cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concept and History of Genetic Control

Abstract Genetic control of insects is an established method, mainly for insects that are important crop and veterinary pests such as medflies and screwworm. Efforts to use the same technologies against insects of medical importance, especially mosquitoes, have had limited success. The successes against mosquitoes have been accomplished using forms of both conventional and modern methods, both of which are promising. In this chapter, we provide highlights of the development of genetic control of agricultural pests and describe how the development of methods against mosquitoes reflects those advances. While admiring successful genetic control programs is motivating, we suggest that much can also be learned from both past successful and failed efforts, as doing so will increase our ability to improve future activities.
Supercharged IPOs and the Up-C

The “supercharged IPO,” a new and increasingly popular financial transaction, has fundamentally changed the nature of IPOs for many companies. Traditionally, an IPO was a tax nonevent for the company and the owners, meaning it created no tax liability for either. Through creative but questionable tax planning, companies have found a way to do better than this by effectively generating a negative tax liability for the company and its owners. These transactions have received substantial attention from practicing lawyers, investment bankers, and journalists, and even briefly caught the attention of Congress, yet they have attracted surprisingly little scrutiny from scholars. The attention they have received has failed to consider the different types of supercharged IPOs, resulting in misguided analyses and conclusions regarding these transactions. This Article examines the costs and benefits of the different types of supercharged IPOs to show that some of these transactions have greater tax benefits than scholars have realized. It places a particular emphasis on the Up-C, a structure with the greatest tax benefits, which scholars have overlooked even though it is by far the most common, and increasingly popular, form of supercharged IPO. A closer examination of the Up-C reveals that this structure produces tax benefits that are not justified by the regulations that supposedly allow them.
Microbiological Studies on Aging of Intact and Excised Beef Muscle1

Beef cattle from the University herd were used for these studies; aging treatments after slaughter were as follows: (a) sides were held at room temperature (21-23 C), (b) sides were held at 2 C, (c) sides were kept for 6 hat room temperature and then the round was removed and placed at 2 C for 18 h (d) sides were held for 3 days at 2 C, then the excised round was kept for 4 days at 2 C for a total of 1 week of low temperature aging. After aging by procedures described, steaks were cut from the round, packaged and stored in a display case at about 5 C. Similar treatment was given to ground beef prepared from the same round muscles. Holding an entire side of beef at high temperature for 24 h promoted bacterial growth on the surface with subsequent proliferation on retail cuts. Shortening the aging treatment at high temperature resulted in reduced bacterial populations on packaged items. Highest bacterial loads and most rapid spoilage resulted from excising the muscle after low temperature holding and then continuing to hold the muscle in the cooler. This treatment was even more conducive to spoilage than was holding at room temperature for 24 h, and is not to be recommended.
Epidemiological analyses of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in kunming region between 2003 and 2007

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of children infected by mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)over the last five years in Kunming region.Methods Indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to detect blood MP-IgM of hospitalized patients from January 2003 to December 2007 in order to determine the age and gender distribution characteristics of MP infection and to investigate the epidemiological features of the five years' results.Results Infection incidences by MP in Kunming region over the last five years were 20.9%,14.3%,17.5%,15.7%and 19.5%,respectively.Statistical significance was found among the groups mentioned above(P＜0.01).The MP infection incidences in different age groups were 10.7%(～1 year old),20.5%(～3 years' old),21.5%(～6 years' old)and 21.7%(～14 years' old).MP infection incidences showed age and gender characteristics(P＜0.01).Infants showed lower NIP infection incidence and infection incidence was higher in female.The epidemiological investigation indicated that MP infection incidences varied from year to year(P＜0.01).The infection incidences of 2003 and 2007 by MP were higher than those of the other years.There were epidemiological differences in infection incidences by NIP over last five years(summer,autumn and winter).The MP infection incidences showed seasonal differences(P＜0.01).Conclusion Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the main local causative agent responsible for respiratory tract infection in children aged under one years' old in Kunming region.Over the last five years,there were two outbreaks in the local area,but with no seasonal regularity of epidemiology. Key words: Respiratory tract infection; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Epidemiology; Children
Summary of the International Discussion Meeting on Radiation Effects on Superconductivity

The effects of radiation on the properties of superconductors was the subject of the International Discussion Meeting held at Argonne National Laboratory, June 12–16, 1977. Eighty scientists from seven countries attended. The program focused on radiation effects on reversible and irreversible properties, fundamental fluxoid-defect interactions, radiation considerations for fusion magnets, and ion implantation in superconductors.
The Dictyostelium discoideum β-1,4-mannosyltransferase gene, mntA, has two periods of developmental expression

