cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bias in Markov models of disease

Abstract We examine bias in Markov models of diseases, including both chronic and infectious diseases. We consider two common types of Markov disease models: ones where disease progression changes by severity of disease, and ones where progression of disease changes in time or by age. We find sufficient conditions for bias to exist in models with aggregated transition probabilities when compared to models with state/time dependent transition probabilities. We also find that when aggregating data to compute transition probabilities, bias increases with the degree of data aggregation. We illustrate by examining bias in Markov models of Hepatitis C, Alzheimer’s disease, and lung cancer using medical data and find that the bias is significant depending on the method used to aggregate the data. A key implication is that by not incorporating state/time dependent transition probabilities, studies that use Markov models of diseases may be significantly overestimating or underestimating disease progression. This could potentially result in incorrect recommendations from cost-effectiveness studies and incorrect disease burden forecasts.
Competition for Talent under Performance Manipulation: CEOs on Steroids

We study how competition for talent affects CEO compensation, taking into consideration that CEO decisions and CEO skills or talent are not observable, and CEOs can manipulate performance as measured by outsiders. Firms compete by offering contracts that generate rents for the CEO. We derive the equilibrium compensation contract, and we describe how competition changes that contract and the outcome. Intuitively, competition increases realized CEO compensation. It also strengthens the incentive power of the contracts. While competition mitigates inefficiencies caused in its absence, it also generates inefficiencies of its own. Competition replaces a downward distortion by an upwards distortion (incentive power is excessively strong), and it switches the focus of equilibrium effort distortions from low-talent CEOs to high-talent CEOs. Competition leads to higher effort but also to more manipulation of measured performance. If the cost of manipulating performance is low, the distortions can outweigh those that are mitigated, and competition for talent may reduce the overall surplus. We discuss possible remedies, including regulatory limits to incentive compensation.
Three-Dimensional Metal Transfer Micromolded Microelectrode Arrays (MEAS) for In-Vitro Brain Slice Recordings

We report successful electrical characterization and electrophysiological recordings from hippocampal brain slices using metal transfer micromolded three-dimensional microelectrode arrays (3-D MEAs). These MEAs have been fabricated on polymer substrates using metal transfer micromolding. They have further been packaged on glass substrates and insulated using parylene deposition. Recording sites have been defined using laser micromachining and RIE etching. Initial electrical and electrophysiological characterization of the MEAs has been successfully demonstrated in this paper. We believe this fabrication approach enables manufacturing-friendly batch fabrication of truly disposable, biocompatible and cost-effective MEAs, which will be indispensable to the neurophysiology and pharmacology communities.
Fatigue rating scales: An empirical comparison

Background. There has been limited research comparing the efficacy of different fatigue rating scales for use with individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This investigation explored relationships between two commonly-used fatigue rating scales in CFS research, the Fatigue Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Theoretically, these scales have been described as measuring different aspects of the fatigue construct. The Fatigue Scale was developed as a measure of the severity of specific fatigue-related symptoms, while the Fatigue Severity Scale was designed to assess functional outcomes related to fatigue.Methods. Associations of these scales with the eight definitional symptoms of CFS and with eight domains of functional disability were examined separately in: (1) an overall sample of individuals with a wide range of fatigue severity and symptomatology; (2) a subsample of individuals with CFS-like symptomatology, and, (3) a subsample of healthy controls.Results. Findings revealed that both scales are appropriate and useful measures of fatigue-related symptomatology and disability within a general population of individuals with varying levels of fatigue. However, the Fatigue Severity Scale appears to represent a more accurate and comprehensive measure of fatigue-related severity, symptomatology, and functional disability for individuals with CFS-like symptomatology.
Esophageal Cancer: Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy

The incidence of esophageal cancer has increased more than 15 % in the past 20 years. It ranks fifth in mortality rate among cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) account for the majority of all esophageal cancers. In developed countries, the incidence of AC of the esophagus has increased dramatically over the past couple of decades, whereas the incidence of SCC has decreased. Distinction on how the different histology should dictate treatment approach is not clear. For now, there is little evidence to support different treatment regimens for these two carcinomas. Based on calculations from a pool of cancer registries, the survival rate for patients with esophageal cancer is 33 % at 1 year and 10 % at 5 years. Survival rate of patients with local resectable disease after curative resection at 3 years was 20 %.
Rehabilitation Following Orthopaedic Surgery in Children with Bone Tumors

