cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating Social Work into Palliative Care for Lung Cancer Patients and Families: A Multidimensional Approach

Lung cancer patients and their family caregivers face a wide range of potentially distressing symptoms across the four domains of quality of life. A multidimensional approach to addressing these complex concerns with early integration of palliative care has proven beneficial. This article highlights opportunities to integrate social work using a comprehensive quality of life model and a composite patient scenario from a large lung cancer educational intervention National Cancer Institute-funded program project grant.
Optimization of NMR spectroscopy of encapsulated proteins dissolved in low viscosity fluids

Comprehensive application of solution NMR spectroscopy to studies of macromolecules remains fundamentally limited by the molecular rotational correlation time. For proteins, molecules larger than 30 kDa require complex experimental methods, such as TROSY in conjunction with isotopic labeling schemes that are often expensive and generally reduce the potential information available. We have developed the reverse micelle encapsulation strategy as an alternative approach. Encapsulation of proteins within the protective nano-scale water pool of a reverse micelle dissolved in ultra-low viscosity nonpolar solvents overcomes the slow tumbling problem presented by large proteins. Here, we characterize the contributions from the various components of the protein-containing reverse micelle system to the rotational correlation time of the encapsulated protein. Importantly, we demonstrate that the protein encapsulated in the reverse micelle maintains a hydration shell comparable in size to that seen in bulk solution. Using moderate pressures, encapsulation in ultra-low viscosity propane or ethane can be used to magnify this advantage. We show that encapsulation in liquid ethane can be used to reduce the tumbling time of the 43 kDa maltose binding protein from ~23 to ~10 ns. These conditions enable, for example, acquisition of TOCSY-type data resolved on the adjacent amide NH for the 43 kDa encapsulated maltose binding protein dissolved in liquid ethane, which is typically impossible for proteins of such size without use of extensive deuteration or the TROSY effect.
Real robots that pass human tests of self-consciousness

Self-consciousness would seem to be a sine qua non for moral competence in a social world. You and we are morally competent in no small part because you know what you ought to do, and we know what we ought to do. A mouse, in contrast, cannot say to itself: “I ought to share this cheese, even if my brother refuses to do so.” But can robots be self-conscious? Approaching this question from the standpoint of so-called Psychometric AI, we note that prior work by Govindarajulu and Bringsjord led to the engineering of a robot (Cogito) able to provably pass the famous mirror test of self-consciousness. But a more challenging test for robot self-consciousness has been provided by Floridi; this test is an ingenious and much-harder variant of the well-known-in-AI wise-man puzzle: Each of three robots is given one pill from a group of five, three of which are innocuous, but two of which, when taken, immediately render the recipient dumb. In point of fact, two robots (R 1 and R 2 ) are given potent pills, but R 3 receives one of the three placebos. The human tester says: “Which pill did you receive? No answer is correct unless accompanied by a proof!” Given a formal regimentation of this test previously formulated by Bringsjord, it can be proved that, in theory, a future robot represented by R 3 can answer provably correctly (which for plausible reasons, explained by Floridi, entails that R 3 has satisfied some of the structural requirements for self-consciousness). In this paper we explain and demonstrate the engineering that now makes this theoretical possibility actual, both in the simulator known as ‘PAGI World’ (used for testing AIs), and in real (= physical) robots interacting with a human tester. These demonstrations involve scenarios that demand the passing of Floridi's test for self-consciousness, where for us, passing such a test is required for an agent to be regarded morally competent.
Total wrist arthroplasty for the patient with non-rheumatoid arthritis.

HE PATIENT 67-year-old, left hand–dominant woman presents ith left wrist pain that limits daily activities. She eceived a cast for a distal radius fracture 30 years ago. he manages the pain with occasional opioids. On xamination, she has mild dorsal wrist tenderness and rist extension to 40°, wrist flexion to 40°, and 80° of ronation and supination. Radiographs show an old istal radius fracture in neutral alignment with severe adiocarpal arthrosis. She is interested in having surgery o reduce pain, but does not want to lose wrist motion.
Introspective failure analysis: avoiding correlated failures in peer-to-peer systems

Failure independence is an important assumption for many fault tolerance techniques. Unfortunately, real systems exhibit correlated failures. In this paper, we present a framework for online discovery of groups of server nodes that are maximally independent in their failure characteristics. We discuss the framework in detail and provide a preliminary evaluation.
Decomposing achievement gaps among OECD countries

In this study, we use decomposition methods on PISA 2006 data to compare student academic performance across OECD countries. We first establish an empirical model to explain the variation in academic performance across individuals, and then use the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method to decompose the achievement gap between each of the OECD countries and the OECD average. Results indicate that the explained portion of the achievement gap varies across countries. In some countries, our empirical models are able to account for almost all the achievement gap, while unexplained country-specific effects still dominate in other countries. Finally, we use two Asian countries, Japan and Korea, to demonstrate how to identify major factors that have contributed to the observed achievement gap across countries.
Photodynamic therapy followed by thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy for locally advanced lung cancer.

