cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disparities between malaria infection and treatment rates: Evidence from a cross-sectional analysis of households in Uganda.

Background In Sub-Saharan Africa, both under-treatment and over-treatment of malaria are common since illnesses are often diagnosed and treated on the basis of symptoms. We investigate whether malaria treatment rates among febrile individuals correspond to observed patterns of malaria infection by age and by local prevalence. Methods and findings We use data on treatment of febrile illnesses from a household survey that was conducted between March and May 2012 in 92 villages in six districts in Eastern Uganda. All household members were also tested for malaria using a rapid diagnostic test. We show that both the age of the febrile individual and the village prevalence rate are strongly associated with the odds that a febrile patient was infected with malaria, but not with the odds of ACT treatment. Compared to individuals who were aged 15 or above, febrile individuals aged 5–14 had 3.21 times the odds of testing positive for malaria (95% CI: [2.36 4.37], P<0·001), and febrile individuals who were under age 5 had 2.66 times the odds of testing positive for malaria (95% CI: [1.99 3.56], P<0·001). However, ACT treatment rates for febrile illnesses were not significantly higher for either children ages 5–14 (Unadjusted OR: 1.19, 95% CI: [0.88 1.62], P = 0.255) or children under the age of 5 (Unadjusted OR: 1.24, 95% CI: [0.92 1.68], P = 0·154). A one standard deviation increase in the village malaria prevalence rate was associated with a 2.03 times higher odds that a febrile individual under the age of five tested positive for malaria (95% CI: [1.63 2.54], p<0·001), but was not significantly associated with the odds of ACT treatment (Un-adjusted OR: 0.83, 95% CI: [0.66 1.05], P = 0·113). We present some evidence that this discrepancy may be because caregivers do not suspect a higher likelihood of malaria infection, conditional on fever, in young children or in high-prevalence villages. Conclusion Our findings suggest that households have significant mis-perceptions about malaria likelihood that may contribute to the under-treatment of malaria. Policies are needed to encourage caregivers to seek immediate diagnostic testing and treatment for febrile illnesses, particularly among young children.
Comparison of Supine and Prone Methods of Leg Length Inequality Assessment

Abstract Objective The primary objective of the current study was to determine the reliability between methods of supine and prone leg length inequality (LLI) assessment. The secondary objective was to determine if the degree of examiner confidence affected the degree of intermethod agreement. Methods Two experienced doctors of chiropractic assessed 43 participants for LLI, one using a prone and the other a supine method. They stated whether they were confident or not confident in their findings. Results Kappa values for intermethod agreement were 0.16 for the full data set; 0.00 for the n=20 subgroup with both examiners confident; 0.24 for the n=18 subgroup with 1 examiner confident; and 0.55 for the n=5 subgroup with neither examiner confident. Supine and prone measures exhibited slight agreement for the full data set, but no agreement when both examiners were confident. The moderate agreement with both examiners not confident may be an artifact of small sample size. Conclusions This study found that supine and prone assessments for leg length inequality were not in agreement. Positioning the patient in the prone position may increase, decrease, reverse, or offset the observed LLI that is seen in the supine position.
FIFA's double hijabophobia: A colonialist and Islamist alliance racializing Muslim women soccer players

Abstract This paper focuses on FIFA's ‘hijab ban’ crisis, or the disqualification of the Iranian women's national soccer team from the 2012 Olympics because the players wore a head cover. Utilizing Arab, Muslim and anti-racist feminist theories, I analyze a colonialist and Islamist patriarchal alliance built on two gendering and racializing logics. I refer to these overlapping logics as ‘double hijabophobia.’ Both FIFA and Muslim-majority nations used medicalized and cultural notions of the hijab, safety and dress laws. Double hijabophobia denies Muslim women players their bodily integrity and excludes them from world football. This analysis also recognizes Muslim women athletes who are working to overcome colonialist and Islamist racializing and gendering logics in sport.
Fighting for Friendship, Justice, and Respect: Relational Aggression and Violence among Urban Young Women

This narrative study explores young women's relational aggression and violence in the context of their friendships and peer relationships with other young women. The study, focusing on complex relational meanings of girl fighting from the perspective of young women themselves, addresses underlying interpersonal experiences that have been overlooked in past research. Nineteen African American and Latina women (ages 18-21) were interviewed using the Listening Guide Method about their experiences of relational aggression and violence. Findings from this qualitative analysis foreground the centrality of relationships in young women's lives. The study pays particular attention to the role of personal agency and their ability to thrive in communities of connection with other young women. The findings highlight a relational paradox: fighting for friendship, justice, and respect, demonstrated the multilayered meanings, motivations, and subjective experiences young women ascribe to their experiences of fighting with other young women, as well as the relationship between fighting and friendship in urban contexts. Social work practice and policy implications include the development and implementation of gender-specific, culturally responsive violence prevention programs for urban young women and girls.
The Effect of Time in Short-Term Storage (STS) on Subsequent Recall from Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Two experiments tested the effects of time in short-term storage (STS) on recall from long-term memory (LTM). Experiment 1 examined the specific effects of Type I processing on high versus low association value (AV) consonant vowel consonants (CVCs). The to-be remembered CVCs were held in STS for varying time intervals; those items maintained for longer periods of time are recognized better than items maintained for shorter periods. In addition, high association value CVCs were recognized better than low association value CVCs showing a greater effect of time, confirming Saltz’s (1971) differentiation position. Experiment 2 examined the effects of Type I processing under conditions of semantic processing. Critical words were held in STS for 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 sec. Words maintained in STS for longer periods of time were recalled better than items maintained for shorter periods. These results conflict with the levels-of-processing viewpoint.
Abstract 3282: Common chronic medical conditions in pancreatic cancer: impact on overall survival

Background: We aimed to categorize the most common comorbid medical conditions in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients and to determine whether these conditions have impact on the overall survival (OS). Methods: Between January 2000 and 2014, 2165 patients with pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the pancreas consented to participate in a clinico-epidemiological study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. We reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients to identify the prevalence of four chronic medical conditions, including systemic hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and altered morphology of the pancreas. Prevalence of each chronic disease was assessed and median survival was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method, and significant differences between the survival times were determined by using the log-rank test. Results: Among all patients, 950 (43.9%) had history of hypertension, 516 (23.8%) had hyperlipidemia, 585 (27%) had type 2 diabetes. Radiological and pathological records indicted presence of steatosis (0.4%), fibrosis (1.9%), and pancreatitis (9.9%). The prevalence of hyperlipidemia and diabetes was significantly higher in men (27.9%, 30.2%) than in women (18.2%, 22.8%) respectively; P value Conclusion: Chronic medical conditions are commonly reported by PC patients and the prevalence of these conditions may vary by gender. However, the impact of these conditions may not significantly affect the survival of the patients. The interaction treatment choices with these conditions still needs to be elaborated in future studies. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Ahmed O. Abousamra, David Fogelman, Vijayashri Rallapalli, Akram Shalaby, Milind Javle, Renato Lenzi, Linus Ho, Donghui Li, Manal Hassan. Common chronic medical conditions in pancreatic cancer: impact on overall survival [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3282. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3282
Pharyngeal Airway Space Changes After Condylar Replacement and Mandibular Advancement Surgery.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the total volume and cross-sectional areas of the pharyngeal airway after bilateral condylar replacement and mandibular advancement surgery. Materials and Methods A total of 137 patients (126 women and 11 men) underwent bilateral temporomandibular joint total joint replacement performed by 1 surgeon. A subsample of 30 patients who underwent condylar replacement and only mandibular advancement were evaluated for impact on the airway. Measurements were taken preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a follow-up 1 year after surgery on cone beam computed tomography scans. InVivoDental 3-dimensional imaging (Anatomage, San Jose, CA) was used to measure airway space regarding total volume (in cubic centimeters); minimum cross-sectional area (in square millimeters); minimum cross sections of the first, second, and third cervical vertebrae; and whether the patient had mandibular retrognathia before surgery. A second operator was used to test for interoperator error. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed, and the P value was set at .05. Results There was a significant increase in all measurements at the follow-up visit compared with the preoperative visit. There were no significant differences between groups based on simultaneous Le Fort I surgery, mandibular retrognathia, and gender. However, there were statistically significant differences in cross sections 1 and 2, as well as minimum cross-sectional area, regarding age. Condylar replacement and mandibular advancement have a significant association with an increase in airway space. The intraclass correlation coefficient showed excellent agreement between interoperator measurements. Conclusions Patients undergoing bilateral temporomandibular joint replacement and mandibular advancement surgery showed an increase in pharyngeal airway space at a 1-year follow-up. In this study, age was significantly associated with the cross-sectional areas of the airway, with older patients having smaller values.
Classes of Non-commutative Residuated Structures

In this chapter we study special classes of non-commutative residuated structures: local, perfect and Archimedean structures. The local bounded pseudo-BCK(pP) algebras are characterized in terms of primary deductive systems, while the perfect pseudo-BCK(pP) algebras are characterized in terms of perfect deductive systems. One of the main results consists of proving that the radical of a bounded pseudo-BCK(pP) algebra is normal. We also prove that any linearly ordered pseudo-BCK(pP) algebra and any locally finite pseudo-BCK(pP) algebra are local. Other results state that any local FL w -algebra and any locally finite FL w -algebra are directly indecomposable. The classes of Archimedean and hyperarchimedean FL w -algebras are introduced and it is proved that any locally finite FL w -algebra is hyperarchimedean and any hyperarchimedean FL w -algebra is Archimedean.
Determining the Sensitivity of Fuel Lubricity Additive Concentration on HFRR Test Parameters

