cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of data fragmentation across healthcare centers on the accuracy of a high-throughput clinical phenotyping algorithm for specifying subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To evaluate data fragmentation across healthcare centers with regard to the accuracy of a high-throughput clinical phenotyping (HTCP) algorithm developed to differentiate (1) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and (2) patients with no diabetes. Materials and methods: This population-based study identified all Olmsted County, Minnesota residents in 2007. We used provider-linked electronic medical record data from the two healthcare centers that provide >95% of all care to County residents (ie, Olmsted Medical Center and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA). Subjects were limited to residents with one or more encounter January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007 at both healthcare centers. DM-relevant data on diagnoses, laboratory results, and medication from both centers were obtained during this period. The algorithm was first executed using data from both centers (ie, the gold standard) and then from Mayo Clinic alone. Positive predictive values and false-negative rates were calculated, and the McNemar test was used to compare categorization when data from the Mayo Clinic alone were used with the gold standard. Age and sex were compared between true-positive and false-negative subjects with T2DM. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: With data from both medical centers, 765 subjects with T2DM (4256 non-DM subjects) were identified. When single-center data were used, 252 T2DM subjects (1573 non-DM subjects) were missed; an additional false-positive 27 T2DM subjects (215 non-DM subjects) were identified. The positive predictive values and false-negative rates were 95.0% (513/540) and 32.9% (252/765), respectively, for T2DM subjects and 92.6% (2683/2898) and 37.0% (1573/4256), respectively, for non-DM subjects. Age and sex distribution differed between true-positive (mean age 62.1; 45% female) and false-negative (mean age 65.0; 56.0% female) T2DM subjects. Conclusion: The findings show that application of an HTCP algorithm using data from a single medical center contributes to misclassification. These findings should be considered carefully by researchers when developing and executing HTCP algorithms.
Isolation and characterization of nuclear scaffolds

The control of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms is generally considered to be multi-leveled, and one of the levels is thought to involve the effect of the structure of chromatin fibers on the access of transcription factors to DNA [ 1 ]. It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that the organization of chromatin fibers within the nucleus also has a role to play in the control of gene expression. Evidence has accumulated that chromatin fibers are organized through association with a proteinaceous network, variously referred to as the nuclear scaffold or nuclear matrix, which runs throughout the nucleus [2]. Chromatin fibers are believed to associate with the scaffold at specific, AT-rich DNA sequences that have been termed SARs (for scaffold associated regions) or MARs (for matrix associated regions).2 The chromatin fibers between the attachment sites would then form ‘loop domains’ along the chromatin fibers. Some of the evidence supporting this view comes from electron micrographs of histone depleted chromosomes in which DNA segments can be seen to form large loops (on the order of 50 to 100 kb) attached at their bases to a proteinaceous scaffold [3]. In at least some cases, these SAR-bounded physical loop domains coincide with transcriptionally active chromatin domains as assayed by DNase I sensitivity (reviewed by Zlatanova and Van Holde [4]. This has led to the idea that SARs form the boundaries of topologically isolated chromatin domains that function as units of gene regulation [5, 6].
The benefits of online health communities.

Online health communities offer patients the opportunity to interact with those who have been diagnosed with a disease, track their health information on the site, and become involved in research, but the community sites cannot guarantee privacy of patient information.
Machine vision assisted micro-filament detection for real-time monitoring of electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing

Abstract Electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing (e-jet printing) is one type of micro/nano scale 3D printing technique that automatically deposits functional materials to form 3D structures on the substrate. Unlike traditional thermal or acoustic inkjet printing, e-jet printing utilizes high electrical forces that enable the ink to overcome surface tension at the tip of micro nozzles. The droplets and filaments coming out from the nozzle have dimensions much smaller than the dimensions of the nozzle, thus printing geometries in micro and nano scale. E-jet printing process parameters could affect the final quality attributes of fabricated constructs. Currently, assessment of these critical geometries and attributes must be performed offline using optical microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. This drawback affected the efficiency of micro/nano printing from translation into industrial practice. The research in this paper focused on fundamental research to enable in-situ monitoring of e-jet printing using a real-time images characterization technique. In conclusion, the study in this paper investigated using machine vision for real-time monitoring of micro/nano scale 3D printing. The method worked well for micro-filament detection in e-jet printing, and may be further implemented into feedback control system of complicated e-jet printing. However, the optical machine vision was limited to micro scale detection. One of the future research topic is to develop nano scale in-situ detection mechanism for e-jet printing.
Low Rates of Retesting for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection After Treatment in the Veterans Health Administration.