Bone tumors and associated interventions can lead to a decrease in a child’s function in areas of mobility and activities of daily living. The degree of impairment can vary from complete dependence for these activities to subtle biomechanical changes that limit extracurricular participation. Rehabilitation efforts are directed at restoration of function and quality of life in children with new functional impairments. This chapter discusses the initial functional evaluation, the functional impact of different surgical interventions, the functional impact of chemotherapy and radiation, and functional considerations as the child ages. Some of the available rehabilitation options including prosthetics, bracing, therapy, and equipment are reviewed as well as the recommended education for families and patients regarding the rehabilitation process.
Commercial Bakers' View on the Meaning of "Local" Wheat and Flour in Western Washington State

Most existing efforts toward revitalizing local food production have focused on fresh produce and animal products, largely neglecting staple crops such as grains. Nevertheless, there has been increasing interest in many parts of the United States in relocalizing grain production. Wheat is the most commonly consumed grain in the United States. Commercial bakers could be important supply-chain intermediaries for locally grown wheat, but little is known about their attitudes toward local wheat and how they define local. We surveyed commercial bakers in western Washington State and interviewed experts involved with local wheat movements in other regions. Thirty-four percent of survey respondents defined local as within the state of Washington, 25 percent provided a multistate definition, and 14 percent provided a flexible (or reflexive) definition that referred to two or more geographic regions. Perceived barriers to purchasing local wheat included supply-chain, price, quality, and scale factors. We conclude with discussion of the opportunities and challenges for the relocalization of wheat flour supply chains.
From Friedrich Schleiermacher to Homi K. Bhabha: Foreignizing Translation from Above or from Below?

Antoine Berman has famously shown that Schleiermacher’s formulation of two methods of translating has been seminal in describing translation as an intersubjective encounter process, thus linking textual to cultural translation in the notion of Bildung. Two centuries later, Homi Bhabha makes two points about “cultural translation” strikingly in line with Schleiermacher’s move, especially in the accent put on the difference (and foreignness) of languages, as opposed to the transparent transfer of meaning inherent to the neo-platonic original/copy model. This paper aims to assess the ability of Bhabha’s broader concept of hybridity to offer way out of the weighty problem of the “genius” of languages, and of the idea that foreignizing practice should give the sense of some foreign essence or origin (be it Greek, German, Italian … or Kikuyu).
Analysis of Occupational Health Surveillance of Kunming Railway Administration in 2009

[Objective]To analyze the health status of workers with occupational hazards exposure in Kunming Railway Administration,and provide evidences for developing effective interventions and preventing occupational diseases.[Methods]Descriptive epidemiology was adopted to conduct statistical analysis on monitoring of occupational hazards and occupational health surveillance results of workers in Kunming Railway Bureau in 2009.[Results]The qualified rates of occupational hazards were 84.09% of dust,92.86% of toxicant,48.72% of noise,100% of other physical factors(hand-transmitted vibration,frequency electric field,high temperature).The rate of the occupational health surveillance was 97.44%.The rate of abnormity were high-frequency hearing loss 5.37%,abnormal chest radiograph 0.11%,ECG 6.52%,abnormal blood pressure 1.19% ;laboratory tests:blood system abnormity 3.10%,abnormal urine 3.42% ;4 workers with occupational contraindication.[Conclusion]The main occupational hazards are dust and noise.Integrated control of occupational diseases,occupational safety education and actively health promotion are all important.
THINKING HISTORICALLY ABOUT THINKING HISTORICALLY: IS HISTORICAL THEORY A HISTORICAL OR A METAHISTORICAL PRACTICE?

This intimidating and massive collection of twenty-nine extended, diverse essays by distinguished scholars, organized around the general theme of the current state and future direction of historical theory, raises some fundamental questions about historical theory as practiced over the past half century as well as about the distinctive nature of historical theory within the broader context of the production of historical knowledge. The editors of the volume suggest that the postmodern linguistic turn in historical theory, especially as articulated by Hayden White and Michel Foucault, marked a decisive, epochal turning-point in human historical self-consciousness, the attainment of a mature stage of autonomous metahistorical reflection on the essential nature of what it means to be historical, on historicity per se. What came before is imagined as a series of preliminary stages, what came after as a working out of implications and consequences. I suggest that a close reading of the implicit and explicit arguments of the individual essays reveals a rather different kind of historical moment, one in which postmodern historical theory has increasingly been demystified of its alleged metahistorical status, and has emerged as a situated object of historical reflection and thus has itself become increasingly defined as historical, recognized in its particularity as a temporally and culturally framed form of historical knowledge.
High tunnel and open field production of floricane- and primocane-fruiting raspberry cultivars

