cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments in Pediatric Deformity Surgery: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Abstract Study Design Bibliometric analysis. Objectives To identify patient-reported outcomes instruments (PROIs) used in pediatric deformity surgery research over the past decade and their frequency and usage trends. Summary of Background Data The emphasis on PROIs is increasing along with the demand for evidence-based medicine and cost-effectiveness research. Therefore, investigators and PROI consensus writers should be aware of the PROIs used in pediatric deformity and usage trends. Methods Five top orthopedics journals were reviewed from 2004 to 2013 for clinical studies of surgical intervention in pediatric deformity that report PROIs. Publication year, level of evidence (LOE), and PROIs were reported for each article. Mean and range scores for the most frequently used PROIs were analyzed at 2-year follow-up. Results A total of 79 studies using PROIs were published in the pediatric deformity literature over the period studied. The researchers identified 21 named PROIs and 6 additional custom questionnaires. The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 was the most frequently used instrument (32.9%), followed by the SRS-24 (29.1%), Oswestry disability index (17.7%), visual analog scale (12.7%), SRS-30 (10.1%), and Short Form–36 (6.3%). Level of evidence III was most common (39.2%) and 1 LOE I study was identified. Mean preoperative and postoperative SRS instrument scores were 4.0 (95% confidence interval, 3.8–4.1) and 4.5 (95% confidence interval, 4.4–4.6), respectively, in SRS-22r equivalents. No studies met the criteria for mean and range calculation for the other top instruments. Conclusions Scoliosis Research Society instruments are used in 74.7% of pediatric deformity studies reporting PROIs. Therefore, there is a consensus that SRS instruments should be used in pediatric deformity outcome studies; yet, consistent use of the most up-to-date version, the SRS-22r, is still needed. General health questionnaires are currently underused in pediatric deformity research. Version reporting and use of the latest versions of PROIs need to be improved in future studies.
Fluorescence lifetimes in BO2 (A2Πu)

Abstract Fluorescence lifetimes and fluorescence quenching rates are reported for several vibronic levels in the A2Πu electronic manifold of BO2. The relationship of these results to earlier Hanle-effect measurements is discussed.
Background activity in the cerebral cortex and reticular formation in relation with the electroencephalogram

Abstract A method for measuring electrical activity in the frequency range of neuronal discharges is described. Application of this technique was made in systematic explorations of the diencephalon, mesencephalon and cerebral cortex in cats, to evaluate the intensity of background activity at the level of various structures. EEG patterns. It was found that the cortical and reticular activity levels decrease prior to and during occurrence of EEG slow rhythms—either spontaneous or induced by thalamic stimulation. There were, however, transient increases of the cortical activity levels during high-amplitude spindles. In the mesencephalic reticular formation the background activity increased progressively with the development of cortical recruiting responses and sometimes, furthermore, during the decay of these responses. These results are compared with data obtained by unit analysis.
Vapor-phase epitaxy of GaInAsP and InP

Abstract This paper reports on two studies of vapor-phase epitaxy on InP substrates. The first deals with the growth of lattice-matched GaInAsP alloys, using PCl 3 and AsCl 3 as the sources of the Group V elements. The deposition of an alloy is regarded as the deposition of a mixture of GaAs, InP and InAs. Any alloy composition can be obtained by adjusting the relative amounts of the three compounds that are deposited on the substrate. Alloy layers with energy gaps of about 1 eV have been grown with lattice mismatch as low as 0.16%. The layers are n-type with highest mobility at 77 K of 5800 cm 2 V -1 s -1 . In the second study the growth rate of InP epilayers has been investigated as a function of substrate orientation. For the principal low-index planes, the relative growth rates decrease in the order {110} > {100} > {111}A > {111}B. By utilizing the anisotropy in growth rates, single-crystal InP sheets have been grown over phosphosilicate glass masks.
Moving Towards Self-Assembling Machines: Harnessing Spindle Components for Biosynthetic Devices