Background & Aims Expert consensus mandates retesting for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection after treatment, but it is not clear how many patients are actually retested. We evaluated factors associated with retesting for H pylori in a large, nationwide cohort. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with H pylori infection (detected by urea breath test, stool antigen, or pathology) who were prescribed an eradication regimen from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2018 within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We collected data on demographic features, smoking history, socioeconomic status, facility poverty level and academic status, and provider specialties and professions. The primary outcome was retesting for eradication. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects logistic regression. Results Of 27,185 patients prescribed an H pylori eradication regimen, 6486 patients (23.9%) were retested. Among 7623 patients for whom we could identify the provider who ordered the test, 2663 patients (34.9%) received the order from a gastroenterological provider. Female sex (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08–1.38; P = .002) and history of smoking (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15–1.33; P Conclusions In an analysis of data from a VHA cohort of patients with H pylori infection, we found low rates of retesting after eradication treatment. There is significant variation in rates of retesting among VHA facilities. H pylori testing is ordered by nongastroenterology specialists two-thirds of the time. Confirming eradication of H pylori is mandatory and widespread quality assurance protocols are needed.
The Role of Behavioral Anthropomorphism in Human-Automation Trust Calibration

Trust has been identified as a critical factor in the success and safety of interaction with automated systems. Researchers have referred to “trust calibration” as an apt design goal– user trust should be at an appropriate level given a system’s reliability. One factor in user trust is the degree to which a system is perceived as humanlike, or anthropomorphic. However, relevant prior work does not explicitly characterize trust appropriateness, and generally considers visual rather than behavioral anthropomorphism. To investigate the role of humanlike system behavior in trust calibration, we conducted a 2 (communication style: machinelike, humanlike) \(\times \) 2 (reliability: low, high) between-subject study online where participants collaborated alongside an Automated Target Detection (ATD) system to classify a set of images in 5 rounds of gameplay. Participants chose how many images to allocate to the automation before each round, where appropriate trust was defined by a number of images that optimized performance. We found that communication style and reliability influenced perceptions of anthropomorphism and trustworthiness. Low and high reliability participants demonstrated overtrust and undertrust, respectively. The implications of our findings for the design and research of automated and autonomous systems are discussed in the paper.
Variability in the Unconfined Compressive Strength of EICP-Treated “Standard” Sand

AbstractThree different batches of “standard” Ottawa 20-30 sand were biocemented using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP). The specimens from each batch were treated using the same bioce...
Quantifying the emissions impact of repurposed electric vehicle battery packs in residential settings

Abstract The market share of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) is growing, thanks to improvements in battery efficiency, declining production costs, and sustained policy support. Concurrently, concerns are growing over the supply of decommissioned PEV batteries. This has attracted a growing interest among scientists to determine the utility of repurposing PEV batteries for energy storage. Previous work has optimized behind-the-meter (BTM) battery storage systems (BSSs) for self-sufficiency and energy arbitrage, but few have used the system to lessen a home's electricity-related carbon footprint. This study uses high-resolution 2018 electricity demand from energy-efficient homes in Austin, Texas and grid generation data to simulate the daily operations of a 6 kWh BTM-BSS to minimize daily CO2e emissions. Results suggest that such homes with rooftop solar can reduce electricity-related household CO2eemissions by 21%, on average (about 1 ton of CO2e annually), while homes without solar could reduce their CO2e emissions by just 2% (about 0.12 tons per year). Pairing a BSS with rooftop solar increases average annual carbon savings by greater energy retention and lessening demand from the grid during carbon-intense generation periods. To make BTM-BSSs cost-effective for Austin homeowners, the price of repurposed PEV batteries must fall to $5.71/kWh or per-ton carbon pricing must rise to $70.34 for homeowners to reach break-even over an estimated 10-year BSS lifespan.
Paget’s Disease

EPIDEMIOLOGY: Uncommon, elderly, mammary and extra-mammary. ETIOLOGY: Unknown PATHOLOGY: Single and nested clear cells throughout the epithelium, CEA+, CK-7+, EMA+. CLINICAL: Scaly or erythematous patch areola or genitalia. TREATMENT: Supportive for mammary, excision with genitourinary/gastrointestinal w/u for extra-mammary.
Integrated assessment modeling of global climate change: Transparent rational tool for policy making or opaque screen hiding value‐laden assumptions?

