cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Historical perspective on the Department of Neurosurgery at the Henry Ford Hospital.

The Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) was founded in 1915 as a philanthropic gift from Henry Ford, the automobile magnate and inventor of the Model T. The hospital and its organizational structure represented a nonsectarian facility that would provide care for all members of society. The system was patterned after the newest and most modern medical centers at the time in Europe, Canada, and the United States, including the German Krankenhauser, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. The HFH grew into the Henry Ford Health System in the 1970s to 1990s, with the acquisition of other hospitals, the development of a multiple-region-based clinic system through southeastern Michigan, and the development of comprehensive, vertically integrated health care systems. The Division of Neurosurgery at HFH was established by Albert Crawford in 1926. The tradition of training residents in neurosurgery began in 1946, and the residency training program was accredited by the American Board of Neurosurgery in 1954. In 1970, the Division of Neurosurgery of the Department of Surgery was combined with the Division of Neurology to create the joint Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery. A separate Department of Neurosurgery was established in 1981. Four individuals have served as chairmen of the Department of Neurosurgery at HFH, i.e., Albert Crawford (1926-1952), Robert Knighton (1952-1978), James Ausman (1978-1991), and Mark Rosenblum (1992 to the present). During the 1980s and 1990s, HFH evolved into the vertically integrated, regionally distributed Henry Ford Health System. Under the current direction of Dr. Rosenblum, the Department of Neurosurgery at HFH has grown to include 11 full-time neurosurgeons, 2 neuro-oncologists, and 3 investigators with Ph.D. degrees and has recently expanded into three additional hospitals in southeastern Michigan, paralleling the growth of the system. The faculty annually treats more than 2,000 cases in all neurosurgical subspecialties, ranging from neuro-oncological surgery, cranial base surgery, radiosurgery, cerebrovascular surgery, epilepsy surgery, treatment of movement disorders, pain and spasticity surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, and neurotrauma treatment to complex instrumentation of the spine. This article chronicles the history of the Henry Ford Health System and the Department of Neurosurgery, its research endeavors, and its residency training program.
1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroquinoxaline

The title compound, C8H10N2, was synthesized from the hydrogenation reaction of quinoxaline. The crystal structure reveals a puckered piperazine ring fused to a planar aromatic ring. A series of N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds produces an infinite zigzag chain.
The complexity of finding minimal Voronoi covers with applications to machine learning

Abstract Our goal in this paper is to examine the application of Voronoi diagrams, a fundamental concept of computational geometry, to the nearest neighbor algorithm used in machine learning. We consider the question “Given a planar polygonal tessellation T and an integer k, is there a set of k points whose Voronoi diagram contains every edge in T?” We show that this question is NP-hard. We encountered this problem while studying a learning model in which we seek the minimum sized set of training examples needed to teach a given geometric concept to a nearest neighbor learning program. That is, given a concept which can be described by a planar tessellation, we are seeking to construct the smallest set of points whose Voronoi diagram is consistent with the given tessellation. In a sense, this question captures the difficulty of teaching the nearest neighbor algorithm a simple structure, using a minimal number of examples. In addition, we consider the natural inverse to the problem of computing Voronoi diagrams. Given a planar polygonal tessellation T, we describe an algorithm to find a set of points whose Voronoi diagram is T, if such a set exists.
Pavlovian conditioning of sexual behavior in male threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

Abstract This study examines whether the sexual behavior of male threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) can be conditioned using a Pavlovian conditioning procedure. Eight males were trained to discriminate between a red and a green signal where one signal (reinforced conditioned stimulus, CS+) was followed by the presentation of a gravid female and the other signal (nonreinforced stimulus, CS−) was never followed by the presentation of a female. After the training phase (240 trials), males were presented with extinction trials (160 trials). Males rapidly learned the discrimination task, performing more approaches and zigzags (a courtship dance) to the CS+ than to the CS− during training trials. Throughout the extinction phase, males continued to approach and zigzag more to the CS+ than to the CS−, but conditioned responses to the CS+ slowly declined over this phase. Learning may be an adaptive mechanism by which a male anticipates a potential mate, and becomes prepared to court, rather than attack, an approaching female.
ACOUSTICAL AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE GRASSHOPPER CHIMAROCEPHALA PACIFICA PACIFICA (OEDIPODINAE)

