cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Word Similarity Measure of Embeddings Through Binary Classification

We consider the following problem: given neural language models (embeddings) each of which is trained on an unknown data set, how can we determine which model would provide a better result when used for feature representation in a downstream task such as text classification or entity recognition? In this paper, we assess the word similarity measure through analyzing its impact on word embeddings learned from various datasets and how they perform in a simple classification task. Word representations were learned and assessed under the same conditions. For training word vectors, we used the implementation of Continuous Bag of Words described in [1] . To assess the quality of the vectors, we applied the analogy questions test for word similarity described in the same paper. Further, to measure the retrieval rate of an embedding model, we introduced a new metric ( Average Retrieval Error ) which measures the percentage of missing words in the model. We observe that scoring a high accuracy of syntactic and semantic similarities between word pairs is not an indicator of better classification results. This observation can be justified by the fact that a domain-specific corpus contributes to the performance better than a general-purpose corpus. For reproducibility, we release our experiments scripts and results.
Rapid digitization to reclaim thematic maps of white-tailed deer density from 1982 and 2003 in the conterminous US.

Background Despite availability of valuable ecological data in published thematic maps, manual methods to transfer published maps to a more accessible digital format are time-intensive. Application of object-based image analysis makes digitization faster. Methods Using object-based image analysis followed by random forests classification, we rapidly digitized choropleth maps of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities in the conterminous US during 1982 and 2001 to 2005 (hereafter, 2003), allowing access to deer density information stored in images. Results The digitization process took about one day each per deer density map, of which about two hours was computer processing time, which will differ due to factors such as resolution and number of objects. Deer were present in 4.75 million km2 (60% of the area) and 5.56 million km2 (70%) during 1982 and 2003, respectively. Population and density in areas with deer presence were 17.15 million and 3.6 deer/km2 during 1982 and 29.93 million and 5.4 deer/km2 during 2003. Greatest densities were 7.2 deer/km2 in Georgia during 1982 and 14.6 deer/km2 in Wisconsin during 2003. Six states had deer densities ≥9.8 deer/km2 during 2003. Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon had greatest increases in population and area of deer presence, and deer expansion is likely to continue into western states. Error in these estimates may be similar to error resulting from differential reporting by state agencies. Deer densities likely are within historical levels in most of the US. Discussion This method rapidly reclaimed informational value of deer density maps, enabling greater analysis, and similarly may be applied to digitize a variety of published maps to geographic information system layers, which permit greater analysis.
Eine periprothetische Femurfraktur – von einfach bis immer komplexer

Der Patient erhielt bereits 1994 mit 38 Jahren eine Hufttotalprothese rechts bei Coxarthrose. Der postoperative Verlauf war komplikationslos. Die letzte Kontrolle 2011 zeigte eine unveranderte Prothesenlage in der Rontgenuntersuchung (◘ Abb. 18.1). Beim Patienten war eine Adipositas sowie ein insulinpflichtiger Diabetes mellitus bekannt. Aus den Unterlagen geht hervor, dass er seit Jahren eine 100 % Invalidenrente bezog.
Florida Subtropical Peaches: Production Practices

Subtropical peach production includes many practices, such as site selection, orchard design, and disease, weed, and insect management through to harvest. Florida’s subtropical climate allows growers to harvest their crops early, but it creates challenges for the long postharvest growing season. This 14-page fact sheet covers the breadth of topics related to subtropical peach production, including a monthly timeline of recommended practices. Written by M. Olmstead, J. Chaparro, J. G. Williamson, R. Rouse, R. Mizell, P. Harmon, and J. Ferguson, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, August 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs348
Anal Conditions: Pruritus Ani

Pruritus ani is a condition characterized by severe, intense itching around the perianal area. Skin irritation and itching often lead to scratching and excessive wiping leading to excoriation and cutaneous injury. This further intensifies the sensation to itch, ultimately resulting in a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Pruritus ani is thought to affect up to 5% of the population, but is likely under-reported. A detailed history and physical and often biopsy are needed to determine whether the cause of pruritus is idiopathic or secondary to another condition. Treatment focuses on following general principles of hygiene and elimination of offending agents, as well as addressing the underlying cause, if identified. Refractory pruritus ani, often a vexing dilemma, requires a thorough reassessment of the patient’s history and physical findings, repeat biopsy and/or endoscopy. Capsaicin, tacrolimus, and anal tattooing can be helpful for relieving symptoms in cases of refractory pruritus.
Structural Insights into tRNA via Hypochromism

Categorizing the various levels of protein and nucleic acid structures is a relatively straightforward concept students understand quickly when shown representative structural images. However, keeping in mind the idea of primary, secondary, and tertiary structure proves more difficult when students are in the laboratory setting simply looking at a clear solution containing tRNA. Here, a laboratory exercise is described comparing A260 values from tRNA samples containing structural elements to samples where all structure has been abolished through the use of alkaline base hydrolysis. The amount of hypochromism resulting from structural features in tRNA is used to highlight the different levels of structure formed in the absence and presence of magnesium cations.
Long-term exposure to particulate matter and roadway proximity with age at natural menopause in the Nurses' Health Study II Cohort.

