cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How to Divide Students into Groups so as to Optimize Learning

To enhance learning , it is desirable to also let students learn from each other, e.g., by working in groups. It is known that such groupwork can improve learning , but the effect strongly depends on how we divide students into groups. In this chapter, based on a first approximation model of student interaction, we describe how to optimally divide students into groups so as to optimize the resulting learning. We hope that, by taking into account other aspects of student interaction, it will be possible to transform our solution into truly optimal practical recommendations.
Comparing Cortical Trajectory Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions Against Pedicle Trajectory Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions and Posterolateral Fusions: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 90-day Outcomes

BACKGROUND The cortical screw (CS) trajectory for pedicle screw placement is believed to require a smaller incision and less tissue dissection resulting in lower blood loss and faster healing; however, this has not yet been confirmed in clinical studies. OBJECTIVE To compare CS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIF), traditional pedicle screw (TPS) trajectory TLIFs, and posterolateral fusion (PLF) without interbody for differences in operative characteristics and complications. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study (CS, TPS, and PLF) looking at patients who underwent lumbar fusion with 1 or 2 levels. Extracted data included demographics, comorbidities, estimated blood loss, transfusions, operative time, length of stay, discharge disposition (home vs rehabilitation), and complications within the perioperative, 30- and 90-d periods. RESULTS A total of 118 patients (45 CS, 35 TPS, and 38 PLF) were included with average age 62 and 90-d follow-up for 106 (90%) patients. CS had less average blood loss (231 ml) than either TPS (424, P = .0023) or PLF (400, P = .0070). CS had far fewer transfusions than either TPS or PLF (P < .0001). TPS had longer average operating room (OR) time (262 min) than either CS (214, P = .0075) or PLF (211, P = .0060). CS had the shortest length of postoperative stay (4.3 days) which was significantly shorter than PLF (6.2, P = .0138) but not different than TPS (4.8). There were no differences in discharge disposition, complications, perioperative, 30-d, 90-d, durotomy, or wound healing issues. CONCLUSION The CS trajectory is associated with less blood loss, fewer transfusions, reduced OR time, and shorter length of stay, with no difference in complications.
Intralesional therapy as a treatment for locoregionally metastatic melanoma.

INTRODUCTION The emergence of novel intralesional therapies have dramatically changed the treatment landscape for melanoma. The heterogeneous presentation of melanoma continues to pose challenges for clinicians, especially when dealing with advanced locoregional disease. Intralesional therapies have the benefit of causing local tumor destruction, while minimizing systemic toxicity. Moreover, the integration of immunotherapeutic agents into intralesional compounds has resulted in the additional benefit of a bystander effect, whereby untreated distant lesions also derive a benefit from treatment. Intralesional therapy has assumed an important role in the management of unresectable, locoregional disease for melanoma. Areas covered: Multiple intralesional agents have been studied over the years, with only a few demonstrating promising results. This review will provide an overview of the different intralesional agents for melanoma. Mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and side effects will be the primary focus. Expert commentary: Treatment options for advanced melanoma continue to evolve. Attractive new therapies delivered by an intralesional route has demonstrated promising results, with minimal side effects. The ideal treatment strategy for melanoma will remain a multimodal approach; intralesional therapy provides an additional tool in the treatment armamentarium for melanoma.
Maternal deaths at the Cook County Hospital. Fourteen-year survey (1952-1965).

Abstract A review was made of all maternal deaths at the Cook County Hospital during the 14 year period from 1952 through 1965. There were 226,878 live births and 234 total adult deaths. Postmortem examination was done in 88.5 per cent. All deaths, regardless of the cause, in pregnant women at any period of gestation or within 90 days of termination of the pregnancy were included in the study. Fifty-three per cent were classified as direct obstetric, 24 per cent as indirect obstetric, and 23 per cent as nonrelated deaths. The gross maternal death rate per 10,000 live births for the white population was higher than for the Negro population.
Short Courses of Oral Corticosteroids: Lack of Benefit and Potential Harms for Common Acute Conditions.

A short course of oral corticosteroids is appropriate for many patients with specific conditions. However, widespread use of corticosteroids in patients with non-pneumonia lower respiratory tract infection, nonsevere sore throat, or low back pain is inappropriate and not worth the risk of rare but potentially serious harms.
Effect of new persistent opioid use on physiologic and psychologic outcomes following bariatric surgery.