The oedipodine grasshopper Chimarocephala pacifica pacifica employs a variety of acoustic and visual signals for communication between the sexes and between members of the same sex. These signals, which are expressed in the form of stridulations and vibrations by the male or as the waving-gesture by both sexes, characterize either the premating and mating state or the state of disturbance and defence, depending on the circumstances that elicit these expressions. The occurrence and timing of copulation are dictated by the cyclic sexual receptivity and non-receptivity behaviour phases of the female. Oscillograms and spectrograms of vibration and stridulation by the male are presented. The behaviour terminology employed in grasshopper studies is critically reviewed. Zusammenfassung AKUSTISCHES UND SEXUELLES VERHALTEN BEI DER HEUSCHRECKE CHIMAROCEPHALA PACIFICA PACIFICA (OEDIPODINAE) Die Heuschrecke Chimarocephala pacifica pacifica (Oedipodinae) verwendet eine Anzahl verschiedener akustischer und visueller Signale zur Verstandigung zwischen Mannchen und Weibchen und zwischen gleichgeschlechtigen Artgenossen. Diese Signale, die vom Mannchen in Form von Gesangen und Vibrationen erzeugt werden, und von beiden Geschlechtern als Winkgebarden, charakterisieren den Zustand entweder vor oder wahrend der Geschlechtsreife, oder sie sind typisch fur die Abwehrphase. Das zeitliche Auftreten der Paarung wird bestimmt von der zyklischen sexuellen Bereitschaft bzw. der Abwehr des Weibchens. Spektrogramme und Oszillogramme von der Vibration und Stridulation des Mannchens werden gezeigt. Die bei Heuschreckenstudien verwendete Verhaltensterminologie wird kritisch uberpruft.
Homologous Chromosome Pairing in Drosophila melanogaster Proceeds through Multiple Independent Initiations

The dynamics by which homologous chromosomes pair is currently unknown. Here, we use fluorescence in situ hybridization in combination with three-dimensional optical microscopy to show that homologous pairing of the somatic chromosome arm 2L in Drosophila occurs by independent initiation of pairing at discrete loci rather than by a processive zippering of sites along the length of chromosome. By evaluating the pairing frequencies of 11 loci on chromosome arm 2L over several timepoints during Drosophila embryonic development, we show that all 11 loci are paired very early in Drosophila development, within 13 h after egg deposition. To elucidate whether such pairing occurs by directed or undirected motion, we analyzed the pairing kinetics of histone loci during nuclear cycle 14. By measuring changes of nuclear length and correlating these changes with progression of time during cycle 14, we were able to express the pairing frequency and distance between homologous loci as a function of time. Comparing the experimentally determined dynamics of pairing to simulations based on previously proposed models of pairing motion, we show that the observed pairing kinetics are most consistent with a constrained random walk model and not consistent with a directed motion model. Thus, we conclude that simple random contacts through diffusion could suffice to allow pairing of homologous sites.
Regenerative Medicine and the Gut

Regenerative medicine refers to the process of creating functional tissues to augment or replace organs lost to age, disease, damage, or congenital defects1. Several technologies brought to bear on this challenge have had notable results. In gastroenterology and hepatology in particular, recent publications have demonstrated pre-clinical success in the transplantation of engineered liver tissue, augmentation of enteric sphincter function by transplantation of smooth muscle, and transplantation of enteric neurons. We will begin by reviewing the basic techniques that underlie these advances, specifically stem cell biology, gene therapy, and engineered biomaterials. We will describe some promising applications of regenerative medicine in dermatology, pulmonology, cardiology, neurology, and urology. And finally we will describe the state of basic scientific and pre-clinical research in regenerative gastroenterology.
Preferences in cesarean delivery surgical technique: a survey of maternal-fetal medicine fellows.

AbstractObjective: Our goal was to (1) describe self-reported cesarean delivery (CD) surgical techniques of Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellows and (2) determine whether preferences were congruent with recommendations using US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria.Methods: MFM fellows were queried regarding their preferred CD technique via online survey. Preferences were compared to evidence-based recommendations using standard recommendation language and quality of evidence as outlined by the USPSTF. Categorical variables were compared by Chi-square analysis or Fisher’s exact test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Of 233 active MFM fellows in August 2012, 167 completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 71%. Statistically significant differences of preferences were noted when stratified by year in fellowship (blunt tip needles), gender (thromboprophylaxis, skin incision, fascial extension, uterine closure suture) and geographic region of fellowship (fascia...
A novel three-step synthesis of Celecoxib via palladium-catalyzed direct arylation

Abstract A novel three linear step synthesis of Celecoxib was achieved in 33% overall yield via a key regioselective direct C–H arylation reaction between a 1,3-disubstituted pyrazole and an aryl bromide.
Effects of Route Rationalization on Hazardous Materials Transportation Risk

Hazardous materials traffic originates and terminates at numerous locations throughout the North American railroad network. Rerouting of this traffic, especially toxic inhalation hazard materials, away from populated areas has received considerable attention in recent years as a means of reducing risk. However, rerouting on a route-specific basis is neither simple nor necessarily effective at reducing risk because of physical constraints in the configuration of the rail network and the possible need to increase the miles traveled by hazardous materials so as to avoid populated areas. A more comprehensive approach is rationalization of the transportation route structure for these materials. This does not simply involve trying to reroute traffic between the current set of origins and destinations to avoid population centers en route. Instead, route rationalization encompasses analysis of the entire route structure for a particular material. The objective is to identify opportunities to reduce risk by consid...
DETERMINATION OF RESIDUAL SPECIES SERUM ALBUMIN IN ADULTERATED GROUND BEEF

