cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinician dashboard views and improvement in preventative health outcome measures: a retrospective analysis

Measuring and reporting outcome data is fundamental for health care systems to drive improvement. Our electronic health record built a dashboard that allows each primary care provider (PCP) to view real-time population health quality data of their patient panel and use that information to identify care gaps. We hypothesized that the number of dashboard views would be positively associated with clinical quality improvement. We performed a retrospective analysis of change in quality scores compared to number of dashboard views for each PCP over a five-month period (2017–18). Using the manager dashboard, we recorded the number of views for each provider. The quality scores analyzed were: colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates and diabetic patients with an A1c greater than 9% or no A1c in the past year. Data from 120 PCPs were included. The number of dashboard views by each PCP ranged from 0 to 222. Thirty-one PCPs (25.8%) did not view their dashboard. We found no significant correlation between views and change in quality scores (correlation coefficient = 0.06, 95% CI [− 0.13, 0.25] and − 0.05, 95% CI [− 0.25, 0.14] for CRC and diabetes, respectively). Clinical dashboards provide feedback to PCPs and are likely to become more available as healthcare systems continue to focus on improving population health. However, dashboards on their own may not be sufficient to impact clinical quality improvement. Dashboard viewership did not appear to impact clinician performance on quality metrics.
A Steering Algorithm for Redirected Walking Using Reinforcement Learning

Redirected Walking (RDW) steering algorithms have traditionally relied on human-engineered logic. However, recent advances in reinforcement learning (RL) have produced systems that surpass human performance on a variety of control tasks. This paper investigates the potential of using RL to develop a novel reactive steering algorithm for RDW. Our approach uses RL to train a deep neural network that directly prescribes the rotation, translation, and curvature gains to transform a virtual environment given a user's position and orientation in the tracked space. We compare our learned algorithm to steer-to-center using simulated and real paths. We found that our algorithm outperforms steer-to-center on simulated paths, and found no significant difference on distance traveled on real paths. We demonstrate that when modeled as a continuous control problem, RDW is a suitable domain for RL, and moving forward, our general framework provides a promising path towards an optimal RDW steering algorithm.
Polar Gini Curve: a Technique to Discover Single-cell Biomarker Using 2D Visual Information

In this work, we design the Polar Gini Curve (PGC) technique, which combines the gene expression and the 2D embedded visual information to detect biomarkers from single-cell data. Theoretically, a Polar Gini Curve characterizes the shape and 9evenness9 of cell-point distribution of cell-point set. To quantify whether a gene could be a marker in a cell cluster, we can combine two Polar Gini Curves: one drawn upon the cell-points expressing the gene, and the other drawn upon all cell-points in the cluster. We hypothesize that the closers these two curves are, the more likely the gene would be cluster markers. We demonstrate the framework in several simulation case-studies. Applying our framework in analyzing neonatal mouse heart single-cell data, the detected biomarkers may characterize novel subtypes of cardiac muscle cells. The source code and data for PGC could be found at https://figshare.com/projects/Polar_Gini_Curve/76749
Chandra Observations of the Luminous, Oxygen-rich Supernova Remnants in the Irregular Galaxy NGC 4449

An analysis of a 29 ks Chandra ACIS-S observation of the young, Cassiopeia A-like supernova remnant in the irregular galaxy NGC 4449 is presented. The observed 0.5-2.1 keV spectrum reveals the likely presence of several emission lines, including O VIII at 0.65 and 0.77 keV, Ne X at 1.05 keV, Mg XI at 1.5 keV, and Si XIII at 1.85 keV. From the observed spectrum, we derive a NH = 1 × 1021 cm-2 and an X-ray temperature of T ≈ 9 × 106 K. A nonequilibrium ionization fit to the spectrum suggests an overabundance of oxygen around 20 times solar, consistent with the remnant's UV and optical emission-line properties. We discuss the remnant's approximate X-ray-derived elemental abundances and compare its X-ray spectrum and luminosity with other oxygen-rich remnants.
Aid or exploitation?: Food-for-work, cash-for-work, and the production of “beneficiary-workers” in Ethiopia and Haiti

