cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Diagnosis and Control: Missed Opportunities to Improve Health: The 2018 Kelly West Award Lecture

Diabetes is a prevalent condition in the U.S. and worldwide, with expanding impact over time as it affects progressively younger ages as well as older ages as people live longer. Costs of diabetes to those affected and to society as a whole continue to increase. Costs are realized through daily treatment regimens throughout life to control glycemia and other risk factors for complications as diabetes progresses, diabetes complications and disability and their treatments, health care visits and hospitalization, and as indirect costs via lower quality of life and lost productivity. Diagnosing diabetes is key to affording the opportunity to treat diabetes, and diabetes control is key to reducing the risk of complications. Yet the magnitude of undiagnosed diabetes and poor control of diabetes is large. And just as certain subgroups of the population are affected disproportionately by diabetes and diabetes complications, so are they affected disproportionately by undiagnosed diabetes and poor control. This review addresses the epidemiology of undiagnosed diabetes and diabetes control, largely covering their magnitude, demographic variation, trends over time, and predictors. For diabetes control, it focuses on control of A1C, blood pressure, and lipid levels, although there are many other facets of diabetes control and preventive care that also could be examined. The review is based predominantly on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a U.S. health survey that includes both an interview and examination component that has been conducted continuously since 1999 and episodically for decades earlier. The interview elicits self-reported health responses pertaining to diabetes and other medical conditions and an examination that measures glycemic indicators, blood pressure, and lipids, which provide much of the material presented herein. Data from other studies are also presented and described.
Coupled-channel-Born-approximation analysis of allowed and forbidden $sup 22$Ne(p,t)$sup 20$Ne transitions

The effects of inelastic excitations on the /sup 22/Ne(p,t)/sup 20/Ne reaction are investigated. Differential cross sections at a proton energy of 39.9 MeV were measured for /sup 22/Ne(p,t)/sup 20/Ne transitions to the 0+, 2+, and 4+ members of the ground-state rotational band, to the 2- and 3- members of the excited K/sup / pi / = 2 band; and to the 0+ and 2+ members of the first excited K/sup pi / = 0/sup +/ band. The cross sections to membees of the ground- state band are compared with distorted-wave Born-approximation (DWBA) and coupled- channel-Born-approximation (CCBA) calculations using both pure Nilsson and pairing-mixed Nilsson rotational wave functions. Only the CCBA calculation with pairing provides a reasonable description of the experimentaal data. The effects of multistep processes are found to be as large for neon as for rare=earth nuclei. The shape and relative strengh of the measured cross section to the 2- state, a transition which is forbidden by a direct single-step process, are reproduced well by the CCBA calculation, which allows the excitation of the 2- state by inelastic processes in the entrance and exit channels. (auth)
Brief Announcement Blockguard: Adaptive Blockchain Security

We change the security of blockchain transactions by varying the size of consensus committees. To improve performance, such committees operate concurrently. We present two algorithms that allow adaptive security by forming concurrent variable size consensus committees on demand. One is based on a single joint blockchain, the other is based on separate sharded blockchains. For in-committee consensus, we implement synchronous Byzantine fault tolerance algorithm (BFT), asynchronous BFT and proof-of-work consensus. We evaluate the performance of our adaptive security algorithms.
Homeschooling: The History and Philosophy of a Controversial Practice

Estimates indicate there are increasing numbers of homeschooled students in the United States. With that growth, the mode of education that has flown under the radar of mainstream education policy ...
Multi-criteria-based simulation model to estimate resources for bridge inspections

Bridges are important links in the US infrastructure system, and various inspection activities at different frequencies are needed to maintain and preserve bridges at an acceptable level of service. Recent guidelines by Federal highway administration (FHWA) have mandated state agencies to inspect and manage bridges at an element level. To obtain element-level inspection data, different resources are needed for mobilizing, cleaning, and accessing all elements of a bridge, creating complication in optimizing resource allocation for inspection activities. This study proposes a simulation-based, easy-to-use planning tool for bridge inspection to effectively estimate the minimum resources required to complete all the FHWA mandated inspections using four attributes (deck area, inspection frequency, structure type and scour critical) from bridge inventory database. The results of the simulation model can show resource utilization under different scenarios, which supports the planning of element-level bridge inspection to ensure optimum resource allocation.
Data Functionalization for Gas Chromatography in Python.

