cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal nutrition in twin gestations: weight gain, cravings and aversions, and sources of nutrition advice.

Background: Maternal nutrition has a strong influence on singleton and twin birthweight. This study evaluated the association between twin birthweight and maternal pregravid body mass index (BMI), weight gain, and cravings and aversions. Information was also obtained regarding sources of nutrition advice and advised versus actual weight gain.Methods: This study is based on data from interviews with 928 mothers of twins. Univariate analysis included comparisons by source of nutritional advice, birthweight categories, and categories of cravings and aversions. Multiple logistic regression was used to formulate models for mean twin birthweights > 1,500 g and > 2,500 g.Results: Mothers who received their nutrition advice from a registered dietitian had the highest weight gains and the lowest proportion of birthweights 2,500 g, the final model included prematurity, pregravid BMI, and weight gain; for birthweights > 1,500 g, the model additionally included maternal age and aversions.Conclusions: Maternal pregravid BMI and gestational weight gain were shown to be important factors influencing twin birthweight. Nutrition advice, particularly from a registered dietitian, may be vital in assuring adequate weight gain, and therefore better birthweights, for these high-risk pregnancies.
Affluence and Breast Cancer

High income, high socioeconomic status, and affluence increase breast cancer incidence. Socioeconomic status in USA breast cancer studies has been assessed by block-group socioeconomic measures. A block group is a portion of a census tract with boundaries that segregate, as far as possible, socioeconomic groups. In this study, we used US Census income data instead of block groups to gauge socioeconomic status of breast cancer patients in relationship with incidence, prognostic markers, and survival. US state breast cancer incidence and mortality data are from the U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, United States Cancer Statistics: 1999-2011. Three-Year-Average Median Household Income by State, 2010 to 2012, is from the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2011 to 2013 Annual Social and Economic Supplements. County incomes are from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau. The American Community Survey is an ongoing statistical survey that samples a small percentage of the population yearly. Its purpose is to provide communities the information they need to plan investments and services. Breast cancer county incidence and survival data are from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) data base. We analyzed SEER data from 198 counties in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. SEER uses the Collaborative Stage (CS) Data Collection System. We have retained the SEER CS variables. There was a significant relationship of income with breast cancer incidence in 50 USA states and the District of Columbia in White women (r = 0.623, p < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between node involvement and income in Whites in 198 USA counties. Income was significantly correlated with 5-year relative survival in Whites with localized breast cancer. Income was not correlated with 5-year survival of Black race (p = 0.364) or other races (p = 0.624). The multivariate general linear model with income as covariate, 5-year survival by race as a dependent variable, showed a significant effect of income and White race on 5-year survival (p < 0.001), unrelated to Black race (p = 0.780) or other races (p = 0.618). In men, we found a nonsignificant positive correlation between county breast cancer incidence and income (r = 0.098, p = 0.168). Breast cancer risk factors, such as delayed childbirth, less breast-feeding, and use of hormone supplements, are more common in affluent women. Affluent women are more likely to have mammograms, which detect many cancers that might not otherwise be diagnosed. In addition, women in certain affluent ethnic groups-Ashkenazi Jews, Icelanders and the Dutch-are more likely to carry genetic mutations known to predispose to breast cancer. We hypothesize that women with more income can afford better cancer care and survive longer than poorer women. But our hypothesis does not explain why this effect should be limited to White women; or why node involvement increased with income in White women but not in Blacks or Hispanics. Further studies may be worthwhile.
Management of Chronically Anticoagulated Patients

Anticoagulant therapies are widely used for the prevention of thrombotic events, but are associated with a risk of bleeding. The advent of the newer oral anticoagulants (NOACs) that are target specific (i.e., factor IIa or Xa inhibitors) further compounds this risk as there is currently a lack of validated strategies for their reversal. While interruption of anticoagulant therapy may be sufficient for patients scheduled for elective surgery or those presenting with minor bleeding, patients with acute major bleeding or requiring an urgent surgery need rapid anticoagulation reversal. Based mostly on preclinical and volunteer reversal data, guidelines currently recommend the use of hemostatic agents, such as prothrombin complex concentrates for NOAC reversal in patients with life-threatening bleeding. Similarly, antiplatelet agents are key to the management of patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease and/or atherosclerotic vascular disease, but they too pose a risk of bleeding. Some hemostatic therapies, such as rFVIIa, may have potential for the reversal of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors; however, data supporting this approach are limited. Specific antidotes are currently available for dabigatran (idarucizumab), and under development for the other NOACs Ultimately, adequately powered studies are required to fully validate reversal strategies for NOACs and antiplatelet agents.
Abstract 2737: Quantitative assessment of chromosome instability induced through chemical disruption of mitotic progression

