cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mass transfer in RO TFC membranes - dependence on the salt physical and thermodynamic parameters**

Abstract The objectives ofthis research were to determine the importance ofparameters such as ionic size, ionic hydrated size, diffusivity in solution, enthalpy of hydration ΔH and relative Gibbs (free) energy ΔΔG on the salt permeation coefficient DK/δ in a RO TFC membrane. The experimental apparatus consisted of a commercial RO water maker and an in-line sensors system, which allows data acquisition on a continuous base for temperature, pH, conductivity, flow rates, and operating pressure. The solutions investigated were monovalent and divalent chlorides. Each feed solution was tested at 0.1 M. A preferential-sorption capillary-flow model PSCF was used in data evaluation. It was found that salt diffusivity, hydrated radii, enthalpy and entropy of hydration exert the controlling effect on the membrane selective transport, and any of them can be used in a comparative estimation of DK/δ. The relative Gibbs energy emerged as a parameter which can fully characterize the membrane selectivity and permits the prediction of DM for a certain salt in a certain membrane.
Application of theE-ε turbulence closure model to separated atmospheric surface-layer flows

Neutrally buoyant atmospheric surface-layer flow over a thin vertical wall has been studied using a turbulence closure scheme designed specifically to address flow problems containing high shears. The turbulent flow model consists of a general solution of the time averaged, steady state, twodimensional Navier-Stokes equations, where theE-e turbulence model has been used to close the system of equations. Model output compares favorably with measurements made in both a full-scale field study and in an atmospheric wind tunnel. In the simulation of flow over a solid wall, two recirculation eddies are produced. The smallest eddy is located windward of the wall with a separation point located atx/h=−0.8, and the largest is located in the lee of the wall atx/h=5.8. Immediately downwind of the wall top, the turbulent kinetic energy, the energy dissipation rate, and the momentum flux all reach a local maximum. These peak values generally maintain their height positionz/h=1.0, but decrease progressively downwind. The turbulent viscosity is strongly modified under the influence of the wall, with a local maximum forming in the lee of the wall top, and a local minimum forming at a heightz/h=2.0 above the lee recirculation eddy. The surface momentum flux reduction due to the presence of the wall begins atx/h=−10.0. Minimum zero fluxes occur at the surface separation points, and a local peak in momentum flux is produced at the centers of each recirculation eddy. Downwind of the wall, the modeled surface flux reaches an equilibrium at roughlyx/h=30.0.
The invisible scars of war

These words describe how Sethe, a former African‐American slave, felt about herself as she reflected on the treatment of slaves. But these three sentences could also easily describe how many American military men and women felt after returning from the Vietnam War. These words are the very essence of despair felt by “about 479,000 men ... and ... about 610 women” who served in Southeast Asia, according to Richard A. Kulka, M.D. That is, of the 1.7 million veterans who served in Vietnam, approximately 30% suffer from a psychological condition aptly named post traumatic stress disorder.
The synthesis of carboxylic acids with carboxyl carbons of precisely known stable isotopic composition

Abstract A procedure is described which allows the preparation of carboxylic acids in which the carbon isotopic composition of the carboxyl carbon atom is known to within better than 0.002% 13 C (95% confidence limits). In this procedure, a Grignard reagent is first reacted with CO 2 of known isotopic composition. After hydrolysis of the salt of the carboxylic acid, the unreacted CO 2 is recovered and the isotopic composition determined. The isotopic composition of the carboxyl carbon is then calculated by difference. A differential error analysis in which all relevant uncertainties are considered is presented. Approximate kinetic isotope effect values for carboxylation of a Grignard reagent at −78°C can be determined from the observed isotopic fractionations, with five observations yielding 12 k / 13 k = 1.059( σ = 0.009).
Randomized clinical trial of extended spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis with coverage for Ureaplasma urealyticum to reduce post-cesarean delivery endometritis.

Abstract Objective To determine if extended spectrum prophylactic antibiotic treatment (with efficacy against Ureaplasma urealyticum) reduces post–cesarean delivery clinical endometritis. Methods After cord clamping at cesarean delivery, subjects received prophylaxis with cefotetan. Subjects were then simultaneously randomized (double blind) to receive doxycyline plus azithromycin versus placebo. Post–cesarean delivery endometritis was defined clinically as fever of 100.4F or higher with one or more supporting clinical signs or a physician diagnosis of endometritis plus the absence of a nonpelvic source of fever. Results A total of 597 women were enrolled, 301 in the doxycycline/azithromycin group and 296 in the placebo group. The study population was 56% black, 25.5 ± 6.2 years of age, and 43% nulliparous. The groups were similar (P > .05) for black race, parity, maternal age, and most risk factors for post–cesarean delivery endometritis. The frequency of post–cesarean delivery endometritis (16.9% versus 24.7%, P = .020), wound infections (0.8% versus 3.6%, P = .030), and a combination of these two outcomes (19.0% versus 27.8%, P = .019) were significantly lower in the doxycycline/azithromycin group compared with the placebo-treated group. The doxycycline/azithromycin versus placebo groups were dissimilar for maternal leukocytosis (24.9% versus 12.5%, P = .042) and frequency of classic uterine incision (7.6% versus 12.5%, P = .048). Adjusting for these factors did not alter the risk ratio for post–cesarean delivery endometritis in the active versus placebo-treated group (relative risk 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.43, 0.98). Length of stay was longer in the placebo group overall (104 ± 56 versus 95 ± 32 hours, P = .016) and among women with endometritis (146 ± 52 versus 127 ± 46 hours, P = .047). Conclusion Extended spectrum prophylactic antibiotic treatment (with presumed efficacy against U urealyticum) given to women undergoing cesarean delivery at term shortens hospital stay and reduces the frequency of post–cesarean delivery endometritis and wound infections.
Radiation retinopathy after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for optic nerve sheath meningioma.

