cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract WP333: Clinical Research Coordinators' Barriers and Best Practices to Minority Recruitment in Stroke Clinical Trials

Background: Poor recruitment and retention of clinical trial participants continues to be a major contributor to the early termination of many clinical trials. Specifically, low racial-ethnic minority and female participation rates can limit scientific, economic, and ethical value of a clinical trial. Previous literature has explored patient-centered enrollment barriers, while research has yet to investigate recruitment challenges facing clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Aim: To gain insight of the barriers facings CRCs with particular attention to minority and female recruitment efforts. Methods: Two semi-structured focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of stroke CRCs in 2013 (N=17) and 2014 (N=23). Discussion topics included: 1) integrating NIH Inclusion Policy into trial design and recruitment strategies; 2) experiences recruiting minorities and women in stroke/neurological trials; and 3) strategies to enhance minority and female involvement. Two reviewers independently developed an initial set of base codes (n=6). Reviewers met and reconciled their independent coding using the 2013 transcript before applying the same process to the 2014 transcript. Codes and sub-codes were used to identify thematic areas. Results: Both focus groups included majority female participants with nearly half holding nursing degree. Codes informed three thematic areas: administration, enrollment and “other.” Administrative findings highlight organizational barriers. Enrollment findings identified challenges related to the severity of condition and time limitations. The “other” theme cut across administration and enrollment, often informed by coordinators’ personal experiences. Personal barriers include biases and uncertainty approaching patients from diverse backgrounds. Participants identified coordinator conferences, trainings, Internet resources, direct support from PIs and team building between hospital and research staff as key strategies. Conclusion: Our findings identified multi-dimensional organizational, administrative and resource barriers and the need for more focused CRC support to enhance participant recruitment efforts in stroke clinical research.
Identifying and Creating Effective Vodcasts

This chapter provides guidance on how to identify and create effective videos, or vodcasts, which students view prior to the flipped learning class period. The chapter begins by identifying websites that offer quality educational videos in a variety of academic disciplines, which the instructor can use for pre-class assignments. The remainder of the chapter discusses research-based practices for creating one’s own videos to be used in the flipped classroom. Ten best practices for creating effective video presentations are discussed, several of which focus on maximizing learning by reducing the cognitive load of the video presentation. Advice regarding video length, lighting, camera placement, and strategies to keep students engaged in the videos is also provided.
Data-Driven Distributed Output Consensus Control for Partially Observable Multiagent Systems

This paper is concerned with a class of optimal output consensus control problems for discrete linear multiagent systems with the partially observable system state. Since the optimal control policy depends on the full system state which is not accessible for a partially observable system, traditionally, distributed observers are employed to recover the system state. However, in many situations, the accurate model of a real-world dynamical system might be difficult to obtain, which makes the observer design infeasible. Furthermore, the optimal consensus control policy cannot be analytically solved without system functions. To overcome these challenges, we propose a data-driven adaptive dynamic programming approach that does not require the complete system inner state. The key idea is to use the input and output sequence as an equivalent representation of the underlying state. Based on this representation, an adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is developed to generate the optimal control policy. For the implementation of this algorithm, we design a neural network-based actor-critic structure to approximate the local performance indices and the control polices. Two numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
L1 and L∞ Approximation of Vector Fields in the Plane

We study four problems, two in L 1 and two in L ∞ , whose analogues in L 2 are the familiar minimum principles which lead to the Laplace equation. One possibility is to be given the boundary value ϕ = g and to minimize |vψ| 1 or |v| ∞ ; the gradient at a point (x,y) in Ω is measured by |vΔ | 2 = ψ 2 x + ψ 2 y . In the other problems we are given a vector field v: Ω - R 2 , and minimize either |v w -v| 1 or |v w -v| ∞ In each case we use the duality theory of convex analysis to give equivalent statements of the problem, often with an interpretation in mechanics and often partly solved. Nevertheless some questions still remain open.
The Mutations of Professional Responsibility: Toward Collaborative Community

Professionals are distinctive insofar as in their primary activities they are oriented by what Max Weber called “value-rationality”—by their responsibility to ultimate values such as education or health or justice. But it is difficult to organize large-scale collectivities in such a way as to sustain value-rationality. Historically, the professions relied on guild-like traditionalistic structures based on status and loyalty to ensure their cohesion and solidarity; but this often came at the expense of those ultimate values. Under performance and accountability pressures to overcome this shortfall, many professional occupations have been shifting from the guild form toward bureaucratic and market forms of organization, thereby replacing traditionalistic ties with instrumental-rationality. But these latter organizational forms afford professionals little relief from growing pressure to improve efficiency, quality, and responsiveness. We argue that over the past few decades, a cluster of innovative organizing techniques have arisen that allow professionals to respond more effectively to these pressures by giving value-rationality much-needed organizational robustness and resilience. Deploying these new techniques, numerous professional collectivities have begun to reshaping themselves into what we call “collaborative communities.” We illustrate the distinctive features of value-rational collaborative community with examples drawn from prior research on medicine and we show some of its promise with results from a survey of teachers in one public school district.
A student-oriented natural language environment for learning LISP

