cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and causes of perioperative endotracheal reintubation in children: a review of 28,208 anesthetics.

Summary Objectives/Aim: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and causes of endotracheal reintubation in children and identify methods to reduce the occurrence. Background: Reintubation during the perioperative period is a serious and potentially preventable adverse event that can result in significant morbidity. Methods: A total of 28 208 anesthetics were delivered to pediatric patients at our institution between May 2006 and May 2009. Reintubations were identified with our quality assurance (QA) surveillance database coupled with chart review by our QA nurse. Cases were classified as planned versus inadvertent extubations, and adverse events were assessed. Results: We discovered 27 cases of reintubation with an incidence of 9.6 : 10 000 anesthetics. Reintubated patients were found to be younger than the general population (P = 0.001) with a high rate of comorbid disease. While most reintubations could be attributed to respiratory causes, 30% were attributed to inadvertent displacement of the endotracheal tube. No mortalities were seen, but 22% of patients needed resuscitative medications and 7% received chest compressions. Of the patients who failed planned extubations, 53% were left intubated with an average duration of postoperative intubation of 2.4 ± 1.9 days. Conclusions: The incidence of endotracheal reintubation in children is low, but can result in significant morbidity. Because of the high frequency of inadvertent extubation, a significant number of reintubations could be prevented with greater care during transfer of patients with endotracheal tubes, and in procedures near the airway. Increased vigilance in younger children is also recommended as children under 3 years old required the majority of the reintubations.
The impact of ethnicity on prospective functional outcomes from community‐based psychosocial rehabilitation for persons with schizophrenia

Ethnicity was examined for its relationship to prospective functional outcomes from community-based psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia. Participants were 98 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were admitted to two community-based psychosocial rehabilitation programs. Previous studies had established that these programs were effective in improving functional outcomes. Data on hospitalization, independent living, social, and work functioning were collected every 6 months for a period of 3 years. The results using hierarchical linear modeling revealed significant differences among non-minorities, African Americans, and Latinos in rehabilitative change over time in the domains of work and social functioning. Non-minorities achieved the greatest gains in both social and work functioning. African Americans showed little change in social functioning, but showed a decline in work functioning. In the domain of work, Latinos deteriorated more than African Americans, and this was most notable for Latino males. There were no cross-ethnic differences in independent living or hospitalization outcomes. Based on these findings, there is important variation among different ethnic groups in their response to psychosocial rehabilitation. Implications are discussed in terms of the need for culturally relevant rehabilitation methods, and for research on cultural constructs in community-based intervention studies. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Asymptotical Construction of an Efficient High-Fidelity Model for Functionally Graded Plates

This paper constructs an e‐cient high-fldelity model for plates made of functionally graded material. By taking advantage of an inherent small parameter, the ratio of the thickness to the characteristic wavelength of the deformation of the reference surface, we apply the variational asymptotic method to rigorously decouple the original threedimensional anisotropic elasticity problem into a one-dimensional through-the-thickness analysis and a two-dimensional plate analysis. The through-the-thickness analysis provides constitutive relations for the plate analysis as well as the recovery information for the three-dimensional flelds, linking the original, complex three-dimensional anisotropic heterogeneous elasticity problem to a simple two-dimensional plate model which achieves the best compromise between e‐ciency and accuracy. Furthermore, the derived models are geometrically exact and valid for large deformations and global rotations with the restriction that strains are small. Excellent accuracy of present model has been validated by comparing the displacement and stress distributions with exact solutions both for the cylindrical bending of an isotropic plate and the behavior of a thick, simply-supported, two-constituent metal-ceramic functionally grated rectangular plate.
Redox regulation of HIF-1α levels and HO-1 expression in renal medullary interstitial cells

The present study hypothesized that superoxide (O 2 − ·) importantly contributes to the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression at posttranscriptional levels in renal medullary i...
Understanding why adult participants at the World Senior Games choose a healthy diet

Background: Identifying those seniors most likely to adopt a healthy diet, the relative importance they place on certain perceived benefits associated with a healthy diet, and whether these perceived benefits are associated with selected demographic, lifestyle, and health history variables is important for directing effective dietary health promotion programs. Methods: Analyses are based on a cross-sectional convenience sample of 670 seniors aged 50 years and older at the 2002 World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. Data are assessed using frequencies, bivariate analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly higher in individuals aged 70–79, in women, in those not overweight or obese, and in those with excellent overall health. Dietary fiber consumption was significantly higher in former or never smokers, current and previous alcohol drinkers, in those not overweight or obese, and in those with excellent health. The strongest motivating factors identified for adopting a healthy diet were to improve the quality of life, to increase longevity, and to prevent disease. Of intermediate importance were the need to feel a sense of control and to satisfy likes or dislikes. Least important were the desire to experience a higher level of spirituality, social reasons, and peer acceptance. Conclusion: Seniors who have adopted a healthy diet are more likely to have chosen that behavior because of perceived health benefits than for personal and social benefits. Overweight or obese individuals and those in poor health were less likely to be engaged in healthy eating behavior and require special attention by dieticians and public health professionals.
Tumor Status at 12 Weeks Predicts Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Findings from NCCTG N9741