Abstract Purpose To report a patient with radiation retinopathy after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for treatment of optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM). Design Interventional case report. Methods The clinical presentation, radiation treatment, and subsequent visual complications of a patient with ONSM are described. Main outcome measures Development of radiation retinopathy and Snellen visual acuity. Results A 36-year-old man presented with a left optic neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging studies showed abnormalities consistent with ONSM. Because of progressive vision loss, the patient underwent fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for the lesion. Vision initially improved after treatment, but 22 months later, retinal abnormalities consistent with radiation retinopathy were noted in the left eye. Visual acuity worsened over the next 24 months in association with the development of retinal hemorrhages, lipid, and retinal edema predominantly within the nasal portion of the posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography showed edema associated with microaneurysms, retinal telangiectasia, and capillary nonperfusion. Laser photocoagulation was performed on several occasions in areas of microaneurysms and retinal telangiectasia; however, the retinal edema and lipid remained, associated with persistent decreased vision. Conclusions Radiation retinopathy and vision loss may occur after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for ONSM and should be discussed as a potential complication.
Cystoscopic control by radium of bladder cancer

Abstract Thirty-six patients having carcinoma of the bladder have been controlled between periods of one and twenty years by the cystoscopic application of radon. Twenty-seven were treated by cystoscopic application alone and seven were recurrences of the carcinoma after the suprapubic application of radon and two were secondary to cervical carcinoma. We have controlled 27 papillary and 7 infiltrating carcinomas. There is no mortality to the procedure and if these seeds are properly placed there is no danger of penetrating the bladder with the radonb-earing needle.
Evaluating the Statistical Significance of Health-Related Quality-Of-Life Change in Individual Patients

Assessing individual change is feasible and potentially useful in clinical practice. This article provides an overview of the evaluation of statistically significant change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for individual patients. We review the standard error of measurement, standard error of prediction, and reliable change indices using a sample of 54 patients receiving care at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. The largest amount of change necessary for statistical significance was found for the reliable change index and the smallest change was needed for the standard error of measurement. The amount of change required for statistical significance was intermediate for the standard error of prediction. The median kappa for classifying change (declined, stayed the same, improved) by different indices was .82, indicating a high level of agreement. Future research is needed to determine if one index is most appropriate for evaluating the significance of individual change.
Personality and Health: Advantages and Limitations of the Five-Factor Model

Interest in the association between personality characteristics and physical health has been renewed in recent years. Theory and research in this area has also been complicated by conceptual and methodological limitations. The present article briefly reviews this literature and discusses the advantages and limitations of the five-factor model of personality as an integrating framework for studies of personality and health. The model has already been fruitfully applied in several contexts, and more possibilities exist. Although it has some potential limitations, the application of the five-factor model--as well as other aspects of current personality theory and research--is likely to facilitate progress in the study of how personality influences health.
Abstract B40: Methylation signatures specific to triple negative breast cancer subtypes

