cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood disparities in stroke and myocardial infarction mortality: a GIS and spatial scan statistics approach

Background: Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are serious public health burdens in the US. These burdens vary by geographic location with the highest mortality risks reported in the southeastern US. While these disparities have been investigated at state and county levels, little is known regarding disparities in risk at lower levels of geography, such as neighborhoods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate spatial patterns of stroke and MI mortality risks in the East Tennessee Appalachian Region so as to identify neighborhoods with the highest risks. Methods: Stroke and MI mortality data for the period 1999-2007, obtained free of charge upon request from the Tennessee Department of Health, were aggregated to the census tract (neighborhood) level. Mortality risks were age-standardized by the direct method. To adjust for spatial autocorrelation, population heterogeneity, and variance instability, standardized risks were smoothed using Spatial Empirical Bayesian technique. Spatial clusters of high risks were identified using spatial scan statistics, with a discrete Poisson model adjusted for age and using a 5% scanning window. Significance testing was performed using 999 Monte Carlo permutations. Logistic models were used to investigate neighborhood level socioeconomic and demographic predictors of the identified spatial clusters. Results: There were 3,824 stroke deaths and 5,018 MI deaths. Neighborhoods with significantly high mortality risks were identified. Annual stroke mortality risks ranged from 0 to 182 per 100,000 population (median: 55.6), while annual MI mortality risks ranged from 0 to 243 per 100,000 population (median: 65.5). Stroke and MI mortality risks exceeded the state risks of 67.5 and 85.5 in 28% and 32% of the neighborhoods, respectively. Six and ten significant (p < 0.001) spatial clusters of high risk of stroke and MI mortality were identified, respectively. Neighborhoods belonging to high risk clusters of stroke and MI mortality tended to have high proportions of the population with low education attainment. Conclusions: These methods for identifying disparities in mortality risks across neighborhoods are useful for identifying high risk communities and for guiding population health programs aimed at addressing health disparities and improving population health.
Interchangeable pin routing with application to package layout

Many practical routing problems such as BGA, PGA, pin redistribution and test fixture routing involve routing with interchangeable pins. These routing problems, especially package layout, are becoming more difficult to do manually due to increasing speed and I/O. Currently, no commercial or university router is available for this task. In this paper, we unify these different problems as instances of the interchangeable pin routing (IPR) problem, which is NP-complete. By representing the solution space with flows in a triangulated routing network instead of grids, we developed a min-cost max-flow heuristic considering only the most important cuts in the design. The heuristic handles multiple layers, prerouted nets, and all-angle, octilinear or rectilinear wiring styles. Experiments show that the heuristic is very effective on most practical examples. It had been used to route industry designs with thousands of interchangeable pins.
Immortalization of pituitary cells at discrete stages of development by directed oncogenesis in transgenic mice

Targeted expression of oncogenes in transgenic mice can immortalize specific cell types to serve as valuable cultured model systems. Utilizing promoter regions from a set of genes expressed at specific stages of differentiation in a given cell lineage, we demonstrate that targeted oncogenesis can produce cell lines representing sequential stages of development, in essence allowing both spatial and temporal immortalization. Our strategy was based on our production of a committed but immature pituitary gonadotrope cell line by directing expression of the oncogene SV40 T antigen using a gonadotrope-specific region of the human glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene in transgenic mice. These cells synthesize alpha-subunit and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor, yet are not fully differentiated in that they do not synthesize the beta-subunits of luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This observation lead to the hypothesis that targeting oncogenesis with promoters that are activated earlier or later in development might immortalize cells that were more primitive or more differentiated, respectively. To test this hypothesis, we used an LHbeta promoter to immortalize a cell that represents a subsequent stage of gonadotrope differentiation (expression of alpha-subunit, GnRH receptor, and LH beta-subunit but not FSH beta-subunit). Conversely, targeting oncogenesis with a longer fragment of the human alpha-subunit gene (which is activated earlier in development) resulted in the immortalization of a progenitor cell that is more primitive, expressing only the alpha-subunit gene. Interestingly, this transgene also immortalized cells of the thyrotrope lineage that express both alpha- and beta-subunits of thyroid-stimulating hormone and the transcription factor GHF-1 (Pit-1). Thus, targeted tumorigenesis immortalizes mammalian cells at specific stages of differentiation and allows the production of a series of cultured cell lines representing sequential stages of differentiation in a given cell lineage.
The role of macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha in Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced granulomatous inflammation.

Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) is a 6-8-kD, lipopolysaccharide-inducible monocyte and neutrophil chemotactic protein that may be important in acute and chronic inflammation. The present study determined the sequential production, source, and in vivo contribution of murine MIP-1 alpha in synchronized Schistosoma mansoni egg pulmonary granuloma formation. Granulomas were examined under conditions of primary, secondary vigorous, and secondary immunomodulated immunity. Secreted MIP-1 alpha was measured in 24-h supernatants from intact granulomas (700/ml) cultured with or without soluble egg antigen (SEA). Primary granulomas isolated from naive mice over a 16-d period showed low spontaneous MIP-1 alpha production ( 40%) when compared with control mice. Anti-MIP-1 alpha sera also decreased vigorous (> 20%), but not modulated granuloma formation. These findings demonstrate that MIP-1 alpha contributes to cellular recruitment during schistosome egg granuloma formation.
Specificity in the efferent projections of the nucleus accumbens in the rat: comparison of the rostral pole projection patterns with those of the core and shell.

The efferent connections of the rostral pole of the rat accumbens, where distinct core and shell subterritories can not be identified, were examined with the aid of the anterogradely transported plant lectin, Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHA-L), for comparison with the previously reported projection patterns of the accumbal core and shell. Injection sites and transported PHA-L were evaluated with the aid of reference to adjacent sections processed to display substance P or calbindin 28 kD immunoreactivities, i.e., markers that demonstrate the core and shell. Lateral parts of the rostral pole gave rise to a “core-like” projection system that involved the rostroventral globus pallidus, subcommissural ventral pallidum, entopeduncular nucleus and an adjacent part of the lateral hypothalamus, lateral ventral tegmental area, dorsal pars compacta, and structures in the lateral mesencephalic tegmentum and central grey. The medial part of the rostral pole gave rise to a “shell-like” innervation of the subcommissural ventral pallidum, lateral preoptic region, lateral hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, dorsalmost pars compacta, retrorubral field, lateral midbrain tegmentum, and central grey. In contrast to the large numbers of axon varicosities observed through the entire length of lateral hypothalamus following shell injections, dense accumulations of axon collaterals and varicosities in hypothalamus were limited to the levels of origin of the stria medullaris bundle and entopeduncular nucleus and to the posterlateral region following medial injections. The medial part of the rostral pole contributed some projections to preoptic and sublenticular regions, but not to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Noteworthy concentrations of calbindin immunoreactive cells observed in the lateral rostral pole correlate with the origin of the “basal ganglia-like” projection system, provoking the speculation that ventral striatal calbindin immunoreactive cells contribute principally to basal ganglia-like projections while cells lacking calbindin immunoreactivity contribute to the innervation of hypothalamus and midbrain tegmentum. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A New Urban Conservatism: The Case of Hartford, Connecticut

A new urban conservatism has developed in Hartford, Connecticut, one of the US’ poorest cities. Over one-quarter of its population lives below the poverty level, and every modern urban problem exis...
Cost reduction techniques for the design of non‐linear flapping wing structures

This work details a computational framework for gradient-based optimization of a non-linear flapping wing structure with a large number of design variables, where analytical sensitivities of the unsteady finite element system are computed using the adjoint method. Two techniques are used to reduce the large computational cost of this structural design process. The first projects the finite element system onto a reduced basis of POD modes. The second uses a monolithic time formulation with spectral elements, and can be used to compute only the desired time-periodic response. Results are given in terms of the trade-off between accuracy and computational efficiency of these methods for both system response and adjoint computations, for a variety of mesh/time step refinements, degrees of non-linearity (i.e. weakly or strongly non-linear), and harmonic content. The work concludes with the structural design of a flapping wing: the elastic deformation at the wingtip is minimized through the flapping stroke by varying the thickness of each finite element. Significant improvements in computational cost are obtained at little expense to the accuracy of the results obtained via design optimization. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appearance of uterine perforation by hysterosalpingography

The appearance of a uterine perforation that occurred at the time of office hysteroscopy is shown via hysterosalpingogram and laparoscopy.
Propagation of a quasi-shear horizontal acoustic wave in Z-X lithium niobate plates [and conductivity sensor application]

It is found that an acoustic wave which is nearly polarized in the shear horizontal (SH) direction can propagate along the X axis of a Z-cut lithium niobate plate if the ratio h//spl lambda/, where h=plate thickness and /spl lambda/=acoustic wavelength, is less than about 0.5. Attractive properties of this quasi-SH wave include: (1) phase velocity nearly constant for all values of h//spl lambda/; (2) ability to propagate in contact with a liquid medium; and (3) electromechanical coupling coefficient as high as 0.15. These properties make the wave attractive for use in a variety of sensor and signal processing applications. An example of sensor applications is illustrated by using the wave to measure conductivity of liquids (aqueous KCl solution). The frequency of a 12-MHz quasi-SH mode oscillator fabricated on a 0.48 wavelength thick Z-X lithium niobate plate is found to vary by more than 80 kHz for variation in KCI concentration from 0 to 0.15%.
Laser-Induced Pretransitional Ordering And Nonlinear Optical Properties Of Rigid-Rod Polymer Suspensions