These cultivars produced annual yields of 5.5 kgm –1 row in the tunnel and 2.5 kgm –1 row in the field. The order of primocane harvest (earliest to latest) was the same in the tunnel and field: ‘Autumn Britten’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Chinook’, and ‘Heritage’. Cultivars with the greatest average berry weight in the tunnel and field were Encore and Nova (floricane) and Autumn Britten and Caroline (primocane). ‘Chinook’ and ‘Autumn Britten’ tended to have the highest incidence of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) of primocane-fruiting cultivars, but incidence was similar in floricane cultivars. Overall mold incidence was 1% in the tunnel and 13% in the field. Leaf spot (Sphaerulina rubi), cane anthracnose (Elsinoe veneta), spur blight (Didymella applanata), and botrytis cane blight (B. cinerea) were common in the field but absent in tunnel. Phytonutritional analyses of primocane fruit indicated that genotype differences were not consistent across the two environments. Relative cultivar characteristics (harvest season, yield, berry quality) were similar in the field and tunnels, but the tunnel environment tended to increase plant vigor, yield, and fruit quality and suppress several diseases.
The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists on growth hormone secretion in adult premenopausal women.

Suppression of the pituitary-gonadal axis by the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) has been used for a variety of endocrinological and gynecological disorders. The suppressive effect of GnRH-a on luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex steroid production is well documented. However, little is known regarding the effect of GnRH-a on other aspects of pituitary function. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of GnRH-a treatment on growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH)-stimulated GH release in premenopausal women. Eight control women and seven women, who were receiving a GnRH-a, were recruited. Before and after a bolus infusion of human GH-RH, blood samples were obtained over 3hours and analyzed for GH by immunoassay. Basal GH and insulin-like growth factor levels were not statistically different between the two groups. However, basal levels of estradiol and the integrated GH response after GH-RH were significantly lower in the GnRH-a treated women. The reduction in GH-RH-stimulated GH release in GnRH-a treated women may be attributed to diminished endogenous estrogen secretion, or to direct pituitary suppression by GnRH-a, or both.
Extraterrestrial Nanodiamonds in the Cosmos

Publisher Summary Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) carbon stars are a likely source of presolar nanodiamonds based on their pervasive dust production. The available data on isotopic compositions, microstructure, and trapped element abundances for meteoritic nanodiamonds are reviewed in terms of the origin, formation mechanisms, and alteration history of the nanodiamonds. Understanding the processes and conditions in astrophysical environments requires information across scale regimes that span a wide range. The study of the cosmos is no longer restricted to remote observation by gazing up at stars and galaxies through ground-based and orbital telescopes. The study of the microstructure and geochemistry of presolar stardust and direct specimens from distant stellar environments has proven to be a vital component of modern astronomy. Coupled with traditional astronomical observation, micro/nano-analysis of mineral specimens certainly reveals much information about the cosmos.
A Scalable Multitarget Tracking System for Cooperative Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In this paper, we present a decentralized multitarget tracking system for cooperative unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with limited sensing capabilities. The proposed system distributively incorporates a clustering algorithm, an optimal sensor manager, and an optimal path planner to track multiple mobile targets. A set of extended Kalman filters is used by each UAV to estimate the locations of mobile targets. The UAVs are equipped with gimbaled cameras with a limited field of view and sensing range. To make the system scalable, the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm is used to group targets, sensor managers determine optimal gimbal poses and path planners collectively coordinate UAVs’ movements. The effective performance of the proposed system is shown through simulation results.
Abstract 008: Statin Use and Its Facility Level Variation in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the Department of Veterans Affairs

Background: The 2013 ACC/AHA cholesterol guideline recommends high-intensity statin therapy in patients 75 years or younger and moderate-intensity statin therapy in patients > 75 years with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including those with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Statin prescribing patterns and their facility-level variation in patients with PAD are unknown. Methods: We examined the frequency and facility-level variation in the use of any and correct intensity of statins in patients with known PAD receiving primary care in 130 facilities across the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system with or without concomitant ischemic heart disease (IHD) or ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). We calculated the median rate ratios (MRR) adjusted for patient demographic factors to assess the magnitude of facility-level variation in statin prescribing patterns for comparable patients. Results: Among 194,151 patients with PAD, 88,905 (45.8%) had PAD without IHD (with or without ICVD) and 70,404 (36.3%) had PAD without IHD or ICVD. Rates of statin use in the entire PAD cohort, patients with PAD without IHD and PAD alone were 79.0%, 69.1% and 66.3%, respectively. Median facility-level rates of statin use were 78.9% (IQR 75.9-81.5), 69.2% (65.4-72.6) and 66.4% (62.6-70.1), respectively. Correct intensity statins were prescribed among 40.9% for the entire PAD cohort, 28.9% of those with PAD without IHD, and 26.4% of those with PAD alone. Median facility-level rate of correct statin intensity use in all PAD patients was 40.1% (36.4-44.2), 27.8% (24.1-32.4) for patients with PAD without IHD and 25.3% (10.8-29.7) in patients with PAD alone. Calculated MRRs reflected a 20-22% variation among two facilities in treating identical PAD patients with statin therapy and a 24-28% variation in treating identical patients with correct statin intensity (Table). Conclusions: The use of statin and especially correct statin intensity is suboptimal in PAD patients, especially in PAD patients without concomitant IHD or ICVD. There is a significant facility-level variation in the receipt of guideline directed statin therapy in PAD patients. Interventions are needed to improve guideline directed moderate to high-intensity statin use and to reduce variation in care in this high-risk group.
Association of vitamin D intake and serum levels with fertility: results from the Lifestyle and Fertility Study.

