cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triple-negative breast cancers are increased in black women regardless of age or body mass index

We investigated clinical and pathologic features of breast cancers (BC) in an unselected series of patients diagnosed in a tertiary care hospital serving a diverse population. We focused on triple-negative (Tneg) tumours (oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 negative), which are associated with poor prognosis. We identified female patients with invasive BC diagnosed between 1998 and 2006, with data available on tumor grade, stage, ER, PR and HER2 status, and patient age, body mass index (BMI) and self-identified racial/ethnic group. We determined associations between patient and tumour characteristics using contingency tables and multivariate logistic regression. 415 cases were identified. Patients were racially and ethnically diverse (born in 44 countries, 36% white, 43% black, 10% Hispanic and 11% other). 47% were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). 72% of tumours were ER+ and/or PR+, 20% were Tneg and 13% were HER2+. The odds of having a Tneg tumour were 3-fold higher (95% CI 1.6, 5.5; p = 0.0001) in black compared with white women. Tneg tumours were equally common in black women diagnosed before and after age 50 (31% vs 29%; p = NS), and who were obese and non-obese (29% vs 31%; p = NS). Considering all patients, as BMI increased, the proportion of Tneg tumours decreased (p = 0.08). Black women of diverse background have 3-fold more Tneg tumours than non-black women, regardless of age and BMI. Other factors must determine tumour subtype. The higher prevalence of Tneg tumours in black women in all age and weight categories likely contributes to black women's unfavorable breast cancer prognosis.
Least squares estimation of variance components for linkage

We develop least squares (LS) procedures for variance components estimation in genetic linkage studies. The LS procedure is expressed by simple expressions, and does not require inversion of large matrices. Simulations comparing LS with maximum likelihood (ML) procedures for normal data show that both yield unbiased estimators, but the efficiency of the LS procedure was less than 50% of the ML procedures. For bivariate normal data, the efficiency of the LS procedure relative to the ML method was better, generally over 60%. For skewed data, the LS method was markedly more efficient than ML for parameter estimation. The LS method was computationally rapid, over 4,000 times faster than ML estimation for bivariate data. Because ML estimation is time consuming, LS methods are suggested for initial interval mapping with multivariate data. Genet. Epidemiol. 19(Suppl 1):S1–S7, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms in the production of atrial fibrillation during asphyxia

Abstract Asphyxia predisposes the atria to fibrillation of two types. The first is a rapid variety with a concomitant ventricular slowing which has been shown to be due to vagal discharge. The possible sources of this vagal activity have been studied. The second type is a slow fibrillation without ventricular slowing and is related primarily to distention of the atrial musculature. A shortening of the refractory period by stretching of the atria has been demonstrated, and it is suggested that this effect is a contributing factor in the production of this arrhythmia. An increase in the volume of the atria may be operative also. The effect of single extrasystoles on the production of atrial fibrillation was studied. During control conditions a single shock produced a few extrasystoles, whereas under conditions of anoxia or asphyxia a similar shock produced persistent fibrillation in both the innervated and denervated preparations. The conclusion is that under proper conditions a single extrasystole is enough to initiate an episode of sustained atrial fibrillation.
Enhanced Diffusion and Formation of Defects During Thermal Oxidation

Enhanced diffusion of dopants and the formation of defects during thermal oxidation of silicon has been investigated using electron microscopy, Rutherford backscattering, and secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques. Enhanced diffusion of boron was clearly demonstrated in laser annealed specimens in which secondary defects were not present. In the presence of secondary defects, such as precipitates, enhanced diffusion of boron was not observed. The absence of enhanced diffusion during thermal oxidation was also observed for arsenic in silicon. The mechanisms associated with thermal–oxidation enhanced diffusion are discussed briefly.
The crystallite orientation distribution functions of deformed polytetrafluoroethylene: Multiple‐pulse 19F NMR spectroscopy

A moment analysis of dipolar-decoupled 19F NMR spectra of deformed polytetrafluoroethylene leads to an expansion which approximates the crystallite orientation distribution function. The resulting distributions are then interpreted in terms of this polymer's known mechanical properties, and an attempt is made to model these functions.
The use of the tissue adhesive, methyl-2-cyanoacrylate monomer, in invertebrate surgery