For undergraduate students to be prepared for graduate school and industry, it is imperative that they understand how to merge the theoretical insights gleaned through their undergraduate education...
Hyperfine Structure of N 15 H 3

Hyperfine structure of the inversion transition for the $J\ensuremath{-}K=4\ensuremath{-}4, 5\ensuremath{-}5, 6\ensuremath{-}6, \mathrm{and} 7\ensuremath{-}7$ rotational states of ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ was measured with a two-cavity maser spectrometer. Previous data on the $J\ensuremath{-}K=2\ensuremath{-}2$ state and these new data are analyzed including the nitrogen ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{I}}}_{N}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}$ term, the hydrogen $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{I}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}$ term, the hydrogen-nitrogen spin-spin interaction, the hydrogen-hydrogen spin-spin interaction, and a scalar electron-coupled spin-spin interaction. For the $J\ensuremath{-}K=2\ensuremath{-}2, 4\ensuremath{-}4, 5\ensuremath{-}5, \mathrm{and} 7\ensuremath{-}7$ states a consistent set of coupling strengths are found such that the calculated frequencies agree with the data to within the experimental accuracy. There are still large discrepancies between calculated and experimental frequencies for the $J\ensuremath{-}K=1\ensuremath{-}1, 3\ensuremath{-}3, \mathrm{and} 6\ensuremath{-}6$ states.
Demanding Reduction: A County-level Analysis Examining Structural Determinants of Human Trafficking Arrests in Florida:

Academic literature has placed increased focus on understanding the complexities of human trafficking cases, but a gap in literature persists on assessing structural determinants that may impact th...
Collaborative problem-solving through PhotoVoice: helping community organizations move from network building to action in Havana, Cuba

Questo articolo descrive il passaggio dalla costruzione della rete all’azione, nel quadro di ricerca partecipativa a livello comunitario. In particolare, descrivo lo sviluppo di una rete di organizzazioni comunitarie all’Avana (Cuba), e in che modo e stata utilizzata la metodologia del PhotoVoice come strumento collaborativo per scoprire e affrontare alcune sfide comuni, rimaste anche dopo la creazione della rete. Il nostro progetto PhotoVoice ha inteso 1) formare un legame piu coeso tra le organizzazioni partecipanti e 2) fornire loro un ‘linguaggio condiviso’ per comunicare alcune delle loro esperienze, identificare e iniziare a risolvere alcune circostanze di fondo o trascurate. Il progetto PhotoVoice e culminato in una esposizione di 21 foto e didascalie che hanno descritto le maggiori opportunita, sfide e obiettivi di ogni organizzazione. Il processo – dai nostri primi workshop alla mostra finale – ha messo in luce alcune considerazioni chiave per le organizzazioni partecipanti e per molte altre organizzazioni della rete. This article describes the movement from network building to action within a Community-Based Participatory Research framework. Specifically, I describe the development of a network of community organizations in Havana, Cuba, and how we utilized the PhotoVoice methodology as a collaborative tool to discover and address some common challenges that remained even after the network was established. Our PhotoVoice project sought to 1) form a more cohesive bond between the participating organizations and 2) give them a ‘shared language’ to communicate some of their experiences and identify and begin to resolve some underlying or overlooked circumstances. The PhotoVoice project culminated in a gallery of 21 photos and captions that described each organization’s greatest opportunity, challenge, and goals. The process – from our first workshops to the final exhibition – revealed some key considerations for the participating organizations as well as many other organizations in the network.
The role of chronic suppressive antibiotics therapy in superficial drive line infection relapse of left ventricular assist devices: A retrospective cohort from a tertiary care center.

Introduction Drive line infections (DLI) are common complications of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Data on use of suppression antibiotic therapy is limited. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 451 patients who underwent LVAD placement from 1/2009 to 5/2015. First superficial DLIs were included for analysis. We examined factors associated with the use of chronic suppressive antibiotics therapy. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to identify factors associated with DLI relapse with the same organism as the initial DLI. Results A total of 69 patients developed a superficial DLI within a median of 195 (interquartile range [IQR] 98-348) days of LVAD insertion. The median age was 57 years, 87% were males, and 74% were White. Gram positive bacteria caused 61% of infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common (35%). Forty-three (62%) patients received suppression antibiotic therapy. Relapse DLI occurred in 29 (42%) patients. Independent risk factors for relapse infection in multivariable analysis were sepsis (aHR 5.94 [CI 1.42-24.92]), and MRSA DLI (aHR 4.19 [CI 1.37- 12.79]). There was no difference in the proportion of patients with relapse among those who treated with antibiotic suppression therapy vs not (44% vs 38%, P = 0.64), although relapse occurred at a later time in those who received suppression (185 vs 69 days, P Conclusion Chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy was associated with delayed time to DLI relapse but no significant difference in the proportion of patients with relapse. A prospective study is needed to examine the effect of suppression on relapse rates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Safety and progress proofs for a reactive planner and controller for autonomous driving.