We investigate the pretransitional behavior in laser-induced alignment of rigid rod-like polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) suspensions. Using a laser-induced birefringence experiment, we measure both the orientational order parameter and the orientational relaxation time. We find that both increase as the volume fraction of colloidal particles approaches the critical value for the isotropic-nematic phase transition. Experimental results are compared with theory which takes into account the possibility of a first-order phase transition induced by a laser electric field.
Oviposition, Development, and Feeding of Scymnus ( Neopullus ) sinuanodulus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): A Predator of Adelges tsugae (Homoptera: Adelgidae)

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, is a major threat to hemlocks in the eastern United States. As part of efforts to control this pest, Scymnus ( Neopullus ) sinuanodulus Yu et Yao, a potential predator, was collected from hemlocks in Yunnan, China. Three shipments were imported during 1996 and 1997 to a quarantine laboratory to study the beetle’s biology. Beetles began oviposition immediately after transferal from 5°C in the spring, ceased oviposition by June, and laid the same number of eggs, whether egg laying began in February or in April. Two-year-old beetles laid as many eggs per year as 1-yr-old beetles. We observed only one generation per year. Yearly fecundity averaged 130 eggs with a maximum of 200 per female. Newly emerged beetles remained preovipositional until the following spring, but could be induced to oviposit in the fall by prior exposure to 5 or 10°C for 1.5 mo. The egg, larval (four instars), and pupal stages lasted 10, 20, and 10 d, respectively, at 20°C. From egg to adult took 73, 40, and 35 d at 15, 20, and 25°C, respectively. Larval survival was only 5% at 25°C. Both larvae and adults fed on all stages of A. tsugae, but larvae grew faster with much higher survival on adelgid eggs, and could not complete development on adelgid nymphs alone. When given adelgid eggs, the beetles laid more eggs initially; however, adelgid nymphs seem to satisfy nutritional requirements for oviposition. Laboratory-reared beetles were similar to field-collected beetles in oviposition, fecundity, feeding, survival, and development.
Acrolein-induced MUC5ac expression in rat airways

Acrolein, a low-molecular-weight aldehyde found in photochemical smog and tobacco smoke, can induce mucus hypersecretion, inflammation, and airway hyperreactivity. To determine whether changes in s...
A Teaching Note on Deal Structure and the Use of Capitalization Tables

This note provides an overview of the deal structuring process between company founders and venture capital firms. Specifically, the note: (1) reviews the use of the venture capital method to value venture investment opportunities and structure the financing arrangement between the founders of the entrepreneurial firms and the venture investors, (2) illustrates the use of capitalization tables to plan for multiple rounds of venture financing, and (3) emphasizes the importance of arriving at a realistic value estimate for the entrepreneurial firm that does not over-value the firm. The last point refers to the fact that initial valuations used to structure venture financing contracts can be too high. Excessive valuations in earlier rounds can lead to severe dilutions of founder and even early round investor shares in subsequent financing rounds. In the extreme, the dilution can be so severe as to jeopardize the continued existence of the firm.
Voluntary Remediation in Florida: Will It Blaze a New Trail or Stop Student Pathways?

ABSTRACTThe primary purpose of the study was to explore the potential impact of voluntary remediation on success in gateway credit courses (ENC1101 and MAT1033) and on minority and low-income students in Florida. Mean grades and proportions of successful students were compared based on remediation policies and students’ voluntary completion of a developmental course before taking the credit course. The study compared grades and success of 19,347 students in three Florida colleges. Students were enrolled in the credit courses in 2014 and 2015 (voluntary remediation policy, N = 10,703), or in 2012 and 2013 (mandatory remediation policy, N = 8,644). Additionally, 285 students who voluntarily remediated were compared to 1,527 students who bypassed remediation; all 1,812 students had tested below the credit threshold on a voluntarily taken placement test. The study was framed by Astin and Astin’s 1992 Input–Environment–Outcome Model and employed demographic and academic variables. Results suggest that the volu...
Family psychopathology and magnitude of reductions in occipital cortex GABA levels in panic disorder

Family Psychopathology and Magnitude of Reductions in Occipital Cortex GABA Levels in Panic Disorder
Abstract 4728: Fatostatin, a novel SREBP inhibitor, suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer

Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), SREBP-1 and SREBP-2, are transcription factors mainly controlling lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis via the regulation of genes related to fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. We previously showed that SREBP-1 was highly elevated in clinical prostate cancer specimens compared with non-tumor prostate tissues. Also, SREBP-1 promoted cell viability and progression through alterations of the metabolic and signaling networks involving lipogenesis, androgen receptor (AR) and oxidative stress in prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic benefit of targeting the aberrant SREBP signaling in prostate cancer by using a novel SREBP inhibitor, fatostatin. Fatostatin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and suppressed anchorage-independent colony formation in soft agar in LNCaP and C4-2B prostate cancer cells. Fatostatin also reduced the abilities of in vitro migration and invasion in both cells. The results of flow cytometric analyses with annexin V/propidium iodide staining showed that fatostatin caused G2/M arrest and induced cell death. Additionally, apoptosis was observed by inducing caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavages and increasing caspase activities in fatostatin-treated prostate cancer cells. In the animal study, fatostatin significantly inhibited C4-2B xenograft tumor growth and markedly decreased serum PSA level compared to control group in immune-compromised mice. The results of fatostatin action in prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo are due to specific interruption of the proteolytic process of mature SREBP-1, -2 and their regulated gene expressions including HMG-CoA reductase, fatty acid synthase and further inhibition of lipid biosynthesis and AR signaling network. In summary, our study demonstrates for the first time that fatostatin will be developed as a novel anti-prostate cancer drug and provides new insights into cancer therapy by targeting SREBP. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4728. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4728
Inhibition of adenovirus transformation in vitro by AAV-1.

SummaryTo obtain information on inhibition of adenovirus transformation by AAV, cultures of hamster embryo cells were inoculated simultaneously with constant amounts of simian adenoviruses SA7 or SV11, or with human adenovirus type 12 and with varying multiplicities of AAV-1. Induction of transformed cell foci by SV11 or Ad12 was inhibited by more than 80% when 9 to 10 plaque inhibiting units (PIU)/cell of AAV-1 were added. The amount of AAV-1 necessary to reduce transformed cell foci by 50% ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 PIU/cell for SV11 and Ad12 to 5 to 7 PIU/cell for SA7. Analysis of the dose-response data indicates that 1 unit of AAV-1/cell is sufficient to inhibit transformation by Ad 12 and SV11. The relative resistance of SA7 transformation to inhibition seems best explained as a requirement for more than 1 inhibiting unit/cell of AAV-1.
PRC Nuclear Energy — Exploration & Exploitation — past developments and future trends

Historique du developpement de l'energie nucleaire de 1946 a 1989 en Chine: ressources en uranium, technologie d'extraction, production d'energie electrique a l'aide de reactions a eau pressurisee, recherche en physique nucleaire, traitement des dechets radioactifs et perspectives pour les annees 1990-2000
Evaluation of Yttrium 90 (90Y) Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin®) in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) Having Previously Received Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT).

Abstract Background: As the first radioimmunotherapeutic (RIT) agent approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL, yttrium 90 (90Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) has been shown to achieve durable responses in heavily pretreated NHL patients. In phase 1–2, the eligibility criteria for 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan therapy excluded patients with hypocellular bone marrow ( 25%, or prior ASCT due to concern of depleting the bone marrow reserve. However, Kaminski et al previously demonstrated that a parallel RIT agent, 131I tositumomab, was safe and efficacious when administered after ASCT (Blood 2000; 96:1259–66). We report our experience of using ibritumomab tiuxetan in NHL patients with a prior history of ASCT. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL, ≥18 years, platelet counts >100,000/mm3, bone marrow cellularity >15%, and lymphomatous involvement 150,000/mm3). Pretreatment diagnostic PET/CT scans were taken for all patients and evaluated for areas of lymphomatous involvement. Follow-up scans were performed approximately 12 weeks after treatment to assess patient response. Maximum toxicities were monitored weekly over a 12-week period after therapy and classified according to CTCAE v. 3.0 toxicity criteria. Results: Patients with a prior history of ASCT had received a minimum of 4 previous regimens (range, 4–7). Subjects presented with follicular NHL (n = 3), transformed NHL (n = 1), large cell lymphoma (n = 1), and mantle cell lymphoma (n = 1). Six patients were evaluable for toxicity and 5 patients were evaluable for response. Observed toxicities were consistent with those expected in this patient population, with 33% (2/6) and 17% (1/6) of patients experiencing grade 4 thrombocytopenia and grade 3 neutropenia, respectively. Episodes of bleeding or neutropenic fever were not observed. Of the 5 patients evaluable for response, 1 patient with follicular lymphoma had a complete response to ibritumomab tiuxetan as determined by FDG-PET imaging. Conclusions: Ibritumomab tiuxetan therapy is feasible and safe in NHL patients who have previously received ASCT. Heavily pretreated patients can benefit from the administration of ibritumomab tiuxetan although additional data are needed to further characterize the degree of clinical response after ASCT.
Genotype-by-sequencing facilitates genetic mapping of a stem rust resistance locus in Aegilops umbellulata , a wild relative of cultivated wheat

