cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fecal Occult Blood Screening in the Minnesota Study: Role of Chance Detection of Lesions

Background: In the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study, annual fecal occult blood testing reduced mortality from colorectal cancer by at least 33.4%. Some attribute a large part of this reduction to chance detection of cancers by colonoscopies; rehydration of guaiac test slides greatly increased positivity and consequently the number of colonoscopies performed. This study was conducted to determine how much of the reduction resulted from chance detection. Methods: We used a mathematical model developed by Lang and Ransohoff to estimate the proportion of the 33.4% mortality attainable by chance alone. Applying the model requires the specification of five parameters: duration of follow-up, rate of compliance with fecal occult blood testing, rate of compliance with colonoscopy, positivity rate, and efficacy of colonoscopy in reducing colorectal cancer mortality. We took values for four of the five parameters directly from the Minnesota study. For the fifth parameter, efficacy of colonoscopy, we selected a value of 60%, based on the conclusions of another study. Whereas the Lang‐Ransohoff model selects persons for colonoscopy by chance alone, those with bleeding cancers would also be selected by sensitive fecal occult blood testing. We therefore adjusted the result of the Lang‐Ransohoff model for this dual detectability. Results: We found that 16%‐25% of the reduction in colorectal cancer deaths effected by fecal occult blood testing in the Minnesota study was due to chance detection; the remainder was due to sensitive detection. Conclusion: Chance played a minor role in the detection of colorectal cancers by fecal occult blood testing in the Minnesota study. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1997;89:1423‐8]
Communication Role Allocation for Joint Air Operations in a Network-Centric Environment

Joint Air Operations (JAO) are traditionally orchestrated using static vehicle roles assigned from command and control. With recent advances in information and communication technology and the increased need for a dynamic and flexible response, vehicles are expected to assume multiple roles over the course of a mission. In addition, this level of flexibility requires the capability for a vehicle to determine when to facilitate network communication. In this study, we develop an efficient mathematical model that can be used to dynamically assign vehicles to roles including the role of communication in a threat-filled environment. We compute rewards for role assignment based on the marginal benefit to the system and the risk to the individual vehicle. These rewards are utilized within an efficient network optimization formulation to allocate vehicle roles.
Identifying Insider-Based Jammers in Multi-Channel Wireless Networks

We consider the problem of identifying insider-based attacks in the form of jammers in multi-channel wireless networks, where jammers have the inside knowledge of frequency hopping patterns and any protocols used in the wireless network. We propose a novel technique, called ``alibi'', to identify the insider-based jammers in multi-channel wireless networks. Alibi is a form of defense whereby a defendant attempts to prove that he or she was elsewhere when the crime in question was committed. Starting from such simple concept, we develop an alibi framework to cope with insider-based jamming attackers in various situations including single/multiple jammer and lossy channels. We evaluate the framework according to several properties such as accuracy, detection time and network performance via TOSSIM simulation and analysis. The overall results of these protocols show a promising research direction to deal with insider-based jamming attacks.
A low-area interconnect architecture for chip multiprocessors

A new inter-processor communication architecture for chip multiprocessors is proposed which has a low area cost and flexible routing capability. To achieve a low area cost, the proposed statically-configurable asymmetric architecture assigns large buffer resources only to the nearest neighbor interconnect and much smaller buffer resources for long distance interconnect. To maintain flexible routing capability, each neighboring processor pair has two connecting links. Compared to a traditional dynamically-configurable interconnect architecture with symmetric buffer allocation and single-links between neighboring processor pairs, this implementation has approximately 2 times smaller communication circuitry area with a similar routing capability. Area and speed estimates are obtained with the physical design of seven chips in 0.18 mum CMOS.
Prehypertension: To Treat or Not To Treat Should No Longer Be the Question

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Selassie et al1 that progression from prehypertension to full-blown hypertension occurs more rapidly in blacks, with 50% transitioning to hypertension within 1.7 years compared with 2.7 years in whites. Although the authors highlight the importance of controlling prehypertension, we feel that …
Aminoguanidine inhibits aortic hydrogen peroxide production, VSMC NOX activity and hypercontractility in diabetic mice

Background Dysfunctionally uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is involved in producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the diabetic endothelium. The present study investigated whether anti-diabetes drug Aminoguanidine (AG) has any effect on eNOS function and vascular oxidant stress.
Optimization of the NLC final focus system

An optimization scheme for final focus systems is discussed and applied to the NLC design. The optical functions at the defocusing sextupoles, the sextupole strength, and the length of the system must obey eight conditions that are imposed by the spot size increase due to higher-order aberrations, the effects of synchrotron radiation in the bending magnets, power supply ripple, magnet vibration tolerances, and the estimated orbit stability at the sextupoles. These eight conditions determine the minimum optimum length of the system. The NLC final focus design was shortened to this optimum.
Concept of a nutritious food: toward a nutrient density score

