cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Grounded Theory

1. Wendy Miller, EdD, MT(ASCP)SI[⇑][1] 1. Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL 1. Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller{at}elgin.edu 1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded theory investigation. 2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory data collection and analysis. 3. Describe how substantive theory is developed from grounded theory research. INTRODUCTION Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning, and may be used to generate theories based on the coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some, qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one qualitative research method that seeks to create theory from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the researcher collects information and draws conclusions from what is observed. According to Shank (2006), complex settings are best understood by starting at “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory development process.1 This article focuses on grounded theory research, which is based on a framework that emphasizes situations where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the setting under investigation, he must set aside what is already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1 Many researchers find this difficult, and report that having the ability to conduct grounded theory research requires much time and effort to refine.1 The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data; this theory is typically localized, dealing with a particular real-world situation or complex setting.3 Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in such disciplines as health sciences and education.2 Grounded theory researchers believe that building a theory is just as important and valid as testing… 1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded theory investigation. 2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory data collection and analysis. 3. Describe how substantive theory is developed from grounded theory research. [1]: #corresp-1
Assessment of PET and SPECT phantom image quality through binary classification of cold rod sections

195 Objectives: Image quality evaluation in PET and SPECT often involves qualitative assessment of phantom images, typically the ability to resolve hot or cold structures of various sizes in a warm background. Quantitative measurement of contrast (structure-to-background ratio) provides additional information; however contrast measurements do not adequately consider image noise and its effect on task performance. Unlike planar scintigraphic images, which are governed by Poisson noise, tomographic PET or SPECT images have less-characterized noise properties. Although image quality could be assessed over an ensemble of phantom scans, a more practical approach is desired. Methods: The cold rods pattern of the ACR PET and SPECT phantoms offers an opportunity to evaluate image quality based on statistical decision theory. After co-registering the image volume to a digital template, thick slices of the cold rods section are generated (10 mm and 20 mm thicknesses for PET and SPECT, respectively). In each slice, cylindrical volumes of interest (VOIs) are centered on each cold rod and on each midpoint between rods. The assumption is made that each VOI corresponds to a statistically independent measurement of a rod or the background. Using binary classification, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) are computed for each section of cold rods. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is calculated from sample means and standard deviations, under the assumption that the VOI measurements are distributed normally. Results: Automated software successfully registered PET and SPECT images to phantom templates and computed contrast, AUCs, and SNRs for each cold rods section from VOI measurements. Consistency of these measurements was validated by analyzing phantom images from annual physics surveys of scanners with similar designs. Using AUC = 0.9 as the detection threshold, the minimum detectable rod diameter was found to be 6.9 mm for PET and 10.5 mm for SPECT using typical clinical reconstruction parameters. Sample distributions were found to be nearly normal in PET and more skewed in SPECT, though SNR was consistent between studies and appeared to be a robust metric in both cases. PET reconstruction parameters (wholebody versus brain settings) had effects on AUC and SNR versus rod diameter which were not observed on contrast measurements. Conclusions: Binary classification applied to a cold rods phantom is a novel and promising approach to evaluation of PET and SPECT imaging performance. Unlike contrast measurements, AUC and SNR represent task-based measures of image quality and better account for noise properties of reconstructed phantom images.
Relationships between soil, forage, and grazing parameter effects on weed incidence in Missouri pastures

During the 2015, 2016, and 2017 growing seasons, a survey of 63 pastures in Missouri was conducted to determine the effects of selected soil and forage parameters on the density of common annual, biennial, and perennial weed species. Permanent sampling areas were established in each pasture at a frequency of one representative 20-m2 area per 4 ha of pasture, and weed species and density in each area were determined at 14-d intervals for a period from mid-April until late September. The parameters evaluated included soil pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) concentrations, as well as tall fescue density, forage groundcover density, and stocking rate. An increase of 1 unit in soil pH was associated with 146 fewer weeds per hectare, the largest reduction in weed density in response to any soil parameter. Increased soil pH was associated with the greatest reduction in perennial grass weed density, along with an average reduction of 1,410 brush weeds per hectare for each 1-unit increase in soil pH. Common ragweed, a widespread weed of pastures, could be reduced by 3,056 weeds ha–1 when soil pH was 1 unit greater. A 1-ppm increase in soil P was correlated with a decrease of 206 biennial broadleaf weeds per hectare. Perennial broadleaf weed density was reduced in soils with greater concentrations of P, K, and Ca. Additionally, for every 1% increase of tall fescue and forage groundcover, there was a decrease of 18 and 38 perennial broadleaf weeds per hectare. The results from this research indicate that the density of many common weed species can be reduced with higher soil pH and adjustments to soil macro- and micronutrient concentrations, especially P.Nomenclature: Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.; tall fescue, Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort
A dynamic microbial sulfur cycle in a serpentinizing continental ophiolite.

