cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On The Glass Forming Ability Criteria Of Bulk Metallic Glasses

A new criterion γ, defined as Tx/(Tg+Tl) (where Tx is the onset crystallization temperature, Tg the glass transition temperature and Tl the liquidus temperature), has been proposed for glass formation in bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). The interrelationship between this new parameter and glass-forming ability (GFA) was elaborated and discussed in comparison with other established criteria. It was found that the new criterion γ had a much better correlation with GFA than other established parameters. An approximation of the critical cooling rate for glass formation was also formulated and evaluated in the light of this new parameter.
Control of Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Citrus using Methoprene and Imidacloprid Delivered in Liquid Bait Stations

ABSTRACT We conducted trials in a citrus grove infested with Argentine ants [Linepithema humile (Mayr); Hymenoptera: Formicidae] using bait stations (9.8 per ha) filled with bait consisting of either 0.001% imidacloprid as one treatment or 0.25% methoprene as a second treatment. The 2 treated areas and a control were widely separated in the grove. Within each area, trees were randomly selected to receive sucrose water monitors. Consumption of the sucrose water is a measurement of ant foraging activity that we used to compare treatments and the control. For all weekly samples except one, consumption by ants in the imidacloprid-treated area was significantly lower than in the controls. The methoprene treatments gave a more complex outcome: the consumption of the bait was significantly higher than in the controls during wk 5 and 8, but then rapidly descended below the consumption level of the control during wk 11 and 12. A post-experimental examination of the control and methoprene areas showed that queen nu...
Electrically switchable achromatic liquid crystal polarization gratings on reflective substrates

We have experimentally demonstrated broadband light modulation by achromatic liquid crystal (LC) polarization gratings (PGs), which manifest polarization-independent modulation with high efficiencies (≥ 95%). Recently, we introduced achromatic PGs with a unique double-layer, reversed-twist structure as efficient, broadband polarizing beamsplitters. We now report on our successful implementation of electrically switchable achromatic LCPGs on a reflective substrate. To pattern a spiraling, periodically varying LC profile, we utilize polarization holography and photoalignment techniques. Use of reflective substrates enables the same retardation compensation of doublelayer achromatic PGs. In addition, perhaps most importantly, the single cell structure allows the electro-optical switching/modulation by applying an electric field across the cell. The achromatic LCPG sample shows steeper voltage responses and less spectral shifts while operating in grayscale with respect to previously reported LCPGs. Relatively faster switching times (∼ 6m sec for 3µm-thickness) were measured compared to a conventional LCPG with the same thickness (∼10 msec). Interesting electro-optical behaviors were also observed including zero-voltage threshold and a hysteresis in the voltage response.
Enhancement of Porcine Skin Graft Adherence Using a Light-Activated Process

Background. Skin grafts are widely used in plastic surgery, and burn and ulcer wound management. Rapid and sustained adherence, the ability to resist shear stress, and a void-free surface-to-surface contact are critical to the success of graft survival. Mechanical and adhesive fixation aids are currently used to achieve graft adherence and they are not free of problems. Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) is an emerging laser technique with numerous applications in surgical specialties. In the current study, PTB was investigated as a means to bond and enhance the adherence of skin grafts. Methods. In this study, ex vivo porcine skin grafts treated with a photosensitizing dye, rose bengal (RB), were approximated dermis-to-dermis and irradiated with visible light from an argon laser at 514 nm. The adherence of the skin grafts was measured immediately after irradiation. Dose‐response relationships between the light and the dye with adherence of the grafts were established. The surface temperature of the skin under irradiation was monitored and the viability of the skin cells in the grafts was also measured. Results. Results showed that the skin graft adherence was RB dose-dependent in a statistically significant manner with the concentration of RB reaching a plateau value of 0.1% (w/v) of RB. Graft adhesion also increased with laser fluence up to 504 J/cm 2 in the presence of 0.1% RB. No fluence dependence was observed in the absence of RB. Thermogram results showed that the maximal surface temperature during irradiation was less than 40°C. Histological investigation and trypan blue exclusion assays demonstrated that skin grafts retained cell viability and collagen organization after PTB. Conclusion. This ex vivo study demonstrates that PTB using argon laser irradiation and RB enhances skin graft adherence by forming dermal‐dermal bonding. The increase in adherence is a function of the concentration of RB and the laser fluence. The results also suggest that the PTB is a potentially safe procedure because it is nonthermal in nature and does not significantly affect the skin cell viability. © 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)
Optimal control and tracking with eye movement dynamics with and without the Listing's constraint