A computer-based instructional environment for students learning LISP is described. Its design includes a LISP Interpreter with an extended error-handling capability for evaluating functions written by students. Students can ask questions in natural language about LISP in general and concerning specific LISP functions which they have defined. A fuzzy parser interprets the student requests and builds a LISP function which operates on a semantic network to determine its response.
Proteins of the Actin Depolymerizing Factor/Cofilin Family

Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) and cofilin are the founding members of a group of structurally and functionally related actin binding proteins now collectively known as the ADF/cofilin (AC) family. AC proteins are expressed in all eukaryotic organisms, and their unique ability to bind and dynamize filamentous actin renders them essential to all cellular processes dependent upon actin dynamics. Cell division, cell motility and neuronal pathfinding, membrane dynamics, and cell polarization could not proceed without the aid of these remarkable proteins.
Canopy structure affects temperature distributions and free convection in moss shoot systems.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Nonvascular plants play important roles in exchange of water and heat at the soil-atmosphere interface. Differential evaporative cooling may cause temperature gradients within bryophyte canopies, influencing convective heat and mass transport. Understanding mechanisms that affect fluxes through moss layers should improve models of forest floor function. METHODS A three-dimensional thermal imaging system measured temperature distributions within moss shoot systems that were used to explore relationships among canopy structure, temperature gradients, evaporation, and conductance to water vapor (gs ). We studied five moss species under dark and light conditions in the lab. Also, these properties were measured in two species that differed in canopy structure during drying. KEY RESULTS Differential evaporative cooling led to a 1.4 to 5.0°C range in shoot temperatures within canopies. Samples displayed -0.5 to -0.9°C/cm temperature gradients with cooler apical temperatures. Gradient magnitudes did not differ among species, but taller canopies expressed greater temperature differences. Light enhanced both the gradient and the temperature difference. Rates of evaporation were significantly related to canopy height in the light, but not in the dark, although gs was positively associated with canopy height in both. Rayleigh (Ra) numbers characterize whether temperature gradients likely generate free convection. In tall canopies, Ra numbers exceeded the value indicative of free convection and turbulent flow. As plants dried, temperature gradients decreased. CONCLUSIONS When moss canopies are wet, cooler apical temperatures create thermal instabilities within the canopies that appear sufficient to enhance convective transport of water vapor and heat in tall canopies with low bulk density.
Results of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular clonality testing of small intestinal biopsy specimens from clinically healthy client-owned cats.

Background Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular clonality testing are metrics frequently used to diagnose chronic enteropathy (CE) in cats. However, normal values for these metrics have been based mainly on samples from cats that were relatively young, specific pathogen-free, or both. Objectives To describe results of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and clonality testing of endoscopically-derived biopsy specimens of the upper small intestinal tract from a cohort of clinically healthy client-owned cats. Animals Twenty clinically healthy client-owned cats ≥3 years of age. Methods Tissue specimens were collected from the stomach and duodenum and evaluated single blinded by a board-certified pathologist. In addition, samples were evaluated by routine immunohistochemistry and clonality testing. Cats were followed after the procedure for signs of CE. Results Integrated results from histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and clonality testing were interpreted as consistent with small cell lymphoma (SCL; n = 12), emerging SCL (n = 1), lymphocytic enteritis (n = 6), and pseudoclonality (n = 1). On follow-up, 3 cats eventually developed clinical signs of CE, of which 2 were euthanized 295 and 654 days post-endoscopy. The remaining 17 cats did not show clinical signs of CE after a median of 709 days (range, 219-869 days). Conclusions and clinical importance Intestinal biopsy specimens from clinically healthy client-owned cats commonly had abnormal findings on histopathology, immunohistochemistry, clonality testing, or some combination of these without apparent clinical relevance. Current diagnostic metrics for diagnosing CE in cats may need modification to be applicable to the general population of cats.
Oncologic outcomes after surgery for locally aggressive basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Objective Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, locally aggressive BCC of the head and neck is rare and not well studied. Study design Retrospective review of patients who underwent primary surgical resection of locally aggressive head and neck BCC at a single tertiary academic center. Results Eighty-seven patients with 98 tumors demonstrated a 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimated recurrence-free survival of 64.5%, overall survival of 83.3%, and disease-specific survival of 98.3%. Intraoperative positive frozen section margin was a strong independent predictor of local recurrence (hazard ratio 6.88, P = 0.038) and was more likely to occur in tumors previously treated with radiation (odds ratio 6.47 = 0.05). Conclusion Locally aggressive BCCs of the head and neck have high rates of local recurrence but low disease-specific mortality when treated with primary surgery and selected use of adjuvant therapy. Intraoperative positive frozen section margin is a strong independent predictor of local recurrence and is more likely in tumors that were previously treated with radiation therapy. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:115-119, 2020.
Guest Editorial IEEE BIBM 2018 Special Section