Photodynamic therapy is an effective technique for debulking endobronchial tumors over an acceptably short time-course; however, to be effective, numerous treatment cycles may be required to achieve the desired results. We present a case in which photodynamic therapy was used with curative intent to downsize an obstructing endobronchial non–small cell lung cancer in advance of resection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with right upper lobe sleeve lobectomy.
Small circular DNAs for synthesis of the human telomere repeat: varied sizes, structures and telomere-encoding activities

We describe the construction, structural properties and enzymatic substrate abilities of a series of circular DNA oligonucleotides that are entirely composed of the C-rich human telomere repeat, (CCCTAA)n. The nanometer-sized circles range in length from 36 to 60 nt, and act as templates for synthesis of human telomere repeats in vitro. The circles were constructed successfully by the application of a recently developed adenine-protection strategy, which allows for cyclization/ligation with T4 DNA ligase. Thermal denaturation studies showed that at pH 5.0, all five circles form folded structures with similar stability, while at pH 7.0 no melting transitions were seen. Circular dichroism spectra at the two pH conditions showed evidence for i-motif structures at the lower pH value. The series was tested as rolling circle templates for a number of DNA polymerases at pH = 7.3–8.5, using 18mer telomeric primers. Results showed that surprisingly small circles were active, although the optimum size varied from enzyme to enzyme. Telomeric repeats � 1000 nt in length could be synthesized in 1 h by the Klenow (exo-) DNA polymerase. The results establish a convenient way to make long human telomeric repeats for in vitro study of their folding and interactions, and establish optimum molecules for carrying this out.
Antimicrobial Activity, In Vitro, of Chlorhexidine

Comparative in vitro tests indicate that chlorhexidine has greater antibacterial activity than benzalkonium chloride, a combination of o -phenyl- and p - tert -amyl-phenol, and an iodine-polyvinylpyrrolidone complex under the test conditions. Chlorhexidine in relatively high dilutions was effective against several cultures of Gram-negative bacteria in the phenol coefficient test. In moderate concentrations, it was active against staphylococci and anaerobes.
The tobacco industry is not a ‘normal’ business, so let us stop treating it that way: invited commentary

The global tobacco industry kills six million people every year. It does this in a deliberate, systematic manner, complete with business plans, lobbying, political contributions and favours, and cash bonuses to its executives who kill the most people by successfully selling them their deadly cigarettes and other tobacco products. Six million people. Every year. When one repeats those phrases, slowly and aloud—six million people, every year—it seems astounding that Malone et al ,1 in this issue of Tobacco Control , need, at this …
Uncoupling of cell cycle arrest from the expression of monocytic differentiation markers in HL60 cell variants.

Abstract Differentiation generally leads to cell cycle arrest. Human leukemia HL60 cells respond to the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25D3) by expressing a number of markers of the monocyte/macrophage phenotype and become arrested predominantly in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We have recently reported a series (A) of 1,25D3-resistant variants of HL60 cells which proliferate in the presence of 1,25D3and do not express differentiation markers (Exp. Cell Res.224, 312, 1996). We now describe another series (B) of such variants, which differ from A series cells grown in similar concentrations of 1,25D3in that they express the CD14 antigen and nonspecific esterase, characteristic of the monocyte, while continuing to proliferate and they develop hypotetraploid DNA (4C) content at higher concentrations of ambient 1,25D3than the A series cells. Cells in the B series with 4C DNA content (100B and 200B) also differed from the A series 4C cells by the absence of DNA binding by the full-length Sp1 transcription factor. However, B series cells resembled the A series cells in exhibiting faster growth rates than the parental HL60 cells and showed high levels of vitamin D receptor and retinoid receptor X proteins. These results show that the initial steps in the 1,25D3signaling pathway are intact in B series resistant cells and lead to the appearance of early markers of monocytic differentiation. However, the progression to subsequent events which comprise terminal differentiation and cell cycle arrest is halted during the adaptation to the presence of 1,25D3in these cells. Thus, the availability of these variant cells should provide a system for studying the link between differentiation and cell cycle arrest.
Iterative ordering using fuzzy logic and application to ranking college football teams

