cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin Resistance in Human iPS Cells Reduces Mitochondrial Size and Function

Insulin resistance, a critical component of type 2 diabetes (T2D), precedes and predicts T2D onset. T2D is also associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. To define the cause-effect relationship between insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction, we compared mitochondrial metabolism in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from 5 healthy individuals and 4 patients with genetic insulin resistance due to insulin receptor mutations. Insulin-resistant iPSC had increased mitochondrial number and decreased mitochondrial size. Mitochondrial oxidative function was impaired, with decreased citrate synthase activity and spare respiratory capacity. Simultaneously, expression of multiple glycolytic enzymes was decreased, while lactate production increased 80%. These perturbations were accompanied by an increase in ADP/ATP ratio and 3-fold increase in AMPK activity, indicating energetic stress. Insulin-resistant iPSC also showed reduced catalase activity and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Thus, insulin resistance can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction with reduced mitochondrial size, oxidative activity, and energy production.
Immune Activation: Contribution to AIDS-Associated Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

HIV infection is associated with a greatly elevated risk for the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which while diminished, remains elevated in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. Chronic B cell activation, driven by contact with HIV virions, B cell-stimulatory cytokines, viruses (EBV, HPV, HCV), and by high levels of antigenic stimulation occurs in HIV infected persons, and it is seen at even higher levels in those who go on to develop AIDS-NHL. Evidence from multiple studies indicates that elevated serum levels of several B cell-stimulatory cytokines and biomarkers are seen preceding AIDS-NHL, as well as in immunocompetent persons that develop NHL. Phenotypic changes in circulating B cells also are seen preceding AIDS-NHL, including the expression of AICDA, and of cell-surface molecules and miRNA that are associated with activated B cells. HAART only partially normalizes the immune system of treated HIV+ persons as they still show clear evidence for ongoing inflammation and immune activation in, even those who show complete suppression of HIV viremia. Together, this provides ample evidence to support the notion that chronic activation of B cells contributes to the genesis of B cell lymphomas.
Summaries of safety labeling changes approved by FDA-Boxed Warnings Highlights October-December 2014.

As part of FDA’s MedWatch program, important changes to the safety labeling of drugs and therapeutic biologics, including boxed warnings, are posted on the agency’s website. Boxed warnings are ordinarily used to highlight (1) an adverse reaction so serious in proportion to the potential benefit
A Review of Children with Electrical Status Epilepticus in Slow Wave Sleep (ESES) (P04.174)

Objective: To determine characteristics, treatment and outcome of children with electrical status epilepticus in slow wave sleep (ESES). Background ESES is a rare EEG finding associated with Landau Kleffner syndrome (LKS) and Continuous Spike Wave in Sleep syndrome (CSWS). These syndromes are potentially treatable causes of developmental regression. Design/Methods: All patients with ESES seen at Mayo Clinic 2007-2011 were retrospectively identified. All patients underwent detailed evaluation, neurological examination, and prolonged EEG monitoring during evaluation and follow up. Medical records, EEGs, and neuroimaging were reviewed to determine clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome. Results: 30 patients were identified. Average age at onset of regression was 5.4 years (range 13 months to 11 years). 6/30 patients met criteria for LKS. 24/30 patients met criteria for CSWS. Etiologies included unknown cause (14/30), symptomatic (16/30). Specific etiologies included thalamic injury (3), hydrocephalus (4), cortical dysplasia (3). EEG abnormalities in LKS were maximally present over the frontotemporal head regions; in CSWS, EEG abnormalities were more diffuse. Presenting symptoms included: regression of language, regression of motor skills, frontal lobe syndrome (inattention, impulsivity, difficulty with planning and sequencing activities), behavioral difficulties, autistic features, and decreased level of consciousness. 26/30 patients underwent treatment with followup at Mayo Clinic. Successful therapies include diazepam, corticosteroids, IVIG, ethosuximide, zonisamide, focal parietal resection, temporal lobectomy, although relapses did occur. Unsuccessful treatments include valproic acid, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, sulthiame, felbamate, deep brain stimulation, mycophenolate mofetil. 24/26 patients responded to treatment. 6/24 patients relapsed. 17/26 are currently in remission. Follow up time was 1.7 patient years. Conclusions: ESES is a rare but treatable cause of childhood developmental regression. It is important to screen children with seizures and regression for ESES as this is a treatable conditon. Effective treatments may include diazepam, prednisone, IVIG, ethosuximide, zonisamide, focal epilepsy surgery. Relapse is common, but terminal remission is possible. Disclosure: Dr. Martyanov has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wirrell has received research support from Mayo Foundation. Dr. Nickels has nothing to disclose.
Dispersibility and Reliability Analysis of Composite Laminates Bolted Joint

In order to investigate the dispersibility of the bearing strength of composite laminates in bolted joints,the bearing strength of 35 composite laminates in bolted joints were tested.Using statistical method,the dispersibility model of testing datas was given.The results show that the normal distribution,lognormal distribution and Weibull distribution are fit for the bearing strength dispersibility model very well.Besides,Weibull distribution is the best one of the three distributions,and then the normal distribution.The parameters of probability distribution were calculated by the maximum likelihood estimate.At last,Monte-Carlo simulation and R-F method were used to compute the failure probabilities of three probability distribution models.The results show that the failure probability of Weibull distribution is the biggest one while that of lognormal distribution model is the smallest.
Effects of hypoxia on leukotriene activity and vasomotor tone in isolated sheep lungs.

To determine whether hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was associated with release of sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (SPLTs) from the lung, we measured SPLT activity by bioassay (guinea pig ileum) and radioimmunoassay in lymph, perfusate, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from sheep lungs (n = 20) isolated and perfused in situ with a constant flow of autologous blood (100 ml.kg-1.min-1) containing indomethacin (60 micrograms/ml). The protocol consisted of three periods, each at least 1 h in duration. In experimental lungs, inspired O2 concentration (FIO2) was 28.2% in periods 1 and 3 and 4.2% in period 2. In control lungs, FIO2 was 28.2% throughout. Hypoxia increased pulmonary arterial pressure but did not alter peak tracheal pressure, lung lymph flow, or weight gain measured during the last 30 min of each period. SPLT activity was greatest in lung lymph and least in BAL fluid. Hypoxia did not alter SPLT activity in any fluid. Similar results were obtained in lungs not treated with indomethacin (n = 15). These data do not support the hypothesis that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is mediated by SPLTs.
Complications and readmission after lumbar spine surgery in elderly patients: an analysis of 2,320 patients

Abstract Background Context There is a paucity of literature describing risk factors for adverse outcomes after geriatric lumbar spinal surgery. As the geriatric population increases, so does the number of lumbar spinal surgeries in this cohort. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine how safe lumbar surgery is in elderly patients. Does patient selection, type of surgery, length of surgery, and other comorbidities in the elderly patient affect complication and readmission rates after surgery? Study Design/Setting This is a retrospective cohort study. Patient Sample The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Database was used in the study. Outcome Measures The outcome data that were analyzed were minor and major complications, mortality, and readmissions in geriatric patients who underwent lumbar spinal surgery from 2005 to 2015. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the ACS NSQIP database. Patients over the age of 80 years who underwent lumbar spinal surgery from 2005 to 2013 were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems diagnosis codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Outcome data were classified as either a major complication, minor complication, readmission, or mortality. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine risks for developing adverse outcomes in the initial 30 postoperative days. Results A total of 2,320 patients over the age of 80 years who underwent lumbar spine surgery were identified. Overall, 379 (16.34%) patients experienced at least one complication or death. Seventy-five patients (3.23%) experienced a major complication. Three hundred thirty-eight patients (14.57%) experienced a minor complication. Eighty-six patients (6.39%) were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Ten deaths (0.43%) were recorded in the initial 30 postoperative days. Increased operative times were strongly associated with perioperative complications (operative time >180 minutes, odds ratio [OR]: 3.07 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.23–4.22]; operative time 120–180 minutes, OR: 1.77 [95% CI 1.27–2.47]). Instrumentation and fusion procedures were also associated with an increased risk of developing a complication (OR: 2.56 [95% CI 1.66–3.94]). Readmission was strongly associated with patients who were considered underweight (body mass index [BMI] Conclusions Elderly patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery have high complications and readmission rates. Risk factors for complications include longer operative time and more extensive procedures involving instrumentation and fusion. Higher readmission rates are associated with low baseline patient functional status and low patient BMI.
Inclusive victim consciousness predicts minority group members’ support for refugees and immigrants

What motivates minority group members to support other minorities, rather than compete for resources? We tested whether inclusive victim consciousness —i.e., perceived similarities between the ingroup's and outgroups’ collective victimization—predicts support for other minority groups; and whether personal and family experiences of group-based victimization moderate these effects. Study 1 was conducted among members of historically oppressed groups in India. As hypothesized, inclusive victim consciousness predicted support for refugees. Personal experiences of group-based victimization moderated this effect. Conceptually replicating these findings, in Study 2 (among Vietnamese Americans, mostly second-generation immigrants) inclusive victim consciousness predicted less hostility toward other refugees and immigrants, and greater perceived responsibility to help victims of collective violence. This effect was moderated by family experiences of victimization.
Effects of programmed teaching errors on acquisition and durability of self-care skills

This investigation sheds light on necessary and sufficient conditions to establish self-care behavior chains among people with developmental disabilities. First, a descriptive assessment (DA) identified the types of teaching errors that occurred during self-care instruction. Second, the relative effects of three teaching errors observed during the DA were evaluated across two behavior chains for three participants. Third, the effects of individual teaching errors were studied with a third behavior chain per participant. Teaching errors included prompting steps out of order, delivering the reinforcer at times other than immediately following correct completion of the training step, and failing to prompt completion of all steps within a teaching trial. All teaching errors included in the evaluation interfered with skill acquisition and disrupted performance of mastered skills. Results are discussed in terms of future research on the components of efficacious treatment packages for disseminating effective practices.
Reflections on Tere, testimonio, and teaching

It seemed undeniably fitting that I would have the privilege of hearing Dr. Carmen Tafolla speak and perform in San Antonio, amidst the sounds and symbols of Fiesta—coronas, flores, music, gatherin...
The effect of outer membrane proteins and lipopolysaccharide on the ability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to transfer plasmids by conjugation to Neisseria cinerea

Sarkosyl-insoluble outer membrane preparations from Neisseria cinerea strains that can and cannot serve as recipients in conjugation with Neisseria gonorrhoeae were examined by SDS-PAGE. No striking differences existed between outer membrane protein profiles from those strains that can serve as recipients and those that cannot. When whole outer membranes from N. cinerea strains which can act as recipients were added to conjugation mixtures, inhibition of conjugation was observed. Whole outer membranes from N. cinerea strains which cannot act as recipients did not specifically inhibit conjugation. Proteolytic cleavage of outer membranes by trypsin, pronase or α-chymotrypsin completely abolished the inhibitory action of the whole outer membranes from N. cinerea strains which can act as recipients, whereas periodate oxidation did not. These results suggest that N. cinerea strains that can conjugate with N. gonorrhoeae contain a specific component, possibly a protein, in the outer membrane that is not present in the strains unable to serve as recipients in conjugation.
Glucose and lipid metabolism, bone density, and body composition in individuals with Williams syndrome.

Williams syndrome (WS) is a micro-deletion disorder involving loss of a contiguous stretch of 26–28 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. It is characterized by vascular stenoses, a distinctive pattern of neurodevelopmental findings, and several endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and abnormal body composition. Previous work has shown that up to 75% of adults with WS have IGT or diabetes on oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), and also that bone mineral density is decreased in WS (1, 2). Moreover, clinical observations and preliminary data suggest increased overall body fat in adults with WS, as well as a relative increase in fat deposition in the lower extremities (2). Genes in the deleted region include candidate genes that might underlie these abnormalities, such as syntaxin 1A (STX-1A) and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP), both of which are known to affect glucose and lipid metabolism (3, 4), and LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and frizzled-9 (FZD9), both of which affect bone mass in animal models (5). Although there is evidence that adults with WS have metabolic perturbations and abnormal body composition, these parameters remain incompletely characterized. The purpose of this study was to more comprehensively investigate body composition, bone density, metabolic parameters, and interrelationships between these variables, in adults with WS. We demonstrate that individuals with WS, on average, have reduced lean mass, increased fat mass, decreased bone mineral density, and impaired glucose homeostasis. These findings have significant implications for clinical recommendations in this population.
Assessing the impacts of mobile technology on public transportation project inspection

Abstract Advancements in mobile technology capabilities and affordability allow many Departments of Transportation (DOT) the opportunity to use these technologies to improve the time-consuming nature of collecting, documenting, and distributing project inspection information. A mobile technology system for project inspection, called HeadLight, is piloted with the Washington, Minnesota, and Texas Departments of Transportation on 31 projects over a 3-month time span. Field measurements and interviews are used to quantify improvements offered by mobile technology over current practice. This empirical data is evaluated using standard software and process change evaluation metrics: time savings, data volume, data variety, data completeness, data timeliness, and data availability. Results indicate that project inspectors using the mobile technology system experienced productivity gains on the order of 25%, collected and shared twice as many observations, and improved the timeliness of daily reports and overall data availability. Additionally, the mobile technology solution is found to enable more complete and consistent data, improved accessibility throughout a project office and DOT. All these outcomes indicate mobile technology for project inspection allows the inspection workforce to work more efficiently. Further study into improved data quality and availability may identify more impacts within the construction inspection process and to a DOT's decision making processes.
Cultivating Aztlán: Chicano (Counter)Cultural Politics and the Postwar American University

This essay examines the Chicano Movement’s close, if albeit complicated, relationship to the postwar American university, exploring the latter’s impact on the formation of a widely influential “counterculture” among Chicana/o students, intellectuals, and artists. By the first half of the 1970s, a significant number of prominent Chicana/o writers and poets held an academic position, and universities became the locus for the production, distribution, and consumption of Chicana/o identity and culture via aesthetic texts. Rather than an obstacle, Chicano cultural nationalism actually supplied the lingua franca ultimately shared by the Movement and the university. Rather than an obstacle, el Movimiento’s emphasis on cultural identity and cultural traditions, on the recovery of an Indigenous humanist value-system and spirituality, and on the production and promotion of suppressed histories, knowledges, and cosmologies—what I term its countercultural ethos—supplied a means by which to operate within the institutional matrix of the university, but at the same time, maintain an oppositional stance toward its dominant forms. The university proved pivotal to the recasting of organic forms of Chicana/o radicalism as a countercultural politics invested in the notions of tradition, identity, and community so central to the historical and cultural mission of the university itself. At the end of the day, the postwar university represented one constellation of forces—a particularly important one—that helped to shape the issues, premises, subject matter, and approaches we encounter, formulate, and adopt in the writing and teaching of Chicana/o culture.
Generalizations and Extensions

Previous chapters have given the hows and whys of wavelets, and have discussed wavelet applications in statistics. The one-dimensional wavelet transform that has been the primary focus is only a small portion of all wavelet-based methods available. In this chapter, we give an overview of some of the important extensions of standard wavelet methods, and briefly consider their uses in statistics.
12. AN INNOVATIVE WELLNESS ROTATION DECREASES RATES OF RESIDENT BURNOUT

Background Burnout, depression, and risk of suicide are pressing issues in pediatric residency programs. Novel strategies to mitigate burnout and promote resiliency are needed. Objective To reduce rates of burnout in our program at Rush University Medical Center, we initiated a multi-faceted approach in July, 2017, including a Wellness/Study Rotation in the PL-2 year, widely acknowledged as the most taxing year of training. Ultimately, our aim is to promote a more resilient workforce, serving the well-being of both the residents and their patients. Design Methods A number of wellness activities were enhanced or initiated. A Wellness/Study rotation was created for PL-2s that includes: scheduling appointments with healthcare providers, covering for other residents who have important healthcare appointments, check-in with staff psychologist, defined Board review, self-care (exercise, meditation), scheduled meetings with academic and QI advisors, and jeopardy call. Before and after the creation of the rotation, we participated in the Pediatric Resident Burnout-Resilience Study Consortium (PRB-RSC) survey, which includes multiple scales of stress and resilience including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results In 2017 (pre-intervention), 55% of pediatric residents completed the PRB-RSC survey, compared to 90% in 2018. The percent of residents experiencing burnout, defined as scoring high on the emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization scale of the MBI, fell from 59% (2017 survey) to 39% (2018 survey) after the implementation of the Wellness/Study rotation. PL2 residents experienced the greatest improvement. Their rates of burnout fell from 80% to 30%. Conclusions The Rush Pediatrics Wellness Curriculum includes multiple interventions to prevent and mitigate burnout and promote resiliency. This innovative model, including the Wellness/Study rotation, appears to have decreased our rate of burnout. Future challenges include decreasing burnout rates among all residents, defining the most effective interventions, and creating a culture of wellness among both residents and faculty.
GeoYCSB: A Benchmark Framework for the Performance and Scalability Evaluation of NoSQL Databases for Geospatial Workloads

The proliferation of geospatial applications has tremendously increased the variety, velocity, and volume of spatial data that data stores have to manage. Traditional relational databases reveal limitations in handling such big geospatial data, mainly due to their rigid schema requirements and limited scalability. Numerous NoSQL databases have emerged and actively serve as alternative data stores for big spatial data. Benchmarks play a crucial role in evaluating NoSQL databases and provide decision-makers with trustworthy information to choose the most suitable data store for applications. In this study, we present a framework to evaluate the performance and scalability of geospatial NoSQL databases, called GeoYCSB. We extend YCSB, a de facto benchmark framework for NoSQL systems, by integrating new components to its design architecture and also by implementing geospatial workloads. We use GeoYCSB to evaluate two leading document stores, MongoDB and Couchbase, which support geospatial queries. GeoYCSB is extensible and can be used to evaluate any NoSQL databases for geospatial workloads, provided they support spatial queries.
Non-asymptotic Convergence Analysis of Two Time-scale (Natural) Actor-Critic Algorithms

As an important type of reinforcement learning algorithms, actor-critic (AC) and natural actor-critic (NAC) algorithms are often executed in two ways for finding optimal policies. In the first nested-loop design, actor's one update of policy is followed by an entire loop of critic's updates of the value function, and the finite-sample analysis of such AC and NAC algorithms have been recently well established. The second two time-scale design, in which actor and critic update simultaneously but with different learning rates, has much fewer tuning parameters than the nested-loop design and is hence substantially easier to implement. Although two time-scale AC and NAC have been shown to converge in the literature, the finite-sample convergence rate has not been established. In this paper, we provide the first such non-asymptotic convergence rate for two time-scale AC and NAC under Markovian sampling and with actor having general policy class approximation. We show that two time-scale AC requires the overall sample complexity at the order of $\mathcal{O}(\epsilon^{-2.5}\log^3(\epsilon^{-1}))$ to attain an $\epsilon$-accurate stationary point, and two time-scale NAC requires the overall sample complexity at the order of $\mathcal{O}(\epsilon^{-4}\log^2(\epsilon^{-1}))$ to attain an $\epsilon$-accurate global optimal point. We develop novel techniques for bounding the bias error of the actor due to dynamically changing Markovian sampling and for analyzing the convergence rate of the linear critic with dynamically changing base functions and transition kernel.
Path Dependency Versus Social Unionism in Healthcare: Bringing Employers Back In:

A central problem in contemporary employment relations is the fragmentation of work. This process is occurring in health systems as they decentralize services from hospitals to outpatient centers. ...
Metabolic Complications Occur More Frequently in Older Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition.

BACKGROUND The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Guidelines for Parenteral Nutrition in Geriatric Patients state metabolic complications are more frequent in elderly patients. However, literature provides limited information about metabolic complications in older patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Consequently, the purpose of this study was to compare the development of metabolic complications in older vs younger patients receiving PN. METHODS Patients receiving PN from May 1, 2014, to February 7, 2017, at Cooper University Hospital were included. Metabolic complications assessed included acid-base disturbances, hepatic complications, hypercapnia, hyperchloremia, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypochloremia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and refeeding syndrome. RESULTS 595 patients were included (older group [≥65 years]: n = 245, median age: 76 years; younger group [<65 years]: n = 350, median age: 53 years]. Certain characteristics were similar between groups (female, 51%; mean body mass index of 28; critically ill, 34%; central PN, 97%; median duration of PN, 7 days; mean energy provision PN, 25.4 kcal/kg/d; mean dextrose infusion rate, 2.31 mg/kg/min). Overall, metabolic complications developed in 58% of patients and occurred more frequently in older vs younger patients (65.7% vs 53.4%; P = .003). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated increased odds of metabolic complications in the older group (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.014-2.375). CONCLUSIONS Older hospitalized patients are more likely to develop a metabolic complication during their PN course than younger patients. This study heightens awareness that patients of advanced age are subject to metabolic complications; practitioners should anticipate and resolve complications in a timely manner.
How to Remove the Capping Agent from Pd Nanocubes without Destructing Their Surface Structure for the Maximization of Catalytic Activity

We report a robust method for effectively removing the chemisorbed Br- ions, a capping agent, from the surface of Pd nanocubes to maximize their catalytic activity. The Br- ions can be removed by simply heating the sample in water, but the desorption of Br- ions will expose the underneath Pd atoms to the O2 from air for the formation of a relatively thick oxide layer. During potential cycling, the oxide layer evolves into detrimental features such as steps and terraces. By introducing a trace amount of hydrazine into the system, the Br- ions can be removed by heating without forming a thick oxide layer. The as-cleaned nanocubes show greatly enhanced activity toward formic acid oxidation. This cleaning method can also remove Br- ions from Rh nanocubes and it is expected to work for other combinations of nanocrystals and capping agents.
On the Regularity of Optimal Dynamic Blocking Strategies

The paper studies a dynamic blocking problem, motivated by a model of optimal fire confinement. While the fire can expand with unit speed in all directions, barriers are constructed in real time. An optimal strategy is sought, minimizing the total value of the burned region, plus a construction cost. It is well known that optimal barriers exists. In general, they are a countable union of compact, connected, rectifiable sets. The main result of the present paper shows that optimal barriers are nowhere dense. The proof relies on new estimates on the reachable sets and on optimal trajectories for the fire, solving a minimum time problem in the presence of obstacles.
Comparison and uncertainty of multivariate modeling techniques to characterize used nuclear fuel

Abstract The ability to characterize used nuclear fuel (UNF) is important for nuclear nonproliferation safeguards, criticality safety, and fuel storage. Multiple efforts have been made to estimate the burnup (BU), initial enrichment (IE), and cooling time (CT) based on multivariate models of isotopic concentrations and radiation signatures of the fuel. This work provides a comparison of multivariate modeling techniques and extends previous work by quantifying the uncertainty of the best model to predict each characteristic. Model inputs used are simulated gamma and neutron emissions from UNF of varying BU, IE, and CT. Modeling techniques explored include Ordinary Least Squares Regression (OLS), Principal Component Regression (PCR), and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS). Multiple PCR and PLS models were built based on different variable selection methods, such as cross validation and Akaike Information Criteria. The OLS model predictions have a root mean square percent error (RMSPE) of less than 10%, but the models are very unstable. The PCR models exhibit a trade-off between accurate and stable predictions. The best performing PCR and PLS models have similar predictions errors, but the PLS models are favored due to their stability. The best model for each characteristic is a single output PLS model based on cross validation. The uncertainty of each of these models, based on their prediction variance and biases, is 0.220 GWd/MTU, 0.051% U-235, and 0.694 years for the BU, IE, and CT models, respectively. By building a 95% prediction interval based on the corresponding uncertainty of each characteristic, 1.97% of the BU predictions, 23.03% of the IE predictions, and 100% of the CT predictions lack 95% confidence that they are within the prescribed accuracy requirement for the characteristic.
An innovative approach to assess comprehensive care: Temple University's patient wellness report.

PURPOSE The transition from a paper-based to an all-electronic patient health record took a major step forward in 2018, with the implementation of an electronic health record that supports the School's patient-centered comprehensive care model and facilitates outcomes assessment. The Patient Wellness Report (PWR) summarizes findings of the patient assessment, and it does so automatically by locating data already entered in axiUm forms. This study aimed to describe the PWR implementation procedures and to examine outcomes and characteristics among patients with completed treatment plans during an 18-month period. METHODS Outcome data were extracted from axiUm for patients aged ≥16 years who completed comprehensive care treatment plans. Each PWR contained 14 metrics related to "dimensions" of wellness (quality of life, general health factors, oral hygiene, caries risk, and degree of periodontal inflammation and pocketing), each of which is rated on a 3-point scale based on best available scientific evidence. RESULTS A total of 2074 patients completed planned procedures between July 2018 and January 2020, and met the study eligibility criteria. Improvement of several conditions was observed between baseline and follow-up in caries lesions (21%), blood pressure (9%), and periodontal pocket (3.2%). A majority of patients rated in good condition at baseline had their scores unchanged at follow-up in the following areas: dental anxiety (92%), speaking (88%), smoking (87%), and alcohol consumption (79%). CONCLUSION Improvements in dental caries and blood pressure metrics were easily monitored using the PWR. In addition, disparities exist in improvement of patient outcomes by race/ethnicity.
Integrated Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution Framework for Evaluating High-Speed Passenger Rail Corridor Alternatives

This paper develops a multiple criteria and multimethod approach for evaluating the suitability of alternative right-of-way (ROW) corridors to accommodate high-speed intercity passenger rail (HSIPR) operations. An alignment decision for HSIPR involves consideration of multiple criteria and trade-offs. Policy makers often face uncertainty in evaluating and selecting alternative options and usually consider alternatives in a fuzzy environment in which subjectivity and vagueness are present. This paper develops an integrated evaluation model that uses the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods to address some of these issues. The study identifies potential sketch-planning performance metrics and demonstrates their usefulness and inclusion in the integrated fuzzy AHP–TOPSIS methodology in comparing alternative ROW corridor options. In contrast to detailed engineering evaluation, the developed sketch-planning metrics prov...
Preparation and Properties of ZrW_2O_8 Hollow Structures Coated with Colloidal Carbon Spheres

Colloidal carbon microspheres were prepared from aqueous glucose solutions by hydrothermal synthesis procedure, and then submicron core/shell structured precursors of carbon spheres/ZrW2O8 were prepared by sol-gel method with colloidal carbon microspheres as templates to provide reactive surfaces for facilitating the deposition of nano- sized ZrW2O8 particles. Finally, hollow spheres of ZrW2O8 can be produced by calcinating the precursors at 610℃ for 10 h to remove the colloidal carbon sphere templates. The final spheres ZrW2O8 with an average size about 3μm were proved to be composed of single phase nano-sized ZrW2O8 particles. Their density was measured to be 2.8 g/cm3, ca 45%lower than that of ZrW2O8. Along with the density, FTIR and TG-DTA results also indicate the existence of hollow structure of the spheres ZrW2O8, of which the thermal expansion coefficient was-11.4×10- 6K- 1in the temperature range from room temperature to 200℃, a little higher than the theoretical value.
Metabolites Associated with Coffee Consumption and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background and objectives Moderate coffee consumption has been associated with lower risk of CKD; however, the exact biologic mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. Metabolomic profiling may identify metabolic pathways that explain the association between coffee and CKD. The goal of this study was to identify serum metabolites associated with coffee consumption and examine the association between these coffee-associated metabolites and incident CKD. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Using multivariable linear regression, we identified coffee-associated metabolites among 372 serum metabolites available in two subsamples of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (ARIC; n=3811). Fixed effects meta-analysis was used to pool the results from the two ARIC study subsamples. Associations between coffee and metabolites were replicated in the Bogalusa Heart Study (n=1043). Metabolites with significant associations with coffee in both cohorts were then evaluated for their prospective associations with incident CKD in the ARIC study using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results In the ARIC study, mean (SD) age was 54 (6) years, 56% were daily coffee drinkers, and 32% drank >2 cups per day. In the Bogalusa Heart Study, mean (SD) age was 48 (5) years, 57% were daily coffee drinkers, and 38% drank >2 cups per day. In a meta-analysis of two subsamples of the ARIC study, 41 metabolites were associated with coffee consumption, of which 20 metabolites replicated in the Bogalusa Heart Study. Three of these 20 coffee-associated metabolites were associated with incident CKD in the ARIC study. Conclusions We detected 20 unique serum metabolites associated with coffee consumption in both the ARIC study and the Bogalusa Heart Study, and three of these 20 candidate biomarkers of coffee consumption were associated with incident CKD. One metabolite (glycochenodeoxycholate), a lipid involved in primary bile acid metabolism, may contribute to the favorable kidney health outcomes associated with coffee consumption. Two metabolites (O-methylcatechol sulfate and 3-methyl catechol sulfate), both of which are xenobiotics involved in benzoate metabolism, may represent potential harmful aspects of coffee on kidney health.
Drumroll Please: Modeling Multi-Scale Rhythmic Gestures with Flexible Grids

We present a new data representation for music modeling and generation called a Flexible Grid. This representation aims to balance flexibility with structure in order to encode all the musical events (notes or rhythmic onsets) in a dataset without quantizing or discarding any temporal information. In experiments with a dataset of MIDI drum performances, we find that when implemented in a Variational AutoEncoder (VAE) model, Flexible Grid representations can enable detailed generation of music performance data that includes multiple different gestures and articulations.
A Photovoltaic-Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Energy System: Preliminary Operational Results

We report preliminary operational results for a photovoltaic (PV) energy system which uses hydrogen as the storage medium and a fuel cell as the regeneration technology. The system installed at the Humboldt State University Telonicher Marine Laboratory consists of a 9.2 kW PV array coupled to a high pressure, bipolar, alkaline electrolyzer. The array powers the Laboratory’s air compressor system whenever possible; excess power is shunted to the electrolyzer for hydrogen and oxygen production. When the array cannot provide sufficient power, stored hydrogen and oxygen are furnished to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell which, smoothly and without interruption, supplies the load. We report measurements of PV module and subarray performance and electrolyzer current-voltage behavior and include an analysis of the match between these two components. We detail modifications made to the electrolyzer to accommodate 02 collection and describe the monitoring and control systems being developed and tested.
Induction of xenobiotic monooxygenases

The characteristics and induction P-450-type monooxygenases are reviewed. A discussion of the location, composition, functional characteristics, and substrate specificities of mammalian liver cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases is provided. This is followed by a description of the effects of inducing agents where particular emphasis is placed on biochemical correlates of induction. After a description of the nature of microbial monooxygenases, induction in these organisms is surveyed. Comparisons are developed for enzymes in fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. Mammalian and microbial hydroxylations of the model hydrocarbon, biphenyl, are reviewed. Results of biphenyl-hydroxylase experiments in mammalian systems are discussed and a rationale described for parallel experiments in microorganisms.
Genetic Information, Ethics, Family Issues

Introduction Family Virtues and Genetic Testing Loyalty Intimacy Security Family Styles Organic Families Social Families Virtual Families Keywords: genetics; ethics
Rate Complementary Energy Principles; Finite Strain Plasticity Problems; and Finite Elements

ABSTRACT Complementary energy theorems, for the rate problem of finite strain classical elasto-plasticity, in both Updated and Total Lagrangean rate forms with alternate stress-rates and conjugate measures of strain rate, are studied from the point of view of their application in finite element schemes. Two new complementary theorems, in Updated and Total Lagrangean forms respectively, are proposed. The relative merits of these in application to finite-strain elasto-plastic stress analysis, in the treatment of near-incompressibility at large plastic flow and in the treatment of buckling problems, are briefly discussed.
Night Sweats as a Prominent Symptom of a Patient Presenting with Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a common, potentially fatal disease. Making the correct diagnosis early can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. We report the first case of drenching night sweats as one of the presenting symptoms of submassive pulmonary embolism. One week after undergoing laparotomic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis, our patient started to experience drenching night sweats and pleuritic back pain. CT identified bilateral main stem pulmonary artery emboli, and treatment was initiated with subcutaneous enoxaparin injections. Imaging and laboratory workup failed to reveal any other explanation for the night sweats. Patient was discharged on rivaroxaban, and he reported complete resolution of symptoms upon the 3-month follow-up visit and 9-month follow-up call. Based on our case we propose night sweats to be a potential presenting symptom of pulmonary embolism. Our observation can help make an earlier diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
The three-arc and three-separated-arc properties of meromorphic functions

Let Γ be the unit circle and D be the open unit disk in the complex plane, and denote the Riemann sphere by Ω . Suppose that f(z) is a meromorphic function in D , and that ζ ∈ Γ .
Modulation of the free sphingosine levels in human neutrophils by phorbol esters and other factors.

Because free long-chain bases have been recently found to have potent pharmacological effects when added to neutrophils (Wilson, E., Olcott, M. C., Bell, R. M., Merrill, A. H., Jr., and Lambeth, J. D. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12616-12623) and other cell types, the levels in human neutrophils were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Sphingosine was the major free long-chain base in freshly isolated cells and ranged from 13 to 101 pmol/10(7) cells for different donors (mean +/- S.E. of 50 +/- 5, n = 17). Upon incubation at 37 degrees C, there was a time-dependent increase in free sphingosine (57 +/- 8% in 1 h, n = 17), but no change was seen at 4 or 25 degrees C. The sphingosine was apparently derived from more complex sphingolipids because little (less than 1%) could be accounted for by new synthesis from [14C]serine. Greater increases in free sphingosine were obtained when neutrophils were incubated with serum, plasma, or serum lipoproteins (about 2-fold higher than for cells incubated alone). In contrast, agonists such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, A23187, arachidonic acid, low concentrations (10 nM) of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and opsonized zymosan either decreased the amount of free sphingosine or blunted the time-dependent increase. This may be due to enhanced removal of free sphingosine because phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated cells exhibited an increased conversion of exogenously added [3H]sphinganine to ceramides. Endogenous sphingosine was approximately one-tenth the level found in neutrophils when exogenous long-chain bases were added to inhibit protein kinase C. Hence, depending on the subcellular localization of the endogenous versus exogenous long-chain bases, the amounts of free sphingosine in neutrophils might be sufficient to affect the function of these cells.
Students as Scientists: Using Interactive Technologies and Collaborative Inquiry in an Environmental Science Project for Teachers and Their Students

(2001). Students as Scientists: Using Interactive Technologies and Collaborative Inquiry in an Environmental Science Project for Teachers and Their Students. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 235-252.
Open‐Loop Oscillatory Control

The sections in this article are 1 Problems in Open-Loop Oscillatory Control 2 Stabilization by Oscillatory Controls: Methods and Solutions 3 Performance Improvements and Transient Behavior 4 Resonance Phenomena in Periodically Forced Systems 5 Acknowledgments 6 Appendix 1. Classical Averaging Theory 7 Appendix 2. Floquet Theory
Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs

Regulatory decision making and public health efforts are dependent on clinical research to define the ability of consumers to self-manage treatment regimens with over-the-counter drugs. Label compression studies evaluate the ability of consumers to understand the key communication messages of a prototype drug label. Self-selection studies assess the ability of consumers to use the label to determine whether use of the proposed drug is appropriate for them based on their individual health status. Actual use studies allow assessment of consumers' ability to decide whether to use a proposed over-the-counter drug, and they evaluate how consumers manage the treatment regimen. These clinical research methods pose unique challenges as they balance the need for rigorous assessments with efforts to facilitate unbiased participant decision making to understand how the drug would be used in the open marketplace without professional supervision. Keywords: over-the-counter drugs; label comprehension; consumer behavior; actual use trials; self-selection studies
Personal Identity in College and the Work Context: Developmental Trajectories and Psychosocial Functioning

Personal identity formation represents a core developmental challenge for adolescents and young adults. Because much of the identity literature focuses on college students, it is necessary to condu...
Hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis d osteopathy, osteopenia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism 32 years after jejunoileal bypass.

Objective: To detail, for the first time, the results of bone histomorphometry, micro-computed tomography, and the calcium-vitamin D-parathyroid hormone (PTH) axis in a unique patient 32 years afte...
Posttransplant thrombopoiesis predicts survival in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.

Abstract The frequency and clinical significance of secondary thrombocytopenia following initial engraftment in autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) is unknown. An institutional review board approved retrospective study of thrombopoiesis was performed in 359 patients transplanted with autologous blood (97%) or marrow (3%) who achieved platelet engraftment to >50,000/μL. Idiopathic secondary posttransplant thrombocytopenia (ISPT) was defined as >50% decline in blood platelets to 150,000/μL posttransplant, and the occurrence of ISPT. A prognostic score was developed based upon the occurrence of ISPT and posttransplant platelet counts of 150,000/μL received significantly fewer CD34+ cells/kg (P
Determination of cocaine in "Mate de Coca" herbal tea.

Abstract It came to our attention that an herbal tea , sold under the name of Health Inca Tea or “ Mate de Coca ”, has been available commercially in this country since 1983 . This tea is produced and packed in Peru from the leaves of Erythroxylum novogranatense var . truxillense 1 by “ ENACO ” ( National Enterprise of Coca ). The sellers claim that the product has been decocainized in the factory , which is not the case . 1 The selling of this product is illegal under the provisions of the Control Measures of the 1961 Single Convention of the United Nations because it contains cocaine and , therefore , carries a potential for abuse . In 1986 , Elsohly et al. 2 found cocaine metabolites in the urine of an individual after consumption of only one cup of Health Inca Tea . The same year , Siegel et al. 3 reported the availability of Health Inca Tea and “ Mate de Coca ” in the United States and reported cases of abuse .