Wild relatives of wheat play a significant role in wheat improvement as a source of genetic diversity. Stem rust disease of wheat causes significant yield losses at the global level and stem rust pathogen race TTKSK (Ug99) is virulent to most previously deployed resistance genes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify loci conferring resistance to stem rust pathogen races including Ug99 in an Aegilops umbelluata bi-parental mapping population using genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) SNP markers. A bi-parental F2:3 population derived from a cross made between stem rust resistant accession PI 298905 and stem rust susceptible accession PI 542369 was used for this study. F2 individuals were evaluated with stem rust race TTTTF followed by testing F2:3 families with races TTTTF and TTKSK. The segregation pattern of resistance to both stem rust races suggested the presence of one resistance gene. A genetic linkage map, comprised 1,933 SNP markers, was created for all seven chromosomes of Ae. umbellulata using GBS. A major stem rust resistance QTL that explained 80% and 52% of the phenotypic variations for TTTTF and TTKSK, respectively, was detected on chromosome 2U of Ae. umbellulata. The novel resistance gene for stem rust identified in this study can be transferred to commercial wheat varieties assisted by the tightly linked markers identified here. These markers identified through our mapping approach can be a useful strategy to identify and track the resistance gene in marker-assisted breeding in wheat.
Implicit coordination in crowded multi-agent navigation

In crowded multi-agent navigation environments, the motion of the agents is significantly constrained by the motion of the nearby agents. This makes planning paths very difficult and leads to inefficient global motion. To address this problem, we propose a new distributed approach to coordinate the motions of agents in crowded environments. With our approach, agents take into account the velocities and goals of their neighbors and optimize their motion accordingly and in real-time. We experimentally validate our coordination approach in a variety of scenarios and show that its performance scales to scenarios with hundreds of agents.
Personalized treatment in heart transplantation.

Purpose of reviewWe are entering the era of personalized medicine, in which pharmacogenomics and biomarker-based assays can be used to tailor diagnostic tests and drug therapies to individual patients. This new approach to patient-specific care offers the potential to maximize the efficacy of availa
Ethnic Fractionalization, Institutional Choices, and Positive Outcomes for Development

Joel S. Selway, Coalitions of the Well-Being: How Electoral Rules and Ethnic Politics Shape Health Policy in Developing Countries. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015. Pp. 291. $103.00, £67...
Decomposition ordering at a tool to prove the termination of rewriting systems

Decomposition ordering is a well-founded monotonic ordering on terms. Because it has the subterm and the deletion properties, decomposition ordering is useful to prove termination of rewriting systems. An algorithm comparing two terms is given.
A variable temperature infrared spectroscopy study of NaA zeolite dehydration

Abstract Variable temperature diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy is used to monitor the dehydration of sodium Linde type A zeolite (NaA). Between ambient temperature and 423 K, water desorbs from NaA α-cages. At 423 K, remaining NaA water molecules are primarily confined to β-cages. Variable temperature infrared difference spectra band shape and intensity trends reflect the influence of water-Na+ interactions and hydrogen bonding on α-cage water desorption mechanisms. Difference spectrum variations suggest that water loss is accompanied by rearrangement of the remaining NaA water molecules to establish new interactions and minimize potential energies. Water molecules that do not interact with Na+ form multiple water-water hydrogen bonds and attain near bulk water configurations. These waters desorb at the lowest temperatures. Most α-cage waters are involved in Na+ interactions. These water molecules participate in hydrogen bonding with neighboring water molecules, but opportunities diminish with increased dehydration, resulting in systematic temperature-dependent vibrational spectrum changes.
Geometry: A High School Course. By Serge Lang and Gene Murrow

(1986). Geometry: A High School Course. By Serge Lang and Gene Murrow. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 93, No. 4, pp. 318-321.
Clinical utility of marketing terms used for over-the-counter dermatologic products.

Background: Cosmetic products are commonly marketed using dermatologic terms such as ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘non-comedogenic’, ‘fragrance-free’, etc. The clinical relevance of these claims can be confus...
Microbiological analysis of fresh produce sold at Florida farmers’ markets

Abstract The number of farmers' markets in the U.S. has increased with the consumer demand for locally grown fresh produce. The popularity of farmer’ markets, however, also raises concern for safety of food sold at these markets. The objective of this study was to analyze the microbial quality of fresh produce from farmers' markets and compare it with the quality of produce from traditional retail markets. Between July 2016 and April 2017, 401 fresh produce samples, including 301 samples from farmers' markers and 100 from supermarkets, were collected from 9 farmers' markets and 12 supermarkets in North and Central Florida. Four commodities (tomatoes, leafy greens, berries and spinach) were purchased and analyzed for counts of total coliforms and generic Escherichia coli as well as the presence of foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7, using 3M E. coli/Coliform Count plates and real-time PCR, respectively. Total coliform prevalence was 50.8% (153 of 301) and 34% (34 of 100) in farmers' market and supermarket produce, respectively. Total coliform counts of farmers' market leafy greens (2.3 log CFU/g) and spinach (2.4 log CFU/g) were significantly higher (P
Noninferiority studies: Not inherently unethical.