In this paper, we perform safety and performance analysis of an autonomous vehicle that implements reactive planner and controller for navigating a race lap. Unlike traditional planning algorithms that have access to a map of the environment, reactive planner generates the plan purely based on the current input from sensors. Our reactive planner selects a waypoint on the local Voronoi diagram and we use a pure-pursuit controller to navigate towards the waypoint. Our safety and performance analysis has two parts. The first part demonstrates that the reactive planner computes a plan that is locally consistent with the Voronoi plan computed with full map. The second part involves modeling of the evolution of vehicle navigating along the Voronoi diagram as a hybrid automata. For proving the safety and performance specification, we compute the reachable set of this hybrid automata and employ some enhancements that make this computation easier. We demonstrate that an autonomous vehicle implementing our reactive planner and controller is safe and successfully completes a lap for five different circuits. In addition, we have implemented our planner and controller in a simulation environment as well as a scaled down autonomous vehicle and demonstrate that our planner works well for a wide variety of circuits.
Spies, Saboteurs, and Defectors

Both East and West made extensive use of various forms of intelligence gathering, including signals intelligence (SIGINT), and high-altitude surveillance. Such policies were essential to gain a sense of the enemy’s military capabilities and the potential for a surprise nuclear attack. Throughout the struggle, both sides used spies and defectors, some of whom were highly placed and were in a position to inflict real damage on particular nations. Some of those cases became very famous in popular culture, although historians debate their actual significance. Those popular culture accounts did much to shape perceptions of Cold War realities.
Molecular mechanism of exemestane inhibition of aromatase. A site-directed mutagenesis study

5774 Aromatase converts androgen to estrogen. Research from our and other laboratories has confirmed that aromatase is expressed at a higher level in breast cancer tissue than in benign tissue. In situ estrogen biosynthesis in tumor tissue has been shown to play both an autocrine and an endocrine role in promoting tumor growth. Aromatase inhibitors have been demonstrated to be important drugs in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Exemestane is an irreversible (Type 1), steroidal aromatase inhibitor. While it is thought that exemestane achieves its inhibition by binding to the active site of aromatase, the molecular nature for the interaction of this compound with the enzyme is not yet determined. During the past ten years, our laboratory has prepared 51 mutants using the CHO cell expression method. The studies have revealed that two regions, the I helix (Cys-299 to Ser-312) and the “hydrophobic” pocket (Ile-474 to His-480), are important parts of the active site and makes significant contributions to the binding of the substrate and conversion of androgen to estrogen. To better understand how exemestane interacts with aromatase, we first performed inhibitory profile analyses on the wild-type enzyme and 10 mutants. Exemestane was found to be significantly less potent in the inhibition of the mutants, E302D (IC50 = 32 nM), D309A (IC50 = 65 nM) and S478T (IC50 = 68 nM), than the wild-type aromatase (IC50 = 24 nM). A time course study of the inhibition of different aromatase mutants by exemestane (at 20 nM) was then performed. A definitive time-dependent inhibition of the wild-type aromatase was observed, as expected for a suicide inhibitor. However, time-dependent inhibition of three mutants could not be demonstrated. Glu-302, Asp-309 and Ser-478 have been previously suggested to play important roles in the binding of the androgen substrate. These recent results indicate that these amino acid residues may participate in the mechanism of the suicide inhibition of aromatase by exemestane. A computer model to illustrate the interaction of exemestane with aromatase has been generated. This information is important for the understanding of the molecular action of exemestane, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, and for the development of the fourth-generation inhibitors.
Re-examining Adult Education and Training Participation by Education, Literacy, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity in the U.S.:

This study examined the associations between adult education and training (AET) participation, educational attainment, literacy skills, gender, and race/ethnicity among the U.S. adult population ag...
Towards Physically-Sound Registration Using Object-Specific Properties for Regularization

We study a landmark-based image registration technique that uses elastic model and boundary mapping. Emphasis is given to the reconstruction of heterogeneous material properties and the use of recovered object-specific information to facilitate the registration computation. Tikhonov functional is used to estimate elastic property from landmarks with measurement uncertainty. A preliminary study using a 2D synthetic object indicates that incorporation of actual material properties in the registration method can improve registration accuracy and reduce computational cost.
Gender and Power ... and perhaps Temperament