Abstract The distinct subject positions of “beneficiaries” and “aid workers” pervade global aid vernacular, the grey development literature, and the field of development studies, but this binary obscures additional and vital forms of labor within the global aid industry. This analysis is based on the juxtaposition, comparison, and historical contextualization of two case studies drawing on two independent ethnographic research projects in the Somali Region of Ethiopia and southwestern Haiti. We find that although not designated either “employees” or “aid workers,” many beneficiaries are required to work to qualify for assistance: for example, food-for-work programs in Ethiopia and cash-for-work programs in Haiti both require beneficiaries to perform difficult manual labor with aid agencies to qualify for disbursements of food or cash. Accordingly, participants in these programs figure themselves workers and not the passive recipients of charity, and in both places, we find that participants critique the inadequacy of the wages for their work. Beneficiaries who work for aid are therefore what we call “beneficiary-workers:” they work within the aid industry, but are neither officially employed nor adequately compensated for their labor. Further, these beneficiary-workers are alienated both from the benefits of their labor and the means of designing or leading the aid programs on which they depend. Aid that requires beneficiary-workers’ labor is therefore not fundamentally designed to alleviate poverty or spur economic development; it is instead designed to discipline the poor and to valorize and justify the aid organizations that delimit their labor. By revealing the effects of food-for-work and cash-for-work project in these two places, and by highlighting the critiques of work-for-aid projects leveled by participants themselves, this analysis questions the ethics and appropriateness of food-for-work and cash-for-work projects.
Exploring the AgSb1−xBixI4 phase diagram: Thermochromism in layered CdCl2-type semiconductors

Abstract AgSbI4 and several AgSb1–xBixI4 compositions have been synthesized via solid state reactions. Both end members and all intermediate compositions crystallize with the CdCl2 structure type (space group ​= ​R 3 ¯ m) and a random distribution of the Ag+ and Sb3+/Bi3+ cations. Hypothetical cation ordered structures have been generated and their stabilities evaluated with density functional theory. This analysis suggests that while charge balanced layers are strongly favored, the long-range interactions that favor ordered stacking of layers are too weak to produce three-dimensional cation ordering. The colors of these materials change noticeably when heated, signaling a large thermochromic effect. For example, the band gap of AgSb0·25Bi0·75I4 changes from 1.68 ​eV ​at room temperature to 1.55 ​eV ​at 150 ​°C. This thermochromic shift in band gap is larger than comparable diamond-like semiconductors, such as CdTe. VASP calculations and molecular dynamics simulations indicate the large thermochromic effect is primarily caused by significant electron-phonon coupling.
Physical Examination and Assessment

Physical examination and assessment focuses on exam techniques utilized in diagnosing pain conditions. Questions are geared toward diagnosing a specific pain complaint, providing specific information about diagnosis, localizing pain pathology, or evaluating for urgent referral or next steps in the management of pain. Surpassed only by the patient history, a detailed physical examination is a very useful tool a pain physician can utilize. In contrast to the subjective nature of the history, the examination provides objective data that can be utilized to correctly guide treatments. Key to the physical exam is not only understanding the mechanics of the exam maneuvers used, but what constitutes a positive finding and the clinical correlation thereof.
Higher education reform and diasporic engagement in post-earthquake Haiti

In post-disaster societies, critical events intensify diasporic engagements. This article examines the diaspora as a category of practice that mobilizes energies in furtherance of revitalizing Hait...
Environmental Constitutionalism in Ethiopia

This paper evaluates the concept of environmental constitutionalism in Ethiopia. By presenting a literature review of how environmental constitutionalism is understood and incorporated in different jurisdictions together with the components it is expressed with, it tries to weigh how the FDRE constitution has incorporated environmental protection provisions. The paper argues the incorporation of environmental protection articles in constitution is an essential task to the effective understanding and implementation of sub constitutional norms and constitutionalism on environment protection. The constitution of FDRE was found to incorporate both substantive and procedural provisions meant to protect the environment. Evaluated from the positive trends of global environmental constitutionalism it was concluded that the Ethiopian case of environmental constitutionalism has not reached its peak, but has incorporated the basic tents necessary for the protection of environmental rights. The gaps requiring attention in order to label the Ethiopian constitution a prime example of environmental constitutionalism was also indicated.
Delay and Power Estimations of Magnetic Tunnel Junction based Random Access Memory and Sense Amplifier Circuit

Abstract The paper starts with the principle of operation of magnetic tunnel junctions in magnetoresistive random access memories. The simulation of a sense amplifier circuit made up of magnetic tunnel junctions for application in MRAM array has been presented in this paper. The circuit has been implemented with six different tunnel junctions, simulating the sense amplifier circuit with one tunnel junction at a time, to estimate the power and delay. The effect of variation of cross sectional area of the tunnel junctions on the power consumption and delay time of the sense amplifier circuit has been presented. Out of the six tunnel junctions, it is observed that the sense amplifier circuit with Fe/MgO/Fe magnetic tunnel junction consumes minimal power with impressive delay time estimation. The R & C values used for simulating the circuit have been obtained from the LSDA band structure simulations of the six tunnel junctions.
Cell extrinsic alterations in splenic B cell maturation in Flt3-ligand knockout mice