Objective: We identify methylation signatures specific to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes using publicly available data, and examine their association with expression. Materials and Methods: DNA methylation, RNAseq expression and clinical data from breast invasive carcinoma patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Data portal. The classification of each patient sample as TNBC was defined according to a combination of FISH and/or IHC results for ER, PR and HER2 negativity. Each TNBC specimen was classified into one of the following molecular subtypes by applying the gene expression-based model of Lehman (2011): basal-like 1 (BL1), basal-like 2 (BL2), immunomodulatory (IM), mesenchymal (MES), mesenchymal stem-like (MSL), luminal androgen receptor (LAR), and unstable (UNS). Among the 116 identified TNBC specimens, 61 had level-three data available on both methylation and RNAseq expression. For methylation, beta values were extracted based on Illumina's Infinium Human DNA Methylation 450K platform; for expression, RNAseqV2 Expectation/Maximization normalized counts (RSEM: Li and Dewey, 2011) were extracted on 20,531 genes and a logarithmic transformation applied. Data were filtered to identify methylation changes specific to each TNBC subtype based on a novel, generalized statistic (Switchenko and Kowalski, 2013) and tested for median difference between subtypes using p < 0.10 to define significance. Results: Among the 61 TNBC samples, the following molecular subtypes were represented: BL1 (n=6), BL2 (n=6), IM (n=12), LAR (n=5), MES (n=15), MSL (n=4), and UNS (n=13). A number of genes were determined to be hypermethylated with corresponding decreased expression by RNAseq in several subtypes. Methylated genes specific to the LAR TNBC subtype included IGF1R (61% LAR vs. 2% other) and N4BP2L1 (44% LAR vs. 3% other). Methylated genes in the MES subtype included ACSL5 (80% vs. 50%), RHOH (82% vs. 6%) and OAS2 (26% vs. 7%), and specific to the BL2 subtype were EN1 (35% vs. 8%) and TRAFIP3 (60% vs. 35%). Two hypomethylated genes, PIK3CD and CD69, associated with respective subtypes, MSL and IM, showed corresponding increased expression levels. Conclusion: Our results provide further insight into the molecular heterogeneity surrounding TNBC patients by examining methylation changes specific to molecular subtypes, which may be further examined for their effect on clinical outcome. Citation Format: Jeanne Kowalski, Jeffery M. Switchenko, Bhakti Dwivedi, Dana Nickleach, Carlos S. Moreno. Methylation signatures specific to triple negative breast cancer subtypes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Jun 19-22, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(13 Suppl):Abstract nr B40.
On the formulation of cost functions for torque-optimized control of rigid bodies

In the context of controlling the attitude of a rigid body, this communique uses recent results on representations of torques (moments) to establish cost functions. The resulting cost functions are both properly invariant under whatever choice of Euler angles is used to parameterize the rotation of the rigid body and have transparent physical interpretations. The function is related to existing works in geometric control theory and applications of optimal control theory to biomechanical systems.
A study of 14N using the 13C(d, n)14N reaction

Abstract Absolute differential cross sections for the 13 C(d, n) 14 N reaction were measured at deuteron bombarding energies of 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 MeV. Spectroscopic factors and statistical compound-nucleus contributions are obtained by treating the observed cross sections as an incoherent sum of distorted-wave Born approximation and compound-nucleus contributions. Energy-averaged spectroscopic factors are derived. An anomaly is observed in the yield for the 2.313 MeV T = 1 state.
Calcitization of aragonite in Pleistocene limestones of Enewetak Atoll, Bahamas, and Yucatan —An alternative to thin-film neomorphism

Calcitization of aragonite in Pleistocene limestones of Enewetak, Bahamas, and Yucatan involves the replacement of aragonite by sparry calcite which partially retains the original internal microstructure of its aragonitic precursor. The product would commonly be referred to as “neomorphic spar”, but is referred to here as calcitized aragonite to remove any genetic connotation. Petrographic observations suggest that most aragonitic grains underwent partial intrafabric dissolution (chalkification) prior to calcitization. Magnesium concentrations and stable isotope compositions of the calcitized spar are not inherited from aragonitic precursors, but are very similar to Pleistocene calcite cements suggesting that calcitizing spar precipitated in relatively open meteoric systems similar to meteoric cements. Therefore, most calcitization of aragonite in these Pleistocene limestones apparently occurred by chalkification of aragonite followed at a later time by sparry calcite infilling microscopic, intrafabric voids in meteoric water. Calcitization by thin-film neomorphism appears to be minor or absent.
Elevated intraocular pressure and hypotony following silicone oil retinal tamponade for complex retinal detachment: Incidence and risk factors

Objective To evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for persistently elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and hypotony in patients who have undergone pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection for the management of complex retinal detachment. Subjects and Methods The medical records of 532 patients who underwent silicone oil injection for the management of complex retinal detachments between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1996, at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Fla, were reviewed. Elevated IOP was defined as elevated IOP requiring an operation at any time postoperatively or a persistently elevated IOP of greater than 25 mm Hg at or after the 6-month visit. Hypotony was defined as a persistent IOP of 5 mm Hg or less at or after the 6-month visit. Patients with transient perioperative IOP fluctuations were not counted. Results Survival analysis for patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis (n=383) revealed that 12.9% had an elevated IOP and 14.1% had hypotony by 6 months, 21% had an elevated IOP and 20.3% had hypotony by 1 year, and 29.5% had an elevated IOP and 27.3% had hypotony by 2 years. Among patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (n=149), none had a persistently elevated IOP, 10% had hypotony by 6 months, and 5.9% had persistently elevated IOP and 10% developed chronic hypotony by 1 year. A history of glaucoma before silicone oil retinal tamponade ( P =.03), diabetes mellitus ( P =.02), and a high IOP on the first postoperative day ( P =.006) were risk factors for elevated postoperative IOP in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis. Risk factors for postoperative hypotony in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis included preoperative hypotony ( P P =.03). Conclusions An elevated or low IOP often develops postoperatively in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis who undergo silicone oil injection for the management of complex retinal detachment. Risk factors for an elevated postoperative IOP include a history of glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, and a high IOP on the first postoperative day. Risk factors for hypotony include preoperative hypotony and aphakia.
SUPPRESSION OF LACTATION IN ACROMEGALY DURING ESTROGENIC THERAPY

