations in total suspended particulate (TSP). Both endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan attained their highest airborne concentrations in visited tom turkey buildings. Comparatively, season had no significant effect on airborne concentrations of total endotoxin or (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan. Endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-glucan concentrations in TSP dust appeared to increase as the weather became warmer, and this seasonal effect was significant in swine buildings. Elevated indoor temperatures in the hot season were considered to facilitate the growth and propagation of bacteria and fungi, thus leading to higher biocomponent concentrations in TSP.
Plasmonic photochemistry and photon confinement to the nanoscale

Abstract This account gives a simple qualitative discussion of the confinement of the motion of electrons to the nanoscale. The mechanism by which gold and silver nanoparticles confine photons to the nanoscale, resulting in both the surface plasmon resonance and strong surface plasmon fields, is mentioned. Examples of different observations and applications of the plasmonic field enhancement of light scattering, absorption, photo-thermal and nonradiative processes studied in our group are summarized.