Serpentinization is the hydration and oxidation of ultramafic rock, which occurs as oceanic lithosphere is emplaced onto continental margins (ophiolites), and along the seafloor as faulting exposes this mantle-derived material to circulating hydrothermal fluids. This process leads to distinctive fluid chemistries as molecular hydrogen (H2 ) and hydroxyl ions (OH- ) are produced and reduced carbon compounds are mobilized. Serpentinizing ophiolites also serve as a vector to transport sulfur compounds from the seafloor onto the continents. We investigated hyperalkaline, sulfur-rich, brackish groundwater in a serpentinizing continental ophiolite to elucidate the role of sulfur compounds in fuelling in situ microbial activities. Here we illustrate that key sulfur-cycling taxa, including Dethiobacter, Desulfitispora and 'Desulforudis', persist throughout this extreme environment. Biologically catalysed redox reactions involving sulfate, sulfide and intermediate sulfur compounds are thermodynamically favourable in the groundwater, which indicates they may be vital to sustaining life in these characteristically oxidant- and energy-limited systems. Furthermore, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses reveal a complex network involving sulfate reduction, sulfide oxidation and thiosulfate reactions. Our findings highlight the importance of the complete inorganic sulfur cycle in serpentinizing fluids and suggest sulfur biogeochemistry provides a key link between terrestrial serpentinizing ecosystems and their submarine heritage.
Rate and Risk Factors Associated With Prolonged Opioid Use After Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance Prolonged opioid use after surgery may be associated with opioid dependency and increased health care use. However, published studies have reported varying estimates of the magnitude of prolonged opioid use and risk factors associated with the transition of patients to long-term opioid use. Objectives To evaluate the rate and characteristics of patient-level risk factors associated with increased risk of prolonged use of opioids after surgery. Data Sources For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar from inception to August 30, 2017, was performed, with an updated search performed on June 30, 2019. Key words may includeopioid analgesics, general surgery, surgical procedures, persistent opioid use,andpostoperative pain. Study Selection Of 7534 articles reviewed, 33 studies were included. Studies were included if they involved participants 18 years or older, evaluated opioid use 3 or more months after surgery, and reported the rate and adjusted risk factors associated with prolonged opioid use after surgery. Data Extraction and Synthesis The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed. Two reviewers independently assessed and extracted the relevant data. Main Outcomes and Measures The weighted pooled rate and odds ratios (ORs) of risk factors were calculated using the random-effects model. Results The 33 studies included 1 922 743 individuals, with 1 854 006 (96.4%) from the US. In studies with available sex and age information, participants were mostly female (1 031 399; 82.7%) and had a mean (SD) age of 59.3 (12.8) years. The pooled rate of prolonged opioid use after surgery was 6.7% (95% CI, 4.5%-9.8%) but decreased to 1.2% (95% CI, 0.4%-3.9%) in restricted analyses involving only opioid-naive participants at baseline. The risk factors with the strongest associations with prolonged opioid use included preoperative use of opioids (OR, 5.32; 95% CI, 2.94-9.64) or illicit cocaine (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.50-12.58) and a preoperative diagnosis of back pain (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.63-2.58). No significant differences were observed with various study-level factors, including a comparison of major vs minor surgical procedures (pooled rate: 7.0%; 95% CI, 4.9%-9.9% vs 11.1%; 95% CI, 6.0%-19.4%;P = .20). Across all of our analyses, there was substantial variability because of heterogeneity instead of sampling error. Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that prolonged opioid use after surgery may be a substantial burden to public health. It appears that strategies, such as proactively screening for at-risk individuals, should be prioritized.
Real-time isotopic methane detection using mid-infrared spectroscopy.

A real-time, nondestructive mid-infrared (mid-IR) platform was proposed for isotopic methane detection. The measurement system consisted of a tunable mid-IR laser, a miniaturized gas chamber, and a mid-IR signal receiver. The isotope ratio of the 12CH4/13CH4 was identified by measuring the mid-IR spectrum at λ=3.2−3.5µm.In-situ12CH4/13CH4 monitoring was then achieved by tracing the characteristic mid-IR absorption peaks assigned to the 12CH4 at λ=3.328µm and 13CH4 at λ=3.340µm. The real-time methane isotope analysis can be applied to environmental monitoring and petroleum industries.
High Return to Play Rate and Reduced Career Longevity Following Surgical Management of Athletic Pubalgia in National Basketball Association Players.