Abstract The tissue adhesive, methyl-2-cyanoacrylate monomer, which heretofore has been used exclusively in experimental and clinical studies on higher animals and man, was demonstrated to be of value in sealing surface incisions of cockroaches. In contrast to a beeswax sealant, or no sealant at all, the tissue adhesive provided more favorable conditions for normal repair and wound-healing processes. It would seem to have unexplored possibilities in other research involving invertebrates.
Management of intracranial aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysms are lesions commonly encountered by neurosurgeons, usually as a result of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The preferred treatment of these aneurysms is either surgical clipping or endovascular coiling, both of which eliminate the aneurysm from the nor- mal circulation to prevent aneurysmal enlargement or additional hemorrhage. Despite advances over the last several decades in the understanding of intracranial aneurysms, mor- bidity from treatment of these lesions remains significant. This review will discuss the epidemi- ology, anatomy and pathophysiology, clinical and radiographic diagnosis, various treatment options, and potential complications from aneurysm treatment.
EXTENDED PRODUCTION INTEGRATION FOR CONSTRUCTION: A LOOSELY COUPLED PROJECT MODEL FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

The construction industry is very diverse and consists of businesses that vary in size and ability to adopt information technology. Previous implementations of the project model have been based on information standards that have often adopted closely coupled collaborations. However, it is difficult to take a top down method and require participants to conform to universally accepted standards for the details of their operation. The proposed extended production integration for construction model is a loosely coupled process integration system that allows the participants to maintain a high level of independence as well as the integrity of their existing computer systems. The system is supported by a viable collaboration mechanism. A conceptual model for construction projects is proposed based on the study of events, contract conditions, and their impacts on the collaborations and interactions among participants. Events were identified as the major issue that the system needs to consider in order to conduct the collaboration work. Contract conditions were converted and used as guidelines to create enforceable rules in the system. A prototype system based on the proposed model was developed using Java, CORBA, and UML. A case study involving construction change orders was used to demonstrate the functionality of the prototype system. The factors that impact the efficiency of the system for the case study were determined through sensitivity analyses and comprehensive simulations. The results indicate that the system achieves a high level of efficiency when complicated changes are involved, which cause a higher rejection rate within the system.
Ascorbic Acid and Chronic Alcohol Consumption in the Guinea Pig

Protection against the toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption was observed in male guinea pigs maintained on a high-ascorbic-acid diet (vitamin C-deficient chow plus 2.0 mg ascorbic acid/ml drinking water) as compared to animals on a low-ascorbic-acid diet (vitamin C-deficient chow and from 0.025 to 0.050 mg ascorbic acid/ml drinking water). Alcohol was orally administered to the guinea pigs at a dose of 2.5 g/kg for up to 14 weeks. Levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alanine aminotransferase were significantly elevated in animals on the low-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol, 120 and 250%, respectively. In contrast, in animals on the high-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol, levels of alanine aminotransferase were not significantly elevated and levels of aspartate aminotransferase were elevated 50%. In addition, some of the animals on the low-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol for 12 to 14 weeks developed hepatic steatosis and necrosis, whereas none of the animals on the high-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol for the same length of time manifested these changes.
A Methodology for Picture Indexing and Encoding

Researchers in image processing and pattern recognition have traditionally regarded pictures as two-dimensional array of pixels. Recently, researchers working on pictorial information systems have developed the concept of logical pictures, which consist of picture objects and picture relations. The concept of relational database has also been used in developing pictorial database models, although there seems to be a need to extend the relational database concept for pictorial database management. On the other hand, for many image processing problems, a hierarchical data structure seems to be the most natural.
Information measures-based intensity standardization of MRI

Scan-to-scan intensity variation, even with the same imaging modality, affects a number of intensity-based image processing methods such as feature map based segmentation and non-rigid registration techniques that minimize sum of squared differences (SSD). Current intensity standardization techniques based on either percentile alignment or polynomial mapping suffer from a number of limitations. We present a novel intensity standardization techniques that exploits information measures obtained from the images. A probability similarity measure obtained by using polynomial mapping with Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence is used for intensity standardization of pair-wise magnetic resonance (MR) images. For standardization of group-wise MR images, polynomial mapping with minimum entropy as a group probability similarity measure is used for attaining standardization in a group to attain common feature without bias. Our method is more flexible, particularly in mapping high intensity regions, such as lesions, since it does not set any hard limit. The mappings were realized through optimization of cost functions with Powell's search. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated for non-rigid registration and feature map-based image segmentation of MR brain images.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE POLICY AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN HOUSEHOLD SOURCE REDUCTION

This study examines the nature of public participation in implementing household source reduction of municipal solid waste in order to inform the development of waste policy. The objectives are to determine the degree of public participation in household source reduction, the importance given to this waste strategy relative to other waste management approaches with an emphasis on recycling, but also including landfilling and incineration, the motivations behind its practice and the demographic and attitudinal correlates of its practitioners. The method used was a telephone survey of residents in a community in Connecticut, U.S.A. The results were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics. The results indicate that the activity of source reduction, using a variety of measures, is being widely practiced. Over 50% of respondents participated in at least one source reduction activity. However, the intensity of participation was low, with many individuals participating only infrequently in the activity. Furthermore, the amount of material potentially reduced through source reduction in the home is small. There was an equal degree of public support for recycling efforts with a large percentage of respondents considering recycling to be more important than source reduction. Demographic variables in this community did not prove to be significantly correlated with source reduction attitudes and behaviour. One policy implication is that the home may not be the most effective place for source reduction, as contrasted with recycling, given the limited number of source reduction activities available in the home. A second policy implication is that mechanisms to facilitate source reduction need to be developed. Finally, policy makers need to concentrate educational efforts towards public recognition of both what constitutes source reduction and the importance of this activity.
Fibrohistiocytic Tumors and Related Neoplasms in Children and Adolescents