Most solid tumors are aneuploid, carrying an abnormal number of chromosomes, and they missegregate whole chromosomes in a phenomenon termed chromosome instability (CIN). CIN is associated with poor prognosis in many cancer types, and targeting of CIN is an attractive strategy for anti-cancer therapeutics. The mechanisms causing CIN and its contributions to tumor initiation and growth are not well defined, partly because there is no straightforward, quantitative assays for CIN in human cells. To address this problem, we have developed the first Human Artificial Chromosome (HAC)-based quantitative live-cell assay for mitotic chromosome segregation in mammalian cells, with which we can easily score the rates of CIN within one cell division under different experimental conditions. We have constructed a HAC encoding copies of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) fused to the destruction box (DB) of hSecurin, a substrate of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase, which becomes active during anaphase to catalyze the proteolysis of critical mitotic target proteins. This HAC also contains tet operator (tetO) arrays and sequences encoding the tetracycline repressor fused to monomeric cherry fluorescent protein (tetR-mCherry). We have produced human U2OS cells (U2OS-Phoenix) carrying this HAC, in which we monitor HAC segregation in two ways: First, APC/C degrades the DB-eGFP fusion expressed from the HAC at anaphase onset, and DB-eGFP re-accumulates in the daughter cells after G1 phase, when APC/C becomes inactive. Daughter cells that do not obtain a copy of the HAC will thus be GFP negative in the subsequent interphase. Second, because tetR-mCherry binds to the tetO arrays, the HAC itself could be followed by live imaging. Following the HAC by live cell imaging experiments, we show that U2OS-Phoenix cells have low inherent levels of CIN, but HAC missegregation is markedly increased by treatment with Reversine, an inhibitor of Mps1, and microtubule agents Nocodazole and Paclitaxel. In summary, we have developed new assays to score CIN levels in human cells and have shown that CIN levels increase upon chemical disruption of mitotic progression, which makes our assays ideal for chemical screens. Citation Format: Sarine Markossian, Alexei Arnaoutov, Nakhle S. Saba, Vladimir Larionov, Mary Dasso. Quantitative assessment of chromosome instability induced through chemical disruption of mitotic progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2737.
Personality and psychological distress among older adult, long-term cancer survivors

This research examines a model of how personality (Five-Factor Model) is related to adjustment to cancer in later life in terms of the presence of continuing cancer-related worry and depression among older adult, long-term cancer survivors. Data from an NCI-funded study with 275 older adult (age 60+), long-term (5+ years) survivors of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer were examined. Regression analyses identified neuroticism as the strongest predictor of cancer-related worry along with continuing cancer-related symptoms. For depression, three personality dimensions (neuroticism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness) were significant predictors. Findings suggest the importance of considering the central role that survivors' personality characteristics play in understanding cancer-related worries and depression. Understanding these dispositional characteristics is key for social workers and health-care practitioners in counseling survivors experiencing these common mental health effects.
The Relationship Between Hope and Adolescent Likelihood to Endorse Substance Use Behaviors in a Sample of Marginalized Youth

ABSTRACTBackground: Hopefulness has been associated with increased treatment retention and reduced substance abuse among adults, and may be a promising modifiable factor to leverage in substance abuse treatment settings. Few studies have assessed the relationship between hopefulness and substance use in adolescents, particularly those with high-risk backgrounds. Objective: We explored whether high hope is associated with less likelihood for engaging in a variety of substance use behaviors in a sample of marginalized adolescents. Methods: Using logistic regression, we assessed results from a cross-sectional anonymous youth behavior survey (n = 256 youth, ages 14 to 19). We recruited from local youth serving agencies (e.g., homeless shelters, group homes, short-term detention). Results: The sample was almost 60% male and two thirds African American. Unadjusted models showed youth with higher hope had a 50-58% (p = <.05) decreased odds of endorsing heavy episodic drinking, daily tobacco use, recent or lifeti...
Vaccination in secondary school students expedites rubella control and prevents congenital rubella syndrome