Purpose To assess the effects of surgical treatment of athletic pubalgia (AP) on game use and performance metrics in National Basketball Association (NBA) players. Methods A retrospective review of all NBA players who underwent surgical management for AP from 1996 to 2018 was performed. A matched control group was created for comparison. The index period was defined as the entire NBA season in which surgery occurred, including the corresponding offseason. Player demographics, use (games played, games started, and minutes per game) and performance (player efficiency rating) metrics were collected for all players. Statistical analysis was performed to compare data before and after return to play. Results Thirty players with a history of surgical management for AP were included in the final analysis. Following surgery for AP, NBA players were found to have a return to play (RTP) rate of 90.91% (30/33). The average RTP following surgery was 4.73 ± 2.62 months. Compared with control athletes, athletes in the AP group played significantly fewer seasons postinjury (4.17 ± 2.70 vs 5.49 ± 3.04 seasons, respectively; P = .02). During the first year following RTP, NBA players experienced significant reductions in game use and performance, both when compared with the year prior and matched control athletes (P < .05). At 3-year follow-up, players continued to demonstrate significant reductions in game use (minutes per game, P < .05) but not performance. Conclusions Following surgical treatment of AP, NBA players demonstrated a high RTP rate, but shortened career. A short-term reduction in game use and performance metrics was found the year of return following surgery. However, 3-year follow-up performance metrics normalized when compared with healthy controls. Study Design Level III; retrospective case-control study.
An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies

We discuss various views of cryptocurrencies including as a means of payment, as a claim to a growing platform or as a speculative investment. We present information on the asset pricing characteristics of a sample of cryptocurrencies. We touch on various practical use cases such as reducing transaction costs and possible adoption by central banks. Finally, we enumerate some concerns with cryptocurrency exchanges such as illiquidity and price manipulation.
Optimal resource allocation for path restoration in mesh-type self-healing networks

This paper presents a network model for the optimal allocation of both working and protection resources in mesh-type self-healing networks, which accommodates single-link failures. The model can incorporate several practical considerations, including the modularity of transmission systems and the integrality of transmission bearers. To reduce computational effort when analysing real networks, the setting of spare-capacity bounds for specific subnetworks is exploited. Working and restoration paths for the various end-to-end network pairs are selected from a predetermined set of eligible paths. A network example is used to illustrate the model derived and to present some typical results.
Protein-carbohydrate interaction: III. Agar gel-diffusion studies on the interaction of concanavalin A, a lectin isolated from jack bean, with polysaccharides

Concanavalin A, a protein isolated from the jack bean (Canavalia ensijormis), has previously been shown to form a precipitate with glycogen and yeast mannan, and more recently with dextrans and amylopectin. Double-diffusion precipitation studies in agar gel have been found to afford a very sensitive and satisfactory method for investigating the interaction of concanavalin A with certain types of branched, glucose- and mannose- containing polysaccharides. In this manner concanavalin A can be used as a reagent for the detection and preliminary characterization of various types of polysaccharides. Bacterial levans as well as certain plant fructans also form precipitation bands with concanavalin A. This observation represents the first report of such an interaction. The method may also provide an indication as to the heterogeneity of polysaccharide preparations that react with concanavalin A as well as affording preliminary information on the relative molecular size of a series of reactive polysaccharides. Inhibition of the precipitation bands by low molecular weight carbohydrate molecules may be demonstrated. These inhibition studies reveal the highly specific nature of the combining sites of the concanavalin A molecule.
Lab Tests of a Thermomechanical Pump for SHOOT

Laboratory tests of a thermomechanical (TM) pump utilizing a commercially available porous disk have been conducted. Various size disks, heater configurations and outlet flow impedances have been used to characterize scale models of the pump proposed for the Superfluid Helium On-Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) Flight Experiment. The results yield the scalability of the TM pump to larger diameters and hence larger pumping rates, the dependance of flow rate on back pressure and heater power, and the limits of pumping speed due to internal losses within the porous disk due to mutual and superfluid friction. Analysis indicates that for low back pressures the flow rate is limited by the superfluid friction rather than the mutual friction. For the porous plug used in the early tests this amounts to a practical limit of 4.4 liters per hour per square centimeter. For our baselined flight plug area of 180 cm2 this yields 790 liters per hour.
What do you mean my Board Test stinks

In printed circuit board manufacturing we have generally talked in terms of yield at the end of the manufacturing line. But as the yields has improved over the last 10-15 years from the mid 80's to the high 90's yield has become lest relevant and a real measure of quality of the end product become increasingly important.
Isolation and characterization of a polysaccharide containing 3-O-methyl-D-mannose from Mycobacterium phlei.