The remarkably dynamic and complex manufacturing environment of the eukaryotic cell is currently unrivaled by manmade systems. Through dissection and harnessing of biological machines and underlying processes, and merger with synthetic materials, we hope to scale manufacturing into realms currently restricted from physical manipulation. Spindle assembly is the first critical step in chromosome segregation and a primary target for anti-cancer therapeutics. An assemblage of nanoscale components and communication networks must be integrated for spindle formation and function. We are applying nanotechnology in parallel with traditional methods of yeast genetics, timelapse microscopy, AFM and biochemistry. Dramatic reorganization of interphase microtubules into a bipolar organization for chromosome segregation requires focused nucleation from spindle pole body microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). The γ-tubulin small complex (γ-TuSC) MTOC associates with growing microtubules and is part of a larger ring complex (γ-TuRC). The complex controls microtubule nucleation, organization and dynamics. Three conserved kinesin-like protein (Klp) families in fission yeast contribute in critical roles in spindle assembly. Kinesin-14 Pkl1 and Kinesin-5 associate with γ-TuSC at poles and provide counterbalanced roles in microtubule nucleation and organization, while Kinesin-6 acts on overlapping anti-parallel microtubules. The coupled action of the MTOC and Klps enables multiple levels of control. By purifying the γ-TuSC and γ-TuRC complexes from human and fission yeast cells using superose 6 FPLC chromatography, co-immunoprecipitation with magnetic beads and western analysis and attachment of these complexes to functionalized surfaces we are analyzing minimal components and frameworks for generating anti-parallel, bipolar and more complex microtubule array structures in the presence of multiple Klps. Our goal is to incorporate the MTOC, tubulin and multiple Klp families in different biosynthetic platforms to better understand self-assembling machines and transitional dynamic architectures thereby refining both in vivo models and in vitro advanced applications.
Genetic epidemiology, parallel algorithms, and workstation networks

Many interesting problems in genetic epidemiology are formulated as non-linear optimization problems using the Gemini/Almini library of routines. Because of the wide availability of networked workstations, we investigate cost-effectively improving the performance of the Gemini/Almini library by exploiting parallelism with a set of workstations connected via a local area network. Instrumentation of the Gemini/Almini optimization routines reveals significant potential for improving performance via parallelism. Using these instrumentation results, we identify promising targets of parallelism and discuss two preliminary implementations that demonstrate the potential benefits of cost-effective parallel implementations. By applying parallelism to the Almini/Gemini routines, we hope to potentially improve the performance of a large number of genetic epidemiological applications. >
Multidrug‐Resistant Gram‐Negative Bacteria in a Long‐Term Care Facility: Prevalence and Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and mode of transmission associated with colonization by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN) in the long-term care (LTC) setting. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Four nursing units in a 648-bed LTC facility in Boston, Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-four long-term care residents. MEASUREMENTS: Nasal and rectal swabs were obtained to determine colonization with MDRGN; if present, molecular typing was performed. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was also determined. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from the medical record. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with MDRGN colonization. RESULTS: A total of 51%, 28%, and 4% subjects were colonized with MDRGN, MRSA, and VRE, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, advanced dementia (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–7.35, P=.02) and nonambulatory status (AOR=5.7, 95% CI=1.1–28.9, P=.04) were the only independent risk factors for harboring MDRGN. Molecular typing indicated person-to-person transmission. CONCLUSION: Colonization with MDRGN is common in the LTC setting. A diagnosis of advanced dementia is a major risk factor for harboring MDRGN.
Enhancing the delivery of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program education through geographic information systems.

The Network for a Healthy California (Network) employs a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify the target audience and plan program activities because GIS is a powerful tool for assisting in data integration and planning. This paper describes common uses of GIS by Network contractors as well as demonstrating the possibilities of GIS as a useful tool for public health programs and audience targeting in general. Narrative examples supported with graphics describe how 1) Network contractors use the GIS to identify eligible census tracts to carry out their work, 2) the GIS can map neighborhood assets in eligible census tracts throughout California, 3) the GIS can map health behavior data to the county level throughout California, and 4) the GIS can map selected indicators of healthy neighborhood food environments in low-income areas of California. The system greatly facilitates program planning and precise audience segmentation, as well as appropriate use of SNAP-Ed funds.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Plays an Obligatory Role in the Late Phase of Ischemic Preconditioning by Activating the Protein Kinase Cε–p44/42 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase–pSer-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription1/3 Pathway

Background—The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in ischemic preconditioning (PC) and cardioprotection is poorly understood. We addressed this issue using a genetic, rather than pharmacological, approach. Methods and Results—In the nonpreconditioned state, eNOS / mice exhibited infarct sizes similar to those of wild-type mice. A sequence of six 4-minute coronary occlusion/4-minute reperfusion cycles (ischemic PC) induced late PC in wild-type mice; genetic deletion of eNOS abrogated the cardioprotection induced by late PC. In wild-type mice, ischemic PC induced membranous translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) and an increase in pSer-MEK-1/2 and pTyr-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear pSer-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 and pSer-STAT3, and nuclear STAT1/3 DNA binding activity, followed by upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 protein and activity 24 hours later. All of these changes were abrogated in eNOS / mice. The NO donor diethylenetriamine/NO recapitulated the effects of ischemic PC. Conclusions—In contrast to previous reports, we found that basal eNOS activity does not modulate infarct size in the nonpreconditioned state. However, eNOS is obligatorily required for the development of the cardioprotective effects of late PC and acts as the trigger of this process by activating the PKC-MEK-1/2-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, leading to Ser-727 phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 and consequent upregulation of STAT-dependent genes such as cyclooxygenase-2. The effects of eNOS-derived NO are reproduced by exogenous NO (NO donors), implying that nitrates can upregulate cardiac cyclooxygenase-2. (Circulation. 2007;116:535-544.)
Distributed knowledge networks