The precise roles of protein glycosylation in multicellular development are poorly understood. We have characterized the mntA gene from Dictyostelium discoideum which encodes the beta-1,4-mannosyltransferase enzyme that catalyzes the reaction: GDP-Man + dolichol-PP-GlcNAc2 --> dolichol-PP-GlcNAc2-Man + GDP. This gene has a central role in the synthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor which becomes the core of all asparagine-linked (N-linked) glycans. The mntA gene contains a single small intron and encodes a 493 aa protein with a predicted molecular size of 56 kDa. It is located 5' to the repE gene on chromosome IV and is transcribed in the opposite orientation to repE with which it shares a 585 bp of upstream intergenic region. The predicted mntA gene product shares 38% homology with the S. cerevisiae ALG1 gene product. The MntA protein has a region homologous to the putative dolichol-binding region in the yeast ALG1 protein, but it is located in a different part of the molecule. Northern analysis revealed that the expression of the mntA gene is regulated during multicellular development with two periods of mRNA accumulation. The mntA gene product has a classical endoplasmic reticulum retention motif, and is the first Dictyostelium gene encoding a protein that is active in this organelle. The identification of this gene will allow expanded studies of the role of N-linked glycans in multicellular development.
Designing voting machines for verification

We provide techniques to help vendors, independent testing agencies, and others verify critical security properties in direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines. We rely on specific hardware functionality, isolation, and architectural decision to allow one to easily verify these critical security properties; we believe our techniques will help us verify other properties as well. Verification of these security properties is one step towards a fully verified voting machine, and helps the public gain confidence in a critical tool for democracy. We present a voting system design and discuss our experience building a prototype implementation based on the design in Java and C.
Analysis of extracellular polysaccharides of Azospirillum brasilense

Bacteria of the genus Azospirillum live in association with the Graminae. Azospirillum has a growth-promoting effect due to nitrogen-fixation, phytohormone production and improved water household of the plant. Azospirillum is able to attach to plant roots (Umali-Garcia et al. 1980) and A. brasilense Sp245 can even invade into the root cortex. In plant bacteria interactions, signalling is an important factor. There are different signal molecules known in other microbe-plant interactions: β 1–2 glucans in the interaction of Agrobacterium and Rhizobium for respectively tumor-formation and nodule-induction; hepta-saccharides which act as elicitors for the plant-defense mechanisms against plant pathogens; extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) necessary for the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules on legumes by Rhizobium. The production of EPS by Azospirillum was shown by the fluorescent dye Calcofluor. In the F. A. Janssens Memorial Laboratory for Genetics, recent interest is focussed on the genetics of the synthesis of this EPS by Azospirillum. Tn5 induced A. brasilense mutants that are are affected in Calcofluor fluorescence have already been isolated (Michiels et al., 1988a; 1990). Some A. brasilense genes are able to correct R. meliloti exo mutations. In this way, the R. meliloti exoB, exoC, exoG, exoM, exoN, exoP and exoK mutants have been genetically complemented by A. brasilense DNA. The exoB, exoC1 and exoM correcting loci are located on the 90 MDa plasmid of A. brasilense Sp7 (Michiels et al., 1988b; Marc Eyers, personal communication), whereas the exoC2, exoG, exoK, exoN and exoP correcting loci are located on the chromosome (Marc Eyers, personal communicaton). The A. brasilense exoB en exoC1 mutants have been constructed by marker-exchange (Michiels et al. 1988b).
Thermal ablation for treatment of hepatic metastasis from thymic epithelial tumors (TETs).

e20000Background: Thermal ablation [radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation, microwave ablation (MWA)] has been used effectively for control of hepatic metastases from various solid tumors. How...
Cortázar y Cuba

La relacion entre el escritor argentino Julio Cortazar y la Cuba de Fidel Castro desperto reacciones muy diversas; se exponen algunas de ellas, entre las que destacan las de Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Emir Rodriguez Monegal y Octavio Paz
Family Processes and Evidence-Based Prevention

The primary goal of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of family-based prevention science. We adopt a developmental perspective, highlighting aspects of basic, family, and applied developmental sciences from birth through adolescence. We illustrate distinct family and parenting practices at different developmental stages and focus our attention on family processes associated with substance use and interventions designed to alter them. Our aims are to (1) review aspects of family functioning and parenting practices that serve as risk or protective processes for healthy youth development and as targets for family-based preventive interventions, (2) review evidence supporting the efficacy of family-based prevention programs for reducing substance use, (3) briefly illustrate exemplary family-based interventions, and (4) highlight some key challenges to effective implementation or testing of these programs and provide some directions for future research.
Real-time sharing of comprehensive clinical genomics sequencing data in St. Jude Cloud.