Objective To evaluate the role of vitamin D intake and serum levels on conception of clinical pregnancy and live birth. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical centers. Patient(s) Healthy, nulliparous women, age 18–39 years, and their male partners. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical pregnancy and live birth were compared between those who did or did not meet the vitamin D estimated average requirement (EAR) intake (10 μg/d) and with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) considered at risk for inadequacy or deficiency ( Result(s) Among 132 women, 37.1% did not meet the vitamin D EAR and 13.9% had serum levels at risk for inadequacy or deficiency. Clinical pregnancies were significantly higher among women who met the vitamin D EAR (67.5% vs. 49.0%) and with sufficient serum 25(OH)D (64.3% vs. 38.9%) compared with those who did not. Live births were higher among those who met the vitamin D EAR (59.0% vs. 40.0%). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of conceiving a clinical pregnancy was significantly higher among those who met the EAR (AOR = 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–4.86) and had sufficient serum 25(OH)D (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI, 1.06–10.70). The associations were not significant after controlling for selected nutrients and dietary quality. Conclusion(s) Women with vitamin D intake below EAR and serum 25(OH)D levels at risk for inadequacy or deficiency may be less likely to conceive and might benefit from increased vitamin D intake to achieve adequacy. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00642590.
Retrospective Cost Adaptive Control: Pole Placement, Frequency Response, and Connections with LQG Control

Avast range of technological systems-from aerospace vehicles to chemical processes to Segways-depend on feedback control. These applications typically rely on a combination of classical and modern control techniques, logic for mode switching, and diagnostics for fault detection to ensure safety and reliability, all of which are validated and verified through simulation and testing. A feedback control system is the quintessential cyberphysical system, in which real-time digital computing elements interact bidirectionally with the full complexity of the real world through noisy transducers and limited communication channels [1]. In many applications, the control system is crucial to safe operation, and the potential benefits of new ideas and techniques for feedback control must be weighed against the risk of unanticipated response and/or failure.
Mechanisms of ion transport regulation by parathyroid hormone: cAMP/Ca2+/calmodulin and phospholipid dependent phosphorylation.

Since 1976, when the function of the Na+ dependent phosphate symport of the renal brush border membrane (BBM) was first well described, numerous regulatory mechanisms of renal phosphate transport have been shown to exert effects on this carrier protein similar to their affect on proximal tubular phosphate transport (1,2). Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which decreases renal phosphate reabsorption, also causes a decrease in Na+ dependent phosphate transport in isolated brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) (3,4). This effect is exerted as a decrease in the Vmax of the carrier activity compatible with a mechanism acting through a decrease in the number of membrane functional units or a decrease in the overall activity of existing units. The mechanism of action of PTH has long been thought to occur through stimulation of adenylate cyclase, increasing c-AMP, and activation of a c-AMP dependent protein kinase (5,6).
Mindsets applied to fitness: Growth beliefs predict exercise efficacy, value and frequency

Abstract Objectives Two studies examined if individuals’ implicit theories, or mindsets, of fitness predict exercise behavior and whether self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. Design and methods Study 1 was a correlational study (n = 117) in which participants completed measures of mindsets of fitness, physical exercise self-efficacy, fitness self-value and exercising frequency. In Study 2, an experimental study (N = 314), participants were randomly assigned to read a news article portraying fitness as either malleable (growth condition) or static (fixed condition). Participants again completed measures of mindsets, physical exercise self-efficacy, and fitness self-value as well as future exercise intentions. Results In Study 1, mindsets of fitness predicted exercise frequency, with stronger growth mindsets positively relating to self-reports of exercise frequency. And, self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. In Study 2, we successfully manipulated fitness mindsets. Self-reported growth mindsets of fitness predicted greater exercise intentions and self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. However, the manipulation failed to predict exercise intentions. Conclusions Study 1 provided initial support for the relationship between stronger growth mindsets of fitness and greater exercise efficacy, value and past exercise frequency. Study 2 offered experimental evidence of the potential to foster stronger growth mindsets. We discuss implications for future intervention development.
ALS Patient Perspectives on Physician Assisted Death After Recent Passage of End of Life Options Act (P2.093)