Bioinformatics and biomedicine research is fundamental to our understanding of complex biological systems, impacting the science and technology of fields ranging from agricultural and environmental sciences to pharmaceutical and medical sciences. This type of research requires close collaboration among multidisciplinary teams of researchers in computer science, statistics, physics, engineering, life sciences and medical sciences, and their interfaces. The IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedicine aims to provide an open and interactive forum to catalyze the cross-fertilization of ideas from these disciplines and to bridge our knowledge gaps.
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure of the αIIbβ3-Abciximab Complex

Objective: The αIIbβ3 antagonist antiplatelet drug abciximab is the chimeric antigen-binding fragment comprising the variable regions of murine monoclonal antibody 7E3 and the constant domains of h...
Effect of ranolazine on symptom and quality of life in patients with angina in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease: A case control study

Abstract Background More than 20% of patients presenting to the catheterization lab have no significant obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) despite having angina. Several occult coronary abnormalities, including endothelial dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction (MVD), and/or a myocardial bridge (MB), may explain their symptoms. We studied the effect of ranolazine on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in these patients. Methods We retrospectively studied 53 patients prescribed with ranolazine, matched on sex and age, with 106 patients on standard of care who underwent comprehensive invasive testing. Endothelial dysfunction was defined as a decrease in luminal diameter of >20% after intracoronary acetylcholine, MVD as an index of microvascular resistance ≥25, and a MB as an echolucent half-moon sign and/or ≥10% systolic compression on intravascular ultrasound. A Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and SF-12 questionnaire were completed at baseline and follow-up. Results Median follow-up was 1.9 (1.7–2.2) years. Endothelial dysfunction was present in 109 (69%), MVD in 36 (23%), and an MB in 86 (54%). Both groups had significant improvement in all dimensions of the SF-12 and SAQ with the exception of treatment satisfaction. We found no significant difference in change in SAQ and SF-12 scores between the groups, although the ranolazine group had significantly lower baseline SAQ scores. Conclusion In patients with angina and no obstructive CAD, ranolazine is no different than standard of care in symptomatic and QOL improvement. Further randomized trials are warrented to confirm our findings and identify novel medical therapies in this patient population.
Uncoupled El Niño Warming

Author(s): Hu, ZZ; McPhaden, MJ; Kumar, A; Yu, JY; Johnson, NC | Abstract: In light of a warming climate, the complexity of the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) makes its prediction a challenge. In addition to various flavors of ENSO, oceanic warming in the central and eastern tropical Pacific is not always accompanied by corresponding atmospheric anomalies; that is, the atmosphere and ocean remain uncoupled. Such uncoupled warm events as happened in 1979, 2004, 2014, and 2018 are rare and represent an unusual form of ENSO diversity. A weaker zonal sea surface temperature anomaly gradient across the tropical Pacific compared to a conventional El Nino may partially account for the decoupling. Also, the uncoupled warm events typically start late in the calendar year, which raises the possible influence of seasonality in background conditions for the lack of coupling. Without coupling, the impact of the warming in the central and eastern tropical Pacific on extratropical climate is different from that of its coupled counterpart.
A Preliminary Study of Prediction Method for Oil-paper Insulation Critical Breakdown under DC Voltage Oriented to Power Transformer Protection

At present, transformer protection usually operates after failures. With the raise of voltage level and capacity of transformer, a fault easily becomes an accident, resulting in huge economic losses. Transformer insulation failure is the main cause of transformer accidents. In this paper, a new idea of transformer protection based on insulation critical breakdown prediction is proposed. According to the requirements of transformer protection, a prediction method of oil-paper insulation critical breakdown under DC voltage based on partial discharge analysis is proposed by studying partial discharge characteristics of oil-paper insulation defects under DC voltage and the development process. The results show that when partial discharge critical breakdown occurs in oil-paper insulation under DC voltage, the distribution of partial discharge lagging recovery time is concentrated, and dense discharge clusters are easy to form, which can be used to predict the critical breakdown of oil-paper insulation.
Real-Time Labor Market Estimates During the 2020 Coronavirus Outbreak

This project aims to provide labor market data several weeks ahead of official statistics via a national online labor market survey of a sample representative of the US working age population. We refer to the survey as the Real-Time Population Survey (RPS). Core questions in the RPS closely follow the official US labor market survey (the CPS), which allows us to construct estimates consistent with theirs. The RPS was conducted twice monthly from March through October, and since then is conducted monthly.
Judge‐Jury Agreement in Criminal Cases: A Partial Replication of Kalven and Zeisel's The American Jury