Species-specific antisera were used in agar-gel precipitin reactions to determine the presence of serum proteins from pig, horse and rabbit flesh in saline extracts of fresh ground beef that contained flesh from these species. Precipitin lines of identity were observed between species serum and extracts obtained from ground beef which contained 1, 3 and 5% species flesh. No reactions were observed with control bovine serum. The results indicated that serum albumin was the major protein detected for each species. This method could be used for the qualitative detection of species adulterants in fresh ground beef.
Langzeitprognose alter Patienten nach intensivmedizinischer Behandlung

Altere Intensivpatienten haben generell eine hohere Mortalitat als jungere Patienten. Wahrend die Art der Akuterkrankung und hohes Alter vor allem die kurzfristige Mortalitat innerhalb der ersten Monate beeinflussen, hangt die Langzeitprognose mehr von Komorbiditaten und dem vorbestehenden funktionalen Status ab als vom chronologischen Alter allein. Des Weiteren leiden altere Intensivpatienten oft noch viele Monate nach der Intensivtherapie unter einer reduzierten korperlichen Leistungsfahigkeit und den neuropsychologischen Konsequenzen ihrer kritischen Erkrankung und deren Behandlung. Nachsorgestudien zeigen, dass die korperlichen und psychischen Probleme ehemaliger Intensivpatienten nicht nur erheblich sein konnen, sondern bislang auch unvorhersehbar sind. Durch die standige Verbesserung der intensivmedizinischen Therapie in den letzten Jahrzehnten uberleben immer mehr Patienten ihre kritische Erkrankung. Es ist an der Zeit, durch „translationale“ Erforschung der kausalen Zusammenhange zwischen intensivmedizinischer Intervention und Morbiditat in der Nachintensivphase auch Einfluss auf die Qualitat des Uberlebens zu nehmen.
A multi-threaded DNA tag/anti-tag library generator for multi-core platforms

This paper describes a new approach to the problem of generating DNA tag/anti-tag libraries for use in biological assay methods. This approach couples multi-threaded coding methods and a highly parallel multi-population genetic algorithm to leverage performance gains made possible by the multi-core CPUs increasingly prevalent in today's commodity computers. We also describe the results of experiments characterizing the performance of this approach, which can yield up to an 8X speedup on a workstation equipped with dual quad-core CPUs. We observe that the coding effort required to implement this approach using the C language and Pthreads parallel programming model is greatly reduced compared to previous methods using both the VHDL language and reconfigurable hardware (FPGAs), and compared to C with the MPI API run on a cluster of computers.
Developing the Complex Thinking Skills Required in Today&#8217;s Global Economy

With the advent of a global economy there is a need for students to have knowledge of international organizational behavior and management. Even more importantly, today's rapidly changing business climate requires students to possess the more complex and creative thinking skills needed to operate in that environment. In this paper, we present a systematic approach to address these requirements. Curricular components center around experiential learning opportunities which include business plans, service learning, international case studies, and team based projects. Improved thinking skills are measured through systematic evaluation of student cognitive development. Diverse and more creative thinking skills are measured through longitudinal assessment of learning preference curves
Aftershock Zone Scaling

We investigate the distribution of aftershock zones for large earthquakes (scalar seismic moment M ≥10 19.5 N m, moment magnitude, m ≥7). Mainshocks are selected from the Harvard centroid moment tensor catalog, and aftershocks are selected from the Preliminary Determination of Epicenters (NEIC) catalog. The aftershock epicenter maps are approximated by a two-dimensional Gaussian distribution; the major ellipse axis is taken as a quantitative measure of the mainshock focal zone size. The dependence of zone length, l , on earthquake size is studied for three representative focal mechanisms: thrust, normal, and strike slip. Although the numbers of mainshocks available for analysis are limited (maximum a few tens of events in each case), all earthquakes show the same scaling ( M ∝ l 3 ). No observable scaling break or saturation occurs for the largest earthquakes ( M ≥10 21 N m, m ≥8). Therefore, it seems that earthquake geometrical focal zone parameters are self-similar.
Proactive Role Discovery in Mediator-Free Environments

The rapid proliferation of Internet and related technologies has created tremendous possibilities for the interoperability between domains in distributed environments. Interoperability does not come easy at it opens the way for several security and privacy breaches. In this paper, we focus on the distributed authorization discovery problem that is crucial to enable secure interoperability. We present a distributed access path discovery framework that does not require a centralized mediator. We propose and verify a role routing protocol that propagates secure, minimal-length paths to reachable roles in other domains. Finally, we present experimental results of our role routing protocol based on a simulation implementation.
Elementary statistical methods

1 Introduction.- 2 Probability and Probability Distributions.- 3 Expectation and its Applications.- 4 Sampling Distributions and Statistical Inference.- 5 Single Sample Problems.- 6 Two Sample Problems.- 7 Non-parametric Tests.- 8 The Analysis of Discrete Data.- 9 Statistical Models and Least Squares.- 10 Linear Regression.- 11 Multiple Regression.- 12 Analysis of Variance.- Miscellaneous Exercises.- Appendix I Notes on desk computation.- Appendix II Statistical tables.- Appendix III Hints to the solution of selected exercises.- References.- Author Index.
Superresolution for Nonbirefringent Objects