Fibrohistiocytic tumors (FHTs) in children and adolescents range from the benign fibrous histiocytoma, or dermatofibroma, to a variety of intermediate and malignant neoplasms, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans and high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (malignant fibrous histiocytoma). Those tumors as a group are comprised of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and histiocytes-dendritic cells with a variably prominent inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Dendritic cells are also a major constituent of another group of neoplasms that include Langerhans cell histiocytosis, follicular and interdigitating cell sarcomas, and juvenile xanthogranuloma. These latter tumors are considered in this discussion for the sake of differential diagnosis and their possible histogenetic relationship to FHTs. Recent studies have suggested that the relationship between the fibroblast and histiocyte in the FHTs may reflect the intrinsic capacity to transdifferentiate from one to the other morphologic and functional state. The so-called "facultative fibroblast," as a cell with fibroblastic and histiocytic properties, was discussed in the context of the fibrous xanthoma 50 years ago. Possibly the entire histogenetic concept of FHTs should be reconsidered in light of current studies.
State of the World's Amphibians

The Anthropocene is characterized by a widespread biodiversity crisis that is rivaling prehistoric mass extinctions. Amphibians are the most threatened class of vertebrates. In addition to traditional threats such as land-use conversion and pollution, climate change and introduced diseases are expected to further reduce amphibian biodiversity. The fungal disease chytridiomycosis has caused the rapid extirpation of tens to possibly hundreds of amphibian species. Recent advances have revealed a deep evolutionary history and considerable variation in the virulence of strains of the fungal pathogen, patterns that need to be reconciled with the rapid spread of disease and demise of host populations. A conservation priority is surveillance of a newly discovered species of chytrid fungus that is killing European salamanders. The accelerated discovery of new amphibian species challenges existing conservation resources, but it is an opportunity to fill geographical gaps and to enhance programs aimed at preserving ...
Monte-Carlo simulations of spinodal ordering and decomposition in compositionally modulated alloys

The early-stage kinetics of interdiffusion in compositionally modulated films have been studied by Monte-Carlo simulations on an Ising lattice in two and three dimensions, using nearest-neighbor interactions. For a negative heat of mixing and below the order-disorder transition temperature, if a short-wavelength modulation is along a direction that is not consistent with long-range order, then its temporal evolution does not follow the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory. The modulation amplitude decreases as a function of time, rather than increases; i.e., no one-dimensional spinodal ordering is observed. This disagreement with the theory implies that ordering in three dimensions cannot be described by a one-dimensional theory.
Co-ordinated control of inter-area oscillations using SMA and LMI

Selective Modal Analysis (SMA) has been used in the design of WAMS based damping of inter-area oscillations. In conjunction with a Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) formulation and a polytopic model a single control law can be found to guarantee pole placement for multiple contingencies. The previous attempts have used a model containing all the e and ω modes, with SMA used to eliminate all other states. In practical applications the resulting system is still too large to use in a polytopic model. This paper presents an algorithm to further reduce the system size to the relevant modes of oscillations. A 16 machine, 68 bus system is used as the test case with PSSs, DC lines and SVCs acting as the control.
Analyzing Flow Isolation in Shared Resource Systems

The growing use of virtualization technologies in settings such as multi-tenant compute and storage clouds challenges us to both specify and enforce the isolation of clients sharing network and compute resources. In this paper we propose a novel analytical measure of performance isolation for shared resource systems serving multiple traffic flows or computing workloads. By basing our measure on well-known results from network calculus, we demonstrate how isolation metrics can be calculated for individual flows - or groups of flows - traversing both individual system elements and networks of those elements. Finally, we show how isolation-aware resource allocators in multi-tenant network testbeds and compute clouds can select network and compute resources to match a client's resource needs while maintaining a desired quality-of-isolation.
PLANT SECONDARY METABOLITES COMPROMISE THE ENERGY BUDGETS OF SPECIALIST AND GENERALIST MAMMALIAN HERBIVORES