Purpose. We explored the prognostic value of actual tumor measurements (TM) versus World Health Organization (WHO) criteria as three-level (responder, stable, and progression) and two-level (responder and nonresponder) variables at 12 and 24 weeks as predictors of
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated With Endothelial Dysfunction

Background—We recently reported endothelial dysfunction as a novel cardiovascular risk factor associated with insulin resistance/obesity. Here, we tested whether hyperandrogenic insulin-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are at increased risk of macrovascular disease display impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and whether endothelial function in PCOS is associated with particular metabolic and/or hormonal characteristics. Methods and Results—We studied leg blood flow (LBF) responses to graded intrafemoral artery infusions of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator methacholine chloride (MCh) and to euglycemic hyperinsulinemia in 12 obese women with PCOS and in 13 healthy age- and weight-matched control subjects (OBW). LBF increments in response to MCh were 50% lower in the PCOS group than in the OBW group (P<0.01). Euglycemic hyperinsulinemia increased LBF above baseline by 30% in the PCOS and 60% in OBW group (P<0.05 between groups). Across all subjects, the maximal LBF respo...
Designing a Program of Functional Therapy

Considered from a practical down-to-earth stance everything that has preceded this section of the book—all the history, the definitions, the concepts, the arguments, and the critiques—were merely a warm-up for the manual. The practical test of a therapeutic approach is not how well it explains but how well it works. In this manual the basic ideas of functional eclectic therapy will be put to work. Since the functional approach is quite broad and diverse it would be possible to generate many different practical programs. This manual presents only one set of procedures among the many that are potentially available. The closing chapter of this section offers suggestions about how to develop extensions, revisions, and alternatives to this particular program of therapy.
Kinetic Energy Distributions in the Spontaneous Fission of Cm 250 and Cf 250

The kinetic energy distributions of coincident fragments from the spontaneous fission of $^{250}\mathrm{Cm}$ and $^{250}\mathrm{Cf}$ have been measured with silicon surface-barrier detectors. From these data, pre-neutron-emission kinetic energy and mass distributions have been calculated. The most probable value of the pre-neutron-emission total kinetic energy is 179.8 MeV for $^{250}\mathrm{Cm}$, and 184.3 MeV for $^{250}\mathrm{Cf}$. The resultant mass-yield curves are typical of asymmetric fission. The results are compared with measurements for other curium and californium isotopes.
Ion Channeling Techniques for Defect and Surface Studies

The channeling and blocking phenomena are well enough understood that they can be combined with ion scattering or ion induced reactions to investigate defects and surface structures. A brief review is given of the origins of these phenomena, of associated concepts which are useful for defect and surface analysis, and of experimental constraints and requirements. Applications to selected problems are used to illustrate the advantages and limitations of these techniques.
Plasmon-Induced Transparency in the Visible Region via Self-Assembled Gold Nanorod Heterodimers

The phenomenon of plasmon-induced transparency holds immense potential for high sensitivity sensors and optical information processing due to the extreme dispersion and slowing of light within a narrow spectral window. Unfortunately plasmonic metamaterials demonstrating this effect has been restricted to infrared and greater wavelengths due to requisite precision in structure fabrication. Here we report a novel metamaterial synthesized by bottom-up self-assembly of gold nanorods. The small dimensions (≤ 50/20 nm, length/diameter), atomically smooth surfaces, and nanometer resolution enable the first demonstration of plasmon-induced transparency at visible wavelengths. The slow-down factors within the reduced symmetry heterodimer cluster are comparable to longer wavelength counterparts. The inherent spectral tunability and facile large-scale integration afforded by self-assembled metamaterials will open a new paradigm for physically realizable on-chip photonic device designs.
Analysis of three-dimensional curved beams using isogeometric approach

Abstract There is an increasing trend among architects to utilize curved structural members as opposed to traditional straight structural members in the design of modern space structures. To handle the complex geometrical forms, new structural analysis methods are needed to accurately and efficiently analyze these structures. To address this issue, an isogeometric approach is presented in this paper for the formulation of finite elements for arbitrary spatially curved 3-D beams. These elements employ the same Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) interpolations as used in the CAD representations to interpolate both geometry and unknown fields in the finite element analysis, leading to a seamless transition between complex CAD models utilized by architects and the analysis models used by engineers. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on a variety of curved structural geometries of varying complexities.
Vector control measures and its efficacy used in camps of earthquake rescuing troops