The theory of a superresolution experiment is developed. To achieve superresolution one must know in advance some properties of the objects, e.g., nonbirefringence, time independence, or wavelength independence. Assuming that the objects are nonbirefringent, it would be wasteful to use the two possible states of independent linear polarization of the light for simultaneously carrying the same information twice through the image-forming system. One can avoid this waste by inserting polarizers and certain double-refracting components into the system, so that the two states of polarization instead carry different information through the conventional image-forming system. The transfer function of such a superresolution system is derived for coherent and incoherent object illumination. It confirms qualitatively the results of previously reported experiments. A modification of the system is then proposed so that the one-dimensional restriction of the original concept is eliminated. The transfer function for the modified system is derived and numerical examples are presented. The modification imposes a further constraint on the class of allowed objects: the objects must be time-independent or only slowly time-varying.
First and second variation analysis for return to launch site guidance

This paper presents an analysis of the first and second variation for a return to launch site (RTLS) trajectory as well as a discussion of a guidance scheme which may be implemented for such a trajectory. That guidance scheme uses the concept of neighboring optimal feedback. The analysis of the first and second variation is developed for a point mass model of a generic future reusable launch vehicle. The second variation analysis includes the development of the conditions for the examination of free final time trajectories. Neighboring optimal feedback guidance has an advantage in that it is a closed-loop scheme. Thus, the vehicle can be subjected to various dispersions, such as wind, heating, or seasonal variations at any time in the trajectory, and the guidance can account for this with a neighboring trajectory that will reach the same goals as that of the optimal trajectory. (Author)
Should the Asymptomatic Patient with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Be Hospitalized

Hospitalization doesn't speed recovery, diminish the likelihood of relapse or prevent the dissemination of tuberculosis. Therefore, if trained personnel and adequate laboratory facilities are available, the asymptomatic patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated on an ambulatory basis at home or at work.
Automated Corneal-Reflection Eye Tracking in Infancy: Methodological Developments and Applications to Cognition.

Since the mid-1800s, experimental psychologists have been using eye movements and gaze direction to make inferences about perception and cognition in adults (Muller, 1826, cited in Boring, 1942). In the past 175 years, these oculomotor measures have been refined (see Kowler, 1990) and used to address similar questions in infants (see Aslin, 1985, 1987; Branson, 1982; Haith, 1980; Maurer, 1975). The general rationale for relying on these visual behaviors is that where one is looking is closely tied to what one is seeing. This is not to deny the fact that we can detect visual stimuli in the peripheral visual field, but rather that there is a bias to attend to and process information primarily when it is located in the central portion of the retina. Thus, although the direction of gaze is not perfectly correlated with the uptake of visual information (e.g., as in a blank stare or a covert shift of attention), there is a strong presumption that the direction of gaze can provide important information about visual stimuli even in newborn infants (Haith, 1966; Salapatek, 1968; Salapatek & Kessen, 1966).
Exposure of neonatal rats to alcohol has differential effects on neuroinflammation and neuronal survival in the cerebellum and hippocampus

Fetal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of preventable birth defects, yet drinking during pregnancy remains prevalent worldwide. Studies suggest that activation of the neuroimmune system plays a role in the effects of alcohol exposure during the rodent equivalent to the third trimester of human pregnancy (i.e., first week of neonatal life), particularly by contributing to neuronal loss. Here, we performed a comprehensive study investigating differences in the neuroimmune response in the cerebellum and hippocampus, which are important targets of third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure. To model heavy, binge-like alcohol exposure during this period, we exposed rats to alcohol vapor inhalation during postnatal days (P)3–5 (blood alcohol concentration = 0.5 g/dL). The cerebellar vermis and hippocampus of rat pups were analyzed for signs of glial cell activation and neuronal loss by immunohistochemistry at different developmental stages. Cytokine production was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction during peak blood alcohol concentration and withdrawal periods. Additionally, adolescent offspring were assessed for alterations in gait and spatial memory. We found that this paradigm causes Purkinje cell degeneration in the cerebellar vermis at P6 and P45; however, no signs of neuronal loss were found in the hippocampus. Significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed in both brain regions during alcohol withdrawal periods. Although astrocyte activation occurred in both the hippocampus and cerebellar vermis, microglial activation was observed primarily in the latter. These findings suggest that heavy, binge-like third trimester-equivalent alcohol exposure has time- and brain region-dependent effects on cytokine levels, morphological activation of microglia and astrocytes, and neuronal survival.
Benchmark descriptions for comparing the performance of Verilog and VHDL simulators

We present a set of benchmarks for comparing the speed of Verilog and VHDL simulators. The benchmarks can be used to evaluate commercial simulators, and can be used to compare results when the translated description is run separately on Verilog and VHDL simulators. This study showed that when comparing high performance simulators for the Verilog and VHDL languages, the VHDL simulator takes between 1.93 and 46.62 times longer to simulate. >
Specific T-cell response to a Pneumocystis carinii surface glycoprotein (gp120) after immunization and natural infection.