In diesel engines, fuel pumps and injectors are subjected to tremendous pressures that can reach upward of 200 MPa in modern systems. In order to generate and maintain this level of pressure, the internal pump and injector components are made to an exacting standard. The drawback is that the moving components are largely lubricated with just the diesel fuel. If the diesel fuel has insufficient lubricating quality, catastrophic wear and subsequent failures can occur., The US Army currently utilizes aviation turbine fuel in all of its diesel-powered ground vehicles. The current specifications outlined in MIL-DTL-83133, Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Kerosene Type, JP-8 (NATO F-34), NATO F-35, and JP-8 + 100 (NATO F-37), and ASTM D1655, Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels, allow specific synthetic fuel components that can exacerbate the lubricity issue (having both low viscosity and no aromatic content). With these synthetics, the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) can have a wear scar diameter as high as 900 μm, which, if run unadditized in an engine, will cause immediate hardware failure. The military requires the use of an approved lubricity additive in the fuel it acquires. If treated with an approved additive at a rate between 20 and 30 mg/kg, even these poor lubricity fuels will be able to operate in Army equipment for the life of the engine. Unfortunately, the HFRR wear result does not discriminate between these neat and additized fuels. This work was undertaken in an attempt to improve the correlation of HFRR-type wear scar results with pump test results for a series of fuels with varying levels of lubricity additive. The effects of varying test conditions are reported and conclusions drawn on how improvements could be made to the current lubricity testing standards.
Physiological Functions and Regulation of C. elegans Stearoyl-CoA Desaturases

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans synthesizes a complex array of unsaturated fatty acids. The stearoyl-CoA desaturases (SCDs), which introduce the first double bond into a saturated fatty acid chain, are encoded by three genes. Two of these genes, fat-6 and fat-7, encode SCDs that introduce a double bond into stearic acid (18:0), generating oleic acid (18:1n-9). The third gene, fat-5, is a palmitoyl-CoA desaturase, which introduces a double bond into palmitic acid (16:0). Powerful molecular and genetic tools in C. elegans, combined with a relatively simple anatomy, make this an ideal model to study the roles and regulation of unsaturated fatty acids. This review summarizes the physiological roles of SCDs in C. elegans that have been determined by the analysis of SCD mutants. Studies examining the regulation of C. elegans SCDs by SREBP, nuclear hormone receptors, and other transcription factors are also highlighted in this chapter.
On Building Efficient Temporal Indexes on Hyperledger Fabric

We discuss the problem of constructing efficient temporal indexes on Hyperledger Fabric, a popular Blockchain platform. The temporal nature of the data inserted by Fabric transactions can be leveraged to support various use-cases. This requires that temporal queries be processed efficiently on this data. Currently this presents significant challenges as this data is organized on file-system, is exposed via limited API and does not support temporal indexes. In a prior work [1], we presented two models for creating temporal indexes on Fabric which overcome these limitations and improve the performance of temporal queries on Fabric. The first model creates a copy of each event inserted and stores temporally close events together on Fabric. The second model keeps the event count intact but tags metadata to each event s.t. temporally close events share the same metadata. In this paper, we present variants on these two models which are better able to handle the skew present in Fabric data. We discuss the details and show that these variants significantly outperform the approaches presented in [1] when Fabric data contains skew. We also discuss the performance tradeoffs among these variants across various dimensions - data storage, query performance, event insertion time etc.
KITE: An Analytics Platform for Multimorbidity Management

Managing multimorbidity entails processing distributed, dynamic and heterogeneous data using diverse analytics tools. We present KITE, a Cloud-based infrastructure allowing the aggregation and processing of health data using a dynamic set of analytical components. We showcase KITE in the context of the ProACT project, aiming at advancing home-based integrated care though IoT, analytics and a behavior change framework. We validate the viability of the infrastructure through an application of Bayesian networks to give a probabilistic representation of older individuals based on a variety of factors.
Comparison of Initial Pediatric Outpatient Echocardiogram Indications between Community and Academic Practice.