10019Background: As tumor and germline genomic data from pediatric cancer patients is scarce in existing genomic databases, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive datasets. Such data will a...
Modeling Physiological Flow in Fontan Models With Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Particle Image Velocimetry, and Arterial Spin Labeling

The Fontan procedure is a successful palliation for single ventricle defect. Yet, a number of complications still occur in Fontan patients due to abnormal blood flow dynamics, necessitating improved flow analysis and treatment methods. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a suitable method for such flow analysis. However, limitations on altering physiological blood flow conditions in the patient while in the MRI bore inhibit experimental investigation of a variety of factors that contribute to impaired cardiovascular health in these patients. Furthermore, resolution and flow regime limitations in phase contrast MRI pose a challenge for accurate and consistent flow characterization. In this study, patient-specific physical models were created based on nine Fontan geometries and MRI experiments mimicking low and high flow conditions, as well as steady and pulsatile flow, were conducted. Additionally, an optically transparent Fontan model was created for flow analyses using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system, arterial spin labeling (ASL), and four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI. Differences, though non-statistically significant, were observed between flow conditions and between patient-specific models. Large between-model variation supported the need for further improvement for patient-specific modeling on each unique Fontan anatomical configuration. Furthermore, high resolution PIV and flow tracking ASL data provided flow information that was not obtainable with 4D flow MRI alone.
A Note on the Ranking of Real Estate Authors: Where Else Do They Publish and Who Cares?

A ranking of individuals who publish in three real estate journals shows that through the end of 1990 the top 10% of the authors had at least four articles in these journals. Among the top 10% of real estate authors (sixty-four individuals), some are finance authors who occasionally publish in real estate journals. An index of concentration indicates that the top twenty individuals are relatively more diversified with respect to the field in which they publish. Finally, some publications in real estate are frequently cited by other authors.
Laser-ion acceleration using mixed compositions: Tailoring the target for each species

Particle-in-cell simulations of laser- ion acceleration demonstrate marked discrepancies in the acceleration experienced by the different ion species in complex target compositions, especially when the target becomes relativistically transparent to the pulse during irradiation. Beginning with proton contaminants in a carbon target, we show how the higher charge-to-mass ratio of the protons results in species stratification and late-time suppression of the carbon acceleration. The target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) primarily experienced by the protons can be exploited to mitigate this tamping by using a shaped rear surface of the target, leaving the break-out afterburner-driven carbons to accelerate close to the laser axis and then experience less tamping during a late-time TNSA phase. We then explore preferentially accelerating the lighter species in a mixed composition target, particularly focusing on deuteron beam applications. We examine three different target compositions with the same areal electron density, CD2, CH2, and 7LiD, and propose an alternative shaping of the rear surface of 7LiD to increase the number of high-energy deuterons in the beam.
Opioid-free postoperative analgesia: Is it feasible?

Abstract This is a review on the role of non-opioid analgesia in the perioperative period with a focus on abdominal and pelvic surgery. We reviewed the most relevant peer-reviewed articles focusing on pain management, non-opioid analgesia, surgical procedures, and ERAS protocols (2002-2018) with the goal of finding the best evidence-based information on how to decrease opioid consumption and related adverse effects on patients. Furthermore, we evaluated the literature on how to adequately control postoperative pain and increase patient satisfaction with low doses of opioids or without them altogether. Finally, we also reviewed other current alternatives to opioid analgesia such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), NSAIDs, anti-convulsant, loco-regional anesthesia, dexmedetomidine and others which can not only avoid opioids but provide the patient with adequate pain control with excellent patient satisfaction.
Extremum Seeking Control for Stiffness Auto-Tuning of a Quasi-Passive Ankle Exoskeleton

Recently, it has been shown that light-weight, passive, ankle exoskeletons with spring-based energy store-and-release mechanisms can reduce the muscular effort of human walking. The stiffness of the spring in such a device must be properly tuned in order to minimize the muscular effort. However, this muscular effort changes for different locomotion conditions (e.g., walking speed), causing the optimal spring stiffness to vary as well. Existing passive exoskeletons have a fixed stiffness during operation, preventing it from responding to changes in walking conditions. Thus, there is a need of a device and auto-tuning algorithm that minimizes the muscular effort across different walking conditions, while preserving the advantages of passive exoskeletons. In this letter, we developed a quasi-passive ankle exoskeleton with a variable stiffness mechanism capable of self-tuning. As the relationship between the muscular effort and the optimal spring stiffness across different walking speeds is not known a priori, a model-free, discrete-time extremum seeking control (ESC) algorithm was implemented for real-time optimization of spring stiffness. Experiments with an able-bodied subject demonstrate that as the walking speed of the user changes, ESC automatically tunes the torsional stiffness about the ankle joint. The average RMS EMG readings of tibialis anterior and soleus muscles at slow walking speed decreased by 26.48% and 7.42%, respectively.
Advancing Developmental Science via Unmoderated Remote Research with Children