This study uses a new criminal case data set to partially replicate Kalven and Zeisel's classic study of judge-jury agreement. The data show essentially the same rate of judge-jury agreement as did Kalven and Zeisel for cases tried almost 50 years ago. This study also explores judge-jury agreement as a function of evidentiary strength (as reported by both judges and juries), evidentiary complexity (as reported by both judges and juries), legal complexity (as reported by judges), and locale. Regardless of which adjudicator's view of evidentiary strength is used, judges tend to convict more than juries in cases of “middle” evidentiary strength. Judges tend to acquit more than juries in cases in which judges regard the evidence favoring the prosecution as weak. Judges tend to convict more than juries in cases in which judges regard the evidence favoring the prosecution as strong. Rates of adjudicator agreement are thus partly a function of which adjudicator's view of evidentiary strength is used, a result not available to Kalven and Zeisel, who were limited to judges’ views of the evidence. We find little evidence that evidentiary complexity or legal complexity help explain rates of judge-jury disagreement. Rather, the data support the view that judges have a lower conviction threshold than juries. Local variation exists among the sites studied. The influences of juror race, sex, and education are also considered.
Three-Dimensional Interaction of \( \left\{ {10\bar{1}2} \right\} \) Twin with Tilt Boundaries in Mg: Twin and Dislocation Transmission

While both dislocations and deformation twins accommodate plastic shear, the former are linear and the latter are three-dimensional domains bounded by complex interfaces. Therefore, the transmission of twins is much more complex than that of dislocations. In this work, we characterize the reactions and possible scenarios of associated interactions between twins and tilt boundaries using both atomistic and phase-field simulations. We find that the interaction is a competition between slip and twin transmission, depending on the geometrical alignment of the slip and/or twinning systems, resolved shear stress, and short-range interactions between intrinsic defects within the twins and grain boundaries. More importantly, we find that lateral twin transmission is easier than the forward twin transmission. We use a phase-field model to systematically investigate the role played by interfacial properties of the twin, such as facet energies and mobilities, on lateral and forward transmission into neighboring grains.
Advancing knowledge about stakeholder engagement in multisectoral nutrition research

Abstract Strategies to engage stakeholders increase the relevance of multisectoral nutrition research but are challenging to embed within research programs. Drawing from fifteen food choice studies, the aim of this study was to understand the diversity of strategies that researchers used in engaging with stakeholders to synthesize lessons learned from their experiences. Researchers developed and implemented a wide range of strategies that varied in terms of extent of collaboration sought. Informational strategies were used to increase stakeholder buy-in and generate demand for results. Collaborative strategies were more integral to the production of knowledge and were used in framing research significance, interpreting results, and finalizing recommendations. Researchers developed strategies of varying intensity depending on goals for uptake. This research sheds light on the role of stakeholder engagement in advancing multisectoral nutrition. Findings may aid researchers in constructing engagement strategies that are responsive to complex multisectoral nutrition landscapes in low- and middle-income countries.
Executive Equity Compensation Plans and Board of Director Discretion over Equity Grants

Executive equity compensation is granted out of an equity incentive plan that must be approved by shareholders. Equity incentive plans are an important precursor to equity grants because plan terms give boards of directors discretion over the amount and features of equity that can be granted without further shareholder approval. We predict and find that equity plan proposals give boards more discretion over grants when the firm faces greater labor market competition and more volatile stock returns and when shareholders have less influence over the board. Shareholders vote less favorably for plans that confer greater discretion to boards but that relation weakens with labor market competition and shareholder influence. We also find evidence of more discretion facilitating larger equity grants in response to stock price declines. Overall our findings provide insights into the determinants of equity compensation plan characteristics that affect board discretion over equity grants and illuminates how firms balance needs to respond to labor market pressure and volatile operating environments against the governance and oversight of executive equity compensation.
What's in Alaska?

Carl got off work at three. He left the station and drove to a shoe store near his apartment. He put his foot up on the stool and let the clerk unlace his boot. "Something comfortable," Carl said. "For casual wear." "I have something," the clerk said. He brought out three pairs of shoes and Carl said he would take the third pair, soft, beige-colored shoes that made his feet feel Ught and springy. He paid the clerk and put the box with his boots under his arm. He looked down at his new shoes as he walked. Driving home, his feet moved Ughtly and freely from accelerator pedal to brake to clutch. "You bought some new shoes," Mary said. "Let me see." "Do you like them?" Carl said. "I don't like the color, but ??1 bet they're comfortable. You needed new shoes." He looked at the shoes again. "I've got to take a bath," he said. "We'U have an early dinner," she said. "Helen and Jack asked us over tonight. She got him a water pipe for his birthday and they're anxious to try it out. They're funny." She looked at him. "Is it aU right with you?" "What time?"
Engineering Specific Cross‐Links in Nucleic Acids Using Glycol Linkers