B lymphopoiesis in bone marrow (BM) is critical for maintaining a diverse peripheral B cell pool to fight infection and establish lifelong immunity. The generation of immature B cells is reduced in Flt3-ligand (FL-/-) mice leading to deficiencies in splenic B cells. Here, we sought to understand the cellular basis of the spleen B cell deficiency in FL-/- mice. Significant reductions in transitional (TS) and follicular (FO) B cells were found in FL-/- mice, and increased frequencies, but not absolute numbers, of marginal zone (MZ) B cells. BAFF-R expression on splenic B cells and serum levels of B cell activating factor (BAFF) was comparable to wildtype (WT) mice. Mixed BM chimeras revealed that the reductions in TS and FO B cells were cell extrinsic. FL administration into FL-/- mice restored the deficiency in TS B cells and normalized the MZ compartment. Ki67 analysis revealed a significant decrease in the proliferative capacity of TS B cells in FL-/- mice. A Bcl2 transgene did not rescue TS cells in FL-/- mice, uncoupling FL-deficiency to Bcl2-dependent survival pathways. Upregulation of CD1d expression and adoptive transfer experiments suggested MZ skewing in FL-/- mice. These findings support an integral role for Flt3 signaling in peripheral B cell maturation.
Do the poor insure? A synthesis of the literature on risk and consumption in developing countries

Income risk is a central feature of rural areas of developing countries. A major topic in development economics is how well households are able to mitigate the adverse effects of income risk. There are several sensible reasons why households will not be able to fully insure consumption against income fluctuations. The well-known problems of moral hazard, information asymmetries, and deficiencies in the ability to enforce contracts may result in incomplete or absent insurance markets. The dearth of formal insurance markets in developing countries is evidence that these problems are considerable. However, a large body of literature indicates that households in developing countries make use of a wide variety of mechanisms, often informal, to at least partially limit consumption risk. A key piece of information required to guide policy design is how, and how well, different households mitigate risk. This paper reviews various strategies for insuring consumption against income fluctuations, and examines evidence on how effectively these strategies work.
A program to observe very low amplitude radial velocity variations in δ Scuti stars

The University of Arizona Radial Velocity Spectrometer is probably capable of attaining a resolution of 100 m/s or less on slowly rotating stars of blue magnitude 5.5 or brighter and pulsation periods of 0.02 days or greater in the δ Scuti instability region of the H-R diagram. Such performance is approximately equivalent to a photometric resolution of 10−3 magnitudes, and thus represents a possible means of improving the detectability of δ Scuti pulsations by an order of magnitude. The instrument is briefly described and a high priority observing program is outlined.
New constraints on the active tectonic deformation of the Aegean

[1] Site velocities from six separate Global Positioning System (GPS) networks comprising 374 stations have been referred to a single common Eurasia-fixed reference frame to map the velocity distribution over the entire Aegean. We use the GPS velocity field to identify deforming regions, rigid elements, and potential microplate boundaries, and build upon previous work by others to initially specify rigid elements in central Greece, the South Aegean, Anatolia, and the Sea of Marmara. We apply an iterative approach, tentatively defining microplate boundaries, determining best fit rigid rotations, examining misfit patterns, and revising the boundaries to achieve a better match between model and data. Short-term seismic cycle effects are minor contaminants of the data that we remove when necessary to isolate the long-term kinematics. We find that present day Aegean deformation is due to the relative motions of four microplates and straining in several isolated zones internal to them. The RMS misfit of model to data is about 2-sigma, very good when compared to the typical match between coseismic fault models and GPS data. The simplicity of the microplate description of the deformation and its good fit to the GPS data are surprising and were not anticipated by previous work, which had suggested either many rigid elements or broad deforming zones that comprise much of the Aegean region. The isolated deforming zones are also unexpected and cannot be explained by the kinematics of the microplate motions. Strain rates within internally deforming zones are extensional and range from 30 to 50 nanostrain/year (nstrain/year, 10−9/year), 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than rates observed across the major microplate boundaries. Lower strain rates may exist elsewhere within the microplates but are only resolved in Anatolia, where extension of 13 ± 4 nstrain/year is required by the data. Our results suggest that despite the detailed complexity of active continental deformation revealed by seismicity, active faulting, fault geomorphology, and earthquake fault plane solutions, continental tectonics, at least in the Aegean, is to first order very similar to global plate tectonics and obeys the same simple kinematic rules. Although the widespread distribution of Aegean seismicity and active faulting might suggest a rather spatially homogeneous seismic hazard, the focusing of deformation near microplate boundaries implies the highest hazard is comparably localized.
Differences in Femoral Notch Anatomy between Men and Women: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

BackgroundResearch has shown that variations in femoral intercondylar notch morphometry may be a predisposing factor for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury.HypothesisThere are anatomic differences in the anterior cruciate ligament and femoral notch between men and women.Study DesignDescriptive anatomic study.MethodsUsing magnetic resonance imaging, we performed a three-dimensional analysis of the femoral intercondylar notch morphometry to look for differences in femoral notch and anterior cruciate ligament volumes between men and women. Axial plane magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on 96 knees in 48 asymptomatic subjects. Digital measurements were taken of femoral notch area, anterior cruciate ligament area, notch width, and bicondylar width, within defined parameters of the femoral notch. The notch and anterior cruciate ligament volumes were then calculated. Analysis of variance was performed using sex, height, and weight as covariates.ResultsThe volume of the femoral notch was fo...
Control of Transitional and Turbulent Flows Using Plasma-Based Actuators