Ingestion of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) presents a physiological and behavioral challenge for mammalian herbivores. Herbivores must not only detoxify PSMs, but they may also deal with energetic constraints such as reduced food intake, mass loss, increased excretion of energy, and increased metabolic demands. We hypothesized that the energetic consequences of consuming PSMs will significantly compromise apparent metabolizable energy intake (AMEI) and energy expenditure in mammalian herbivores. Furthermore, we hypothesized that foraging strategy would influence the degree to which plant consumption impacts energy budgets, such that dietary specialists would be less impacted than generalists when both are consuming the plant species preferred by the specialist. Hypotheses were tested by comparing AMEI and energy expended on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and locomotion in a juniper specialist ( Neotoma stephensi) and generalist (N. albigula) woodrat fed control diet and diet containing juniper foliage ( Jun- iperus monosperma). In general, the intake of PSMs in juniper increased the energy excreted in urine and feces in both specialist and generalist woodrats. Specialist woodrats minimized the costs associated with the intake of juniper by ingesting more juniper diet, thereby increasing energy intake, and reducing energy expended on BMR and locomotor activity. Generalist woodrats also decreased locomotor activity on a juniper diet but did not increase intake and maintained BMR. In turn, specialist woodrats had twice as much energy available for activities such as reproduction when consuming a juniper diet than generalists. These results suggest that the intake of PSMs impinges on AMEI and compromises energy ex- penditure, but that the impact of PSMs on energy budgets is relative to ecological experience with PSMs. Moreover, compensatory feeding, metabolic depression, and low activity may
The closed-class vocabulary as a closed set

Children who have normal language development are aware of the distinction between closed-class and open-class words at a very early age. In order to test to what extent children know the closed class to be, in fact, closed, 104 children aged 3 to 5 years participated in a sentence repetition task. Each sentence contained a nonsense word that fulfilled either an open-class or a closed-class function. Children were more likely to repeat sentences correctly when the nonsense words functioned in open-class, rather than in closed-class, contexts. In addition, older children correctly repeated more sentences containing nonsense words that functioned in closed-class contexts than younger children. This last result shows a mechanism by which children may acquire new closed-class words. The theoretical implications of the results are also discussed relative to children with specific language impairments, especially in terms of their reliance on semantic value in word acquisition.
Suicide Risk Among College Student. The Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Race.

Abstract. Background: Research on young adults in the general population has identified a relationship between sexual minority identification and risk for suicide. Differential rates of suicidal ideation and attempts have also been found across racial and ethnic groups. Aims: This study examined risk for suicide among university students, based on membership in one or more marginalized groups (sexual minority and racial minority identification). Method: Data were collected from first-year college students (N = 4,345) at an urban university. Structural equation modeling was employed to model a suicidality construct, based on which a "risk for suicide" category system was derived. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were then conducted to estimate the relationship between the background variables of interest and suicide risk. Results: Students who identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) were associated with higher suicide risk than their heterosexual peers. Students of color were slightly less...
FEM predictions of damage in continous fiber ceramic matrix composites under transverse tension using the crack band method

Abstract This paper develops a numerical micromechanics fracture model based on the crack band methodology for the prediction of damage in continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). The energy based crack band formulation offers mesh objective predictions in finite element simulations. Detailed finite element models of CMCs are created based on the actual microstructure and compared with randomly created representative volume elements (RVE). The influence of geometrical inhomogeneities, such as fiber clustering and variations of the fiber coating thickness, on the stress-strain response and the crack development are investigated. Furthermore, FEM models of multi-layer cross-ply laminates are created including thousands of explicitly modeled fibers and fiber coatings. Crack density predictions are compared with well established analytical models by Laws and Dvorak [1] and Nairn [2]. An eight layer FEM model is used to predict damage propagation within each layer. The Numerical prediction of the stress-strain response is compared with experimental results of smooth bar tensile coupons.
Serum C1q Concentrations in Rheumatic Disorders. Early Normalization During Treatment of Immunologicallymediated Vasculitis

Serum C1q concentrations were studied in 78 patients with definite and classical rheumatoid arthritis (RA). No correlation could be made either with disease activity, with erythrocyte sedimentation rate or with rheumatoid factor titers. In contrast to these findings in RA, however, serial determinations of this complement component were of value in predicting the response to therapy in four patients with immunologically-mediated vasculitis. Initially both C1q and C3 were depressed in two patients with SLE, one with cryoglobulinemic purpura and one with HbsAg-positive serum sickness, each with acute vasculitis. Sequential studies following the institution of treatment showed in each case that C1q returned to normal while C3 remained low. These observations suggest that analysis of serum C1q is preferable to C3 in these disorders when used to predict clinical change and the response to treatment.
Exploring the Insertion Chemistry of Tetrabenzyluranium Using Carbonyls and Organoazides