New persistent opioid use following surgery is a common iatrogenic complication, developing in roughly 6% of patients after elective surgery. Despite increased awareness of misuse and associated morbidity, opioids remain the cornerstone of pain management in bariatric surgery. The potential impact of new persistent opioid use on long-term postoperative outcomes is unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between new persistent opioid use and 1-year postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Using data from the MBSC registry, we identified patients undergoing primary bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2016. Using previously validated patient-reported survey methodology, we evaluated patient opioid use preoperatively and at 1 year following surgery. New persistent use was defined as a previously opioid-naive patient who self-reported opioid use 1 year after surgery. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association between new persistent opioid use, risk-adjusted weight loss, and psychologic outcomes (psychological wellbeing, body image, and depression). 27,799 patients underwent primary bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2016. Among opioid-naive patients, the rate of new persistent opioid use was 6.3%. At 1-year after surgery, patients with new persistent opioid user lost significantly less excess body weight compared to those without new persistent use (57.6% vs. 60.3%; p < 0.0001). Patients with new persistent opioid use had significantly worse psychological wellbeing (35.0 vs. 33.1; p < 0.0001), body image (19.9 vs. 18.0; p < 0.0001), and depression scores (2.4 vs. 5.0; p < 0.0001). New persistent opioid users also reported less overall satisfaction with their bariatric surgery (75.1% vs. 85.7%; p < 0.0001). New persistent opioid use is common following bariatric surgery and associated with significantly worse physiologic and psychologic outcomes. More effective screening and postoperative surveillance tools are needed to identify these patients, who likely require more aggressive counseling and treatment to maximize the benefits of bariatric surgery.
Magnesium sulfate use for fetal neuroprotection.

Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to describe the proposed mechanisms of action of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection, different dosing regimens of the drug that have shown benefit, and to review recent pharmacokinetic studies of the drug to better inform clinicians regarding expec
Use of “super‐glue” to seal a perforation during chronic total occlusion coronary intervention and the potential to “unglue” it

Coronary perforation remains a dreaded complication of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We present a case of successful CTO recanalization complicated by a perforation treated by n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (medical "super-glue"). We also present an in vitro experiment showing that a glue plug in a plastic tube can acutely be passed by a low tip load guide wire and undergo balloon angioplasty recreating a lumen. These results suggest that n-butyl-cyanoacrylate glue may be an alternative for treating perforation during CTO PCI with the possibility of recanalizing the vessel through the glue plug at a later time.
Assessment of various parametric effects on the performance of a commercial grade photovoltaic solar panel

This paper presents the implementation of an integrated photovoltaic solar panel model which includes all the necessary parameters in order to simulate and analyze using Matlab/Simulink software. The integrated photovoltaic model is validated with Matlab/Simulink simulation for a commercially available 100W photovoltaic solar panel module. Using the commercial solar panel specifications, such as solar irradiation, panel temperature, etc. the integrated model solved with Matlab/Simulink returns an I-V and P-V performance characteristics under various conditions which enabled detailed analysis, assessment of parametric effect on the performance of the solar panel. According to the model simulation results for a commercial RNG-100D solar panel, it was found that panel performance was mostly affected by the variations of solar radiation/insolation, panel surface temperature, series resistance, shunt resistance and band gap energies of the semiconductor materials. The commercial solar panel simulation results show that a photovoltaic panel output power reduces as module temperature decreases. Taking the effect of sunlight irradiance and cell temperature into consideration, the output current and power characteristics of PV model are simulated and results can be optimized using the proposed model. The integrated model enables the dynamics of PV power system to be easily simulated, analyzed, and optimized.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Metrics Are Predictive of Liver Fibrosis in Fontan Patients.

Background Liver fibrosis is a serious complication of single ventricle Fontan survivors. Its causes are of great interest, and potential solutions to halt or delay progression are needed. The purpose of this study is to investigate if prior hemodynamics and anatomy can predict liver fibrosis severity in these patients. Methods Twenty-one Fontan patients with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data obtained greater than 1 year before liver biopsy data were included. Computational fluid dynamic simulations were performed to quantify total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) flow dynamics using patient-specific anatomies and blood flow waveforms reconstructed from CMR data. Collagen deposition (a measure of liver fibrosis) was quantified by digital image analysis of Sirius red–stained slides. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate potential relationships between Fontan hemodynamics and liver fibrosis. Results With an average time of 6.7 ± 2.9 years (range, 2-11 years) between CMR and biopsy, TCPC resistance and left pulmonary artery stenosis showed significant, positive correlations with magnitude of liver fibrosis (r = 0.54, P = .026; and r = 0.55, P = .028, respectively). The change in inferior vena cava flow rate over time also showed a significant positive correlation with magnitude of liver fibrosis (r = 0.91, P = .001). Conclusions TCPC resistance, left pulmonary artery stenosis, and increased inferior vena cava flow are positively associated with liver fibrosis after Fontan operation and hold promise as important predictors of hepatic decline. These findings encourage preprocedural planning and interventional strategies to improve TCPC performance and reduce vessel stenosis. Further investigation is warranted to design the ideal Fontan circulation and optimize flow dynamics to reduce the risk of liver fibrosis.
Time-course RNA-seq analysis provides an improved understanding of gene regulation during the formation of nodule-like structures in rice