Abstract : An exploratory numerical study of the control of transitional and turbulent separated flows by means of asymmetric dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD) actuators is presented. The flow fields are simulated employing an extensively validated high-fidelity Navier-Stokes solver which is augmented with both phenomenological and first-principles models representing the plasma-induced body forces imparted by the actuator on the fluid. Several applications are considered, including suppression of wing stall, control of boundary layer transition on a plate, control of laminar separation over a ramp, and turbulent separation over a wall-mounted hump. Effective suppression of stall over a NACA 0015 airfoil at moderate Reynolds numbers is demonstrated using either co-flow or counter-flow pulsed actuators with sufficiently high frequency. By contrast, continuous actuation (simulated by a steady body force in the phenomenological model) is found to provide little control of separation. For continuous actuator operation, the first-principles approach is needed in order to reproduce the benefits of the inherently unsteady force induced by the plasma actuator. The pulsed-modulated unsteady plasma force is found to be more effective than a monochromatic radio-frequency forcing. These results highlight the greater importance of transition and turbulence enhancement mechanisms rather than pure wall-jet momentum injection for the effective use of DBD devices. As a consequence, meaningful computations require the use of three-dimensional large-eddy simulation approaches capable of capturing the effects of unsteady forcing on the transitional/turbulent flow structure. For a laminar boundary layer developing along a flat plate, a counter-flow DBD actuator is shown to provide an effective on-demand tripping device.
Perception of sexual intent: The role of gender, alcohol consumption, and rape supportive attitudes

This study examined the effects of participant's gender, participant's rape supportive attitudes, and target's alcohol consumption on participant's perceptions of target's sexual intent. Female and male college students read vignettes in which a young woman and man who were socializing consumed either alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. At the studied university, approximately 86% of undergraduates were Caucasian, 8% were African American, 3% were Asian, and 3% had other ethnic backgrounds. As hypothesized, men perceived female targets as behaving more sexually than did women, especially men high in rape myth acceptance. Male and female targets' alcohol consumption interacted, such that when both individuals were drinking alcohol they were perceived as being most sexual and their drinking was viewed as most appropriate. The rape myth acceptance and alcohol findings are discussed in terms of their implications for sexual assault and substance abuse prevention programming.
Studies of the effect of cyclosporine in psoriasis in vivo: combined effects on activated T lymphocytes and epidermal regenerative maturation.

Abstract Cyclosporine (CSA) decreases lymphokine synthesis and keratinocyte proliferation in vitro, but its in vivo mechanism of action in treating recalcitrant psoriasis is incompletely understood. Ten psoriasis patients were treated with CSA (27.5 mg/kg/d) with clinical improvement in nine of 10 patients. Skin biopsies before and after 1–3 months of CSA treatment were studied for evidence of immune and keratinocyte activation using immunoperoxidase and Northern blotting analysis. The number of activated, IL-2 receptor + T cells in plaques after CSA treatment was reduced in all patients by a mean of 60%. Seven of 10 patients showed a decrease in keratinocyte HLA-DR expression; five of seven showed a decrease in gamma-IP-10 immunoreactivity, suggesting a decline in gamma interferon levels in plaques after CSA therapy. We studied the effect of CSA treatment in vivo on TGF-α, IL-6, and keratin K16 expression, three markers of keratinocyte growth activation. Expression of keratinocyte TGF-α and IL-6, which are elevated in active psoriatic epidermis, did not change in these patients after CSA treatment. The majority of patients (five of eight) continued to express the hyperproliferative keratin K16 after CSA treatment. Our results suggest that the predominant direct mechanism of action of Cyclosporine in vivo is a diminution of T-cell activation in plaques, with attendant decreased lymphokine production.
A Multivalued Algebra For Modeling Physical Failures in MOS VLSI Circuits

This paper proposes a new logical model for nMOS and CMOS circuits. Existing gate-level and switch-level models are limited in their ability to simulate MOS circuit behavior accurately when modeling physical failures. The model proposed in this paper is in the form of a multivalued algebra defined on a set of node states. The state of a node is represented as a pair where "a" specifies the condition of a node and "b" specifies the logic level: There are five conditions and five logic levels. The assignment of node states is done dynamically during the process of logic simulation. The rules of the algebra are used to derive state tables that model the behavior of transistors. Our general model of a transistor allows for strong interactions between all three terminals of a transistor. This enables us to model the effects of physical failures such as a short between the gate and drain of a transistor. A simulation algorithm based on the algebra is discussed, and techniques for simulating physical failures in MOS circuits using the algebra are indicated.
Use of the generalized gradient approximation in pseudopotential calculations of solids