Objective: Understand ALS patient and caregiver views on physician assisted death (PAD) in the setting of the new End of Life Option Act (EOLOA) in California. Background: PAD has become dramatically more available both nationally and internationally in recent decades. Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pursue this option more frequently than patients with similarly terminal illnesses. However, little is known about how many ALS patients are interested, what demographic or other factors are associated with desire to pursue PAD, and what disease-specific considerations should be accounted for. Design/Methods: After the EOLOA went into effect in California in June of 2016, we performed a cross-sectional analysis on patients at the UCSF ALS Center by distributing surveys to 56 patients eliciting both quantitative and qualitative information regarding individual and caregiver perspectives on end of life interventions. Continuous data was split into groups about the median and analyzed using Pearson’s chi square test. Results: 29 of the 56 patients studied to date were considering PAD, and 18 reported “worry about being a burden on loved ones” as reasoning. Those who were considering PAD were more likely to be white (p = .003), and college educated (p=.08). There were trends among the population considering PAD favoring a more recent diagnosis (p = .09) more recent symptom onset (p= .09), and a higher ALS Functional Residual Capacity (ALSFRS) score (p = .1). We found no association between behavioral impairment and consideration of PAD. Conclusions: In summary, our study confirms findings in the more general literature on PAD regarding racial and educational correlations, and contributes new evidence supporting significant general interest in this population and greater interest earlier in the disease process. We recommend exploration of patient concerns regarding PAD throughout the clinical progression of symptoms. Disclosure: Dr. Heinl has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lindeck-Pozza has nothing to disclose. Dr. Duong has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lomen-Hoerth has nothing to disclose.
Ventriloquist, Perfect Woman, The Caged Bird

Limp as cotton limbs, just swinging Unless there is a cold piece of metal singed through The parts that are most important to use when controlling the movements of a dummy;
Sediment Q β from Spectral Ratios of Converted Shear Reflections

Spectral ratios of the basement-converted shear reflections PS and PSSS on refraction seismograms are used to estimate the sediment shear quality factor Qβ .The spectral ratio method is tested on a variety of synthetic seismograms computed using the constant-Q dispersion relation ofKjartansson (1979). Qβestimates from synthetic seismograms were within 15% of the true Qβfor all sediment models tested, both in the presence of added noise, and with the use of a complicated source function. Tests on synthetic seis-mograms computed from realistic sediment models, composed of alternating layers with high impedance contrast between them, indicate that apparent attenuation due to intrabed multiples is not a significant loss mechanism between 5 and 15 Hz. The method is applied to 9 Hz horizontal component airgun-OBS refraction data collected over 356 m of primarily high-porosity biosiliceous clay in 5467 m of water near 44°N, 160°E. Effective Qβfor the sediment column was found to be 107 ± 15 (α = 0.255 ± 0.03 dB/λ) at 9 Hz.
Derivatization and separation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene metabolic products

2,4,6-Triaminotoluene (TAT), an oxygen sensitive metabolic product of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) reduction, was derivatized yielding oxygen stable products using a procedure previously employed for the stabilization of other O2sensitive TNT metabolic products. A HPLC method is presented that allows for the separation of diverse intermediates and products of TNT metabolism following the derivatization procedure. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
A Simon–Weiss model for supergranule flows and their cross-correlations

Supergranule revolution rate and lifetime can be measured by cross-correlating pairs of Doppler-velocity maps that have been filtered (by Hathaway's method) to remove other flows. As a conceptual framework for that analysis, this exploratory paper develops an idealized, phenomenological model of supergranule flows. Assumptions made about supergranule cells on the Sun's photosphere include: random location in space and time, and horizontal flows with circular symmetry and having a Simon–Weiss velocity function. Each supergranule is stable for a time, dies, and after a while, a daughter is born at a nearby position determined by a random walk. The effect on the cross-correlations of changing projection onto the line-of-sight as the Sun rotates is analyzed. The total cross-correlation for strips of constant latitude depends on two generic, slowly-varying projection functions. Effects of differential rotation and time-evolution are also considered. GONG observations of June 1994 show systematic variations in the width and shape of correlation peaks with latitude; our model suggests that projection effects alone can account for these without invoking any intrinsic variations of the supergranules.
Automating Feature Set Selection for Case-Based Learning of Linguistic Knowledge