T cells have been shown to be important in recovery from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis, although no specific antigen of P. carinii has been defined as containing T-cell epitopes. P. carinii has an abundant mannosylated surface glycoprotein of approximately 120 kDa (gp120) which induces a prominent host antibody response in experimental animals after exposure to P. carinii in the environment or after recovery from P. carinii pneumonitis. P. carinii gp120 was purified from infected lungs by lectin affinity chromatography. Standard in vitro lymphocyte stimulation assays using purified gp120 and control normal lung preparations were performed on isolated T cells obtained from BALB/c mice after immunization with P. carinii-infected crude lung homogenates or lectin-purified gp120. Lymphocytes from reconstituted severe combined immunodeficient mice which had recovered from naturally acquired P. carinii pneumonitis were also tested. A specific T-cell response was elicited by gp120 after immunization with P. carinii gp120 and after recovery from P. carinii pneumonitis. In addition, the mice developed a strong antibody response to gp120 as ascertained by Western blot (immunoblot). These data suggest that gp120 may be important in the recognition of P. carinii by T cells. Images
Stability robustness to unstructured uncertainty for nonlinear systems under feedback linearization

This paper addresses robustness to linear unstructured uncertainty at the plant input for MIMO nonlinear systems under feedback linearization. For simplicity, the plant is assumed to be exact feedback linearizable and in the so-called normal form. Two sufficient conditions for BIBO stability in L/sub 2/ are given, under respective assumptions on the nonlinear dynamics of the nominal plant, using a small gain argument. The first condition applies to general exact feedback linearizable nonlinear plants in normal form, but is shown to be too conservative for practical use. The second condition is shown to be practical and analogous to well known stability robustness results for LTI systems. In particular, it has a simple frequency domain interpretation and embodies the loop-shaping concept of the LTI result. However, this result can only be applied to a restricted class of nonlinear plants. Therefore, the two results of this paper can be viewed as two extremes in terms of practicality and generality in which there is a tradeoff between these two qualities. >
SEASONAL AND DIURNAL VARIATION IN METABOLISM AND VENTILATION IN HOUSE SPARROWS

Abstract Passerines that are year-round residents in temperate climates undergo seasonal acclimatization that facilitates maintenance of thermoregulatory homeostasis. These changes in thermoregulatory metabolism must be supported by equivalent changes in oxygen transport. We measured the effects of ambient temperature and time of day on metabolism and ventilation in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in summer and winter. House Sparrows were exposed to ambient temperatures (Ta) ranging from −12°C to 15.5°C in summer and 17.5°C in winter. Open-circuit respirometry was used to measure oxygen consumption (VO2) and ventilation was recorded using whole-body plethysmography. In both summer and winter, VO2 increased with decreasing Ta. VO2 was significantly higher during the active phase compared to the resting phase of the daily cycle in both summer and winter. Thermal conductance was significantly lower in nighttime birds compared to daytime birds. With increased oxygen demands, minute volume (VI) increase...
Time-Domain Measurement of the Frequency-Dependent Delay of Broadband Antennas

We present a new time-domain technique for direct measurement of the frequency-dependent delay of broadband antenna structures. By utilizing a series of fixed-bandwidth, variable center frequency waveforms synthesized in a photonics-based electromagnetic pulse shaper, we perform high time resolution (~54 ps over ~10 ns) measurements of several broadband antenna structures. Our results show excellent agreement with the delay extracted via time-domain impulse response measurements, however, compared to conventional impulse response measurements, our method ensures a higher signal-to-noise ratio because it relies on several relatively narrowband measurements as opposed to a single broadband measurement. In addition, the delay uncertainty in our technique (~54 ps) is significantly below that of impulse response measurements (~300 ps) where numerical differentiation of noisy data leads to substantial errors. Our technique is well suited as a diagnostic tool for future variable-frequency fixed-bandwidth systems.
Defining surgical outcomes and quality of life in massive ventral hernia repair: an international multicenter prospective study.