The American diet is said to be increasingly energy-rich but nutrient-poor. To help improve the nutrient-to-energy ratio, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that consumers replace some foods in their diets with more nutrient-dense options. Such dietary guidance presupposes the existence of a nutrient density standard. However, a review of the literature shows that the concept of a nutritious food is not based on any consistent standards or criteria. In many cases, healthful foods are defined by the absence of problematic ingredients-fat, sugar, and sodium-rather than by the presence of any beneficial nutrients they might contain. Past attempts to quantify the nutrient density of foods have been based on a variety of calories-to-nutrient scores, nutrients-per-calorie indexes, and nutrient-to-nutrient ratios. The naturally nutrient rich (NNR) score, which is based on mean percentage daily values (DVs) for 14 nutrients in 2000 kcal food, can be used to assign nutrient density values to foods within and across food groups. Use of the NNR score allows consumers to identify and select nutrient-dense foods while permitting some flexibility where the discretionary calories are concerned. This approach has implications for food labeling, nutritional policy making, and consumer education. The Food and Drug Administration has considered approving nutrient claims based on the ratio of a beneficial nutrient to the food's energy content, as opposed to a specified minimum amount of a nutrient per serving size. Given the current dietary trends, the nutrient density approach can be a valuable tool for nutrition education and dietary guidance.
A Frobenius approximation reduction method (FARM) for determining optimal number of hidden units

A least-square approximation method is proposed to reduce the number of hidden units of a trained multilayer perceptron artificial neural network structure. In this method, the hidden neurons that contribute the most to the net function of the output layer are retained while the hidden units that contribute the least are removed. It is shown theoretically that the proposed method minimizes the Frobenius norm of the approximation error, hence the name Frobenius approximation reduction method. Also reported are simulation results on ECG classifications. The results support the theoretical predictions arid yield very encouraging performances. >
Surface studies of nitrogen implanted TiO2

Rutile TiO2(1 1 0) single crystals have been doped by nitrogen-ion implantation. The change in the valence band and in the core level peak shapes are characterized by photoemission spectroscopy. Surface morphologies are characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy. N-dopants are observed to be in a 3� charge state and to substitute for O-anions in the TiO2 lattice for N-concentrations up to � 5% of the anions. The higher valency of the N-dopants compared to the host O-anions is proposed to be compensated by the formation of O-vacancies and/or Ti-interstitials. Two chemically shifted components arise in the Ti-2p core level upon N-doping. These components, shifted by 0.9 eV and 2.1 eV, are assigned to Ti-bound to N-ligands and possibly due to O-vacancies in the lattice. The Ti-3d band gap state observed in UPS is initially suppressed upon room temperature N-implantation and recovers a similar intensity as for undoped TiO2 samples upon annealing. This indicates that electrons left behind upon creation of O-vacancies are filling the N2p level rather than Ti-3d states. The filled N-2p state is found at the top of the TiO2 valence band and is believed to be responsible for the band gap narrowing of N-doped TiO2 that shifts the photoactivity of TiO2 into the visible spectrum. � 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Covert Sensitization: Alternative Treatment Procedures for Alcoholism

Twenty-nine outpatients (24 men) with a history of problem-drinking and alcohol dependence were assigned at random to one of three covert sensitization procedures varying in the nature of stimulus elements in aversion scenes. Group 1 received standard nausea imagery, whereas Group 2 received similar scenes “assisted” by noxious odors. Imagery used in Group 3 scenes was unrelated to nausea but focused instead on disturbing potential consequences of drinking. The occurrence of conditioned aversion responses (CR) was verified by observational, self-report and physiological measures. The observed pattern and frequency of conditioning corresponded closely to data reported by Elkins (1980). Favourable outcomes at 18 months (abstinent, controlled or improved) were observed in 45, 56 and 67% of clients in each group, respectively. The groups did not differ significantly in effectiveness. Within both of the nausea sensitization groups (1 and 2), successful remission at 18 months occurred only in individuals who had shown CR, whereas in emotive sensitization (Group 3) there was no apparent relationship between conditioning and outcome.
Rac1-Mediated Endocytosis during Ephrin-A2- and Semaphorin 3A-Induced Growth Cone Collapse

Negative guidance molecules are important for guiding the growth of axons and ultimately for determining the wiring pattern in the developing nervous system. In tissue culture, growth cones at the tips of growing axons collapse in response to negative guidance molecules, such as ephrin-A2 and semaphorin 3A. The small GTPase Rac1 is involved in growth cone collapse, but the nature of its role is not clear. Rac1 activity assays showed that Rac1 is transiently inactivated after treatment with ephrin-A2. Ephrin-induced growth cone collapse, however, correlated with resumption of Rac1 activity. We demonstrate that Rac1 is required for endocytosis of the growth cone plasma membrane and reorganization of F-actin but not for the depolymerization of F-actin during growth cone collapse in response to ephrin-A2 and semaphorin 3A. Rac1, however, does not regulate constitutive endocytosis in growth cones. These findings show that in response to negative guidance molecules, the function of Rac1 changes from promoting actin polymerization associated with axon growth to driving endocytosis of the plasma membrane, resulting in growth cone collapse. Furthermore, Rac1 antisense injected into the embryonic chick eye in vivo caused the retinotectal projection to develop without normal topography in a manner consistent with Rac1 having an obligatory role in mediating ephrin signaling.
Phase-retrieval and intensity-only reconstruction algorithms for optical diffraction tomography