We present a study of the equilibrium properties of sp-bonded solids within the pseudopotential approach, employing recently proposed generalized gradient approximation (GGA) exchange-correlation functionals. We analyze the effects of the gradient corrections on the behavior of the pseudopotentials and discuss possible approaches for constructing pseudopotentials self-consistently in the context of gradient-corrected functionals. The calculated equilibrium properties of solids using the GGA functionals are compared to the ones obtained through the local density approximation (LDA) and to experimental data. A significant improvement over the LDA results is achieved with the use of the GGA functionals for cohesive energies. For the lattice constant, the same accuracy as in LDA can be obtained when the nonlinear coupling between core and valence electrons introduced by the exchange-correlation functionals is properly taken into account. However, GGA functionals give bulk moduli that are too small compared to experiment.
Nitrogen Fixation by Floating Diatom Mats: A Source of New Nitrogen to Oligotrophic Ocean Waters

Nitrogen fixation, apparently by bacterial endosymbionts, is associated with intertwining chains of two species of the diatom Rhizosolenia. In situ fixation rates were enhanced by incubation in the dark, whereas concurrent shipboard experiments either underestimated or did not detect nitrogen fixation. This is the first example of nitrogen fixation associated with a bacteria-diatom symbiosis in the pelagic zone, and it indicates that these systems may contribute a significant amount of "new" nitrogen to oligotrophic waters.
Dihydrofolate reductase from guinea pig liver and small intestine.

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase has been purified 2000-fold from guinea pig liver, and 450-fold from guinea pig small intestine. The chromatographic properties, pH optima, and substrate and cofactor requirements of the two enzymes have been compared; the susceptibility of the enzymes to a series of activators and inhibitors also has been determined. No differences were noted between dihydrofolate reductases from the two sources; it is concluded that the unusually high resistance of the guinea pig to folate antagonists cannot be attributed to differences in the properties of small intestine and liver dihydrofolate reductase, or to differences between guinea pig dihydrofolate reductase and the analogous enzyme from other mammalian species.
Polarization potential for e-argon scattering by differential scattering minimization at intermediate energies

The differential scattering cross section (DCS) for electrons scattered elastically by argon atoms is studied using a model potential. In the present study the long range polarization potential is represented by an energy-dependent function in the form Vp(E,r)=αd/[r+ξ(a,b,E)]4 and the short range part is constructed from the nonrelativistic Hartree–Fock wave function of the target atom in the form Vs(r)=(2Z/r)∑nCnexp {−nC0r}. Accurate phase shifts have been computed for angular momentum in the range 0<l<13 from the Schrodinger equation and the Born approximation for higher values of l<1000. The computed differential cross section obtained using the approximate effective interaction potential for electrons scattered by the target atoms in their ground state is compared with available published results. In the present study the parameters contained in the energy-dependent polarization potential are determined by the minimization of the DCS with respect to angle θ and the incident energy of E. The critical values of angle and energy (θc,Ec) are found to be (117.3°, 120.0 eV), (64.1°, 41.3 eV), and (140.1°, 37.3 eV). The resulting DCS in the angular range 2°<θ<178° is found to be an improvement over earlier results and in better agreement with the available experimental data in the intermediate energy range. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Calcium fluxes in dorsal forerunner cells antagonize β-catenin and alter left-right patterning

Establishment of the left-right axis is essential for normal organ morphogenesis and function. Ca 2+ signaling and cilia function in the zebrafish Kuppfer9s Vesicle (KV) have been implicated in laterality. Here we describe an endogenous Ca 2+ release event in the region of the KV precursors (dorsal forerunner cells, DFCs), prior to KV and cilia formation. Manipulation of Ca 2+ release to disrupt this early flux does not impact early DFC specification, but results in altered DFC migration or cohesion in the tailbud at somite stages. This leads to disruption of KV formation followed by bilateral expression of asymmetrical genes, and randomized organ laterality. We identify β-catenin inhibition as a Ca 2+ -signaling target and demonstrate that localized loss of Ca 2+ within the DFC region or DFC-specific activation ofβ -catenin is sufficient to alter laterality in zebrafish. We identify a previously unknown DFC-like cell population in Xenopus and demonstrate a similar Ca 2+ -sensitive stage. As in zebrafish, manipulation of Ca 2+ release results in ectopic nuclearβ -catenin and altered laterality. Overall, our data support a conserved early Ca 2+ requirement in DFC-like cell function in zebrafish and Xenopus .
A Thin-Layer Electrochemical Cell for Infrared Spectroscopic Measurements of the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface

A thin-layer electrochemical cell which allows for the convenient measurement of infrared reflection-absorption spectra (IRRAS) of the electrode/electrolyte interphase has been designed and built. In order to minimize the thickness of the electrolyte in front of the electrode surface, one mounts the working electrode on the end of a piston so that it can be pressed against an infrared window. Infrared radiation is then reflected from the electrode surface via the infrared window without experiencing severe attenuation due to the electrolyte. Contaminants are minimized by the machining of both the cell body and piston from an inert fluorocarbon plastic. Calcium fluoride was chosen as the window material because of its transparency, its low refractive index, and its low solubility in aqueous electrolyte. The use of this cell in a Fourier transform infrared reflection-absorption spectrometer utilizing polarization modulation is described. The IRRAS spectra obtained from this cell have been analyzed with the use of the generalized Fresnel equations for stratified media. Some of the computational results for the water/silver electrode interphase are used to interpret the measured spectra of water near the electrode. The discussion includes infrared intensity distributions in aqueous media and their influence on the IRRAS measurement.
“The Image of Limited Good”: Comments on an Exercise in Description and Interpretation

Thai peasants exhibit most of the behavioral characteristics that George Foster describes for peasants generally. But the Thai peasant's society is open, and there are things he values as important “goods” that he perceives as unlimited. Such observations make unclear to whom Foster's model of the Limited Good is to apply, and open to question the psychological premises on which his interpretation rests.
CaMoDi: a new method for cancer module discovery

Identification of genomic patterns in tumors is an important problem, which would enable the community to understand and extend effective therapies across the current tissue-based tumor boundaries. With this in mind, in this work we develop a robust and fast algorithm to discover cancer driver genes using an unsupervised clustering of similarly expressed genes across cancer patients. Specifically, we introduce CaMoDi, a new method for module discovery which demonstrates superior performance across a number of computational and statistical metrics. The proposed algorithm CaMoDi demonstrates effective statistical performance compared to the state of the art, and is algorithmically simple and scalable - which makes it suitable for tissue-independent genomic characterization of individual tumors as well as groups of tumors. We perform an extensive comparative study between CaMoDi and two previously developed methods (CONEXIC and AMARETTO), across 11 individual tumors and 8 combinations of tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We demonstrate that CaMoDi is able to discover modules with better average consistency and homogeneity, with similar or better adjusted R2 performance compared to CONEXIC and AMARETTO. We present a novel method for Cancer Module Discovery, CaMoDi, and demonstrate through extensive simulations on the TCGA Pan-Cancer dataset that it achieves comparable or better performance than that of CONEXIC and AMARETTO, while achieving an order-of-magnitude improvement in computational run time compared to the other methods.
Ergodic properties of conditional forecast functions of stable systems

This paper analyzes the behavior of conditional forecast functions in stable systems. We study convergence of optimal forecast functions, of forecast functions obtained by conditioning on previous values, and conditional and joint densities.
Cancer of the colon, rectum, and anus: a review of 2313 cases.

An analysis is presented of 2313 histologically proven cases of carcinoma of the colon and rectum at Charity Hospital from January 1, 1948 through December 31, 1970. For the 2010 cases diagnosed prior to January 1, 1968, so that 5-year followup was possible, survival curves based upon several parameters were determined. Dukes' classification, histologic confirmation of lymph node involvement, and the surgeon's classification of the operation as curative or palliative were the factors that had the greatest influence on survival. The 5-year survival rate for the entire series was 24%. This figure is increased to 47% for those undergoing a curative procedure. The lesion is more common in females than males, and Caucasians than Negroes. In this large series there is a negligible difference in survival between the male and female populations or between the Negro and Caucasian populations.
IMMUNE COMPLEX FORMATION IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS)

To determine whether serum immure complex formation occurs following intratracheal instillation of exogenous human surfactant in infants with severe RDS, an ELISA assay for surfactant-anti-surfactant immune complexes was developed using rabbit anti-human surfactant antibodies followed by horseradish-peroxidase antihuman Ig. Anti-surfactant antibody formation during the first 3 months following surfactant instillation was measured & C50 & C3 levels & urinalysis were performed to determine whether the classical pathway was activated. Seven infants receiving exogenous human surfactant & 11 infants with severe RDS receiving only intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) were compared. Serum surfactant-anti-surfactant immune complex formation was detected shortly after surfactant instillation & peaked in concentration (O.D.490) 7 days after treatment versus a peak in surfactant-anti-surfactant immune complex formation 12 days after birth in infants with severe RDS receiving only IMV. Complexes could be detected for 2 months following surfactant administration & for 25 days in IMV treated infants. C50 levels in surfactant treated infants was 90 ± 15 vs. 105 ± 22 U/ml & C3 levels were similar in both groups & urinalysis did not reveal proteinuria. Although some variation in time course & peaks was observed, a consistent pattern of surfactant-anti-surfactant complexes was found in infants with RDS. These findings underscore the need for caution in administration of xenogenic biologically active substances to human infants.
Diagnostic biopsy of selected intraocular tumors.