Abstract Background Our goal was to set criteria for massive ventral hernia and to compare surgical outcomes and quality of life after ventral hernia repair (VHR). Methods The International Hernia Mesh Registry was queried for patients undergoing VHR from 2007 to 2013. Defect was categorized as massive if the width or length was greater than 15 cm or area greater than 150 cm 2 . Massive VHR was compared to regular VHR. Results A total of 878 patients underwent VHR: 436 open, 442 laparoscopic with 13 deaths (1.5%) and 45 hernia recurrences (5.1%). Of those, 158 patients (18%) met criteria for massive VHR. Massive VHR patients had longer length of stay (LOS) and operative time and more hematomas, wound infections, wound complications, and pneumonias ( P P P Conclusions VHR in massive hernias have increased rates of complications and longer LOS.
Designing intelligent learning objects

Intelligent learning objects (ILOs) extend the concept of learning objects, whereby the learner is presented with material based on both curriculum and their performance. This paper discusses current practices inn the field of intelligent learning environments, as well as the design of ILOs with I-LODE V2.0, the Intelligent Learning Object Development Engine.
Questionnaires to measure sexual quality of life

Context: Sex is important to quality of life. There are a number of questionnaires to measure sexual-function, but many lack applicability and usefulness to certain groups. Objective: To identify questionnaires measuring sexual function, determine the domains most commonly assessed, and examine evidence for their usefulness in different populations. Data sources: Computerized literature search using Medline, PubMed and PsychLit, reference lists, and unpublished reports, published in English between 1957 and 2001. MESH terms included sexual function, sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, quality of life, and questionnaire. Articles were excluded if the questionnaire did not measure sexual function from the patient perspective. Data extraction: Questionnaires were grouped as general questionnaires that include a sexual function domain, and sexual-function-specific questionnaires. Questionnaires were evaluated for domains, applicability to different populations, and evidence for reliability, validity and responsiveness. Data synthesis: Literature search yielded 62 questionnaires, 57 which assessed sexual function from the patient perspective; 12 were general and 45 specific. Six domains were commonly represented, including interest and desire, satisfaction/quality of experience, excitement/arousal, performance, attitude/behavior, and relationship. Only 28% could be used in homosexual patients, and 52% were applicable to both genders; 57% were designed for use in chronic disease populations. Only nine questionnaires had evidence for both adequate reliability and validity. Conclusions: Current measures of sexual functioning often exclude important domains, lack applicability to gender and sexual preference groups, or lack adequate testing of validity and testing in important populations. Future questionnaires should take into account these concerns.
A Case for Compressing Traces with BDDs

Instruction-level traces are widely used for program and hardware analysis. However, program traces for just a few seconds of execution are enormous, up to several terabytes in size, uncompressed. Specialized compression can shrink traces to a few gigabytes, but trace analyzers typically stream the decompressed trace through the analysis engine. Thus, the complexity of analysis depends on the decompressed trace size (even though the decompressed trace is never stored to disk). This makes many global or interactive analyses infeasible. This paper presents a method to compress program traces using binary decision diagrams (BDDs). BDDs intrinsically support operations common to many desirable program analyses and these analyses operate directly on the BDD. Thus, they are often polynomial in the size of the compressed representation. The paper presents mechanisms to represent a variety of trace data using BDDs and shows that BDDs can store, in 1 GB of RAM, the entire data-dependence graph of traces with over 1 billion instructions. This allows rapid computation of global analyses such as heap-object liveness and dynamic slicing
Cryogenic propulsion for the Titan Orbiter Polar Surveyor (TOPS) mission

Abstract Liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LO2) cryogenic propellants can dramatically enhance NASA’s ability to explore the solar system due to their superior specific impulse ( I sp ) capability. Although these cryogenic propellants can be challenging to manage and store, they allow significant mass advantages over traditional hypergolic propulsion systems and are therefore enabling for many planetary science missions. New cryogenic storage techniques such as subcooling and the use of advanced insulation and low thermal conductivity support structures will allow for the long term storage and use of cryogenic propellants for solar system exploration and hence allow NASA to deliver more payloads to targets of interest, launch on smaller and less expensive launch vehicles, or both. These new cryogenic storage technologies were implemented in a design study for the Titan Orbiter Polar Surveyor (TOPS) mission, with LH2 and LO2 as propellants, and the resulting spacecraft design was able to achieve a 43% launch mass reduction over a TOPS mission, that utilized a traditional hypergolic propulsion system with mono-methyl hydrazine (MMH) and nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) propellants. This paper describes the cryogenic propellant storage design for the TOPS mission and demonstrates how these cryogenic propellants are stored passively for a decade-long Titan mission that requires the cryogenics propellants to be stored for 8.5 years.
A structural analysis of health outcomes after spinal cord injury.

AbstractObjective: To develop and validate a latent model of health outcomes among persons with spinal cord injury.Methods: Survey data were collected at a large specialty hospital in the southeastern USA from 1,388 adult participants with traumatic spinal cord injury of at least 1 year's duration. Multiple indicators of health outcomes were used, including general health ratings, days adversely affected by poor health and poor mental health, treatments and hospitalizations, depressive symptoms, symptoms of illness or infection (eg, sweats, chills, fever), and multiple individual conditions (eg, pressure ulcers, subsequent injuries, fractures, contractures).Results: We performed exploratory factor analysis on half of the sample and confirmatory factor analysis on the other. A 6-factor solution was the best overall solution, because there was an excellent fit with the exploratory factor analysis (root mean square error of approximation = 0.042) and acceptable fit with the confirmatory factor analysis (root...
Gluon and quark condensate induced 3P0 quark pair creation