This article introduces an accessible approach to implementing unmoderated remote research in developmental science – research in which children and families participate in studies remotely and ind...
Stimuli-Responsive Insulin Delivery Devices

The development of new diabetes treatment strategies has garnered much interest given that conventional management therapies for type 1 diabetes fail to provide optimal glycemic control while creating a high burden of self-care to patients. Stimuli-responsive, "closed-loop" systems are particularly attractive due to their ability to mimic dynamic s cell function by releasing insulin in response to fluctuating glucose levels in real-time and with minimal patient discomfort. In this short review, we focus on stimuli-responsive, reservoir-based insulin delivery devices. We explore and evaluate systems that are either physiologically or externally triggered. While obstacles remain before such technologies can be translated to clinical settings, further optimization of delivery systems forebodes that these technologies will have a tremendous impact on type 1 diabetes treatment.
A PRIMER ON DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATERIAL AND HETEROTROPHIC PROKARYOTES IN THE OCEANS

Dissolved organic material (DOM) and microbes are well-recognized to be important components of carbon cycles and other biogeochemical cycles in the oceans. The main component of DOM, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), is one of the largest pools of carbon in the biosphere, equaling atmospheric CO2 in size (ca. 700 × 1015 tons) (Hedges and Oades 1997). The flux of carbon through the DOC pool is also substantial. Various approaches indicate that about 50% of primary production is some how routed through bacteria and single-cell eukaryotes (protists) that graze on bacteria, i.e. the microbial loop. Mineralization of DOM to CO2 and other inorganic nutrients by microbial loop microbes is one of three fates for primary production, the other two being grazing by protists and macrozooplankton (Fig. 1). In the open oceans, most of the carbon produced by phytoplankton (primary production) is mineralized by probst grazers or the microbial loop, leaving <10% for export to the deep ocean via sinking of large phytoplankton, the waste products (fecal pellets) of large zooplankton, or amorphorous aggregates of unclear origin. Carbon can also be exported as DOC in some oceanic regimes, as discussed below.
Distinguishing between functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis: Does it matter?

Abstract Functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis are the two most common sensorimotor disorders of the stomach. The prevalence of functional dyspepsia (FD) is approximately 10%, while that of gastroparesis (GP) is 1.5–3%. Both disorders have a significant negative impact on patients’ quality of life and the health care system. The etiopathophysiology of these two disorders is complex, diverse and incompletely understood, although they share many similarities. Typical symptoms include epigastric pain, burning or discomfort, in addition to symptoms of early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Functional dyspepsia and GP can be diagnosed by performing a thoughtful history and physical examination, upper endoscopy and a 4-hour solid phase gastric emptying scan. This review will start with a typical patient case highlighting the dilemmas faced in diagnosing a patient with FD or GP and then discuss similarities and differences with regard to etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.
Pharmacy and patient centered care

Abstract Concepts in health care over the last 50 years have advanced to patient-centered practices across the globe. Pharmacist care has evolved from a narrower focus on products to a broader patient-centered practice retaining responsibility for product expertise, management, and optimal use. Patient-centeredness has driven processes of health-care delivery, information technology infrastructure, financial policy, and education of pharmacists in practice and those in training. Pharmacists, pharmacists’ services, and pharmacy practice are all increasingly integrating at critical points in health-care delivery with other health professionals and industries to achieve care coordination for complex patients, while retaining independent and accessible services for patients and their communities. Contemporary research is pursuing a deeper understanding of the meaning and impact of patient-centeredness on patients, within the profession, and society at large. Change in care delivery is expected for the next several years to implement the full potential of patient-centered care.
Sustainable Construction, LEED as a Green Rating System and the Importance of Moving to NZEB

In this study, in order to evaluate the possibility of achieving the Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) goal, the history of sustainable construction, and available green-rating systems with specific focus on Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating system were explained. LEED rating system was selected as the most prevalent rating system in the industry to evaluate and analyze its efficiencies/drawbacks specifically in regards to the energy efficiency. The goal of this study is to answer an important question of the reasons to focus on NZEB concept when LEED rating has come up with a detailed certification process, which is somehow beneficial in regards to energy reduction. NZEB concept is defined as an evolution of very energy-efficient approach and it requires that the buildings have zero energy balance on an annual basis. This paper explains this questions in detail and it consists of three parts: in the first part sustainable building rating system including LEED certification is explained. The second part explains the deficiencies of LEED rating system in regards to the energy performance of buildings and the last part explains the NZEB concept and the movement towards the NZEB target.
Prevalence of Missing Data in the National Cancer Database and Association With Overall Survival.