t s n a m s ( s o n b LINICAL DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF SUSPECTED primary choroidal melanomas and other intraocular tumors has advanced greatly during the past 50 ears. Most fundus tumors exhibit characteristic features of ize, shape, color, and texture detectable by ophthalmic hysical examination and characteristic fluorescein angioraphic and ultrasonographic features that make them orrectly diagnosable by noninvasive means. At the same ime, some proportion of fundus tumors exhibit atypical phthalmoscopic or ancillary diagnostic features that may ead to an erroneous clinical diagnosis. Tumors of this atter type are the subject of the article by Kvanta and oworkers1 in this issue and this editorial. Clinical diagnosis is always an exercise in probability. hen all of the clinical features of a particular lesion are ypical, the likelihood of a correct clinical diagnosis is xtremely high. In such cases, an invasive approach to iagnosis by biopsy is usually unnecessary (except perhaps n a research study of a biopsy technique). In contrast, hen the clinical features of a tumor are such that two or ore distinct pathologic lesions are both plausible diagostic possibilities (for example, amelanotic choroidal elanoma vs unilateral unifocal metastatic carcinoma to he choroid), an invasive specimen-producing approach is robably warranted. In spite of the widespread use of biopsies in general urgical practice, indications and contraindications for iopsy do not appear to be well understood by most linicians. In my opinion, there are three general indicaions for biopsy and one general contraindication for iopsy. These general indications are (1) substantial probbility that the mass or lesion of interest is a malignant eoplasm or inflammatory tumor; (2) substantial probabilty that pathologic study (including histomorphologic nd/or cytomorphologic study, immunohistochemical or mmunocytochemical testing, electron microscopic analyis, cytogenetic analysis, molecular biologic analysis, and
Adsorbent‐filled polymeric membranes

Assuming three-dimensional isotropy for the suspended particles of cubes or spheres in a polymer matrix, resistance models are developed for adsorbent-filled polymer membranes. These are compared with the existing models in the literature and they agree very well. Monotonically increasing or decreasing permeabilities of composite membrane are well described by these models. The model calculations are compared with several experimental sets of data for alcohols and gases in the literature and proven to be very good. However, there are unexplained experimental observations of permeability behavior as the amount of fillers increase in polymer. Further studies are recommended to directly measure the zeolite permeabilities by measuring the actual throughput. This information is vital in interpreting the data of permeations and separations through filled membranes.
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed after intravenous administration in non-human primates.

Pemetrexed, a multi-targeted antifolate that disrupts synthesis of both purines and pyrimidines, is approved for use in malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. Pemetrexed is currently being evaluated for anti-tumor activity in a variety of solid and central nervous system tumors. We studied the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed in a non-human primate model that is highly predictive of human CSF penetration. Pemetrexed, 20 mg/kg (400 mg/m2), was administered intravenously to four non-human primates. Serial blood samples were obtained from all animals and serial CSF samples were obtained from three animals. Plasma and CSF concentrations of pemetrexed were measured using LC/MS/MS and the resulting concentration versus time data were evaluated using model independent and dependent methods. Pemetrexed disappearance from plasma was best described by a two compartment model with a mean distribution half-life of 13.8 ± 3.2 min and an elimination half-life of 70.0 ± 16.0 min. The volume of distribution of and the clearance from the central compartment were 0.066 ± 0.017 l/kg and 3.6 ± 0.6 ml/min/kg, respectively. Peak CSF concentrations occurred 40–71 min after the start of the infusion with an average of 0.26 ± 0.15 μM. The CSF penetration of pemetrexed was less than 2% (range 0.33–1.58%), suggesting that it should be used in conjunction with other CNS preventive strategies when used in the treatment of malignancies with a predilection for CNS or leptomeningeal metastases.
Activation conditions determine susceptibility of murine primary T-lymphocytes to retroviral infection.

Background Genetically modified T-lymphocytes are potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various disorders. Successful retroviral infection of primary murine T-lymphocytes is a prerequisite to the study of adoptive cell therapies in a small animal model. The definition of factors controlling retroviral infection of T-lymphocytes would also be useful to better understand retroviral diseases. However, retroviral-mediated gene transfer into murine primary T-cells has remained elusive. Methods In order to define the requirements for stable and efficient gene transfer in primary murine T-lymphocytes, we investigated factors capable of affecting retroviral infection. These include activation conditions (using mitogens or monoclonal antibodies), culture conditions (including media composition and cytokine addition), timing of viral exposure, retroviral receptor selection (ecotropic, amphotropic, or vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSV-G) glycoprotein receptor), and viral titer. Results We show that efficient gene transfer can be achieved in murine T-lymphocytes, provided that a number of favorable conditions are met, in particular optimized T-cell activation conditions, optimal timing of infection, adequate interleukin-2 concentration and T-cell density, and a high viral titer. On a particulate basis, we find that ecotropic particles are more effective than amphotropic or VSV-G-pseudotyped particles, and recommend the use of a specifically selected retroviral packaging cell line. CD4+ T-cells are equally or more infectible than CD8+ lymphocytes, depending on the activation conditions. The Th1 and Th2 subsets are comparably susceptible to retroviral infection, in contrast to what has been reported in some instances of human T-cell infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Conclusions We establish conditions that enable efficient retroviral-mediated gene transfer in murine primary T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes are not uniformly susceptible to retroviral infection depending on the mode of T-cell activation. These findings have implications for devising approaches to the study of T-cell biology, adoptive cell therapies, and the pathophysiology of retroviral diseases in mouse models. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roughness Level Probability Prediction Using Artificial Neural Networks