In order to control the spread of rubella and reduce the risk for congenital rubella syndrome, an additional rubella vaccination program was set up for all secondary school students since 2008 in Zhejiang, China. We conducted a descriptive analysis of rubella incidence among different age groups from 2005 to 2015 and a serosurvey of female subjects aged 15–39 years to understand the possible effects of this immunization program. The average annual rubella incidence rate had decreased from 15.86 per 100,000 population (2005–2007) to 0.75 per 100,000 population (2013–2015) in Zhejiang. The decrease in the rate of rubella incidence in girls aged 15–19 years was more accelerated (from 138.30 to 0.34 per 100,000) than in the total population during 2008–2015 (from 32.20 to 0.46 per 100,000). Of 1225 female subjects in the serosurvey, 256 (20.9%) were not immune to rubella. The proportion of subjects immune to rubella was significantly different among different age groups (Wald χ2 = 22.19, p = 0.000), and subjects aged 15–19 years old had the highest immunity (88.0%). Rubella antibody levels were significantly lower in women aged 25–30 years with 26.7% of them not immune, followed by the group aged 20–24 years (25.0%) and 30–35 years (24.5%). Rubella vaccine included in the Expanded Program on Immunization together with vaccination activities for secondary school students can help in rubella control, particularly in targeted age groups in the program. Seroprevalence of antibodies to the rubella virus amongst the female population within childbearing age in Zhejiang, China, is still too low to provide immunity. In addition to vaccination programs in the secondary schools, rubella vaccination should also be encouraged in women of childbearing age, which can be done effectively combined with pre-marital examination in China.
Patient reaction to Tdap vaccination in pregnancy

Abstract Background The current obstetrical recommendation is to routinely administer the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination during every pregnancy regardless of a patient’s prior history. There are minimal data that have prospectively evaluated solicited patient response to this treatment plan. The study objective was to evaluate patient reaction following receipt of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy. Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted from May 2014 through March 2016. The study design involved solicited patient reaction within 1–7 days after the administration of the Tdap vaccine. Data collected included pain or soreness, swelling, and/or redness at the injection site, as well as, fever and generalized body aches. Statistical analysis involved simple percentages with Poisson binomial 95% confidence intervals with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact comparisons where appropriate. Results A total of 737 patients were evaluated and 496 (67%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 64–71%) were found to have at least 1 reaction to the vaccination and 187 (25%, 95% CI 22–29%) had 2 reactions or more. Overall, the majority of patients stated that the vaccination was tolerated. However, 24 (3%, 95% CI 2–5%) of the study population stated that they would not accept receipt of Tdap in a subsequent pregnancy because of the response that occurred in the current pregnancy. Conclusion These data demonstrate that maternal reactions following receipt of Tdap are common (two-thirds of the study population). A potential concern is the finding that some patients might refuse a repeat vaccination in a subsequent pregnancy due to these reactions. If further research reveals similar findings, a pertussis only vaccine for pregnant patients might need to be evaluated.
Validation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computerized Adaptive Tests Against the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for 6 Common Foot and Ankle Pathologies.

Background:The field of foot and ankle surgery lacks a widely accepted gold-standard patient-reported outcome instrument. With the changing infrastructure of the medical profession, more efficient ...
Multimedia Sensor Dataset for the Analysis of Vehicle Movement

With applications ranging from basic trajectory calculations to complex autonomous vehicle operations, detailed vehicle movement analysis has been getting more attention in academia and industry. So far, real-data driven analysis, e.g., utilizing advanced machine-learning, has used data from sensors such as GPS and accelerometer. However, such research requires quality datasets to enable accurate analysis. To that end, we have collected real vehicle movement data, Multimedia Sensor Data, that contain synchronized sensor data in fine granularity such as GPS, accelerometer, digital compass, gyroscope, and, most importantly, matching real video images recorded at driving time. These real video images provide a way to accurately label the sensor data in generating a quality dataset, e.g., a training dataset. Then, we performed preprocessing steps to clean and refine the raw data, subsequently converted the results into csv files, which are compatible with a wide variety of analysis tools. We also provided sample cases to demonstrate methods of identifying abnormal driving patterns such as moving over a speed bump. This dataset will be useful for researchers refining their analyses of vehicle movements.
Product Type and Spokespersons in Native Advertising – The Role of Congruency and Acceptance

This study explored how product type and featured spokesperson affected (a) perceived congruence between a native ad and a social media platform and (b) level of acceptance of the native ad and, in...
An epidemiologic study of inflammatory bowel disease in Rochester, New York. Hospital incidence.

The epidemiological understanding of inflammatory bowel disease has been limited by the referral bases of most inflammatory bowel disease studies. The Colitis-Ileitis Study Group of Rochester, N.Y., developed a community-wide, computerized cumulative registry of all inflammatory bowel disease patients hospitalized at the 8 community hospitals for 1973-86. Clinical data were abstracted from each of the 1651 identified hospital charts. All of these patients resided in Monroe County (city and suburbs) and the 5 contiguous counties (Genesee/Finger Lakes Region, population 1,030,640). Of the 1651 hospital patients identified in the study, 1358 resided in Monroe County (Rochester and its immediate suburbs, population 702,238). Incidence, defined as time of onset of symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, rose from baseline rates in the 1930s to peak in 1980 (Crohn's disease = 50.29/10(5) per decade, ulcerative colitis = 35.12/10(5) per decade) and declined through 1986. For Crohn's disease, the age-specific incidence rates peaked in the 20-29-yr-old group in each of the 5 decades studied. Ulcerative colitis seems to occur at all ages and may have a bimodal distribution. There was a period effect, with the 1970s having the highest incidence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis for each age group. However, the age-specific incidence rate for Crohn's disease showed a 40% decrease in the 1980s compared with the 1970s in the 10-39-yr-old group (p less than 0.001). The age-specific incidence rate for ulcerative colitis showed a 50% decrease in the 1980s compared with the 1970s in the 10-49-yr-old group (p less than 0.001).
Learning to care for the underserved-making the most of opportunities in medical school.