Importance Cancer registries are important real-world data sources consisting of data abstraction from the medical record; however, patients with unknown or missing data are underrepresented in studies that use such data sources. Objective To assess the prevalence of missing data and its association with overall survival among patients with cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective cohort study, all variables within the National Cancer Database were reviewed for missing or unknown values for patients with the 3 most common cancers in the US who received diagnoses from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. The prevalence of patient records with missing data and the association with overall survival were assessed. Data analysis was performed from February to August 2020. Exposures Any missing data field within a patient record among 63 variables of interest from more than 130 total variables in the National Cancer Database. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence of missing data in the medical records of patients with cancer and associated 2-year overall survival. Results A total of 1 198 749 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (mean [SD] age, 68.5 [10.9] years; 628 811 men [52.5%]), 2 120 775 patients with breast cancer (mean [SD] age, 61.0 [13.3] years; 2 101 758 women [99.1%]), and 1 158 635 patients with prostate cancer (mean [SD] age, 65.2 [9.0] years; 100% men) were included in the analysis. Among those with non-small cell lung cancer, 851 295 patients (71.0%) were missing data for variables of interest; 2-year overall survival was 33.2% for patients with missing data and 51.6% for patients with complete data (P < .001). Among those with breast cancer, 1 161 096 patients (54.7%) were missing data for variables of interest; 2-year overall survival was 93.2% for patients with missing data and 93.9% for patients with complete data (P < .001). Among those with prostate cancer, 460 167 patients (39.7%) were missing data for variables of interest; 2-year overall survival was 91.0% for patients with missing data and 95.6% for patients with complete data (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance This study found that within a large cancer registry-based real-world data source, there was a high prevalence of missing data that were unable to be ascertained from the medical record. The prevalence of missing data among patients with cancer was associated with heterogeneous differences in overall survival. Improvements in documentation and data quality are necessary to make optimal use of real-world data for clinical advancements.
The Changing Face of Research: The Use of Chemical Information Skills to Identify Novel Research Areas

An experiment in teaching students to use the literature to devise and defend a plan for novel research is presented as part of a graduate-level course in heterocyclic chemistry. Students in three successive iterations of the course completed an assignment during which they were assigned novel heterocyclic cores that were selected by varying or relocating the heteroatoms of a known drug. They were then asked to identify potential research areas related to their assigned cores and to determine whether the structures containing these cores were likely to have practical applications. The students presented their results as though they were a collaborative research group in an industrial setting requesting funding for future research. A full description of the assignment and a summary of the student outcomes and ideas for future development are discussed.
Introduction to Fluid Dynamics

A bounded open connected set in \({E}_{o} \subset {\mathbb{R}}^{N}\)deforms in time to E in the sense that points y ∈ E o are in one-to-one correspondence with points x ∈ E through smooth, nonintersecting trajectories t → x(t) such that x(0) = y and x(t) = x.
Adaptive Kalman filter approach for road geometry estimation

This paper describes an adaptive Kalman filter based method for accurate estimation of forward path geometry of an automobile. The forward geometry is modeled as two contiguous clothoid segments with different geometries and continuous curvature across the transition between them. This results in a closed-form parametric expression of the same polynomial order as previous models. Instead of using a conventional Kalman filter with fixed process model parameters based on a compromise between noise and filter lag, we adaptively tune the process model parameters. This results in the better filter performance with stable estimates during constant geometry scenarios and faster response during abrupt geometry transitions. Performance evaluation of the proposed method on various simulated road geometries and comparing with previous approaches demonstrate the feasibility and higher accuracy of the proposed method. The high accuracy estimation of forward path or road geometry is directly useful in applications that rely on detecting targets in the forward path of the host vehicle, e.g., adaptive cruise control and automotive collision warning.
The molecular content of galaxies as a function of luminosity

H2 and HI masses are compared with the optical luminosities, IR luminosities, colors, and dust masses for 124 galaxies whose molecular content have been measured as part of the FCRAO Extragalactic CO Survey. The observations indicate the range of star formation efficiencies observed as a function of galaxy type, luminosity, and environment. For a subset of these galaxies in which the distributions of ionized, atomic, and molecular gas are known, variations in the SFE as a function of radius are investigated.
The corticosteroid dose graph. Use in determination of corticosteroid requirements, characterization of patients, and prevention of seasonal exacerbation in corticosteroid-dependent patients.

Abstract Sixty-three corticosteroid(CS)-dependent asthmatics were evaluated by a method which records asthmatic exacerbations as a function of change in CS dosage. This method, the Corticosteroid Dose Graph (CSDG), is a graphic representation of the patients' narrative charts. It is useful in assessing and directing the care of these patients and in evaluating the efficacy of altered therapeutic regimens in asthmatics. The CSDG categorizes cooperative patients (CP) and distinguishes these patients from those who are less cooperative (LCP). Evaluation of the progress of CP by the graphic analysis system showed that CP have fewer severe exacerbations of asthma than LCPs. Evaluation of the 63 patients by this graphic method shows a significantly increased incidence of asthmatic exacerbations in the Chicago area in October as compared to other months. The CSDG also demonstrates that some individuals experienced significantly increased numbers of asthma exacerbations at certain times of the year unique to themselves. Because the, CSDG predicts exacerbations, it was shown to be applicable to prevent such exacerbations by prophylactic increase in CS dose during a high-risk season for selected CS-dependent asthmatics.
Harvesting the Tagging Power: An Approach to Social Recommendation of Information Products

Social tagging, as a flexible and effective information management platform, has proliferated rapidly on the Internet and intranets in the past few years. Social recommendation, which automates the process of recommending information products of potential interest to users based on tags, can improve the user experience of information discovery and promote the consumption of information products on various kinds of content delivery sites. Although a number of tag-based social recommenders have been developed, several problems resulting from the special nature of tagging data, including tagging bias, vocabulary problem, and data sparsity, have not been adequately addressed and largely limit the performance of existing recommenders. In response to these problems, this paper proposes a tag-based semantic analysis model to capture the semantics emerging in tagging data and reformulates the recommendation problem as a constrained optimization problem on both labeled (selected) and unlabeled items. An iterative learning framework developed to solve this optimization problem combines the self-organization theory in cognitive science, the probabilistic latent semantic analysis framework in information retrieval and the positive unlabeled learning methodology in machine learning. Empirical studies using social tagging datasets from three different domains demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Predictive modeling in geomorphology: An oxymoron?

Four basic types of model are commonly used in geomorphology: Conceptual, Physical, Analytical, and Numerical. Many research projects start with a conceptual model that needs to be tested. Physical models allow one to see, visually, in a laboratory setting, how certain geomorphic processes operate. Analytical models are appropriate when the system is sufficiently simple, or simplifiable, that equations describing it can be written and solved in closed form. The required simplifications, however, particularly of the boundary conditions, often limit the predictive value of the model. Numerical models allow one to include more complicated boundary and initial conditions, and also permit solution of differential equations that cannot be integrated in closed form. While projects often begin with a conceptual model, testing with other types of model commonly leads to new insights, and hence to revision of the original conceptual model. Thus, geomorphological research commonly involves feedback between various types of model and, of equal importance, between models and field observations. Despite the usefulness of models in geomorphological research, their predictive value is limited owing to the lack of sufficiently detailed knowledge of variations in forcing, boundary conditions, and material properties. Thus, many predictions must be prefaced by a statement of the probability of a certain outcome. Whether such statements qualify as predictions or not depends on one's definition of predict, but for the general public more precise predictions may be required before appropriate action is taken.
Extension of gray-brown mouse lemur (Microcebus griseorufus) activity period in a disturbed forest in southwestern Madagascar

Habitat disturbances may impact behaviors of animals, including their activity patterns. In southwestern Madagascar, timing of gray - brown mouse lemur activities was investigated in adjacent forests with different levels of human disturbance. Mouse lemurs were encountered more frequently during the second part of the night in the unfenced, more disturbed forest than in the fenced, less - disturbed forest. The extension of mouse lemur activity period in the unfenced forest may be due to differences in forest composition resulting in higher travel costs or a loss of canopy cover which may limit their use of torpor.
Development of inspection tool for live-line insulator strings in 154kV power transmission lines

The insulators in power transmission lines should be inspected periodically to prevent power failure. By measuring their insulation resistance and distribution voltage with a high resistance resistor at each probe, the developed inspection tool can reliably and safely detect faulty insulators in an insulator string. We confirmed its effectiveness through live-line performance tests.
Engineering education and research: TQM and R&D in bioengineering

The authors, who are in Bioengineering at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, are embarking on an exciting experiment in Engineering Education. The Whitaker Foundation has provided funds through its Special Opportunity Awards Program to involve M.S. and Ph.D. students in a structured Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to research and development in their thesis and dissertation work. This is a "value-added" program because the students can work on the same micro problems as in traditional graduate research; however, they are required to apply the tools of TQM in a team effort to the issue of customer satisfaction. This prepares the students to fit directly into the new culture that is now evolving in industry, therefore, enhancing employment opportunities. An educational track consists of specially designed courses to develop a knowledge base across the disciplines. The overlap between bioprocess and biomedical engineering is focused on cellular and molecular biology, stressing recombinant DNA technology. Basic bioscience, medical, law, and business students participate in solving the global problems associated with the production of biologicals. In the authors' research effort, the Protein C deficient patient is the target customer. Many interacting problems in basic science, upstream and downstream processing, drug administration and pharmocokinetics are available for interested engineering students. The legal, social, clinical, and business issues are considered as an integral component of bioproduct production and utilization.
Tort claims and adverse events in emergency medical services.