We compare two methods of reconstructing the complex index-of-refraction distribution of a scattering object from optical scattering data obtained in a set of scattering experiments employing incident monochromatic plane waves. The first method generates an approximate reconstruction directly from the far-field intensity, which is measured as a function of scattering angle for each incident plane wave. The second method uses an iterative phase-retrieval algorithm to extract the phase of the scattered field over any given plane from the measurement of the intensity of the total field over that plane and from a priori object-support information. The reconstruction is then performed from the scattered field that is so determined by using the filtered backpropagation algorithm of diffraction tomography. We compare the performance of the two procedures on computer-simulated and experimental scattering data.
Analog-to-digital converter effects on airborne radar performance

In order to evaluate A/D (analog/digital) converter effects on airborne radar performance, a polynomial A/D converter model based on measured harmonic levels of a 14-bit A/D converter has been developed. The model has been validated by comparing the measured spurious-free dynamic range of the A/D converter at different amplitude levels and frequencies with the simulated data from the model. The comparison shows that the model captures the roll-off in spurious-free dynamic range due to increasing input frequency and causes small ripples across frequency and input power levels. The model has been included in an airborne radar simulation to evaluate the effect of internal noise and nonlinearities of the A/D converter on the radar performance. It is concluded from 50 Monte Carlo simulation runs for two cases-ideal A/D converter and A/D converter with nonlinearities-that the number of false alarms and subclutter visibility are not significantly degraded by nonlinearities for this 14-bit A/D converter for the case of mainbeam land clutter at broadside. >
A multi-frame based motion estimation for semantic object tracking in the presence of occlusion

Motion estimation in the presence of occlusion is a wide open research field. As such, a critical component of the research is formulating a computational framework. A distinguishing aspect of our motion estimation scheme for solving the occlusion problem is that it cleanly handles the situation where the tracked features appear in different frames and, as features become unobservable, new features may need to be incorporated. As opposed to employing a 2D parametric motion model which restricts the object to a planar surface, we use a 3D motion model to capture the object motion and shape vectors. The precise 3D contour of the tracked object is fine-tuned within a predicted potential field.
Experimental and Numerical Studies of Molecular Uptake Dynamics in HL-60 Cells Induced by Pulsed Electric Fields

Experimental and numerical studies have been conducted to investigate molecular uptake by HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells induced by pulsed electric fields (PEFs). In experiments, we examined the internalization of a fluorescent marker, propidum iodide (PI), in HL-60 cells after exposure to 40 mus PEFs of variable amplitudes under fluorescence microscopy. General trends in PEF-induced intracellular molecular internalization as a function of time were observed and categorized. Two types of uptake response were identified: a gradual, low-level uptake that starts almost immediately after the PEF but persists for hundreds of seconds, and a rapid, high-level uptake that can be delayed by hundreds of seconds after the PEF. Presently, we are conducting quantitative measurements of PI uptake in order to establish the relationship between electric-field dosimetry and fluorophore uptake.
Hemorheology and Hemodynamics

ABSTRACT From the perspective of blood flow, blood has some unusual properties: it is a suspension of blood cells of which the red blood cells are most numerous and are both deformable (at moderate and high flow rates) and will aggregate under conditions of slow flow. Also, the cellular volume concentration is high (about 40-45%). These features cause blood to have variable viscosity, dependent on flow conditions, and cause both red blood cell sedimentation and syneresis effects under slow flow conditions (which can lead to rheological artifacts). These effects also cause unusual flow phenomena when blood flows in systems of small diameter vessels (especially for diameters of about 500 μm or less). These phenomena are seen in non-uniform cell distributions in vessel cross sections, a cell-poor layer of mostly blood plasma at vessels walls, non-proportionate cellular distribution during blood flow through vascular bifurcations, which leads to a very wide distribution of vessel cellular concentrations (from...
Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences

This mixed methods study explored the dynamics of interaction within a self-paced online learning environment. It used rich media and a mix of traditional and emerging asynchronous computer-mediated communication tools to determine what forms of interaction learners in a self-paced online course value most and what impact they perceive interaction to have on their overall learning experience. This study demonstrated that depending on the specific circumstance, not all forms of interaction may be either equally valued by learners or effective. Participants differentiated among the various learning interactions available and indicated that informal interactions were as important as formal interactions in determining the quality of the online learning experience. Participants also reported the activity of blogging as being equally valued and in some ways superior to instructor-directed asynchronous discussion via the discussion board in a learning management system.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Iris

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens obtained from nine consecutive iris lesions were examined. The lesions included primary malignant melanoma (four cases), metastatic melanoma, metastatic adenocarcinoma, leukemic infiltrate, lymphocytic infiltrate, and epithelial ingrowth. Subsequent histopathologic correlation was performed in all cases. Patient treatment influenced by the results of the FNABs included enucleation (three cases), clinical observation (two cases), external beam irradiation (two cases), resection, and radioactive plaque application. No complications occurred from the FNABs. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the iris can be performed with local anesthesia at the slit lamp as an outpatient procedure. In general, FNAB is a safe, effective method of obtaining diagnostic material from primary neoplastic, secondary neoplastic, and degenerative processes involving the iris. Limitations of the procedure include discrepancies in interpretation of the cytologic study and inadequate specimen.
Timing of Sonic hedgehog and Gli1 expression segregates midbrain dopamine neurons

The ventral midbrain (vMb) is organized into distinct anatomical domains and contains cohorts of functionally distinct subtypes of midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons. We tested the hypothesis that genetic history and timing of gene expression within mDA neuron progenitors impart spatial diversity. Using Genetic Inducible Fate Mapping to mark the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Gli1 lineages at varying embryonic stages, we performed a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the two lineages’ contribution to the mDA neuron domains. Dynamic changes in Shh and Gli1 expression in the vMb primordia delineated their spatial contribution to the E12.5 vMb: Both lineages first contributed to the medial domain, but subsequently the Gli1 lineage exclusively contributed to the lateral vMb while the Shh lineage expanded more broadly across the vMb. The contribution of both lineages to the differentiated mDA neuron domain was initially biased anteriorly and became more uniform across the anterior/posterior vMb throughout development. Our findings demonstrate that the early Shh and Gli1 lineages specify mDA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta while the late Shh and Gli1 lineages maintain their progenitor state longer in the posterior vMb to extend the production of mDA neurons in the ventral tegmental area. Together, our study demonstrates that the timing of gene expression along with the genetic lineage (Shh or Gli1) within the neural progenitors segregate mDA neurons into distinct spatial domains.
Vacancy-vacancy and vacancy-electron interactions in TiOx

Abstract Quantitative measurements have been made of the diffuse scattering from TiO x , single crystals with both quenched specimens and specimens at high temperatures above the ordering reaction. These measurements indicate that there are strong vacancy-vacancy interactions in the fifth and sixth neighbor shell around a vacancy ( J 5 and J 6 ). Also there is evidence for scattering due to the Fermi surface which arises from vacancy-electron interactions ( J ′), not phonon-electron interactions. The energies of these interactions have been measured: J 5 ≅ 4 meV, J 6 ≅ 9 meV. J ′ ≅ 70 meV. These interactions exhibit correlation lengths of the order of 8 nm.
Darstellung von trans‐4‐Diphenylphosphinyl‐stilbenen

Synthesis of trans-4-Diphenylphosphinyl Stilbenes The reaction of 4-tolyl-diphenylphosphine oxide with N-bromosuccinimide results in 4-diphenylphosphinyl benzylbromide 5 which can be easily converted to (4-diphenylphosphinyl)-benzyl triphenylphosphonium bromide 6 and (4-diphenylphosphinyl)-benzyl diphenylphosphine oxide 7, respectively. In the presence of strong bases 6 and 7 react with aromatic aldehydes 8 to the 4-diphenylphosphinyl substituted stilbenes 1. The yields depend on the nature of base and solvent. The trans configuration of 1 is determined by i.r. and 1H-n.m.r. measurements.
Microbiological Evaluation of Navy Bean Protein Concentrate and Its Blend With Retail Ground Beef

A protein concentrate (NPC), obtained by alkali extraction of navy beans, was used as a model medium for microbial growth. Only three among eight bacterial cultures (Pediococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp and Streptococcus spp) grew better on mediums with NPC than on the control nutrient broth. Retail ground beef with and without 5%, 10%, and 15% NPC was wrapped with plastic film and stored up to 6 days at 4°C. Aerobic plate count, psychrophiles, coliforms, yeasts and molds were determined at 0, 3, and 6 days. All levels of NPC added to ground beef had a significant influence on aerobic plate count and coliforms. Growth of psychrophiles and yeasts and molds was not affected by NPC. Lactobacillus spp was a dominant part of the microflora of all samples.
Rohner Textiles: Cradle-to-Cradle Innovation and Sustainability

This minicase is one of 10 in a set of short cases written to illustrate the business benefits companies realize through adopting sustainable business strategies. This case describes the supply chain management and internal changes by Swiss firm Rohner, a commercial fabric manufacturer, as it transformed its strategy from conventional production to benign fabric based on the application of cradle-to-cradle design. The case illustrates the way firms can turn sustainability ideas into growth and differentiation opportunities.
Communicating visual identities on ethnic museum websites

This article combines qualitative and quantitative content analysis to explore the websites of 43 ethnic museums in the United States. The use of multiple modes of communication to represent ethnic...
A test for a threshold in an ordered sequence of correlated proportions.

SUMMARY A test procedure using chi-square statistics is proposed for determining a threshold in an ordered sequence of correlated proportions. The procedure is based on the multivariate Bernoulli model. It is applied to the problem of ascertaining when visual acuity has stabilized in a group of patients with regular follow-up after a vision-reducing acute abnormality.
A note on the mechanism of the Marchi reaction in degenerating myelin.

Behandelt man degenerierendes Myelin gleichzeitig mit derSwank-Davenport-Losung und Triton X 100, so wird dieMarchi-Reaktion, die gewohnlich durch dieSwank-Davenport-Losung ausgelost wird, im wesentlichen verhindert. Dies stimmt mit fruheren Befunden uberein. Das Ergebnis deutet darauf hin, dass diese Verhinderung durch Triton X 100 aus der Loslichkeit des normalerweise unloslichen Kaliumchlorats in degenerierendem Myelin resultiert.
Spermatium-Trighogyne Relationship in Gelasinospora Calospora Var. Autosteira

Although experimental work has shown that spermatia are effective as fertilizing agents in a number of Ascomycetes (Dodge, 1932; Ames, 1932; Drayton, 1932; Dimock, 1937; Groves and Drayton, 1937; and Zickler, 1934, 1937), the mechanism by which fusion between the spermatium and the receptive hyphae is effected has been shown in relatively few genera. Higgins (1936) illustrated the long, tapering trichogynes of Mycosphaerella tulipifera with attached spermatia, and described the migration of the spermatial nucleus into the ascogonium. Ames (1934) demonstrated the probable method of plasmogamy in Pleurage anserina, and Zickler (1937, 1953) has described the process, including migration of the spermatial nucleus into the ascogonium, in considerable detail for Bombardia lunata. Shoemaker (1955) has reported observing enucleate spermatia attached to trichogynes within six hours after spermatization in Cochlioboluls sativus.
362 AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING IN THE DIALYSIS POPULATION: IS IT ESSENTIAL?

Background Hypertension is endemic in the dialysis population. Nephrologists rely on routine blood pressure (RBP) measurements of predialysis blood pressure (Pre-BP) and postdialysis blood pressure (post-BP) to assess hypertension. Current K-QOQI guidelines recommend target pre-BP and post-BP of 140/90 and 130/80 mm Hg, respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of RBP to ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) measurements and to determine the burden of uncontrolled hypertension in our hemodialysis population with ABP measurements. Methods RBP measurements were made by trained dialysis staff with patients after sitting 5 minutes before and after dialysis. Six RBP measurements were averaged, pre- and postdialysis. ABP was measured between the fifth and sixth RBP measurement over the 44-hour interdialytic period with Spacelab ABP monitors. Mean ± SD BP (mm Hg) using both techniques was compared using the paired t-test. Results With n = 35, the mean ABP was 135.5 ± 22.8/80.3 ± 15.1. Mean pre-BP averaged 162.6 ± 22.4/88.2 ± 13.9 (p Conclusion ABP demonstrates BP significantly less than either the pre/post dialysis blood pressures. Routine pre/post blood pressures therefore may overestimate the true burden of hypertension in this patient population. When blood pressure is measured using an average of ABP, a significantly lower percentage of participants were above blood pressure targets.
Analysis of monitoring results of Baiyun District in 2013 events of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in Guangzhou City

Objective Master the epidemic status of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in Baiyun District of Guangzhou City, and provide scientific basis for formulating control measures. Methods Application of monitoring points of the Baiyun district hospital reported, by the District disease cardiovascular disease prevention and control center to collect and audit for statistical analysis. Results Guangzhou residents Baiyun District in 2013, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease incidence rate of 328.86/10 million, standardized incidence rate of 22.56/10 million;the mortality rate of 33.22/10 million,the standardized mortality rate was 1.87/10 million;the incidence of male cardiovascular disease rate of 372.07/10 million, theincidence of female cardiovascular disease rate of 285.20/10 million, the mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease mortality rate of 33.64/10 million, 32.81/10 million women's cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality was higher in males than in females. The cerebrovascular disease incidence rate of 299.36/10 million, cerebrovascular disease mortality of 28.21/10million;cardiovascular disease incidence rate of 29.49/10 million, the mortality rate of cardiovascular disease of 5.01/10 million, cerebral vascular disease morbidity and mortality is higher than cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease morbidity and mortality and significantly increased with the increase of age, the incidence of elderly people aged 60 years and above the total incidence of 76.21%, the number of elderly people over 60 years old,death accounted for 80% of total deaths.Conclusion With the increase of aging population, increased cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases showed a rising trend, attention should be paid to the prevention and control of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Design of a Professional Practice Simulator for Educating and Motivating First-Year Engineering Students.

ABSTRACT Increasingly, first-year engineering curricula incorporate design projects. However, the faculty and staff effort and physical resources required for the number of students enrolled can be daunting and affect the quality of instruction. To reduce these costs, ensure a high quality educational experience, and reduce variability in student outcomes that occur with individual design projects, […]
[Effect of treatment and HIV drug resistance of 81 cases of HCV/HIV co-infected individuals who had received AIDS second-line antiretroviral treatment in Henan province].

Objective To understand the one-year effect of HCV/HIV co-infected patients who had received AIDS second-line antiretroviral treatment after failure virologically, on the first-line therapy. Methods HCV and HIV antibody positive patients who had experienced virological failure but received at least one-year AIDS first-line treatment, were recruited from May to October 2012 in Xincai, Queshan and Weishi of Henan province. 6-months and 12-months follow-up programs were carried out after the regimen had been changed to AIDS second-line antiretroviral treatment, CD4+ T lymphocyte count, HIV-1 virus load and HIV-1 drug resistance were performed. Results Eighty-one cases of eligible patients were selected and followed by an amelioration of CD4 median at 6-month and 12-month follow-up period. Data showed that the baseline, 6-months and 12-months CD4 medians were 266 cells/μl, 275 cells/μl and 299 cells/μl (χ2=8.214, P=0.009). The ratio of HIV virus load suppression patients at 6-months and 12-months follow-up increased to 46.84% and 50.00%, respectively. Frequencies of HIV drug resistance also decreased at the baseline, 6-months and 12-months, with ratios as 66.67%, 26.58% and 27.63% (χ2=29.362, P=0.000) , respectively. Ratios of patients that holding NRTI and NNRTI drug resistance appeared coinstantaneous decrease at the baseline, 6-months and 12-months, as 51.85%, 18.99% and 17.11% (χ2=14.230, P=0.005). At the baseline, the ratios of patients resisted to 3TC, ABC and FTC were all more than 50%, with AZT, D4T and DDI between 41%-44% while TDF appeared as 33.33%, then all of them declined to 12%-18% at the 6-month and 12-month follow-up periods. 65.43% of the patients resisted to both NVP and EFV but declined to 24%-27% at 6 months and 12 months. Conclusion HCV/HIV co-infected patients experienced virological failure of AIDS first-line therapy were ameliorated after changing to use second-line antiretroviral treatment for 6-months, but did not show constant positive effect at the 12-month end point. Key words: HCV/HIV co-infected; AIDS second-line therapy; HIV drug resistance
Finding the Perfect Match: Creating a Structured Interview Tool to Choose Candidates for Global Health Electives

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive, structured interview tool to select candidates for increasingly popular global health electives, we set out to invent a tool assessing global health competencies. Key competencies were selected based on predominance in literature and then were ranked based on necessity for successful global health educational experience through an online survey of experts in the field. A scoring system was created using these results, and a narrative-based interview guide was constructed to assess each of the global health competencies. Next steps include determining the value and reliability of the interview tool through a pilot study.
Early Diagnosis and Screening for Ovarian Cancer

This chapter reviews some of the cellular and pathologic models that support a multistep oncogenic process from a single ovarian epithelial cell that that provides a rationale for screening. The chapter discusses risk factors and current screening guidelines. Making a diagnosis of early stage ovarian cancer is an extremely difficult task. However, survival is better in early-stage ovarian cancer leading to attempts being made for early detection through tumor markers and screening strategies. CA125 is one of the widely used tumor markers, that has proved beneficial in the detection of ovarian cancer. Other methods used for cancer screening include: ultrasonography and morphology scoring indices. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are varied and include: abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, flatulence, bloating, mild digestive disturbances, and pelvic pain. The time required to develop an invasive cancer is unknown. Early detection is significant for improved treatment outcome, as measured by a reduction in morbidity and mortality, in a group of individuals at risk for developing this disease. It is important for all the women to undergo annual pelvic examination as part of routine medical care. The long-term goal of screening approaches is to prevent the onset of the disease by risk-reduction interventions, including chemoprevention and prophylactic surgery.
Antepartum Causes of Encephalopathy

Adverse factors in the family and maternal history, pregnancy, and birth related to the occurrence of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) in full term newborn infants were evaluated in a matched case-control study at the Institute for Child Health Research, West Perth, and the Department of Neonatology, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiacco, Western Australia.
The Patient Experience with Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogenous group of rare tumors that involve the connective tissue in the body (e.g. muscle, tendons). As with many rare tumors, little is known about the impact of STS on patient well-being. The aim of this review was to better understand current knowledge related to patient experience and quality of life (QOL) following diagnosis of STS. A systematic review of English-language articles published from 2005 to 2015 was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, and Evidence-Based Medicine databases. The review included recent conference proceedings and advocacy websites. Articles were eligible if they included adult STS patient-reported outcomes (PROs) or details on patient experience. Overall, 3430 articles were identified and 20 were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 14 were clinical studies that included PRO measures, 1 summarized PRO measures used in STS studies, and 5 described the STS patient experience. Patients with STS report a range of impacts on QOL, including emotional well-being, body image, functional deficit following surgery, and practical considerations such as child care and work. Few studies have published either qualitative or quantitative data on the patient experience with STS. While STS has a measurable impact on QOL, there is a lack of detailed information in the published literature. Although PROs are used in clinical studies of STS, they are not STS-specific and may not capture the unique needs of this population. There is a need for qualitative research to better understand both patient and caregiver experiences in STS.
Mineralogical Results from the Mars Science Laboratory Rover Curiosity

NASA's CheMin instrument, the first X-ray Diffractometer flown in space, has been operating on Mars for nearly five years. CheMin was first to establish the quantitative mineralogy of the Mars global soil (1). The instrument was next used to determine the mineralogy of a 3.7 billion year old lacustrine mudstone, a result that, together with findings from other instruments on the MSL Curiosity rover, documented the first habitable environment found on another planet (2). The mineralogy of this mudstone from an ancient playa lake was also used to derive the maximum concentration of CO2 in the early Mars atmosphere, a surprisingly low value that calls into question the current theory that CO2 greenhouse warming was responsible for the warm and wet environment of early Mars. CheMin later identified the mineral tridymite, indicative of silica-rich volcanism, in mudstones of the Murray formation on Mt. Sharp. This discovery challenges the paradigm of Mars as a basaltic planet and ushers in a new chapter of comparative terrestrial planetology (3). CheMin is now being used to systematically sample the sedimentary layers that comprise the lower strata of Mt. Sharp, a 5,000 meter sequence of sedimentary rock laid down in what was once a crater lake, characterizing isochemical sediments that through their changing mineralogy, document the oxidation and drying out of the Mars in early Hesperian time.
Somatic Diseases (Cancer): Amplification-Based Next-Generation Sequencing

The focus of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is now shifting to include clinical applications owing to the major advantage of NGS, decreasing of sequencing cost while increasing throughput. Clinical applications of NGS in cancer can detect clinically actionable genetic/genomic alterations that are critical for cancer care. In certain cancers, patient risk and prognosis can be predicted based on the mutation profile identified by NGS. Many targeted therapies have been developed for cancer patients who bear specific mutations; however, choosing the right NGS technique for the appropriate clinical application in cancer can be challenging because of the limited material and short turnaround time for such cancer tests. Currently, amplification-based NGS approaches have emerged as one of the best fits for clinical oncology. In this review, we focus on NGS platforms that are suitable for targeted deep sequencing, amplification-based NGS technologies, and clinical applications of amplification-based NGS in cancer.
Using meta-learning for model type selection in predictive big data analytics

One of the biggest challenges for today's data scientists is to be able to make an informed decision among an exhaustive number of different modeling techniques. As no single algorithm can perform optimally in all cases, the context for the modeling task including the dataset characteristics plays an unsurprisingly important role in deciding which modeling algorithm to choose. In our previous work, we have presented an ontology-based automated model-selection system extending the Scala-based SCALATION data framework. In this study, we present a meta-learning based model-selection system and provide an evaluation of the system.
Iron Absorption from Iron-Enriched Aspergillus oryzae Is Similar to Ferrous Sulfate in Healthy Female Subjects.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a global health issue, affecting mainly children and adolescent and pregnant women. Because of problems associated with current iron compounds used in both supplementation and fortification areas, there is an emerging interest in new natural iron sources to combat IDA. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the iron absorption of iron-enriched Aspergillus oryzae [Aspiron (ASP)] with FeSO4 in humans. Methods Iron absorption was assessed using stable isotope and serum iron response methods after oral intake of iron by healthy women in 2 separate studies. In the first study, ASP was intrinsically labelled with 58Fe into a dry form containing 8% iron. Subjects (n = 16, 18-35 y) were randomly assigned to consume liquid semipurified meals labelled with 2 stable iron isotopes, 57FeSO4 (10 mg) and ASP containing 2 mg 58Fe and 8 mg natural abundance iron, in 2 visits. Isotope enrichment was measured 2 wk after the last meal was eaten. In the second study, 17 subjects were randomly assigned to consume a test meal with 3 iron supplements during 3 separate visits: FeSO4, 10 mg Fe, and ASP in 2 iron doses, 10 mg and 20 mg. Changes in serum iron were measured at regular intervals for 4 h after supplementation. Results The first study showed that the difference in iron absorption from FeSO4 and ASP was not significant (17.18% ± 14.2% compared to 15.14% ± 12.3%; P = 0.07). The results of the second study suggested that the iron from ASP was released slowly compared to FeSO4 and the area under the curve did not reflect the absorption of ASP iron, but rather the rate of iron release. Conclusions Iron-enriched A. oryzae has high relative bioavailability and may cause lower iron surges into the blood compared to FeSO4.
Estimating Variability from the Differences between Successive Readings

The method described in this article is not only convenient for use in control chart work but it also allows control chart procedures to be extended easily to situations, such as often arise in practice, in which the ordinary procedures do not apply. Miss Keen and Mr Page give several practical examples in the article and there is an appendix by Dr Hartley dealing with some theoretical points.
Nutritional Genomics of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the USA and globally. There is significant evidence implicating genetic and dietary factors in the development and progression of CVD and its risk factors. Nutritional genomics is a comparatively new field of science that focuses on the relationship of individual genetic variation with response to nutrition. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent progress, in the field of nutritional genomics as it relates to cardiovascular disease. Evidence from recent studies has shown significant effects of gene-diet interactions on CVD biomarkers and the development and progression of CVD. The cardiovascular effects of gene-nutrient interactions with respect to macronutrients and genes such as FTO, ACE, PPARs, TCF7L2, BDNF, MC4R, APOAs, and FADS have shown consistent results across age groups and populations, whereas gene-nutrient interaction effects of other genes have only been limited to specific ages, genders, or populations, and need to be validated and confirmed. The identification of individual genetic variation influencing diet-related CVD risk is important and may inform future nutritional intervention studies. Although there is ample scientific evidence indicating that the genetic susceptibility to CVD can be modified by diet, we are still not at a stage where this information is easily translated into dietary plans. Thus, there is a need for better approaches to achieve precision in dietary data collection and streamline computational approaches for meaningful and effective nutritional interventions.
Coons Patches: Additional Material

This chapter discusses Coons patches as a solution to the problem in the industries. The bicubically blended Coons patch was designed to cope with exactly that situation, to address the problem. It is an obvious requirement that the four prescribed boundary curves meet in the corners. This condition on the prescribed data is known as a compatibility condition . An incompatibility of that form can be usually overcome by adjusting boundary curves so that they meet at the patch corners. The bicubically blended Coons patch suffers from a more difficult compatibility problem. It results from the appearance of the twist terms in the tensor product term. The resulting surface does not have a continuous twist at the corners. It is designed to be discontinuous; it assumes two different values, depending on from where the corner is approached. The same principle is also applicable to interpolating spline curves and surfaces. One can construct the cubic spline interpolant to all four point sets. These four boundary spline curves define a bilinearly blended Coons patch.
REVENUE AND TAXATION Cigar, Cigarette, and Loose Tobacco Taxes: Increase Excise Tax Rate on Little Cigars, Cigars, and Cigarettes and Impose Excise Tax on Loose Tobacco

The Act increases the excise tax on little cigars, cigars, cigarettes and imposes a tax on loose tobacco. The tax on little cigars increases from two mills each to two and one-half mills each. The Act increases the tax on other cigars to 23% of the wholesale cost price, an increase of 10% over the former rate. The Act increases the tax on cigarettes from 12 cents per pack to 37 cents per pack. The Act creates a tax on loose or smokeless tobacco at a rate of 10% of the wholesale cost price. The Act subjects loose tobacco to the same requirements formerly imposed only on cigarettes and cigars, including licensing requirements, reporting procedures, and criminal repercussions for noncompliance. The Act does not require a person to pay tax on loose tobacco if the person brings the tobacco into the state on his person and the amount does not exceed six containers. The Act also affects areas that fall outside of the scope of this Legislative Review, as this Review only focuses on the Act's tobacco tax requirements.
Treatment of Tachyarrhythmias Using Cryothermal Energy

There are several energy sources available for the ablation of abnormally conducting cardiac tissue, with radiofrequency currently in clinical use for the treatment of numerous cardiac arrhythmias. There is a great deal of interest in developing alternative energy sources that could allow the creation of longer lesions with less thrombogenicity than are currently possible using radiofrequency. Some modalities that are under investigation are laser and microwave, which, like radiofrequency, rely on hyperthermy to cause tissue destruction. Another alternative is cryoablation, in which tissue destruction is effected through application of freezing temperatures. As will be discussed below, the cryolesion is quite distinct from lesions created by burning, preserving the basic underlying tissue structure which results in lesions that are less thrombogenic and have greater tensile strength. There is extensive clinical experience in the use of cryothermy in the surgical treatment of tachyarrhythmias where it has proven to be a safe and effective means of ablating electrically abnormal cardiac tissue. With the recent advent of percutaneous cryocatheters, there is now wider potential for the application of cryothermy in a variety of clinical settings. The following discussion contrasts potential advantages of using cryothermy versus modalities relying on hyperthermy and reviews the literature of the use of cryothermy in the surgical management of clinically important arrhythmias.
Triple combination treatment of cetuximab, chemotherapy, and anti-PD1 check-point inhibitor for recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A single institute experience.

e18001Background: The 1st line standard treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M SCCHN) was platinum-based chemotherapy plus cetuximab, established by Ver...