This paper addresses the issue of "algorithm vs. representation" for case-based learning of linguistic knowledge. We first present empirical evidence that the success of case-based learning methods for natural language processing tasks depends to a large degree on the feature set used to describe the training instances. Next, we present a technique for automating feature set selection for case-based learning of linguistic knowledge. Given as input a baseline case representation, the method modifies the representation in response to a number of predefined linguistic biases by adding, deleting, and weighting features appropriately. We apply the linguistic bias approach to feature set selection to the problem of relative pronoun disambiguation and show that the casebased learning algorithm improves as relevant biasses are incorporated into the underlying instance representation. Finally, we argue that the linguistic bias approach to feature set selection offers new possibilities for case-based learning of natural language: it simplifies the process of instance representation design and, in theory, obviates the need for separate instance representations for each linguistic knowledge acquisition task. More importantly, the approach offers a mechanism for explicitly combining the frequency information available from corpus-based techniques with linguistic bias information employed in traditional linguistic and knowledge-based approaches to natural language processing.
Why Does the Shift from "Personalized Medicine" to "Precision Health" and "Wellness Genomics" Matter?

Efforts to conceptualize the application of human genomics to health care have displayed an evolving set of translational research goals. Under personalized genomic medicine
Studies of an Insect Mycosis. IV. The Physiology of the Host-Parasite Relationship of Platysamia Cecropia and Aspergillus Flavus

1. Diseased pupae of P. cecropia undergo a 20-fold increase in oxygen uptake as a result of parasitism by A. flavus; a substantial part of this increase is due to the metabolism of the host alone.2...
Potentiometric titration of gold, platinum, and some other precious metals with cetylpyridinium chloride

The precipitation titration of some precious metal halides vs. cetylpyridinium chloride was investigated, with emphasis on tetrachloroaurate and hexachloroplatinate. The optimum pH for titration of the latter anions was from 0.5 to 1.0. Differentiation of AuCl 4 − and PtCl 6 2− with this titrant is not feasible; their sum can, however, be determined. Titration vs. tetraphenylarsonium chloride at the same pH is successful only for AuCl 4 − which can, thus, be determined in the presence of PtCl 6 2− . Tetrachlororuthenate(IV), hexachlororhodate(III) and hexachloroiridate(III) did not yield analytically useful titration curves. Hexachloroosmate(IV), tetrachloropalladate(II), hexachloropalladate(IV), hexachloroiridate(IV) and tetrachloroplatinite(II) gave good titration curves.
CHAPTER 208 – cAMP Signaling in Bacteria

Great strides have been made in understanding the molecular mechanism of action by CAP and its response to cAMP; however, many questions remain. Despite extensive efforts to crystallize apo-CAP, its structure has not been determined. Over the past two decades, structural biology has contributed a great deal to understanding transcription and its regulation. RNA polymerase structures have provided a wealth of information about the basic mechanisms of transcription. Meanwhile, progress in solving the structuresof a large number of transcription factor DNA-binding domains bound to their specific sites has elucidated how transcriptional regulators bind DNA elements within promoters. Structural biology has only begun to address how transcriptional regulators, once bound to DNA, interact with the basic transcription apparatus. Understanding the molecular mechanism of CAP activation is an attainable goal and will provide a useful model for transcription activation in general. The structures of both RNA polymerase and the entire CAP protein are known, including the CAP regions thought to contact RNA polymerase. In addition, since there is no chromatin in prokaryotes, issues of DNA accessibility and chromatin remodeling are not relevant for transcription activation by CAP. Solving the prokaryotic DNA-CAP-polymerase structure would make an enormous contribution to understanding transcription activation even in eukaryotes.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Physics, Artifacts, and Quality Control Considerations

As digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) becomes widely used, radiologists must understand the basic principles of (a) image acquisition, (b) artifacts, and (c) quality control (QC) that are specific to DBT. Standard acquisition parameters common to both full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and DBT are combinations of x-ray tube voltage, current exposure time, and anode target and filter combinations. Image acquisition parameters specific to DBT include tube motion, sweep angle, and number of projections. Continuous tube motion or x-ray emission decreases imaging time but leads to focal spot blurring when compared with step-and-shoot techniques. The sweep angle and number of projections determines resolution. Wider sweep angles allow greater out-of-plane (z-axis) resolution, improving visualization of masses and architecture distortion. A greater number of projections increases in-plane or x-y axis resolution, improving visualization of microcalcifications. Artifacts related to DBT include blurring-ripple, truncation, and loss of skin and superficial tissue resolution. Motion artifacts are difficult to recognize because of inherent out-of-plane blurring. To maintain optimal image quality and an "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) radiation dose, regular QC must be performed. DBT is considered a new imaging modality; therefore, breast imaging facilities are required to obtain a separate certification in addition to that in FFDM, and all personnel (radiologists, technologists, and medical physicists) are mandated to complete initial DBT training and maintain appropriate continuing medical education credits. ©RSNA, 2019.
Researching Hate: Challenges to Tracking Hate Crimes & Practices for Collecting Better Data