Abstract A polysaccharide composed of 3-O-methyl-d-mannose and d-mannose in the molar proportion of 10:2 has been isolated from Mycobacterium phlei. This methylmannose polysaccharide (MMP) did not contain acidic or basic groups, acyl esters, or a reducing end. MMP had a molecular weight of 2084 ± 35 as determined by sedimentation equilibrium and had a partial specific volume of 0.663 cc per g as found both by sedimentation equilibrium and summation of the molal volumes of the hexose residues. The structure of MMP was investigated by methylation analysis, Smith degradation, and immunochemistry. In order to distinguish between mannose and 3-O-methylmannose residues in the polysaccharide after exhaustive methylation, MMP was isolated from cells grown in the presence of l-[methyl-14C]methionine, under conditions which resulted in the incorporation of radioactivity exclusively into the methyl groups of the 3-O-methylmannose residues. Exhaustive methylation of [methyl-14C]MMP with nonradioactive methyl iodide and hydrolysis of the fully methylated polysaccharide yielded radioactive 2,3,6-tri-O-methylmannose as the major component. Radioactive 2,3-di-O-methylmannose, and nonradioactive 3,4,6-tri-O-methylmannose and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methylmannose were obtained as minor components. These findings showed that all of the 3-O-methylmannose residues were (1 → 4)-linked with 1 residue containing a substituent at position 6 as well. One of the two mannose residues was (1 → 2)-linked and the other occupied a terminal position in the polysaccharide. Smith degradation of MMP converted the 2 mannose residues to glycerol and ethylene glycol, yielding a nonreducing polysaccharide containing only 3-O-methylmannose. Exhaustive methylation of Smith-degraded [methyl-14C]MMP and hydrolysis of the fully methylated polysaccharide yielded radioactive 2,3,6-tri-O-methylmannose as the major component, although a small quantity of radioactive 2,3-di-O-methylmannose and a trace of radioactive 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methylmannose were still detected. With some slight discrepancies, these results indicate that the ten 3-O-methylmannose residues are (1 → 4)-linked and occur in a homologous chain which probably forms a macrocyclic ring. The 2 mannose residues are attached to each other in a (1 → 2)-linkage and occur as a "nonreducing" end of the polysaccharide, or as a side chain on the postulated macrocyclic ring. Further evidence in support of a (1 → 2)-linked mannobiose side chain was provided by testing MMP as an inhibitor of the precipitin reaction between Kloeckera brevis phosphomonoester mannan and antisera obtained against whole cells of the yeast. MMP and α-(1 → 2)-linked mannotriose were equally effective as inhibitors of this precipitin reaction, which is specific for α-(1 → 2)-linked mannose residues at a nonreducing terminus. Smith-degraded MMP, which had the mannobiose side chain removed, failed to inhibit the precipitin reaction. These results confirm the presence of at least 2 α-(1 → 2)-linked mannose residues at a terminal position of MMP.
Post-traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy. The epidemiologic profile, onset, risk factors, and visual outcome.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to characterize the clinical development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after trauma in the human eye. Methods: A chart review was performed on the records of 1564 patients with ocular trauma seen at a large metropolitan hospital. The frequency, type of ocular trauma, time to onset, potential risk factors, and visual outcome for PVR were evaluated. Results: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in 71 (4%) of 1654 injured eyes. Of these 71 injured eyes, 30 (42%) resulted from rupture, 15 (21 %) from penetration, 13 (18%) from perforation, and 7 (10%) from contusion. Six (9%) were associated with an intraocular foreign body (IOFB). The frequency of PVR following perforation, rupture, penetration, IOFB, and contusion was 43%, 21%, 15%, 11 %, and 1 %, respectively. Overall, those eyes that developed PVR had a poorer visual outcome, with PVR being the primary reason for visual loss. The time from injury to onset of PVR was shortest after perforation (median, 1.3 months), followed by rupture (2.1 months), IOFB (3.1 months), penetration (3.2 months), and contusion (5.7 months). Vitreous hemorrhage was the strongest independent predictive factor for the development of PVR. A long, posteriorly located wound and persistent intraocular inflammation were also important risk factors for PVR. Conclusions: These results suggest that PVR is a common complication following a variety of ocular injuries, and that it is associated with a poor visual outcome. Its frequency, onset, and outcome are strongly dependent on the nature of the trauma. Specific high-risk groups are identified as candidates for more aggressive therapy.
Politics and Devotion: The Case of Robert Persons vs. Edmund Bunny, Author of A Book of Christian Exercise

Devotional writers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries liked to promote their works as an antidote to the toxic polemical literature of the period. Even Robert Persons, the fiercely tenacious and effective polemicist for the Catholic cause, and a favorite Jesuit “bogeyman” in anti-Catholic propaganda, professed to desire a future when Christians would focus their energies on cultivation of the inner spiritual life. However, the irenic dispositions of these writers were counterbalanced by both polemical pressures of the day and deep-seated convictions regarding the true church. The ideological stake in devotion is foregrounded in Edmund Bunny’s Protestant appropriation of Persons’s devotional best-seller, the Christian Directory. This article places Persons/Bunny in the context of the struggles between English Catholics and the English government (and, for that matter, between Catholics) regarding political and religious loyalties. It is argued that the writing—and especially the reading—of such works of devotion in the highly charged polemical environment of this period constitutes a still under-appreciated contribution to the formation of early modern subjectivity. The Persons/Bunny episode is an important chapter in a larger literary struggle for control of conscience.
Accuracy-based time step criteria for solving parabolic equations

Parabolic equations govern many transient engineering problems. Space integration using finite element or finite difference methods changes the parabolic partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation. Time integration schemes are needed to solve the later equation. In order to accurately perform the later integration a proper time step must be provided. Time step estimates based on a stability criteria have been prescribed in the literature. The following paper presents time step estimates that satisfy stability as well as accuracy criteria. These estimates were correlated to the Froude and Courant Numbers. The later criteria were found to be overly conservative for some integration schemes. Suggestions as to which time integration scheme is the best to use are also presented.
Classification Trees for a Binary Response

In this chapter we discuss the technical aspect of the recursive partitioning technique, following the brief introduction from Chapter 2. This chapter, particularly the less technical parts of it, is helpful for understanding the methodological and theoretical aspects of recursive partitioning as well as for efficiently and correctly using the computer software. For clarity, we concentrate on the simplest case—a binary response. However, the basic framework of recursive partitioning is established here.
Novel expansion of living chemistry or just a serious mistake

The recent online report in Science ( ⇓ ; http://www.sciencexpress.org ) that a newly isolated bacterial strain can apparently replace phosphate with arsenate in cellular constituents such as DNA and RNA either (1) wonderfully expands our imaginations as to how living cells might function (as the authors and the sponsoring government agency, the USA NASA, claim) or (2) is just the newest example of how scientist-authors can walk off the plank in their imaginations when interpreting their results, how peer reviewers (if there were any) simply missed their responsibilities and how a press release from the publisher of Science can result in irresponsible publicity in the New York Times and on television. We suggest the latter alternative is the case, and that this report should have been stopped at each of several stages. This is the newest example following when Nature was absurd in publishing favorable reports on the magical spoon-bending telepathist Uri Geller ( Nature , 251, 1974, pp. 602–607) and later immunologist J. Benveniste ‘water with memory’ ( Nature 333, 1988, pp. 816–818, DOI: 10.1038/333816a0), and Science in 1989 published ‘cold fusion’ reports when competent readers thought the ideas just could not be correct. The authors report three results with their new bacterial isolate, all of which seem reasonable to anyone with experience with arsenic microbiology. They interpret and basically claim as the inevitable conclusion that the results demonstrate a biochemistry that should not be imagined, except by science fiction authors …
Interpreting in Institutions

Liaison interpreting generally is carried out in face-to-face encounters between officials and laypeople who are meeting for a particular purpose at a public institution. Traditionally, interpreters are expected to assume a passive neutral role in relaying information. However, researchers have argued that due to the imbalance of power and differences in sociocultural norms, interpreters need to actively monitor and intervene in the communicative process to ensure effective and appropriate interactions. Context (e.g., institutional, sociocultural, interpersonal, and communicative contexts) not only shapes interpreters' interpreting strategies but also other participants' communicative behaviors and their expectations for interpreters' appropriate performances. Keywords: cultural/critical communication; intercultural communication; language and social interaction
Surgical Management of Ischemic Priapism

ABSTRACT Introduction Surgery is a mainstay in the management of ischemic priapism. The surgical armamentarium for this condition has recently been expanded with the introduction of several innovative procedures. Aim To review surgical procedures offered in the treatment of ischemic priapism and present a rational framework for their use. Methods Medline searches through July 2010 were conducted using the terms priapism, surgery, shunt, and prosthesis. Main Outcome Measure Expert opinion was based on review of the medical literature related to this subject matter. Results A host of surgical procedures exist to address the genital complications of both acute presentations of ischemic priapism and its non‐acute pathologic sequelae, which include penile deformities and erectile dysfunction. For the former, the intervention is used principally in an emergent context with the intention to relieve the acute pathologic effects of the condition and preserve erectile function. For the latter, the intervention is aimed generally toward restoring anatomic normalcy and the functional ability to perform sexual intercourse. A rational framework for surgical management, based on the circumstances of the clinical presentation, is described. Conclusions The surgical management for ischemic priapism has evolved with the application of a host of surgical procedures. These procedures address acute and non‐acute genital complications of the condition and are intended to retain or restore sexual ability effectively and safely. They can be applied using a rational clinical management framework. Burnett AL. Surgical management of ischemic priapism. J Sex Med 2012;9:114–120.
Tissue Adhesive Arrests Stromal Melting in the Human Cornea

The direct early application of cyanoacrylate adhesive to a prepared ulcer bed and adjacent basement membrane, followed by placement of a bandage lens, gave good results in ten patients with corneal ulceration. The patients had ulceration with keratitis sicca, herpes keratitis, and other surface diseases. Progressive melting was arrested in all cases, and concurrent adjunctive therapies were used as indicated. The technique is quick and simple.
Exploring Barriers to the Adoption of Mobile Technologies for Volunteer Data Collection Campaigns

Volunteer campaigns for data collection make it possible for non-profit organizations to extend their ability to monitor and respond to critical environmental and societal issues. Yet mobile data collection technologies that have the potential to lower the costs and increase the accuracy of volunteer-collected data are not commonly used in these campaigns. In this paper we conduct a series of studies that reveal the complex issues affecting technology adoption in this domain. First, we surveyed and interviewed existing volunteering campaigns to map out current technology usage within volunteer campaigns. Next, we provided two organizations with a customizable tool for data collection (Sensr) and studied its use and non-use across six real volunteer-driven campaigns over six months. Our study explored success and failure across the first few phases of the campaign lifecycle (campaign creation, initial deployment, and adoption). Our results highlight the impact of resource constraints, cognitive factors, the depth of volunteer engagement, and stakeholders' perspective on technology as important factors contributing to the adoption and usage of mobile data collection technologies. We use these findings to argue for specific design features to accelerate the adoption and use of such tools in volunteer data collection campaigns.
A Simple Algorithm for the Mathematical Programming Approach to Joint Cost Allocation for Decision Making (Demand‐Adjusted‐Sales‐Value Algorithm)

This paper investigates the mathematical programming (MP) approach for decision making and cost allocation in the context of joint products. Through analysis of the MP approach to marginal-value-based cost allocations, an algorithm is developed to show that the allocations contain two elements: an element that is specific to individual joint products due to differences in demand elasticities, and an element based on relative adjusted sales values. If demand elasticities are identical for all joint products, then the traditional sales value method will generate the same cost allocation as the MP method. The new algorithm, the demand-adjusted-sales-value algorithm (DASV), is especially helpful for solving the MP model with linear demand functions. The DASV algorithm provides an easy way to generate costs that are useful for optimal decision making.
Structural analysis of phospholipase A2 from functional perspective. 1. Functionally relevant solution structure and roles of the hydrogen-bonding network.

Bovine pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a small (13.8 kDa) Ca2+-dependent lipolytic enzyme, is rich in functional and structural character. In an effort to examine its detailed structure−function relationship, we determined its solution structure by multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at a functionally relevant pH. An ensemble of 20 structures generated has an average root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 0.62 ± 0.08 A for backbone (N, Cα, C) atoms and 0.98 ± 0.09 A for all heavy atoms. The overall structure shows several notable differences from the crystal structure: the first three residues at the N-terminus, the calcium-binding loop (Y25−T36), and the surface loop (V63−N72) appear to be flexible; the α-helical conformation of helix B (E17−F22) is absent; helix D appears to be shorter (D59−V63 instead of D59−D66); and the hydrogen-bonding network is less defined. These differences were analyzed in relation to the function of PLA2. We then further examined the H-bonding net...
Chemical characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in rainwater.

Abstract Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), UV absorbance and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy were used to define the chemical characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in whole and C18 extracted rainwater. The average total recovery of fluorescence determined from the sum of extract and filtrate fractions relative to the whole was 86% suggesting that 14% of fluorescent CDOM in rainwater is comprised of very hydrophobic material that cannot be eluted from the column. Half the fluorescence of rainwater was recovered in the filtrate fraction which is important because it suggests that 50% of the chromophoric material present in precipitation is relatively hydrophilic. The average spectral slope coefficient was smaller in extracted samples (16.3 ± 9.0 μm−1) relative to whole samples (18.9 ± 2.8 μm−1) suggesting that the extracted material contains larger molecular weight material. Approximately one-third of the total dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in rainwater exists in the extract fraction suggesting that a large percentage of the uncharacterized DOC in rainwater can be accounted for by these hydrophobic macromolecular species. The fluorescence of extracted samples is strongly correlated with total NMR integration and is most sensitive to aromatic protons suggesting that molecules in this region are the most important in controlling the optical properties of rainwater. The lower removal efficiency of CDOM in rainwater relative to surface waters or the water-soluble fraction of aerosols during solid phase extraction (SPE) suggests that rainwater contains significantly more hydrophilic chromophoric compounds which are compositionally different than found in these other aquatic matrices.
Effects of rapid thermal annealing treatment on the surface band bending of n-type GaN studied by surface potential electric force microscopy

It is generally accepted that the Schottky barrier height (SBH) is affected by the initial band bending at the bare nGaN surface as well as by an additional contribution following metal deposition. In this work the effect of processing used for device fabrication on the surface band bending of bare c-plane nGaN was studied by surface potential electric force microscopy (SP-EFM). An increase of the initial upward band bending from 1.0 ± 0.1eV for the as-grown GaN to 1.9 ± 0.1eV after RTA treatment in N2 ambient was observed. No significant dependence of band bending on N2 or Ar as ambient gas during the RTA treatment was observed. The increase of the initial upward band bending was also confirmed by photoluminescence (PL) measurements. We suggest that the RTA treatment causes a high density of surface states, possibly as a result of high temperature reaction of ambient gas and remnant contamination.
Obesity and angiolymphatic invasion in primary breast cancer.

Background Obesity is associated with poorer breast cancer-specific survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between obesity and the presence of angiolymphatic invasion as well as other features of invasive breast cancer, including stage at presentation, estrogen receptor (ER) status, triple-negative phenotype, and tumor grade.
Thinking strategically about integrating repatriated managers in MNCs

Although multinational corporations (MNCs) invest considerable resources in sending managers on foreign assignments, too many managers report dissatisfaction with their postrepatriation careers, and a significant percentage leave the firm within a year. This failure to harness learning and develop a cadre of globally trained managers raises questions about the current objectives and strategies that drive the investment in expatriation. A study of managers who had recently completed their expatriate assignment points to underorganized home office operations, poorly defined mentor roles, and large gaps between managers' expectations and reality as key contributors to the problem. This paper calls for a strategic orientation toward managing the expatriate function and proposes a comprehensive configuration of processes, systems, and structures necessary for implementing new strategies for developing the next generation of globally trained managers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolutionary feature synthesis for facial expression recognition

Feature extraction is one of the key steps in object recognition. In this paper we propose a novel genetically inspired learning method for facial expression recognition (FER). Unlike current research on facial expression recognition that generally selects visually meaningful feature by hands, our learning method can discover the features automatically in a genetic programming-based approach that uses Gabor wavelet representation for primitive features and linear/nonlinear operators to synthesize new features. These new features are used to train a support vector machine classifier that is used for recognizing the facial expressions. The learned operator and classifier are used on unseen testing images. To make use of random nature of a genetic program, we design a multi-agent scheme to boost the performance. We compare the performance of our approach with several approaches in the literature and show that our approach can perform the task of facial expression recognition effectively.
Chronic vascular pulmonary dysplasia associated with neonatal hyperoxia exposure in the rat.

ABSTRACT: Chronic sequelae of neonatal hyperoxia was studied in male rats exposed to 0.96-1.0 FiO2 for the first 8 days of life. At 58 days of age functional and morphologic cardiopulmonary changes were compared with controls. Right ventricular systolic pressure was measured percutaneously under anesthesia and was increased in the O2 group (29.5 mm Hg ± 3.1 versus 23.2 mm Hg ± 3.5, p< 0.001). Lung and heart weights were similar between groups. Right ventricular weights however were increased in the O2 group (0.197 g ± 0.023 versus 0.175 g ± 0.020, p< 0.001). Air pressure-volume curves were similar but in the O2 rats saline deflation curves were shifted left and maximal fluid lung volumes were greater (14.1 ± 1.2 versus 12.0 ± 0.7 ml, p<0.001). Pulmonary arteries were perfused at 100 cm H2O with a barium-gel mixture and lungs were fixed at 25 cm H2O with formalin. Microscopic examination of lungs revealed dysplastic changes of alveolar architecture which included irregularly enlarged alveoli and incomplete alveolar septation. Morphometric studies of the lungs showed that the O2 rats had an increased volume proportion of parenchyma (0.865 ± 0.020 versus 0.850 ± 0.019, p<0.05), increased mean linear intercept (72.3 urn ± 9.5 versus 53.6/tin ± 5.0, p<0.001), decreased number of alveoli per mm2 (207 ± 34 versus 319 ± 39, p<0.001) and fewer small arteries (20-200 nm) per mm2 (8.7 ±1.3 versus 14.9 ± 2.4, p<0.001). The number of small arteries/100 alveoli was similar. We conclude that limited and specifically timed neonatal hyperoxia is associated with chronic morphologic and functional cardiopulmonary changes in the adult rat. These changes include a decrease in the number of small pulmonary arteries, elevated right ventricular pressure, and emphysema-like changes in the air spaces.
Abstract 5427: Increased glycolysis by 14-3-3ζ-mediated LDHA up-regulation contributes to transformation of early mammary epithelial cells.

The Warburg effect is a distinct cancer hallmark that shifts the metabolic pathway in cancer cells through elevated aerobic glycolysis for energy supply and biomass. However, the mechanism of early stage metabolic dysregulation still remains unclear. 14-3-3ζ was found to be over-expressed in the early stages of breast disease and cancer (Atypical ductal hyperplasia and Ductal carcinoma in situ) and in >40% of breast cancer patients, correlating with poor patient prognosis. We found that 14-3-3ζ over-expression in non-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), MCF10A and MCF12A, positively correlated with changes in the cellular glycolytic activity (increased glucose uptake, increased lactate production and reduced oxygen consumption). Additionally, 14-3-3ζ over-expression in HMECs induced soft agar colony formation and disorganized acini in three dimensional (3D) culture. Interestingly, we identified that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) was up-regulated in these 14-3-3ζ overexpressing HMECs. LDHA knockdown in 14-3-3ζ overexpressing cells reduced aerobic glycolysis, decreased soft agar colonies and partially rescued the abnormal acinar structures, indicating LDHA upregulation contributed to 14-3-3ζ-mediated aerobic glycolysis and early transformation. Taken together, our data provide new insight into metabolic deregulation during the early stages of breast cancer transformation. Citation Format: Chia-Chi Chang, Jia Xu, Hai Wang, Chenyu Zhang, Jian Zhang, Sumaiyah K. Rehman, Ping Li, Dihua Yu. Increased glycolysis by 14-3-3ζ-mediated LDHA up-regulation contributes to transformation of early mammary epithelial cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5427. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5427
Simulation of laser propagation through a three-layer human skin model in the spectral range from 1000 to 1900 nm

For understanding the mechanisms of low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT), accurate knowledge of light interaction with tissue is necessary. We present a three-dimensional, multilayer reduced-variance Monte Carlo simulation tool for studying light penetration and absorption in human skin. Local profiles of light penetration and volumetric absorption were calculated for uniform as well as Gaussian profile beams with different spreads over the spectral range from 1000 to 1900 nm. The results showed that lasers within this wavelength range could be used to effectively and safely deliver energy to specific skin layers as well as achieve large penetration depths for treating deep tissues, without causing skin damage. In addition, by changing the beam profile from uniform to Gaussian, the local volumetric dosage could increase as much as three times for otherwise similar lasers. We expect that this tool along with the results presented will aid researchers in selecting wavelength and laser power in LLLT.
Preservice Teachers' Content Knowledge and Self-Efficacy for Teaching Reading

This mixed methods study examined preservice teachers' growth in content knowledge and self-efficacy for teaching reading as they participated in a literacy course/reading clinic practicum with those not enrolled in the experience. Groups were compared on three measures using a pretest–posttest design. Additionally, five preservice teachers from the treatment group were interviewed at three points during the semester. Quantitative measures documented that both groups began the semester with moderately high self-efficacy and low content knowledge, but the treatment group ended the semester with more significant gains in knowledge and self-efficacy. Content knowledge and self-efficacy were highly correlated at the end of the semester, indicating that as preservice teachers gained knowledge, they also gained self-efficacy. Qualitative interviews provided insights into the factors that facilitated the growth.
Hybrid bi-directional flexure joint

Abstract Precision mechanisms that require repeatable and friction free motion utilize numerous types of flexural bearing joints. This manuscript expands the pool of existing flexure designs by presenting a type of two-degree of freedom (DOF) flexural joint, dubbed the hybrid bi-directional flexure joint (HBFJ), along with the evolution of its design, possible applications and experimental results for stiffness, range of motion, and vibration damping. The HBFJ has a dominant plane of deformation. However, unlike most of its traditional counterparts, the flexure can deflect in other planes. It contains an open, thin walled cavity as the base joint that can be filled with an elastomeric filler material. The filler limits axial deflection, while still permitting the mechanism to have bending deformations in and out of plane. Additionally, the elastomer provides vibration damping to the joint.
Invariant symmetric block matrices for the design of mixture experiments

The paper analyzes a quadratic subspace of block matrices which are invariant under the action of a group H arising from the design of mixture experiments. There are two sets of novel results: first, we find an orthogonal basis of the quadratic subspace and a multiplication table for the matrix blocks allowing efficient handling of H-invariant symmetric matrices. Second, we present a spectral analysis of H-invariant symmetric matrices. The results are used to calculate optimal designs of mixture experiments analytically as well as numerically.