The interpretation of noninferiority trials, as discussed by Dr. Graber et al. in this issue, is an important topic. They speculate that noninferiority trials may be unethical and offer arguments (with hypothetical examples) related to a lack of equipoise based on the null hypothesis, the use of a
The Space Station Air Revitalization Subsystem Design Concept

The current status of the Space Station (SS) Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Air Revitalization Subsystem (ARS) design is outlined. ARS performance requirements are provided, along with subsystem options for each ARS function and selected evaluations of the relative merits of each subsystem. Detailed computer models that have been developed to analyze individual subsystem performance capabilities are also discussed. A summary of ARS subsystem level testing planned and completed by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is given.
An Arithmetic Problem in Surface Geometry

This paper is concerned with a simply stated family of arithmetic problems, where there is one such problem for each suitable graph. (See §1.1 below for the precise statement of the arithmetic problems.) We are not able to solve these problems explicitly at this time (except for various examples) though we have previously proved a general theorem (Theorem 1.1 below) that these problems always admit a unique solution. Indeed, this theorem was one of the main results in [P1], where it was used to verify that certain subsets of Teichmuller space were cells; the proof was non-constructive though and shed no light on explicit solutions.
Role of Ion Channels and Amino-Acid Transporters in the Biology of Astrocytic Tumors

The malignant transformation of central nervous system (CNS) glial cells gives rise to tumors that are collectively called gliomas. Although the vast majority of these cancers are believed to be of astrocytic origin, the actual cell of origin remains unknown. While gliomas present with many of the same genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes that are common amongst cancers, their biology differs quite significantly from that of other neoplasms. Importantly, their growth is limited by the size of the skull, and hence tumor expansion can only occur when normal brain is destroyed. Recent research suggests that gliomas accomplish this by releasing glutamate at concentrations that cause excitotoxic neuronal cell death. Peritumoral glutamate may also contribute to seizures, which are a common comorbidity in patients with malignant glioma. Another differentiating feature of gliomas is their unusual ability to spread by diffusely invading normal brain tissue rather than through hematogenous routes as is common for most cancers. Glioma cell migration through the narrow extracellular brain spaces often occurs along blood vessels or nerve fiber tracts and requires cells to undergo profound changes
Hyperaccuracy of Bootstrap Based Prediction

This paper grew out of attempts to understand a bootstrap-based nonparametric percentile-t-like method for forming prediction intervals. Our interest in these intervals derives from a study of the development of walking in children. The particular application is to prediction of a “test case” zeroth order Fourier coefficient in a random coefficient model. See Sutherland et al. (1988), Olshen et al. (1989), and the discussion by Bai and Olshen (1988) of Hall’s (1988) paper for background. Our main message here is summarized in a heuristic that not only “explains” an anomaly regarding this type of bootstrap-based prediction, but also clarifies the hyperaccuracy of certain percentile-t-based confidence intervals, and more. (We learned the term “hyperaccuracy” from Wing Wong.) We also discuss the behavior of the “naive” method of using the percentiles of the empirical distribution of the learning sample as prediction bounds (suggested to us by M. Pollak).
The image of the information system profession: an investigation of gender differences

Recently there has been an interest in investigating the under-representation of women and minorities in the information technology workplace. The National Science Foundation and other organizations have issued requests for proposals to study why women and minorities are not participating in the growing number of occupations and job openings related to information technology. This paper reports on a pilot study investigating possible differences with regard to the attraction of Information System majors and careers. While there are many challenging and intriguing aspects to this research question, this study looked at issues related to the image of the field of Information Systems and at the factors and influences that might steer students into the field. Since the image of a profession undoubtedly plays a key role in attracting future practitioners to that field, we developed a survey instrument to identify student perceptions of the information systems field. The results may indicate perception differences that explain why women are under-represented in the information systems field.
Efficiency, Equity, and Corporate Responsibility in Imperfect Competition

A crucial objective in industrial organization is to evaluate whether or not imperfectly competitive markets perform well from society’s perspective. As we discussed in Chap. 1, we focus on three dimensions of market performance: static efficiency, dynamic efficiency, and equity. Up to this point, we have spent most of our time discussing efficiency issues. We now begin this chapter with a review and assessment of what we have learned regarding imperfect competition and different types of inefficiency—market power (i.e., allocative inefficiency), X-inefficiency, rent-seeking behavior, and technological change (i.e., dynamic efficiency).
Causal Estimands: A Common Language for Missing Data