In an article recently published in the Journal, Zelek and Phillips [1] attempt to identify some of the current context of the "doctor – nurse" game as "played" at a Canadian hospital in January 2000. Some readers may appropriately ask "What does this have to do with equity?", but personal experience suggests dysfunctional medical teamwork inevitably leads to diminishment in quality. The reasonable claim that lower quality medical care has a disproportionate effect on the less advantaged leads to the relevance of this topic to equity in health, in my opinion. The interpretations made by these authors appear reasonably self-evident. Anyone who has worked on a hospital ward in the United States or Canada will likely recognize in these vignettes strong similarities to personal observations and/or experiences. Res ipsa loquitur. But in matters this complex do gender and power represent the only two important variables? I can't help but think that temperament makes a large difference in physician – nurse interactions. Little has been published in the medical literature about this subject, but unpublished data indicate major differences among various medical careers on a test such as the Myers-Briggs. Do differences in career choices by temperament play a hidden role in studies such as the one by Zelek and Phillips? Most observers would likely agree that a comparison of neonatology, pediatrics and surgery would demonstrate great differences in temperament between each group, both at the nurse and physician level. During the late 20th century as the proportion of women among matriculating medical students increased markedly, the specialty selections of graduating physicians also shifted considerably, with women selecting areas such as pediatrics disproportionately. Is it possible that we have experienced a differential temperament shift as well? Could historical tensions between male physicians and female nurses be about temperament mismatches as much as about gender and power? Perhaps future research in this area will go beyond the traditional binary perspective and examine a more complex, but richer terrain.
Morphology and Ultrastructure of Staphylococcal L Colonies: Light, Scanning, and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy utilizing critical point drying was used in parallel with light and transmission electron microscopy to study L colonies produced by a stable L-phase variant of Staphylococcus aureus (AH24H).
Nutrient Inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by Source and Watershed Estimated Using SPARROW Watershed Models

Robertson, Dale M. and David A. Saad, 2011. Nutrient Inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by Source and Watershed Estimated Using SPARROW Watershed Models. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(5):1011-1033. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00574.x Abstract: Nutrient input to the Laurentian Great Lakes continues to cause problems with eutrophication. To reduce the extent and severity of these problems, target nutrient loads were established and Total Maximum Daily Loads are being developed for many tributaries. Without detailed loading information it is difficult to determine if the targets are being met and how to prioritize rehabilitation efforts. To help address these issues, SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) models were developed for estimating loads and sources of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from the United States (U.S.) portion of the Great Lakes, Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Red River Basins. Results indicated that recent U.S. loadings to Lakes Michigan and Ontario are similar to those in the 1980s, whereas loadings to Lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie decreased. Highest loads were from tributaries with the largest watersheds, whereas highest yields were from areas with intense agriculture and large point sources of nutrients. Tributaries were ranked based on their relative loads and yields to each lake. Input from agricultural areas was a significant source of nutrients, contributing ∼33-44% of the P and ∼33-58% of the N, except for areas around Superior with little agriculture. Point sources were also significant, contributing ∼14-44% of the P and 13-34% of the N. Watersheds around Lake Erie contributed nutrients at the highest rate (similar to intensively farmed areas in the Midwest) because they have the largest nutrient inputs and highest delivery ratio.
Biomechanics of Plant Cell Growth

Plant cell growth is an irreversible yielding of the cell wall to the internal turgor pressure of the cell. Plant cells can control their expansion by modulating the structure and material properties of their wall. One major level of control is the distribution and orientation of the stiff cellulose microfibrils within the wall. When aligned, the microfibrils impart the wall with mechanical anisotropy which allows cells to expand preferentially along one direction. Moreover, growth is possible only when the stress in the wall exceeds a critical yield stress, also under cellular control. This article summarizes the key models that have been put forward to account for these aspects of cell growth. We begin with the now classic model by James Lockhart which reconciles the mechanical and hydraulic aspects of cell expansion. We then give an overview of newer modelling efforts to account for the complexity of cell wall mechanics. Key Concepts: Plant cell growth is an irreversible change in cell size involving stretching of the cell wall driven by the internal turgor pressure of the cell. Growth is measured as the relative elemental growth rate (REGR). The two main modes of cell morphogenesis are tip growth and diffuse growth. For a cell to grow the cell surface must expand and water must enter the cell. The Lockhart equation encapsulates the balance between these two processes. Under most circumstances, the rate of cell growth is limited by the extensibility of the cell, wall whereas the resistance to the influx of water is comparatively low (plant cell growth is said to be extensibility limited). Cellulose microfibrils provide the cell wall with anisotropic mechanical properties which allow cells to expand along a preferred direction. Keywords: cell wall; turgor pressure; Lockhart equation; cell growth; anisotropy; biomechanics
Spin‐modulated spacecraft floating potential: Observations and effects on electron moments

Using the Three-Dimensional Plasma electron analyzers on the Wind spacecraft, we have analyzed several years of solar wind electron data. We find an anomalous core electron drift of roughly 40 km/s in the sunward xGSEdirection, regardless of the direction of the magnetic field. We interpret this drift as an effect of a spin modulation in the spacecraft floating potential, which can be effectively modeled with the addition of a dipole term to the potential. For typical solar wind conditions, the amplitude of potential modulation is a fraction of a volt. The modulation has negligible effects on the even electron moments (density and temperature) but noticeable effects on the odd moments (bulk velocity and heat flux).
AB INITIO CALCULATIONS OF THE EQUILIBRIUM GEOMETRIES AND VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCIES OF CARBONYL CYANIDE, THIOCARBONYL CYANIDE AND THIOPROPYNAL

Abstract Ab initio calculations using 6-31G∗ or D95∗∗ basis sets were carried out at the MP2 level on the molecules carbonyl cyanide, thiocarbonyl cyanide and thiopropynal. In each case an optimized equilibrium geometry was obtained and vibrational frequencies were calculated at these geometries. The geometries and frequencies were compared with each other and with experimental data where possible.
Probing localization and mobility of an excess electron in a-Si by quantum molecular dynamics.