Objective To control the densities of mosquitoes,midges,flies and fleas in the camps of earthquake rescuing troops so that these insects could not do harm to troops. Methods Using circumstance administering,space spraying,residual spraying and releasing hot smoke of phyrethoid to reduce the densities of insects in the camps of troops,after the densities dropped apparently,to spray insecticides and release hot smoke every other 3 days. Results After taking synthetical control measures for 5 days,the declining rates of densities of mosquitoes,midges,flies,and fleas were 5%～15%,4%～18%,4%～12% and 100% respectively;after taking synthetical control measures for 10 days,the declining rates of densities of mosquitoes,midges,flies were 41%～57%,46%～71%,42%～68%.After taking synthetical control measures for 15 days,the declining rates of mosquitoes,midges,flies were respectively 69%～89%,74%～91% and 81%～95% respectively.Conclusion Under the densities of insects being very high,combining circumstance monitor with lasting chemical control can reduce insect densities effectively.
Error analysis of variable power factor CT load bank

In order to measure accurately the error of CT in actual load condition,the CT has to carry the sec-ondary actual load.The paper analyzed the effect of secondary load on the proportion and angular difference of CT after the secondary load simulating box of variable power factor CT was adopted.
Selection of Patients with Adrenal Incidentalomas for Operation

An adrenal mass may be discovered incidentally in as many as 2% of patients having an abdominal CT scan. The clinical dilemma is to identify the rare functioning or malignant adrenal tumor, which warrants resection, while avoiding unnecessary testing and surgery in the majority of patients whose adrenal lesions are nonfunctioning and benign. A thorough history and physical examination and judicious use of screening laboratory tests are important in determining the likelihood of a clinically significant adrenal mass. There is little debate that functional or large (
A study of various energy- and exergy-based optimisation metrics for the design of high performance aircraft systems

This paper shows the advantages of applying exergy-based analysis and optimisation methods to the synthesis/design and operation of aircraft systems. In particular, an Advanced Aircraft Fighter (AAF) with three subsystems: a Propulsion Subsystem (PS), an Environmental Control Subsystem (ECS), and an Airframe Subsystem - Aerodynamics (AFS-A) is used to illustrate these advantages. Thermodynamic (both energy and exergy based), aerodynamic, geometric, and physical models of the components comprising the subsystems are developed and their interactions defined. Off-design performance is considered as well and is used in the analysis and optimisation of system synthesis/design and operation as the aircraft is flown over an entire mission. An exergy-based parametric study of the PS and its components is first presented in order to show the type of detailed information on internal system losses which an exergy analysis can provide and an energy analysis by its very nature is unable to provide. This is followed by a series of constrained, system synthesis/design optimisations based on five different objective functions, which define energy-based and exergy-based measures of performance. The former involve minimising the gross takeoff weight or maximising the thrust efficiency while the latter involve minimising the rates of exergy destruction plus the rate of exergy fuel loss (with and without AFS-A losses) or maximising the thermodynamic effectiveness. A first set of optimisations involving four of the objectives (two energy-based and two exergy-based) are performed with only PS and ECS degrees of freedom. Losses for the AFS-A are not incorporated into the two exergy-based objectives. The results show that as expected all four objectives globally produce the same optimum vehicle. A second set of optimisations is then performed with AFS-A degrees of freedom and again with two energy- and exergy-based objectives. However, this time one of the exergy-based objectives incorporates AFS-A losses directly into the objective. The results are that with this latter objective, a significantly better optimum vehicle is produced. Thus, an exergy-based approach is not only able to pinpoint where the greatest inefficiencies in the system occur but appears at least in this case to produce a superior optimum vehicle as well by accounting for irreversibility losses in subsystems (e.g., the AFS-A) only indirectly tied to fuel usage.
Defining Identity Groups: The Importance of Narrative

In Chapter 1 I discuss how strong collective responsibility requires that the group itself be capable of agency. Strong collective responsibility has been defended in various ways by collectivists; however, these defenses fail to meet the logical problem posed by Narveson. If strong collective responsibility does not entail that any particular group member is responsible, then we cannot identify the particular group that is allegedly responsible. Action and responsibility are completely severed. Weak collective responsibility does not face this logical problem, since it implies both that at least some members are responsible for harm and that an aspect of the group is causally connected to the harm. However, like the strong form, the weak form is committed to the idea that groups are ‘more than’ the aggregation of their members in a way that is significant to questions of moral responsibility. Individualists oppose this idea. Indeed, as I describe at the end of Chapter 2, the metaphysical and superstition objections are varieties of the more general reductive objection that groups are nothing ‘more than’ the aggregation of their members. Although I am not seeking group agency and therefore can circumvent the metaphysical questions about group agency, I must still address the spirit of the more general reductive objection.
Physician Opinions about EHR Use by EHR Experience and by Whether the Practice had optimized its EHR Use.

Optimization and experience with using EHRs may improve physician experiences. Physician opinions about EHR-related impacts, and the extent to which these impacts differ by self-reported optimized EHR use and length of experience are examined through nationally representative physician data of EHR users from the National Electronic Health Records Survey extended survey (n=1,471). Logistic regression models first estimated how physicians’ length of times using an EHR were associated with each EHR-related impact. Additionally, a similar set of models estimated the association of self-reported optimized EHR use with each EHR impact. At least 70% of physicians using EHRs continue to attribute their administrative burdens to their EHR use. Physicians with 4 or more years of EHR experience accounted for 58% of those using EHRs. About 71% of EHR users self-reported using an optimized EHR. Physicians with more EHR experience and those in practices that optimized EHR use had positive opinions about the impacts of using EHRs, compared to their counterparts. These findings suggest that longer experience with EHRs improves perceptions about EHR use; and that perceived EHR use optimization is crucial to identifying EHR-related benefits. Finding ways to reduce EHR-related administrative burden has yet to be addressed.
Accounting Leadership - Controllers Managing Change

Much has been written on the role of Controllers as technical experts in accounting. However, Controllers are not only accountants, but also managers - some would say they are managers first and foremost. Technical expertise is expected and required, but it is not the only set of skills required to be successful as a Controller. The difficulties become most manifest when uncertainties arise, especially in a time of organizational change. Whether the change is hierarchical, strategic, geographic or segmental, another skill set is required - that of being an effective manager. The authors use a fictitious firm based on actual facts to present a guide for Controllers acting as managers in a changing environment. Initiating or expanding international operations is a process that not only challenges technical skills, but also the Controllers ability to effectively manage the team. The authors examine the way an overseas Controller can manage change through managing the priorities of expectations. The authors then point out some successful strategies for examining the various effects of cultural factors, and the importance of the Controller/manager’s level of visibility in the workplace. The topic of staffing is examined as an especially difficult area of challenge due to the necessary combination of technical and operational requirements. The process of change itself is rife with pitfalls in the international environment, and developing the proper attitude is essential. Last, the authors point out the importance of self-awareness concerning the Controller's level of job skills. In a situation of high uncertainty, it is often what we think we know - wrongly - that causes the greatest problems.
HJURP interaction with the condensin II complex during G1 promotes CENP-A deposition.

Condensin II interacts with human CENP-A chaperone HJURP and is present at centromeres in early G1. Condensin II, but not condensin I, is required for efficient CENP-A deposition in human cells. HJ...
Causes of Thromboembolism in Polycythemia Vera Patients.

Our experience and review of the literature suggests that thromboembolism is a major cause of morbidity and death in polycythemia vera patients. Using methods developed by our group (Ambrus et al, Angiology 34 418–426, 1984) we determined membrane fluidity, deformability of red cell membranes. We found that compared to normal controls, red cell membranes in polycythemia vera patients were relatively stiff and the red cells less deformable when passed through microtubules. These abnormal red cell membranes also caused platelet aggregation. In the circulation of polycythemia vera patients we also found increased platelet aggregates using the detection method of Wu et al (Wu et. al, Lancet2: 924–926 1974, Wu et. al, Thromb. Res.7:917–924, 1975). Other factors in the thromboembolic complications included increased hematocrit hyperviscosity syndrome increased thromboxane A 2 content of platelets increased tendency to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (factors involved were also investigated). Red cell membrane fluidity and platelet aggregation may be points of therapeutic attention to prevent thromboembolic complications. Suggestions of approaches to this problem by future research will be discussed.
Room Temperature Corrosion Behavior of ZrB2-HfB2 Solid Solutions in Acidic and Basic Aqueous Environments

Abstract Several solid solutions mixtures of ZrB2 and HfB2 with and without additives were investigated for corrosion behavior in aqueous solutions in a wide range of pH. The samples were prepared through ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). In addition to the single component diborides and mixtures thereof, additives of Hf, Zr, and Ta pure metals as well as LaB6 and Gd2O3 were mixed in to test for corrosion improvements. Several electrochemical methods were employed including potentiostatic polarization, potentiodynamic polarization and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that mixed diboride solid solutions had better corrosion resistance than their unmixed counterparts. ZrB2-rich compositions performed better in the high pH solutions; whereas HfB2-rich compositions showed better corrosion resistance under acidic conditions. Metal-rich compositions and Ta additions did not show improvements in the corrosion resistance, the addition of LaB6 to the Hf0.5Zr0.5B2 solid solution, however, exhibited enhanced corrosion resistance in non-acidic solutions.
Large-diameter, non-pumped wells filled with reactive media for groundwater remediation

A groundwater flow and contaminant transport model was used to simulate arrays of non-pumped wells with reactive media for remediating contaminated groundwater. Each array featured a minimum number of wells, with identical diameter, capable of removing a contaminant plume within a hypothetical site. Simulated well diameters ranged from 0.25 m (similar to typical remediation wells) to 1.25 m (similar to large-diameter, bucket-augered wells). Both arrays occupied a linear transect located approximately 5 m downgradient of the front of a polluted enclave and oriented 90° to the hydraulic gradient. The minimum smallest diameter array contained 23 wells, whereas the minimum largest diameter array contained only four wells. Results of this study suggest that bucket-augering technology, adapted to install non-pumped wells with reactive media, may be an effective alternative for remediating contaminated groundwater in some environments.
Gender, sexual agency, and friends with benefits relationships

Recent trends suggest that friends with benefits (FWB) relationships are prevalent among emerging adults on college campuses. Notably, young women are just as likely to participate in these relationships as young men, a finding that differentiates FWBs from heterosexual hook ups, where women traditionally report less participation. As such, it has been suggested that friends with benefits relationships may provide young women an avenue to explore and achieve sexual agency. Yet, whether emerging adults actually perceive friends with benefits relationships as affording women sexual agency has not been explored explicitly. In this study, we focus on female sexual agency and examine whether college women and men perceive FWB relationships as a means of expressing women’s sexual agency. Based on focus group discussions with 71 women and 35 men at a large public university, this study explores the myriad ways that students make sense of FWB relationships. Focus group discussions focused on the themes of empowerment, control, and safety in FWB relationships; we examine these themes in order to provide a nuanced analysis of FWB relationships as an increasingly widespread sexual behavior among young people on college campuses.
Development of Cationic Quaternary Ammonium Sulfonamide Amino Lipids for Nucleic Acid Delivery

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) currently comprise the most effective carrier class for the delivery of small RNAs. Among lipid carriers, charge-unbalanced lipids are relatively unexplored synthetically. Herein, we developed and evaluated a novel collection of compounds for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, termed cationic quaternary ammonium sulfonamide amino lipids (CSALs). The formulated CSAL LNPs containing cholesterol, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and lipid poly(ethylene glycol) exhibited biophysical property trends directly related to the CSAL chemical structure. Lead CSAL LNPs were identified using an siRNA delivery screen. Further chemical synthesis using a rational structure-guided design showed that the head group structure could alter the pKa and other physical properties that modulated delivery efficacy. Shorter-chained dimethylamino head groups, acetate side chains, and higher tail carbon numbers were favorable for delivery. This led to a further study of A3-OAc-C2Me LNPs, whi...
A novel methodology to realistically monitor office occupant reactions and environmental conditions using a living lab

Abstract Indoor environmental conditions, including acoustic, lighting, and thermal conditions, can impact the experience of occupants. How should these conditions be combined to optimize indoor environments for occupants? Living labs, in which study participants occupy a simulated real-world environment for an extended period, offer a new way to test the interactive effects of environmental conditions. In a proof-of-concept study, we tested whether varying combinations of environmental conditions in a simulated open-office environment would affect the experience of its occupants. Six different environmental “scenes”–combinations of acoustic, lighting, and thermal conditions—were varied weekly over 18 weeks. One scene had environmental conditions commonly found in offices, including participants' previous office, and served as the baseline against which the other scenes were compared. We tested the effects of office environmental conditions on occupants' satisfaction and workday experience in the environment. Further, we tested whether the influence of the environment would extend outside of the time spent at work to affect occupants' feelings and health behaviors. Changes in office environmental conditions affected occupants' environmental satisfaction and their workday experience. Outside of the office, environmental conditions affected people's feelings (e.g., happiness) and health behaviors (reported sleep problems). These findings demonstrate that living labs offer a powerful methodology to test the interactive effects of environmental conditions on occupants' experience, both inside and outside the lab.
Marital Enqing and Depression in Taiwanese Couples: The Mediating Role of Active and Passive Sacrifice

Using social exchange and identity theory, the authors examined the association between marital enqing and depression in 372 Taiwanese couples, and the mediating effects of active and passive sacri...
Neurofibromin is essential to maintain metabolic function and sustain life in the adult mouse

The consequences of pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene can manifest in numerous tissues as a result of loss of neurofibromin protein function(s). A known function of NF1 is negative regulation of p21ras signaling via a GTPase activating (Ras-GAP) domain. Besides modulation of Ras signaling as a tumor suppressor, other functions of this multi-domain protein are less clear. Biallelic inactivation of NF1 leads to an embryonic lethal phenotype, while neurofibromin is expressed at varying levels in most tissues beyond developmental stages. Taking advantage of the mouse genetics toolkit, we established novel tamoxifen-inducible systemic knockout Nf1 mouse models (C57BL/6) to gain a better understanding of the role of Nf1 in the adult (3-4 months) mouse. Following inactivation of floxed Nf1 alleles, adult CAGGCre-ER TM ;Nf1 4F/4F mice lose function of Nf1 systemically. Both male and female animals do not survive beyond 11 days post-tamoxifen induction and exhibit histological changes in multiple tissues. During this acute crisis, CAGGCre-ER TM ;Nf1 4F/4F mice are not able to maintain body temperature or body mass, and expend all adipose tissue; however, they continue to consume food and absorb calories comparable to littermate-paired controls. Targeted metabolite analyses and indirect calorimetry studies revealed altered fat metabolism, amino acid metabolism and energy expenditure, with animals undergoing metabolic crisis and torpor-like states. Thermoneutral conditions accelerated the acute, lethal phenotype coincident with lower food intake. This study reveals that systemic loss of neurofibromin in the adult mouse induces metabolic dysfunction and lethality, thus highlighting potential functions of this multi-domain protein in addition to tumor suppression.
Cross‐sectional analysis of unhealthy foods, race/ethnicity, sex and cardiometabolic risk factors in U.S. adults

Aim The purpose of the present study was to determine the association of unhealthy dietary food items with cardiometabolic risk factors with and without sociodemographic factors. Methods This cross-sectional study used data available to the public from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010 where unhealthy food consumption was based on responses to the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (unique to this NHANES cycle), and cardiometabolic risk factors were based on laboratory results, anthropometric measures, interview and examination questions for 2045 adults aged 20-69 and belonging to four racial/ethnic groups: 473 Mexican Americans (MA); 267 Other Hispanics (OH); 389, non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and 916 non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) (characterised by NHANES). Results A higher percent of MA, followed by OH and NHB, consumed soft drinks as compared to NHW. Consumption of fried potatoes was over 75% across groups and was associated with higher odds dyslipidaemia (high non-HDL cholesterol) in the reduced model: OR = 1.38 (1.10, 1.73), P = 0.009 and full model: OR = 1.50 (1.15, 1.96), P = 0.005. All unhealthy foods measured were consumed more often by males as compared to females. Conclusions Dyslipidaemia was associated with fried potato consumption and marginally with processed meats. Dietary interventions, tailored to specific populations, are needed to determine if substituting healthy foods in place of unhealthy ones will improve cardiometabolic outcomes.
PATTERN RECOGNITION PROBLEMS IN THE CLASSIFICATION OF MULTI-IMAGES

Pattern recognition techniques are used in digital picture processing mainly for classification of the whole picture into one of a specified set of classes. In the case of multispectral imagery PR techniques are also used for partitioning the image into pairwise disjoint subsets, based on the spectral signature of each pixel. Some of the problems which arise in the latter respect are reviewed, with emphasis on iterative techniques. A well known algorithm for component labelling is adopted for obtaining a partition of a multi-image of interest in scene analysis.
Innovative Second Language Education in the Middle East and North Africa

The region under consideration, the Middle East and North Africa, covers a vast geographical area which consists of over twenty independent nations whose populations represent diverse linguistic, ethnic, religious and historical backgrounds. The majority of people in this region are native speakers of Arabic with the exception of Iran, Israel and Turkey where the predominant languages are Farsi, Hebrew, and Turkish, respectively. The educational systems in the area run the gamut from the utilization of established traditional practices to the exploration and implementation of the most modern curricula and pedagogical approaches. Second language education, as it has evolved in the historical context of the region, is dominated by two languages, English and French, with English currently enjoying a definite advantage in terms of its increasing use. Since the scope of this review does not allow for any extensive coverage of the various situations, it is necessary to focus on certain areas which are representative of the complexity and diversity of the region.
Valve Surgery Combined with Myocardial Revascularization

The association of valve disease with coronary artery disease is frequently encountered in clinical cardiac surgery. Approximately one-third of the patients undergoing valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in recent years have also had concomitant coronary artery bypass (Figure 1).
Numerical Algebraic Geometry and Differential Equations

In this paper we review applications of numerical algebraic geometry to differential equations. The techniques we address are direct solution, bootstrapping by filtering, and continuation and bifurcation. We review differential equations systems with multiple solutions and bifurcations.
An Introduction to Islandwood Papers on Social Work and the Arts

The social work profession has adopted science and empirical evidence as the means of validating discovery. As the commitment to science has intensified, interest in the use of arts in practice has...
Comparison of VOTs in Mandarin-English Bilingual Children and Corresponding Monolingual Children and Adults.