RECENT STUDIES have demonstrated the importance of the hypophysis in" the complex hormonal factors which are responsible for lactation andhave provided a rational explanation for the persistent galactorrhea occasionally observed in acromegaly and in other conditions not associated withthe puerperium. Atkinson (i) reviewed the symptomatology of a large seriesof patients with acromegaly, including 607 females. He found references to5 patients in whom galactorrhea had been described as part of the syndrome.In a series of 100 patients reviewed by Davidoff (2), persistent lactationoccurred in 4 of 58 female patients. This consisted in the presence ofsmall quantities of yellowish fluid resembling colostrum, evident on compressionof one breast in 3 patients and of both breasts in the fourth. Davidoffrefers to 3 other patients, including one male, in whom lactation had occurred.
On-Chip Interconnect Networks at the End of the Roadmap: Limits and Nanotechnology Opportunities

Physical models are presented for single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The models are used to quantify the performance enhancements that they can potentially offer if used as interconnects in GSI chips. For short lengths, mono-layer SWCN interconnects can lower capacitance by 50% whereas for long lengths SWCN-bundles can improve conductivity up to 100%. Conductivity of MWCNs increases with diameter if they are longer than a critical length of about 7 mum and decreases otherwise
A Search for Lepton Flavor Violation in Tau Decays at BABAR

We present a recent BABAR search for lepton flavor violation in tau decays. The search for τ → lll(l = e, μ) decays is based on a data sample of 91.6 fb-1. No signal is found in any of six channels and 90% CL upper limits are set in the range of (1 - 3) × 10-7. The search for τ → μγ decay is done with a 63 fb-1 data sample. The number of observed events is consistent with expected background level and a preliminary upper limit is set at 2 × 10-6 at 90% CL.
An Assessment for Criminal Thinking

Risk assessments generally rely on actuarial measures of criminal history. However, these static measures do not address changes in risk as a result of intervention. To this end, this study examines the basic psychometric properties of the TCU Criminal Thinking Scales (TCU CTS), a brief (self-rating) instrument developed to assess cognitive functioning expected to be related to criminal conduct. Findings demonstrate that these scales have good psychometric properties and can serve as a short but reliable self-reported criminal thinking assessment. Their applications as part of an assessment system to determine offender progress and effectiveness are discussed.
A New Subunit Influenza Vaccine: Acceptability Compared with Standard Vaccines and Effect of Dose on Antigenicity

twice the local pain and eight times the erythema induration. Fever was infrequent and low grade by either route. Rises in HAI antibody were good in all groups. Dosages of TNBP vaccine up to 6,400 CCA units of influenza A2 and 4,800 of influenza B, given im as monovalent vaccine, produced no local and few febrile responses. The titer of antibody was augmented with the highest dosages. TNBP-subunit vaccine given im permitted administration of a dosage larger than that accepted for standard vaccine without any increase in local reactions; such doses caused a measurable increase in production of antibody to the vaccine strains and the induction of antibodies against related heterologous strains.
Equol, via Dietary Sources or Intestinal Production, May Ameliorate Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss

Equol, a product of intestinal metabolism of daidzein, is chemically similar to estrogen (without the lipophilic moiety) and has higher estrogen receptor-β binding affinity than its parent precursor. In 2004, a long-term, randomized controlled trial that characterized postmenopausal women by their equol-producing status showed stronger advantages to lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in equol- compared with nonequol-producers. Subsequent studies have related equol status of participants to change in bone turnover markers or BMD in response to soy isoflavone interventions. To our knowledge, we are the first to prescreen women for equol-producing status prior to initiating an intervention. In menopausal Western women, equol status did not affect the modest, but significant, reduction in bone resorption achieved with a soy isoflavone intervention.
Coding for high availability of a distributed-parallel storage system

We have developed a distributed parallel storage system that employs the aggregate bandwidth of multiple data servers connected by a high-speed wide-area network to achieve scalability and high data throughput. This paper studies different schemes to enhance the reliability and availability of such network-based distributed storage systems. The general approach of this paper employs "erasure" error-correcting codes that can be used to reconstruct missing information caused by hardware, software, or human faults. The paper describes the approach and develops optimized algorithms for the encoding and decoding operations. Moreover, the paper presents techniques for reducing the communication and computation overhead incurred while reconstructing missing data from the redundant information. These techniques include clustering, multidimensional coding, and the full two-dimensional parity schemes. The paper considers trade-offs between redundancy, fault tolerance, and complexity of error recovery.
Designing Web‐based Training