Distributed knowledge networks (DKN) provide some of the key enabling technologies for translating recent advances in automated data acquisition, digital storage, computers and communications into fundamental advances in organizational decision support, data analysis, and related applications. DKN include computational tools for accessing, organizing, transforming, and analyzing the contents of heterogeneous, distributed data and knowledge sources and for distributed problem solving and decision making under tight time, resource, and performance constraints. The paper presents an overview of the DKN project in the Iowa State University Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
Repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive possessing thermal-stimuli switchable transparency

Described is the formulation for a repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) capable of reversibly switching between opaque and transparent via a thermal trigger. The smart adhesive is generated by casting films from a solution of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), its organometallic crosslinker and a paraffin wax/dodecane solution on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) sheets. Once cured, the PDMS/paraffin wax composite films demonstrate characteristics consistent with commercial repositionable PSAs. Properties were found to be dependent on the paraffin wax content and degree of crosslinking in the PDMS. Performance of the developed adhesive films is highly stable remaining unchanged subsequent to extended use and repeated repositioning. The appearance of the films can be switched between opaque at room temperature to transparent for temperatures above 53 °C. The change in optical properties is nearly instantaneous and there appears to be no limitation on how many times the cycle can be repeated. The mechanism involved is unique involving the melting of the paraffin wax, which appears to allow for the formation of a more homogeneous composite structure. This adhesive formulation may be well suited for use as a low-cost, convenient smart window coating.
Exploiting change blindness to expand walkable space in a virtual environment

We present a technique for exploiting change blindness to allow the user to walk through an immersive virtual environment that is much larger than the available physical workspace. This approach relies on subtle manipulations to the geometry of a dynamic environment model to redirect the user's walking path without becoming noticeable. We describe a virtual environment which was implemented both as a proof-of-concept and a test case for future evaluation. Anecdotal evidence from our informal tests suggest a compelling illusion, though a formal study against existing methods is required to evaluate the usefulness of this technique.
Does interactive search results overview help?: an eye tracking study

We examined the effect of introducing search results overview in the form of a tag cloud displayed next to a textual search result list. Does such an overview make users faster in search task execution and lower the cognitive effort required to make progress? We use cognitive effort measures derived from eye tracking data to examine the effect of providing a tag cloud-like summary on a user's information search and navigation behaviors. The results show that a results overview helps a user become faster and more efficient. One contribution of this work is to describe the use of eye tracking data to create a simple model of reading and measures of cognitive effort. Another is to use those measures to explain the differences in interaction with two information search interfaces
QCD from Chippewa Falls

Recent and new results onSU(3) lattice gauge simulations are presented. They cover the study of finite-size effects for the mass gap and the string tension, the measurement of the central and spin-dependent potentials on large lattices, and the inclusion of dynamical fermions in the simulation.
High spatial resolution interpolation of monthly temperatures of Sardinia

Interpolation of monthly averages of maximum and minimum temperatures for 1 year data on a 250 m grid by multilinear regression his presented here. The principal aim is to find a suitable parameter for interpolation of minimum temperatures in cases of nocturnal inversion. For this purpose a geostatistical parameter has been calculated and tested. It is related to the height relative to the nearest valley. The second aim is to find how the regression equation depends on the sea distance, if in a linear or non linear form and, if nonlinear, what is the best exponent. The procedure has been tested on a 1 year data set from 60 meteorological stations on Sardinia Island. The selection of parameters has been made by the forward selection method. The interpolation errors (RMSE) on independent stations (i.e. not used to calculate the regression coefficient) have been calculated by the cross-validation method using a developmental data set of size n − 1. The parameter that contains most of the variance is the height: the second one, for minimum temperatures, is the relative height. For maximum temperatures the second parameter is the sea distance, but only in summer months. The RMSE on the independent data ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 °C for minimum temperatures and from 0.5 °C (winter months) to 1.4 °C (summer months) for maximum temperatures. The effect of relative elevation in the regression is a 15% increase of the coefficient of determination. At the same time it lowers the RMSE significantly. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Bootstrap confidence levels for HIV-1 recombination.

Recombination has been invoked to explain the disparate evolutionary relationships observed for different genes or sequence segments of a single HIV-1 genome. We present a new method of assessing confidence in HIV-1 recombination as an alternative to the segment-by-segment nonparametric bootstrap commonly applied to confirm HIV-1 recombinant data. Our new method uses the bias-corrected accelerated percentile interval (BCa) bootstrap method as applied to the ``problem of regions'' (Efron and Tibshirani 1998). It is an extension of the BCa method used in the inference of evolutionary relationships (Efron et al. 1996). This method has two advantages over the traditional bootstrap procedure: (1) it gives a single overall confidence measure rather than segment-by-segment results, and (2) it is more accurate. We test our method on 61 sequences, including 16 with ambiguous recombinant status.
Locomotor function of the dorsal fin in teleost fishes: experimental analysis of wake forces in sunfish

A key evolutionary transformation of the locomotor system of ray-finned fishes is the morphological elaboration of the dorsal fin. Within Teleostei, the dorsal fin primitively is a single midline structure supported by soft, flexible fin rays. In its derived condition, the fin is made up of two anatomically distinct portions: an anterior section supported by spines, and a posterior section that is soft-rayed. We have a very limited understanding of the functional significance of this evolutionary variation in dorsal fin design. To initiate empirical hydrodynamic study of dorsal fin function in teleost fishes, we analyzed the wake created by the soft dorsal fin of bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) during both steady swimming and unsteady turning maneuvers. Digital particle image velocimetry was used to visualize wake structures and to calculate in vivo locomotor forces. Study of the vortices generated simultaneously by the soft dorsal and caudal fins during locomotion allowed experimental characterization of median-fin wake interactions. During high-speed swimming (i.e. above the gait transition from pectoral- to median-fin locomotion), the soft dorsal fin undergoes regular oscillatory motion which, in comparison with analogous movement by the tail, is phase-advanced (by 30% of the cycle period) and of lower sweep amplitude (by 1.0 cm). Undulations of the soft dorsal fin during steady swimming at 1.1 bodylength s(-1) generate a reverse von Karman vortex street wake that contributes 12% of total thrust. During low-speed turns, the soft dorsal fin produces discrete pairs of counterrotating vortices with a central region of high-velocity jet flow. This vortex wake, generated in the latter stage of the turn and posterior to the center of mass of the body, counteracts torque generated earlier in the turn by the anteriorly positioned pectoral fins and thereby corrects the heading of the fish as it begins to translate forward away from the turning stimulus. One-third of the laterally directed fluid force measured during turning is developed by the soft dorsal fin. For steady swimming, we present empirical evidence that vortex structures generated by the soft dorsal fin upstream can constructively interact with those produced by the caudal fin downstream. Reinforcement of circulation around the tail through interception of the dorsal fin's vortices is proposed as a mechanism for augmenting wake energy and enhancing thrust. Swimming in fishes involves the partitioning of locomotor force among several independent fin systems. Coordinated use of the pectoral fins, caudal fin and soft dorsal fin to increase wake momentum, as documented for L. macrochirus, highlights the ability of teleost fishes to employ multiple propulsors simultaneously for controlling complex swimming behaviors.
The stomatal response to CO2 is linked to changes in guard cell zeaxanthin

The mechanisms mediating CO2 sensing and light‐CO2 interactions in guard cells are unknown. In growth chamber-grown Vicia faba leaves kept under constant light (500 μmol m ‐2 s ‐1 ) and temperature, guard cell zeaxanthin content tracked ambient [CO2] and stomatal apertures. Increases in [CO2] from 400 to 1200 cm 3 m ‐3 decreased zeaxanthin content from 180 to 80 mmol mol ‐1 Chl and decreased stomatal apertures by 7·0μm. Changes in zeaxanthin and aperture were reversed when [CO2] was lowered. Guard cell zeaxanthin content was linearly correlated with stomatal apertures. In the dark, the CO 2induced changes in stomatal aperture were much smaller, and guard cell zeaxanthin content did not change with chamber [CO2]. Guard cell zeaxanthin also tracked [CO 2] and stomatal aperture in illuminated stomata from epidermal peels. Dithiothreitol (DTT), an inhibitor of zeaxanthin formation, eliminated CO2-induced zeaxanthin changes in guard cells from illuminated epidermal peels and reduced the stomatal CO2 response to the level observed in the dark. These data suggest that CO2-dependent changes in the zeaxanthin content of guard cells could modulate CO 2dependent changes of stomatal apertures in the light while a zeaxanthin-independent CO2 sensing mechanism would modulate the CO2 response in the dark.
Atmosphere-terrestrial ecosystem interactions: implications for coupled modeling

Abstract This paper overviews the important interactions between ecosystem and atmospheric dynamics. Examples of suggested procedures to model these interrelationships are introduced. The concept of equilibrium versus non-equilibrium non-linear dynamics in the context of chaos is discussed. The paper concludes with a description of a parameterization of vegetation effects on atmospheric structure, including a model sensitivity simulation of the importance of land surface processes on this structure.
Graphical inference for infovis

How do we know if what we see is really there? When visualizing data, how do we avoid falling into the trap of apophenia where we see patterns in random noise? Traditionally, infovis has been concerned with discovering new relationships, and statistics with preventing spurious relationships from being reported. We pull these opposing poles closer with two new techniques for rigorous statistical inference of visual discoveries. The "Rorschach" helps the analyst calibrate their understanding of uncertainty and "line-up" provides a protocol for assessing the significance of visual discoveries, protecting against the discovery of spurious structure.
Attitudes towards a Blind Counselor and Perceived Effectiveness

Attitudes towards a blind counselor and perceived effectiveness were evaluated using a videotape of a simulated counseling session. One group were told the counselor was a blind doctoral student whereas control participants were informed that the counselor was a doctoral student. Participants were then administered the Disability Factor Scale/B and the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory. Analysis showed no difference in groups' scores on the Disability Factor Scale/B. A significant difference was obtained on one of the four scales of the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory, i.e., the blind counselor was perceived to show significantly more unconditional regard.
From Pangaea to Partnership: The Many Fields of Rural Development

Over the past decade, the rise of what has been called the Global Land Grab suggests the return of rural development as a privileged (if problematic) site for accumulation, modernization, and growth. In this paper, I analyze a set of rural development efforts in Mozambique, a country seen by many as the potential heart of a new African food regime. I build a framework for understanding contemporary dynamics by drawing on the triple metaphor of fields : first, I build on the sociological concept of field as strategic social space; second, I bring together disparate disciplinary fields, including political economy, development, science and technology studies, and agrarian studies; and third, I situate the paper on fields as cultivated ground, the literal arena in and on which rural development takes place. The paper is narrated through four stories that illuminate the relationships and dynamics within and across different “strategic action fields.” These stories highlight the role of knowledge and power within distinct but related fields of rural development and suggest the importance of seeing them as in contestation even when they are not necessarily in conversation.
Following Odysseus Home: an Exploration of the Politics of Honor and Family in the Iliad, Odyssey, and Plato's Republic

At the end of the Republic, in the Myth of Er, Socrates describes the souls of deceased men, women, and animals as they choose their next lives. Of all those mentioned, Odysseus’ soul is the only one — other than Atlanta in her desire for the honors that can be won by male athletes and one poor soul who rushes forward to claim a tyrant’s life — who chooses to be a man. Odysseus’ companions in arms, Agamemnon and Ajax, are depicted choosing the lives of animals. By contrast, Odysseus’ soul opts for reincarnation as “a private man who minds his own business.” Socrates explains that Odysseus’ soul makes this choice because “from memory of its former labors it had recovered from love of honor.” It is thus apparent (1) that Odysseus’ choice is the best one described by Socrates in the myth and (2) that this choice is made possible by overcoming the love of honor. This paper offers a reexamination of the character of Odysseus intended to explain why Socrates picks Odysseus as someone who would eventually overcome his love of honor and opt for a private life of minding his own business. Because of the praise given to Odysseus in the Republic, this analysis of Odysseus has critical implications for how we interpret the Republic’s message on the role of the love of honor and family in politics. This textual puzzle, grounded in Homer and Plato, leads back to a political question that transcends the specific texts. How do love of one’s own family and love of honor compare to one another with regard to political goods? Is one of these types of love more salutary to our ability to create desirable political order? Or perhaps each of these loves are most beneficial when tempered by the other? Because all men and women make choices about how to love, the implications of this research are broad indeed. Every day, each of us must determine whether to devote ourselves to our own families or whether it is better to pursue the honor that can be won through political and artistic pursuits. My paper explores which of these is better in relation to the political aspect of man and, ultimately, points to an unexpected answer. My finding is contrary to past understandings of the teachings of the ancients on love of family and private life. Demonstrating that love of family is not inferior to — let alone is superior to — love of honor in terms of human development towards better political order runs contrary to the established opinion and, as such, has the potential to radically change the way we think about how love can and should shape political life.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee

Technical considerations MRI biological effects, safety, and patient management an atlas of normal multiplanar anatomy of the knee joint the menisci the cruciate and collateral ligaments the patellofemoral joint and the extensor mechanism the post-operative knee osseous and cartilaginous trauma the spectrum of knee joint disorders muscle injuries pitfalls in interpretation cost-effectiveness of MRI.
Osteochondral fractures of the talus. A long-term follow-up

Sixty-eight patients with 71 osteochondral fractures of the talus were evaluated an average of 7.5 years after the onset of symptoms to determine which factors influenced the final result. It was found that the type of fracture was the most important; delay in treatment also affected the result adversely. A scheme of treatment for each type of fracture is proposed.
Femoral Lengthening Over an Intramedullary Nail: A Case of Failed Distraction: A Case Report.

Internal bone transport has been used to successfully lengthen diaphyseal bone1. In 1997, Paley et al. described femoral lengthening over a nail (LON), specifically an intramedullary nail, with the use of a unilateral external fixator2. Although this technique is often successful, several complications have been reported, including nonunion of the docking site, infection, pin loosening, fracture, subluxation of the posterior part of the knee or of the patella, and deformation of bone2-8. We report a case of failed femoral LON with a unilateral external fixator related to an oversized intramedullary nail. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A forty-eight-year-old man presented on crutches with the chief symptom of pain in the left hip. He had fallen four months prior and had sustained a femoral neck fracture that had been treated with percutaneous screws at an outside hospital. Radiographs of the left hip revealed a femoral neck nonunion with accompanying posterior and varus collapse. The patient underwent hardware removal, followed by an intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy with a blade plate. The femoral neck nonunion and osteotomy site healed, and the patient was walking independently three months postoperatively. He reported resolution of the left hip pain; however, he had developed pain in the lower back and contralateral hip, which was exacerbated by walking and prolonged standing. Physical examination revealed a shortened left lower extremity. The gait was mildly antalgic with a slight Trendelenburg component. A computed tomography (CT) scanogram demonstrated an overall leg-length discrepancy of 2.9 cm. Because of the symptomatic limb-length discrepancy, the patient elected to pursue femoral LON with a unilateral external fixator. The patient was brought to the operating room and placed in the supine position. The four screws securing …
Concomitant face and hand transplantation: perfect solution or perfect storm?

Abstract:Face and hand composite tissue allotransplantations have evolved into a promising subset of reconstructive transplant surgery due to recent advances in immunotherapy. Concomitant composite tissue allotransplantation, which involves a variable combination of facial (myocutaneous versus osteo
A Preliminary Study for Exploring Different Sources of Guilt in a Sample of Veterans Who Sought Chaplaincy Services

Limited research has suggested that experiencing guilt may contribute to the risk of suicidal behavior in some veteran populations. Using data collected by chaplains, this study compared the freque...
Abstract P2-14-02: A Pilot Study of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibition with Pazopanib in Patients (pts) with Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Treatment

Purpose: Lymphedema is a significant long-term complication of primary therapy for breast cancer. VEGF has a major impact on vascular permeability and lymphangiogenesis. In a prior case control study, we found a significant increase in serum VEGF-C (median 6895 vs. 5349 pg/mL, p=0.0016) in women with lymphedema compared to women without lymphedema suggesting inhibition of VEGF-C as a potential therapeutic strategy. Methods: Pts with significant unilateral lymphedema were treated with pazopanib 800 mg/day continuously. Baseline assessments include arm volume, interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), extracellular fluid volume by lymphometer (ECF), quality of life (QOL) and plasma VEGF-C,-D, and R3. IFP was measured serially for 24 hours after the first treatment; arm volume, ECF, QOL, and plasma VEGF-C/D/R3 are assessed every 4 weeks. Results: Ten pts were enrolled. Median duration of lymphedema was 3.5 years (0.7-8.2) Median time since surgery was 5.1 years (1.0-14.2); median time since radiation (n=9) was 4.7 years (0.4-8.8). Complete IFP data are available in 7 pts. Baseline IFP was significantly higher in the affected compared to unaffected arm (mean 5.73 vs. -1.78 mmHg; p=0.0005). Mean IFP in the affected arm decreased an average of 76% 24 hours after initiation of pazopanib (5.73 vs. 1.56 mmHg; p=0.0061). Toxicity was greater than anticipated with grade 3 fatigue (n=3), arthralgia (n=2), and anorexia (n=1); three pts discontinued therapy prior to the first post-treatment assessment. Five pts met the definition of response with a ≥25% reduction in excess arm volume four weeks after initiating treatment. ECF significantly (p=0.014) decreased as well though the mean difference in excess arm volume did not significantly change (p=0.06). Conclusions: Preliminary data supports the hypothesis that VEGF plays a role in the development and/or persistence of lymphedema after local therapy for breast cancer. Pazopanib acutely decreases IFP, leading to a decrease in ECF and modest improvement in arm volume but results in significant toxicity at the dose used on this study. Subsequent studies will explore a lower dose of pazopanib in this population. This study was supported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with pazopanib supplied by GSK. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-02.
Latent stimulus control develops in extinction after very brief feature-negative, but not feature-positive, discrimination training in the runway

Two groups of 10 rats each were briefly trained on a feature-discrimination learning problem in the runway. In Group FP, the feature was present on positive (S+) trials and absent on negative (S−) trials. The opposite arrangement held for Group FN. After 12 learning trials, 7 with S+ and 5 with S−, both groups received 10 extinction trials in a single session, 5 with S+ and 5 with S−. Neither group showed evidence of differential responding to S+ or S− in acquisition. In extinction, Group FN ran faster on S+ trials than on S− trials, an effect called latent discrimination learning. There was no evidence of latent discrimination learning in Group FP. The results suggest that impaired FP performance in the runway, relative to FN performance, reflects retarded learning on the FP discrimination, rather than a performance deficit.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Stromal Tumors:A Clinical Analysis of 11 Cases