No matter where your medical career takes you, you will most likely encounter patients facing barriers to accessing health care. Everyone needs to prepare to care for underserved patients.
Spatial variability in the growth of Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in the Southeast US: Implications for assessment and management

Abstract Understanding geographic variation in growth dynamics is essential for the management of exploited fish populations because such variation can be used to define stock structure and influence perceptions of stock productivity. Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a species targeted by both commercial and recreational fisheries, and is distributed throughout the north and central Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. We analyzed fishery-dependent and –independent length-at-age and weight-at-length data from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia to investigate the geographic variation in growth of Sheepshead. We constructed a series of von Bertalanffy growth functions (VBGF) and length-weight power equations using a Bayesian framework that included sex, latitudinal, and regional effects. Median posterior VBGF parameter estimates of asymptotic length (L∞) for females ranged from 561 mm fork length in the Virginia Chesapeake Bay to 418 mm in Florida Gulf coast, while the posterior median growth coefficient (k) ranged from 0.42 yr−1 in Texas to 0.20 yr−1 in the Florida Atlantic. Predicted length-at-age and weight-at-length varied considerably among States. Predicted length-at-age for age-1 and -5 individuals was greater in the Gulf of Mexico than the Atlantic. However, predicted length-at-age for older age classes was greater in the Atlantic. Predicted weight-at-length decreased along latitudinal gradients in the Atlantic and the lowest values were found in Mississippi. Given the impact of growth on fisheries reference points, such geographic variation in growth can inform the development of assessment efforts for Sheepshead in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic.
Sequence of Events in Corneal Neovascularization

Numerous investigators have studied the ultrastructure of growing blood vessels has been studied in the cornea of the rat (377,666,667,736,737) and rabbit (504,505,728,817,818) but the chain of events that precedes and follows the induction of corneal neovascularization has been studied in relatively few experimental models (18,63,106,108,116,143,194,263–265,416,524,666,694). The endothelial cell-specific tubular organelles (Weibel-Palade bodies) that contain a specific glycoprotein involved in blood coagulation (von Willebrand factor) (523) have been observed in growing corneal blood vessels (326,504).
Eye Movement Disorders

Some of the first insights into how the brain controls eye movements were provided by studies of clinical disorders of gaze control. Application of modern imaging and novel stimulus paradigms has made it possible to test current hypotheses for gaze control by studying patients with well-defined disorders of eye movements. This approach has provided insights into extraocular muscle function, brain stem and cerebellar control, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Basic concepts have also translated into improved diagnosis and development of new therapies.
Susceptibility of Ilex species, hybrids and cultivars to Florida wax scale (Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock).

Abstract Susceptibility of 231 holly species, hybrids and cultivars to Florida wax scale (Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock) were evaluated on field grown plants in Tifton, Georgia. Florida wax scal...
'When I Do "Bad Stuff," I Make the Most Difference': Exploring Doubt, Demoralization, and Contradictions in LGBTQIA + Ally Work.

Research has demonstrated that teacher allies are integral to social justice work that strives to ensure safety and success for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and ot...
Combining attitude theory and segmentation analysis to understand travel mode choice at a national park

Abstract Transportation management is one of the most salient challenges facing managers of national parks and public lands. In order to determine strategies to increase voluntary use of alternative transportation modes, this study explores the factors that influence travel mode choice in recreation settings. We combine the theory of planned behavior and segmentation analysis to determine distinct segments of national park visitors in regard to their beliefs about transportation. Using cluster analysis, we identify three distinct segments of visitors to a popular national park in Colorado, USA. The segments are statistically similar in regards to sociodemographic variables, yet significantly different in terms of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intentions to use shuttles. This study demonstrates the utility of combining segmentation analysis and attitude theory to inform messaging for travel information sources, such as intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies. Combining attitude theory and segmentation analysis allows researchers and managers to identify specific types of visitor groups for targeted marketing campaigns in the context of nature tourism. Management implications This research can help managers design alternative transportation systems to alleviate congestion caused by private automobiles. Our research found that: • Alternative transportation must be frequent, dependable, and provide ample space to attract loyal users. • Direct routes between parking and popular attractions as well as special opportunities such as pick-up/drop-off for one-way treks may increase alternative transportation use. • Promotional materials and messaging should focus on the ability of alternatives to enhance sightseeing opportunities, reduce stress caused by driving, and simplify parking. • When incentives fail to increase voluntary alternative transportation use, mandatory systems may be necessary at the most popular visitor attractions.
The Dark Triad and nascent political ambition