There are many methods and techniques for delivering instruction through the Web. Academic and industrial courses (taught in a traditional classroom) can be enhanced with links to resources on the Web, or the courses can be delivered virtually—completely via the Web. Instructional content can be delivered through email “correspondence-type” courses, via Web pages written in HTML, or with very complex interactions developed with Java, JavaScript, Shockwave, ActiveX, or other tools. In this article, a range of Web-based instructional options is outlined, general guidelines for designing Web-delivered instruction are provided, and two case studies are discussed. In addition, links to example Web-based training (WBT) sites are included. This article was originally published on the ITForum, an international listserv that is subscribed to by over 1000 professors, graduate students, and practitioners in Instructional Technology. General reactions to the article (that were posted on the ITForum), and responses from the author are included as postscripts to this article.
Enhancing LRU replacement via phantom associativity

In this paper, we propose a novel cache design, Phantom Associative Cache (PAC), that alleviates cache thrashing in L2 caches by keeping the in-cache data blocks for a longer time period. To realize PAC, we introduce the concept of phantom lines. A phantom line works like a real cache line in the LRU stack but does not hold any data or tag. When a phantom line is selected for replacement, cache bypassing is performed instead of replacement. By using appropriate number of phantom lines, PAC can always keep the data blocks that show stronger locality longer in the cache and bypass the cache for other blocks. We show that PAC can be implemented reasonably in practice. The experimental results show that on average PAC reduces cache misses by 17.95% for twelve CPU2006 benchmarks with Misses Per Kilo-Instruction (MPKI) larger than 1 and by 6.61% for all CPU2006 and PARSEC benchmarks. With the help of compiler hints, PAC can further reduce cache misses by 22% for benchmarks that have relatively high MPKI or miss rate.
The Effects of the Impulsive Noise on a Rayleigh Fast Fading Channel with the Intersymbol Interference

In this paper we present the performance analysis of a binary transmission on a Rayleigh fast fading channel in the presence of intersymbol interference and a mixture of Gaussian and impulsive noises. The impulsive noise is modeled as an alpha-stable process. The average probability of error is derived based on the characteristic functions of the noise random variables.
Clinical Presentation, Investigation, and Management of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Complicating Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Background— Although segmental or circumferential ablation is effective in eliminating pulmonary vein (PV)–mediated atrial fibrillation (AF), this procedure may be complicated by the occurrence of PV stenosis. Methods and Results— To establish the clinical presentation, diagnostic manifestations, and interventional management of PV stenosis, 23 patients with stenosis of 34 veins complicating ablation of AF were evaluated. Each patient became symptomatic 103±100 days after undergoing ablation. In 8 veins, the ablation producing the PV stenosis was a repeated procedure for continued AF. Nineteen patients presented with dyspnea on exertion, 7 with dyspnea at rest, 9 with cough, and 6 with chest pain. On multirow spiral computed tomography examination, the narrowest lumen of the affected PVs measured 3±2 mm compared with 13±3 mm at baseline (P≤0.001). The relative perfusion of affected lung segments on isotope scans was reduced to 4±3% of total perfusion compared with 22±10% in unaffected segments. At percuta...
Clustering gene expression data using a graph-theoretic approach: an application of minimum spanning trees.

Motivation: Gene expression data clustering provides a powerful tool for studying functional relationships of genes in a biological process. Identifying correlated expression patterns of genes represents the basic challenge in this clustering problem. Results: This paper describes a new framework for representing a set of multi-dimensional gene expression data as a Minimum Spanning Tree (MST), a concept from the graph theory. A key property of this representation is that each cluster of the expression data corresponds to one subtree of the MST, which rigorously converts a multi-dimensional clustering problem to a tree partitioning problem. We have demonstrated that though the inter-data relationship is greatly simplified in the MST representation, no essential information is lost for the purpose of clustering. Two key advantages in representing a set of multi-dimensional data as an MST are: (1) the simple structure of a tree facilitates efficient implementations of rigorous clustering algorithms, which otherwise are highly computationally challenging; and (2) as an MST-based clustering does not depend on detailed geometric shape of a cluster, it can overcome many of the problems faced by classical clustering algorithms. Based on the MST representation, we have developed a number of rigorous and efficient clustering algorithms, including two with guaranteed global optimality. We have implemented these algorithms as a computer software EXpression data Clustering Analysis and VisualizATiOn Resource (EXCAVATOR). To demonstrate its effectiveness, we have tested it on three data sets, i.e. expression data from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, expression data in response of human fibroblasts to serum, and Arabidopsis expression data in response to chitin elicitation. The test results are highly encouraging. Availability: EXCAVATOR is available on request from the authors.
Clinical utility of family history for cancer screening and referral in primary care: a report from the Family Healthware Impact Trial.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of computerized familial risk assessment and tailored messages for identifying individuals for targeted cancer prevention strategies and motivating behavior change. Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial in primary care patients aged 35–65 years using Family Healthware, a self-administered, internet-based tool that collects family history for six common diseases including breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer, stratifies risk into three tiers, and provides tailored prevention messages. Cancer screening adherence and consultation were measured at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Results: Of 3283 participants, 34% were at strong or moderate risk of at least one of the cancers. Family Healthware identified additional participants for whom earlier screening (colon cancer, 4.4%; breast cancer, women ages: 35–39 years, 9%) or genetic assessment (colon cancer, 2.5%; breast cancer, 10%; and ovarian cancer, 4%) may be indicated. Fewer than half were already adherent with risk-based screening. Screening adherence improved for all risk categories with no difference between intervention and control groups. Consultation with specialists did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Family Healthware identified patients for intensified cancer prevention. Engagement of clinicians and patients, integration with clinical decision support, and inclusion of nonfamilial risk factors may be necessary to achieve the full potential of computerized risk assessment.
The separated cellularity of a topological space and finite separation spaces