The behavior of an excess electron in a-Si is studied over a wide temperature range using the quantum-molecular-dynamics approach. The electron is found to be localized in a nearly spherical void of radius \ensuremath{\sim}3 \AA{}, and is surrounded by a ring of eight Si atoms. The simulation results for the electron mobility are in good agreement with the time-of-flight measurements.
The capture of protons by Be 7

The capture of low-energy protons by Be^7 is calculated using a single-particle model for the ground state of B^8. All the model parameters are determined from the experimental data for the reactions Li^7(n,n)Li^7 and Li^7(n,γ)Li^8. The calculated results for Be^7(p,γ)B^8 are in agreement with the experimental data that are available and permit an extrapolation to energies corresponding to stellar temperatures.
Incorporating the Internet into Science and Technology Reference Instruction

The Internet has become an integral tool for library reference work in the sciences. This article briefly describes the importance of the Internet as an information resource for science and enginee...
Diagnosing electronics systems by integrating models of normal and abnormal functioning

Current approaches to diagnosis cannot handle novel situations and are inefficient in that they require excessive amounts of test data to isolate a fault. This paper presents a problem-solving method that combines an experientially-based abnormal model of device operation with a functionality-based model of normal operation. The CONSOLIDATE system has been constructed in SMALLTALK-80, and an television diagnosis application has been developed.
The prebiotic synthesis of pyrimidines in frozen solution.

Most prebiotic syntheses depend on the reaction of concentrated precursor compounds to produce bio-organic molecules. It is now believed that the early Earth’s atmosphere was not reducing enough to have permitted copious synthesis of precursor molecules. Freezing allows reaction to occur even from dilute solution. This reaction has been demonstrated for the purines but not for the pyrimidines. It is shown here that dilute solutions of simple prebiotic molecules produce the biological pyrimidines cytosine and uracil upon freezing. Cold environments may have allowed synthesis of all of the RNA bases even from low organic yielding atmospheres, such as those of the early Earth, Mars, Titan and Europa.
Determination of the radiation-induced mutation rate for sex-linked lethals and detrimentals in the mouse ☆

Abstract A 3-generation screening procedure has been employed for the detection of sex-linked lethals and detrimentals in the mouse following a single high-intensity exposure of the spermatogonia to 500 R. The Tortoise (To) mutant, which is male-lethal, was used as a marker for the unirradiated X in the F 1 to eliminate XO mice, to improve the efficiency of detecting a significant sex ratio change and to serve as the point marker for calculations of the radius swept for new lethals. Each F 1 dam under consideration was accepted or rejected as a presumed carrier on the basis of the number of males in family sizes between 10 and 30. The decision criteria were determined with the use of Haldane 's swept-radius mathematics to establish type-I error terms of 10% and 35% and a variable type-II error. The F 1 data gave evidence of sex-linked prenatal dominant lethals, though the rate, 1.3·10 −4 /R/X, was not significant. The 2nd generation gave significant evidence for the induction of both prenatal sex-linked recessive lethals and detrimentals and postnatal genomic detrimentals manifest in the heterozygote. The estimated rates are 8.5·10 −5 /R/X and 3.7·10 −5 /R/grandsire's genome, respectively. It was not possible to isolate genetically any of the presumed sex-linked lethals, though their existence does seem substantiated by the concurrent reduction of litter size in the suspect-carrier families. These 2nd generation data are discussed in relation to other studies that have attempted to define the sex-linked recessive lethal mutation rate and the induction of recessive detrimentals. It is concluded that the mammalian X-chromosome may have different properties than the autosomes regarding the survival of a lethal event, and the difficulties in the detection of recessive detrimentals seem to be due to both choice of endpoint and sampling statistics. The probability of heterozygous expression of a presumed detrimental is estimated from these data to be less than 5%.
ANSWER: APPROXIMATE NAME SEARCH WITH ERRORS IN LARGE DATABASES BY A NOVEL APPROACH BASED ON PREFIX-DICTIONARY

The obvious need for using modern computer networking capabilities to enable the effective sharing of information has resulted in data-sharing systems, which store, and manage large amounts of data. These data need to be effectively searched and analyzed. More specifically, in the presence of dirty data, a search for specific information by a standard query (e.g., search for a name that is misspelled or mistyped) does not return all needed information, as required in homeland security, criminology, and medical applications, amongst others. Different techniques, such as soundex, phonix, n-grams, edit-distance, have been used to improve the matching rate in these name-matching applications. These techniques have demonstrated varying levels of success, but there is a pressing need for name matching approaches that provide high levels of accuracy in matching names, while at the same time maintaining low computational complexity. In this paper, such a technique, called ANSWER, is proposed and its characteristics are discussed. Our results demonstrate that ANSWER possesses high accuracy, as well as high speed and is superior to other techniques of retrieving fuzzy name matches in large databases.
Primary Jaw Tumors in Children

Purpose To document tumor type, biological/clinical behavior, management, and outcomes in children with primary jaw tumors. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of children with primary benign jaw tumors evaluated at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston from 1991 to 2009 was conducted. Patients were included if they were aged 16 years or younger and had adequate records and follow-up. Patient charts, radiographs, and pathology reports were reviewed. Demographic data; clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings; treatment; and outcomes were recorded. Predictor variables were tumor type, clinical behavior (nonaggressive/aggressive), and treatment. Outcome variables included presence or absence of recurrence and complications. Descriptive statistics were computed. Results There were 102 patients (44 male and 58 female patients) with a mean age of 8.3 years (range, 6 months to 16 years). Tumors were grouped by tumor type: mesenchymal (n = 96), neurogenic (n = 5), vascular (n = 5), or hematopoietic (n = 3); in addition, when appropriate, they were classified as nonaggressive (n = 54) or aggressive (n = 27). Treatment was based on the tumor's clinical/biological behavior and radiographic features and whether it was solitary or multifocal. Patients with nonaggressive tumors were treated by enucleation, debulking/contouring, or observation, and the recurrence rate was 0%. Aggressive tumors underwent en bloc resection or enucleation with systemic adjuvant therapy, and the recurrence rate was 7.1%. Mean follow-up was 2.4 years. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that primary jaw tumors in children exhibit variable biological/clinical behavior, often not predicted by descriptive histologic findings. Management of these tumors should therefore be guided by clinical/biological behavior.
Down-regulation of interferon-γ-induced class II expression on human glioma cells by recombinant interferon-β: effects of dosage treatment schedule

Abstract We have examined the influence of human recombinant interferon-β (IFN-β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on class II antigen expression on cultured glioblastoma multiforme cells by flow cytometry. Class II molecules were not constitutively expressed on these cells, nor induced by IFN-β. IFN-γ increased class II expression in a dose-dependent fashion. We demonstrate that IFN-β is either antagonistic or synergistic with IFN-γ in class II induction depending upon dose and schedule of administration. Both interferons at 100 IU/ml reduce class II expression by 18%, compared to IFN-γ alone. Pretreatment with IFN-β for 72 h, followed by both interferons yielded a 90% reduction. In contrast, lower concentrations (10 IU/ml) of both interferons were synergistic.
Human papillomavirus vaccine: knowledge and attitudes in two Appalachian Kentucky counties.

A vaccine against common high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cervical cancer risk was recently approved. We assessed women’s acceptance of HPV vaccination for themselves and for adolescent girls, in an Appalachian population with cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among the highest in the United States. We conducted a population-based, random-digit telephone survey of over 600 adult women residing in two Appalachian Kentucky counties. The analysis focused on questions of HPV vaccine acceptance, and their relationship to several factors. The majority of women indicated an interest in HPV vaccination for themselves (85.2%), but they were less accepting of a vaccine being administrated to girls of ages 10–15 (67.6%). Women who were younger, lower-income and smokers were more likely to support vaccination. Although a relatively high percentage of women found the HPV vaccination acceptable for their own use, there was less enthusiasm for supporting vaccination to girls. This finding is of concern since the vaccine is being recommended for adolescent girls and young women, prior to sexual initiation. Educational campaigns will be needed for a successful vaccine implementation.
Primary Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization for End-Stage Coronary Artery Disease

Ahhough popularized only recently, transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) has a lfistory spanning four decades. Sen introduced the concept of "myocardial acupuncture" in tile mid-1960s, 1 but it was overshadowed by tile remarkable results obtained with direct coronary revascularization via coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Tile use of tile laser for this purpose was l,ursued through tile 1980s by Mirhoseini and colleagues2; however, it was only in the 1990s, with substantial industry support, that sufficient eliuical experience with TMR was accumulated to generate widespread interest and enthusiasm for this therapy, a,4 Intrigued by reports of what can only be called "dranmtie" an~na relief obtained with carbon dioxide (C02) laser systems in the early 1990s, we initiated our involvement with TMR at Waslfington University in February 1996. We participated in the phase I trial of a new holmium: YAG system (Eclipse Surgical Technologies Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) and were the first to use this particular energy source clinically for TMR in the United States. Our experience was encouraging. The results of this and other trials of the CO 2 and holmium: YAG systems lead to FDA approval of both types of devices for clinical use in the treatment of an~na pectoris and to Medicare reimbursement for the same. As such, these devices llave become a part of our armamentariuln for the management of advanced coronary artery disease. However, their place is strictly limited in our view and their uhilnate role remains uncertain.
Am I My Brother's Keeper: Adult Siblings Raising Younger Siblings