Abstract The 3 P 0 strength of non-strange meson and baryon decays is determined from gluon and quark condensates contributing about 10% and 90%, respectively. A relativistic generalization of the 3 P 0 model is also discussed.
Comparison of the Numbers of Tobacco Budworms and Bollworms Caught in Sex Pheromone Traps vs. Blacklight Traps in Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Catches of bollworms, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworms H. virescens (F.), in saucer-type pheromone traps and in 15-watt blacklight traps at 3 locations in cultivated cotton in the lower Rio Grande Valley and in 3 locations in uncultivated brushy areas were compared to determine which was the more effective in detecting low populations. The pheromone traps detected low levels of H. virescens bctter than light traps, but the blacklight traps detectcd populations of H. zea better than the pheromone traps. Relatively high populations of either species seemed to reduce the overall performance of the pheromone trap, probably because of increased competition for males by native females. Most H. virescens were captured in cultivated areas by either trap type. Light traps caught more H. zea in uncultivated areas than did pheromone traps.
Radiorecovery and prophylactic-treatment efficacies of manganese(III)2(II)(μ3-O)(μ-3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)6 in γ-irradiated mice

Survival and changes in body mass of whole-body irradiated mice were determined to examine the radiorecovery and prophylactic-treatment efficacies of manganese(lIl)2(ll)(μ3-O)(μ-3,5-diisopropylsali-cylate)6(Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6). To determine the radiorecovery efficacy, four groups of 25 C57BL/6 female mice were LD50/30 γ-irradiated and treated with 0, 30,40 or 50 umol Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6/kg of body mass 3 h after irradiation. Survival increased from 28% in the vehicle-treated control group to 84% (p ≤0.00007), 92% (p ≤ 0.00005), or 88% (p ≤ 0.00002) in the 30, 40 or 50 µmol/kg-treated groups, respectively. Postirradiation treatment with Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6 enabled rapid recovery of radiation-induced loss of body mass and an overall elevated body mass when compared with the vehicle-treated control mice. To determine the combined prophylactic/therapeutic activity of this complex, four groups of 25 C57BL/6 female mice were treated with 50 umol Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6/kg of body mass 3 h prior to LD100/30 γ-irradiation and then treated with 0,10,20 or 40 umol Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6/kg on days 2, 4 and 6 after irradiation. Survival rates were increased to 28% (p ≤ 0.006), 12% or 16% in the 10, 20 or 40 μmol/kg postirradiation-treated mice compared with no survival in control animals. Body mass determinations revealed that mice treated with the 10 μmol/kg dose recovered from the radiation-induced loss of body mass at a more rapid pace than all other mice. These results support the hypothesis that Mn3(O)(3,5-DIPS)6 is an effective radiorecovery/radioprotective agent and that it is effective when given in a combined prophylactic/therapeutic regimen to LD100/30 whole-body-irradiated mice.
Greening in a virescent mutant of maize

Summary The primary leaves of virescent seedlings ( v 18 ) of Zea mays L. were studied during greening. In several regards v 18 resembled lethal rather than viable chloroplast mutants. Before greening, mesophyll and bundle sheath plastids were morphologically indistinguishable, both having only rudimentary vesicular and lamellar components. Chlorophyll and carotenoid content was low, but the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio was above normal. In contrast to other viable mutants, the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than normal. In addition, the rate of CO 2 fixation (per unit chlorophyll) and the light intensity required for photosaturation were also reduced. The results suggest a block in the dark enzymatic reactions of photosynthesis. Pigment content, plastid structure, and photosynthetic capacity normalized with greening.
Structure–Activity Correlation for Relative Chain Initiation to Propagation Rates in Single-Site Olefin Polymerization Catalysis

We have determined what makes the first monomer insertion (initiation) facile or slow for many homogeneous olefin polymerization catalysts. Specifically, we have developed the first comprehensive and mechanistically detailed quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) that successfully predicts relative chain initiation to propagation rates for a large series of group 4 single-site olefin polymerization catalysts. This QSAR correctly predicts (a) whether initiation is facile or slow and (b) the ki/kp ratio for a catalyst family with slow initiation. Monomer concentration versus time profiles were measured for batch polymerization of 1-hexene catalyzed by 27 Cp′Ti(OAr)Me2 and Cp*Zr(OC6H-2,3,5,6-Ph4)J2 (J = Me, CH2Ph) complexes activated with B(C6F5)3. Comparison of DFT calculations to experimental data revealed that the underlying cause of slow versus facile initiation is the difference in docking site opening sizes between the initiation kinetically dominant ion pair (i-KDIP) and the propagation k...
Reproductive strategies, success, and mating systems of northern bobwhite in Missouri