A separated cell A of a topological space X is a family of pairwise disjoint open sets with the property that, for any partition AD A1[ A2 of A, S A1 and S A2 are completely separated. The separated cellularity sc.X/ of X is the supremum of all cardinals of separated cells. A space X has finite separation if it has no infinite separated cells. With X compact, every separated cell of X has size< if and only if no regular closed subset has a continuous surjection onto .I t is shown that for normal, first-countable spaces finite separation is equivalent to sequential compactness. Compact finite separation spaces are examined, and compared to other classes of compact spaces which occur in the literature. It is shown that all dyadic spaces have finite separation. Likewise, every compact scattered space, every compact countably tight space, and every compact hereditarily paracompact space has finite separation. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Reconsidering the Life Review: The Social Construction of Talk About the Past

The ostensible natural propensity of the elderly to talk about the past is reconsidered from a social constructionist perspective, offering a sociological alternative to Robert Butler's life review interpretation. Data from life narrative interviews with 30 near-centenarians are used to illustrate the importance of situated narrative challenges for initiating the construction and communication of life stories. Life stories are presented as social constructions made necessary and shaped by the demands of specific social situations.
Visual registration and navigation using planar features

This paper addresses the problem of registering the hexapedal robot, RHex, relative to a known set of beacons, by real-time visual servoing. A suitably constructed navigation function represents the task, in the sense that for a completely actuated machine in the horizontal plane, the gradient dynamics guarantee convergence to the visually cued goal without ever losing sight of the beacons that define it. Since the horizontal plane behavior of RHex can be represented as a unicycle, feeding back the navigation function gradient avoids loss of beacons, but does not yield an asymptotically stable goal. We address new problems arising from the configuration of the beacons and present preliminary experimental results that illustrate the discrepancies between the idealized and physical robot actuation capabilities.
Increased urinary excretion of uroguanylin in patients with congestive heart failure

Uroguanylin is a small-molecular-weight peptide that activates membrane-bound receptor-guanylate cyclases in the intestine, kidney, and other epithelia. Uroguanylin has been shown to participate in...
Automatic semantic relation extraction with multiple boundary generation

This paper addresses the task of automatic classification of semantic relations between nouns. We present an improved WordNet-based learning model which relies on the semantic information of the constituent nouns. The representation of each noun's meaning captures conceptual features which play a key role in the identification of the semantic relation. We report substantial improvements over previous WordNet-based methods on the 2007 SemEval data. Moreover, our experiments show that WordNet's IS-A hierarchy is better suited for some semantic relations compared with others. We also compute various learning curves and show that our model does not need a large number of training examples.
Regularized referenceless temperature estimation in PRF-shift MR thermometry

In PRF-shift MR thermometry, temperature rises induced by thermal therapy can be estimated from the phase differences between tissue in a heated state and in a pretreatment state. To overcome errors caused by motion, referenceless methods [1, 2] have been proposed that estimate temperature from a single image. Compared to baseline subtraction [3], these methods are not susceptible to inter-frame motion, and produce accurate temperature estimates in moving tissues. However, referenceless methods could be improved if they did not require knowledge of the hot spot's location, or if they took into account underlying noise statistics. Here we introduce a regularized approach to referenceless PRF-shift thermometry that is statistically motivated, generalizes readily to multiple receive coils, and does not require knowledge of the hot spot's location.
SPECTRAL LINEWIDTH OF SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS

The semiconductor diode laser (SL) has a number of properties that make it a desirable light source for spectroscopy. Aside from the advantages in size, cost and complexity, SL’s cover a broad spectral range and may easily be modulated at rates up to several gigahertz. However, coherence remains an issue in many applications. Here we discuss the issue of the ultimate SL linewidth. Included is a discussion of SL spectral characteristics including the enhanced Lorentzian linewidth, the power-independent linewidth, and the fine structure in the field power spectrum. We also discuss the prospects for line narrowing through active frequency control and present heterodyne measurements between two independently operating external cavity (GaAl)As lasers. Finally, we demonstrate that such stable, narrow-line sources can easily be phase-locked.
Further studies of a new vitamin E analogue more active than α-tocopherol in the rat curative myopathy bioassay