Study objective Emergency medical services (EMS) provide care to acutely ill or injured patients in settings less controlled than other health care environments. Although reports describing individual EMS adverse events exist, few broader descriptions exist. The objective of the study is to characterize the types, frequencies, and outcomes of adverse events associated with insurance tort claims against EMS providers. Methods We performed a retrospective review of insurance liability claims from a national insurer of EMS agencies. We studied closed and open insurance liability claims from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2004, arising from EMS response to or provision of patient care and associated with injury to patients or other individuals. We excluded events associated with employee injuries only, events with property or vehicle damage only, and emergency vehicle crashes with less than $10,000 in actual or predicted total incurred costs. We identified the category of the adverse event, the characteristics of the treating emergency units, the injured individuals, the associated injuries, and the estimated or actual total incurred costs. Results Among 326 claims included in the analysis, adverse events included emergency vehicle crash or movement (n=122; 37%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 32% to 43%), patient handling (n=118; 36%; 95% CI 31% to 41%), clinical management (n=40; 12%; 95% CI 9% to 16%), response or transport events (n=25, 8%; 95% CI 5% to 11%), and other events (n=33; 10%; 95% CI 7% to 14%). Associated injuries included death (n=54; 17%; 95% CI 13% to 21%), life-threatening or disabling injuries (n=25; 8%, 95% CI 5% to 11%), and non–life-threatening or other injuries (n=247; 76%; 95% CI 71% to 80%). The median estimated total incurred cost was $17,000 (interquartile range $7,000 to $42,000). Conclusion Emergency vehicle crashes and patient handling mishaps were the most common adverse events associated with tort claims against EMS agencies. Clinical management and other incidents were less common. This effort highlights potential areas for improving EMS operations and care.
Diabetic dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome

Summary As the incidence of the metabolic syndrome increases, the clustered cardiovascular risk factors that characterize this disorder are likely to contribute to an increased rate of cardiovascular disease. Among those risk factors, diabetic dyslipidemia may play a particularly important role in development of atherosclerosis. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as well as elevated levels of triglycerides and small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particles. Lifestyle modification remains as a cornerstone in the management of cardiovascular risk associated with the metabolic syndrome, but pharmacologic therapy may be required to address the risk associated with diabetic dyslipidemia. Statin treatment significantly lowers LDL-C and triglyceride levels and improves cardiovascular outcomes. Fibrates and niacin effectively lower triglycerides and can raise levels of HDL-C modestly but their use may be limited by issues of tolerability. Combination treatment with a statin and fibrate or niacin may be the best of currently available options to address diabetic dyslipidemia. Other drugs to elevate HDL-C levels are currently in development and may be useful to combine with statins for treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia.
Peptide analogues alter the progression of premalignant lesions, as measured by Photofrin fluorescence.

Abstract Somatostatin analogue RC-160 and bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide antagonist RC-3095 were infused at 2 micrograms per day via miniosmotic pumps implanted s.c. in hamsters with premalignant disease to examine the effect of these peptides on cancer promotion and progression. These analogues have been shown to inhibit growth of certain tumors, especially those that overexpress tyrosine kinase activity. Progression of premalignant lesions initiated by applying 0.5% 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) to the hamster buccal cheek pouch was measured by Photofrin-induced fluorescence 24 hr after injecting the porphyrin (1.0 mg/kg) by using in vivo fluorescence photometry. This method of monitoring progression was reaffirmed by the observations that fluorescence increased significantly as compared with controls in lesions receiving 4 additional weeks of continuous promotion by DMBA application (P < 0.01 in two independent trials) and in lesions receiving transient promotion by laser incision (P < 0.01 and < 0.05 at the same time in the two trials). Twelve weeks after treatment, fluorescence had decreased significantly among animals treated for 2 weeks with RC-3095 (control, 0.53 +/- 0.03 V vs. RC-3095, 0.28 +/- 0.03 V; P < 0.0005) or with RC-160 (control, 0.85 +/- 0.03 V vs. RC-160, 0.24 +/- 0.03 V; P < 0.0001). These data were obtained 20 weeks after DMBA initiation. Thus, treatment with RC-160 and RC-3095 decreased the progression, measured by fluorescence, compared with control animals. In addition, there was also an absolute continuous decrease in fluorescence for the 22 weeks after the cessation of RC-160 treatment. That the changes in tumor progression produced by RC-160 extended beyond the treatment period supports the hypothesis that the changes were irreversible. Histopathological analysis revealed normal tissue and/or mild-moderate dysplasia in hamster buccal mucosa treated with the RC-160 (an improvement compared to pretreatment), whereas 40% of the animals receiving no treatment after DMBA initiation developed invasive squamous cell carcinomas after 20 weeks. These results show that the antagonists of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide can delay the development of malignancies and the agonists of somatostatin can potentially reverse this development.
An analysis of long-term phytoplankton dynamics in Muskegon Lake, a Great Lakes Area of Concern