The insertion chemistry of U(CH2C6H5)4 (1) was explored with acetone, benzophenone, mesityl azide, and 1-azidoadamantane. Using 2 equiv of acetone affords the double-insertion product U[OC(CH3)2(CH2C6H5)]2(CH2C6H5)2(THF)2 (2), while using 4 equiv results in the tri-inserted enolate product U[OC(CH3)2(CH2C6H5)]3[OC(CH3)CH2](THF)3 (3). Deuterium labeling experiments aided in the assignment of 2 and 3. With 4 equiv of benzophenone, insertion at all U–C bonds is noted, forming U[OC(C6H5)2(CH2C6H5)]4 (4) and the THF adduct U[OC(C6H5)2(CH2C6H5)]4(THF) (4-THF). Addition of 4 equiv of N3Mes to 1 forms the tetrakis(triazenido)uranium(IV) complex U[CH2(C6H5)NNN(Mes)-κ2N1,2][CH2(C6H5)NNN(Mes)-κ2N1,3]3 (5), while the same reaction with 1-azidoadamantane generates the uranium(VI) trans-bis(imido) complex U(NAd)2[CH2(C6H5)NNN(Ad)-κ2N1,3]2(THF) (6). All species were characterized by 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopy, with select examples being structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
A modified method for determination of hydroxyproline.

SummaryThe method of Neuman and Logan for the determination of hydroxyproline has been modified by the application of ferrous sulfate to remove peroxide. This modification has yielded a consistent, linear standard curve and markedly reduced the color contribution of tyrosine.
Development of a Web-Based Interactive Compressible Flow Solver

Compressible flow is an important subject in aerospace and mechanical engineering disciplines. This paper describes the development of a web-base interactive compressible flow solver using Java programming language. The main objective of the solver is to provide students with a software tool than can be used in the compressible flow course offered in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University. The solver has a graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of use and interactivity. The solver was developed with the intention of free distribution to the educational community and other interested users.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
LES/RANS Simulation of a Supersonic Combustion Experiment

In this study, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and hybrid large-eddy/Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes (LES/RANS) techniques are used to investigate non-reacting and reacting ows in a supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet). The scramjet design considered is similar to the experimental setup used by the Institute of Chemical Propulsion of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The scramjet has a diverging upper wall and a wedge shaped fuel injector at the center. Hydrogen is injected at sonic conditions through 15 holes located at the base of the wedge. To generate the appropriate in ow conditions for the combustor, RANS calculations are performed for the ow through the Laval nozzle through which preheated air enters the combustor. For the non-reacting ow through the combustor, the RANS model provides better agreement with the experimental axial velocity and static pressure measurements, compared to the LES/RANS model. Axial velocity pro les from the LES/RANS simulations are more dissipated, perhaps indicating that the sizes of the larger turbulent structures are over-predicted. The reactive ow is simulated using RANS and LES/RANS techniques using two di erent hydrogen oxidation mechanisms (7-species and 9-species). LES/RANS predictions show the best agreement with experimental axial velocity, static temperature and axial velocity uctuation measurements when the 7-species reaction mechanism is used. All three models (RANS, LES/RANS 9-species, LES/RANS 7-species) predict a lifted ame. Based on the experimental temperature proles, it is clearly evident that the e ective reaction rates are under-predicted in the region just downstream of the wedge base. Agreement with experiment for the reactive cases improves for the LES/RANS methods further downstream.
Cross check tests for the determinations of various nitrogen compounds in environmental waters.

関西地域における環境分析技術協議会は,硝酸態及び亜硝酸態,アンモニア態,有機態及び全窒素分析の共同実験を行った.参加分析機関は53で,分析結果について平均値,相対標準偏差,窒素の回収率を計算し,考察を行った,硝酸態窒素の分析には銅-カドミウム・カラム還元法がよいが,共存物質が多いときは還元前に試料水を希釈することが必要である.亜硝酸態とアンモニア態窒素の分析結果は正確で高精度であった.アンモニア態窒素では蒸留操作を含めた検量線を用いたとき高めの結果となった.有機態窒素の分析では窒素化合物の種類により窒素回収率に大きな差があった.しかし,全窒素分析計では良好な結果が得られた.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver.