One of the most convenient methods for generating oligonucleotides possessing intra- or interstrand cross-links is through incorporation of oligoethylene glycol bridges by solid-phase synthesis. The reagents are commercially available or can be synthesized in a few easy synthetic steps. Unlike many other DNA and RNA cross-links, aspects of the structural and thermodynamic impact of modifying nucleic acids with oligoethylene glycols have been studied. This unit covers protection, phosphitylation, and preparation of the glycol linker for oligonucleotide synthesis.
Mosques as American Institutions: Muslim Incorporation in American Politics

Religious institutions and places of worship have played a pivotal role in American Politics. What about the role of the mosque? Does the mosque, as an institution, play any different of a role than that of churches or synagogues in political participation? Some scholars have argued that Islam as a religion and a culture is incompatible with liberal, democratic American values; not only is Islam inconsistent with the West, but it poses a direct conflict. This viewpoint has likewise been popularized in American and European media and by some government officials who have labeled Muslims as enemies of freedom and democracy. Through the examination of the Muslim American Public Opinion Survey (MAPOS), which has a large sample size (N=1410), we argue that the mosque emerges as an important indictor for Muslim social and political integration into American society. We demonstrate that not only do those Muslims who attend the mosque regularly are more likely to identify as American Muslims rather than by national origin, they are also more likely to believe mosques encourage Muslims to integrate into U.S. society. Our analysis further exemplifies that mosque attendance and involvement, beyond creating a common identity among American Muslims, leads to more political participation in the U.S. In contrast to prevailing wisdom, we also find that more religiously devout Muslims are significantly more likely to support political participation. Based on our findings, we conclude that there is nothing inconsistent with the mosque and American democracy, and in fact, religiosity fosters support for American democratic values.
Stigma, Stress, and Health

Health-related stigma has recently gained a great deal of attention among medical sociologists, public health professionals, and the psychiatric and medical communities. Social stigma has been identified as particularly detrimental to individual health through its impact on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and increased levels of stress and distress. Furthermore, studies indicate that social stigma plays a significant role in health care utilization and treatment adherence. Social science researchers, public health professionals, patient advocates, and medical practitioners have recently called for a specific plan to reduce health-related stigma and its consequences. Keywords: AIDS ; drugs; mental health; stigma; stress
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE DISCUSSIONS DO NOT LEAD TO DEATH

Key senators announced on August 13th that the end of life provision would be dropped from the health care reform bill. Senator Charles Grassley was quoted saying that the provision would be dropped because of fears that it would be misinterpreted or implemented incorrectly. The provision to include Medicare funding for advance directive (AD) discussions between practitioners and patients roused active and, at times vitriolic, discussions on radio talk shows and social networking sites. However, the concept of ADs is based on America’s core ethical principle of autonomy. While Nancy Cruzan and Terri Schiavo brought national attention to the issue for a brief time, recent data suggest while only ~30% of adults have completed an AD(1–3), 93% of adults would like to discuss ADs with their physician.(4) The reality is that these conversations are time consuming, incompatible with 20 minute appointments, and are not billable. The health care reform bill would have allowed physician compensation for an AD discussion every five years, provided guidelines, and suggested a mechanism to track the quality of these discussions. The bill states (page 430), that an AD consultation could take place more frequently if there were a significant change in the patient’s health status. Those opposed to the end of life provision interpret this to mean that discussing ADs with one’s physician will hasten death. Between 2003 and 2005, we interviewed 464 patients at an index hospitalization and asked if anyone had discussed ADs with them. A concurrent chart review documented the presence or absence of completed ADs in the medical record (Do Not Resuscitate orders (the majority of which are written three days before death(5)), and other broader types of ADs (living will, Durable Power of Attorney, a form like Five Wishes)). To date, 123 (27%) of these patients have died. Using logistic regression, we found no association between having had an AD discussion or the presence of ADs in the medical record and death at one year or death over the complete follow up period after adjusting for age and disease severity (Table 1). While this study was not powered to detect small differences in mortality or risk of death, it does provide some data to inform the current national debate that favors honoring patient wishes to have AD discussions and confirming that there is no evidence that these discussions or completing an advance directive lead to harm. Table 1 No Significant Association between AD Discussions or ADs and Death and One Year or Death from 2003–2009
Creating Bathymetric Maps Using AUVs in the Magdalena River

The goal is to develop a guidance and navigation algorithm for an AUV to perform high resolution scanning of the constantly changing river bed of the Magdalena River, the main river of Colombia, from the river mouth to a distance of 10 Km upriver, which is considered to be the riskiest section to navigate. Using geometric control we design the required thrust for an under-actuated autonomous underwater vehicle to realize the desired mission.
Whole-exome sequencing enhances prognostic classification of myeloid malignancies