In this paper we study the human oculomotor system as a simple mechanical control system. Most of the time, such as during ‘smooth pursuit’, eye movements obey Listing's constraint, which states that the movements consist of rotation matrices for which the axes are orthogonal to the normal gaze direction. Eye movements fail to satisfy the Listing's constraint either as a result of abnormality or when the gaze direction is sufficiently oblique, as would typically be the case when the angle of rotation is large. Listing's constraint is also not satisfied during vestibulo-ocular reflex when the eye moves to compensate for the head movement. The purpose of this paper is to formulate the eye movement as an optimal control problem with and without the Listing's constraint in order to subsequently make comparisons between the two scenarios. In order to do this, we parameterize the space in such a way that the Listing's constraint is recovered as a special case. The optimal control problem is posed as a two point boundary value problem.
The Pi-Pebbling Function

Recent research in graph pebbling has introduced the notion of a cover pebbling number. Along this same idea, we develop a more general pebbling functiont P (G). This measures the minimum number of pebbles needed to guarantee that any dis- tribution of them on G can be transformed via pebbling moves to a distribution with pebbles on t target vertices. Furthermore, the P part of the function gives the ability to change how many pebbles are needed to pebble from one vertex to another. Bounds on the �-pebbling function are developed, as well as its exact value for several families of graphs.
Magnetization spreading in a thin film-memory

The hard axis magnetic field distribution within the uniaxial magnetic film element of a thin film memory device is calculated. In the memory device considered, the driving stripline and magnetic film are located between a magnetic keeper and a conducting ground plane. The difficulty encountered in the keeper-ground plane problem arises from the requirement of satisfying boundary conditions at the keeper and ground plane surfaces simultaneously, or in other words, from considering an infinite set of film and stripline images. A method of solution using Fourier transforms proves satisfactory. The dependence of the magnetic field distribution on the relative position of the elements and on variations in material properties is assessed.
Mechanisms of Multiphoton Bleaching of Red Fluorescent Proteins

Two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) has several advantages over one-photon confocal microscopy, including deeper tissue penetration, higher signal-to-background ratio, and less photodamage in the out-of-focus volume. However, due to very high instantaneous light intensities in the focal volume, the probability of further, stepwise resonant photon(s) absorption increases dramatically, leading to very efficient bleaching of a probe. To deal with this challenge one has to understand the underlying mechanisms. Here we measured the power dependence of multiphoton bleaching rates of several red fluorescent proteins expressed in live E. coli cells under two-photon microscope conditions. To clarify the photophysical mechanisms, we also used much lower repetition rate (1 kHz) and different pulse durations in experiments in vitro with Ti:Sa amplifier excitation. Our experimental data supported by quantum mechanical calculations of the chromophore in protein environment are consistent with the mechanism of ultrafast (<150 fs) singlet-singlet stepwise absorption of one or two additional photons following initial simultaneous two-photon absorption. In the DsRed2 protein, the third photon absorption most probably results in an ultrafast electron transfer (ET) from the anionic chromophore to an excited Rydberg state of a nearby positive amino acid residue (e.g. K163+). The transient radical state of the chromophore tends to accept an electron from the deprotonated E215- amino acid, thus promoting the first step of the recently established decarboxylation reaction. In mFruits proteins, the third photon promotes an ET from the chromophore to the 4S Rydberg state of nearby K70+ residue with its subsequent photoionization by the fourth photon.
Equine coronary hemodynamics during brief coronary occlusions at three levels of collateral function

Adult-grade ponies were surgically instrumented with a Doppler flow probe and pneumatic cuff occluder on the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), sonomicrometry crystals and intraventricular micromanometer in the left ventricle, and catheters in the left atrium, anterior interventricular vein, and, in some animals, the LAD. Conscious-animal studies were begun 2 wk after surgery. Measured variables included regional left ventricular systolic function, end-diastolic wall thickness, oxygen extraction, lactate extraction, and hydrogen ion release. Changes in collateral perfusion were deduced from changes in these variables. Serial data were obtained during a 3-min LAD occlusion before stimulation of collateral function by the intermittent coronary occlusion method and during a 10-min LAD occlusion after 14 +/- 2 and 27 +/- 2 days of stimulation. Hemodynamic interpretation of data was based on a model of the equine coronary circulation consisting of collateral and arteriolar resistances in series. It was concluded that 1) chronic stimulation of collateral function leads to the emergence of a time-dependent reduction in total collateral resistance during acute coronary occlusion; 2) with enhancement of collateral function, the major resistance controlling collateral blood flow shifts from the collateral circulation to the recipient vessel arterioles; and 3) at a certain level of enhanced collateral function, coronary occlusion results in a triphasic blood flow response in collateral-dependent myocardium consisting of early hypoperfusion, transient hyperperfusion, and late autoregulated perfusion. This study demonstrates that chronic stimulation of collateral function is accompanied by specific alterations in coronary hemodynamics during acute coronary occlusion that hasten the recovery of ischemic myocardium.
Work status and attrition from longitudinal studies are influenced by psychiatric disorder.

Participants (n=95) were assessed at the time of discharge and at 4 and 12 months after discharge in regard to work status and psychiatric history both before and after the burn injury. Complex psychiatric comorbidity and substance abuse disorders that occurred before the burn injury each significantly raised the risk of unemployment before the burn injury; preburn substance abuse also affected unemployment at 4 months after the burn injury. Trends for higher unemployment rates at 12 months after discharge also were noted among those with a preburn history of complex psychiatric comorbidity and alcohol use, anxiety, or mood disorder. Preburn substance-use disorder raised the risk of attrition from the 12-month study; whereas, those diagnosed at the time of discharge with post-traumatic stress disorder or with two or more current psychiatric disorders after the burn injury dropped out less often. The greater risk for unemployment and attrition observed among subjects with psychiatric disorders before the burn injury suggests the need for routine screening, tracking, and assistance in accessing supportive or rehabilitative services to remove barriers to employment. Language: en
Dermatological toxicities of panitumumab in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from three clinical studies

14551 Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) expression in CRC is associated with metastatic potential and poor prognosis. Panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against EGFr...
Folic acid supplementation: what is new? Fetal, obstetric, long-term benefits and risks

The association between folic acid supplementation, prior to conception and/or during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, has been the subject of numerous studies. The worldwide recommendation of folic acid is at least 0.4 mg daily for all women of reproductive age, and 4–5 mg in high-risk women. In addition, evidence shows that folic acid supplementation could modulate other adverse pregnancy outcomes, specifically, in pregnancies complicated by seizure disorders, preeclampsia, anemia, fetal growth restriction and autism. This review summarizes the available national and international guidelines, concerning the indications and dosage of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. In addition, it describes the potential preventive benefits of folic acid supplementation on multiple maternal and fetal outcomes, as well as potential risks.
Expression and effects of human atrial natriuretic peptide gene in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objectives To investigate the expression of human atrial natriuretic peptide(hANP)gene and its effects on blood pressure and functions of heart,blood vessel and kidney in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs). Methods Twelve eight-week-old male SHRs were divided into two groups randomly. DNA plasmid pcDNA3.1-CMV-hANP was injected to the left quadriceps femoris muscle of the SHRs in the test group(n = 6). Controls(n = 6)were injected with DNA plasmid pcDNA3.1-CMV into the same site. After the gene delivery,the caudal artery systolic pressure was measured in SHRs and the plasma level of hANP was detected by means of radioimmunoassay every week. After 10 weeks,all the animals were sacrificed. The expression of hANP gene was measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Body weight(BW),heart weight(HW)and left ventricle weight(LVW)were measured to evaluate the reconstitution of myocardium. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)and Van Gieson(VG)staining were used to determine the effect of hANP on blood vessel and kidney. Results Compared with the control group,blood pressure of the test group began to decrease during the first week after the injection of plasmid pcDNA3.1-CMV-hANP. The significant blood pressure difference(up to 12.0+ 2.55 mmHg,P 0.05=lasted for 10 weeks. The results of RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that hANP gene was highly expressed in the muscles,while the no expression was observed in the control group. The ratio of HW/BW and LVW/HW decreased markedly in the test group. Morphological analysis showed that cardiovascular hypertrophy and renal injury were attenuated in the test group. Conclusions hANP gene could be expressed efficiently in the muscles of SHRs through muscle injections. hANP protein released into blood circulation could not only stably reduce blood pressure,but also prevent the hypertension induced damage to target organs,such as kidney and cardiovascular system. This study suggested the possibility of hANP gene therapy for human hypertension.
Conclusion : The Market Model and Theories of Parties, National Integration, and Transitions from Authoritarian Rule

The model of electoral markets introduced in Chapter 1 has thus provided us with the intellectual tools to solve the puzzle Russia has posed to comparative theories of party system development. In post-Soviet Russia, parties have stubbornly failed to dominate the political system for nearly a decade and a half, although the state has more recently pushed through a set of reforms that enhance the role of parties in Russian politics. The key has been to think of parties as one kind of producer of goods and services that can help candidates win votes in elections and to think of candidates as the consumers of these goods. Market theory shows that the degree to which one supplier dominates the market is not purely a function of the supply and demand for that supplier's particular products, but that its market share also depends on the availability of substitutes for these goods. This volume has identified multiple kinds of political organization that can function as party substitutes, ranging from the nonpartisan governors' political machines in Russia to political action committees in the twentieth-century United States. Whether parties successfully dominate a political system, closing out the country's electoral market, thus hinges critically on factors that affect the balance between parties and party substitutes in a country. Some important such factors are found to be historical legacies and transition paths that influence the relative quality and volume of political capital available to parties and substitutes.
Early years 1685–1703

The Obituary begins Johann Sebastian Bach belongs to a family in all of whose members equally a love for and skill in music seem, as a common gift, to have been imparted by nature. Emanuel Bach was familiar with the outlines of his family's musical history, since quite apart from any anecdotes about it that circulated amongst its members, his father spent time around the age of fifty compiling a selective genealogy. This is the ‘Origin of the musical-Bach family’, Ursprung der musicalisch-Bachischen Familie (Dok I, 255–61), a document known to Emanuel in whose household it was later copied. Though contributing little to published biographies of the day, Bach carefully compiled this genealogical list (sometimes referred to as a ‘table’) either from scratch after many enquiries or, more likely, revising and enlarging an older document begun by a previous member of this large family. Still an indispensable source of information, it numbers fifty-three Bachs in the course of two hundred years or more, many of them professional musicians well-known in Central Germany, though only a few became so in a larger Europe – Sebastian himself and, as perhaps he anticipated in part by then, one or two of his sons. Emanuel added to the genealogy in which he and five brothers figured, and made use of it to begin the Obituary more tellingly, even proudly, than John Mainwaring was able to begin his biography of Handel (‘George Frederic Handel was born in Hall[e] …’).
Analysis of the anomalies in graphene thermal properties

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the thermal conductivity of graphene under various conditions is presented in this study. Results obtained from different experimental and theoretical methods are analyzed and discussed for numerous conditions such as preparation process, shape, sample size, wavelength, and temperature. Wide discrepancies in the measured thermal conductivity results were found in many studies in the literature. Based on the cited data for the graphene thermal conductivity, the initially measured thermal conductivities appear to be highly overestimated. Majority of the documented results reported lower values of thermal conductivity than the earlier reported results. Furthermore, large differences in the values of the thermal conductivity of graphene were noticed from the cited results using different experimental and numerical methods (0.14 W/m K–20,000 W/m K). This raised an important question on the accuracy of these methods when measuring thermal conductivity of graphene at nanoscale. We have established the existence of a high degree of anomalies in the value of the thermal conductivity of grapheme. Therefore, proper experimental and theoretical studies should be conducted to accurately measure the thermal conductivity of graphene.
A simple smoothing spline, III

Computational methods for spline smoothing are studied in the context of the linear smoothing spline. Comparisons are made between two efficient methods for computing the estimator using band-limited basis functions and the Kalman filter. In particular, the Kalman filter approach is shown to be an efficient method for computing under the Kimeldorf-Wahba representation for the estimator. Run time comparisons are made between band-limited B-spline and Kalman filter based algorithms.
Rezafungin (CD101), a next-generation echinocandin: A systematic literature review and assessment of possible place in therapy

Abstract Objectives Rezafungin (CD101) is a novel echinocandin currently under development. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic literature review of published evidence on rezafungin and an antimicrobial stewardship audit of real-world use of echinocandins to determine areas of unmet medical needs and potential places in therapy for rezafungin. Methods The systematic literature review identified 8 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 19 separate abstracts. A stewardship audit was performed on hospitalised patients receiving echinocandins to better understand potential future areas of use for rezafungin. Results Rezafungin is a cyclic hexapeptide with a lipophilic tail derived from anidulafungin, with a choline moiety at the C5 ornithine position resulting in increased in vitro and in vivo stability compared with other echinocandins. Microbiological data showed similar susceptibility and resistance development between rezafungin and other echinocandins. Rezafungin has a long half-life (80 h) and a favourable safety profile that allows for high doses (up to 400 mg) given once weekly. A phase 2 study is ongoing. The antimicrobial stewardship audit of echinocandin identified several areas of possible use for rezafungin, including patients receiving daily echinocandins for >7 days, patients who remained in the hospital to complete a full course of daily echinocandin therapy, and patients who required an echinocandin scheduled via an infusion clinic after discharge. Conclusion Rezafungin is a novel echinocandin currently in phase 2 studies, differentiated by a long half-life that allows once-weekly dosing and a safety profile that allows higher doses. Several potential areas of use for rezafungin were identified.
A Choice Based Experiment of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): A Valuation of Attributes

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) operators are becoming more innovative in their efforts to attract consumers to become CSA shareholders. Therefore, CSA operators must understand which attributes consumers value. Using an online survey of Connecticut consumers in conjunction with a choice experiment, we evaluate consumer preference and willingness to pay for various attributes, including risk mitigation. We find younger consumers are more likely to prefer CSAs with organic products, while a greater diversity of products in the CSA share will increase preference for a CSA for some consumers. Further, we find that consumers with and without CSA experience value the risk-mitigation attribute.
Crofton Densities and Nonlocal Differentials

This paper introduces a class of geometric objects called Crofton k- densities, which are the analogue of closed differential forms. We define a “nonlocal differential” of a function in R n and prove that it is a Crofton 1-density. The Poincare lemma is valid for Crofton 1-densities that satisfy some growth conditions.
Minimizing the bandwidth of sparse symmetric matrices

The problem of finding symmetric rowcolumn permutations for a given sparse symmetric matrix, such that the resulting matrix has minimum bandwidth, is discussed. An algorithm, which yields a proper choice for an initial ordering and a reordering scheme, is given. An example is given to show how the algorithm works.
Finite element formulation of multiphasic shell elements for cell mechanics analyses in FEBio

With the recent implementation of multiphasic materials in the open-source finite element (FE) software FEBio (febio.org), 3D models of cells embedded within the tissue may now be analyzed, accounting for porous solid matrix deformation, transport of interstitial fluid and solutes, membrane potential, and reactions. The cell membrane is a critical component in cell models, which selectively regulates the transport of fluid and solutes in the presence of large concentration and electric potential gradients, while also facilitating the transport of various proteins. The cell membrane is much thinner than the cell; therefore, in an FE environment, shell elements formulated as 2D surfaces in 3D space would be preferred for modeling the cell membrane, for the convenience of mesh generation from image-based data, especially for convoluted membranes. However, multiphasic shell elements are yet to be developed in the FE literature and commercial FE software. This study presents a novel formulation of multiphasic shell elements and its implementation in FEBio. The shell model includes front- and back-face nodal degrees of freedom for the solid displacement, effective fluid pressure and effective solute concentrations, and a linear interpolation of these variables across the shell thickness. This formulation was verified against classical models of cell physiology and validated against reported experimental measurements in chondrocytes. This implementation of passive transport of fluid and solutes across multiphasic membranes makes it possible to model the biomechanics of isolated cells or cells embedded in their extracellular matrix, accounting for solvent and solute transport.
Moments of Weil representations of finite special unitary groups

Abstract We prove an “nth moment =1” result for irreducible Weil representations of degree ( q n + 1 ) / ( q + 1 ) of special unitary groups SU n ( q ) for any odd n ≥ 3 and any prime power q.
Musical Instrument Practice Predicts White Matter Microstructure and Cognitive Abilities in Childhood.

Musical training has been associated with advantages in cognitive measures of IQ and verbal ability, as well as neural measures including white matter microstructural properties in the corpus callosum (CC) and the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). We hypothesized that children who have musical training will have different microstructural properties in the SLF and CC. One hundred children aged 7.9 to 9.9 years (mean age 8.7) were surveyed for their musical activities, completed neuropsychological testing for general cognitive abilities, and underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as part of a larger study. Children who play a musical instrument for more than 0.5 hours per week (n = 34) had higher scores on verbal ability and intellectual ability (standardized scores from the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities), as well as higher axial diffusivity (AD) in the left SLF than those who did not play a musical instrument (n = 66). Furthermore, the intensity of musical practice, quantified as the number of hours of music practice per week, was correlated with axial diffusivity (AD) in the left SLF. Results are not explained by age, sex, socio-economic status, or physical fitness of the participants. Results suggest that the relationship between musical practice and intellectual ability is related to the maturation of white matter pathways in the auditory-motor system. The findings suggest that musical training may be a means of improving cognitive and brain health during development.
Association of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease With Brain β-Amyloid Deposition: Secondary Analysis of the ARIC Study.

Importance Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is an important cause of stroke and has also been recently identified as an important risk factor for all-cause dementia, but the mechanism of its association with cognitive performance is not fully understood. Objective To test the hypothesis that ICAD is associated with cerebral β-amyloid deposition as a marker of Alzheimer disease. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional analysis of data collected from August 2011 through November 2014 was a community-based cohort study conducted in 3 US communities. Of 346 adults without dementia aged 70 to 90 years who were sequentially recruited from 3 of 4 sites of the larger Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study into a study of brain florbetapir positron emission tomography (ARIC-PET), 300 met inclusion criteria. A total of 589 were approached about recruitment, of whom 346 (58.7%) consented (the remainder either met exclusion criteria for ARIC-PET or refused to participate). Data were analyzed from July 2017 through October 2019. Exposures Intracranial atherosclerotic disease presence, frequency, and extent of stenosis, by high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Main Outcomes and Measures Global cortical standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) of greater than 1.2 as measured by florbetapir PET. Models were conducted using logistic regression methods. In secondary analyses, we tested effect modifications by apolipoprotein E e4 genotype with interaction terms and in stratified models and evaluated regional patterns of associations. Results In 300 participants (mean [SD] age, 76 [5] years; 132 African American individuals [44%], 167 women [56%], and 94 carriers of at least 1 apolipoprotein E e4 allele [31%]), ICAD was found in 105 participants (35%) and mean (SD) SUVR was higher in individuals with vs without intracranial plaques (1.34 [0.29] vs 1.27 [0.23];P = .03). In adjusted models, ICAD presence (plaque presence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.20; 95% CI, 0.69-2.07] and frequency [aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.96-1.26]) was not associated significantly with elevated SUVR in the total sample. Furthermore, modest stenosis of the intracranial vessels (defined as >50% stenosis) was not associated with elevated SUVR (aOR, 2.33; 95% CI, 0.82-6.60). Conclusions and Relevance In this community-based cohort of adults without dementia, intracranial atherosclerotic plaque or stenosis was not associated with brain β-amyloid deposition.
Web-Based Dissemination of a Civic Engagement Curriculum to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Towns: The eHEART Study

Civic engagement interventions aimed at improving food and physical activity environments hold promise in addressing rural health disparities, but ensuring feasible and sustained dissemination remains a challenge. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a civic engagement curriculum adapted for online dissemination (Healthy Eating and Activity in Rural Towns (eHEART)). The eHEART curriculum and website were developed based on feedback from local health educators and community members. eHEART groups were facilitated by local Extension educators across three rural towns in three U.S. states (Montana, Wisconsin, and Alaska). Implementation feasibility was assessed through monthly project reports and interviews with educators. All eHEART groups successfully completed curriculum activities and met their project goals after nine months (November 2018 to July 2019). Groups ranged in size from 4 to 8 community residents and implemented varied strategies to improve aspects of their local food and/or physical activity environments. Facilitators of implementation included clear guidance on facilitating curriculum activities and the flexible and community-driven nature of eHEART projects. Recommended changes included more guidance on evaluating projects and contacting stakeholders as well as providing online tools and support for project management. Findings from this work have important implications for creating healthier rural environments. Local health educators and other community groups can feasibly use the eHEART curriculum to foster environmental changes that support healthy eating and active living.
Abstract 1178: Racial/ethnic disparities in overall mortality among patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer

Background: Black women are more likely to die of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) than women of other races and ethnicities in the United States. However, it is unclear whether this disparity remains after accounting for differences in clinical characteristics, treatment regimens and factors related to access to care. Methods: Women with a primary diagnosis of TNBC between 2004 and 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Database. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 5-year all-cause mortality in association with race/ethnicity (i.e., non-Hispanic [NH] white, NH-black, Hispanic, Asian, and other group) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models with stepwise adjustments for age, clinical characteristics, as well as treatment and access-to-care related factors. Stratified analyses by stage and age (i.e., ≤50 years and >50 years) were also conducted. Results: Of 82,653 study populations, there were 53,908 NH-white (65.2%), 17,350 NH-black (21.0%), 5,116 Hispanic (6.2%) and 2,334 Asian (2.8%) patients. Compared to NH-white patients, a higher proportion of NH-black and Hispanic patients were diagnosed with stage III/IV cancer (21.4%, 20.8%, and 16.4% for NH-black, Hispanic, and NH-white patients, respectively, P Conclusions: After accounting for clinical characteristics, treatment and factors related to access-to-care, there is little white-black difference in 5-year all-cause mortality, but Hispanic and Asian patients in general had lower mortality compared with white patients. Citation Format: Fei Wang, Wei Zheng, Christina E. Bailey, Jennifer A. Pietenpol, Xiao-Ou Shu. Racial/ethnic disparities in overall mortality among patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1178.
A trial of buspirone for anxiety in Parkinson's disease: Safety and tolerability.

Abstract Introduction In Parkinson's disease (PD), anxiety is common, associated with lower health-related quality of life, and undertreated. The primary objective of this study was to determine the tolerability of buspirone for the treatment of anxiety in PD. Methods Individuals with PD and clinically significant anxiety were randomized 4:1 to flexible dosage buspirone or placebo for 12 weeks. Treatment was initiated at 7.5 mg twice daily and titrated based on response and tolerability to an optimal dosage (maximum 30 mg twice daily). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who failed to complete the study on study drug. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, dosage reductions, motor function, dyskinesias, and anxiety. Results A total of 21 participants enrolled, 4 were randomized to placebo and 17 to buspirone (mean (SD) age 65.5 (9.8), 76.5% male, 88% on concomitant antidepressant or anxiolytic). In the buspirone group, 7 (41%) failed to complete the study on drug, 5 due to intolerability. The median buspirone dosage was 7.5 mg twice daily. No serious adverse events occurred. A total of 9 (53%) buspirone participants experienced adverse events consistent with worsened motor function. In the buspirone group, mean (SD) improvement from baseline to week 12 in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was −3.9 (3.8) and Parkinson Anxiety Scale −7.1 (6.4). Conclusion Tolerability concerns do not support moving immediately forward with a large-scale efficacy trial. However, concomitant anxiolytics may have affected tolerability and a signal of efficacy was seen suggesting that future studies of buspirone monotherapy be considered.
XMM-Newton and optical observations of cataclysmic variables from the sloan digital sky survey

We report on XMM-Newton and optical results for six cataclysmic variables that were selected from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra because they showed strong Heii emission lines, indicative of being candidates for containing white dwarfs with strong magnetic fields. While high X-ray background rates prevented optimum results, we are able to confirm SDSS J233325.92+152222.1 as an intermediate polar from its strong pulse signature at 21 minutes and its obscured hard X-ray spectrum. Ground-based circular polarization and photometric observations were also able to confirm SDSS J142256.31−022108.1 as a polar with a period near 4 hr. Photometry of SDSS J083751.00+383012.5 and SDSS J093214.82+495054.7 solidifies the orbital period of the former as 3.18 hr and confirms the latter as a high-inclination system with deep eclipses.
On the zeroth-order general Randić index, variable sum exdeg index and trees having vertices with prescribed degree

The zeroth-order general Randic index (usually denoted by 0R α) and variable sum exdeg index (denoted by SEIa) of a graph G are defined as 0R α(G) =∑v∈V (G)(dv)α and SEIa(G) =∑v∈V (G)dvadv, respect...
Intracranial Mycotic Aneurysm in a Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient: A Complication to Avoid.

In the current era of the increasing use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy, early diagnosis and therapy of complications are imperative to provide a better quality of life and improve outcomes. This case illustrates how superficial infections can lead to drastic complications in the setting of LVADs. The lack of signs and symptoms of systemic inflammatory response could be explained by cellular immunity impairment in patients on LVAD support. The formation of aneurysms is enhanced in the LVAD population due to altered hemodynamic physiology. It is possible that the combination of impaired cellular immunity and altered hemodynamics of the present-day continuous flow LVADS increases the risk of mycotic aneurysm formation and rupture in patients infected with less virulent organisms.
Support for distracted driving laws: An analysis of adolescent drivers from the Traffic Safety Culture Index from 2011 to 2017.

Abstract Introduction Adolescent drivers are often the focus of traffic safety legislation as they are at increased risk for crash-related injury and death. However, the degree to which adolescents support distracted driving laws and factors contributing to their support are relatively unknown. Using a large, nationally weighted sample of adolescent drivers in the United States, we assessed if perceived threat from other road users’ engagement in distracted driving, personal engagement in distracted driving behaviors, and the presence of state distracted driving laws was associated with support for distracted driving laws. Methods The sample included 3565 adolescents (aged 16–18) who participated in the Traffic Safety Culture Index survey from 2011 to 2017. A modified Poisson regression model with robust errors was fit to the weighted data to examine support for distracted driving laws. Models included age, gender, year, state distracted driving laws, personal engagement in distracted driving behavior, and perceived threat from other road users’ engaging in distracted driving. Results Approximately 87% of adolescents supported a law against texting and emailing compared to 66% who supported a universal handheld cellphone law. Support for distracted driving legislation was associated with greater perceived threat of other road users engaging in distracted driving while accounting for personal engagement in distracted driving, state distracted driving laws, and developmental covariates. Discussion Greater understanding of the factors behind legislative support is needed. Public health interventions focused on effectively translating the risks of cellphone use while driving and effective policy will further improve the traffic safety culture.
The Holocaust and the Czech new wave: revisiting Diamonds of the Night (1964)

One of the unexpected benefits of the pandemic this past year has been the democratization of scholarly events. Zoom has made lectures and workshops accessible to many, regardless of geographic loc...
Research on Prediction of Attack Behavior Based on HMM

Compound attacks have become the most threatening form of network attacks. Intrusion detection systems can detect attacks but cannot predict attacks. In order to more accurately reflect the network security situation, this paper analyzes the shortcomings of traditional attack prediction algorithms, and proposes to establish a hidden Markov model based on the change of the host's security status with the change of the observation sequence. The Baum-Welch algorithm is used to optimize the configuration parameters of the evaluation model. Quantitative analysis is used to obtain the security situation of the entire network, and the parameters of the HMM model are optimized to make the calculation of the predicted attack probability more accurate and reduce the frequency of false alarms. In the experimental test based on real data, the feasibility of this method is verified.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAREER IN AIRLINE MANAGEMENT: AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Presidents at thirty of the top United States airlines were asked to indicate what educational preparation they felt students seeking a career in airline management should possess. They were asked to rate 18 courses offered in the Aviation Management baccalaureate degree curriculum at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. They were also asked to rank 14 suggested courses from the Council on Aviation Accreditation (CAA) Curriculum Guideline. Following analysis, courses were placed in three categories: Inclusionary, Exclusionary and Uncertain/Diverse. Findings indicate that airline presidents place the greatest value on courses stressing fiscal requirements, legal aspects, airline operations and operating in a global environment. Conversely, courses including Applications of Technical Information, The National Airspace System, Airport Planning, Airport Management, Professional Development and General Aviation Operations were ranked low in importance.
Ride-through for Autonomous Vehicles ?

Safety critical systems often have shutdown mechanisms to bring the system to a safe state in the event of a malfunction. We ex- amine the use of ride-through, a technique to reduce the frequency of safety shutdowns by allowing small transient violations of safety rules. An illustrative example of enforcing a speed limit for an autonomous vehicle shows that using a rate-limited ride-through bound permits a tighter safety limit on speed than a xed threshold without creating false alarm shutdowns. Adding state machines to select speci c safety bounds based on vehicle state accommodates expected control system transients. Testing these principles on an autonomous utility vehicle resulted in im- proved detection of speed limit violations and shorter shutdown stopping distances without needing to increase the false alarm shutdown rate.
Critical Theory: The Key Concepts

Critical Theory: The Key Concepts introduces over 300 widely-used terms, categories and ideas drawing upon well-established approaches like new historicism, postmodernism, psychoanalysis, Marxism, and narratology as well as many new critical theories of the last twenty years such as Actor-Network Theory, Global Studies, Critical Race Theory, and Speculative Realism. This book explains the key concepts at the heart of a wide range of influential theorists from Agamben to Žižek. Entries range from concise definitions to longer more explanatory essays and include terms such as: Aesthetics Desire Dissensus Dromocracy Hegemony Ideology Intersectionality Late Capitalism Performativity Race Suture Featuring cross-referencing throughout, a substantial bibliography and index, Critical Theory: The Key Concepts is an accessible and easy-to-use guide. This book is an invaluable introduction covering a wide range of subjects for anyone who is studying or has an interest in critical theory (past and present).
Geant4 predictions of energy spectra in typical space radiation environment

Accurate knowledge of energy spectra inside spacecraft is important for protecting astronauts as well as sensitive electronics from the harmful effects of space radiation. Such knowledge allows one to confidently map the radiation environment inside the vehicle. The purpose of this talk is to present preliminary calculations for energy spectra inside a spherical shell shielding and behind a slab in typical space radiation environment using the 3D Monte-Carlo transport code Geant4. We have simulated proton and iron isotropic sources and beams impinging on Aluminum and Gallium arsenide (GaAs) targets at energies of 0.2, 0.6, 1, and 10 GeV/u. If time permits, other radiation sources and beams (_, C, O) and targets (C, Si, Ge, water) will be presented. The results are compared to ground-based measurements where available.
Physics from Photon and Lepton-Pair Spectra

A discussion is given of lepton-pair and direct photon spectra observed in hadron-hadron reactions at center-of-mass energies of 5–10 GeV and higher. Examples are taken from the high-energy p — A literature. The usefulness of lepton-pairs and photons for probing the space-time development of heavyion reactions is noted. A brief review of such measurements as they exist presently for heavy-ion reactions is also given, together with some notes for the interested experimentalist.
Pickup ions and ion cyclotron wave amplitudes upstream of Mars: First results from the 1D hybrid simulation

[1] Observations upstream of Mars show strong and persistent plasma wave activity near the local proton cyclotron frequency. These waves are thought to be generated by unstable populations of newborn ions produced by ionization of the Martian hydrogen exosphere. It is generally believed that the amplitudes of the waves are related to the energy of the local pickup ion population, such that the observed spatial and temporal distribution of the wave amplitudes could be used as a diagnostic of local exospheric structure and loss rate. To understand the relationship between wave amplitudes and ion pickup rate, we carry out a parametric study using the 1D hybrid simulation (kinetic ions, fluid electrons) for varying pickup rates and pickup geometry for the Martian planetary environment. Our results indicate that, contrary to expectations, the observed local ion cyclotron wave amplitudes cannot be easily related to local ion pickup rates because the growth time of the instability is long compared to the transit time of the waves past Mars. Additionally, we find the amount of pickup ion energy lost to wave growth is not a constant over all injection rates and wave amplitudes are likely affected by propagation through regions of spatially non-uniform ion production. Because the waves in the upstream region are in a state of growth rather than saturated, the simulations suggest the pickup ion distributions are likely only partially scattered.
A Case Study of a Stream-Based Digital Library: Medical Data

A case study of a digital library that contains streams and supports event-based retrieval is described. Medical streams that relate to patients having liver tumors are used in the digital library. 3 types of streams were used: computed tomography (CT) scan, medical text, and audio streams. Events, such as ‘Maximum diameter of the tumor’, were generated and represented in the user interface to enable doctors to retrieve and playback segments of the streams. This paper presents the details of creating the digital library: the data organization, publishing stream data, generating the bibliographic metadata, using events, relating streams, the search engine, and the playback of the streams.