The accuracy of pavement condition prediction is a major concern associated with a pavement management system (PMS). The PMS used by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) includes a project-level optimization system that requires models that estimate the probability of a given level of distress occurring. These models are based on historical pavement condition data and specific project-level data concerning pavement structural characteristics, traffic, and climatic conditions. Multiple linear regression and two artificial neural network (ANN) structures are used to predict roughness distress level probability for bituminous pavements as defined by the KDOT PMS. Since the response variable is the probability of being in a given roughness distress level, within the historical database the probability values are binary (1 if the pavement exists in a given roughness distress level or 0 if the pavement is in any other roughness distress level). This produces poorly conditioned data for regression anal...
Radiation damage and charge collection effects in Si(Li) gamma-ray detectors

Abstract The spectroscopy performance of 6-mm thick Si(Li) planar detectors was studied as a function of operating temperature and electric field. The energy resolution of the 662-keV gamma-ray peak from a 137 Cs source was used to monitor the spectroscopy performance of the detectors. The efficiency, depletion voltage, leakage current, and noise were also monitored. The effects of radiation damage caused by 200-MeV protons were studied to determine the viability of operation in space. Four detectors, two maintained at 88 K and two maintained at 212 K, were irradiated to a fluence of 8.7×10 8 p/cm 2 . No effects were observed. The two detectors irradiated at 212 K were subsequently irradiated with an additional 8.7×10 9 p/cm 2 , again at 212 K. These detectors then exhibited slight energy resolution degradation. No other radiation damage effects were observed. The resolution degradation increased at higher operating temperature and decreased with higher electric field. Cycling the detectors to room temperature for 14 h eliminated the resolution degradation. The resolution of these detectors is limited by the combination of ballistic deficit and parallel noise in the ∼220 K range. A significant decrease in the gamma-ray peak count rate, almost certainly caused by surface channel effects, was the most dramatic temperature-dependent effect observed.
The hydrostatic corer

Abstract Successful coupling of the hydrostatic motor to a corer has resulted in a promising new sampler for recovering deep-sea sediments. The hydrostatic motor converts hydrostatic pressure differentials between near-surface or atmospheric conditions and those found at deeper water depths into harnessable mechanical energy. Controlled use of this energy has driven a gravity (open-barreled) corer into stiff marls where penetration by a conventional gravity corer was unsuccesful. In this prototype design, corehead weights were mechanically coupled to the motor and used as a pile-driver to ensure significant sea-floor penetration. The successful testing of the hydrostatic corer revitalizes an old design and promises to be a significant advance in sediment sampler design for deep-ocean use.
Abstract 2497: Upregulation of annexin A8 is a common molecular phenotype of aberrant breast acinar morphogenesis induced by different genetic factors.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC It is estimated that up to 90% of women have benign breast lesions, some of which are pre-malignant. In situ lesions, particularly the ones that involve the ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS), have the potential to progress into invasive malignant lesions and become life threatening. These breast premalignant states are identified because of specific morphological tissue abnormalities. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human mammary epithelial cells closely recapitulate breast acinar morphogenesis. While untransformed mammary epithelial cells form hollow acini, lined by polarized, non-proliferating cells, breast cancer cells form acini filled with non-polarized, actively proliferating cells, similar to DCIS. By using a proteomic approach in a panel of morphologically aberrant acini derived from human breast epithelial cells, we found that the disruption of acinar morphogenesis by different genetic factors generates a common proteomic signature. Among the proteins that we found consistently upregulated, we identified Annexin A8 (ANXA8), a member of the annexin family of calcium and membrane-binding proteins with a wide range of cellular functions, including cell division, apoptosis, and cell growth regulation. We tested ANXA8 expression in tissue samples from patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), and tissue microarrays of DCIS, with or without, history of invasive breast cancer. Interestingly, this analysis detected ANXA8 increased expression in atypical proliferating ducts relative to non-proliferative ducts, making ANXA8 a potential marker of breast pre-malignancies. Acknowledgments: this study was funded by grants of the Susan Komen Foundation, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, the Friends for an Earlier Test of Breast Cancer Foundation. Citation Format: Stefano Rossetti, Francesca Corlazzoli, Nicoletta Sacchi. Upregulation of annexin A8 is a common molecular phenotype of aberrant breast acinar morphogenesis induced by different genetic factors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2497. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2497 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.