Display Omitted A robust prognostic classifier built from exome sequencing data.Prognostic categories are strongly reproducible in an independent validation set.Classifier that operates in a pan-diagnostic manner (MDS, MDS/MPN, and AML).Classifier outperforms standard prognostic classifiers within diagnoses.Classifier is distributed publicly as a web-based tool. PurposeTo date the standard nosology and prognostic schemes for myeloid neoplasms have been based on morphologic and cytogenetic criteria. We sought to test the hypothesis that a comprehensive, unbiased analysis of somatic mutations may allow for an improved classification of these diseases to predict outcome (overall survival). Experimental designWe performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 274 myeloid neoplasms, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, N=75), myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasia (MDS/MPN, N=33), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML, N=22), augmenting the resulting mutational data with public WES results from AML (N=144). We fit random survival forests (RSFs) to the patient survival and clinical/cytogenetic data, with and without gene mutation information, to build prognostic classifiers. A targeted sequencing assay was used to sequence predictor genes in an independent cohort of 507 patients, whose accompanying data were used to evaluate performance of the risk classifiers. ResultsWe show that gene mutations modify the impact of standard clinical variables on patient outcome, and therefore their incorporation hones the accuracy of prediction. The mutation-based classification scheme robustly predicted patient outcome in the validation set (log rank P=6.7710-21; poor prognosis vs. good prognosis categories HR 10.4, 95% CI 3.2133.6). The RSF-based approach also compares favorably with recently-published efforts to incorporate mutational information for MDS prognosis. ConclusionThe results presented here support the inclusion of mutational information in prognostic classification of myeloid malignancies. Our classification scheme is implemented in a publicly available web-based tool (http://myeloid-risk.case.edu/).
Approximation schemes for minimum 2-edge-connected and biconnected subgraphs in planar graphs

Given an undirected graph, finding either a minimum 2-edge-connected spanning subgraph or a minimum 2-vertex-connected (biconnected) spanning subgraph is MaxSNP-hard. We show that for planar graphs, both problems have a polynomial time approximation scheme (PTAS) with running time nO(1/e), where n is the graph size and e is the relative error allowed.When the planar graph has edge costs, we approximately solve the analogous min-cost subgraph problems in time nO(γ/e), where γ is the ratio of the total edge cost to the optimum solution cost.
Parent-implemented natural language paradigm to increase language and play in children with autism

Abstract Three parents of children with autism were taught to implement the Natural Language Paradigm (NLP). Data were collected on parent implementation, multiple measures of child language, and play. The parents were able to learn to implement the NLP procedures quickly and accurately with beneficial results for their children. Increases in the overall rate of vocalizations were observed for all three children with a shift from imitative language at the beginning of intervention to spontaneous language at the end of intervention. Clear improvements in play were observed for two of three children while ceiling effects were observed for a third child who already played effectively. In response to a social validity questionnaire, parents indicated that they found the study useful and the NLP procedures simple to implement and that that they would continue to use NLP at home following the conclusion of the study.
Using Active Learning to Enhance Lectures

Eighty percent of college professors lecture more than 80% of the time. Since clarity of information is crucial to rigorous disciplines such as agricultural economics, this research-based article will examine ways in which student comprehension of lectures can be improved through the use of active learning. Specific strategies are suggested for previewing material, organizing information, assessing student learning, signaling transitions, using multiple examples, stressing, important points, providing pauses, eliminating unexplained content, and reviewing information frequently.
The coccidia of quail in the United States.

Intestinal contents from 12 scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), 10 bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), 20 harlequin quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae), 35 California quail (Lophortyx californicus), 15 Gambel's quail (Lophortyx gambelii), and 29 mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) were examined for coccidian oocysts. Only 18 (14.9%) of 121 birds had coccidian oocysts in their feces at the time of collection; these included 9 L. californicus and 9 O. pictus. Four eimerians and an isosporan were found in the 18 infected birds. Eimeria lophortygis and E. okanaganensis had been previously described from L. californicus, but were also seen in O. pictus. Eimeria crusti sp. n. and Eimeria oreortygis sp. n. are described from O. pictus; E. oreortygis was also found in L. californicus. Broadly ellipsoid oocysts of E. crusti had a rough outer wall, were 26.0 × 21.2 (24–28 × 20–23) μm, and contained ovoid sporocysts 15.7 × 7.5 (14–18 × 7–8) μm. Micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but a polar granule, sporocyst residuum...
Evaluation of the government documents collection: A step-by-step process