One of the principal tools used in the integrated assessment (IA) of environmental science, technology and policy problems is integrated assessment models (IAMs). These models are often comprised of many sub‐models adopted from a wide range of disciplines. A multi‐disciplinary tool kit is presented, from which three decades of IA of global climatic change issues have tapped. A distinction between multi‐ and inter‐disciplinarity is suggested, hinging on the synergistic value added for the latter. Then, a hierarchy of five generations of IAMs are proposed, roughly paralleling the development of IAMs as they incorporated more components of the coupled physical, biological and social scientific disciplines needed to address a “real world” problem like climatic change impacts and policy responses. The need for validation protocols and exploration of predictability limits is also emphasized. The critical importance of making value‐laden assumptions highly transparent in both natural and social scientific components of IAMs is stressed, and it is suggested that incorporating decision‐makers and other citizens into the early design of IAMs can help with this process. The latter could also help IA modelers to offer a large range of value‐containing options via menu driven designs. Examples of specific topics which are often not well understood by potential users of IAMs are briefly surveyed, and it is argued that if the assumptions and values embedded in such topics are not made explicit to users, then IAMs, rather than helping to provide us with refined insights, could well hide value‐laden assumptions or conditions. In particular, issues of induced technological change, timing of carbon abatement, transients, surprises, adaptation, subjective probability assessment and the use of contemporary spatial variations as a substitute for time evolving changes (what I label “ergodic economics”) are given as examples of problematic issues that IA modelers need to explicitly address and make transparent if IAMs are to enlighten more than they conceal. A checklist of six practices which might help to increase transparency of IAMs is offered in the conclusions. Incorporation of decision‐makers into all stages of development and use of IAMs is re‐emphasized as one safeguard against misunderstanding or misrepresentation of IAM results by lay audiences.
Reaching Bayesian consensus in cognitive systems by decision exchanges

We consider the problem of distributed Bayesian hypothesis testing on a set of time invariant hypotheses in a cognitive system of cooperative agents. Each agent in the system obtains one set of private observations and then at every time slot two randomly selected agents repeatedly exchange their decisions and update their beliefs. We propose a method that allows the agents to reach an optimal local consensus by just exchanging decisions. It can be shown that with this strategy, all agents in the system can achieve a consensus in decision, which is also the global optimal decision held by a fictitious fusion center. We provide performance and convergence analysis of the proposed method as well as simulation results that demonstrate its asymptotical properties.
Lower cost modular spatially immersive visualization

The development of lower cost modular spatially immersive visualization systems based on commodity components and faceted display surfaces is described. Commodity computers are networked to form graphics computing clusters. Commodity digital projectors are used to form surrounding rear projected faceted display surfaces based on polyhedral shapes. The use of these systems in the design and evaluation of human environments is discussed.
PubChem: Integrated Platform of Small Molecules and Biological Activities

Abstract PubChem is an open repository for experimental data identifying the biological activities of small molecules. PubChem contents include more than: 1000 bioassays, 28 million bioassay test outcomes, 40 million substance contributed descriptions, and 19 million unique compound structures contributed from over 70 depositing organizations. PubChem provides a significant, publicly accessible platform for mining the biological information of small molecules.
Easter Island Revisited

New information about Easter Island is helping to identify the cause of the massive deforestation that occurred prior to European arrival, but unanswered questions remain.
Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis

A 32-year-old man with ulcerative colitis requiring total colectomy and ileostomy developed intermittent, severe abdominal pain and fevers 2 days postoperatively. His examination was remarkable for a temperature of 97.2°F, heart rate of 76 bpm, and blood pressure of 134/80 mm Hg. His abdominal examination was notable for diffuse, moderate tenderness on palpation without rebound or guarding. He underwent computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, which demonstrated thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (Figure 1). A vascular medicine specialist was consulted. Figure 1. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen, coronal view, documenting thrombus in the superior mesenteric vein (white arrow; A ). Axial view on CT confirms superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (white arrow; B ). Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) describes acute, subacute, or chronic thrombosis of the superior or inferior mesenteric vein or branches. MVT may present with acute abdominal pain or may be an asymptomatic incidental finding on abdominal imaging. MVT accounts for 1 in 5000 to 15 000 inpatient admissions and 1 in 1000 emergency surgical laparotomies for acute abdomen.1 The incidence of MVT has increased over the past 40 years, likely as a result of the greater use of abdominal CT.2 Age at presentation varies, depending on the underlying pathogenesis of MVT, although it is most common in the fifth and sixth decades of life. There is a slight male predominance.1 The true incidence of chronic MVT is likely to be underestimated because it is often asymptomatic. Two large series demonstrated that chronic MVT accounts for 24% to 40% of total cases of MVT.3 ### Risk Factors MVT often results from a combination of hypercoagulability, endothelial injury, and stasis, any of which may be part of a local or systemic process (Table). In patients with inherited hypercoagulability, MVT can occur spontaneously as an idiopathic event or after brief …
Effect of dietary fatty acid supplements, varying in fatty acid composition, on milk fat secretion in dairy cattle fed diets supplemented to less than 3% total fatty acids