The bioactivities of the acetates of 2R,4'R,8'R- and 25,4'R,8'R-2,4,6,7-tetramethyl-2-(4',8',12'-trimethyltridecyl)-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrobenzofuran (RRR- and SRR-1-Ac) have been measured in the rat curative myopathy bioassay and compared with the RRR and SRR stereoisomers of α-tocopheryl acetate (RRR- and SRR-2-Ac). Each stereoisomer of 1 is only slightly more active than the corresponding stereoisomer of 2(RRR-1-Ac/RRR-2-Ac = 110; SRR-1-Ac/SRR-2-Ac = 1.16). This finding contrasts with our earlier finding [(1986) FEBS Lett. 205, 117 120], confirmed in the present study, that all-rac-1-Ac is 1.5-1.9 as active as all-rac-2-Ac. We suggest that the stereochemistry (S vs R) at the 4' and 8' tail carbons is of less biological importance in 1 than in 2.
Exposure of workers to dust and bioaerosol on a poultry farm

SUMMARY Poultry houses are known for generating excessive dust, which originates from bedding materials, fiberglass insulations, feed, dried fecal materials, and feather particles. Dust may contain microorganisms, including endotoxins, fungi, and bacteria, that may affect living things when inhaled. Dust that contains living organisms is referred to as bioaerosol, and its particle size may range from 0.5 to 100 µm. Respirable dust, which has an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 4 µm, can travel to and be deposited in the gas-exchange region of the human respiratory system. This is of particular concern because of the greater health hazard that it poses. The concentrations of respirable dust and bioaerosol measured with samplers attached to the workers (worker-exposure concentrations) were more than 3 (0.82 vs. 0.26 mg/m 3 ) and one-and-a-half times (58.46 vs. 33.79 cfu/m 3 ) higher, respectively, than the concentrations measured with stationary samplers indoors. The respirable dust is still below the permissible exposure limit (5 mg/m 3 ) set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, but beyond the limit for animal buildings suggested by other researchers.
Digital Steam Bending: Re-Casting Historical Craft Through Digital Techniques

Digital Steam bending is a design and fabrication research project that investigates the historically relevant, regionally significant technique of steam bending using advanced parametric software modelling, structural analysis and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) fabrication methods to reinvision the nearly forgotten technique of wood steam bending developed by Michael Thonet in the 19th Century. In doing so, Digital Steam Bending performs several operations: it reclaims a forgotten technique of fabrication and reframes it through the lens of contemporary digital craft, it claims new ground in the traditional periphery of architectural practice through shifting scales, and it confronts the difficulties of digital design and digital form generation through applied material practices. It also gestures toward the possibilities that regional resources and craft may leverage against high-carbon globalized manufacturing. Digital Steam Bending was conducted as a series of interconnected feedback loops in which material resistance, formal manipulation and digital tools were each allowed to influence the others. Material testing on various wood species began simultaneously with the development of formal digital models, where built up aggregations of unique but similar individual parts were digitally assembled, modified and reassembled to derive possible means of tectonic connection and overall form in search of spatial, architecturally scaled assemblies and structures. Locally harvested, FSC Certified, air-dried White Oak, evolved as the optimal material due to its high density, consistency of grain, natural durability and local abundance. Several base components were designed, tested and refined before ultimately arriving at full scale fabrication. The assemblies were then installed and documented as an exhibition at the University of Michigan’s Taubman Gallery and as full-scale gateway structure at Fredrik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan during Art Prize 2010.
Developing Effective Service Learning Campus-Community Partnerships

This chapter addresses issues related to developing effective service learning campus-community partnerships. It proposes specific indicators of effective partnerships and explores these issues through the lens of relevant scholarship and an existing service learning partnership. Particular attention is paid to the community’s perspective on effective campus-community partnerships and the significance of the community identifying the needs and issues to be addressed by partnerships. The chapter also addresses the importance of reciprocity and the relationship that underlies successful service learning partnerships. Profiles of the members of the partnership referenced in the chapter, as well as the service learning model of civic engagement, are provided. Student narratives, anecdotes and quotes are employed. Potential obstacles to forming and sustaining effective partnerships, strategies for overcoming such obstacles and possible next steps in developing campus based, as well as campus-community based, initiatives within American higher education overall are discussed.
The Wanderer as Soldier: Robert Walser's Der Spaziergang, Switzerland in World War I, and Digression as Occupation