Ranking of sports teams has been the interest of many people. Ranking of college sports teams (in the US) has its special challenge in that most teams do not play each other, and there is no lack of argument regarding how to compare two teams which have not played each other. We present here an algorithm that utilizes fuzzy sets to represent the teams' strengths, hence incorporating the uncertainty that is intrinsic in such a problem. The membership values of these fuzzy sets are adjusted iteratively according to the opponents and results of games played. After the process converges, we generate the final ranking using the centroids of these fuzzy sets. In addition, we present another set of fuzzy rules for predicting, with some degree of confidence, the winning/losing of games not included in the "training set," which consist of games used to generate the team strengths. We also discuss the selection of parameters for making the confidence of predictions mimic the actual percentage of correct predictions.
Improving Discrete Model Representations via Symmetry Considerations

In this paper, we focus on a useful modeling concept that is frequently ignored while formu lating discrete optimization problems. Very often, there exists a natural symmetry inherent in the problem itself that, if propagated to the model, can hopelessly mire a branch-and-bound solver by burdening it to explore and eliminate such alternative symmetric solutions. We discuss three applications where such a symmetry arises: a telecommunications network design problem, a noise pollution problem, and a machine procurement and operation problem. For each case, we identify the indistinguishable objects in the model that create the problem symmetry and show how imposing certain decision hierarchies within the model significantly enhances its solvability, while using a popular modern-day commercial branch-and-cut software (CPLEX 6.5).
Taking Stock: Assessing and Improving Performance Budgeting Theory and Practice

ABSTRACTSince the passage of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993, the past 20 years represent one of the most remarkable eras for performance budgeting initiatives in the United States. As a result, many studies about this tool have been conducted and published. Based on a systematic review of articles on research related to performance budgeting in major journals in the ten years between 2002 and 2011, this study assesses how performance budgeting research has evolved over time, reviews its accomplishments, and suggests a few directions for future study, such as the need to control for different intervening factors to establish causality, the need for more coherent theoretical frameworks to guide empirical work and structure the relationship between causal factors, and the need for methodological diversity. We also present a few long-standing questions about performance budgeting that future studies may revisit carefully.
Analytical analysis on the effect of time duration of acceleration pulse to a JEDEC board in drop test

The objective of this paper is to simulate a JEDEC test board dynamic response with the use of a simplified analytical model. A block-diagram based Matlab/Simulink model was also built to perform the parametric study. It is found that the desirable predominated mode and no-ringing dynamic response can not be achieved for the test board and input profile with current JEDEC standard. Time durations of the input acceleration plays an important role in the dynamic response. The system response can be designed by carefully choosing the acceleration time duration. It is very meaningful in the design of board level drop test in the electronic industries. With the time duration adjusting to 1.5 times of the system period for the standard JEDEC test board, no-ringing response occurs. A closed-form theoretical solution was obtained for half-sine acceleration pulse input. The analytical simulation was confirmed by the theoretical results.
Context effects on habituation to disgust-relevant stimuli.

Although exposure-based treatments appear to be efficacious for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders, many individuals experience a renewal of the original fear response at follow-up. In an effort to prevent fear renewal, researchers have begun to use exposure of the conditioned stimulus in different contexts during extinction. Although studies continue to accumulate, showing that conducting exposure in multiple contexts buffers against the renewal of distress responses to fear-relevant stimuli, it remains unclear how conducting exposure in multiple contexts affects the renewal of distress responses to disgust-relevant stimuli. In the present study, participants (N = 52) were randomized to repeated presentations of disgust stimuli (vomiting in a toilet) in a single context or multiple contexts. Results revealed that those in the single context condition reported less distress after the exposure manipulation compared with the multiple context condition. Although there were no significant group differ...
Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanorods in Alocohol Solution

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have been grown by hydrolyzing Zn(OAc) 2 •2H 2 O in methanol solution. Nanoparticles in sizes ranging from 2 to 4 nm were first obtained at low concentration. The growth kinetics was monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The precursor was then concentrated by 10 folds and refluxed at 60°C for 24 hours to form ZnO nanorods with an aspect ratio of 12. Ligand adsorption growth model was proposed to explain the anisotropic growth.
Malakoplakia of the Kidney with Renal Failure