Dietary fatty acids can affect both milk fat yield and fatty acid (FA) composition. This relationship is well established when the dietary level of FA exceeds 3% of diet dry matter (DM). We could find no reports directly examining the effects of dietary FA profile on milk fat at levels below 3%. Twenty-four primiparous and 36 multiparous lactating cows were paired by production (1 high with 1 low, within parity) to form 30 experimental units. Pairs were fed 6 diets in five 6×6 balanced Latin squares with 21-d periods, and data were collected during the last 5d of each period. Two control diets were fed: a corn control diet (CC; 29% corn silage, 16% alfalfa silage, 19% corn grain, and 8% distillers grain on a DM basis) containing 1.8% FA; and a low-oil control diet (LOC; 9% corn silage, 35% alfalfa silage, 20% food-grade corn starch, and 8% corn gluten feed on a DM basis) containing 1.2% FA. A portion of the food-grade corn starch in LOC was replaced with 4 different FA supplements to create the 4 treatment diets. Treatments were 1.7% (DM basis) of a 50:50 blend of corn oil and high-linoleic safflower oil (LO), 1.7% high-oleic sunflower oil (OO), 1.7% palm oil (PO), or 1.8% calcium salts of palm fatty acids (PFA). The resultant diets were thus enriched in linoleic (LO), oleic (OO), or palmitic acid (PO and PFA). Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake. Addition of any of the fat sources to LOC resulted in increased milk yield, but milk fat yields and milk FA composition were variable for the different treatments. The LO treatment resulted in lower milk fat yield, fat concentration, and C16:0 yield but increased both trans-10 C18:1 and trans-10,cis-12 C18:2 yields compared with the other added FA treatments. Diets PO and PFA resulted in increased milk C16:0 yield and decreased total milk C18 yield compared with OO. Regression analysis revealed a negative coefficient for dietary linoleic acid content over basal (LOC) for both milk short-chain FA yield and C16:0 yield. Dietary linoleic acid content also had a positive coefficient for milk trans-10 C18:1 and trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid yield. These results demonstrate that even when total dietary FA are below 3%, free oils rich in linoleic acid can reduce milk fat yield by reducing secretion of milk FA with fewer than 18 carbons. Fatty acid composition of fat supplements is important even at this low level of total dietary fat.
Processing degradation of polyamide 6/montmorillonite clay nanocomposites and clay organic modifier

Abstract Under injection molding conditions, typical of industrial processing, in situ polymerized montmorillonite/polyamide 6 nanocomposites significantly degraded, producing a four-fold increase in e-caprolactam (monomer) content and a significant reduction in number average molecular mass, as compared to the as-received nanocomposite. Degradation was believed to occur via peptide bond scission following attack by water that is most likely released from the polymer and the montmorillonite clay surface at the 300 °C (12.5 min) processing conditions. Under identical injection molding conditions, virgin polyamide 6 number average molecular mass did not decrease (within experimental uncertainty); however, a small increase in monomer content was observed. Characterization methods included solution 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, gel-permeation chromatography, and thermal gravimetric analysis.
ETHANOL FROM SOUTHERN HARDWOODS: THE ROLE OF PRESULFONATION IN THE ACID HYDROLYSIS PROCESS

A two-stage acid hydrolysis process is currently used in the production of ethanol from hardwoods. In this process, dilute sulfuric acid in water at high pressure and short residence times hydrolyzes the wood and first stage substrate. The chemical action is particularly impeded in the second stage by the presence of acid condensed lignin. Presulfonation followed by delignification is proposed using a sulfur dioxide/water sulfuric acid/ethanol treatment step in place of the first stage acid hydrolysis step to alleviate this problem. Results presented include the effects caused by varying treatment time, sulfur dioxide concentration, temperature and ethanol concentration on the degree of delignification, and, on the recovery of C5 and C6 sugars in the hydrolysates. A preliminary economic feasibility analysis is made to determine the impact of improved ethanol yields and lignin by-product values in the production of ethanol from hardwoods.
Phenomenological theory of the translational relaxation times in gases

The classical equations governing the translational dispersion and absorption of sound in a gas yield a solution of such complexity as to obscure the relaxational character of the associated viscous and thermal transport processes. The approach taken here is to solve the secular equation by the method of Pade’ approximation, which even to the relatively low order R11 yields a remarkably close approximation to the exact solution over a wide range of frequency/pressure ratios. As a result, translational relaxation can be ascribed the attributes of a conventional relaxation process such as relaxation times, relaxation strength, collision numbers, additivity relations, etc. To extend the theory to extremely high values of frequency/pressure ratio, a model is proposed to account for the noncontinuum behavior of the transport coefficients (viscosity and thermal conductivity) as the molecular mean free path approaches the acoustical half‐wavelength. The theory shows good agreement with measurements in argon over the classical, Burnett, and transition regions as defined by Meyer and Sessler [E. Meyer and G. Sessler, Z. Phys. 149, 15–39 (1957)].
Regional and local networks of horizontal control, Cerro Prieto geothermal area