This research considers the effects of the personality characteristics of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy (labeled the Dark Triad) on political ambition. Research on nascent ambition ...
Long‐term discontinuation of warfarin in a patient with HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device without complication

A 38-year-old woman with peripartum cardiomyopathy underwent placement of a HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Postoperatively, she refused warfarin therapy and was maintained on aspirin monotherapy for 19 months. She did not experience thrombotic or thromboembolic complications associated with lack of oral vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation. Our patient represents the longest reported duration of a patient with HM3 LVAD maintained without warfarin without evidence of thrombotic or thromboembolic events.
Structure-activity relationships of cardiotonic steroids for the inhibition of sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase. V. Dissociation rate constants of digitoxin acetates.

The changes in dissociation rate constants (kd) of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase complexes with digitoxin and digitoxigenin bisdigitoxide brought about by acetylation of their sugar moieties were examined in the hope of elucidating the role of each sugar hydroxyl group in binding to the enzyme. With every acetyl derivative the kd value of the drug-enzyme complex formed in the presence of Na+, Mg2+, and ATP (type I complex) exceeded that of the corresponding complex formed in the presence of Mg2+ and P[unknown] (type II complex). A remarkable increase in kd values for both types of complexes was produced by acetylation of the 39-hydroxyl group in the first sugar moiety. Binding by the 39-hydroxyl group of the first sugar dominates binding by the second and third digitoxose moieties in both types and occurs via hydrogen bonding, as is the case for the monoglycoside. The axial 3[unknown]-hydroxyl group of the third digitoxose moiety may also bind to the enzyme by hydrogen bonding in both types of complexes, but the equatorial 4[unknown]-hydroxyl group is not involved. The second digitoxose group does not bind to the enzyme in the same manner as the others. In the type II complex the 399-hydroxyl group is not involved in binding, but the hydrophobic component of the sugar opposite to the 399-hydroxyl group or the pyranoside oxygen may bind to the extended area of the first sugar binding site. On the other hand, in the type I complex, the 399-hydroxyl group may bind to another specific site of the enzyme, opposite to the first sugar binding site.
Shock-driven kinetic and diffusive mix in high-Z pusher ICF designs

Revolver and Double Shell Inertial Confinement Fusion capsule designs hope to achieve a robust volumetric thermonuclear burn via the use of a high-Z pusher shell filled with a cryogenic D–T fuel. Unfortunately, mix of the pusher material into the fuel (gas) may adversely impact the burn performance. Hydrodynamic instability of the metal/gas interface as the mix source is an obvious concern, but 1D effects may also be detrimental. Such effects include plasma diffusion at material interfaces, which has been the subject of numerous theoretical, computational, and experimental investigations. However, other 1D mix mechanisms may exist, which have yet to be thoroughly explored. In particular, plasma kinetic effects may drive the mix when a shock breaks out of the metal/gas interface. Using the state-of-the-art, hybrid (kinetic-ion/fluid electron), multi-ion Vlasov–Fokker–Planck code, iFP, we show that shock-driven kinetic effects can reconfigure the interface and the interfacial width subsequently grows diffusively. Finally, we consider any implications for high-Z pusher designs.
Estimated costs of home laundering pesticide contaminated reusable clothing

This study estimated the per load cost of laundering clothing worn for pesticide application, using recommended laundry practices and home equipment. Costs were based on a top-load (vertical axis) clothes washer with a 94.6 L (25-gallon) fill, hot wash with cold rinse, fuel costs of $0.0824/kWh and $5.71/GJ ($0.6024/therm), and 1 ½ times the amount of detergent recommended by the detergent manufacturer for a normal load. The estimated cost per load ranged from $0.72 to $1.32 for depreciation of the clothes washer, and for fuel and detergent. The estimated cost of a no-load wash cycle to clean the washer ranged from $0.58 to $1.09.
Frailty measures can be used to predict the outcome of kidney transplant evaluation.