Using a time-course RNA-seq analysis we identified transcriptomic changes during formation of nodule-like structures (NLS) in rice and compared rice RNA-seq dataset with a nodule transcriptome dataset in Medicago truncatula. Plant hormones can induce the formation of nodule-like structures (NLS) in plant roots even in the absence of bacteria. These structures can be induced in roots of both legumes and non-legumes. Moreover, nitrogen-fixing bacteria can recognize and colonize these root structures. Therefore, identifying the genetic switches controlling the NLS organogenesis program in crops, especially cereals, can have important agricultural implications. Our recent study evaluated the transcriptomic response occurring in rice roots during NLS formation, 7 days post-treatment (dpt) with auxin, 2,4-D. In this current study, we investigated the regulation of gene expression occurring in rice roots at different stages of NLS formation: early (1-dpt) and late (14-dpt). At 1-dpt and 14-dpt, we identified 1662 and 1986 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the dataset was enriched with genes involved in auxin response and signaling; and in anatomical structure development and morphogenesis. Next, we compared the gene expression profiles across the three time points (1-, 7-, and 14-dpt) and identified genes that were uniquely or commonly differentially expressed at all three time points. We compared our rice RNA-seq dataset with a nodule transcriptome dataset in Medicago truncatula. This analysis revealed there is some amount of overlap between the molecular mechanisms governing nodulation and NLS formation. We also identified that some key nodulation genes were not expressed in rice roots during NLS formation. We validated the expression pattern of several genes via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The DEGs identified in this dataset may serve as a useful resource for future studies to characterize the genetic pathways controlling NLS formation in cereals.
Role of BioJava in the Department of Bioinformatics Tools

Bioinformatics with computational biology is one of the important research areas in today’s computer world. Information technology is playing a vital role in exploring biology data mining and data analytics tools. High-level open-source programming languages like Java have persisting security, scalability, and portability. BioJava is an open source, makes application distributed and gives enhancement facility. BioJava uses Java language to provide framework for implementing applications in bioinformatics by introducing various modules which work independently. It provides tools comparison of protein structure, protein sequence alignment, parsing for standard file format, analysis on protein modification as well as disordered region. This chapter precedes an overview on BioJava and significance of Java programming language in developing various tools and its applications in bioinformatics. It also defines in brief about the most common APIs used in bioinformatics tool for application development, along with code snippets, etc. to serve the student’s community with worked-out examples.
Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis Using Excimer Laser Coronary Atherectomy and Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Guided by Optical Coherence Tomography.

Abstract The rate of in-stent restenosis (ISR) has become increasingly prevalent with the exponential growth in stent implantation due to an aging population and a higher life expectancy, in addition to the high rates of obesity and diabetes. In this prospective, single operator, all-comer study, we sought to analyze the performance of ELCA followed by bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) placement in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ISR. A total of 13 patients had ISR treated with a combination of ELCA and BVS, with 9 patients having matched OCT pre, post ELCA and post BVS. Mean age was 65 ± 11.22 and 83% of the patients were male. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were present in 100% of the patients and smoking and diabetes in 50%. After the procedure, we did not detect residual stenosis over 10% in any patient, resulting in a technical success of 100%. No patients had MACE during their hospital stay or within the next six months, resulting in a procedure success of 100%. The mean lumen area increased 0.35 mm2 from pre procedure to post ELCA and 3.58 mm2 from post ELCA to post BVS. The final difference, from pre procedure to post BVS, was a 3.93 mm2 lumen area gain. The mean lumen diameter increased 0.11 mm from baseline to ELCA, 0.95 mm from post laser to BVS implantation and 1.06 mm from pre procedure to post BVS. The NIH area reduced 0.48 mm2 from pre to post ELCA, 1.13mm2 from post ELCA to BVS implantation and 1.61 mm2 from baseline to post BVS implantation. We conclude that ELCA is a safe and feasible debulking method to approach ISR, with high rates of post-procedural BVS success, within six months follow-up.
NO Candida auris: Nitric Oxide in Nanotherapeutics to Combat Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris.

Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging pathogenic fungal species that is especially worrisome due to its high mortality rates and widespread antifungal resistance. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) nanoparticles on Candida species, and, to our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the antifungal effects of a NO-generating nanoparticle on C. auris. Six C. auris strains were incubated with a nanoparticle (NAC-SNO-np), which releases N-acetylcysteine S-nitrosothiol (NAC-SNO) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and generates NO, through colony forming unit (CFU) assays, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. NAC-SNO-np effectively eradicates planktonic and biofilm C. auris. Across all six strains, 10 mg/mL NAC-SNO-np significantly reduced the number of CFUs (p 70% decrease in biofilm viability (p < 0.05). NAC-SNO-np effectively eradicates planktonic C. auris and significantly reduces C. auris biofilm formation. Hence, this novel NO-releasing nanoparticle shows promise as a future therapeutic.
Market Sentiment and the Sharpe Ratio: A Prospect Theory Approach

Market sentiment drives fluctuations in financial markets, but it is measured with empirical proxies lacking strong theoretical foundations. In a generalization of the Consumption CAPM where the representative agent has a prospect theory probability weighting function, we derive a formula for market sentiment that is approximately a decreasing linear function of the conditional market Sharpe ratio, a sufficient statistic for market performance. Our derived sentiment index is negatively correlated with the realized Sharpe ratio, and positively correlated with empirical sentiment indexes. The components of the conditional Sharpe ratio are sufficient to isolate the systematic components of empirical sentiment indexes.
A SMART approach to reducing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation symptoms: Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background Stress and negative emotions contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). Mind-body practices decrease stress and negative emotions and may reduce AF episodes and improve quality of life for patients with AF. Objective We examined the effects of a multimodal mind-body program, the SMART Program, on AF-related quality of life in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF). Methods In this randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, 18 subjects with PAF participated in an 8-week SMART Program delivered online immediately or 3 months later. Validated measures were completed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months (waitlist group only). Results Comparing pre- vs post-program scores among all 18 participants, subjects reported improvement in AF-related quality of life (Cohen's d=0.75, P = .005) and depression (d = 0.50, P = .05) but not anxiety (d = 0.35, P = .16). Subjects also reported improvements in AF symptom severity (P = .026), distress (P = .014), positive affect (P = .003), and ability to cope with stress (P = .001). Compared to waitlist control subjects, those in the immediate group reported improvement in positive affect (d = 1.20, P = .021) and coping with stress (d = 1.36, P = .011) after participating in the program. Conclusion The SMART Program, delivered virtually, may enhance positive emotions and coping with stress as well as decrease negative emotions and AF symptoms. These results warrant a larger trial to better understand the potential benefits of such programs for patients with PAF.
Lawyers, Regulation of

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by E. Chambliss, volume 12, pp. 8559–8564, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
On the Generation of Temperatures to 30,000° K

On the Generation of Temperatures to 30,000° K. The attainment of high temperatures under stable, steady-state conditions was once limited not only by the materials themselves but also by the means of generating such temperatures. Thus research was handicapped, since materials could not be exposed to these high temperatures and their properties studied.
The Th1/Th2 Paradigm in Infections

The extent of the diversity of T-cell responses is much larger than the original Th1/Th2 dichotomy, raising questions about the significance of the original sharply defined Th1 and Th2 phenotypes, the extent of diversity of T-cell cytokine patterns, the information used by the immune system to decide which type of response to induce, the signals that induce differentiation into these and other phenotypes in vivo, and the extent to which differentiation and continued differentiation occur during normal responses. The study of functional heterogeneity within the CD4+ T-cell population with regard to infectious disease was prompted by studies in the early 1970s on the development of humoral and cell-mediated immunity to pathogens and experimental antigens. In addition, IFN-γ stimulates the production of immunoglobulin G antibodies, which mediate opsonization and phagocytosis of particulate organisms. Th1 responses are also associated with viral infections; a direct role for CD4 cells in viral clearance has not been demonstrated for most viruses, but Th1 responses may support the expansion of CD8+ antiviral effectors. The authors expect that T cells expressing non- Th1, non-Th2 patterns may be essential for other diseases and that the crucial differences between the immune responses may be subtle. The requirement for multiple effector phenotypes is almost certainly due to the intensive interplay between the host response and each pathogen, driving the evolution of complex host defense strategies and equally complex evasion and interference tactics by the pathogen.
Acute adiponectin delivery is cardioprotective in the aged female rat heart