To better understand the reproductive mechanisms that enable northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) to recover from high annual mortality, we studied the reproductive strategies, success, and mating systems of 321 radio-marked bobwhite in northern Missouri during 1990-92. Seventy-four female and 43 male bobwhite incubated 159 nests. Females exhibited apparent monogamy during 60% of nesting attempts and apparent polyandry during 40%. Over the entire nesting season, 71% of females were polyandrous. Of those birds alive 15 April (n = 112 F, n = 148 M), 40.2% of females and 13.5% of males successfully hatched ≥1 nest. Seventy-four percent of females (n = 42) and 26% of males (n = 50) surviving until 1 September successfully hatched ≥1 nest. Nesting females that survived the nesting period incubated a mean of 1.8 nests (SE = 0.13), and males incubated 1.0 nests (SE = 0.04). Of those birds that failed on an initial nesting attempt, 57.9% of females (n = 38) and 2 of 23 males incubated ≥1 renest. Of those females that were successful on their initial nesting attempt, 25.7% attempted second nests. Female first nests represented 45.9%, female renests 20.1%, female double-clutch attempts 5.7%, and male-incubated nests 28.3% of all nests located. Nest survival was 43.7% (SE = 3.9). The reproductive system of northern bobwhite enables recovery from low annual survival or periodic catastrophic declines and may be an adaptation to fluctuating resources in ephemeral, dynamic habitats.
Existence of Solutions for a Class of Third Order Boundary Value Problems under Barrier Strips Conditions

The existence of solutions for the nonlinear third-order two-point boundary value problem x =f(t,x,x′,x″),t∈[0,1]x(0) =x′(0) =x″(1) =0,is discussedinthis paper,if functionf:[0,1]×R3→Ris continuous andsatisfies barrier strips conditions.
Combustion adjustment and operation characteristics analysis of 300MW "W " flame boilers in Heze Power Plant

In view of the design features and air distribution properties of300MW "W"flame boilers in Heze Power Plant ,through debugging and operation practi ce,comparatively rational air distribution mode was determined.Analysis held t hat,the sensitivity of this combustion mode to coal-air ratio and oxygen varia tion was stronger,parallel flow field in boiler was unfavorable to full mixing of air and coal;while the oxygen deviation producing on both sides of boiler re lated to the layout of combustion system configuration and coal-air ratio on b oth sides,and was under the influence of temperature deviation at both and outl ets of A.B coal pulverizers.To reduce the temperature deviation at both end ou tlets of A.B coal pulverizers should be one of main operational adjustment mea ns of reducing oxygen deviation on both sides of boiler.
The limits of our imagination: design fiction as a strategy for engaging with dystopian futures

In this paper we explore how design fiction -- an increasingly common and relevant strategy within HCI and the Digital Humanities -- can be used to get purchase on the future. In particular, we address how design fictional methods allow researchers to construct arguments about feared or dystopian futures within the context of collapse informatics. Fiction, as a research tool, allows us to do several important things with proximal futures: it allows us to adopt a range of different intellectual commitments and values about the future and explore the consequences of those commitments; it allows us to articulate these consequences to a broader public in a format that is more readily consumed and understood than a research paper; and it allows us to insulate ourselves from the emotional consequences of perceived proximal dystopias by creating space to "play with" and explore alternative visions of the future. We argue that paying attention to how popular culture represents scenarios of collapse can provide insight into how to express and communicate the challenges and potential solutions framed by the LIMITS community to a broad public audience.
Noninvasive Ventilation in the Prehospital Setting: Key Applications

Shortness of breath is a common cause of calls for emergency medical services. Improving alveolar ventilation is a critical step for delivering oxygenated blood to the tissue. The benefits of early initiation of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, as an adjunct to medication, are well established in hospital settings. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV), such as continuous positive airway pressure and bi-level positive airway pressure, typically provide pressure support of 4–20 cmH2O. The use of NIV for respiratory failure remains limited in the prehospital setting. Paramedics in the field can improve the effectiveness of their treatment of respiratory failure by becoming more familiar with the indications for and methods of NIV so that NIV may be used appropriately and in all cases that warrant it.
Semen Analysis Using Hamilton-Thorne Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer (CASA)

Semen analysis yields useful information about the fertility status of an individual and is one of the first steps in the diagnosis of male factor infertility. This test provides an assessment of fertility potential, sperm production, functioning of accessory genital tract glands, and ejaculatory capability.
Nickel-Catalyzed Diaryl Ketone Synthesis by N–C Cleavage: Direct Negishi Cross-Coupling of Primary Amides by Site-Selective N,N-Di-Boc Activation

A general Negishi acylation of primary amides enabled by a combination of site-selective N,N-di-Boc activation and nickel catalysis is reported for the first time. The reaction is promoted by a bench-stable, inexpensive Ni catalyst. The reaction shows excellent functional group compatibility, affording functionalized diaryl ketones by selective N–C cleavage. Most notably, this protocol represents the first amide cross-coupling by direct metal insertion of simple and readily available primary amides. The overall strategy by N,N-di-Boc activation/metal insertion is suitable for a broad range of coupling protocols via acylmetals. Mechanistic experiments suggest high reactivity of N,N-di-Boc activated 1° amides in direct amide C–N cross-couplings.