A rare case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver is reported. An 85-year-old white man presented with a 6-month history of weight loss and an enlarged liver. A biopsy demonstrated a squamous cell carcinoma which was presumed to be metastatic with an occult primary. At autopsy, the liver was partially replaced by a focally cystic tumor. Histologically, the neoplasm demonstrated both malignant squamous and glandular components as well as foci of transition between the two. This is in contradistinction to the 5 previous reported cases of primary hepatic squamous cell carcinomas or tumors containing a squamous component. It is suggested that this neoplasm arose from malignant transformation of squamous metaplasia in a pre-existing cholangiocarcinoma.
Firstfilter: a cost-sensitive approach to malicious URL detection in large-scale enterprise networks

We present Firstfilter, a new cost-sensitive classifier that detects malicious Uniform Resource Locations (URLs) in large-scale enterprise networks. Firstfilter classifies an input URL as benign, unknown, or malicious, and utilizes a cost matrix to select the most relevant features and to control model misclassifications. The cost matrix provides an effective tool to fine tune key performance metrics of the cost-sensitive classifier. We evaluate Firstfilter extensively with large-scale network datasets collected from an enterprise network for three months, spanning from June 2015 to August 2015. Our evaluation results show that Firstfilter consistently outperforms cost-insensitive classifiers and other binary classifiers.
The Ecological Approach to Explaining Delinquency

For those who have spent most of their lives in small-town America, it is no longer surprising if a visit to the city brings words of caution from friends about where not to go for an evening stroll. Whether fear of becoming a victim is completely justified by the facts, or is an artifact of the imagination, or a creation of the media, we are warned to avoid neighborhoods in which ordinary street crime is commonplace and which is frequented by persons on the way to prison or just released from prison.
Improving Prognostic Modeling in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the accumulation of complex genetic alterations that drive disease pathogenesis and outcome. Several prognostic models have been developed over the last two decades to risk stratify patients with MDS. These models mainly used clinical variables including blast percentage, cytopenias, cytogenetics, transfusion dependency, and age. Recently, somatic mutations in specific genes have been shown to impact overall survival in MDS and can be incorporated into established prognostic models to improve their predictive abilities. Here, we review the advantages and disadvantages of established prognostic models in MDS and the impact of emerging data regarding the incorporation of somatic mutations in risk stratification.
Abstract P47: Gender Difference Seems to Disappear with Strategies to Improve Overall Door-to-Balloon Time

Background: Women with STEMI have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality possibly due to pre-treatment delay and atypical presentation. In an effort to decrease door to balloon time (D2B),starting 7/2009, a new strategy was implemented in our institution including10 min door to ECG time, 5 min call back by interventional cardiologist, only interventional cardiologist making the decision for PCI and a goal D2B of ≤60 min with real time tracking. With this strategy, the D2B was significantly shortened. We wanted to see what effect this had on the D2B for female patients. Methods: We studied the records of 393 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI in our institution. Four patients were excluded because ECG or decision time were not clearly documented. Group 1 included patients before the new strategy (7/2008-6/2009), and Group 2 after the new strategy (7/2009-6/2010). D2B were further partitioned into 3 segments:door to ECG time (D2ECG), ECG to decision time (ECG2Dec) and decision to balloon time (Dec2B) . Time intervals were compared for both genders within and between these groups. Results: The total D2B decreased with the new strategy from 91.1 min to 80.0 min (p=0.04). In males, neither total D2B nor any time interval decreased significantly. In females, the Dec2B shortened by 6.6 min (p=0.01, Table 1). Before the implementation of the new strategy, the total D2B, D2ECG and Dec2B were all significantly longer in females than in males. After 7/2009, the gender difference in D2B and all time intervals disappeared (Table 2). Conclusion: Implementation of rapid revascularization strategy in our hospital appeared to eliminate the gender difference in D2B. View this table: Comparison of time intervals between two groups View this table: Comparison of time intervals between genders
The Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Circuitry in Head and Neck Cancer

We have recently gained an unprecedented knowledge of the most frequent genetic alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We have also learned that the aberrant function of multiple signaling networks contributes to HNSCC initiation and progression, including the persistent activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NFκB, and STAT3 signaling pathways and decreased antiproliferative responses to Notch and TGF-β. Emerging evidence suggests that many regulatory components of the Wnt signaling pathway are also dysfunctional in HNSCC, leading to increased nuclear β-catenin levels. This includes increased expression of Wnt family members and their coreceptor, Frizzled, loss of heterozygosity of the adenomatosis polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene, and epigenetic events leading to decreased expression of APC and the Wnt antagonists the secreted Frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs), Wnt inhibitory factors (WIFs) and Dickkopf family members (DKKs), primarily by promoter hypermethylation. Wnt/β-catenin controls cell fate decisions in normal epithelial stem cells, but persistent β-catenin signaling contributes to increased growth, metastatic potential and resistance to chemotherapy in HNSCC and their tumor-initiating cells. While the role of Wnt/β-catenin in HNSCC is not as well defined as in other cancers, the development of small molecule inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway for other cancer types may soon afford novel targeted options for the treatment of HNSCC lesions displaying aberrant Wnt signaling.
Eigenfunctions of the Fourier Transform

An eigenfunction of the Fourier transform operator is a function whose shape is identical to that of its Fourier transform. The Gaussian curve, appropriately scaled, is an example. It is well known...
Working with what you've got: unattractive males show greater mate-guarding effort in a duetting songbird