A case in which malakoplakia, a rare disease usually confined to the bladder mucosa, had destroyed most of the parenchyma of both kidneys, is reported. Acute suppurative pyelonephritis and papillary necrosis led to rapidly enlarging kidneys, uremia, and death. The pathognomonic Michaelis-Gutmann inclusion bodies, although sparse and difficult to identify by light microscopy, were readily demonstrable by electron microscopy in tissue fixed in 10% formalin. Electron microscopy, therefore, offers a means of establishing the diagnosis of malakoplakia when light microscopy is only suggestive. Special initial fixation procedures are not necessary.
VIP protects human retinal microvascular endothelial cells against high glucose-induced increases in TNF-α and enhances RvD1.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of VIP on human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) under high glucose conditions. Diabetes affects almost 250 million people worldwide. Over 40% of diabetics are expected to develop diabetic retinopathy, which remains the leading cause of visual impairment/blindness. Currently, treatment is limited to late stages of retinopathy with no options available for early stages. To this end, the purpose of the current study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on HREC under high glucose conditions. Methods Primary HREC were cultured in normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose medium +/− VIP treatment. Protein levels of TNF-α, resolvin D1 (RvD1), formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), G protein-coupled receptor 32 (GPR32), VEGF, and VIP receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2 were measured. Results High glucose-induced changes in TNF-α and RvD1 were restored to control levels with VIP treatment. RvD1 receptors, ALX/FPR2 and GPR32, were partially rescued with VIP treatment. VPAC2 expression appeared to be the major receptor involved in VIP signaling in HREC, as VPAC1 receptor was not detected. In addition, VIP did not induce HREC secretion of VEGF under high glucose conditions. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that VIP’s therapeutic effect on HREC, occurs in part, through the balance between the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and the pro-resolving mediator, RvD1. Although VPAC1 is considered the major VIP receptor, VPAC2 is predominantly expressed on HREC under both normal and high glucose conditions.
Coseismic, dilational-fault and extension-fracture related pit chain formation in Iceland: Analog for pit chains on Mars

Pit crater chains are common topographic features on Mars and several other planetary bodies, and a wide range of mechanisms has been proposed for their origin. Two rifting-related seismic events in 1975–1976 and 1978 along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near the northern coast of Iceland, associated with the Krafla volcanic eruptions to the south, produced an array of pit chains in unconsolidated sediments overlying Holocene basalt flows. Fault scarps and extension fractures in basaltic lava flows are traceable laterally into overlying unconsolidated fluvial deposits, revealing contrasting deformation styles in the two mechanical layers. Map-scale structures in basalt with little or no sedimentary cover include (1) fault scarps, (2) extension fractures and fracture swarms, (3) faulted monoclines, (4) widened fractures with caverns, and (5) localized circular or elongate collapse pits. Where unconsolidated fluvial sand and gravel deposits >3 m thick cover the basaltic lava flows, structural geomorphic features are dominated by (1) grabens bounded by normal faults with ∼1 m displacement, (2) cone- to bowl-shaped pit craters with depths up to 2.8 m, and (3) elongate troughs. Formation of these structures in fluvial sediment was triggered by reactivation of faults and extension fractures in the underlying basalt. Pit craters are readily explained by downward “draining” of poorly consolidated material into subterranean cavities produced by fault and extension fracture dilation in underlying cohesive material (basalt). High-resolution imagery on Mars shows geomorphic patterns that are directly analogous to these Icelandic pit chains, suggesting similar processes have occurred on Mars.
A comparison of point-count and area-search surveys for monitoring site occupancy of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)

ABSTRACT Improving the efficiency of monitoring protocols prescribed by conservation plans can release typically limited funding for other management and conservation activities. We present an approach for optimizing protocols that considers the precision of parameter estimates, costs of implementation, and broader monitoring-program goals. In a case study of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), we compared the efficiency of point-count surveys (with and without playbacks of vocalizations) and area-search surveys (with playbacks) for estimating site occupancy. Conducting an area-search survey of a 2.25 ha plot required an average of 19 min longer than conducting an 18-min point-count survey (15 min of silent observation followed by 3 min of playbacks) at the same location. However, the estimated detection probability (p) during a single visit was lower for point counts (0.41 ± 0.05) than for area searches (0.69 ± 0.05), while both methods generated similar occupancy (Ψ)...
Reflections on Designing a MPA Service-Learning Component: Lessons Learned.

This article provides the “lessons learned” from the experience of redesigning two sections (face-to-face and online) of a core master of public administration class as a service-learning course. The suggestions made here can be traced to the entire process of the project, from the “seed idea” through its conceptualization and implementation. The discussion relies heavily on quantitative and qualitative data collected during and at the completion of the two sections. On the whole, this article discusses some of the pedagogical and operationalization issues that are critical for the success of service-learning courses.
377 THE NEWEST VITAL SIGN: COMPARING INSTRUMENTS TO SCREEN FOR LOW HEALTH LITERACY?

Background The Newest Vital Sign (NVS) is a new rapid screening instrument for low literacy in medical settings. No studies currently compare the NVS with the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Purpose Compare the performance of the NVS to the S-TOFHLA and assess the operating characteristics of the NVS. Methods A convenience sample of patients at two federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) were interviewed and given two literacy assessments, the S-TOFHLA and the NVS. The S-TOFHLA is a reading comprehension and numeracy assessment with well-studied internal consistency, reliability, and validity. Scores range from 0 to 100, with scores less than 53 identifying poor health literacy. The NVS is a nutrition label that tests patients9 general literacy and numeracy skills with six questions. A score of 4 to 6 indicates adequate literacy. Results Of the 119 patients tested, the average age was 55 years old (35-55), 70% were female, 61% were African American, and 39% had not graduated from high school. Administration time was approximately 7 minutes for the S-TOFHLA and 5 to 7 minutes for the NVS. The internal consistency of the NVS was good (α = 0.81). The correlation between scores on the NVS and scores on the S-TOFHLA was 0.61 (p Conclusion The NVS showed a moderate correlation with the highly validated S-TOFHLA and did well as a screen predicting low literacy as defined by the S-TOFHLA in two FQHCs.
The Application on Reservoir Prediction Using Random Seismic Invertion of Simulate Anneal Method in East of Xinmin-Changchunling Area

Stochastic inversion method of simulated anneal is applied in oil field exploration,improving reservoir prediction precision and oil-gas identification.In order to understand the spatial changes of reservoir of the 1st member of Quantou formation in the eastern Xinmin-Changchunling area,combining low-frequency geological model,constrained sparse spike intermediate frequency inversion and stochastic high-frequency seismic inversion method of simulated anneal,Dealing with the inversion results of different frequency and resolving the problems of reservoir prediction in the eastern Xinmin-Changchunling area,the distribution and spatial morphology of sand bodies of gas-bearing formation is illustrated,occurring as overlapped sandstones vertically,multi-stages in plan,and SW sources.On inversion section the ribbon-like or lenticular sandstones are vertical or inclined to source orientation,while on inversion section with progradation configuration parallel to source orientation.This method is useful to understand the gas-boring reservoir character during early exploration period and to allocate boreholes.
SAT0125 Utility of Select Plasma Mirnas for Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Monitoring of Disease Activity and Cardiovascular Risk

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA sequences that are gene expression regulators and potential mediators and markers of disease. Recently, plasma miR-24-3p and miR-125a-5p concentrations were shown to be elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and useful for RA diagnosis. We assessed the utility of seven candidate plasma miRNAs, selected for biologic plausibility, for diagnosis of RA and use as markers of disease activity and cardiovascular risk in RA. Methods The cross-sectional study included 168 patients with RA and 91 controls, of similar age, race and sex. Plasma concentrations of miR-15a-5p, 24-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-223-3p were measured by quantitative PCR. Utility of plasma miRNA concentrations for diagnosis of RA was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Association between plasma miRNA concentrations and RA disease activity and cardiovascular risk measures were assessed by Spearman correlations. Results Plasma concentrations of miR-15a-5p, 24-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-223-3p were significantly increased in patients with RA. miR-24-3p had the highest AUROC for diagnosis of RA (AUROC=0.725), including among rheumatoid factor negative patients (AUROC=0.772). Among all patients with RA, the combination of miR-24-3p, miR-26a-5p and miR-125a-5p improved the model modestly (AUROC=0.737). miR-155-5p was weakly inversely associated with swollen joint count (P=0.024), but no other miRNAs were associated with disease activity or coronary artery calcium score. Conclusions The combination of miR-24-3p, miR-26a-5p and miR-125a-5p had strongest diagnostic accuracy for RA. Candidate miRNAs had minimal or no association with RA disease activity and coronary calcium score. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice

The juvenile justice system fails to account for the astounding rates of childhood trauma exposure amongst system-involved youth. Trauma, an experience threatening to life, safety, or well-being, overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. The experience of trauma is so pervasive amongst juvenile justice youth that a recent study found that 93% of children in an urban detention facility had experienced at least one traumatic event in the past year, and for more than half of those youth the trauma they reported was witnessing violence. When left untreated, or treated without targeted trauma-specific therapies, trauma sufferers are vulnerable to commit offenses as children and as adults. The stakes are high: untreated trauma can turn people into ticking time bombs bound to respond to triggers and misinterpret events, sometimes responding violently, even to mundane events in their daily lives. The good news is that when trauma is identified and treated with appropriate trauma-specific methods, child trauma sufferers in particular can heal, overcome their trauma, and grow in positive ways.The juvenile justice system has yet to catch up with contemporary understanding of trauma’s impact on offending and the latest best practices for treatment of trauma. Specifically, the juvenile justice system fails to accurately identify trauma and often employs counter-productive responses to juvenile offending, such as removal from the home, programming and treatment that is general rather than trauma-specific, and the over-use of detention. Poor youth of color, the most marginalized among us, are the children who suffer the greatest from the current failure to incorporate a trauma-focused response in the juvenile justice system and are subjected to incarceration at unreasonably high rates. Incarceration itself is traumatic, it exacerbates pre-existing trauma, and it is counterproductive to long-term community safety.This Article proposes four trauma-informed reforms: (1) create a presumption of trauma, (2) mandate trauma identification of youth in the juvenile justice system, (3) implement trauma-informed procedures, and (4) utilize trauma-informed dispositions, which will dramatically reduce our over-reliance upon incarceration in favor of safe-settings in the community. Endowed with trauma-focused reforms, the juvenile justice system is poised to identify and appropriately respond to the many traumatized children who come to its attention early enough to make a difference, capitalizing on the incredible potential for growth and resilience children possess, realizing the paramount goal of rehabilitation, promoting long-term community safety, and working to eliminate the incarceration of children.
Expert Systems: a Review and Discussion of Marketing Applications

This paper defines expert systems and discusses their relationship with artificial intelligence and decision support systems. Included in this paper is a detailed description of the steps to follow in expert system de-velopment. The advantages and problems associated with the use of expert systems are delineated, followed by a description of a multitude of current marketing applications of expert systems. The paper concludes by examining the future direction of expert system development.
Markenführung im IT-Markt — am Beispiel von IBM

Weltweit konnte die Informationstechnik- und Kommunikationsbranche die Umsatze in den vergangenen zehn Jahren verdoppeln. Das Rekordwachstum des Jahres 2000 von fast 13 Prozent konnte jedoch in 2001 nicht gehalten werden. Die Wachstumsrate sank auf 3 Prozent und nahm in 2002 abermals — auf nunmehr 1 Prozent — ab. In den kommenden Jahren rechnen EITO-Experten (European Information Technology Observatory) mit einem steigenden Wachstum von 4,5 Prozent in 2003 und knapp 6 Prozent in 2004 (o.V. 2003e; o.V. 2003f).
Why invest in wind energy? Career incentives and Chinese renewable energy politics

We study wind development at the provincial level in China, modelling installed wind capacities as a function of both economics and politics. We assume that the top provincial officials desire to maximize their chances of promotion under the Chinese cadre evaluation system. We expect that those with the strongest incentives to perform in order to achieve promotion would work harder to comply with the central government’s policy agenda to promote renewable energy. Collecting and testing data on provincial leaders’ characteristics, we find that provinces governed by party secretaries who were approaching the age of 65 are associated with significantly higher level of wind installed capacities. This result supports the political tournaments theory of Chinese politics. We also find that better educated party secretaries are likely to be more supportive of renewable energy, implying that education acts to encourage provincial leaders to support the central government’s policy.
Pregnancy testing in patients undergoing radiation therapy

Radiation therapy (RT) can be lethal to a developing fetus; therefore, determining pregnancy status before RT is essential. We here sought to determine how many women treated with RT at our institution for over one year were at risk for pregnancy when starting RT. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all female patients 12-55 years old treated with radiation, i.e. 1 October 2012 to 31 September 2013. Patients were categorised as 'at risk' if they had a uterus and 'no risk' if they had a hysterectomy. Documented birth control, pregnancy test status, and timing of the pregnancy test in relation to the radiation start date were recorded. We included 131 female patients with a median age of 48 years (range 14-55 years). Breast cancer was the most prevalent disease site (18%) followed by head/neck and central nervous system (both 11%). Of the 131 patients, 35 were deemed 'no risk' and 95 (72%) were 'at risk'. Pregnancy testing of the 'at risk' population was done in 47%, but only 17% of the pregnancy testing was performed accurately, which we defined as a test performed within 14 days before starting RT. Over one year, 66% (63/95) of 'at risk' women were not tested appropriately before starting RT. Most (66%) women of child-bearing age with an intact uterus receiving RT at our institution were not appropriately tested for pregnancy before the initiation of RT. These data laid the foundation for our formal pregnancy testing policies for women undergoing RT.
Halting, Intuition, Heuristics, and Action: Alan Turing and the Theoretical Constraints on AI-Lawyering

This is a reflection on the relationship of lawyering and artificial intelligence. Its goal is a better understanding of the theoretical constraints of the latter. The first part is an assessment of one particular and crucially important aspect in the theory of machine thinking – determining if the program being run will reach a conclusion. This is known as the “Halting Problem.” One question at the far reaches of AI capability is whether any physical machine presently conceivable could always, on its own, for every possible program, determine whether the program will ultimately generate an answer. The essence of the Halting Problem is that the answer to that specific question is “no.” Hence, unless a human programs the machine to decide it short of a final answer being generated, the machine won’t itself be able to decide whether it had thought enough and it was time to fish or cut bait. The second part is a philosophical reflection on what it means to decide something as opposed merely to think about it. Humans don’t have a Halting Problem. Even if they think as logically and formally as a machine, they also act. The thesis is that humans seem always in the case of every problem to be able to stop thinking and start doing, even if they don’t know whether the thinking is or will ever be complete. The third part is an assessment of what a law school of the future ought to look like, given this moderate view of the interaction between thinking machines and deciding humans.
Drinking Strategies: Planned Drinking Versus Drinking to Thirst.

In humans, thirst tends to be alleviated before complete rehydration is achieved. When sweating rates are high and ad libitum fluid consumption is not sufficient to replace sweat losses, a cumulative loss in body water results. Body mass losses of 2% or greater take time to accumulate. Dehydration of ≥ 2% body mass is associated with impaired thermoregulatory function, elevated cardiovascular strain and, in many conditions (e.g., warmer, longer, more intense), impaired aerobic exercise performance. Circumstances where planned drinking is optimal include longer duration activities of > 90 min, particularly in the heat; higher-intensity exercise with high sweat rates; exercise where performance is a concern; and when carbohydrate intake of 1 g/min is desired. Individuals with high sweat rates and/or those concerned with exercise performance should determine sweat rates under conditions (exercise intensity, pace) and environments similar to that anticipated when competing and tailor drinking to prevent body mass losses > 2%. Circumstances where drinking to thirst may be sufficient include short duration exercise of < 1 h to 90 min; exercise in cooler conditions; and lower-intensity exercise. It is recommended to never drink so much that weight is gained.
Pseudogout among Patients Fulfilling a Billing Code Algorithm for Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease

To test the performance of a billing claims-based calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) algorithm for identifying pseudogout. We applied a published CPPD algorithm at an academic institution and randomly selected 100 patients for electronic medical record review for 3 phenotypes: (1) definite/probable CPPD, (2) definite/probable pseudogout; (3) definite pseudogout. Clinical data were recorded and positive predictive value (PPV) (95% CI) for each phenotype was calculated. We then modified the published algorithm to require ≥ 1 of 4 relevant terms ("pseudogout", "calcium pyrophosphate crystals", "CPPD", or "chondrocalcinosis") through automated text searching in clinical notes, and re-calculated PPVs. To estimate the percentage of pseudogout patients not identified by the published algorithm, we reviewed a random sample of 50 patients with ≥ 1 of 4 relevant terms in clinical notes who did not fulfill the published algorithm. Among patients fulfilling the published algorithm, 68% had ≥ 1 of 3 phenotypes. The published algorithm had PPV 24.0% (95% CI 19.3-28.7%) for definite/probable pseudogout and 18.0% (95% CI 14.5-21.5%) for definite pseudogout. Requiring ≥ 1 of 4 relevant terms in clinical notes increased PPV to 33.3% (95% CI 26.8-39.8%) for definite/probable pseudogout and 24.6% (95% CI 19.8-29.4%) for definite pseudogout. Among patients not fulfilling the published algorithm, 16.0% had definite/probable pseudogout and 6.0% had definite pseudogout. A billing code-based CPPD algorithm had low PPV for identifying pseudogout. Adding text searching modestly enhanced the PPV, though it remained low. These findings highlight the need for improved approaches to identify pseudogout to facilitate epidemiologic studies.
Comprehensive Brain Injury Rehabilitation in Post-hospital Treatment Settings

The mission of comprehensive brain injury rehabilitation (CBIR) is to assist individuals with traumatic brain injury and their close others to resume full participation in family, work, and community life. In pursuing this goal, CBIR addresses the needs of participants holistically including cognitive and metacognitive impairments, neurobehavioral dysfunction, and interpersonal and affective issues, and identifies barriers and resources in their physical and social environments. Treatment is integrated and, in its most intensive form, relies heavily on developing a positive transdisciplinary therapeutic milieu with an emphasis on group treatment. This chapter describes characteristics of participants best suited for CBIR and reviews interdisciplinary team evaluations and the operation and care of the rehabilitation team. Important components of CBIR include the development of a therapeutic milieu and therapeutic alliance, dynamic group treatment, cognitive rehabilitation, and interventions to address impaired self-awareness as well as co-morbid and premorbid conditions. This chapter describes how to provide these components in an integrated fashion in collaboration with close others and how to further integrate treatment with transitional interventions, such as, vocational rehabilitation, work and independent living trials, and resource facilitation. Methods for systematic measurement of progress and outcome both in the individual case and at a programmatic level are recommended in a continuous quality improvement model.
Abstract 16846: Tricuspid Insufficiency After Laser Lead Extraction

Background The use of laser lead extraction (LLE) to remove pacemaker (PCM) and implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) leads has become more prevalent in the past decade. Though the procedure is associated with a low level of complications, LLE still poses some risks to patients. Some reports have suggested an increase in Tricuspid Insufficiency (TI) associated with LLE. We present a series of patients who underwent both LLE and complete evaluation for TI with echocardiographic techniques. Methods From August 2008 through January 2010, 173 prospective, consecutive patients underwent LLE in a single center. All patients had transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) during the extraction. 53 patients had tricuspid valve function evaluated a day prior to the procedure with a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), during the procedure with a TEE and 2 days postoperatively with a TTE. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed. All echocardiography data was analyzed by a cardiologist specialized in cardiac echocardiograms. Results All 173 patients experienced no change in tricuspid valve function during the procedure with TEE. 53 patients had complete TI evaluation, 38 males (72%), 15 females (38%), and a mean age of 69.45±14.08. Mean ejection fraction was 35.82±14.72. 3 (6%) patients experienced tricuspid insufficiency after the procedure (2 mild and 1 severe, all with device endocarditis); 16 (30%) patients were found to have TI before LLE that returned to normal valve function during or after the procedure. 34 (64%) patients did not experience any significant change of the tricuspid valve performance after LLE. Conclusions Laser lead extraction was not associated with increased TI.
Dissemination, Implementation, and Adaptation of Evidence-based Behavioral HIV-Prevention Interventions Through Community Engagement: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Experience

HIV remains a profound problem in the USA as well as in countries around the world. Although great strides have been made to reduce HIV exposure and transmission, there is still much to do. Prevention remains a primary strategy for reducing the incidence of HIV in the USA. Communities across the country need and want evidence-based approaches to meet the prevention needs of those at risk for HIV exposure and transmission. A major dissemination and implementation project supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has disseminated evidence-based prevention interventions into community-based prevention practice throughout the country. Health departments, community-based organizations, and medical settings that provide HIV-prevention services have access to evidence-based behavioral intervention curricula and technical support to implement these behavioral interventions. In this chapter, we review the history of this dissemination and implementation project and address specific issues around our use of innovative approaches to community engagement and collaboration.
Novel drug delivery systems for therapeutic intervention in the oral environment

Abstract The research of the late Professor Sid Kalachandra toward the development of novel drug delivery systems for oral infections is described in the context of related work in the field over the past quarter of a century. In the case of persistent oral infections, the dosages of conventionally delivered antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal medications can lead to toxic side effects. The development of a biocompatible copolymer (ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA) into a drug-loaded mouth guard may allow medication to be delivered locally to the infection site at a lower concentration over an extended period of time. Studies with different antimicrobial medications have shown sustained, steady release from EVA and it is hoped that such a device will prove to be safe and effective in patients with oral opportunistic infections like those associated with HIV/AIDS. It is necessary that the design of the system allow for medication to be released near the gums, preserve the drug's integrity and allow for adjustment, all while still being biocompatible. The amount of medication released from the system can be adjusted by the amount of drug initially loaded or by the use of surfactants. While studies are currently underway to characterize the clinical efficacy of this drug delivery system, the ultimate success of such oral drug delivery systems may depend on their ability to release multiple medications simultaneously to suppress the combined viral, bacterial and fungal infections that can opportunistically attack severely immunocompromised individuals.
Community Control of Urban Schools - Lessons from the Suburban Experience

Community control of inner-city schools first was proposed by parents in the Harlem section of New York City in 1966. The proposal aimed at improving the quality of public schools serving low income minority youngsters by providing for school accountability to parental representatives. In practice, the two cities that have tried to provide some measure of community control New York City and Detroit have utilized for this purpose decentralized sub-districts based upon the suburban school district model rather than upon the original school staff accountability model. It is argued here that while suburban districts do facilitate community control, this occurs because such districts are fiscally dependent upon a population which possesses a relatively high level of organizational skills, two characteristics lacking in most inner-city sub-districts. To ensure community control in the inner-city will require provision of functional substitutes for the two characteristics that prove important for control purposes in the suburbs. Community Control and School Accountability The extremity of the problems facing public schools serving low income inner-city populations, among whom minorities predominate2, has evoked equally extreme p~oposals for the reform of these schools. As has been well documented , among inner-city schools, average levels of 1 Revised version of paper presented at Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Washington, D.C., March 30-April 3, 1975. 2 Data on demographic trends in the 29 largest metropolitan areas of the United States, including changes in the proportion of black students enrolled in public schools, are provided by Farley (1975). See, for example, Coleman et al., (1966).
Recollections About the Neurological Sciences with Emphasis on Neuroendocrinology

As I review my investigative career, I find that it has dealt with the anatomy (gross, microscopic, comparative), physiology, embryology, pathology, chemistry, and pharmacology of the nervous sytem as well as neuroendocrinology, which was an outgrowth of other interests in the neurological sciences. Some review of the institutions where I have been and the responsibilities there is indicated.