In the months after the 2016 Presidential election, many institutions began to focus on deepening their ability to track and report hate crimes. Accurate data on hate crimes allow these organizations — including nonprofits — to advocate both for better prevention efforts and for more support to individual victims and victimized communities. Collecting robust data on hate crimes is one of the most important steps for creating policy responses to the problem. But tracking hate crimes remains difficult for a number of reasons. This report identifies the major challenges that victims, nonprofits, and government stakeholders face in their efforts to define, track, and report on hate crimes in America. These include the difficulties of data collection and pitfalls in drawing inferences from incomplete data. Based on a careful and considered analysis of these hurdles, this report proposes six recommendations tailored to nonprofits seeking to deepen their hate crime tracking efforts: 1. Collaborate with other nonprofits to reach victims and share the burden of collection efforts. 2. Consider adopting a uniform definition of a hate crime, separate from (and broader than) that used by the Uniform Crime Reporting system, to serve as a baseline for data comparison. 3. Review victim outreach strategy. With pooled resources, consider increasing outreach to and support of victims. 4. Be upfront about the shortcomings of data and cautious when making claims about trends over time. 5. If and where resources are available, consider a mixed methods approach for hate crime data collection. 6. Whatever the scope of the study, tailor data collection and analysis to fit its goals and resources. In developing these recommendations, this report’s primary audiences are nonprofit organizations that collect data on hate crimes. At the same time, this report aims to serve as a resource for collaboration between nonprofits, law enforcement, policymakers, and funding partners interested in supporting more robust hate crime data collection efforts. At its core, this report draws attention to the centrality of victims’ experiences, which are crucial to understanding and responding to hate crimes. It does so with the hope that improved reporting efforts will yield support for victims and prevent future hate crimes.
Preliminary study on the influence of in situ filter size in CFD-DEM transfer kernel

Abstract An unknown in coupled Eulerian‒Lagrangian models for particle flow, such as CFD-DEM, which has received fairly little attention in the literature to date is the size of the filter width in the transfer kernel. This work provides a preliminary glimpse at how this parameter can influence the solution in cold-flow, unbounded fluidization. Comparison to previously published direct numerical simulation data is used to suggest an appropriate range for this parameter.
Precision Medicine for Cigarette Smoking Addiction

Cigarette smoking addiction is the most common preventable cause of death in the United States. Prevention efforts are critical because once the addiction takes hold it is very difficult to treat and is marked by frequent abstinence attempts, relapse, and low sustained abstinence over time. As a result, harm reduction strategies may become increasingly important as the smoking population becomes more highly concentrated with people who have other comorbidities complicating treatment efforts.
Child health, household environment, temperature and rainfall anomalies in Honduras: a socio-climate data linked analysis

As climate research continues to highlight the global shifts in temperature and precipitation, more research is needed to understand how climate anomalies impact human health outcomes. In this paper, we analyze one of the paths through which climate anomalies affect health (in particular, child’s health) within one of poorest countries in the world (Honduras). Using the GPS location of the household, we link information on child health and house amenities from the Honduras Demographic Health Survey 2011–2012 dataset (a nationally representative sample) with climate data (1981–2012) from the Climate Research Unit (CRU TS3.21). We use generalized estimating equations for binary logistic models and spatial association to analyze these data. We show that 1) areas experiencing significant temperature anomalies are also the ones with the worst child respiratory problems and 2) in households with poor amenities – such as access to sanitation and clean water, children tend to have a high incidence of respiratory diseases and diarrhea . We conclude that, as climate change increases the incidence of climate anomalies, tackling in advance those household environmental factors responsible for poor child health outcomes (better sanitation and clean cooking fuel) can prevent a further deterioration of children’s health in Honduras.
3 – The Effect of Coal Usage on Human Health and the Environment

Coal has played a significant role in the advancement of civilization, and, as discussed in Chapter 2, it will continue to be a major fuel source for at least the next quarter of a century (EIA, 2013). The value of coal is partially offset by the environmental issues it raises. Some of these environmental issues also have impacts on human health.
Bandwidths Statistics from the Eigenvalue Moments for Harper-Hofstadter Problem

I propose a method for studying the product of bandwidths for the Harper-Hofstader model. This method requires knowledge of the moments of the midband energies. I conjectured a general formula for these moments. I computed the asymptotic representation for the product of bandwidths in the limit of a weak magnetic flux using Szego's theorem for Hankel matrices. I then give a first approximation for the edge of the butterfly spectrum and discuss its connection with P. Levy's formula for Brownian motion .
Delaying definitive resection in early stage (I/II) colon cancer appears safe up to 6 weeks.