When mates are limited, individuals should allocate resources to mating tactics that maximize fitness. In species with extra-pair paternity (EPP), males can invest in mate guarding, or, alternatively, in seeking EPP. Males should optimize fitness by adjusting investment according to their attractiveness to females, such that attractive males seek EPP, and unattractive males guard mates. This theory has received little empirical testing, leaving our understanding of the evolution of mating tactics incomplete; it is unclear how a male9s relative attractiveness influences his tactics. We conducted observations and experiments on red-backed fairy-wrens ( Malurus melanocephalus ) to address this question. We found that older, more attractive (red–black) males sought EPP, whereas unattractive (brown) males invested in alternative tactics—physical and acoustic mate guarding. Younger red–black males used intermediate tactics. This suggests that males adopt mating tactics appropriate to their attributes. Males obtained similar reproductive success, suggesting these alternative tactics may maximize each male9s paternity gain. Though it is likely that female choice also determines paternity, rather than just male tactics, we establish that the many interconnected components of a male9s sexual phenotype influence the evolution of his decision-making rules, deepening our understanding of how mating tactics evolve under sexual selection.
Gendered Social Learning, Nonfamily Institutions, and Attitudes About Recourse After Partner Violence.

Objective To provide the first study in Vietnam of how gendered social learning about violence and exposure to non-family institutions influence women's attitudes about a wife's recourse after physical IPV. Method A probability sample of 532 married women, ages 18-50 years, was surveyed in July-August, 2012 in Mỹ Hao district. We fit a multivariate linear regression model to estimate correlates of favoring recourse in six situations using a validated attitudinal scale. We split attitudes towards recourse into three subscales (disfavor silence, favor informal recourse, favor formal recourse) and fit one multivariate ordinal logistic regression model for each behavior to estimate correlates of favoring recourse. Results On average, women favored recourse in 2.8 situations. Women who were older and had witnessed physical IPV in childhood had less favorable attitudes about recourse. Women who were hit as children, had completed more schooling, worked outside agriculture, and had sought recourse after IPV had more favorable attitudes about recourse. Conclusions Normative change among women may require efforts to curb family violence, counsel those exposed to violence in childhood, and enhance women's opportunities for higher schooling and non-agricultural wage work. The state and organizations working on IPV might overcome pockets of unfavorable public opinion by enforcing accountability for IPV rather than seeking to alter ideas about recourse among women.
Multivariate modeling of acoustomechanical response of 14-year-old suppressed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) to variation in wood chemistry, microfibril angle and density

The polymeric angle and concentration within the S2 layer of the softwood fiber cell wall are very critical for molecular and microscopic properties that influence strength, stiffness and acoustic velocity of wood at the macroscopic level. The main objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, microfibril angle and density on acoustic velocity and material mechanical properties of 14-year-old suppressed loblolly pine. Cellulose, hemicellulose and density are consistently the most important drivers of strength, stiffness and velocity. Cellulose and lignin are the highest and lowest contributor to velocity, respectively, with lignin acting as a sound wave dispersant, while cellulose is the most important conductor of sound wave at the molecular level, while hemicellulose acts as a special coupling agent between these components. The polymeric constituents are thus important drivers of sound wave propagation at the molecular level, while density played a subsequent role at the macroscale.
The Prevalence of Mood and Alcohol Related Disorders within the Adult Sickle Cell Disease Population and Their Impact on Healthcare Utilization

Background: Chronic pain, along with the other physical, emotional, and cognitive manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) increases the risk of developing psychological disorders. Studies with limited sample size have suggested that depression occurs at a significantly higher proportion in SCD patients than control groups. In this study we assessed the burden of mood and alcohol dependence disorders in SCD adult patients and their effect on healthcare utilization using a nationwide sample. Methods: Inpatient and outpatient records in the Truven Health MarketScan®Database were used to calculate the prevalence of mental health disorders and hospital utilization in adult SCD patients who sought medical care during 2007 - 2012. The prevalence of mental health disorders were compared to a nationwide sample of African Americans from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES, 2001 - 2003) database. Results: Among 12,394 SCD patients with outpatient claims, the prevalence of mood disorders were 28% and 21% in females and males vs. 6% and 4% in 4,842 participants from the general African American population (all P Conclusion: The high burden of mental health disorders in SCD patients justify the need to include regular screening for mental health disorders for all SCD patients and the provision of early psychological intervention to remit or mitigate symptoms and prevent higher healthcare utilization. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P50HL118006. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Heterotopic Purkinje Cells: a Comparative Postmortem Study of Essential Tremor and Spinocerebellar Ataxias 1, 2, 3, and 6.