This paper reads the concept of walking in Robert Walser's Der Spaziergang as an aggressive, militant act, analogous to the Swiss armies concurrently marching through the country. Written in Switzerland during World War I, by an author actively serving in the Swiss military, Der Spaziergang is not only pervaded with the wartime allusions that one would expect, but also reimagines everyday activities that take up space as acts of belligerent aggression. First I trace how Walser's narrator anxiously performs his usefulness through walking and show how this conception of usefulness is tied to military activities in which Walser participated. Then I illustrate how this mentality is reflected by the narrator's verbal aggression. Using de Certeau's comparison of the speech act to the act of walking, I argue that the narrator speaks to take up page space in the same way he (and the Swiss military) walk to control physical space.
Applying Formal Models of Instructional Design to Measurably Improve Learning in Introductory Computing (Abstract Only)

Software Engineers apply systematic techniques to formalize requirements, build tests, and plan out complex architectures. However, few Computer Science Educators bring the same rigorous methods to the design of their students' learning experiences. Educational theories of Instructional Design (compatible with a wide range of popular educational theories) bridge this gap by emphasizing meaningful assessment, identification of instructional objectives, and analysis of the learners; unfortunately, these theories have been neglected within Computer Science Education. I have applied the Dick & Carey Model of Instructional Design in two formal case studies to create new learning modules with extensive documentation, detailed components, and clear results. In fact, my formal evaluations of my materials with real learners suggest that students had average learning gains of up to 43%. More crucially, however, the model provided key opportunities to improve the instruction a priori and posteriori. My major contribution in this research is not the generation of new instructional materials, but the demonstration of the raw potential of this methodology for curriculum development.
Synaptic Organization of the Neuronal Circuits of the Claustrum

The claustrum, a poorly understood subcortical structure located between the cortex and the striatum, forms widespread connections with almost all cortical areas, but the cellular organization of claustral circuits remains largely unknown. Based primarily on anatomical data, it has been proposed that the claustrum integrates activity across sensory modalities. However, the extent to which the synaptic organization of claustral circuits supports this integration is unclear. Here, we used paired whole-cell recordings and optogenetic approaches in mouse brain slices to determine the cellular organization of the claustrum. We found that unitary synaptic connections among claustrocortical (ClaC) neurons were rare. In contrast, parvalbumin-positive (PV) inhibitory interneurons were highly interconnected with both chemical and electrical synapses. In addition, ClaC neurons and PV interneurons formed frequent synaptic connections. As suggested by anatomical data, we found that corticoclaustral afferents formed monosynaptic connections onto both ClaC neurons and PV interneurons. However, the responses to cortical input were comparatively stronger in PV interneurons. Consistent with this overall circuit organization, activation of corticoclaustral afferents generated monosynaptic excitatory responses as well as disynaptic inhibitory responses in ClaC neurons. These data indicate that recurrent excitatory circuits within the claustrum alone are unlikely to integrate across multiple sensory modalities. Rather, this cellular organization is typical of circuits sensitive to correlated inputs. Although single ClaC neurons may integrate corticoclaustral input from different cortical regions, these results are consistent with more recent proposals implicating the claustrum in detecting sensory novelty or in amplifying correlated cortical inputs to coordinate the activity of functionally related cortical regions. Significance statement: The function of the claustrum, a brain nucleus found in mammals, remains poorly understood. It has been proposed, based primarily on anatomical data, that claustral circuits play an integrative role and contribute to multimodal sensory integration. Here we show that the principal neurons of the claustrum, claustrocortical (ClaC) projection neurons, rarely form synaptic connections with one another and are unlikely to contribute to broad integration within the claustrum. We show that, although single ClaC neurons may integrate corticoclaustral inputs carrying information for different sensory modalities, the synaptic organization of ClaC neurons, local parvalbumin-positive interneurons within the claustrum, and cortical afferents is also consistent with recent proposals that the claustrum plays a role in detecting salient stimuli or amplifying correlated cortical inputs.
Solvent-Free Organometallic Reactivity: Synthesis of Hydride and Carboxylate Complexes of Uranium and Yttrium from Gas/Solid Reactions

Gas/solid reactions involving H2 and CO2 with the metallocenes (C5Me5)2UMe2 and (C5Me5)2U(allyl)2 as solids in the absence of solvent provide an improved method to make organouranium hydride and carboxylate products. Decomposition products that can form in solution from the reactive hydrides can be avoided by this method, and this approach can also provide intermediates too reactive to isolate in some solution reactions. In contrast to the variable nature of the hydrogenolysis reaction of (C5Me5)2UMe2 in toluene that forms byproducts along with the mixture of [(C5Me5)2UH2]2 and [(C5Me5)2UH]2, a byproduct-free hydrogenolysis occurs when (C5Me5)2UMe2 in the solid state is treated with H2 gas to form predominantly [(C5Me5)2UH2]2. H2 reacts with solid (C5Me5)2U(C3H5)2 and (C5Me5)2U(C3H5) similarly. The reaction of CO2 (80 psi) with solid (C5Me5)2UMe2 forms the monocarboxylate (C5Me5)2U(O2CCH3-κ2O,O′)Me, in contrast to the solution reaction that forms the diacetate (C5Me5)2U(O2CCH3-κ2O,O′)2 in minutes. The rea...