What are estimands, and what is there connecting with missing data? The topic of estimands is all about interpreting the results of our statistical analyses in the context of the original scientific questions that we intend to answer in a clinical trial. Missing data, a ubiquitous problem in clinical trials, require additional assumptions and choices on how to collect and analyze data that can have an unexpected impact on the interpretation of these analyses.
Emotional Congruence and Judgments of Honesty and Bias

Psychological and philosophical discussions typically understand honesty as reporting truth with propositional statements. In this model, emotions are often seen as irrelevant or a hindrance to honesty, because they can bias our reports. In relational contexts, however, emotions can provide information about deep-seated convictions. We report the results of a study (N = 827) finding that individuals whose emotional responses are congruent with their explicitly stated egalitarian positions are judged as significantly more honest and less prejudiced than those with incongruent emotional responses. This is seen in judgments of white male targets who have negative emotional responses to a black man, a gay man, and a female supervisor. These results suggest that emotional reactions provide information used when judging the honesty and bias of an individual.
Decolonizing the Malaysian Mind: Celebrating the Pioneering Achievement of Lloyd Fernando’s Cultural Politics

This article maps Lloyd Fernando’s contributions to Malaysian English-language literature as Head of English at the University of Malaya, examines his negotiations with the inception of Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) as National Language and the downgrading of Malaysian English writing to sectional literature recorded in Cultures in Conflict (1986) and concludes with comparative readings of this collection and his novel, Scorpion Orchid (1976).
Dynamic measurements of absolute cerebral blood flow with coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy

We used coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy (CHS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for dynamic measurements of absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF) in one healthy subject over the prefrontal cortex. Temporal transients in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and CBF were induced by rapid deflation of pneumatic thigh cuffs following a sustained 2-minute occlusion at a super-systolic pressure. We studied the sensitivity of relative and absolute measurements of CBF with NIRS-CHS (CBFNIRS-CHS) to the physiological parameters in the CHS model. The temporal dynamics of CBFNIRS-CHS were compared with co-localized NIRS measurements of hemoglobin difference ([HbD] = [HbO2]−[Hb]), and with diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) measurements of relative CBF. We demonstrated that NIRS-CHS provides quantitative measurements of absolute baseline CBF, and corrects [HbD] estimations of CBF dynamics for blood volume contributions and for blood transit times in the microvasculature resulting in a better agreement with CBF dynamics measured by DCS.
History-Taking, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Formulation

Current methods in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis are reviewed and critiqued. Problems encountered when evaluating causes and meanings of cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms are described. The ambiguous status of “disorder” in psychiatry and problems in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual are discussed. Criteria used to classify affective, cognitive, and behavioral states as “disorders” vary widely across cultures and there is no consensus definition of what constitutes a “mental disorder.” The goals of the interview and formulation in integrative mental health care are described. Approaches widely used in Western medicine and CAM to assess mental health problems are described and their limitations are pointed out. Most CAM assessment approaches that have been carefully evaluated in Western-style research studies have resulted in findings that are not reproducible, sensitive, or specific. Novel practitioner-centered assessment approaches and emerging technologies will permit future integrative practitioners to capture information that is unattainable using contemporary biomedical assessment approaches. A general methodology is introduced for planning integrative assessment incorporating biomedical and CAM approaches. A methodology is introduced for determining the optimal individualized assessment strategy, that is, the strategy that will most reliably yield accurate and complete information about the causes and meanings of symptoms in a unique patient. Finally, important considerations when making clinical decisions on the type, number, and order of assessment approaches are discussed.
Communicating the environmental health risk assessment process: formative evaluation and increasing comprehension through visual design

The environmental health risk assessment process informs clean-up activities at hazardous waste sites. Ensuring this process is accessible and transparent to communities is crucial for environmenta...
Margin Analysis in Head and Neck Cancer: State of the Art and Future Directions.

The status of surgical margins is the most important prognosticator for patients undergoing surgical resection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite this, analysis of surgical margins is fraught with inconsistencies, including the ways in which margins are sampled and interpreted. Fundamentally, even the definition what constitutes a “clear” (or negative) margin may vary between institutions, surgeons, and pathologists. The PubMed database was queried for articles relevant to the topic, and experts in the field were consulted regarding key articles for inclusion. Abstracts were reviewed and the full text was accessed for articles of particular interest. Data regarding various approaches to traditional margin analysis have been published without consensus. Several next-generation technologies have emerged in recent years that hold promise. An overview and appraisal of traditional margin analysis techniques are provided. Additionally, we explore novel technologies that may assist in more accurate margin assessment, guide the extent of surgical resections intraoperatively, and inform decisions regarding adjuvant treatment postoperatively.
The Haunting Specter of Hindu Ethnonationalist-Neocolonial Development in the Indian Occupied Kashmir