BACKGROUND Experience incorporating frailty and functional metrics in the transplant evaluation process is limited. We hypothesized that simple tests correlate with kidney transplant listing outcomes. METHODS Frailty metrics, treadmill ability, pedometer data, troponin T, and brain natriuretic peptide were collected on 375 consecutive kidney transplant evaluations between July 2015 and December 2018. Patients initially denied were compared with those listed or deferred. Frailty metrics included handgrip, chair sit-stand, up-and-go, chair sit-reach, and questions related to exhaustion. RESULTS A total of 95 (25%) patients were initially denied. Those denied were older, diabetic, or had higher body mass indexes. Frailty metrics including chair sit-stand, up-and-go, chair sit-reach, grip strength, and exhaustion; biochemical markers troponin and brain natriuretic peptide; and pedometer and treadmill ability were all significantly associated with denial (P < .001). The best order three model combining parsimony and predictiveness included treadmill ability, exhaustion, and troponin. The most predictive pedometer model also included exhaustion and up-and-go. The best order three model excluding biochemical markers, pedometer, and treadmill results included up-and-go, exhaustion, and chair sit-reach. CONCLUSION Outcomes after on-site kidney transplant evaluation strongly correlated with the results of common clinical and functional frailty metrics.
Updated Canonical Rainfall Distributions in the United States

AbstractPrevious research has identified five canonical rainfall distributions in the United States; however, identification of these rainfall distributions did not include any rainfall data in the...
Relationships among Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life, Perceived Vulnerability, and Readiness to Quit Smoking in People Living with HIV.

Smoking-related diseases (e.g., lung cancer) are the leading cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. While many PLWH who smoke report a desire to quit, a majority of them have low readiness to quit. This study used logistic and linear regression to examine the relations among two (continuous vs. binary) measures of readiness to quit, smoking cessation self-efficacy (SE), quality of life (QoL), and perceived vulnerability (PV) using baseline data from 100 PLWH who smoke who participated in a clinical trial. Results showed no significant main effects (SE, QoL, and PV) or interaction effects ( and ) on a continuous measure of readiness to quit. However, a follow-up analysis revealed that SE had a curvilinear effect on readiness to quit such that self-efficacy was positively associated with readiness to quit except at the highest levels of self-efficacy where readiness to quit declined. Greater SE significantly increased the likelihood of reporting readiness to quit (yes/no) among those with low QoL or high PV. For PLWH who smoke, improving self-efficacy may increase readiness to quit especially among those with lower quality of life. Psychoeducation tailored to PLWH designed to reduce unrealistic invulnerability to smoking-related diseases along with interventions that target self-efficacy may improve readiness to quit.
Many Young Children with Autism Who Use Psychotropic Medication Do Not Receive Behavior Therapy: A Multisite Case-Control Study.

Objectives To explore how many pre-school aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) used psychotropic medication, child and geographic factors associated with psychotropic medication use, and how many children who used psychotropic medication did or did not ever receive behavior therapy. Study design Children 2-5 years of age were enrolled from 2012 to 2016 in a multisite case-control study designed to investigate the development and risk factors of ASD. Children with a positive ASD screen or ASD diagnosis upon enrollment were asked to complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine ASD status and developmental level. Caregivers completed a Services and Treatments Questionnaire and multiple self-administered questionnaires to determine child use of psychotropic medication, ever receipt of behavior therapy, and presence of co-occurring symptoms. Results There were 763 children who were classified as ASD and had data collected on the Services and Treatments Questionnaire. Of those, 62 (8.1%) used psychotropic medication to treat behavioral symptoms and 28 (3.7%) were ≤3 years of age when medication was first started. Attention problems (aOR, 7.65; 95% CI, 3.41-16.1; P Conclusions Many preschool-aged children with ASD who use psychotropic medication do not receive behavior therapy. Pediatricians are an important resource for children and families and can help facilitate behavioral treatment for children with ASD and other disorders.
Determination of 15 + 1 European Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Smoked Meat Products by Saponification/Solid-Phase Extraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A method for the determination of 15 + 1 European priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (EUPAHs) in smoked meat samples by saponification/solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been developed. Both saponification and solid-phase extraction conditions were optimized, which lead to shorter sample preparation time and excellent sensitivity and selectivity. The optimal saponification condition for the lipid extract of 5.00 g smoked food sample was 5 mL KOH (1.5 mol/L)-ethanol at 70°C for 5 min, and the shorter alkaline treatment time avoided the loss of volatile EUPAHs such as Benzo[c]fluorene. All the EUPAHs showed good linearity in the range between 5.0 and 50.0 ng/mL with correlation coefficients between 0.997 and 1.00. The estimated LODs for the EUPAHs were 0.15-0.30 μg/kg, while the LOQs were 0.50-1.0 μg/kg. The three spiking levels of EUPAHs were 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 μg/kg, and the average recovery was between 75.2 and 99.6%, while the RSD were 2.3-12.4%. This sensitive and rapid method was successfully applied to smoked meat samples from Zhejiang Province of China, and the results revealed the presence of 13 EUPAHs. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was found in 19 out of 20 samples, with concentration ranging from 0.51 to 4.57 μg/kg. The sum of concentrations of PAH4 (summation of benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, benzo(a)anthracene, and benzo(b)fluoranthene) were 2.40-53.56 μg/kg.
High Response Rate to Antidepressants in the Management of Paroxysmal Hypertension (Pseudopheochromocytoma)

There is no widely recognized preventive treatment for patients with paroxysmal hypertension ("pseudopheochromocytoma") who suffer recurrent and often severe paroxysmal elevation of blood pressure, repeated emergency room visits and hospitalizations. In this case series we assessed the effectiveness of treatment with an antidepressant in preventing recurrent paroxysms. A secondary exploratory objective was to examine the psychological profile of patients and its relationship to response to treatment. The charts of 52 patients who reported having experienced at least 3 symptomatic episodes were selected; and and for whom treatment data were included. Treatment with an antidepressant was offered to, and follow-up data were available in 37.. Two patients refused treatment, 6 were unable to tolerate an effective dose, 3 were lost to follow-up, and 1 was non-compliant with the medication. Of the remaining 25 evaluable patients, 92% (23/25) responded, with 80% (21/25) achieving complete and persisting cessation of paroxysms, and 8% (2/25), a reduction in frequency. Importantly, an antidepressant was effective in nearly all patients who reported that they were not suffering from anxiety or depression. The data were insufficient to determine superiority of any one antidepressant versus another. We conclude that treatment with an antidepressant is effective in preventing hypertensive paroxysms in a high proportion of patients with paroxysmal hypertension. Given the absence of any other pharmacologic intervention capable of preventing recurrent paroxysms, the similarly high response rate observed in previous reports, and the relatively safe profile of antidepressant agents, the findings support more widespread use of an antidepressant in patients with this disorder to prevent years of continued hypertensive paroxysms and their consequences.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect almost every organ system. It is characterized by a heterogenous presentation, and disease manifestations often evolve over time. It is more common in women, specifically in women of childbearing age (female-to-male ratio 9:1). In the pediatric populations, the ratio is 2–6:1 and in the elderly 3–8:1, female-to-male. SLE can be seen in all ethnic groups. In the United States, SLE is more common in African-Americans, and African-Americans are more likely to have higher morbidity and mortality than Caucasians.
An Intermediate Representation for Mathematical Problem Solving

An intermediate representation for an intelligent tutoring system for elementary combinatorics is presented. The representation appears to satisfy both the requirements for a relevant environment for students' problem solving and for adequate diagnosis of student actions for the domain of interest. We present these ideas in the context of a tutor currently under development.
Of Digital Oscillators

I want to talk about neurons, which I hold to be coupled nonlinear oscillators. Unfortunately, I lack the mathematics to handle them. Van der Pol (personal communication) opined that whether an ocean of them, like the cerebral cortex, given any constant coefficient of coupling, would lock in phase, as in a convulsion, depended only on the density of the Gaussian primes as one goes away from the origin. He died too soon to prove or disprove it.
In vivo imaging of free radicals: Applications from mouse to man

Free radicals and other paramagnetic species, play an important role in cellular injury and pathophysiology. EPR spectroscopy and imaging has emerged as an important tool for non-invasive in vivo measurement and spatial mapping of free radicals in biological tissues. Extensive applications have been performed in small animals such as mice and recently applications in humans have been performed. Spatial EPR imaging enables 3D mapping of the distribution of a given free radical while spectral-spatial EPR imaging enables mapping of the spectral information at each spatial position, and, from the observed line width, the localized tissue oxygenation can be determined. A variety of spatial, and spectral-spatial EPR imaging applications have been performed. These techniques, along with the use of biocompatible paramagnetic probes including particulate suspensions and soluble nitroxide radicals, enable spatial imaging of the redox state and oxygenation in a variety of biomedical applications. With spectral-spatial EPR imaging, oxygenation was mapped within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of living mice, enabling measurement of the oxygen gradient from the proximal to the distal GI tract. Using spatial EPR imaging, the distribution and metabolism of nitroxide radicals within the major organs of the body of living mice was visualized and anatomically co-registered by proton MRI enabling in vivo mapping of the redox state and radical clearance. EPR imaging techniques have also been applied to non-invasively measure the distribution and metabolism of topically applied nitroxide redox probes in humans, providing information regarding the penetration of the label through the skin and measurement of its redox clearance. Thus, EPR spectroscopy and imaging has provided important information in a variety of applications ranging from small animal models of disease to topical measurement of redox state in humans.
Portable Gui Development With C