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to determine if there is an impact of surgical delay on 5-year overall survival (OS) from early stage colon cancer, and if so, to define how long surgery can safely be postponed. Methods Using the NCDB, we compared early (14–30 days) and delayed surgery (31–90 days) in patients with Stage I/II colon cancer. Outcomes included OS at five years and odds of death. Results Delayed resection conferred a decreased 5-year OS of 73.0% (95% CI, 72.6–73.4), compared to early resection 78.3% (95% CI, 77.9–78.8). When time to surgery was divided into one-week intervals, there was no difference in the odds of death with delay up to 35–41 days (6 weeks), but odds of death increased by 9% per week thereafter. Conclusions These data support that definitive resection for early stage colon cancer may be safely delayed up to 6 weeks.
Time to surgery and complications in hip fracture patients on novel oral anticoagulants: a systematic review.

Early surgery has been consistently demonstrated to reduce complications and mortality in hip fracture patients. There remains no general consensus, however, regarding the optimal time to surgery for hip fracture patients who are on novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) on admission and its effect on clinical outcomes after surgery. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of preoperative NOAC therapy on time to surgery and postoperative complications in hip fracture patients. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library electronic databases. Relevant articles were identified and included if they: (i) included patients on NOAC therapy on admission who did not undergo reversal; (ii) included a control group of patients not on any anticoagulation; (iii) included time from admission to surgery; and (iv) included one of the following outcomes: blood transfusion, venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, readmission, and mortality. Nine studies were included with a total of 4,419 patients. There were 414 NOAC patients and 4,005 non-anticoagulated patients. Six of the nine studies found a significant increase in time to surgery for patients on NOAC therapy. Three of the seven studies that reported rates of blood transfusion found a significantly higher incidence of transfusion in patients on NOACs. None of the studies found a significant difference in VTE and stroke. One of the two studies that reported readmissions showed a higher risk of readmission for patients on NOACs. Eight of the nine included studies found no significant difference in postoperative mortality rates between the NOAC and control groups, with the remaining study finding a higher mortality rate only in patients on NOAC therapy who underwent fixation and not those who underwent arthroplasty. These mixed findings suggest that delay to surgery may not be warranted in the urgent surgical setting of patients on NOAC therapy who sustain hip fractures.
Learning from Broadcasts of Project Participation: The Selection of Second-Tier Actors During Project Venture Formation in the Movie Industry, 1931-40

The disintegration of project ventures after task completion creates challenges for the retention and transfer of knowledge to future projects. Consequently, it is not clear to what degree and under what conditions learning across projects occurs in project-venture settings. This study argues that the industry-wide broadcasting of project participants’ identities plays a key role in supporting performance-outcome learning during the formation of project-venture teams. In a stratified random sample of 233 U.S. movie projects between 1931-1940, performance-outcome learning affected the selection of second-tier participants. Such learning, however, was conditional on the industry-level availability of both project participant information and project performance for prior projects. Industry-wide broadcasting of participants’ identities by individual projects in the form of on-screen credits was sufficient to enable this form of performance outcome learning in the movie industry. The emergence of the internet has created similar industry-wide broadcasting opportunities for other project venture systems.
Joint Positioning-Communications: Constant-Information Ranging for Dynamic Spectrum Access

Spectral congestion limits the opportunities and performance of radio frequency (RF) systems. Spectral isolation sufficiently mitigates this congestion for a small number of users but does not offer a scalable solution once the entire spectrum is occupied. Dynamic resource management supports higher user densities by constantly renegotiating spectral access depending on need and opportunity. This approach promises efficient spectral access but is predicated on cooperation between different types of RF systems, which is a significant paradigm shift for many legacy technologies. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) rely on several different types of RF services such as radar, communications, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). RF Convergence demonstrates that many of these systems can be executed simultaneously using efficient cooperation strategies, which improves performance and limits spectral access. In this study, we demonstrate a simultaneous positioning, navigation, timing, and communications system that cooperatively executes multiple RF services. We define a "constant-information ranging" strategy that maintains constant information learned about an incoherent moving target by modulating the revisit interval to minimize the number of interactions. This significantly reduces spectral congestion and offers a control mechanism to dynamically manage spectral access. We validate the constant-information ranging algorithm in a simulation environment where we observe a 91% reduction in spectral access for a particular flight path while maintaining a 3 cm precision in ranging.