Adult siblings raising their younger siblings is a family configuration that rarely comes to mind; yet, in the United States adult siblings are the third largest relative caregiver group. The experiences of a sample of 77 adult siblings raising 154 younger siblings are described. The findings revealed that adult sibling caregivers may have multiple unmet service needs but they have a relatively high degree of parenting ability, which is increased by the availability of religious-based services, availability of friends and neighbors, and the ability to network with other caregivers. Additionally, adult siblings who are parenting a younger sibling who has special needs are more likely to commit to adopting that sibling. Social work practice strategies that can be used to address the service needs of adult sibling caregivers are provided.
EXPLORATORY MEDIASTINOTOMY IN PRIMARY MYOCARDIAL DISEASE.

Summary Exploratory mediastinotomy with myocardial biopsy is a practical, relatively safe procedure. It has permitted definitive diagnoses to be made in a significant number of patients and has allowed the exclusion of treatable diseases in all the others. We report on our last 25 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure. We consider that our method offers the patient hope for more accurate diagnosis, prognosis and rational therapy of his poorly understood disease. The biopsied cardiac muscle tissue so obtained has undergone extensive study, despite which, many questions remain unanswered. Plans are discussed for future, more elaborate study of the biopsy material.
Experimental study of noise emitted by propeller’s surface imperfections

Abstract Recently, noise generation by unmanned aerial vehicles has been identified as an important issue, since they may fly over populated areas, or must often fulfill reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The aerodynamic noise radiating from the interaction between the flow and the blades is more difficult to address and control than the mechanical noise. The reduction of the aerodynamic noise is often performed by design optimizations of the blade geometry, without considering potential surface imperfections that may emerge, for example, from ice or dirt deposition. It is important to evaluate and understand the noise signature emitted by propellers operating in various adverse conditions. In this work, experimental acoustic measurements are conducted to evaluate the noise radiating from several propellers featuring different surface imperfections. To this end, an experimental stand was designed, and various propellers with different blade imperfections were tested acoustically. The sound pressure level shows that while some surface imperfections are not affecting the overall noise, certain types of such imperfections can increase slightly the overall noise level at low rotational speeds, or can decrease slightly the overall noise level at high rotational speeds.
Rule-based word clustering for text classification

This paper introduces a rule-based, context-dependent word clustering method, with the rules derived from various domain databases and the word text orthographic properties. Besides significant dimensionality reduction, our experiments show that such rule-based word clustering improves by 8 the overall accuracy of extracting bibliographic fields from references, and by 18.32 on average the class-specific performance on the line classification of document headers.
Determinants of age at menarche as early life predictors of breast cancer risk

Age at menarche is one of the few established risk factors for breast cancer; identification of its exogenous determinants could throw light on the origins of breast cancer. We have undertaken an epidemiologic study in Greece to ascertain whether: 1) energy intake, an indicator of physical activity, is associated with later age at menarche; 2) energy-adjusted fat intake is related to earlier age at menarche; and 3) other macronutrients and anthropometric variables are predictors of age at menarche. Anthropometric, socio-economic, familiar, nutritional and lifestyle predictors of age at menarche were studied by interviewing in person 345 female students 9 to 16 years old attending 8 schools of Greater Athens. Menarche was the outcome variable in a proportional hazards model assessing the mutually adjusted incidence rate ratio by a series of predictor variables. In a complementary analysis, age at menarche was the dependent variable among menstruating girls. Consistent results were derived from the main and the complementary analysis. Increased height and body mass index accelerate the occurrence of menarche. Maternal and daughter's ages at menarche are correlated, but there is no evidence of an association with paternal education. Various measures of moderate physical activity as well as increased total energy intake were associated with a delay in age at menarche. Energy-adjusted macronutrients were not associated with age at menarche. It appears that an alteration of energy balance in early life through increased physical activity could delay age at menarche and reduce the risk for breast cancer in later life.
Theoretical Perspectives on the Political Economy of Violence