Abstract In an earlier article, I identified, considered, and related commonly used techniques of evaluating library collections to the government publication collection. Here, a model or step-by-step process is developed to illustrate how the several techniques might be used in relation to each other. Thus, this article is a specific response to the government documents librarian who wants to know what to do first, second, third, etc., in evaluating the documents collection.
Mitochondrial-encoded gene regulation in rat pancreatic islets

Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation plays a major role in insulin secretion in pancreatic islet β cells. The relationship between age and nutritional status of the islet and mitochondrial gene messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was investigated. Three animal groups were studied: infant (12-day-old) rats fed either mother's milk or a high carbohydrate (HC) diet; young (2 to 4-month-old) rats; and old (12 to 14-month-old) rats. The expression of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (CYO) (subunits I, II, and III), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form dehydrogenase subunit 4 (NADH-DH4), and ATP synthase (subunit 6) (ATP-SYN6) mRNAs was characterized by semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The mitochondrial gene mRNAs were identified in each of the groups of rat islets and in RINm5F cells. CYO-II mRNA expression in young and old rat pancreatic islets was 12.7- and 8.2-fold higher, respectively, compared with the level in infant rat islets. The expression of NADH-DH4 and ATP-SYN6 mRNAs was 47% and 40% lower, respectively, in young rat islets compared with the level in infant rat islets. CYO-I, CYO-III, and cytoplasmic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) mRNA expression did not differ between experimental groups. Artificial rearing of infant rat pups on a HC diet for 8 days lead to a 3.3-fold increase in islet CYO-II mRNA expression compared with mother-fed pups. However, glucose (11 mmol/L) stimulation of cultured isolated islets from young and old rats for 4 days failed to affect the expression level of mitochondrial gene mRNAs. Thus, aging affected the differential expression of CYO-II, NADH-DH4, and ATP-SYN6 mRNAs in rat islets. CYO-II mRNA expression was modulated only in infant rat islets after in vivo administration of carbohydrate.
A characteristic Galerkin method for discrete Boltzmann equation

Abstract The characteristic Galerkin finite element method for the discrete Boltzmann equation is presented to simulate fluid flows in complex geometries. The inherent geometric flexibility of the finite element method permits the easy use of simple Cartesian variables on unstructured meshes and the mesh clustering near large gradients. The characteristic Galerkin procedure with appropriate boundary condition results in accurate solutions with little numerical diffusion. Several test cases are conducted, including unsteady Couette flows, lid-driven cavity flows, and steady flow past a circular cylinder on unstructured meshes. The numerical results are in good agreement with previous analytical (if applicable), numerical, and experimental results.
Changes in Potassium Content of Different Potato Varieties After Cooking

Objective We sought to determine analytically the potassium content of different varieties of raw potatoes, and to estimate the amount of potassium that can be extracted or leached from raw potatoes by cooking. Design and Methods Six different varieties of fresh potatoes were obtained from the Whole Foods Market in Manhasset, New York. Two different cooking methods (normal cooking [NC] and double cooking [DC]) were applied to each potato. Potassium was extracted from the ash of dried samples. The potassium content of aqueous extractions was ascertained by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results Mean potassium content was highest in the purple Viking potato (448.1 ± 60.5 mg [11.5 ± 1.6 mEq]/100 g [values are mean ± SD unless otherwise noted]), and lowest in the Idaho potato (295 ± 15.7 mg [7.6 ± 0.4 mEq]/100 g). All raw potatoes had a mean potassium content of about 300 mg (7.7 mEq)/100 g or greater. The DC method resulted in a greater reduction in potassium from raw potatoes than the NC method. All potatoes retained a mean potassium content greater than 200 mg (5.1 mEq)/100 g, using the NC versus the DC method. Conclusion The potassium content of the raw potatoes studied varied considerably, with most tubers retaining a moderate amount of potassium after leaching. This study showed that the DC method appears to be more effective than the NC method in leaching potassium from the potatoes studied. Our findings provide useful information for dietitians involved in menu planning for people on potassium-restricted diets.
Communication: Thermal rectification in liquids by manipulating the solid-liquid interface

Thermal rectification, the origin of which lies in modifying the thermal resistance in a nonlinear manner, could significantly improve the thermal management of a wide range of nano-devices (both electronic and thermoelectric), thereby improving their efficiencies. Since rectification requires a material to be inhomogeneous, it has been typically associated with solids. However, the structure of solids is relatively difficult to manipulate, which makes the tuning of thermal rectification devices challenging. Since liquids are more amenable to tuning, this could open up new applications for thermal rectification. We use molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate thermal rectification using liquid water. This is accomplished by creating an inhomogeneous water phase, either by changing the morphology of the surface in contact with the liquid or by imposing an arbitrary external force, which in practice could be through an electric or magnetic field. Our system consists of a bulk fluid that is confined in a reservoir that is bounded by two walls, one hot and the other cold. The interfacial (Kapitza) thermal resistance at the solid-fluid interface and the density gradient of the bulk fluid both influence the magnitude of the thermal rectification. However, we find that the role of the interfacial resistance is more prominent than the application of an external force on the bulk fluid.
Diagnostic Accuracy and Therapeutic Reliability in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: The Role of Evidence-Based Guidelines