Objective To compare the appropriateness and diagnostic yield of initial outpatient transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) between a community pediatric cardiology practice and an academic children's hospital. Study design Initial outpatient pediatric TTE ordered by pediatric cardiologists between January and March 2014 at a community practice (Packard Children's Health Alliance [PCHA]; n = 238) and an academic tertiary center (Lucile Packard Children's Hospital [LPCH]; n = 76) were evaluated based on appropriate use criteria (AUC) released in December 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of “rarely appropriate” indications and abnormal TTE findings. Results Of 314 TTEs, 165 (52.5%) were classified as “appropriate,” 40 (12.7%) were classified as “may be appropriate,” 100 (31.9%) were classified as “rarely appropriate,” and 9 (2.9%) were unclassifiable. The proportion of abnormal findings did not differ between the 2 practice settings (5.3% for LPCH vs 7.6% for PCHA; P = .61). TTEs performed at PCHA were significantly more likely to be “rarely appropriate” (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.28-5.15; P = .008). Children aged Conclusion The community practice was independently associated with greater inappropriate ordering of initial outpatient pediatric TTEs compared with the academic practice. The assessment of practice patterns following AUC release should account for physician and practice-related factors that could influence differences in TTE ordering patterns.
Localized plasticity in silicon carbide ceramics induced by laser shock processing

Abstract This paper investigates how laser shock processing (LSP) changes the microstructures and mechanical properties of polycrystalline α-SiC ceramics. Three-dimensional (3-D) topography suggests that the grain boundaries experience larger height changes and deformation than the grains after LSP. Transmission electron microscopy characterizations revealed dislocation activities near the surface and grain boundaries in LSP-treated SiC ceramics, suggesting that localized plasticity could be generated during the LSP process at room temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that significant compressive residual stress was introduced in SiC surfaces, which could be extended to a depth of 750 µm below the surface. The LSP-induced localized plasticity can improve the mechanical properties of ceramics, such as the apparent fracture toughness and bending strength.
VALIDATION OF THE ASTER GLOBAL DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL VERSION 3 OVER THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

Abstract. The ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model Version 3 (GDEM v3) was evaluated over the conterminous United States in a manner similar to the validation conducted for the original GDEM Version 1 (v1) in 2009 and GDEM Version 2 (v2) in 2011. The absolute vertical accuracy of GDEM v3 was calculated by comparison with more than 23,000 independent reference geodetic ground control points from the U.S. National Geodetic Survey. The root mean square error (RMSE) measured for GDEM v3 is 8.52 meters. This compares with the RMSE of 8.68 meters for GDEM v2. Another important descriptor of vertical accuracy is the mean error, or bias, which indicates if a DEM has an overall vertical offset from true ground level. The GDEM v3 mean error of −1.20 meters reflects an overall negative bias in GDEM v3. The absolute vertical accuracy assessment results, both mean error and RMSE, were segmented by land cover type to provide insight into how GDEM v3 performs in various land surface conditions. While the RMSE varies little across cover types (6.92 to 9.25 meters), the mean error (bias) does appear to be affected by land cover type, ranging from −2.99 to +4.16 meters across 14 land cover classes. These results indicate that in areas where built or natural aboveground features are present, GDEM v3 is measuring elevations above the ground level, a condition noted in assessments of previous GDEM versions (v1 and v2) and an expected condition given the type of stereo-optical image data collected by ASTER. GDEM v3 was also evaluated by differencing with the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) dataset. In many forested areas, GDEM v3 has elevations that are higher in the canopy than SRTM. The overall validation effort also included an evaluation of the GDEM v3 water mask. In general, the number of distinct water polygons in GDEM v3 is much lower than the number in a reference land cover dataset, but the total areas compare much more closely.
Functional Outcomes and Consumer Satisfaction in the Independent Living Program for Older Individuals Who Are Blind.

This study of a national sample of elders served by the Independent Living Program for Older Individuals Who Are Blind found that, overall, they were highly satisfied with the quality and timeliness of services and help in achieving independent living goals. A slight improvement was found in their perceptions of functional outcomes from 1999 to 2004. Page 1 of 13
From partition to Brexit: the Irish government and Northern Ireland

Of all the challenges faced by the Irish state in the twentieth century, the partition of the island into an independent south and a British-ruled north was arguably the slipperiest. Officially com...
“Shining” or “Suffering” South Asia? China’s South Asian Footprints

Due to its special geographical location, Bangladesh has increasingly become an area of major interest to some of the world’s preeminent economic powers. China, India, and the United States lead that list, emphasizing soft power strategies, such as investments in international infrastructure projects, like the Asian highways, trans-Asian railways, and deep-sea ports. Promoting Asian connectivity, they have also dragged Bangladesh into their security orbit, with both China and India particularly requiring Bangladeshi collaboration for their domestic developmental imperatives. The study finds Bangladesh’s ricocheting passage through China’s “String of Pearl” policy approach, India’s adversarial “Look/Act East Policy” drive, and the U.S. “Pivot to Asia” mindset demand more balanced navigation, but threaten the domestic calibration between governmental, business-based, and popular preferences.
A "Cat"-astrophic Case of Bartonella henselae infective endocarditis followed by cardiac transplantation salvage therapy.