Objective:To study the gastric stromal tumors(GST) in the diagnosis and treatment measures.Methods:We reviewed and analyzed the clinical manifestations,auxiliary examination,surgical treatment and pathology results of the 11 cases of gastric stromal tumors in our hospital from April 2000 to March 2006.Results:Gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal mass are the main clinical symptoms,and no specific symptoms was discovered.All cases had gastroscope and CT scan and underwent surgery.Six of them had tumor wedge resection,and the other five had subtotal gastrectomy.five cases were pathology-diagnosed benign tumor(45.5%),one was the borderline tumor(9%),the other five cases were vicious(45.5%).During the follow-up period of 3 months to 5 years,there was one case of death,which died of abdominal extensive transfer.Conclusions:Gastric stromal tumor lack of specific clinical manifestations, hereby the preoperative diagnosis is very difficult,although the lesions could be find by endoscopy and CT.Pathologic diagnosis is used as the gold standard,for immunohistochemical results is the important basis for the diagnosis.Surgical resection is mostly used to treat it.
Design and Hydrodynamic Experiments on Bionic Robotic Fish with Oscillating Pectoral Fins

A bionic fish mimicking Cownose Ray is constructed to realize the similar motion of fishes swimming by oscillating pectoral fins. Firstly, a principle model of the bionic pectoral fin which combines the active and passive composite flexible deformation abilities is initially proposed based on biological properties and motion laws of oscillating pectoral fins.Then, the design feasibility is verified by kinematics simulation with ADAMS, and a bionic prototype is fabricated. The free swimming tests show that the prototype has a maximum velocity of about 0.46 m/s(or 1 body length per second). What's more, the bionic fish has the pivot turning ability and the maximum turning speed is up to 60?per second. Compared with other similar robotic fishes at home and abroad, the bionic fish in this paper performs distinct advantages both at velocity and maneuverability. Based on the quasi-steady blade element theory, a simplified hydrodynamic model of the bionic pectoral fin is proposed. Then, a hydrodynamic experimental platform is built to evaluate the effectiveness of the model, and some other experiments are carried out to further study the hydrodynamic characteristics of the bionic pectoral fin. The experimental results show that the bionic pectoral fin can produce periodically changed thrust and lift forces, which are bound up with the kinematic control parameters.
Assessing Impacts of a Power User Attack on a Matrix Factorization Collaborative Recommender System.

Collaborative Filtering (CF) Recommender Systems (RSs) help users deal with the information overload they face when browsing, searching, or shopping for products and services. Power users are those individuals that are able to exert substantial influence over the recommendations made to other users, and RS operators encourage the existence of power user communities and leverage them to help fellow users make informed purchase decisions, especially on new items. Attacks on RSs occur when malicious users attempt to bias recommendations by introducing fake reviews or ratings; these attacks remain a key problem area for system operators. Thus, the influence wielded by power users can be used for both positive (addressing the “new item” problem) or negative (attack) purposes. Our research is investigating the impact on RS predictions and top-N recommendation lists when attackers emulate power users to provide biased ratings for new items. Previously we showed that power user attacks are effective against user-based CF RSs and that item-based CF RSs are robust to this type of attack. This paper presents the next stage in our investigation: (1) an evaluation of heuristic approaches to power user selection, and (2) evaluation of power user attacks in the context of matrix-factorization (SVD) based recommenders. Results show that social measures of influence such as degree centrality are more effective for selection of power users, and that matrix-factorization approaches are susceptible to power user attacks.
Primary amyloidosis; report of a case of gastric involvement only.

Summary Primary amyloidosis is a rare disease that may involve the stomach yetmay not cause gastric symptoms. A case is presented in which the primary symptoms were gastric because of primary amyloid infiltration confined solely to the gastric tissues. The symptoms included gastric atony, complete inhibition of gastric peristalsis, gastric retention, and severe anemia. No evidence could be found of amyloid deposition outside the stomach or in any other organ or tissue. Biopsy is the only reliable, definitive means of diagnosis. No effective treatment has been reported.
Integrating antipatterns into the computer science curriculum

Design patterns have gained popularity as content in software engineering (SE) and object oriented (OO) design courses after the book Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software was published in 1994. Design patterns provide a common vocabulary for expressing design concepts as well as an abstract language for relating them together. The goal of patterns is to create a body of literature to help software developers address recurring problems encountered throughout the software development process. In 1998 the book AntiPatterns: Refactoring Software, Architectures, and Projects in Crisis spoke to software engineering practices that result in bad consequences in the software development life cycle. The authors discuss the basis of antipatterns, provide suggestions for integrating these concepts into the computer science curriculum and provide some insights into students' assessment of these concepts.
High-Performance and Scalable Updates: The Issaquah Challenge