Long-term monitoring of aquatic ecosystems is essential to distinguish the effects of human-induced stressors from natural patterns of ecologic variation, especially in Great Lakes Area of Concern such as Muskegon Lake. Samples collected between 2003–2009, as part of a continuing long-term monitoring study of the lake, were analyzed to: 1) detect spatial and temporal patterns in the phytoplankton biovolume and species composition; 2) evaluate the environmental variables that regulate phytoplankton community composition changes; and 3) determine the ecological conditions under which toxin-producing Microcystis species occur. Distinct patterns in Muskegon Lake phytoplankton were not evident among sites, which can be explained, at least in part, by the well-mixed waters in this drowned river mouth system. However, surface and bottom samples within sites had significantly different biovolume and species composition, suggesting that horizontal mixing did not extend throughout the water column. Surface samples had greater phytoplankton biovolume than bottom samples, possibly because of greater irradiance. Seasonally, the least biovolume was recorded in spring samples, which were dominated by diatoms. Phytoplankton biovolume was greatest in the summer when cyanobacteria were abundant. Environmental variables that correlated highly with the ordination space defined by species composition included sulfate, specific conductance, total dissolved solids, and chloride. Results from regression tree analysis predicted increasing biovolume of Microcystis aeruginosa with increasing concentrations of the total Kjeldahl nitrogen. The seven-year period of this study did not reveal major changes in the lake's environment and phytoplankton communities, but the presence of invasive and toxin-producing species warrants their continued monitoring.
FEAR OF FAILURE AND RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOR.

Abstract : Sixty male sophomore high school students were given both a risk-taking task which was scored according to Atkinson's (1957) model and the TAT which was scored for hostile press according to Birney, Burdick, and Teevan (1960) in an attempt to identify 'fear of failure' persons. A chi square test of significance yielded a value of 4.27, df = 1, which is significant beyond the 5% level of confidence. The Ss making irrational choices on the risk task were high hostile press. Atkinson (1960) hypothesized that 'fear of failure' persons would not go to college, while the present study found that 15 of the 19 Ss who were enrolled in the college preparatory course of study were 'fear of failure'. (Author)
Prediction of Forage Quality from Remotely Sensed Data: Comparison of Cultivar-Specific and Cultivar-Independent Equations Using Three Methods of Calibration

Remote sensing of pasture canopies could reduce laborious field sampling procedures and provide timely information to ranch and livestock managers. This study evaluated partial least squares (PLS) regression, multiple linear regression with maximum r 2 improvement (MAXR), and artificial neural networks (ANN) for development of robust equations (i.e., cultivar-independent [CI]) to predict concentrations of nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) from hyperspectral remotely sensed reflectance data collected from six cultivars of live bermudagrass canopies. Specific study objectives were to: i) develop both cultivar-independent and cultivar-specific (CS) equations to predict N, NDF, and ADF from remotely sensed canopy reflectance, ii) validate the accuracy of these equations on a independent data set, iii) compare the results from the CS and CI equations to determine how well equations developed across cultivar perform relative to equations developed for a specific cultivar of bermudagrass, and iv) compare contributing wavelengths across calibration method.
Second-look operation for epithelial ovarian cancer: laparoscopy or laparotomy?

Objectives: To compare the results, complications, and hospital charges associated with laparoscopy versus laparotomy in second-look operations for epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 109 patients with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent a second-look operation between July 1, 1992, and June 30, 1995. Results: Thirty-one patients (28.4%) underwent laparoscopy, 70 patients (64.2%) underwent laparotomy, and eight patients (7.3%) underwent both procedures at the same operation. The majority of patients (60.6%) presented with stage IIIC disease. Persistent ovarian cancer was found in 65 of 109 (59.6%) patients, including 17 of 31 (54.8%) evaluated by laparoscopy, 43 of 70 (61.4%) by laparotomy, and five of eight (62.5%) by both procedures. Significantly lower mean blood loss was noted in patients undergoing laparoscopy (27 mL) compared with laparotomy (208 mL) (P Conclusion: Laparoscopy may be an acceptable alternative to second-look laparotomy for interval evaluation of epithelial ovarian cancer. Second-look laparoscopy probably results in less morbidity, shorter operating time, shorter hospital stay, and lower total hospital charges. These results require confirmation in a randomized clinical trial.
A Fast Level Set Method for Propagating Interfaces

A method is introduced to decrease the computational labor of the standard level set method for propagating interfaces. The fast approach uses only points close to the curve at every time step. We describe this new algorithm and compare its efficiency and accuracy with the standard level set approach.