To our knowledge, no cases of Bartonella henselae endocarditis leading to subsequent heart transplantation salvage therapy have been published. We present a case of a 29-year-old man with cat-inflicted B henselae endocarditis and concurrent worsening heart failure, who then underwent successful heart transplantation 50 days following diagnosis. Treatment and monitoring strategies used in this patient are discussed. Furthermore, we review literature related to heart transplantation salvage therapy for endocarditis due to other intracellular pathogens.
How Systemic Sclerosis Affects Healthcare Use and Complication Rates after Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Objective To assess whether outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) differ in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Methods We used the 1998-2014 U.S. National Inpatient Sample. THA and SSc were identified using procedure and diagnostic codes, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses assessed the association of SSc with in-hospital complications (implant infection, revision, transfusion, mortality) post-THA and associated healthcare utilization (hospital charges, hospital stay, discharge to non-home setting), adjusting for age, sex, race, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, primary diagnosis for THA, household income, and insurance payer.. Results Of the 4,116,485 primary THAs performed in the U.S. 1998-2014, 2,672 (0.06%) had SSc. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, compared to people without SSc, people with SSc had higher adjusted odds ratios [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the following post-primary THA: (1) non-home discharge, 1.25 (95% CI, 1.03, 1.50); (2) hospital stay >3 days, 1.61 (95% CI, 1.35, 1.92); (3) transfusion, 1.54 (95% CI, 1.28, 1.84); and (4) revision, 9.53 (95% CI, 6.75, 13.46). Differences in mortality had a nonsignificant trend, 2.19 (95% CI, 0.99, 4.86). There were no differences in total hospital charges or implant infection rates. Conclusion SSc was associated with higher rate of in-hospital complications and healthcare utilization post-primary THA. Future studies should examine whether pre- or post-operative interventions can reduce the risk of post-THA complications in people with SSc.
CRT-100.53 Pathophysiology of Myonecrosis in Alcohol Septal Ablation Compared to ST-Elevation Myocardial infarction

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a septal reduction therapy modality for patients with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). ASA is a targeted infarction of the basal anteroseptum achieved by selective injection of ethanol into septal arteries. The characteristics of
Music as a vehicle for reducing HIV stigma and increasing access to testing in rural Uganda: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study

Background nbsp New HIV infections in Uganda rose by percent in between the years of and Since the Global Livingston Institute has been working with community partners to produce the quot iKnow quot Concert Series in rural Uganda This annual free concert series offers various musical acts featuring performers who come together to launch a three pronged approach Use celebrities to stress that people can live a long healthy life while HIV positive thereby decreasing stigma surrounding the disease distribute free condoms and teach people how to use them and offer free on site HIV testing counseling and treatment services This study seeks to assess the familiarity and opinions of community members in Kabale regarding the quot iKnow quot Concert Series as well as gain a deeper understanding of HIV related knowledge and stigma in this region We hypothesize that the concert is an effective intervention to increase knowledge and reduce stigma surrounding HIV in rural Uganda Methods A nbsp quasi experimental mixed methods design was used to conduct semi structured interviews These interviews included survey questionnaires assessing personal HIV knowledge and stigma as well as open ended questions to allow for additional discussion Results A total of interviews were conducted The mean total HIV AIDS Knowledge score was out of and the Mean total HIV related stigma score was out of A multivariable linear regression analysis was run to predict HIV related stigma and HIV AIDS Knowledge from gender age employment status religion and education These variables statistically predicted a significant association with reduced stigma and level of education F p lt R and higher levels of education being associated with reduced stigma F p lt R All variables added to the prediction p lt Conclusion Education level is significantly associated with reduced negative attitudes and beliefs towards people living with HIV AIDS PLWHA The results suggest that those who report having completed High School and higher score almost points lower of the stigma scale on average This study informs our efforts to increase accessibility to testing and services for rural communities while also reducing stigma and educating participants at the concert on disease prevention and treatment
On Becoming Witnessing Professionals

I came to view my work with Hiroshima survivors in 1962 as not only a scientific study but a form of bearing witness to what the bomb did to human beings in that city. I tried to bring professional...
Gender differences in dermatologist practice locations in the United States: A cross-sectional analysis of current gender gaps.

Abstract Background The percentage of female dermatologists has increased from 6.9% in 1970 to 48.9% in 2017. Despite the changing gender composition of the dermatologist workforce, it is unknown whether there are gender-based differences in dermatology practice locations. Objective This study aimed to characterize gender-based differences in dermatology practice locations across the United States. Methods A cross-sectional study of all dermatologists in the 2020 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Compare Database was performed. The number of self-identified female dermatologists and total dermatologists in each county and state was tabulated, and Spearman's correlation coefficients between county-level demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and female practices were calculated. Results Among 11,911 dermatologists, 5945 (49.9%) self-identified as female and 5966 (50.1%) as male. Of the 1052 counties with a dermatologist, 291 (27.7%) had no female dermatologist and 149 (14.2%) had no male dermatologist. The percentage of female dermatologists in each state ranged from 18.4% to 62.2%. Female dermatologists practiced more in areas with a higher percentage of democratic voters (r = +0.22) and higher median household income (r = +0.18), and less in rural counties (r = –0.18) or counties with higher uninsured rates (r = –0.11). Conclusion Female dermatologists remain significantly underrepresented in some regions in the United States, particularly in the Mountain states and rural counties. As women continue entering the dermatologist workforce, these results can inform workforce planning strategies to improve the distribution and accessibility of dermatologists across the United States.
Heo Jun: physician of the people.

Heo Jun was a Korean physician during the Joseon Dynasty in the early seventeenth century. Among his many works is the Dongui Bogam which was a compendium of Eastern medicine up until that time. Th...
Assessing the Validity of an Annual Survey for Measuring the Enacted Literacy Curriculum

Surveys are frequently used to inform consequential decisions about teachers, policies, and programs. Consequently, it is important to understand the validity of these instruments. This study assesses the validity of measures of instruction captured by an annual survey by comparing survey data with those of a validated daily log. The two instruments produced similar rankings of the frequency with which teachers use particular practices but more than three fourths of the teachers in the study were found to overreport their instruction on the annual survey. Multilevel models revealed a number of teacher and school characteristics related to survey reporting error. The study’s implications for users of survey evidence are discussed.
Foreign Aid as a Counterterrorism Tool: Aid Delivery Channels, State Capacity, and NGOs

Aid is theorized to reduce the supply of transnational terrorist attacks by improving economic prospects and defraying the cost of counterterrorism efforts by recipient governments. We argue that the effectiveness of foreign aid in reducing terrorism depends on the capacity of aid delivery channels in recipient countries. Aid given directly to corrupt governments is unlikely to reduce terrorism, as aid capture and distortion are more likely in such environments. Similarly, aid is counterproductive if the recipient government uses repressive counterterrorism measures. On the other hand, aid delivered through NGOs should reduce the supply of transnational terrorism if the size and capacity of the NGO sector is sufficiently large. We estimate negative binomial regressions in two stages using control function methods on a sample of Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries between 2006 and 2009. The evidence is in line with our argument.
The Social Stratification of English in New York City: The isolation of contextual styles

Linguists have never been unconscious of the problems of stylistic variation. The normal practice is to set such variants aside – not because they are considered unimportant, but because the techniques of linguistics are not thought to be suitable or adequate to handle them. Structural analysis is normally the abstraction of those unvarying, functional units of language whose occurrence can be predicted by rule. Since the influence of stylistic conditioning on linguistic behavior is said to be merely statistical, it can only lead to statements of probability rather than rule. For the present purposes, I would rather say that stylistic variation has not been treated by techniques accurate enough to measure the extent of regularity which does prevail. The combination of many stylistic factors imposed upon other influences may lead to seemingly erratic behavior; but this apparent irregularity is comparable to the inconsistencies which seemed to govern the historical development of vowels and consonants until some of the more subtle conditioning factors were perceived. At the end of Chapter 3, it was suggested that the five phonological variables show regular variation through different styles and contexts in the speech of New Yorkers. The problem now is to control the context, and define the styles of speech which occur within them, so that this hypothesis can be tested.
Fast Automatic Generation of DSP Algorithms

SPIRAL is a generator of optimized, platform-adapted libraries for digital signal processing algorithms. SPIRAL's strategy translates the implementation task into a search in an expanded space of alternatives. These result from the many degrees of freedom in the DSP algorithm itself and in the various coding choices. This paper describes the framework to represent and generate efficiently these alternatives: the formula generator module in SPIRAL. We also address the search module that works in tandem with the formula generator in a feedback loop to find optimal implementations. These modules are implemented using the computer algebra system GAP/AREP.
Expected loss functions as additional measures to assess performance of multiple testing procedures for combination drug dose finding

There are several measures that are commonly used to assess performance of a multiple testing procedure (MTP). These measures include power, overall error rate (family-wise error rate), and lack of power. In settings where the MTP is used to estimate a parameter, for example, the minimum effective dose, bias is of interest. In some studies, the parameter has a set-like structure, and thus, bias is not well defined. Nevertheless, the accuracy of estimation is one of the essential features of an MTP in such a context. In this paper, we propose several measures based on the expected values of loss functions that resemble bias. These measures are constructed to be useful in combination drug dose response studies when the target is to identify all minimum efficacious drug combinations. One of the proposed measures allows for assigning different penalties for incorrectly overestimating and underestimating a true minimum efficacious combination. Several simple examples are considered to illustrate the proposed loss functions. Then, the expected values of these loss functions are used in a simulation study to identify the best procedure among several methods used to select the minimum efficacious combinations, where the measures take into account the investigator's preferences about possibly overestimating and/or underestimating a true minimum efficacious combination. The ideas presented in this paper can be generalized to construct measures that resemble bias in other settings. These measures can serve as an essential tool to assess performance of several methods for identifying set-like parameters in terms of accuracy of estimation.
Validating the Standard for the National Board Dental Examination Part II

As part of the overall exam validation process, the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations periodically reviews and validates the pass/fail standard for the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), Parts I and II. The most recent standard-setting activities for NBDE Part II used the Objective Standard Setting method. This report describes the process used to set the pass/fail standard for the 2009 exam. The failure rate on the NBDE Part II increased from 5.3 percent in 2008 to 13.7 percent in 2009 and then decreased to 10 percent in 2010. This article describes the Objective Standard Setting method and presents the estimated probabilities of classification errors based on the beta binomial mathematical model. The results show that the probability of correct classifications of candidate performance is very high (0.97) and that probabilities of false negative and false positive errors are very small (.03 and
Tailoring enzymes that modify nonribosomal peptides during and after chain elongation on NRPS assembly lines

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases are large enzyme complexes that synthesize a variety of peptide natural products through a thiotemplated mechanism. Assembly of the peptides proceeds through amino acid loading, amide-bond formation and chain translocation, and finally thioester lysis to release the product. The final products are often heavily modified, however, through methylation, epimerization, hydroxylation, heterocyclization, oxidative cross-linking and attachment of sugars. These activities are the province of specialized enzymes (either embedded in the multidomain nonribosomal peptide synthetase structure or standalone).
Developing equations to estimate potato yield loss caused by early blight in Minnesota

Regression analyses were performed on field data from 1981 and 1982 to determine models for estimating yield loss caused by early blight in potato cvs. Norland and Russet Burbank. Percent yield loss (total tubers and US# 1 tubers) caused by early blight could not be satisfactorily explained by any regression model using only a single disease assessment as the input variable. Several multiple point models, which explained more than 70% of the variation in yield loss due to early blight, were determined for each cultivar. The models for cv. Norland used either early blight severity assessments on days 56, 66, 76 and 86 after sprout emergence, or blight severity increments for 10-day periods among days 46–86, as the input variables. The models for cv. Russet Burbank used the same input variables as for cv. Norland and additionally, blight severity on day 96. Yield loss in US#1 tubers was a more stable variable than loss in total tubers for estimating early blight effect.
Reinforcement redistribution in AlSiC composites under cyclic deformations

Aluminum-silicon carbide particle composites were subjected to large strain, cyclic deformations at elevated temperatures. The initial microstructure of the composites consisted of distinct elongated clusters of reinforcements oriented in the extrusion direction. After repeated cycles where the material was deformed and subsequently returned to its original shape at elevated temperatures, the distribution of particles throughout the matrix generally became more uniform, although in some cases small round clusters of reinforcements were observed. Finite element calculations suggested that under cyclic deformations, a microstructure with either a uniform distribution of particles or tight clusters of particles with a cluster aspect ratio of unity minimizes the strain energy density of the system. The results may provide insight for the development of thermo-mechanical processing methods to produce metal-matrix composites with improved mechanical properties.
Distance and prediction error variance constraints for ARMA model portfolios

Abstract Poskitt and Tremayne 74 (1987) present a posterior odds ratio ( R ) portfolio selection strategy for ARMA models. This paper makes the range of prediction error variances that are implicit in R more explicit. Model closeness is quantified using a distance function in a Hilbert space. The relationship between distance and the posterior odds ratio is demonstrated. This provides a distance interpretation of the posterior odds ratio. The distance function also makes it possible to develop a prediction error variance (p.e.v.) criterion for identifying models to include in an ARMA model portfolio. A simulation experiment shows that the p.e.v. criterion provides forecasters with both a measure for assessing the likelihood that the models in an ARMA model portfolio yield practically equivalent forecasts, and a measure for assessing the usefulness of alternative criteria for identifying the order of an ARMA model.
Pathways of ultraviolet mutability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ☆ ☆☆: II. The effect of rev genes on recombination

Abstract Recombination at both intergenic and intragenic levels has been investigated in diploid yeast strains each homozygous for one allele of three different rev loci that cause reduced UV mutability. Meiotic recombination between leu1 and trp5 and between arg4-6 and arg4-17 was found to occur at control frequencies. The frequencies of UV- and X-ray induced mitotic recombination, measured for both the ade2 -centromere and arg4-6–arg4-17 regions, increased more sharply with radiation dose in rev/rev diploids than in wild type. Since rev mutations do not cause recombination deficiency, it is suggested that mitotic recombination as measured in this study, although induced by UV damage, is not correlated with UV mutagenesis.
Herniation secondary to critical postcraniotomy cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia.

OBJECTIVE Cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia resulting in postural headaches is a well-known clinical entity, but severe forms of cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia with altered mental status and signs of transtentorial herniation ("brain sag") have rarely been reported. This article describes the clinical features of brain sag after craniotomy in an attempt to increase recognition of this syndrome. METHODS Between April 2001 and January 2003, 220 consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were prospectively enrolled in the Columbia Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Outcomes Project; 137 underwent craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Among these patients, the diagnosis of brain sag was made when all three of the following criteria were present: clinical signs of transtentorial herniation, head computed tomographic scans revealing effacement of the basal cisterns with an oblong brainstem, and improvement of symptoms after placement of the patient in the Trendelenburg position (-15 to -30 degrees). For each patient, the symptoms, clinical course, and subsequent response to treatment were characterized. In addition, brainstem dimensions were measured on computed tomographic scans taken before, during, and after resolution of brain sag. A "sag ratio" was generated for these time points by dividing the maximum anteroposterior distance by the maximum bipeduncular distance. RESULTS Eleven (8.0%) of 137 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated by craniotomy and an intraoperative spinal drain met the criteria for brain sag. Signs of transtentorial herniation developed most commonly between 2 and 4 days postoperatively. Pupillary asymmetry was noted in 10 (91.0%) of 11 patients, whereas the other patient demonstrated extensor posturing. The Trendelenburg position reversed the symptoms in all patients. The mean sag ratios before, during, and after resolution of brain sag were 0.91 +/- 0.03 (mean +/- standard error), 1.18 +/- 0.03, and 0.91 +/- 0.03, respectively. This represented a 30.9% elongation of the brainstem during sag (P < 0.001) and a 23.6% change back to baseline after resolution of the syndrome (P < 0.002). There was no significant difference between the presag and postsag ratios. CONCLUSION Severe cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia after craniotomy may produce a dramatic herniation syndrome that is completely reversed by the Trendelenburg position. Brain sag should be included in the differential diagnosis for acute postoperative clinical deterioration in this patient population.
The cardiovascular risks of thiazide diuretics

In the 1980s, several diuretics common in the treatment of hypertension were widely suspected as causing several dangerous medical conditions, including hypokalemia (an abnormally low level of potassium in blood) and heart disease. In this article, Freis defended the use of thiazide diuretics for treating high blood pressure, citing several recent studies that indicated that they were safe.
The formation of current sheets in the solar atmosphere

A simple model of the effect of slow photospheric motions on the coronal magnetic field is examined. In this model, a magnetic field is stretched between two conducting plates and slow tangential displacements of the plates cause the field to evolve quasi-statically. If the field is treated as a continuum, the interior magnetic topology is uniquely specified by the displacement of the boundaries, while the topology of a field made up of discrete flux tubes is not determined by the boundary displacement. Treating the field as a continuum, it is found that small perturbations of a constant vertical or weakly sheared field can come to an equilibrium free of singularities if the separation between the plates is finite.
Readily available phosphate from minerals in early aqueous environments on Mars

Phosphate is thought to be a chemical nutrient essential for life, but the low solubility of phosphate minerals means that abiogenesis on Earth had to overcome the hurdle of phosphate-limited environments. Dissolution experiments of phosphate minerals commonly found on Mars suggest that phosphate may have been more readily available in early martian environments.
Cell migration at a glance

Cell migration is a fundamental process, from simple, uni-cellular organisms such as amoeba, to complex multi-cellular organisms such as mammals. Whereas its main functions comprise mating and the search for food in simple organisms ([Manahan et al., 2004][1]), complexity brings a requirement for
Psychological vulnerability to alcoholism: studies in internal scanning deficit

Three studies considered the predispositional role of impaired internal scanning in alcoholism. Scanning represents the person's sensitivity to internal stimulation and the extent to which the person utilizes internally generated information. The first study found that more acute alcoholic patients displayed poorer scanning than more chronic alcoholics. This finding contra-indicates deficit scanning as an effect of alcoholism and suggests that this impairment antecedes the alcoholic disorder. Two further studies tested the possible antecedent status of deficit scanning. Adolescent wards of the juvenile court, judged to be more at risk for alcoholism, were poorer scanners than their counterparts with fewer drinking-related problems. Male college students with a greater number of alcohol-related problems also proved to be poorer scanners. It is proposed that limited scanning contributes to alcoholic vulnerability by depriving the person of information vital to the control of drinking behaviour.
Density functional calculation of structure and stability of nitrogen clusters N10, N12, and N20

Abstract Density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31G*) has been used to calculate the structures of N 10 , N 12 and N 20 . Calculation of the frequencies at the optimized geometry indicated that the structures correspond to a minimum on the potential surface. NMR chemical shifts were also calculated. Calculation of the energy released on decomposition to diatomic nitrogen molecules indicates that the structures would be very energetic materials.