Essential tremor (ET) is among the most common neurological diseases. Postmortem studies have noted a series of pathological changes in the ET cerebellum. Heterotopic Purkinje cells (PCs) are those whose cell body is mis-localized in the molecular layer. In neurodegenerative settings, these are viewed as a marker of the progression of neuronal degeneration. We (1) quantify heterotopias in ET cases vs. controls, (2) compare ET cases to other cerebellar degenerative conditions (spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) 1, 2, 3, and 6), (3) compare these SCAs to one another, and (4) assess heterotopia within the context of associated PC loss in each disease. Heterotopic PCs were quantified using a standard LHE the one exception was SCA3, in which the PC population is well known to be preserved. Heterotopia is a disease-associated feature of ET. In comparison, several of the SCAs evidenced even more marked heterotopia, although a spectrum existed across the SCAs. The median n-heterotopia/PC count and median PC in ET was between that of the controls and the SCAs; hence, in this regard, ET could represent an intermediate state or a less advanced state of spinocerebellar atrophy.
Psychotropic Medications as Treatments for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Two drugs, risperidone (Risperdal®) and aripiprazole (Abilify®), are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating “irritability” in young people with autism and are often used for that purpose. Several other drugs also are commonly prescribed in the hope of improving behavior. This chapter overviews the use of behavior-change drugs in people with autism. Topics that are considered include the prevalence of drug use, the rationale for drug use, research findings, and steps that can be taken to ensure that medications are used wisely and effectively.
Innovation Asymmetry among Nations: Revisiting Knowledge Flow Hypothesis in Cross-National Network

We analyze automotive safety innovations to compare the drivers of knowledge flows within and outside of the United States. We find that in U.S. contexts interpersonal ties dampened the impact of r...
The Short-Term Impacts of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Beverage Consumption.

Introduction On January 1, 2017, Philadelphia implemented a beverage tax of $0.015/ounce on sugar (“regular”) and sugar-substitute (“diet”) beverages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate impact of the tax on residents’ consumption of soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and bottled water. Methods A repeat cross-sectional study design used data from a random-digit-dialing phone survey during a no-tax period (December 6–31, 2016) and a tax period (January 15–February 31, 2017) among 899 respondents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 878 respondents in three nearby comparison cities. Survey questions included frequency and volume of bottled water and beverages. Outcomes were daily consumption, and 30-day consumption frequency and volume. Propensity score–weighted difference-in-differences regression was used to control for secular time trend and confounding. Covariates were sociodemographics, BMI, health status, smoking, and alcohol use. Analyses were conducted in 2017. Results Within the first 2 months of tax implementation, relative to the comparison cities, in Philadelphia the odds of daily consumption of regular soda was 40% lower (OR=0.6, 95% CI=0.37, 0.97); energy drink was 64% lower (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.17, 0.76); bottled water was 58% higher (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.13, 2.20); and the 30-day regular soda consumption frequency was 38% lower (ratio of consumption frequency=0.62, 95% CI=0.40, 0.98). Conclusions Early results suggest that the tax influenced daily consumption of regular soda, energy drinks, and bottled water. Future studies are needed to evaluate longer-term impact of the tax on sugared beverage consumption and substitutions.
The Isolated Isovolumic (Langendorff) Heart Preparation

Isolated, Langendorff-perfused, isovolumic preparations have been employed for many years to study cardiac function. In order to achieve isovolumic conditions a compliant balloon filled with a known volume of fluid is inserted into the left ventricle (LV). These preparations have a number of advantages over the in situ heart for the study of cardiac mechanics. First, hemodynamic and mechanical variables can be well controlled. The balloon allows accurate measurement and independent control of ventricular preload (end-diastolic volume), while isovolumic contraction results in a constant afterload. Heart rate can also be maintained constant by electronic pacing. Second, coronary perfusion pressure or flow, which independently influence both systolic and diastolic function, is independently maintained at desired levels. Moreover, left ventricular coronary flow and oxygen consumption and coronary vascular resistance can be estimated. Third, independent perfusion eliminates variable concentrations of circulating catecholamines and other substances, including anesthetic agents, which can influence cardiac performance. The fact that the heart is denervated also eliminates the effects of variations in direct autonomic nervous system stimulation.
Ramsey’s Psychological Theory of Belief

1. The pagination of my quotations shall be from the 1931 version, edited by Braithwaite. Ramsey begins by admitting some reasons for favoring the frequency theory. More importantly, he endorses it as a proper theory for use in physics, but he immediately goes on to give his reasons for why it is not the proper theory for the logic of partial belief. He doesn’t say a great deal more, but turns immediately to his main object of criticism, Keynes’ Theory of Probability 2 . I will not spend much time on these criticisms, but I think it is important to give some sense of what Ramsey has to say about what is wrong with Keynes’ views. His reaction to them shaped many of his own ideas about partial belief. Here is his first point: