cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Patient Experience in Radiology: Observations From Over 3,500 Patient Feedback Reports in a Single Institution

Abstract Purpose To identify factors associated with the patient experience in radiology based on patient feedback reports from a single institution. Methods In a departmental patient experience committee initiative, all imaging outpatients are provided names and roles of all departmental employees with whom they interact, along with contact information for providing feedback after their appointment. All resulting feedback was recorded in a web-based database. A total of 3,675 patient comments over a 3-year period were assessed in terms of major themes. Roles of employees recognized within the patient comments were also assessed. Results Patient feedback comments most commonly related to professional staff behavior (74.5%) and wait times (11.9%), and less commonly related to a spectrum of other issues (comfort during the exam, quality of the facilities, access to information regarding the exam, patient privacy, medical records, the radiology report, billing). The most common attributes relating to staff behavior involved patients' perceptions of staff caring, professionalism, pleasantness, helpfulness, and efficiency. Employees most commonly recognized by the comments were the technologist (50.2%) and receptionist (31.6%) and much less often the radiologist (2.2%). No radiologist was in the top 10% of employees in terms of the number of comments received. Conclusion Patients' comments regarding their experiences in undergoing radiologic imaging were largely influenced by staff behavior and communication (particularly relating to technologists and receptionists), as well as wait times, with radiologists having a far lesser immediate impact. Radiologists are encouraged to engage in activities that promote direct visibility to their patients and thereby combat risks of the perceived "invisible" radiologist.
Differential mechanisms of de-regulated bone formation in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis

The inflammatory arthropathies share in common their tendency to produce marked alterations in skeletal remodelling and architecture. This review will focus on RA and the seronegative spondyloarthopathies (SpA), which share common features with respect to their tendency to produce localized bone destruction at sites of articular and peri-articular inflammation. However, there are significant differences in the skeletal pathology in these conditions, which include the unique involvement of the axial skeleton and the presence of inflammation in the extra-articular entheses in SpA. There also are differences in the pattern of bone formation and repair associated with the articular and peri-articular inflammation. This review will highlight the molecular and cellular processes that are involved in the pathogenesis of the skeletal pathology in these two forms of inflammatory arthritis with specific focus on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the differential patterns of bone formation and repair.
VesEcho Training System: Suprapubic Catheterization under Ultrasound Guidance

Abstract Introduction Suprapubic catheterization is a fundamental skill for urology residents and trainees. Ultrasound guidance for this procedure is effective for minimizing complications and the British Association of Urological Surgeons guideline recommends use of ultrasound for suprapubic catheterization whenever possible. We developed a novel, cost-effective and sonographically accurate training model for suprapubic catheterization and incorporated it into our resident training curriculum. Methods The model consists of the 4 components of the bladder (water balloon), a pelvic bone replica and rectus fascia (nonrebreather masks), all housed within an ultrasound compatible gelatin mold. The model was tested during a resident training course to facilitate instruction of suprapubic catheterization. Surveys were administered before and after training to 13 participating urology residents, assessing the model’s anatomical and sonographic realism as well as the utility of the curriculum in their education. Results The simulator model received a mean score of 4.2 out of 5 (SD 0.6, range 3 to 5) for anatomical realism and 4.4 out of 5 for sonographic realism (SD 0.5, range 4 to 5). The value of the simulator as a training tool was rated 4.7 and the overall value of the training course was rated 5 of 5. Regarding change in overall comfort with the procedure, mean total scores (out of 25) significantly increased for all residents after the training course (14.6 to 19.7, 5.1-point increase, p Conclusions Our novel simulation model and didactic curriculum received positive evaluations from urology residents and increased their comfort with ultrasound guided suprapubic catheterization. It is a sustainable teaching tool and can easily be incorporated into any urology training curriculum.
National television moves to the region and beyond: South Korean TV drama production with a new cultural act

ABSTRACTThe study examines Korea’s unique television production systems and TV drama production strategies in the context of Korean dramas’ rising international trade along the line with its new governmental act to television industry. In 2006 the government passed a new cultural act specifically to promote TV content production, as an amendment of the Media and Cultural Industry Act. This act specified that media content production could exclusively perform using a special purpose company (SPC) system as a limited periodic firm, upon registration for creating media content only. The transnational Korean dramas using SPC programming grow the dramas’ export value in both production and distribution sectors, in light of divergent transnational media flows. Korea’s dual production system takes advantages of the government’s SPC policy, which simultaneously affects the TV content distribution sectors over the domestic outlets that excel international flows of K-dramas.
Using Social Media to Deliver Weight Loss Programming to Young Adults: Design and Rationale for the Healthy Body Healthy U (HBHU) trial.

Abstract Background The transitional period from late adolescence to early adulthood is a vulnerable period for weight gain, with a twofold increase in overweight/obesity during this life transition. In the United States, approximately one-third of young adults have obesity and are at a high risk for weight gain. Purpose To describe the design and rationale of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) sponsored randomized, controlled clinical trial, the Healthy Body Healthy U (HBHU) study, which compares the differential efficacy of three interventions on weight loss among young adults aged 18–35 years. Methods The intervention is delivered via Facebook and SMS Text Messaging (text messaging) and includes: 1) targeted content (Targeted); 2) tailored or personalized feedback (Tailored); or 3) contact control (Control). Recruitment is on-going at two campus sites, with the intervention delivery conducted by the parent site. A total of 450 students will be randomly-assigned to receive one of three programs for 18 months. We hypothesize that: a) the Tailored group will lose significantly more weight at the 6, 12, 18 month follow-ups compared with the Targeted group; and that b) both the Tailored and Targeted groups will have greater weight loss at the 6, 12, 18 month follow-ups than the Control group. We also hypothesize that participants who achieve a 5% weight loss at 6 and 18 months will have greater improvements in their cardiometabolic risk factors than those who do not achieve this target. We will examine intervention costs to inform implementation and sustainability other universities. Expected study completion date is 2019. Conclusions This project has significant public health impact, as the successful translation could reach as many as 20 million university students each year, and change the current standard of practice for promoting weight management within university campus communities. ClinicalTrial.gov : NCT02342912
Effect of I-scan Electronic Chromoendoscopy on Detection of Adenomas During Colonoscopy

Background & Aims I-scan is an electronic chromoendoscopy technology that improves resolution of epithelial and mucosal surfaces and vessels. We performed a randomized controlled trial to compare detection of adenomas by i-scan vs standard high-definition white-light (HDWL) colonoscopy. Methods From February 1 through December 31, 2017, 740 outpatients (50–75 years old) undergoing screening and surveillance for colorectal neoplasia were randomly assigned to groups that received colonoscopies with i-scan 1 (surface and contrast enhancement) or HDWL. When lesions and polyps were detected, endoscopists could switch between i-scan 1 and HDWL imaging to confirm their finding; polyps were collected and analyzed by histology. The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate (ADR, proportion of subjects with at least 1 adenoma of any size); secondary outcomes included detection of sessile serrated polyps and neoplasias, along with location, size, and morphology of polyps. We performed intent to treat and per-protocol analyses (on 357 patients evaluated by i-scan and 358 evaluated by HDWL colonoscopy) to assess the primary and secondary outcomes. Results There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. In the intent to treat analysis, the ADR was significantly higher in the i-scan 1 group (47.2%) than in the HDWL colonoscopy group (37.7%) (P = .01). In the per-protocol analysis, the ADR in the i-scan 1 group (47.6%) was also significantly higher than in the HDWL group (37.2%) (P = .005), but this effect was not consistent among all endoscopists. There was no difference between groups in detection of sessile serrated polyps. However, the rate of neoplasia detection was significantly higher in the i-scan 1 group (56.4%) than in the than the HDWL group (46.1%) (P = .005). In secondary analyses, the increase in ADR was associated with improved detection of diminutive flat adenomas in the right colon. Conclusion In a prospective randomized trial, higher proportions of patients with adenomas were identified in a group that underwent colonoscopy with i-scan 1 than in a group evaluated by HDWL colonoscopy. This effect was mainly due to improved detection of diminutive, flat right sided adenomas. I-scan 1 technology may benefit some endoscopists. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT02811419.
Inequalities for eigenvalues of sums in a von Neumann algebra

We prove an analogue of the Freede—Thompson inequalities for the sum of two selfadjoint elements of a von Neumann algebra. The result also applies to singular values, and implies earlier results of Grothendieck and Fack.
GE’s FACE/PISYN System

GE’s FACE (Flexible Architecture Compilation Environment) Core Environment provides a common model, set of graph algorithms, set of development tools, and framework for synthesis tools. The PISYN toolset, for synthesizing pipelined systems, includes data path synthesis, scheduling, module binding and analysis. PISYN is targeted for DSP systems (pipelined architecture), although some of the algorithms are generic and useful for many architectures.
Energy Planning for Regional and National Needs: A Case Study – The California Forecast (2005–2050)

Achievement of a sustainable balance between energy consumption and energy resources has become a critical component for energy planning at the regional, national, and international levels. For regional planners to estimate energy requirements, they must define the population growth, per capita consumption, and applicable energy conservation. They must also determine the technical capacity for energy supply from the respective energy resources. An energy consumption projection and energy resource plan has been developed for the State of California covering the period of 2005–2050.
Taste acceptability of thickening agents

Objective: Patients with dysphagia are often unable to manage secretions and liquids, necessitating the use of commercial thickeners to decrease the likelihood of aspiration. This study aims to evaluate the effect of commercially available thickeners on hedonic perception of various liquids. Methods: Forty subjects without preexisting dysphagia or anosmia were recruited from a tertiary care otorhinolaryngology clinic over a five-month period. Participants were presented with samples of three unthickened liquids (ice water, chilled ginger ale, and hot coffee) and their thickened counterparts and asked to rate the taste acceptability of the liquids on an 11-point visual analog scale. The study was reviewed by the hospital’s Institutional Review Board and determined to be IRB exempt. Results: A statistically significant preference for unthickened liquids over their thickened counterpart was observed across flavors (P < 0.0001). Of the thickened liquid samples, study participants expressed the strongest preference for thickened ginger ale. Conclusion: Thickened liquids are perceived as significantly less palatable than their unthickened counterparts, although ginger ale may be better tolerated when thickened than coffee or water. Providers should be aware of the impact of thickeners on taste acceptability when counseling patients with dysphagia. Key words: Dysphagia; Liquid thickeners
Bioequivalence: Modeling and Simulation

In this chapter, we will discuss the roles of modeling and simulation in bioequivalence standards development. Topics include mechanistic models for oral absorption, in vitro and in vivo correlations (IVIVCs), and bioequivalence simulations. Both theories and applications will be elaborated. The impact of modeling and simulation in bioequivalence standards development is illustrated in the case examples.
The effects of symbiotic state and nutrient availability on the cnidom in the model sea anemone, Exaiptasia diaphana

The symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae allows coral reefs to thrive. The symbiont translocates nutrients which it derives from photosynthesis to the coral, which then uses the nutrients for its growth, reproduction, metabolism, and the maintenance of structural integrity. The majority of the coral’s nutritional input is lost when the coral loses its symbionts in a bleaching event. However, the importance of the symbiotic state to the cnidom of corals remains unknown. The facultative symbiotic anemone Exaiptasia diaphana, common name Aiptasia, is widely used as a model organism to understand the symbiotic relationship between coral and their symbionts. We experimentally rendered Aiptasia aposymbiotic using a menthol treatment. We exposed symbiotic anemones and aposymbiotic anemones to differing feeding regimes to investigate the impact of nutritional input on the cnidom. Symbiotic state and feeding regime significantly affected the: ratio of cnida types in tentacles; the mean volume of cnidae; and the mean density of cnidae in Aiptasia. When Aiptasia becomes aposymbiotic, its tentacles possess more spirocysts and fewer penetrant-type nematocysts. Furthermore, cnidae in aposymbiotic anemones tended to be smaller than in symbiotic anemones. In addition, the ratio of cnida types and the mean volume of cnidae were significantly affected by nutrient availability in aposymbiotic anemones. When nutrients were exogenously supplied, the cnidom of aposymbiotic anemones became comparable to that of symbiotic anemones. Moreover, the mean size of cnidae significantly increased. Thus, the cnidom is a dynamic entity that is significantly influenced by the symbiotic state of the anemone and/or the availability of nutrients.
Abstract 28: Electronic Medical Record-Based Appointment Order Improves Cardiology Follow Up After Discharge

Background: Outpatient follow up after hospital discharge improves transitions in care, reduces readmissions, and may improve mortality. However, there is no convincing evidence that electronic med...
Rank orders of arising, eating, and retiring in a family group of tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis)

A family group of tenS. fuscicollis, housed in a greenhouse and subjected to natural variations in day length, was observed for a period of three months. All animals ordinarily slept together in the same hutch box. The order in which the various animals emerged in the morning was almost the precise inverse of the order in which they retired at night. Each of these orders was quite reliable and was related in nonlinear fashion to age—the ranks of the youngest offspring being the closest to those of the parents. Time of emergence and eating in the morning consistently preceded sunrise by about 30 min and was initiated by the oldest offspring; retiring was much more variable and was led by the parents.
Risk Factors for Overdose in Young People Who Received Substance Use Disorder Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To identify substance and psychiatric predictors of overdose (OD) in young people with substance use disorders (SUDs) who received treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive medical records of young people who were evaluated in a SUD program between 2012 and 2013 and received treatment. An independent group of patients from the same program who received treatment and had a fatal OD were also included in the sample. OD was defined as substance use associated with a significant impairment in level of consciousness without intention of self-harm, or an ingestion of a substance that was reported as a suicide attempt. t Tests, Pearson's χ2 , and Fisher's exact tests were performed to identify predictors of OD after receiving treatment. RESULTS After initial evaluation, 127 out of 200 patients followed up for treatment and were included in the sample. Ten (8%) of these patients had a nonfatal OD. Nine patients who received treatment and had a fatal OD were also identified. The sample's mean age was 20.2 ± 2.8 years. Compared with those without OD, those with OD were more likely to have a history of intravenous drug use (odds ratio [OR]: 36.5, P < .001) and mood disorder not otherwise specified (OR: 4.51, P = .01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Intravenous drug use and mood dysregulation increased risk for OD in young people who received SUD treatment. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE It is important to identify clinically relevant risk factors for OD specific to young people in SUD treatment due to the risk for death associated with OD. (Am J Addict 2019;28:382-389).
The complex relationship between pre-stroke and post-stroke language abilities in multilingual individuals with aphasia

Background: While many studies that focus on assessment or intervention in multilingual people with aphasia report both pre-stroke proficiencies and post-stroke language abilities, the relationship...
The Hisséne Habré case : contribution of the extraordinary African chambers to the consolidation of peace in Africa

The Extraordinary African Chambers (EAC) was created on 22 August 2012, following an agreement between the African Union (AU) and the Republic of Senegal, and was inaugurated on 8 February 2013. The EAC constituted not only a turning point in the fight against impunity for the crimes committed by Hissene Habre's regime, but also, at a regional level, was the first African initiative against the impunity of serious crimes committed on African territory by African citizens against African populations, whatever the rank they were occupying at the time. The experience of the Special Court for Sierra Leone can be noted, but it should be further noted that this was not a purely African solution (like the EAC), since it was put in place through an agreement between the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Pollination Best Practices in Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

Southern highbush blueberry is the primary blueberry species grown in Florida. It is dependent upon pollinating insects for adequate pollination and fruit. Some Florida growers have reported cases of low fruit set in recent years, in particular on the cultivars Meadowlark and Emerald, which may have been due in part to poor pollination. This 5-page fact sheet written by Rachel E. Mallinger and Douglas A. Phillips and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology will discuss blueberry pollinators, some causes of poor pollination, and current best practices to reduce the possibility of poor pollination of southern highbush blueberry. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1237
ZNF423 orthologs are highly constrained in vertebrates but show domain-level plasticity across invertebrate lineages

ZNF423 encodes 30 C2H2 zinc fingers that bind DNA and a variety of lineage- and signal-dependent transcription factors. ZNF423 genetic variants are proposed to cause neurodevelopmental and ciliopathy-related disorders in humans. Mouse models show midline brain defects, including cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, and defects in adipogenesis. Here I show strong protein sequence constraint among 165 vertebrate orthologs. In contrast, orthologs from invertebrate lineages, spanning larger time intervals, show substantial differences in zinc finger number, arrangement, and identity. A terminal zinc finger cluster common among other lineages was independently lost in vertebrates and insects. Surprisingly, a moderately-constrained non-C2H2 sequence with potential to form a C4-class zinc finger is a previously-unrecognized conserved feature of nearly all identified homologs. These results highlight evolutionary dynamics of a likely signal integration node across species with distinct developmental strategies and body plans. Functions of the newly identified C4-like sequence and lineage-specific fingers remain to be studied.
Biodiversity in High Seas Areas: An Integrated Legal Approach

In July 2017, a Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) of United Nations member states agreed to take the next step toward negotiating an international instrument to govern the marine biodiversity of the high seas. This was an important milestone in a process with roots in sustainable development and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the landmark treaty frequently described as “the constitution for the oceans.” The PrepCom will send a report and recommendations to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for consideration in Fall 2017 for a new implementing agreement to UNCLOS to address the living marine environment in areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. This Insight offers an overview of the process leading to such negotiations. It then reviews the issues refined by the PrepCom for consideration by an intergovernmental conference on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Predictors of vaccination rates in people living with HIV followed at a specialty care clinic.

People Living with HIV (PLWH) remain disproportionately susceptible to vaccine-preventable illnesses due to increased morbidity and mortality from common pathogens, increased transmission related t...
Framing the Path to Conformity: Comics Strategies and Social Justice in Barbara Yelin’s Irmina

This article examines Barbara Yelin’s 2014 graphic novel Irmina in order to investigate the visual narrative strategies employed by the cartoonist in revealing her protagonist’s path to conformity ...
1538. Pilot Study of Self-collected Pharyngeal Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in the Setting of COVID19 Restrictions

Background Given that many youth and young adults utilize multiple orifices during sexual activity, testing for STIs from multiple anatomical sites can increase rates of diagnosis However, during the COVID pandemic, obtaining oral swabs by clinical staff was deemed an unacceptable COVID transmission risk and was discontinued in our clinic To circumvent this obstacle to diagnosis, clinic staff developed a workaround of obtaining patient collected pharyngeal swabs for STI testing This abstract reviews the results of this pilot intervention Methods Patients presenting to an urban youth family planning/STI clinic who desired STI testing and ever engaged in oral sex were offered pharyngeal testing for chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC) Patients were instructed on how to obtain an oral sample, and subsequently sent outside of the clinic to obtain their individual sample Chart review was conducted by clinic staff of a two month period during which this protocol was in place, and the following variables were collected: gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and STD testing results by anatomic site Simple descriptive statistical analysis were used Results 146 patients received a GC/CT test from > 1 anatomical site, with 34 patients having > 1 positive result All pharyngeal samples were self-collected Four patients were positive for GC/CT from throat samples only (12% of positive tests) All were biologically female, including one transgender FTM Sexual orientation was split evenly between bisexual and heterosexual Reported race/ethnicity included two African-American, one white, and one “Filipino” For comparison, of the overall subsample of patients with positive GC/CT results, patients identified as 53% female, 44% male, and 3% FTM;74% “straight”, 15% bisexual, 9% “gay”, and 3% did not disclose;29% white, 50% African-American, 21% unknown as other;and 11% Hispanic Twelve patients were positive for GC/CT from the throat and either rectum and/or urine/vagina/ endocervix (35% of positive tests) Conclusion Our experience demonstrates that obstacles created by the COVID crisis can be circumvented with creative strategies We were able to pick up 12% and 35% of total infections by self-collected pharyngeal swabs in throat only and throat plus other sites, respectively
Neutronic Benchmarking of Small Gas-Cooled Systems

To demonstrate that nuclear reactors can be built faster and more economically than they have been in the past, the US Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy is sponsoring the development of a small nuclear reactor called the Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR) [1–2]. An important part of the design and licencing process of a new reactor is validation of the software used to analyze the reactor using established reactor physics benchmarks. This paper discusses validation of the neutronics software used to model four preliminary designs of the TCR core [2]. Because the TCR core design uses innovative technology and methods, comparable established benchmarks are limited or do not exist. For this effort, established benchmarks from the International Handbook of Evaluated Criticality Safety Benchmark Experiments (ICSBEP) [3] were considered to be suitable for this design based on analysis using the SCALE/TSUNAMI-computed similarity indices to determine the amount of shared uncertainty between the design and each selected benchmark experiment. This paper addresses the challenges faced in benchmarking a unique reactor for licensing and construction, a task that will become more common as a new generation of innovative nuclear reactors are designed and built.
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in a patient with iris-fixated intraocular lens and prior radial keratotomy: a case report

BACKGROUND Anterior segment surgeries such as cataract surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) repositioning, and radial keratotomy (RK) may hasten endothelial dysfunction, particularly in the context of pre-existing Fuchs dystrophy, necessitating future corneal transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION A 68-year-old woman with a history of RK with associated irregular astigmatism in both eyes and iris-fixated intraocular lens (IF-IOL) in the left eye presented with six months of decreased vision in the left eye. She was found to have Fuchs dystrophy and underwent DMEK surgery. She had an uncomplicated postoperative course, with uncorrected visual acuity improving to 20/20 three months after surgery. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a highly successful DMEK surgery in a patient with prior RK and IF-IOL.
Surgical Management of Diastolic Heart Failure after Septal Myectomy for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Objective Some patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may remain limited after surgical relief of the subaortic obstruction. In this report, we describe experience in surgical management of patients with advanced diastolic heart failure symptoms after adequate transaortic septal myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods We identified adult patients who presented with heart failure symptoms after previous transaortic septal myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and underwent repeat sternotomy for transapical myectomy to enlarge a small left ventricular cavity. Functional recovery after hospital dismissal was assessed through a questionnaire-based survey. Results Six patients with previous septal myectomy presented with New York Heart Association functional class III symptoms. Preoperative transthoracic Doppler echocardiography confirmed adequate relief of subaortic outflow tract obstruction with only trivial or mild mitral valve regurgitation; left atrial volume index was increased at 46 mL/m2 (range, 44-47 mL/m2). Following transapical myectomy, the left ventricular diameter was enlarged from 23 mm (range, 21-27 mm) to 29 mm (range, 27-31 mm) at end-systole and from 40 mm (range, 38-42 mm) to 43 mm (range, 42-50 mm) at end-diastole. All the patients were alive after a median follow-up of 0.6 years (range, 0.4-3.5 years), and 5 patients responded to a postoperative survey and indicated improvement in their heart condition compared with functional status before the repeat myectomy. Conclusions Patients with diastolic heart failure after septal myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may present with systolic cavity obliteration due to excessive myocardial hypertrophy. Repeat transapical myectomy can enlarge the left ventricular chamber and augment the diastolic volume, which results in improved physical capacity and patient-perceived functional status.
An empirical investigation of net-enabled business value

Many traditional organizations have undertaken major initiatives to leverage the Internet to transform how they coordinate value activities with customers, suppliers, and other business partners with the objective of improving firm performance. This paper addresses processes through which business value is created through such Internet-enabled value chain activities. Relying on the resource-based view of the firm, we propose a model positing that a firm's abilities to coordinate and exploit firm resources (processes, information technology, and readiness of customers and suppliers) create online informational capabilities (a higher order resource) which then leads to improved operational and financial performance. The outcome of a firm's online informational capabilities is reflected in superior operational performance through customer and supplier-side digitization efforts, which reflect the extent to which transactions and external interactions occur electronically. We also hypothesize that increased customer and supplier-side digitization leads to better financial performance. The model is tested with data from over 1,000 firms in the manufacturing, retail, and wholesale sectors. The analysis suggests that while most firms are lagging in their supplier-side initiatives relative to the customer-side, supplier-side digitization has a strong positive impact on customer-side digitization, which, in turn, leads to better financial performance. Further, both customer and supplier readiness to engage in digital interactions are shown to be as important as a firm's internal digitization initiatives, implying that a firm's transformation-related decisions should include its customers' and suppliers' resources and incentives.
Characterization of Multiple Isoforms of Protein 4.1R Expressed During Erythroid Terminal Differentiation

In erythrocytes, 80-kD protein 4.1R regulates critical membrane properties of deformability and mechanical strength. However, previously obtained data suggest that multiple isoforms of protein 4. 1, generated by alternative pre-mRNA splicing, are expressed during erythroid differentiation. Erythroid precursors use two splice acceptor sites at the 5' end of exon 2, thereby generating two populations of 4.1 RNA: one that includes an upstream AUG-1 in exon 2' and encodes high molecular weight isoforms, and another that skips AUG-1 in exon 2' and encodes 4.1 by initiation at a downstream AUG-2 in exon 4. To begin an analysis of the complex picture of protein 4.1R expression and function during erythropoiesis, we determined the number and primary structure of 4.1R isoforms expressed in erythroblasts. We used reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to amplify and clone full-length coding domains from the population of 4.1R cDNA containing AUG-1 and the population excluding AUG-1. We observed an impressive repertoire of 4.1R isoforms that included 7 major and 11 minor splice variants, thus providing the first definitive characterization of 4.1R primary structures in a single-cell lineage. 4.1R isoforms, transfected into COS-7 cells, distributed to the nucleus, cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and apparent centrosome. We confirmed previous studies showing that inclusion of exon 16 was essential for efficient nuclear localization. Unexpectedly, immunochemical analysis of COS-7 cells transfected with an isoform lacking both AUG-1 and AUG-2 documented that a previously unidentified downstream translation initiation codon located in exon 8 can regulate expression of 4.1R. We speculate that the repertoire of primary structure of 4.1R dictates its distinct binding partners and functions during erythropoiesis.
Researching Adaptive Instruction

Human tutors have the ability to explain concepts several different ways using multiple instruction methods. Typically, instruction methods are used when students are having difficulty learning a concept. Intelligent tutoring systems are expert systems[5] where the expert is a tutor. Ideally, an intelligent tutoring system should have the ability to explain concepts several different ways using a knowledge base of multiple instruction methods[3,4,6,7]. The technique of providing instruction using multiple instruction methods during a single tutoring session is "Adaptive Instruction". An intelligent tutoring system that provides adaptive instruction has been developed, Arthur[2]. Arthur has been used in a research experiment with human subjects. The results of this experiment are discussed in the section below.
Wildlife Management Plan for the Oak Ridge Reservation

This document outlines a plan for management of the wildlife resources on the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Oak Ridge Reservation. Management includes wildlife population control through hunting, trapping, removal, and habitat manipulation; wildlife damage control; restoration of wildlife species; preservation, management, and enhancement of wildlife habitats; coordination of wildlife studies and characterization of areas; and law enforcement. Wildlife resources are divided into several categories, each with a specific set of objectives and procedures for attaining them. These objectives are management of (1) wildlife habitats to ensure that all resident wildlife species exist on the Reservation in viable numbers; (2) featured species to produce selected species in desired numbers on designated land units; (3) game species for research, education, recreation, and public safety; (4) the Three Bend Scenic and Wildlife Management Refuge Area; (5) nuisance wildlife, including nonnative species, to achieve adequate population control for the maintenance of health and safety on the Reservation; (6) sensitive species (i.e., state or federally listed as endangered, threatened, of special concern, or in need of management) through preservation and protection of both the species and habitats critical to the survival of those species; and (7) wildlife disease. Achievement of the objectives is a jointmore » effort between the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory through agreements between TWRA and DOE and between DOE and UT-Battelle, LLC.« less
Mechanisms of stem cell factor and erythropoietin proliferative co-signaling in FDC2-ER cells

Studies of hematopoietic progenitor cell development in vivo, ex vivo, and in factor-dependent cell lines have shown that c-kit promotes proliferation through synergistic effects with at least certain type 1 cytokine receptors, including the erythropoietin (Epo) receptor. Presently, c-kit is shown to efficiently support both mitogenesis and survival in the FDCP1 cell subline, FDC2. In this system, mitogenic synergy with c-kit was observed for ectopically expressed wild-type Epo receptors (wt-ER), an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor/Epo receptor chimera, and a highly truncated Epo receptor construct ER-Bx1. Thus, the Epo receptor cytoplasmic box 1 subdomain appears, at least in part, to mediate mitogenic synergy with c-kit. In studies of potential effectors of this response, Jak2 tyrosine phosphorylation was shown to be induced by Epo, but not by stem cell factor (SCF). In addition and in contrast to signaling in Mo7e and BM6 cell lines, in FDC2-ER cells SCF and Epo each were shown to rapidly activate Pim 1 gene expression. Recently, roles also have been suggested for the nuclear trans-factor GATA-1 in regulating progenitor cell proliferation. In FDC2-ER cells, the ectopic expression of GATA-1 had no detectable effect on Epo inhibition of apoptosis. However, GATA-1 expression did result in a selective and marked inhibition in mitogenic responsiveness to SCF and to a decrease in c-kit transcript expression. These studies of SCF and Epo signaling in FDC2–wt-ER cells serve to functionally map the ERB1 region as a c-kit–interactive domain, suggest that Pim1 might contribute to SCF and Epo mitogenic synergy and support the notion that SCF and Epo may act in opposing ways during red cell differentiation.
Divider/combiner with enhanced isolation and reflection cancellation

An advanced power divider/combiner concept is presented and demonstrated. The new concept provides significant isolation and enhanced reflection cancelation for 1:N dividers/combiners. It is demonstrated with a 1∶4, 2–8 GHz, with 0.4 dB insertion loss, 20 dB isolation, and 10 dB return loss improvement over conventional (e.g. Wilkinson) dividers. Additionally, a 1∶3, 4–12 GHz (100% bandwidth) divider with low insertion loss, high isolation and high return loss improvement is demonstrated.
Technological and architectural power optimizations for advance microprocessors

Reliability, thermal management, packaging cost, and suitability for mobile devices, are making power consumption a main concern for high-end microprocessors. In order to tackle this problem, power efficient design techniques addressing all the abstraction levels are required. To satisfy the demands of increasing functionality and higher processing power, the design of high-end microprocessor must face two main challenges. On the one hand, it must be implemented in highly compact nanoscaled technologies. On the other hand, it must handle the increased design complexity, especially from a power-efficient perspective; it is, with the use of power management techniques. This paper describes some of the low power design strategies of the PowerPC/sup /spl trade//970 microprocessor in the aforementioned two directions: technology scaling and power management. The goal is to show that power efficiency requires a global strategy addressing simultaneously different levels of abstractions.
Identifying dissolved phosphorus source areas and predicting transport from an urban watershed using distributed hydrologic modeling

[1] A reduction in surface water quality in urban watersheds due to nonpoint source phosphorus (P) loading has prompted municipalities to consider management practices to reduce P loss from landscapes. However, locating P source areas can be time consuming and expensive. Use of distributed models allows delineation of P source areas and focused management strategies. Using the spatially distributed soil moisture distribution and routing model, we adapt and validate a dissolved P (DP) loading model for application to an urban watershed, in Ithaca, New York, to identify P source areas. The model calculates DP loss separately for base flow, impervious surfaces, plant-soil complex, and fertilized areas. The load at the outlet is the sum of P loss from the four components distributed throughout the watershed. Both stream and distributed DP loss were well predicted as indicated by comparison with measured data. The model predicted the largest contribution from plant-soil complexes (36%). Impervious surfaces contributed 10% of the total load but as much as 17% in the winter. More important, the impervious surfaces increased DP losses from the adjacent areas due to runoff from the impervious surfaces saturating the soil, thus increasing runoff losses. Fertilizer contributed substantially following application but decreased rapidly thereafter, a result of conversion from soluble to insoluble P. However, fertilization increased soil P levels, and thus DP losses were higher as a whole (19%). Results demonstrate that correctly predicting the coincidence of P and runoff source areas can be a powerful tool to identify and mitigate contamination of surface waters.
MJRTY—A Fast Majority Vote Algorithm

A new algorithm is presented for determining which, if any, of an arbitrary number of candidates has received a majority of the votes cast in an election. The number of comparisons required is at most twice the number of votes. Furthermore, the algorithm uses storage in a way that permits an efficient use of magnetic tape. A Fortran version of the algorithm is exhibited. The Fortran code has been proved correct by a mechanical verification system for Fortran. The system and the proof are discussed.
The Effects of Yoga Participation on Women's Quality of Life and Symptom Management During the Menopausal Transition: A Pilot Study

Typically lasting 5-10 years, the menopausal transition is associated with symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, and labile mood. As these symptoms often hinder a woman's successful functioning in everyday life, hormone therapy is commonly prescribed as a means to diminish symptoms. Many women, however, are seeking complementary and alternative treatments due to side effects and/or detrimental health-risks associated with conventional therapies. We completed a mixed methods study to determine changes in physiological symptoms associated with menopause and changes in women's quality of life, as a result of participation in a 10-week yoga intervention.
Toward an Empirical and Theoretical Assessment of Private Antitrust Enforcement

The dominant view in the antitrust field is that private enforcement cases, and especially class actions, accomplish little or nothing positive but, on the contrary, are counterproductive. Despite strongly worded convictions, that view has been premised on anecdotal, self-serving and insufficiently substantiated claims. Indeed, the authors' 2008 study of 40 private cases appears to constitute the only systematic effort to gather information about a significant number of private antitrust actions. That study generated a great deal of controversy, including questioning of our conclusions by high officials at the Department of Justice and by Professor Daniel Crane at the University of Michigan Law School. Given this subject's importance and controversial nature we undertook a supplemental study of 20 additional private antitrust cases. This article analyzes the 20 new cases, compares and contrasts them with that of our earlier group, and draws insights from all 60. The studies demonstrate that private litigation has provided substantial cash compensation to victims of anticompetitive behavior: at least $33.8 to $35.8 billion. The studies also show that private antitrust enforcement has had an extremely strong deterrent effect. In fact, private enforcement probably deters more anticompetitive behavior than even the appropriately acclaimed anti-cartel program of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division.Another purpose of our study was to ascertain important characteristics of private antitrust cases that could help influence the debate over their efficacy. These include whether there were indicia that the cases had underlying merit, the significance of recoveries from foreign violators of U.S. antitrust law, and the sizes of attorney’s fee awards and claims administration expenses.Finally, this article responds to criticisms of our analysis and our conclusions. In particular, we explain why the Department of Justice officials are incorrect in challenging our claims about the deterrence effects of private antitrust enforcement and why Professor Crane is similarly mistaken regarding its compensation effects. We explain why our earlier study did indeed demonstrate the truly significant benefits of private antitrust actions — conclusions our new empirical work confirms and strengthens.
SR2-6: Genome Data for the Masses: Presentation of TCGA and IGC Breast Tumor Data.

Large-scale cancer genomics projects will sequence tens of thousands of tumors in the next few years, along with matched normal tissue samples. Among these are The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), and the International Cancer Genomics Consortium (ICGC). TCGA alone plans to analyze 500 clinically characterized samples from each of 20 different cancer types, detecting frequently mutated genes, common copy number variants, rearrangements, altered gene expression, and methylation changes. These data will provide an exceptional resource for identifying new diagnostic targets and predictors of response. As a data analysis center and the primary sequence database for TCGA, we have built on technology developed for the UCSC Genome Browser to develop a cancer genome analysis pipeline and a cancer genomics browser (genome-cancer.ucsc.edu). These interpret cancer genomics data to aid in the identification of new targets. We reconstruct changes in tumor genomes and their expressed transcripts from tumor sequencing data (DNA, RNA, methylation) and use an approach based on factor graphs, called PARADIGM, to map multiple data types into a single coherent pathway model that includes thousands of genes and interactions for higher-level interpretation. By transforming raw genomic data to pathway activity levels, PARADIGM provides a comprehensible window into the data that can be coupled to predictors of response to improve accuracy. This paves the way to form hypotheses that clinical investigators can test in cell-line models and later explore in clinical trials. Today9s concurrent cancer genomic projects provide an exceptional opportunity to study the molecular nature of cancer on an enormous scale never before possible. A cancer genomics data repository that hosts multiple large projects and makes them accessible through a general cancer genomics browser (with effective data access control) will leverage each study and enable cross-tumor cancer research. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr SR2-6.
Assessment of the Intermediacy of Arylpalladium Carboxylate Complexes in the Direct Arylation of Benzene: Evidence for C−H Bond Cleavage by “Ligandless” Species

Palladium-catalyzed direct arylations of benzene have been proposed to occur by the generation of a phosphine-ligated arylpalladium pivalate complex LPd(Ar)(OPiv) and reaction of this complex with benzene. We have isolated an example of the proposed intermediate and evaluated whether this complex does react with benzene to form the biaryl products of direct arylation. In contrast to the proposed mechanism, no biaryl product was formed from cleavage of the benzene C−H bond by LPd(Ar)(OPiv). However, reactions of LPd(Ar)(OPiv) with benzene and additives that displace or consume the phosphine ligand formed the arylated products in good yield, suggesting that a “ligandless” arylpalladium(II) carboxylate complex undergoes the C−H cleavage step. Consistent with this conclusion, we found that reactions catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2 without a ligand occur faster than, and with comparable selectivities to, reactions catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2 and a phosphine ligand.