Aim The aged, post-menopausal female heart is characterized by reduced ischemic tolerance, and few therapies currently exist to limit ischemic damage. Adiponectin (APN), a cytokine produced in adipose tissue, limits infarct size and improves functional recovery after ischemia/reperfusion injury in adult hearts. The aim of the present study was to extend these previous studies and determine the cardioprotective efficacy of APN treatment in aged female rats. Methods Hearts were isolated from adult (age 6–7 months; n = 10), aged (age 23 months; n = 14) and aged ovariectomized (n = 10) female rats, and subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury. On ischemia, hearts were infused with 9 μg of APN or vehicle. Adiponectin receptor 1, adiponectin receptor 2 and adenosine monophosphate-dependent kinase (AMPK) were assessed by western blotting, tumor necrosis factor-α and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase levels by real time polymerase chain reaction. Non-reducing western blotting for APN multimers in visceral adipose was also carried out. Results APN infusion successfully improved post-ischemic left ventricular developed pressure (∼10–15%) and attenuated the rise in end diastolic pressure in all groups (P < 0.05). With ischemia/reperfusion injury, phospho-AMPK increased in all groups with additive effects of APN on increasing phospho-AMPK abundance in aged ovary-intact female rats only (P < 0.001). Age-associated increases in pre-ischemic tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA were unaffected by APN, whereas nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 mRNA levels were attenuated by APN in adult and aged ovariectomized female rats. An age-associated decrease in cardiac adiponectin receptor 2 was observed in conjunction with elevated high molecular weight APN in adipose. Conclusions The present data suggest that APN might be a relevant therapy for protecting the aging female heart, albeit through divergent mechanisms that are likely influenced by age-associated estrogen availability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 636–646.
Varieties of Narrative Analysis

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2011 Pages: 328 Publisher: Sage Publications ISBN: 9781412987554 (hard cover).
A boundary element-based approach to analysis of LV deformation

Quantification of left ventricular (LV) deformation from 3D image sequences (4D data) is important for the assessment of myocardial viability, which can have important clinical implications. To date, feature information from either Magnetic Resonance, computed tomographic or echocardiographic image data has been assembled with the help of different interpolative models to estimate LV deformation. These models typically are designed to be computationally efficient (e.g. regularizing strategies using B-splines) or more physically realistic (e.g. finite element approximations to biomechanical models), but rarely incorporate both notions. In this paper, we combine an approach to the extraction and matching of image-derived point features based on local shape properties with a boundary element model. This overall scheme is intended to be both computationally efficient and physically realistic. In order to illustrate this, we compute strains using our method on canine 4D MR image sequences and compare the results to those found from a B-spline-based method (termed extended free-form deformation (EFFD)) and a method based on finite elements (FEM). All results are compared to displacements found using implanted markers, taken to be a gold standard.
Costs, Benefits, Effectiveness and Safety: Setting The Record Straight

The concepts of "cost-benefit" and "cost-effectiveness" are increasingly cropping up in debate over present and future motor vehicle standards. Often they are introduced to attack, or justify, a particular standard. Just as often, they are misunderstood and misused. Since a motor vehicle safety performance standard has no costs per se, it cannot be evaluated either in cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness terms. It is the particular design alternatives available to manufacturers to achieve the objectives of a standard that have societal costs. The various design alternatives can be evaluated. Cost-effective designs should be chosen to minimize societal costs, and until there is evidence that cost-effective designs have been chosen, cost-benefit studies are premature. Even then, because of the major conceptual and methodological difficulties in the valuation of life and limb, cost-benefit studies will be appropriate only in the evaluation of designs not primarily intended to save lives and reduce injuries -- that is, vehicle designs to reduce property damage. Until manufacturers are forthcoming with accurate cost data, neither cost-effectivenss nor cost-benefit studies in this field can be relied upon. Pending legislation may resolve this.
Hierarchical topology-preserving simplification of terrains

We present an algorithm for simplifying terrain data that preserves topology. We use a decimation algorithm that simplifies the given data set using hierarchical clustering. Topology constraints, along with local error metrics, are used to ensure topology-preserving simplification and to compute precise error bounds in the simplified data. The earth's mover distance is used as a global metric to compute the degradation in topology as the simplification proceeds. Experiments with both analytic and real terrain data are presented. Results indicate that one can obtain significant simplification with low errors without losing topology information.
Photocatalytic water splitting with nano-K 4 Nb 6 O 17

As many water splitting photocatalysts only evolve hydrogen under irradiation due to complications with high energy water oxidation steps, a three component nano-catalyst was designed by combining sites for water reduction and oxidation with solar-charge-supplying semiconductor. The semiconductor framework was derived from K 4 Nb 6 O 17 , a known UV-light photocatalyst with a band gap of 3.5 eV. Following ion exchange and exfoliation with terabutyalammonium hydroxide, the layered material separates into nanosheets that coil into 1 ± 0.5 um long and 10 ± 5 nm wide nanoscrolls to redue surface energy. PT (reduction sites) and IrOx (oxidation sites) were photochecmically deposited on the surface of the nanoscrolls to produce two-and three-component nanostructures. Upon irradiation with UV-light, H 2 was evolved from aqueous methanol and pure water, substoichiometric O 2 from aqueous AgNo 3 . The band structures of each catalyst and reason for lack of O 2 evolution from pure water was evaluated with cyclic voltammetry and photoelectrochemistry.
Prevalence and predictors of tobacco treatment in an academic medical center.