From the Publisher: Finally, a book that shows readers how to create portable GUI applications that work across all the major windowing environments: Microsoft Windows, XWindows, and Apple. The author explains how to use C++, an adaptable, object-oriented programming language, to write multi-platform GUI applications for non-specific windowing environments. Machine-specific details, as well, need be written only once; once written, they can be stored and called upon as needed when developing and implementing new systems. Plus, appendixes provide complete source code for the C++ GUI class library and the application class library. The author develops several fascinating real-world applications programs and explains how to simplify programming and eliminate common memory management programming bugs. This practical book will appeal to all C and UNIX programmers, applications developers, and programmers, and software developers who want an effective and resourceful way to develop portable GUI applications for use across multiple platforms.
The Effects of Expectation Disconfirmation on Appraisal, Affect, and Behavioral Intentions

People's risk perceptions can have powerful effects on their outcomes, yet little is known about how people respond to risk information that disconfirms a prior expectation. We experimentally examined the affective, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of expectation disconfirmation in the context of risk perceptions. Participants were randomly assigned and then prompted toward either a high or low personal risk estimate regarding a fictitious health threat. All participants then received the same risk feedback, which presented either a negative disconfirmation experience (i.e., worse than expected) in the high-risk estimate condition or a positive disconfirmation experience (i.e., better than expected) in the low-risk estimate condition. Participants who experienced the negative disconfirmation reported stronger intentions to prevent the threat in the future compared to participants who experienced the positive disconfirmation. This effect was mediated by both disappointment about the risk feedback and perceptions of the severity of the threat. These findings have implications for risk communication, suggesting that the provision of objective risk information may improve or diminish the likelihood of behavior change depending on people's initial expectations and their emotional and cognitive reactions to the information.
Torque estimation and compensation for speed control of a DC motor using an adaptive approach

The compensation of the load torque disturbances which deviate the speed of dc motor from the desired one was found. The model of the dc motor was implemented and simulated. This approach has three advantages: 1) Locate the closed-loop system poles anywhere in the unit circle. 2) Provide disturbance rejection as large as desired. 3) The controller satisfies the requirement of the dc motor without using a dead-beat controller. >
Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.
Early Preplasma Cells Define a Tolerance Checkpoint for Autoreactive B Cells

Ab-secreting plasma cells (PCs) are the effectors of humoral immunity. In this study, we describe regulation of autoreactive B cells specific for the ribonucleoprotein Smith (Sm) at an early pre-PC stage. These cells are defined by the expression of the PC marker CD138 and normal levels of CD19 and B220. They are present at a high frequency in normal mouse spleen and bone marrow, are Ag dependent, and are located predominantly along the T cell-B cell border and near bridging channels. Anti-Sm pre-PCs also occur at a high frequency in nonautoimmune mice and show additional phenotypic characteristics of PC differentiation. However, while some of these pre-PCs are Ab-secreting cells, those specific for Sm are not, indicating regulation. Consistent with this, anti-Sm pre-PCs have a higher turnover rate and higher frequency of cell death than those that do not bind Sm. Regulation of anti-Sm pre-PCs occurs upstream of the transcriptional repressor, B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1, expression. Regulation at this stage is overcome in autoimmune MRL/lpr mice and is accompanied by an altered B lymphocyte stimulator receptor profile. These data reveal a new B cell tolerance checkpoint that is overcome in autoimmunity.
Developing a Learning Culture in Nonprofit Organizations, by Stephen J. Gill

Developing a Learning Culture in Nonprofit Organizations, based on the author's more than 25 years of consulting experience, provides board members, staff, and students with practical tools to use ...
Two step growth phenomena of molybdenum disulfide–tungsten disulfide heterostructures

Here, we report the first demonstration of atomically thin vertically stacked MoS2/WS2 heterostructures, achieved via a two-step chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth process. Highly ordered stacking of heterostructure domains and patterned defects have been observed. Computations based on first principles have been performed to understand observed enhanced photoluminescence of the heterostructure.
Deletion of a conserved regulatory element in the Drosophila Adh gene leads to increased alcohol dehydrogenase activity but also delays development.

In vivo levels of enzymatic activity may be increased through either structural or regulatory changes. Here we use Drosophila melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in an experimental test for selective differences between these two mechanisms. The well-known ADH-Slow (S)/Fast (F) amino acid replacement leads to a twofold increase in activity by increasing the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Disruption of a highly conserved, negative regulatory element in the Adh 3′ UTR also leads to a twofold increase in activity, although this is achieved by increasing in vivo Adh mRNA and protein concentrations. These two changes appear to be under different types of selection, with positive selection favoring the amino acid replacement and purifying selection maintaining the 3′ UTR sequence. Using transgenic experiments we show that deletion of the conserved 3′ UTR element increases adult and larval Adh expression in both the ADH-F and ADH-S genetic backgrounds. However, the 3′ UTR deletion also leads to a significant increase in developmental time in both backgrounds. ADH allozyme type has no detectable effect on development. These results demonstrate a negative fitness effect associated with Adh overexpression. This provides a mechanism whereby natural selection can discriminate between alternative pathways of increasing enzymatic activity.