Violence results in great costs to communities throughout the world. This literature review examines how political economists have used political economy theory to understand violence. A brief history of economies and community governance in the Western world illustrates the interactions between economics and politics. Three sets of theories of political economy are described: classical theories, neo-classical theories, and radical theories, with case examples of collective violence and race riots. The review concludes with a conceptual framework designed to inform educators and practitioners.
Micronesian Cultural Influences on Parent Attitudes Concerning their Young Child with a Disability: Considerations for Fostering Cross-cultural Parent/Professional Relationships

Research during the last 10 years has shown progress in identifying effective methods for involving parents as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team and increasing the cultural competence of professionals from special education and related service fields in the United States. However, there continues to be a great need for addressing how professionals from predominantly Anglo-American traditional cultural backgrounds can move beyond their culture specific attitudes and discipline focused training regimens to accept a more diverse and expanded world view of families from cultures unlike their own. In areas such as California, the rapidly changing demographics indicate that more ethnically diverse families will be entering the special education system of care as the new millennium unfolds. Evaluation team members including psychologists, special educators, teachers, and other professionals face the challenge of understanding local customs, attitudes, and belief systems concerning young children with disabilities. By reflecting on the author’s experiences as a consultant for early childhood programs in the Western Pacific Basin at the time PL 99-457 was being implemented, the following paper describes a comparative model of the collectivist cultures of Micronesia and the individualist values of the United States. Parent attitudes concerning their young children with disabilities are examined and suggestions for promoting mutuality among parent/professional teams are offered.
Wet effluent denuder coupled liquid/ion chromatography systems : annular and parallel plate denuders

Design and construction of high-efficiency netted denuders of annular and parallel plate geometries are described. The silica-coated glass surfaces of these denuders are porous and are wettable with a very small flow of water. The parallel plate design is simpler in construction and offers better collection efficiency and loner particle losses than the annular design. Particle losses are, however, very low for both designs, ≤0.5% at the intended sampling rates. Collection efficiency for SO 2 for two parallel plates (50×100 mm active area) separated by 3 mm is essentially quantitative at 10 L/min. Coupled to an ion chromatograph, the detection limit for SO 2 for such a system is 500 parts per quadrillion for a 8-min sample
Cardiac acute care nurse practitioner and 30-day readmission.

Background The utilization outcomes of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the acute care setting have not been widely studied. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the impact on utilization outcomes of NPs on medical teams who take care of patients admitted to a cardiovascular intensive care unit. Methods A retrospective 2-group comparative design was used to evaluate the outcomes of 185 patients with ST- or non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or heart failure who were admitted to a cardiovascular intensive care unit in an urban medical center. Patients received care from a medical team that included a cardiac acute care NP (n = 109) or medical team alone (n = 76). Patient history, cardiac assessment, medical interventions, discharge disposition, discharge time, and 3 utilization outcomes (ie, length of stay, 30-day readmission, and time of discharge) were compared between the 2 treatment groups. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day readmission. Results Patients receiving care from a medical team that included an NP were rehospitalized approximately 50% less often compared with those receiving care from a medical team without an NP. Thirty-day hospital readmission (P = .011) and 30-day return rates to the emergency department (P = .021) were significantly lower in the intervention group. Significant predictors for rehospitalization included diagnosis of heart failure versus myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR], 3.153, P = 0.005), treatment by a medical team without NP involvement (OR, 2.905, P = 0.008), and history of diabetes (OR, 2.310, P = 0.032). Conclusions The addition of a cardiac acute care NP to medical teams caring for myocardial infarction and heart failure patients had a positive impact on 30-day emergency department return and hospital readmission rates.
Observation of a reversible grain boundary faceting transition induced by changes of composition

We report on a novel technique which allows us to observe the faceting transition of a well characterized boundary under controlled thermodynamic conditions in the Cu/Bi system. The results demonstrate clearly that the faceting transition can be driven either forward or backward in a reversible manner by adding or removing small amounts of Bi solute atoms. 15 refs., 5 figs.
Continuous Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitor from Pulse Ox: Ready for Prime Time?

Advances in technology have allowed for continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring (SpHb), which may enable earlier detection of hemorrhage and more efficient surgical and/or blood transfusion management. The use of SpHb has not been described in the trauma population. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of a SpHb measurement device in severely injured trauma patients. We performed a prospective cohort analysis of severely injured trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at our level I trauma center over a 6 month period. Serial IHb (invasive hemoglobin) levels and SpHb for the first 72 h were measured. Each SpHb measurement was matched with a corresponding IHb measurement. We defined normal Hgb as >8 mg/dL and low Hgb as 8, SpHb was found to have a sensitivity of 91 %, PPV 96 %, specificity 40 %, NPV 20 %, and an accuracy of 88 %. The continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitor does not appear to represent serum hemoglobin levels accurately in severely injured trauma patients. However, we were able to identify utility for this noninvasive tool when Hgb was dichotomized into normal or low levels.