Article-at-a-Glance Background Hospitalized smokers are a large and important but undertreated population. Although effective strategies have been developed to enhance smoking cessation, many hospitalized smokers still fail to benefit from these services. A study was conducted to examine the reach of services within a hospital tobacco treatment program and to identify predictors of referral and treatment. Methods Electronic medical records were downloaded for all 3,600 smokers admitted to a 475-bed academic medical center hospital in a one-year period. Results More than one in four of identified smokers were referred to the specialty service and nearly one in five received treatment. Logistic regression models found that Joint Commission core measure status (heart failure, myocardial infarction, and pneumonia) was the strongest predictor of referral, followed by a history of smoking for more than 10 years. Conversely, smokers admitted for emergency medical services were less likely to be referred compared with those admitted electively. Patients treated on surgical, obstetric, and psychiatric services were less likely to be referred for tobacco treatment than those treated on medical services. Of those referred, smokers with longer lengths of stay and those admitted through the emergency department were more likely to actually receive services. Discussion To capitalize on hospitalization as a "teachable moment," other subpopulations, such as psychiatric and obstetric patients, deserve attention. Tobacco treatment services must be fully integrated into hospital systems, configured to deliver care to all smokers, and reimbursed to ensure sustainability. This study's identification of underserved groups, determination of potential roadblocks to delivery of services, and suggestion of ways to disseminate treatment equitably to all smokers should prove helpful to policymakers.
Ensuring capstone project success for a diverse student body

The need for instilling the discipline of software engineering in today's CS students increases along with the growth in variety and complexity of large-scale and legacy software systems. To meet this need, CS departments increasingly augment their traditional course offerings with senior-year capstone projects (frequently sponsored by industry), thus exposing students to the 'real-world' of software engineering. But difficulties arise when CS programs must accommodate an academically and otherwise background-diverse student body, especially when several degree options exist within the major. How can a department best ensure that each student assigned to a project has the necessary background and skills to contribute towards a successful conclusion of the project when project variety and scope can differ significantly? In this paper, we summarize our approach: a set of prerequisite project 'gateway' courses, along with the use of guidelines for course content and assessment so that a high level of consistency is maintained in the way gateway courses are taught.
Sustained Delivery of a Broadly Neutralizing Antibody in Nonhuman Primates Confers Long-Term Protection against Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Pathogen-specific neutralizing antibodies protect against many viral infections and can potentially prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in humans. However, neutralizing antibodies have so far only been shown to protect nonhuman primates (NHP) against lentiviral infection when given shortly before challenge. Thus, the clinical utility and feasibility of passive antibody transfer to confer long-term protection against HIV-1 are still debated. Here, we investigate the potential of a broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibody to provide long-term protection in a NHP model of HIV-1 infection. A human antibody was simianized to avoid immune rejection and used to sustain therapeutic levels for ∼5 months. Two months after the final antibody administration, animals were completely protected against viral challenge. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential of long-term passive antibody for protection against HIV-1 in humans and provide a model to test antibody therapies for other diseases in NHP. IMPORTANCE Antibodies against HIV are potential drugs that may be able to prevent HIV infection in humans. However, the long-term protective capacity of antibodies against HIV has not been assessed. Here, we repetitively administered a macaque version of a human anti-HIV antibody to monkeys, after which the antibody persisted in the blood for >5 months. Moreover, the antibody could be sustained at protective levels for 108 days, conferring protection 52 days after the last dose in a monkey model of HIV infection. Thus, passive antibody transfer can provide durable protection against infection by viruses that cause AIDS in primates.
Staffing Work Teams: Development and Validation of a Selection Test for Teamwork Settings

The purpose of this research was to develop a selection test for staffing work teams. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for effective teamwork (Stevens & Campion, 1994) were used to develop a paper-and-pencil test of teamwork situations. KSAs reflected conflict resolution, collaborative problem solving, communication, goal setting and performance management, and planning and task coordination. Standard test construction techniques were used, and the test contained 35 multiple-choice items on hypothetical teamwork situations. Two validation studies were conducted involving production employees in a pulp mill (n = 70) and box plant (n = 72). Results showed criterion-related validity with supervisory and peer ratings of teamwork and overall job performance. However, a key unexpected finding was the large correlation with employment aptitude tests, suggesting that the Teamwork Test has a significant general mental ability component. The study also has secondary implications for the literatures on both contextual performance and situational tests. It was concluded that a consideration of individual level KSAs can have both conceptual and practical value in the staffing of work teams.
Structure and properties of surfactant protein B