Word-initial stops in Mandarin and English show a distinctive phonological categorization but a similar phonetic realization along the VOT (Voice Onset Time) continuum. Previous research reported t...
Test Selection Techniques

This chapter presents the Wherry shrinkage formula Wherry test-selection method. Weighting large numbers of predictors (60 to 90) with samples not much larger (120 to 180) resulted in quite high multiple correlations, but upon cross-validation the prediction was usually much lower than if the single best predictor had been used alone. The test-selection method was developed for the U.S. Employment Service during its early days when its technicians, who were frequently confronted with numbers of predictors even larger than their samples, discovered that in such cases every known weighting technique broke down. Wherry's solution to the problem was the test-selection method. The method, which uses a modification of the Doolittle approach for solving simultaneous equations is frequently referred to as the Wherry–Doolittle method.
Persistent Organic Pollutants in Food: Contamination Sources, Health Effects and Detection Methods

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) present in foods have been a major concern for food safety due to their persistence and toxic effects. To ensure food safety and protect human health from POPs, it is critical to achieve a better understanding of POP pathways into food and develop strategies to reduce human exposure. POPs could present in food in the raw stages, transferred from the environment or artificially introduced during food preparation steps. Exposure to these pollutants may cause various health problems such as endocrine disruption, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, birth defects, and dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems. This review describes potential sources of POP food contamination, analytical approaches to measure POP levels in food and efforts to control food contamination with POPs.
Climate Change and Invasive Species: Challenges and Opportunities for Forest Establishment on Appalachian Surface Mines

Climate change and harsh environmental conditions present significant barriers to the reforestation of surface-mined sites in Appalachia. An experimental site was established on a reclaimed surface...
Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Sicilian coasts under the Water Framework Directive (WFD)

The present paper aims to assess for the first time the ecological status of the Sicilian water bodies using the PREI (Posidonia oceanica Rapid Easy Index) method according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC) requirements. The PREI is based on five metrics: shoot density, shoot leaf surface area, E/L ratio, depth of lower limit, and type of this lower limit. Monitoring of the 29 P. oceanica meadows allowed to classify the 20 WBs of Sicilian coasts in the first two levels of status: 10 as “high” and 10 as “good” with the PREI values ranged between 0,551 and 1.
WNUT-2020 Task 1 Overview: Extracting Entities and Relations from Wet Lab Protocols

This paper presents the results of the wet labinformation extraction task at WNUT 2020.This task consisted of two sub tasks- (1) anamed entity recognition task with 13 partic-ipants; and (2) a relation extraction task with2 participants. We outline the task, data an-notation process, corpus statistics, and providea high-level overview of the participating sys-tems for each sub task.
Beyond a Crime Gene: Genetic Literacy and Correctional Orientation

Is there a “crime gene”? This question has been answered by the scientific community, and the response is a definitive “no.” Yet, it is unclear whether this information has been communicated to the general public. Furthermore, it is unclear whether people’s views about the genetics of crime influence their perceptions of the way offenders should be treated. This study uses attribution theory to understand how perceptions of the role of genetic factors in criminal behavior influence beliefs about the punishment, redeemability, and rehabilitation of offenders. Drawing on a national sample of White respondents (N = 392), this study finds that only a small proportion believe there is a single crime gene. Compared to other respondents, those who believe crime is caused by a single gene believe that punishment should be weakened, are less supportive of rehabilitation efforts, and believe that offenders are less capable of redemption. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Stability theorems for some Kruskal-Katona type results

The classical Kruskal-Katona theorem gives a tight upper bound for the size of an $r$-uniform hypergraph $\mathcal{H}$ as a function of the size of its shadow. Its stability version was obtained by Keevash who proved that if the size of $\mathcal{H}$ is close to the maximum, then $\mathcal{H}$ is structurally close to a complete $r$-uniform hypergraph. We prove similar stability results for two classes of hypergraphs whose extremal properties have been investigated by many researchers: the cancellative hypergraphs and hypergraphs without expansion of cliques.
Four Ways to Decrease Late Toxicity From Pelvic Radiation Therapy in Children and Young Adults.

Abstract The use of curative-intent multimodality therapy with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation results in late toxicities in almost two-thirds of patients with pediatric cancer. When pelvic radiation is used for pediatric malignancies such as rhabdomyosarcoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and Wilms tumor, the associated late toxicities can affect many normal tissues and may include growth asymmetries, cystitis, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. We describe 4 recommendations of how to prevent or minimize late toxicities from pelvic radiation and review the literature of these pediatric late toxicities.
Landsat detection of hardwood forest clearcuts

In a study of hardwood forests in Pennsylvania, the detection of clearcuts by means of visual analysis of Landsat summer imagery was accomplished best using band 5 images; however, a higher percentage of clearcuts could be detected using bands 5 or 7 winter images acquired during periods of snow cover.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF GLYCOPROTEINS. II. THE SITE OF GLUCOSAMINE INCORPORATION INTO CANINE PLASMA ALPHA-1 ACID GLYCOPROTEIN.