The Indian government says that the removal of Kashmir’s autonomy is for development, but it should be seen as embedded in a structure of neocolonialism based on fundamentalist Hindu ethnonationalism or Hindutva and fueled by neoliberalism in which even Muslims living in India are cast as invaders and foreigners. Kashmiri, doubly marked as the Other: first as Muslims and second as seekers of self-determination, fear their loss of territorial sovereignty will pave way for settler colonialism, dispossession of indigenous people and rampant exploitation of resources resulting in neocolonial maldevelopment.
Outcome of Re-Revision Surgery for Adverse Local Tissue Reaction in Metal-on-Polyethylene and Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs), initially described as a complication of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA), have also become an important risk factor for implant failure requiring revision surgery in metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA due to modular taper corrosion. This study aims to report early complication rates and outcomes as well as potential risk factors for a re-revision. Methods A total of 252 consecutive THA patients who underwent revision for ALTR were reviewed. There were 40 patients (16%) who underwent a second revision: (1) 26 MoP patients with modular taper corrosion and (2) 14 MoM patients. Patient demographics as well as clinical information were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to test for associations between re-revision surgery and clinical parameters. Results The overall complication rate following initial revision for ALTR was 21%. Sixteen percent of these revision patients required a re-revision. The most common indication for re-revision was dislocation (45%). The complication rate was 35% following a re-revision which included dislocation (36%), infection (36%), fracture (14%), and implant loosening (14%). The rate of patients requiring a third revision was 23% with the most common indications being dislocation (33%) and infection (33%) (P = .032). Conclusion High rate of early complications (35%) and third revisions (23%) were observed following re-revision of symptomatic ALTR patients with those requiring re-revision associated with extensive intraoperative tissue necrosis. These findings provide clinically useful information that may assist surgeons in clinical decision making and preoperative counseling of both MoM and MoP patients undergoing re-revision surgery for ALTR.
Confronting Complexity with Regulatory Excellence: Recommendations in the Wake of the Philadelphia Refinery Explosion

Following the June 2019 explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery, the city of Philadelphia now confronts major challenges associated with the future of the refinery site. Whether the site is reopened as a refinery or other chemical-processing operation, or redeveloped for other uses, the city will face challenges endemic to all kinds of public policy issues: complexity, uncertainty, dynamism, tradeoffs, and value choices. This testimony, delivered to the City of Philadelphia Refinery Advisory Group’s Environment Committee, offers three main suggestions to help guide Philadelphia officials in dealing with the future of the PES refinery site. First, city officials will need to coordinate with the private sector organizations with a direct financial stake in the site as well as the various state and federal government agencies with regulatory oversight responsibilities related to the site’s future. Second, city officials will also need to keep in close communication with labor groups, local businesses, nonprofit and community groups, and city residents — not merely listening to their concerns but demonstrating that they have been heard. Finally, officials will need to evince compassion in understanding what is at stake for all those who live and work in Philadelphia who are affected by the future of the refinery site. Overall, this testimony emphasizes that the challenges confronting Philadelphia officials are similar to those raised by other complex risk management scenarios — and that any regulator or other public official confronting such challenges should be guided by principles of regulatory excellence.
Establishment of the review criteria of blood cell analysis in children and its application in clinical diagnosis

Objective To establish the review criteria for children′s blood cell analysis, ensure the accuracy of blood cell analysis results, and ensure that pathological cells are not missed. Methods A total of 1 420 samples of blood cell analysis were collected from outpatients and inpatients in Shanxi Children′s Hospital from May to June 2018, which were detected by SYSMEXXN-350 and XN-A1 automated blood cell analyzer. Blood smears weredouble-blindly examinedunder microscope. Among them, 463 were used for the establishment of review criteria, 586 were used for the verification and evaluation of review criteria, and 371 were used for the application effect study of review criteria. According tothe 41 rules recommended by ISLH, combining the characteristics of children′s physiology, pathology, disease and abnormal alarming information of hematology analyzer, the review criteria suitable for children′s blood cells were established. Results Through the evaluation and optimization of 41 rules recommended by ISLH, 23 rules for reexamination of children′s blood cell analysis were formulated, with a reexamination rate of 25.09%, and a false positive rate was 14.16%. A total of 371 samples of patients with hematological diseases were selected for the application of the review criteria. The false negative rate was 2.96%, and no pathological cells were missed. Conclusion The children′s blood cell review criteria established in this study has been verified and evaluated, which not only ensures the quality of the report, but also improves the work efficiency, and provides an important basis for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of childhood leukemia, infectious mononucleosis and other hematological diseases. Key words: Review criteria; Hematology analyzer; Children; Hematologic disease