Surfactant protein B is a small homodimeric protein that is found tightly associated with surfactant lipids in the alveolar space. In this review, we discuss the actions of SP-B on phospholipid membranes using information predominantly obtained from model membrane systems. We try to correlate these model actions with current concepts of SP-B structure and proposed biological functions. These functions may include critical roles in the intracellular assembly of surfactant through a role in lamellar body organogenesis, the structural rearrangement of secreted surfactant lipids into tubular myelin, and the subsequent rapid insertion of secreted surfactant phospholipids into the surface film itself. The relevance of SP-B to human biology is emphasized by the fatal respiratory distress that is associated with a genetic deficiency of SP-B and the important role of SP-B in certain exogenous surfactant formulations in wide clinical use.
Special Problems in Ophthalmic Subspecialties

A study of 276 medicolegal cases disclosed the number in various ophthalmic subspecialties. The medical reasons for filing these claims were usually based upon omission or commission of acts fundamental to good basic ophthalmology, not the omission of sophisticated procedures. Among the lessons were that physicians should plan for the care of emergencies, use few types of drugs, order roentgenograms if suspicions arise, use consultants, stay well within one's level of competence, and document everything.
Occupational structure in the military and civilian sectors of the economy

Abstract : The paper focuses on trends in the occupational structure of the civilian and military sectors of the economy. Some implications of these trends for manpower policies for the all-volunteer military establishment are examined. The competitive position of the Navy is explored also in terms of its occupational structure and the environment in which it operates.
ANALYSIS OF PULSATILE, VISCOUS BLOOD FLOW THROUGH DISEASED CORONARY ARTERIES OF MAN*?

Abstract The rheologic effects of multiple “non-obstructive” plaques in main coronary arteries of man were examined by numerically solving the fluid dynamic equations of motion for pulsatile viscous flow of blood through an arterial section using the actual variation of flow rate during the cardiac cycle. Flow regions identified by the calculations include spatial flow acceleration, deceleration, separation, reattachment and redevelopment. Shear stresses exerted by flowing blood on the endothelial surface varied greatly during the cardiac cycle, and there were large variations in shear stress along plaques. Wall shear stresses were relatively large even in regions of mild constriction. The computer program can be utilized in conjunction with coronary angiography to study the flow field for plaques of various sizes and shapes and with variable longitudinal spacing to obtain the level of wall shear stress and to determine the existence and extent of separated flow regions.
Socially weighted real income comparisons: An application to India

Abstract In an article in 1976, Amartya Sen develops a general theoretical framework for comparing real consumption over time and across countries that dispenses, in the words of Graaff, ‘with the time-honoured device of drawing a distinction between the size and distribution of the national income’. After developing a general theoretical framework taking distribution as an integral part of real income comparison, Sen applies it to a comparison of rural real consumption per head in Indian states in 1961–1962. In the present paper we show that the application of clustering techniques to Sen's data on Indian states provides an alternative way to partially order observations by real consumption per head within the framework of Sen's approach to distribution-inclusive measurement of real consumption. This alternative way has some desirable empirical characteristics. Second, we explore with factor analysis whether this alternative method yields sensible empirical interrelationships with other characteristics with which a priori reasoning and knowledge suggest it ought to be correlated. The results suggest that the cluster analysis applied within Sen's theoretical framework provides a valid way of comparing consumption levels.
Keeping Them in “STYLE”: Finding, Linking, and Retaining Young HIV-Positive Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men in Care

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) of color are at particularly increased risk for HIV infection compared to white MSM. National data highlight the need to link YMSM of color to care to improve their overall health and stem further infections, yet, there is limited data on interventions and clinical outcomes focused on engaging and retaining youth, specifically HIV-infected YMSM of color in care. To address the medical care needs of this underserved population, in 2005, the Health Research and Services Administration (HRSA) created the YMSM of Color Initiative. Utilizing a social marketing campaign targeting youth and members of their sexual and social networks, testing and outreach on college campuses and within the broader community, and a tightly linked medical–social support network, we created STYLE (Strength Through Youth Livin’ Empowered), a novel intervention that sought to diagnose, engage, and retain HIV-positive black and Latino YMSM in HIV primary care services. Over a 3-year period, 81 men were either newly diagnosed or reengaged in care. Overall, 63% of the cohort was retained in clinical care; defined as attending at least one medical visit every 4 months. Compared to the 3 years prior to STYLE, the odds ratio for whether or not someone attended a clinic visit was 2.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–4.98) if enrolled in STYLE. We conclude that compared to a pre-STYLE cohort, STYLE was an effective intervention that increased HIV diagnoses, provided efficient and timely engagement in care for both those newly diagnosed and those who had fallen out of care and improved overall retention.
Cardiomyocyte Endpoints Distinguish Non-Canonical Regulation of the RGK Gtpases Rad and Rem

Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem/Kir (RGK) proteins are Ras-like GTPases with diverse (and expanding) functions including: regulating cytoskeleton dynamics, cell proliferation, synaptogenesis, and inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium (CaV) channels. Whether RGKs are canonical GTP-regulated ON-OFF switches similar to Ras is ambiguous. Here, we used a range of functional measurements in cardiomyocytes (CaV1.2 currents, Ca2+ transients, CaVβ binding) as biosensors to probe nucleotide regulation of Rad and Rem. We utilized as tools RadS105N and RemT94N, two mutants analogous to RasS17N which is a Ras variant that displays a strongly decreased GTP binding affinity. As a reference for expected canonical behavior, RasS17N loses effector binding, but acts as a dominant negative in situ due to increased avidity for guanine nucleotide exchange factor. Adenovirus mediated expression of either wild type (wt) Rad or RadS105N in cardiomyocytes dramatically blocked endogenous ICa,L, contradicting reports that RadS105N acts as a dominant negative in heart. Both Rad and RadS105N diminished cardiac EC coupling as reported by the amplitude of rhod-2-reported Ca2+ transients. However, RadS105N increased the propensity for cardiac arrhythmias compared to wt Rad, hinting at a functional difference. By contrast with Rad/RadS105N, RemT94N was significantly less effective than wt Rem in inhibiting either ICa,L or Ca2+ transients, revealing a functional dichotomy between the two RGKs. FRET analyses of binding interactions between auxiliary CaVβs and RGKs revealed a reduced binding affinity for RadS105N and RemT94N relative to their wt counterparts. Finally, proteomic analyses of Rem and RemT94N interactomes in cardiomyocytes displayed subtle differences in binding partners. The results indicate that while Rad and Rem are non-canonical GTPases, their GTP-binding status can be sensed to yield a spectrum of functions in an isoform-dependent manner.
Precision of stereoscopic depth perception from double images

The increment depth discrimination function was originally described by Ogle (1953)Journal of the Optical Society of America, 43, 906–913 as a single exponential function. In contrast, recent studies have suggested that a two-component function better describes increment depth discrimination. To determine the relative effects of stereoscopic and non-stereoscopic width cues on the form of the function, we measured increment depth discrimination under conditions where both stereoscopic and dichoptic width cues were available. We found that increment depth discrimination data were well described by two-segment functions if both stereoscopic and dichoptic width cues were available. However, when dichoptic width cues were eliminated, by randomizing the pedestal disparity (crossed or uncrossed disparity) between trials, the increment depth discrimination function was better described by a single exponential function. This result has important implications for models of stereoscopic depth processing because it shows that stereoscopic depth discrimination thresholds progressively increase as a function of distance from the horopter.
Is There an Agrarian Imperative

ABSTRACT This paper examines the assertion that a genetically programmed instinct referred to as the agrarian imperative underlies a territorial drive that compels farmers and their biological heirs to hang on to their land at all costs while working hard, taking risks, enduring pain, and hardship. Research from multiple fields refutes the assumption. Basic physiologic instincts are not primary drivers of animal or human behavior. Their expression is greatly modified by the physical and social environments in which animals mature and learn. The human cerebral cortex with forethought and reflection greatly modifies basic instinctual drives. As a result, human behavior is to a large degree self-reflective and self-determined within the limits of the opportunities and resources available to individuals. The primary factors involved in continued successful farm operations across generations are not genetic, but rather farmers' access to economic, cultural, and social capital resources. These forms of capital ...
The rate of 2,5-hexanedione intoxication, not total dose, determines the extent of testicular injury and altered microtubule assembly in the rat☆

Abstract Charles River CD rats (220 g) were intoxicated with 1.0, 0.5, or 0.25% 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) in the drinking water for a total of 21, 35, or 69 days, respectively. All rats received a total dose of 131 ± 2 mmol/kg 2,5-HD at dose rates ranging from 1.9 to 6.1 mmol/kg/day. Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after ending intoxication to evaluate the extent of testicular injury. An exposure rate of 6.1 mmol 2,5-HD/kg/day produced uniformally low testis weights (49% of control) and severe germ cell depletion, while exposure at 1.9 mmol/kg/day gave normal testis weights and histology. Exposure at the intermediate dose rate of 3.8 mmol 2,5-HD/kg/day produced an intermediate degree of testicular injury. In a separate experiment, testis pyrrole content and microtubule assembly behavior were measured in rats exposed to 2,5-HD at the various dose rates for 3 weeks. The rate of intoxication determined the extent of biochemical abnormality. Rats exposed to 1.0, 0.5, or 0.25% 2,5-HD had microtubule nucleation times 55, 63, and 72% of control and pyrrole contents equivalent to 2.14, 1.40, and 1.18 nmol 2,5-dimethylpyrrole/mg testis protein. These data demonstrate that 2,5-HD-induced testicular injury, unlike the nervous system toxicity, is dependent upon the rate of intoxication independent of total dose.