Abstract Glucosamine-1-C 14 was administered to normal and hepatectomized dogs. The specific activities of a homogeneous plasma α-1 acid glycoprotein, corresponding to human orosomucoid, was determined at various times. The glycoprotein became highly labeled in normal dogs with almost all of the radioactivity being in the glucosamine component. The glycoprotein isolated from hepatectomized dogs was not radioactive. It is concluded that the liver is the sole site of biosynthesis of this glycoprotein.
Partial redundant modeling

Redundant modeling combines different models of the same problem using channeling constraints [1]. Channeling constraints allow different formulations of a problem to interact, propagating the constraints between different formulations. This can result in a significant improvement in performance. Originally, work on redundant modeling assumed that redundant models must fully characterize the problem [1]. Later, Smith argued that only the primal model need fully characterize the problem, while the dual model need only have all the dual variables and channeling constraints between the two models (a minimal combined model)[2]. This paper proposes partial redundant modeling, an extension of the minimal combined model that encourages more than two models, omits some dual variables and omits all the dual constraints. Partial redundant models originate in problems with a categorical structure, where the variables may be subdivided into categories. Often these categories can be identified as groups of variables that fall under n-ary constraints that partition the variables into disjoint sets. Real world problems, such as scheduling and rostering, may also have categorical structure. Logic puzzles are a class of problems with a simplified version of categorical structure. A logic puzzle consists of a set of objects, a set of categories (same-size disjoint subsets of those objects) that must take on different values, and a set of semantic relations, which specify the relationships that hold between the categories. In a logic puzzle, each category can be viewed as a subset of CSP variables under an all-diff constraint. Different CSP models can be obtained by selecting the objects in a different category as the domain values, taking all other objects in the other categories to be the variables. We propose to maintain multiple partial redundant models of problems with categorical structure, adding channeling constraints between the n-ary constraints in the redundant partial models. These channeling constraints make certain that value assignments under an n-ary constraint in one partial model are reflected under that n-ary constraint in some other partial model. We call these categorical channeling constraints.
Reducing uranium resource uncertainty: Is it worth the cost?

Abstract This paper provides a conceptutal framework for estimating the value of information to energy policy decisions and applies the methodology to assess the expected economic value of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. Uranium resource information is modelled by a likelihood function imbedded in a decision tree describing possible nuclear power development strategies. The results of the study show that the value of uranium resource information is potentially large compared to the cost of the NURE program. Attaining the large potential benefits will be difficult, however, since the information must be extraordinarily accurate to have a significant impact on the choice of nuclear policy options.
Selective Mitochondrial Uptake of MKT-077 Can Suppress Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Survival In Vitro and In Vivo.

Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor mainly caused by mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. Not all patients with progressive MTC respond to current therapy inhibiting RET, demanding additional therapeutic strategies. We recently demonstrated that disrupting mitochondrial metabolism using a mitochondria-targeted agent or by depleting a mitochondrial chaperone effectively suppressed human MTC cells in culture and in mouse xenografts by inducing apoptosis and RET downregulation. These observations led us to hypothesize that mitochondria are potential therapeutic targets for MTC. This study further tests this hypothesis using 1-ethyl-2-[[3-ethyl-5-(3-methylbenzothiazolin2-yliden)]-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidenemethyl] pyridinium chloride (MKT-077), a water-soluble rhodocyanine dye analogue, which can selectively accumulate in mitochondria. Methods: The effects of MKT-077 on cell proliferation, survival, expression of RET and tumor protein 53 (TP53), and mitochondrial activity were determined in the human MTC lines in culture and in mouse xenografts. Results: MKT-077 induced cell cycle arrest in TT and MZ-CRC-1. Intriguingly, MKT-077 also induced RET downregulation and strong cell death responses in TT cells, but not in MZ-CRC-1 cells. This discrepancy was mainly due to the difference between the capacities of these cell lines to retain MKT-077 in mitochondria. The cytotoxicity of MKT-077 in TT cells was mainly attributed to oxidative stress while being independent of TP53. MKT-077 also effectively suppressed tumor growth of TT xenografts. Conclusion: MKT-077 can suppress cell survival of certain MTC subtypes by accumulating in mitochondria and interfering with mitochondrial activity although it can also suppress cell proliferation via other mechanisms. These results consistently support the hypothesis that mitochondrial targeting has therapeutic potential for MTC.