Evidence-based guidelines are increasingly used within health care delivery systems to improve the quality of care delivered within local institutions. When created systematically through a transparent process by multidisciplinary teams, guidelines can serve as a means to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic reliability. This review summarizes the justification for the development of evidence-based guidelines, the process of guideline development and implementation, and the tracking of outcomes to reduce variation in care and standardized practice. The development and implementation of such guidelines in pediatric emergency medicine have demonstrated several improvements in quality of care, and the outcomes derived are delineated within this review.
The nature of bile salt micelles as studied by deuterium NMR.

Abstract Deuterium NMR of 3α,12α-dihydroxy-7,7-dideutero-5β-cholanoic acid was studied. Molecular sizes obtained from deuterium spin-lattice relaxation time ( T 1 ) data of 3α,12α-dihydroxy-7,7-dideutero-5β-cholanoic acid in methanol and in water are in accordance with monomeric and tetrameric structures in the two media, respectively. The deuterium T 1 and intensity of 3α,12α-dihydroxy-7,7-dideutero-5β-cholanoic acid in aqueous solution at pH 8.0–8.8 were studied as functions of NaCl and lecithin concentrations. The results indicated that tetramers are in equilibrium with larger aggregates when secondary micelles are formed in the precense of NaCl, and that 3α, 12α-dihydroxy-7,7-dideutero-5β-cholanoic acid forms mixed micelles with lecithin with a molecular ratio of 2 : 3.
Conserved sequence motifs in the small subunit of human general transcription factor TFIIE

A GENERAL initiation factor, TFIIE, is essential for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II in conjunction with other general factors1,2. TFIIE is a heterotetramer containing two subunits of relative molecular mass 57,000 (TFIIE-α) and two of 34,000 (TFIIE-β)3,4. TFIIE-β is required in conjunction with TFIIE-α for transcription initiation. Here we report the cloning and expression of a complementary DNA encoding a functional human TFIIE-β. Recombinant TFIIE-β could replace the natural TFIIE-β for transcription in conjunction with TFIIE-α. Amino-acid sequence comparisons reveal regions with sequence similarities to: subregion 3 of bacterial factors6; a region of RAP30 (the small subunit of TFIIF) with sequence similarity to a a factor subregion implicated in binding to RNA polymerase7; and a portion of the basic region-helix-loop-helix motif found in several enhancer-binding proteins8,10. These potential homologies have implications for the role of TFIIE in preinitiation complex assembly and function.
Duality principle of conservation laws in dislocation continuum

Abstract The conservation laws in a nonlinear elastic dislocation continuum are studied by combining Noether's theorem with the Nonriemannian geometric theory. The distortion tensors are newly defined in the Lagrangian description and in the Eulerian description in terms of vielbein theory, which results in some simplifications in the theoretical derivation of these laws. The first step of the derivation is to build up two basic equations of variational invariance by applying simultaneously Noether's theorem to the integral actions of a dislocation continuum system, which are expressed both in the Lagrangian and in the Eulerian descriptions, respectively. Then, based on these two equations, as the second step, we use six infinitesimal transformations of both independent and dependent variables to obtain two sets of six specific conservation laws. These transformations are: time translation; material and spatial coordinate translations; material and spatial coordinate rotation as well as rotation of distortion tensors in the natural state. Finally, the duality principle is discussed in some detail between these two sets of conservation equations. In particular, a conservation law called the gauge angular momentum conservation law due to free rotation of anholonomic coordinate frame of a material body in the natural state is believed not to have been revealed before.
Artificial neural network prediction of amino acid levels in feed ingredients

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), which are biologically inspired tools, serve as an alternative to regression analysis for complex data. Based on CP or proximate analysis (PA) of ingredients, two types of ANN and linear regression (LR) were evaluated for predicting amino acid levels in corn, wheat, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and fish meal. The two ANN were a three layer Backpropagation network (BP3), and a General Regression Neural Network (GRNN). Methionine, TSAA, Lys, Thr, Tyr, Trp, and Arg were evaluated and R2 values calculated for each prediction method. Artificial neural network training was completed with NeuroShell 2 using Calibration to prevent overtraining. Ninety percent of the data were used as the input for the LR and the two ANN. The remaining 10% (randomly extracted data) were used to calibrate the performance of the ANN. As compared to LR, the R2 values were largest when PA input and GRNN were used. The BP3 did not consistently improve the R2 values for either CP or PA inputs as compared to LR. Each neural net can be incorporated into a computer or spreadsheet program.