Highly performant and scalable techniques such as RCU have been quite successful in read-mostly situations. However, there do come times when updates are necessary. It would be convenient if there was some general update-side counterpart to RCU, but sadly there is not yet any such thing. Nevertheless, there are a number of specialized update-side techniques whose performance and scalability rival that of RCU. This talk will discuss several of them and provide an outlook into the future of low-overhead scalable updates.One technique is the solution to the Issaquah Challenge, which was put forward at the C++ standards committee meeting in early 2014 at Issaquah, WA, USA. This challenge requires a performant and scalable technique to atomically move elements back and forth between a pair of search trees, but without using transactional memory. This talk will give an overview of a solution to a more general problem, that of atomically moving groups of elements among a group of several different types of linked data structures, while still permitting lockless searches before, during, and after this atomic move.
Resource Allocation for Multicarrier Device-to-Device Video Transmission: Symbol Error Rate Analysis and Algorithm Design

In resource allocation for a device-to-device (D2D) video transmission system, the performance improvement by applying the exact symbol error rate (SER) is compared with the conventional signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio-based SER evaluation method that uses a Gaussian approximation (GA) for the aggregated interference. An analytical SER expression for a D2D system using multicarrier bandlimited QAM is derived and then used in the resource allocation algorithm. We consider centralized resource allocation for the D2D system, given knowledge of the channel state information and the rate distortion information of the video streams, and propose an iterative algorithm for subcarrier assignment and power allocation. Bit-level simulations for different numbers of D2D pairs demonstrate a considerable improvement on user capacity and video peak signal-to-noise ratio by incorporating the proposed SER expression compared with the GA. By invoking the conditions under which the central limit theorem holds, and comparing these conditions with the number of interferers and the power ratio of the dominant interferer in the simulated D2D system, we also study why the GA for the interference degrades performance.
Partial vs Radical Nephrectomy for T1-T2 Renal Masses in the Elderly: Comparison of Complications, Renal Function, and Oncologic Outcomes

Objective To compare outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) in patients 65 years and older. Materials and Methods Our institutional renal mass registry was queried for patients 65 and older with solitary cT1-T2 renal mass resected by PN or RN. Clinicopathologic features and perioperative outcomes were compared between groups. Renal function outcomes measured by change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and freedom from eGFR 2 were analyzed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models for overall survival and cancer-specific survival were analyzed. Results Overall, 787 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 437 (55.5%) underwent PN and 350 (44.5%) underwent RN. Median follow-up was 36 months. Patients in the PN cohort were younger (median age 70.3 years vs 71.9 years, P P = .001), smaller tumors (tumor diameter 2.8 cm vs 5.0 cm, P P P Conclusion Because the renal functional benefit of PN is realized over many years and the procedure has a higher historical complication rate than RN, some suspected elderly patients might benefit more from RN over PN. However, these data suggest that elderly patients are not harmed and may potentially benefit from PN. Age alone should not be a contraindication to nephron-sparing surgery.
Hints on Using the Theorem Prover

This chapter is a loose collection of suggestions about how to use the theorem prover. Most of what is said here is not precise and there are exceptions to virtually every rule. This is unavoidable: if we could precisely describe successful techniques for using the system we would mechanize them. The section headings of this chapter summarize the organization: • How To Write “Good” Definitions • How To Use REWRITE Rules • How to Use ELIM Rules
Antral mucosal perfusion is not increased in GAVE.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Although a common cause of intestinal blood loss, the pathophysiology of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is not well understood. We aimed to evaluate gastric antral and body mucosal flow in GAVE patients compared to a control population using laser Doppler flowmetry.Methods: 27 patients with GAVE and 11 control patients without GAVE were evaluated using an endoscopic LDF probe. The probe was placed in the gastric antrum and body in order to calculate standardized mucosal flow rates recorded as perfusion units (PU).Results: Despite its hyperemic appearance and propensity to bleed, antral blood flow was not increased in GAVE: 115.5 PU (IQR: [94.4, 135.9 PU]) in GAVE versus 123.7 PU (IQR: [109.7, 186.5 PU]) in controls. There was a significant gradient between the gastric body and antral blood flow in GAVE (p < 0.001) that was not evident in controls.Conclusion: These results indicate that antral mucosal blood flow is not increased in GAVE despite its grossly hyperemic appearance. ...
IBM Design Thinking Software Development Framework.

The importance of understanding end user needs and involving them in the software development process is well known in software engineering. Agile Software Development methodologies have incorporated user feedback in different ways. User stories should represent the needs of a user, but often express the views of the Product Owner or the software development team. Several works have investigated integrating User Centered Design into Agile Software Development to satisfy end user needs. This work proposes a different approach focused on satisfying end user needs employing Design Thinking iterative software development. This methodology was applied in five real software development projects which have been analyzed as part of this work.