Abstract Evidence has shown associations between air pollution and traffic-related exposure with accelerated aging, but no study to date has linked the exposure with age at natural menopause, an important indicator of reproductive aging. In this study, we sought to examine the associations of residential exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and distance to major roadways with age at natural menopause in the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II), a large, prospective female cohort in US. A total of 105,996 premenopausal participants in NHS II were included at age 40 and followed through 2015. Time-varying residential exposures to PM10, PM2.5-10, and PM2.5 and distance to roads was estimated. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for natural menopause using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for potential confounders and predictors of age at menopause. We also examined effect modification by region, smoking, body mass, physical activity, menstrual cycle length, and population density. There were 64,340 reports of natural menopause throughout 1,059,229 person-years of follow-up. In fully adjusted models, a 10 μg/m3 increase in the cumulative average exposure to PM10 (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04), PM2.5-10 (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.05), and PM2.5 (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.06) and living within 50 m to a major road at age 40 (HR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.06) were associated with slightly earlier menopause. No statistically significant effect modification was found, although the associations of PM were slightly stronger for women who lived in the West and for never smokers. To conclude, we found exposure to ambient PM and traffic in midlife was associated with slightly earlier onset of natural menopause. Our results support previous evidence that exposure to air pollution and traffic may accelerate reproductive aging.
Connecting and linking neurocognitive, digital phenotyping, physiologic, psychophysical, neuroimaging, genomic, & sensor data with survey data

Combining survey data with alternative data sources (e.g., wearable technology, apps, physiological, ecological monitoring, genomic, neurocognitive assessments, brain imaging, and psychophysical data) to paint a complete biobehavioral picture of trauma patients comes with many complex system challenges and solutions. Starting in emergency departments and incorporating these diverse, broad, and separate data streams presents technical, operational, and logistical challenges but allows for a greater scientific understanding of the long-term effects of trauma. Our manuscript describes incorporating and prospectively linking these multi-dimensional big data elements into a clinical, observational study at US emergency departments with the goal to understand, prevent, and predict adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae (APNS) that affects over 40 million Americans annually. We outline key data-driven system challenges and solutions and investigate eligibility considerations, compliance, and response rate outcomes incorporating these diverse “big data” measures using integrated data-driven cross-discipline system architecture.
Machine learning methods to predict mechanical ventilation and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people across the globe. It is associated with a high mortality rate and has created a global crisis by straining medical resources worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate machine-learning models for prediction of mechanical ventilation (MV) for patients presenting to emergency room and for prediction of in-hospital mortality once a patient is admitted. METHODS: Two cohorts were used for the two different aims. 1980 COVID-19 patients were enrolled for the aim of prediction ofMV. 1036 patients' data, including demographics, past smoking and drinking history, past medical history and vital signs at emergency room (ER), laboratory values, and treatments were collected for training and 674 patients were enrolled for validation using XGBoost algorithm. For the second aim to predict in-hospital mortality, 3491 hospitalized patients via ER were enrolled. CatBoost, a new gradient-boosting algorithm was applied for training and validation of the cohort. RESULTS: Older age, higher temperature, increased respiratory rate (RR) and a lower oxygen saturation (SpO2) from the first set of vital signs were associated with an increased risk of MV amongst the 1980 patients in the ER. The model had a high accuracy of 86.2% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.8%. While, patients who required MV, had a higher RR, Body mass index (BMI) and longer length of stay in the hospital were the major features associated with in-hospital mortality. The second model had a high accuracy of 80% with NPV of 81.6%. CONCLUSION: Machine learning models using XGBoost and catBoost algorithms can predict need for mechanical ventilation and mortality with a very high accuracy in COVID-19 patients.
Covirt: Lightweight Fault Isolation and Resource Protection for Co-Kernels

The challenges of the exascale era have generated a number of advancements in HPC systems software, with co-kernel architectures emerging as one such novel approach for HPC operating system and runtime (OS/R) design. Cokernels function by running multiple specialized, lightweight OS kernels natively on the same host as a general purpose OS/R. These specialized kernels are able to provide optimized OS/R environments for HPC applications while still retaining access to the full feature set of the co-running general purpose OS/R. While co-kernels are able to effectively optimize for performance, they generally lack effective mechanisms for cross OS/R fault isolation and resource protection. In this paper we present Covirt, a lightweight OS/R protection layer that leverages the hardware virtualization features found on modern CPUs. Covirt interposes a minimal hypervisor layer between a co-kernel OS/R and hardware to prevent OS level faults from impacting other OS/Rs running on the same system. Covirt is different from other virtualization-based approaches due to the level of integration necessary between the co-kernel instances, requiring the support of higher level semantic interfaces between the different OS/Rs. Covirt features a split architecture consisting of a hypervisor and controller module that continuously monitors changes to the underlying resource partitioning and translates those events to hypervisor configuration changes. We have implemented a prototype of Covirt in the context of the Hobbes exascale OS/R stack, specifically targeting the Pisces co-kernel framework and Kitten Lightweight Kernel. Our evaluation shows that Covirt is able to add fault isolation for memory and interrupt processing with minimal performance overheads.
Distinguishing CPFSK from QAM and PSK Modulations

Digital modulation classification is important for many civilian as well as military applications. In this paper, we propose a simple and robust feature to distinguish continuous-phase FSK from QAM and PSK modulations. The feature is based on product of two consecutive signal values and on time averaging of imaginary part of the product. Conditional probability density functions of the feature given modulation type are determined. In order to overcome the complexity of calculating probability density functions, central limit theorem for strictly stationary m-dependent sequences is used to obtain Gaussian approximations. After calculating probability density functions, thresholds are determined based on minimization of total probability of misclassification. Since threshold-based results are valid for special cases requiring knowledge of some parameters, we resort to usage of support vector machines for classification, which require little training and no a priori information except for carrier frequency. Following that joint effects on the performance of carrier offset, fast fading, and non-synchronized sampling are studied in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise. For comparison purposes, rectangular pulse shape is used. To prove practical usefulness, not only the performance is analyzed for root-raised cosine pulses but also for quite less oversampling of symbols than what is found in other approaches. In the course of doing that, the performance is compared with wavelet-based feature that uses support vector machines for modulation separation.
Field-portable nanoparticle and virus sizing enabled by on-chip microscopy and vapor-condensed nanolenses

Vapor-condensed nanolenses make label-free lensfree holographic microscopy sensitive to individual particles 40 nm and larger. Detected signals correlate with particle size with accuracy ±11 nm. Automated image processing measures >105 particles within a single field-of-view.
Stress failure criteria for laminated composites

Abstract The generalized Yeh-Stratton criterion is applied to calculate the fracture stress of multi-directional fibrous composite material with existing cracks or circular holes under uniaxial tensile load. The failure stresses were predicted and compared with the prediction by the theory of Nuismer and Whitney and the experimental data. Based on this study, it is recommended that for the cracks and circular holes with larger crack size and radius (>0.6 inch), the Yeh-Stratton failure criterion could be used as a proper design guide.
Computer simulation of cerebrovascular circulation and assessment of intracranial hemodynamics during induction of anesthesia

The induction of general anesthesia is associated with significant hemodynamic changes which, in turn, may cause acute elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) and/or reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF). Quantitative assessment of cerebrovascular responses arising from multiple mechanical and pharmacological interventions occurring in a short time interval require an elaborate experimental design with a large number of subjects. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effect of various stimuli on the intracranial hemodynamics during induction using a computer model ofthe cerebrovascular circulation. The computer model of intracranial hemodynamics combined with a pharmacological model of a drug permits development of an optimal schedule during various phases of anesthesia. It was demontrated that if the time interval between the administration of thiopental and intubation is more than 2 minutes (e.g. a case of non-depolarizing muscle relaxant), then an additional dose of thiopental may be required to prevent an elevation in ICP during laryngoscopy.
Understanding Camera Trade-Offs through a Bayesian Analysis of Light Field Projections

Computer vision has traditionally focused on extracting structure, such as depth, from images acquired using thin-lens or pinhole optics. The development of computational imaging is broadening this scope; a variety of unconventional cameras do not directly capture a traditional image anymore, but instead require the joint reconstruction of structure and image information. For example, recent coded aperture designs have been optimized to facilitate the joint reconstruction of depth and intensity. The breadth of imaging designs requires new tools to understand the tradeoffs implied by different strategies. This paper introduces a unified framework for analyzing computational imaging approaches. Each sensor element is modeled as an inner product over the 4D light field. The imaging task is then posed as Bayesian inference: given the observed noisy light field projections and a prior on light field signals, estimate the original light field. Under common imaging conditions, we compare the performance of various camera designs using 2D light field simulations. This framework allows us to better understand the tradeoffs of each camera type and analyze their limitations.
Commensurate distances and similar motifs in genetic congruence and protein interaction networks in yeast

Background: In a genetic interaction, the phenotype of a double mutant differs from the combined phenotypes of the underlying single mutants. When the single mutants have no growth defect, but the double mutant is lethal or exhibits slow growth, the interaction is termed synthetic lethality or synthetic fitness. These genetic interactions reveal gene redundancy and compensating pathways. Recently available large-scale data sets of genetic interactions and protein interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae provide a unique opportunity to elucidate the topological structure of biological pathways and how genes function in these pathways. Results: We have defined congruent genes as pairs of genes with similar sets of genetic interaction partners and constructed a genetic congruence network by linking congruent genes. By comparing path lengths in three types of networks (genetic interaction, genetic congruence, and protein interaction), we discovered that high genetic congruence not only exhibits correlation with direct protein interaction linkage but also exhibits commensurate distance with the protein interaction network. However, consistent distances were not observed between genetic and protein interaction networks. We also demonstrated that congruence and protein networks are enriched with motifs that indicate network transitivity, while the genetic network has both transitive (triangle) and intransitive (square) types of motifs. These results suggest that robustness of yeast cells to gene deletions is due in part to two complementary pathways (square motif) or three complementary pathways, any two of which are required for viability (triangle motif). Conclusion: Genetic congruence is superior to genetic interaction in prediction of protein interactions and function associations. Genetically interacting pairs usually belong to parallel compensatory pathways, which can generate transitive motifs (any two of three pathways needed) or intransitive motifs (either of two pathways needed).
Utilization of Δ5,7 ‐ and Δ8‐sterols by larvae of Heliothis zea

Larvae from two populations of Heliothis zea were reared on artificial diets containing various sterols, which supported suboptimal growth, and their tissue sterols were characterized in order to determine how these dietary sterols are utilized by this insect. The sterols studied included Δ5,7-sterols (7-dehydrocholesterol or ergosterol), Δ8-sterols (lanosterol and/or 24-dihydrolanosterol), and a Δ5-sterol (4,4-dimethylcholesterol). Although larvae did not develop on 4,4-dimethylcholesterol, those fed primarily Δ8-4,4,14-trimethylsterols developed to the third instar. When the latter sterols were spared with cholesterol, the larvae reached the sixth instar and contained 4,4,14-trimethylsterols as well as cholesterol in their tissues. When larvae were fed 7-dehydrocholesterol, <1% of the larvae from one population developed to the sixth instar and these larvae contained 7-dehydrocholesterol as their principal sterol. The other larvae successfully completed their larval stage when they were transferred from the diet containing 7-dehydrocholesterol (or no sterol) to a diet containing cholesterol within at least 9 days. The sterol composition of larvae transferred from a diet containing cholesterol to a diet containing 7-dehydrocholesterol, after they had reached 60% of their final weight, was 54% cholesterol and 46% 7-dehydrocholesterol. The major sterol isolated from the tissues of the larvae fed ergosterol was also 7-dehydrocholesterol. Therefore, although the larva of H. zea can dealkylate and saturate the side chain of the Δ5,7,22-24β-methylsterol, it carries out little metabolism of the B ring of the nucleus. These studies demonstrate that, when Δ5,7- or Δ8-sterols are the principal sterols in the diet of H. zea, they are absorbed and incorporated into its tissues, although they slow the rate of growth and may prevent complete development of the larva.
Interpretation of Large-Scale Spiral Structure

The present paper consists of three parts: (1) A general explanation, from a semi-empirical point of view, of the density wave theory and its ramifications, with only a few remarks on those detailed features which have not been stressed before; (2) a statement of our conclusions about the Milky Way System; and (3) a discussion of the problem of the origin of density waves of spiral form.
Dehydration of 2-octanol over zirconia catalysts: Influence of crystal structure, sulfate addition and pretreatment

Abstract Two phases of zirconia, monoclinic (m-ZrO2) and tetragonal (t-ZrO2), and their sulfated forms (m- or t-ZrO2S) were evaluated for 2-octanol conversion. Unsulfated zirconia resembles thoria for both dehydration and 1-alkene selectivities for 2-ol conversions. Its catalytic properties differ greatly from two other members of the group 4B family, titania and hafnia. Independent of crystal structure, sulfated and oxygen pretreated zirconia catalysts exhibit high activity for dehydration reaction. The sulfated and hydrogen pretreated and the unsulfated (both H2 and O2 pretreated) zirconia catalysts were less active for 2-octanol conversion. Hydrogen pretreated sulfated zirconia catalysts show high selectivity for l-octene compared to oxygen pretreated and sulfated zirconia catalysts. The results show that the pretreatment influences the dehydration selectivity but the activity and selectivity are essentially independent of zirconia crystal phase.
Twist fields, the elliptic genus, and hidden symmetry.

We combine infinite dimensional analysis (in particular a priori estimates and twist positivity) with classical geometric structures, supersymmetry, and noncommutative geometry. We establish the existence of a family of examples of two-dimensional, twist quantum fields. We evaluate the elliptic genus in these examples. We demonstrate a hidden SL(2,ℤ) symmetry of the elliptic genus, as suggested by Witten.
Identification of a monocyte-derived factor which regulates synthesis of insulin receptors on activated T-lymphocytes (MIRRF)

The regulation of the insulin receptor on the activated T-lymphocyte was studied. It has been previously shown that the monocyte with its constitutive insulin receptor can signal the quiescent T-lymphocyte with respect to ambient insulin concentration which regulates the copies of insulin receptors synthesized during the lymphocyte activation event. In this communication it is shown that the vehicle by which the monocyte signals the T-lymphocyte is a soluble, small molecular weight protein. Initially a bioassay was established to test the putative monocyte-derived factor in which freshly prepared purified populations of monocytes were incubated with insulin, extensively washed, and replated with lymphocytes in microwells or across a 3 microns filter from lymphocytes using the appearance of insulin receptors on T lymphocytes responding to lectin as measured by a radioligand binding assay as the outcome variable. Dose response and time course relationships were established to develop the ideal conditions for the bioassay. It was shown that the monocyte-derived insulin receptor regulatory factor (MIRRF) could be readily detected in conditioned medium of insulin-incubated and then washed monocytes as a starting point for attempts at later purification. Using rats fed an essential fatty acid deficient diet (EFAD), incapable of generating standard prostanoids, it was demonstrated that the MIRRF was readily detectable in our standard bioassay revealing that the factor was not a member of the arachidonic acid family. Lastly, it was shown that MIRRF is cycloheximide sensitive and either is a protein or requires protein synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comorbid and Clinical Determinants of Prognosis in Endometrial Cancer

• In cancers of the lung, larynx, rectum, and breast, the patients' initial clinical manifestations and comorbid diseases have shown important prognostic distinctions that are not evident in the customary systems of anatomic staging. This study was done to see whether the same phenomena occurred for cancer of the endometrium. In 142 consecutive cases of endometrial carcinoma, strikingly high five-year survival rates were found in women who had no symptoms attributable to the cancer or whose only symptoms might have been caused either by concomitant uterine or cervical disease or by replacement estrogen therapy. A distinct decline in survival was associated with systemic symptoms and with major comorbid ailments. Estimation of prognosis and evaluation of therapy can be improved with a new composite staging system, formed by combining the new clinical categories and the standard morphologic stages of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system. (Arch Intern Med1984;144:2004-2009)
Colloid cysts of the third ventricle: immunohistochemical evidence for nonneuroepithelial differentiation.

Abstract The histogenesis of colloid cysts (CCs) of the third ventricle has been a subject of controversy. We examined, using immunohistochemical techniques, four CCs for the presence of cytokeratins (CKs), glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes (GST-π, GST-μ), and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Antibodies to both low molecular weight CKs (anti-CK8) and to a mixture of CKs (AE1AE3) were used. For comparison, normal fetal and adult choroid plexus, ependyma, and nasal mucosa were also examined. The epithelium lining all four CCs showed positive immunostaining for the CKs and GST-π but not for GST-μ or glial fibrillary acidic protein. Fetal and adult nasal mucosa showed a pattern of immunohistochemical staining almost identical to that of CCs. In contrast, fetal and adult choroid plexus tissue showed positive immunostaining for GST-π and low molecular weight CKs but not for the CK mixture (AE1AE3). Fetal and adult ependyma were negative for both CKs and GST-π. These results suggest that CCs differentiate along nonneural lines distinct from the neuroepithelial differentiation of the choroid plexus and ependyma.
Grade-specific experience, grade reassignments, and teacher turnover

Abstract This study documents that teacher turnover is strongly related to the pattern of grades that a teacher is asked to teach. Elementary teachers in North Carolina that teach the same grade in their first two years are approximately 20% more likely to stay than teachers who teach two different grades in their first two years of teaching. More generally, within total experience categories, teachers with the fewest years of grade-specific experience have the highest probability of turnover. We argue that this pattern is driven both by the disruption caused by grade reassignment and by the fact that teachers with stable grade assignments have effectively smaller workloads since they can reuse lesson plans and, more generally, apply grade-specific skills.
An examination of racial differences in process and outcome of colorectal cancer care quality among users of the veterans affairs health care system.

Abstract Background Veterans Affairs (VA) manages the largest US integrated health care system. Although quality of VA colorectal cancer (CRC) care is well chronicled, there is a paucity of research examining racial differences in this care. This study examines racial differences in 2 dimensions of quality of VA CRC care: processes (time to treatment) and outcomes (survival). Patients and Methods Retrospective data were from the VA External Peer Review Program (EPRP), a nationwide VA quality-monitoring program. Study patients were white and African American men diagnosed with nonmetastatic CRC between 2003 and 2006 who received definitive CRC surgery. We examined 3 quality indicators: time from (1) surgery to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy (stages II-III disease), (2) surgery to surveillance colonoscopy (stages I-III disease), and (3) surgery to death (stages I-III disease). Unadjusted analyses used log-rank and Wilcoxon tests. Adjusted analyses used Cox proportional hazard models. Results In unadjusted analyses, there was no evidence of racial differences across the 3 quality measures. In adjusted Cox regression, there were no racial differences in time to initiation of chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; P = .61) or surgery to death (HR, 0.94; P = .49). In adjusted Cox regression, among those receiving colonoscopy within 7 to 18 months after surgery, white patients experienced slightly shorter median times to surveillance colonoscopy than did African American patients (367 vs. 383 days; HR, 0.63; P = .02). Conclusion Other than a small racial difference in timing of surveillance colonoscopy, there was little evidence of racial differences in quality of CRC care among VA health care system users.
The C-terminal Polylysine Region and Methylation of K-Ras Are Critical for the Interaction between K-Ras and Microtubules

After synthesis in the cytosol, Ras proteins must be targeted to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane for biological activity. This targeting requires a series of C-terminal posttranslational modifications initiated by the addition of an isoprenoid lipid in a process termed prenylation. A search for factors involved in the intracellular trafficking of Ras has identified a specific and prenylation-dependent interaction between tubulin/microtubules and K-Ras. In this study, we examined the structural requirements for this interaction between K-Ras and microtubules. By using a series of chimeras in which regions of the C terminus of K-Ras were replaced with those of Ha-Ras and vice versa, we found that the polylysine region of K-Ras located immediately upstream of the prenylation site is required for binding of K-Ras to microtubules. Studies in intact cells confirmed the importance of the K-Ras polylysine region for microtubule binding, as deletion or replacement of this region resulted in loss of paclitaxel-induced mislocalization of a fluorescent K-Ras fusion protein. The additional modifications in the prenyl protein processing pathway also affected the interaction of K-Ras with microtubules. Removal of the three C-terminal amino acids of farnesylated K-Ras with the specific endoprotease Rce1p abolished its binding to microtubules. Interestingly, however, methylation of the C-terminal prenylcysteine restored binding. Consistent with these results, localization of the fluorescent K-Ras fusion protein remained paclitaxel-sensitive in cells lacking Rce1, whereas no paclitaxel effect was observed in cells lacking the methyltransferase. These studies show that the polylysine region of K-Ras is critical for its interaction with microtubules and provide the first evidence for a functional consequence of Ras C-terminal proteolysis and methylation.
A knowledge based reliability engineering approach to manage product safety and recalls

Abstract Purpose Managing processed food products’ safety and recall is a challenge for industry and governments. Contaminated food items can create a significant public health hazard with potential for acute and chronic food borne illnesses. This industry study examines the challenges companies face while managing a processed food recall situation and devise a responsive and reliable knowledge management framework for product safety and recall supply chain for the focal global manufacturing and distribution enterprise. Method Drawing upon the knowledge management and product safety and recall literature and reliability engineering theory, this study uses a holistic single case based approach to develop a knowledge management framework with Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) decision model. This knowledge management decision framework facilitates analysis of the root causes for each potential major recall issue and assesses the reliability of the product safety and recall supply chain system and its critical components. Results The main reasons highlighted for a recall and associated failure modes in a knowledge management framework are to devise appropriate deployment of resources, technology and procedures to recall supply chain. This study underscores specific information described by managers of a global processed food manufacturer and their perspectives about the product safety and recall process, and its complexities. Full scale implementation of product safety and recall supply chain in the proposed knowledge management framework after the current pilot study will be carried out eventually through expert systems. This operational system when fully implemented will capture the essence of decision making environments comprising goals and objectives, courses of action, resources, constraints, technology and procedures. Implications The study recognizes the significance of communication, integration, failsafe knowledge management process design framework, leveraging technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) within all levels of supply chain for product traceability and the proactive steps to help companies successfully manage a recall process and also reestablish trust among the consumers. The proposed knowledge management framework can also preempt product recall by acting as an early warning system. A formal knowledge management framework will enable a company’s knowledge be cumulative for product safety and recall and serve as an important integrating and coordinating role for the organization.
Non-protein thiols and cellular response to drugs and radiation.

Abstract Our results have enabled us to make a number of observations concerning the reactivity of nitrocompounds and non-nitrocompounds with glutathione (GSH) and cellular nonprotein thiols (NPSH), which may be as much as 90 % GSH. We have summarized our observations as follows with respect to the different types of reactions responsible for part or all of the cellular NPSH depletion by hypoxic cell radiosensitizing drugs. (A) Some nitrocompounds, such as 4-nitroimidazoles containing a 5-sulfonamide group, react spontaneously with GSH; (B) A number of hypoxic cell radiosensitizing drugs such as chlorodinitrobenzene (CDNB), dimethylfumarate (DMF) and diethylmaleate (DEM) are substrates for the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase and form covalent bonds with GSH; (C) NPSH may be oxidized by diamide; (D) form covalent bonds with N-ethylmaleimide; (E) or be converted by thiol-reactive drug intermediates formed under anaerobic conditions. The latter reaction occurs with misonidazole, Ro-05–9963, SR 2508 and SR 255:5; its mechanism is still unknown. It is obvious from the above that there are a variety of means by which radiosensitiizing drugs can alter cellular metabolism as reflected by changes in the NPSH. It remains to be determined whether a relationship exists between altered NPSH, metabolism and the radiosensitizing capacity of nitrocompounds when used alone or in combination with other drugs. Our studies strongly suggest that potential new sensitizers be routinely examined for their capacity to react spontaneously with GSH or to remove cellular NPSH under aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions. This is especially true for radiosensitizing drugs showing anomalous behavior, i.e., better sensitization than predicted by their one-electron reduction potentials. Such screening would pay dividends insofar as drugs that are too reactive could be excluded from further in vivo study.
Leaching of contaminated leaves following uptake and phytoremediation of RDX, HMX, and TNT by poplar

The uptake and fate of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) by hybrid poplars in hydroponic systems...
The economics of international codesharing: an analysis of airline alliances

Abstract International airline alliances allow airlines to coordinate their operations in providing international service. This paper analyzes the effect of such alliances on traffic levels, fares, and welfare. In the model, the benefits of alliances arise because cooperative pricing of trips by the partners puts downward pressure on fares in the interline city-pair markets (these are markets where travel on both carriers is necessary). The loss of competition in the interhub market, which connects the hub cites of the partners, generates a countervailing effect, tending to raise the fare in that market. While the presence of economies of traffic density complicates these impacts by generating cost links across markets, simulation analysis shows that the above tendencies typically prevail. Welfare analysis shows that both consumer and total surplus typically rise following formation of an alliance despite the harm to interhub passengers, suggesting that the positive effects of alliances may outweigh any negative impacts.
Rejection Sensitivity and Children's Interpersonal Difficulties

Some children respond to social rejection in ways that undermine their relationships, whereas others respond with more equanimity. This article reports 3 studies that test the proposition that rejection sensitivity-the disposition to defensively (i.e., anxiously or angrily) expect, readily perceive, and overreact to social rejectionhelps explain individual differences in response to social rejection. Data were from urban, minority (primarily Hispanic and African American) fifth to seventh graders. Study 1 describes the development of a measure of rejection sensitivity for children. Study 2 provides experimental evidence that children who angrily expected rejection showed heightened distress following an ambiguously intentioned rejection by a peer. Study 3 shows that rejection sensitive children behaved more aggressively and experienced increased interpersonal difficulties and declines in academic functioning over time.
The control of ornithine decarboxylase activity during liver regeneration.

Abstract The effect of amino acids and growth hormone on rat liver ornithine decarboxylase activity was investigated in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms that control the activity of this enzyme during the early stages of liver regeneration. A single administration of casein hydrolyzate to intact rats produces a marked increase in liver ornithine decarboxylase activity. The casein effect is abolished by puromycin or actinomycin, is not modified by adrenalectomy and is slowed down by hypophysectomy. Histidine also causes a rapid increase in the activity of the enzyme but the amino acid effect is blocked by puromycin, is not inhibited by actinomycin, and is entirely absent in hypophysectomized rats. Growth hormone injections increase ornithine decarboxylase activity in normal or regenerating liver. The action of the hormone is only slightly inhibited by doses of actinomycin that prevent any increase in the specific activity of nuclear or cytoplasmic rapidly labeled RNA. 8-Azaguanine injection or small doses of actinomycin do not block the initial increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity occurring shortly after partial hepatectomy. The possibility that a post-transcriptional mechanism is involved in the control of ornithine decarboxylase activity during liver regeneration is discussed in detail.
Split or Synthesis: The Odd Relationship Between Clinical Practice and Research in Social Work and in Social Work Education

The relationship of practice and research in social work has often been characterized as a ‘split’ in interests and in professional purposes. The same split also appears in social work education. This article examines several issues related to better integrating clinical practice and research in social work and in social work education. The article opens with a historical exploration of the origins of the social work profession as based in differences between practitioners and researchers. Second, differences in the purposes, professional cultures and professional organizations of clinical social workers and social work researchers are examined. Third, the processes and methods of clinical practice and research are systematically compared and contrasted. A chart outlining their similarities and differences is offered. The article closes with several recommendations to improve social work education in both areas that can lead to better integration of clinical practice and research in social work.
Reliability of a 3D surface laser scanner for orthodontic applications

A device for recreating three-dimensional (3D) objects on a computer is the surface laser scanner. By triangulating distances between the reflecting laser beam and the scanned surface, the surface laser scanner can detect not only an object's length and width but also its depth. The scanner's ease of use has opened various possibilities in laboratory research and clinical investigation. We assessed the reliability of generating 3D object reconstructions using the Minolta Vivid700 3D surface laser scanner (Minolta USA, Ramsey, NJ). Accuracy and reproducibility were tested on a geometrical calibrated cylinder, a dental study model, and a plaster facial model. Tests were conducted at varying distances between the object and the scanner. It was found that (1) in the calibrated cylinder tests, spatial distance measurement was accurate to 0.5 mm (+/- 0.1 mm) in the vertical dimension and 0.3 mm (+/- 0.3 mm) in the horizontal dimension; (2) in the study model test, molar width was accurate to 0.2 mm (+/- 0.1 mm, P >.05), and palatal vault depth could be measured to 0.7 mm (+/- 0.2 mm, P > 0.05); and (3) for the facial model, an accuracy of 1.9 +/- 0.8 mm was obtained. The findings suggest that the surface laser scanner has great research potential because of its accuracy and ease of use. Treatment changes, growth, surgical simulations, and many other orthodontic applications can be approached 3-dimensionally with this device.
Sublethal effects of CuO nanoparticles on Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) are modulated by environmental salinity.

The increasing use of manufactured nanoparticles (NP) in different applications has triggered the need to understand their putative ecotoxicological effects in the environment. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) are toxic, and induce oxidative stress and other pathophysiological conditions. The unique properties of NP can change depending on the characteristics of the media they are suspended in, altering the impact on their toxicity to aquatic organisms in different environments. Here, Mozambique tilapia (O. mossambicus) were exposed to flame synthesized CuO NP (0.5 and 5 mg·L−1) in two environmental contexts: (a) constant freshwater (FW) and (b) stepwise increase in environmental salinity (SW). Sublethal effects of CuO NP were monitored and used to dermine exposure endpoints. Fish exposed to 5 mg·L−1 CuO in SW showed an opercular ventilation rate increase, whereas fish exposed to 5 mg·L−1 in FW showed a milder response. Different effects of CuO NP on antioxidant enzyme activities, accumulation of transcripts for metal-responsive genes, GSH∶GSSG ratio, and Cu content in fish gill and liver also demonstrate that additive osmotic stress modulates CuO NP toxicity. We conclude that the toxicity of CuO NP depends on the particular environmental context and that salinity is an important factor for modulating NP toxicity in fish.
Profiling the nonadherent adolescent heart transplant recipient

So*(a), and a-year survival rate post-LTX, S*(a y) [So*(a)]ˆ[HR 1 . HR*q]. For a pt waiting t yrs, two candidate measures of LTX benefit are 1) the difference in the a-year survival rate with or without LTX: S*(a y) S(t a x)/S(t x) and 2) the expected time lived with or without LTX during a subsequent yrs, i.e., the area between curves S*(u y) and S(t u x)/S(t x) from u 0 to a. This 2nd measure captures rates of decline of WL vs. post-LTX survival probabilities during the 1st a yrs after organ availability. Weights can be used to emphasize WL or post-LTX outcomes, if desired. A lung allocation system using coarsened ranks of a-year survival or a-year expected survival benefit, with ties settled by waiting times, will increase the total years of life and reduce the total deaths from transplanted organs.
Physical upkeep, perceived upkeep, fear of crime and neighborhood satisfaction

Residents in a neighborhood view physical disorders as a potential incubator for negative incidents. Even though the disorders may not directly bring serious crime to the neighborhood, the poor physical conditions may affect residents in other ways, including increases in perceived physical disorder and fear of crime and decreases in neighborhood satisfaction. Focusing on the effects of physical disorder, this study examined the underlying associations between the actual upkeep, perceived upkeep, and neighborhood satisfaction using a structural equation model. The findings confirmed interrelationships between factors; confirmed that as some categories of actual upkeep improved, perceived upkeep and neighborhood satisfaction improved; confirmed that as perceived upkeep improved, perceived safety from crime and neighborhood satisfaction improved; and confirmed that as perceived safety from crime improved, neighborhood satisfaction improved. The structural equation model showed that actual physical upkeep factors each had indirect effects on perceived upkeep, safety from crime, and neighborhood satisfaction.
Early Childhood Tooth Decay Pediatric Interventions

Pediatricians in the greater Chicago area were surveyed to probe their awareness and approaches to management of dental caries in early childhood. A total of 298 pediatricians (21% of those surveyed) responded to the questionnaire. Ninety-five percent of the respondents stated they examined their patients' teeth; 85% considered dental examinations part of their responsibility for children under 3 years of age. However, our data suggest that many pediatricians are unaware of the decay and the dietary patterns associated with tooth decay in early childhood. Although 96% of the respondents referred patients to a dentist when decay was diagnosed, analysis of diet and dietary counseling were performed by only 61% and 65% of the respondents, respectively. Recommendations for preventive measures that can be adopted by pediatricians are offered.