Abstract The Cerro Prieto geothermal area in the Mexicali Valley 30 km southeast of Mexicali, Baja California, is probably deforming due to (1) the extraction of large volumes of steam and hot water, and (2) active tectonism. Two networks of precise horizontal control were established in Mexicali Valley by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1977 – 1978 to measure both types of movement as they occur. These networks consisted of (1) a regional trilateration net brought into the mountain ranges west of the geothermal area from survey stations on an existing U.S. Geological Survey crustal-strain network north of the international border, and (2) a local net tied to stations in the regional net and encompassing the area of present and planned geothermal production. Survey lines in this net were selected to span areas of probable ground-surface movements in and around the geothermal area. Electronic distance measuring (EDM) instruments, operating with a modulated laser beam, were used to measure the distances between stations in both networks. The regional net was run using a highly precise long-range EDM instrument, helicopters for transportation of men and equipment to inaccessible stations on mountain peaks, and a fixed wing airplane flying along the line of sight. Precision of measurements with this complex long-range system approached 0–2 ppm of line length. The local net was measured with a medium-range EDM instrument requiring minimal ancillary equipment. Precision of measurements with this less complex system approached 3 ppm for the shorter line lengths. The detection and analysis of ground-surface movements resulting from tectonic strains or induced by geothermal fluid withdrawal is dependent on subsequent resurveys of these networks.
Protein binding elements in the human β-polymerase promoter

The core promoter for human DNA polymerase beta contains discrete binding sites for mammalian nuclear proteins, as revealed by DNasel footprinting and gel mobility shift assays. Two sites correspond to sequences identical with the Sp1 factor binding element, and a third site includes an eight residue palindromic sequence, TGACGTCA, known as the CRE element of several cAMP responsive promoters; the 5 to 10 residues flanking this palindrome on each side have no apparent sequence homology with known elements in other promoters. Nuclear extract from a variety of tissues and cells were examined; these included rat liver and testes and cultured cells of human and hamster origin. The DNasel footprint is strong over and around the palindromic element for each of the extracts and is equivalent in size (approximately 22 residues); footprinting over the Sp1 binding sites is seen also. Two potential tissue-specific binding sites, present in liver but not in testes, were found corresponding to residues -13 to -10 and +33 to +48, respectively. Protein binding to the palindromic element was confirmed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay with the core promoter as probe. Binding specificity of the 22 residue palindromic element, as revealed by oligonucleotide competition, is different from that of AP-1 binding element. Controlled proteolysis with trypsin was used to study structural properties of proteins forming the mobility shift bands. Following digestion with trypsin, most of the palindrome binding activity of each extract corresponded to a sharp, faster migrating band, potentially representing a DNA binding domain of the palindrome binding protein.
Leaf age, decline in photosynthesis, and changes in abscisic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and cytokinin in cotton leaves

Abstract Abscisic acid (ABA) decreases stomatal aperture and has been reported to decrease photosynthesis. Conversely, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and cytokinins have been reported to increase stomatal aperture and stimulate photosynthesis. Field experiments were conducted in 1990 and 1991 to determine possible correlations of concentrations of ABA, IAA, and the cytokinin, isopentenyladenosine ([9R]iP), with a decline in photosynthesis that occurs in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaves as they age. Sympodial leaves were tagged 31 July 1990 at the first node of fruiting branches when the flower was at anthesis at that node. Photosynthesis was measured at intervals thereafter during the next 37 days as the tagged leaves became older. Mainstem leaves were selected at 4, 8, 12 and 16 nodes below the apex on 7 August 1991. Photosynthesis rates were determined in full sunlight and the leaves then harvested and analyzed for free and conjugated ABA, free and ester IAA, and the cytokinin, [9R]iP. Free ABA decreased, rather than increased, with leaf age. Although conjugated ABA increased with leaf age, it is though to be sequestered in vacuoles and, therefore, metabolically inaccessible. [9R]iP changed little with leaf age. Ester IAA increased with leaf age and was negatively correlated with photosynthesis. Free IAA decreased with leaf age and was significantly correlated with photosynthesis.
Role of Constraining Forces for Ultrarelativistic Particle Motion as a Source of Gravitational Radiation

A study is made of gravitational radiation from the constraining forces, idealized as stresses in a thin rod, necessary to hold a particle in an ultrarelativistic circular orbit. Both the particle and the constraining forces generate radiation spectra which fall off in frequency as ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{-}(\frac{1}{3})}$ up to a critical frequency, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{crit}}=3{[1\ensuremath{-}{(\frac{{v}_{\mathrm{particle}}}{v})}^{2}]}^{\ensuremath{-}(\frac{3}{2})}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{frequency}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{rotation}$, but the power generated by the constraining forces is much smaller than that due to the particle's mass.
The influence of dietary protein and energy levels on growth and survival of penaeid shrimp

Abstract Two feeding experiments were conducted on the effects of levels of dietary protein, carbohydrates and lipids on growth and survival of penaeid shrimp. In the first experiment, a series of 14 semi-purified formulations which contained 28 to 52% protein, 0 to 40% glucose, and 0 to 20% supplemental lipid were fed for a ten-week period. In the second experiment, 12 diets which contained 14 to 32% protein, 0 to 30% starch, and 0 to 10% supplemental lipid were fed for eight weeks. Results from these studies indicated that 28–32% was the optimal protein level and that the addition of starch to the diet enhanced growth whereas supplemental glucose caused a reduction in weight gains. Groups fed diets containing a lipid supplement had poor growth and survival rates.
Deep-draft dredging of U.S. coal ports: A cost-benefit analysis

This article discusses whether U.S. society should invest in large-scale coal port development and examines specifically financing the deep-draft dredging of coal ports on the East and/or Gulf Coasts (Baltimore, Hampton Roads, Mobile, and New Orleans) so that fully loaded, large coal-carrying colliers can export coal to Western Europe. By assuming a society-wide perspective, no costs and benefits are attributed to various parties. Although the multifaceted nature of the coal port issue is acknowledged, the core of this study is a large number of different simulations. Each simulation “optimizes” the United States-Western Europe coal trade for a given demand, ocean transportation cost structure, and cost of capital. This relatively simple model focuses on the key tradeoff: the cost of dredging versus lower ocean transportation costs. The study supports those recommending caution in coal port development. The most striking conclusion is the robustness of two solutions - no dredging or dredge only Hampton Roads - depending on the assumptions. Our conclusions also generally do not support simultaneously dredging all deep-draft options, the concurrent dredging of more than one port, or dredging either of the Gulf ports before the two East Coast ports.
Impact of body mass index on cardiac mortality in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS). Background The prognostic value of MPS in the obese has not been evaluated. Methods We studied 4,720 patients with and 10,019 patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent rest Tl-201/stress Tc-99m sestamibi MPS, including 5,233 gated MPS studies and followed up (mean 2.7 to 3.2 years). Patients were categorized as normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2), or obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2). Results Unadjusted annual rates of cardiac death (CD) rose versus stress MPS abnormalities in all weight groups (p Conclusions Normal MPS was associated with low risk of CD in patients of all weight categories. In patients with known CAD undergoing MPS, obese and overweight patients were at lower risk of CD over three years than normal weight patients.
Developing remote sensing and GIS hands-on modules to support UN-affiliated education programmes

Abstract Implementing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) education programmes by the UN-affiliated regional centres for space science and technology in developing nations poses challenges because of the imbalance between industrialized and developing nations in the number of experts able to cover the topics defined by the core curriculum. This scenario creates a window of opportunity for developing instructional materials using information technologies to support local experts in teaching these topics. The goal behind teaching remote sensing and GIS should focus on providing scholars with the skills and capacity to allow them to engage in active work after they complete the UN programme. One of the most effective ways of learning process associated with technical skills is through the problem-solving exercises of Problem-Based Learning. A multi-layered decision-making module that provides feedback and allows multiple final solutions is proposed. Module development and implementation includes an initial stage focusing on assessing UN-affiliated regional centres RS/GIS application interest areas and cultural framework and a second phase dedicated to converting the various materials developed in English to the other five UN official languages.
Effect of pressure gradients on Gortler instability

Gortler instability for boundary-layer flows over generally curved walls is considered. The full linearized disturbance equations are obtained in an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. A perturbation procedure to account for second-order effects is used to determine the effects of the displacement thickness and the variation of the streamline curvature on the neutral stability of the Blasius flow. The pressure gradient in the mean flow is accounted for by solving the nonsimilar boundary-layer equations. Growth rates are obtained for the actual mean flow and the Falkner-Skan flows. The results demonstrate the strong influence of the pressure gradient and the nonsimilarity of the basic flow on the stability characteristics.
The Robert Jones fracture—a lesson learned

We present an unusual case of a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in a child following a fall. As a result of an underlying equino-varus deformity, the fracture did not heal with conservative treatment. We described our management in correcting the deformity and achieving fracture healing. We highlight the need to appreciate and treat the underlying cause in order to achieve union of this fracture.
Crystal Structure of a Two-domain Multicopper Oxidase IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF MULTICOPPER BLUE PROTEINS

The two-domain multicopper oxidases are proposed to be key intermediates in the evolution of three-domain multicopper oxidases. A number of two-domain multicopper oxidases have been identified from genome sequences and are classified as type A, type B, or type C on the basis of the predicted location of the type 1 copper center. The crystal structure of blue copper oxidase, a type C two-domain multicopper oxidase from Nitrosomonas europaea, has been determined to 1.9 A resolution. Blue copper oxidase is a trimer, of which each subunit comprises two cupredoxin domains. Each subunit houses a type 1 copper site in domain 1 and a type 2/type 3 trinuclear copper cluster at the subunit-subunit interface. The coordination geometry at the trinuclear copper site is consistent with reduction of the copper ions. Although the overall architecture of blue copper oxidase is similar to nitrite reductases, detailed structural alignments show that the fold and domain orientation more closely resemble the three-domain multicopper oxidases. These observations have important implications for the evolution of nitrite reductases and multicopper oxidases.
Vertical Keiretsu and Knowledge Spillovers in Japanese Manufacturing: An Empirical Assessment

Observers of the Japanese economy know that vertical keiretsu groups tend to play an important role in Japan's most internationally competitive and technologically progressive industries. It has long been hypothesized that vertical keiretsu linkages enhance the productivity of member firms by promoting the flow of technological information across firm boundaries. This paper uses micro-level data to test this hypothesis. I develop an empirical framework which allows me to measure the impact of knowledge spillovers on the innovation of firms. I find strong empirical evidence that vertical keiretsu linkages promote knowledge spillovers. J. Japan. Int. Econ., June 2000, 14(2), pp. 73–104. Department of Economics, University of California, Davis, California 95616; and NBER, 1050 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138. Copyright 2000 Academic Press. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: O3, L1, P1.
Formal mutations: pursuing unintended consequences

British anthropologist James Burke described the history of our civilization as a constant shaping of tools by people, and consequentially shaping people and the way we think by the tools we create. This dictum is as relevant today as it was in the past and applies particularly well to digitally created art and design. In light of this observation, digital design methodologies and tools play a critical role, informing our perception about reality while shaping our expectation towards reality.
Tolerance is dependent on complement C3 fragment iC3b binding to antigen-presenting cells

Systemic tolerance can be induced by the introduction of antigen into an immune-privileged site. Here we investigated the role of complement in the induction of tolerance after intraocular injection. We found that the development of antigen-specific tolerance is dependent on a complement activation product. The ligation of the complement C3 activation product iC3b to complement receptor type 3 (the iC3b receptor) on antigen-presenting cells resulted in the sequential production of transforming growth factor-β2 and interleukin-10, which is essential for the induction of tolerance. These observations may extend to the development of both neonatal tolerance and other forms of acquired tolerance.
Acute-to-Chronic Ratio as a Metric for HIV Surveillance

Early diagnosis is important for HIV control on both the individual and the population level. Patients who are diagnosed shortly after infection have more treatment options which can result in delayed progression to AIDS. Early diagnosis can also help to reduce the spread of HIV: with viral loads at the highest level, the newly infected have the highest risk of transmitting HIV to partners. Accordingly it is important to evaluate at a population level whether individuals are diagnosed shortly after infection. For this purpose, we introduce the acute-tochronic ratio, which is the odds of the infected individuals being diagnosed in the acute infection stage versus the chronic infection stage among those who seek HIV testing. We demonstrate this new metric through HIV testing results from sexually transmitted disease clinics of four cities, and compare the four populations with respect to how quickly the infected get HIV testing.
Recovery of Function after Serial Ablation of Prefrontal Cortex in the Rhesus Monkey

Rhesus monkeys with one-stage or serial ablation of sulcus principalis (prefrontal association cortex) were compared on three spatial tasks. On all tests, the serial monkeys made fewer errors than did the monkeys with onestage lesions. These results indicate that partial recovery of function can occur after extensive destruction of association cortex in the mature primate brain if the damage is distributed over a number of operations.
Spectral aspects of cavity tuned absorption in organic photovoltaic films

Concentration of light and infrared capture are two favored approaches for increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of photovoltaic devices. Using optical transfer matrix formalism, we model the absorption of organic photovoltaic films as a function of active layer thickness and incident wavelength. In our simulations we consider the absorption in the optical cavity formed by the polymer bulk heterojunction active layer (AL) between the aluminum cathode and indium tin oxide (ITO) anode. We find that optical absorption can be finely tuned by adjusting the ITO thickness within a relatively narrow range, thus eliminating the need for a separate optical spacer. We also observe distinct spectral effects due to frequency pulling which results in enhanced long-wavelength absorption. Spectral sculpting can be carried out by cavity design without affecting the open circuit voltage as the spectral shifts are purely optical effects. We have experimentally verified aspects of our modeling and suggest methods to improve device design.
FROM DISCRETE- TO CONTINUOUS-TIME FINANCE: WEAK CONVERGENCE OF THE FINANCIAL GAIN PROCESS'

Conditions suitable for applications in finance are given for the weak convergence (or convergence in probability) of stochastic integrals. For example, consider a sequence Sn of security price pro- cesses converging in distribution to S and a sequence 8" of trading strategies converging in distri- bution to 0. We survey conditions under which the financial gain process J 0" dSn converges in distribution to J 0 dS. Examples include convergence from discrete- to continuous-time settings and, in particular, generalizations of the convergence of binomial option replication models to the Black- Scholes model. Counterexamples are also provided. Although a large part of financial economic theory is based on models with continuous- time security trading, it is widely felt that these models are relevant insofar as they char- acterize the behavior of models in which trades occur discretely in time. It seems natural to check that the limit of discrete-time security market models, as the lengths of periods between trades shrink to zero, produces the effect of continuous-time trading. That is one of the principal aims of this paper. If {(P, 6.)) is a sequence of security price processes and trading strategies converging in distribution to some such pair (S, 6), we are con- cerned with additional conditions under which the sequence {! 6: dS;} of stochastic in- tegrals defining the gains from trade converges in distribution to the stochastic integral J Bt dS,. Conditions recently developed by Jakubowski, MCmin, and Pagks (1989) and Kurtz and Protter (1991a, b) are restated here in a manner suitable for easy applications in finance, and several such examples are worked out in this paper. The paper gives parallel conditions for convergence of gains in probability. In short, this paper is more of a "user's guide" than a set of new convergence results. A good motivating example is Cox, Ross, and Rubinstein's (1979) proof that the Black- Scholes (1973) option pricing formula is the limit of a discrete-time binomial option pricing formula (due to William Sharpe) as the number of time periods per unit of real time goes to infinity. Aside from providing a simple interpretation of the Black-Scholes formula, this connection between discrete- and continuous-time financial models led to a standard technique for estimating continuous-time derivative asset prices by using nu- merical methods based on discrete-time reasoning. One of the examples of this paper is
Filling a Void: Thyroid Cancer Surgery Information on the Internet

Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing, making it an important public health issue. Many patients use the Internet for health-related decisions. Our purposes were to measure the quality of thyroid cancer surgery information on the Internet, and to identify quality predictors. The 50 most popular thyroid cancer websites from Google, Yahoo, and MSN were identified. A novel 55-point instrument based on current clinical practice guidelines was designed and used by a Delphi panel of 5 “blinded” endocrine surgeons to assess website information. Each website was independently evaluated by two surgeons. Quality was related to website demographic data using the Student’s t-test, chi-square, and ANOVA analyses. Inter-rater reliability for quality scores was excellent (κ = 0.81). Mean (% of overall quality) score was 21 (38%), and mean score for surgical content was low at 3.5 (29%). Only 50% of sites discussed indications for surgery; 8% length of surgery/anesthesia; 42% the role of lymphadenectomy; 44% recurrent laryngeal nerve injury/hoarseness and 42% hypoparathyroidism as potential complications; 16% recovery; and 20% recommendations for choosing a thyroid surgeon. Only 38% were updated within 2 years. On univariate analysis, no significant associations were found between surgical quality score and website country of origin, currency, sponsorship, authorship, oversight, or references. Thyroid cancer surgery websites on the Internet are incomplete and outdated. No predictors of quality were identified. Significant improvement is needed in regulating information about thyroid cancer surgery on the Internet, and surgeons may contribute to this effort.
Interprocedural Interval as a Predictor of Stent Restenosis After Previous Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary artery stent implantation is used increasingly to treat restenosis after balloon angioplasty. This study demonstrates that a short interprocedural interval, between initial angioplasty and stent implantation, is a significant risk factor for in-stent restenosis.
Current Trends and Short-term Outcomes of Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Population-based Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Recent United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data suggest that live kidney donation is stagnant. Current practices and trends in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) among the transplant community remain largely unknown. From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2006, patients undergoing LDN (n = 9,437) were identified. Live kidney donation in the United States did not show an increase in the NIS. Of the live donor cases recorded, 58 (0.61%) were associated with a major short-term complication. The number of LDNs performed by transplant surgeons decreased over the study period from 76.5% in 1998 to 30.4% in 2006. In the United Stares, LDNs are performed safely with a low short-term complication rate. Despite the use of laparoscopy and the increased need of donor organs, the rate of LDN in kidney transplantation has not increased proportionally.
Pareto iterative learning control: Optimized control for multiple performance objectives

Abstract Iterative learning control (ILC) is a 2-degree-of-freedom technique that seeks to improve system performance along the time and iteration domains. Traditionally, ILC has been implemented to minimize trajectory-tracking errors across an entire cycle period. However, there are applications in which the necessity for improved tracking performance can be limited to a few specific locations. For such systems, a modified learning controller focused on improved tracking at the selected points can be leveraged to address multiple performance metrics, resulting in systems that exhibit significantly improved behaviors across a wide variety of performance metrics. This paper presents a pareto learning control framework that incorporates multiple objectives into a single design architecture.