cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical Exercise and Reduced Risk of Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction

While the inverse association between physical activity and coronary heart disease risk is well documented, questions remain regarding the intensity of exercise, the potential for confounding by other risk factors for coronary heart disease, and the role of blood lipids and apolipoproteins. The authors examined these issues in the Boston Area Health Study, a case-control study of 340 patients (266 men, 74 women) who survived a first myocardial infarction between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1983, and 340 controls matched on sex, age, and residence. The relative risk of myocardial infarction for those in the highest quartile of physical activity, compared with the lowest, was 0.50 (95 percent confidence interval (Cl) 0.31-0.80) for men and 1.00 (95 percent Cl 0.41-2.43) for women. When subjects were categorized by level of energy expenditure on moderate to vigorous sports alone, men in the most active category had 0.39 (95 percent Cl 0.23-0.69) times the risk of those in the least active category, and women, 0.43 (95 percent Cl 0.15-1.26) times the risk. Adjustment for body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, diet, personal and family medical history, and personality type did not substantially change results nor did further adjustment for blood lipids. This was not surprising as total energy expenditure was uncorrelated with blood lipids or apolipoproteins. Moderate to vigorous sporting activity, however, appeared to be directly related to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = 0.06), especially the HDL 2 subfraction (p = 0.10). In these data, findings suggest that physical activity is inversely related to myocardial infarction risk, independently of other risk factors for coronary heart disease.
'Neurogame Therapy' for Improvement of Movement Coordination after Brain Injury: Developing a Wireless Biosignal Game Therapy System

Emerging technology holds tremendous promise for improving recovery following brain injury. Here we describe a home-based rehabilitation system for improving volitional control of hand movement. People with cerebral palsy and those recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury often have difficulty producing coordinated movements of the hand and arm on one side of the body. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded over affected muscles is used to provide enhanced visual feedback via a computer game interface. Several weeks of practice using this system has resulted in improved muscle coordination. Preliminary results are shown from the next generation of this system, which will employ ultra-low power wireless sensors to transmit muscle activity to a home computer.
Development and characterization of antibody reagents for detecting nanoparticles

The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) in technological applications and in commercial products has escalated environmental health and safety concerns. The detection of NPs in the environment and in biological systems is challenged by limitations associated with commonly used analytical techniques. In this paper we report on the development and characterization of NP binding antibodies, termed NProbes. Phage display methodology was used to discover antibodies that bind NPs dispersed in solution. We present a proof-of-concept for the generation of NProbes and their use for detecting quantum dots and titanium dioxide NPs in vitro and in an ex vivo human skin model. Continued development and refinement of NProbes to detect NPs that vary in composition, shape, size, and surface coating will comprise a powerful tool kit that can be used to advance nanotechnology research particularly in the nanotoxicology and nanotherapeutics fields.
Agility and Maneuver-Driven Competition

Martin van Creveld in Command in War (1985) points out that, to cope with the “fog” and “friction” inherent in warfare, ideally a military genius would be in charge of every individual subformation at every critical point during a battle or campaign.
Polite Hauntings: Same-Sex Eroticism in Sophie Albrecht's Das höfliche Gespenst

This article analyzes Sophie Albrecht’s Das hofliche Gespenst (1797) as a text that employs Gothic motifs to explore queer identity and female same-sex eroticism. The article first identifies the queer nature of the female protagonists and their relationship. It then examines how queer desire is thematized through communicative difficulties, including the excessively polite language referenced in the title. It concludes by exploring the role of the embedded narrative in vilifying queer desire from the perspective of heteronormative society. In doing so, this Gothic text allows moments of female same-sex desire but ultimately reinstates a patriarchal viewpoint that silences queer possibilities.
Crossing the Border? Exploring the Cross-State Mobility of the Teacher Workforce

Due to data limitations, very little is known about patterns of cross-state teacher mobility. It is an important issue because barriers to cross-state mobility create labor market frictions that could lead both current and prospective teachers to opt out of the teaching profession. In this article, we match state-level administrative data sets from Oregon and Washington and present evidence on patterns of in-service teacher mobility between these two states. We find levels of cross-state mobility that are drastically lower than levels of within-state mobility, even when accounting for proximity to the border. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that there are significant penalties to cross-state mobility that may be attributable to state-specific licensure regulations, seniority rules, and pension structures.
The processing of knowledge of results information for a serial-motor task

This study was designed to consider the effect of the length of and the type of activity during the post-KR interval on the acquisition of a serial positioning task. Male subjects (n=105) were assigned to one of seven experimental conditions. Six of these conditions were defined by the combination of three levels of interpolated activity (none, verbal, and tracking) and two levels of post-KR interval length (12 and 60 sec). The seventh condition controlled for interresponse-interval length. Subjects were required to learn three positions, in serial order, on a manual lever across 20 trials. Neither varying the length of the post-KR interval nor introducing interfering activity during that interval affected the rate of acquisition of the task. The potential application of the paralearning hypothesis (Harcum, 1975) is discussed.
The effects of filler fiber and flame retardant on ablative performance of EPDM insulation

The effects of filler fiber and flame retardant on ablative performance of EPDM insulation are studied.The results show that the filler aramid fiber and phosphoruscontaining flame retardant can improve the ablative performance of EPDM insulation effectively and the optimum contents of filler aramid fiber and phosphoruscontaining flame retardant are 5～8 and 15～25 parts respectively.
Outpatient vaginal hysterectomy: a pilot study.

To determine the feasibility and safety of outpatient vaginal hysterectomy, we conducted a prospective study of 35 patients. Inclusion criteria required that the patient: 1) had no medical problems requiring hospitalization, 2) had a working telephone and a support person during the first 48 postoperative hours, 3) signed an informed consent document and understood the postoperative instructions, 4) required no concomitant surgical procedure such as anterior or posterior colporrhaphy, 5) required no additional antibiotic therapy for valvular heart disease, and 6) sustained no intraoperative injury requiring hospital monitoring. A physician contacted the patient by telephone on the evening of surgery and on postoperative days 1 and 2, and a nurse saw each patient in her home on postoperative days 1 and 2. Total hospital stay from admission to discharge from the ambulatory surgery unit was 9.4 +/- 0.81 hours (range 7.8-10.6). The mean preoperative hematocrit was 37.0 +/- 3.5% (range 29.3-43.5), with a mean discharge hematocrit of 32.5 +/- 4.2% (range 27-39). Follow-up hematocrit measurements at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week were unchanged (P greater than .05) from that at hospital discharge. Two patients required hospital readmission, one on postoperative day 7 for a vaginal cuff abscess and another on postoperative day 3 for a spinal headache. On a 13-item questionnaire, most subjects rated the entire outpatient experience positively. These data suggest that outpatient vaginal hysterectomy can be a safe procedure and is well-accepted by selected patients. Based on these preliminary findings, an expanded clinical trial is warranted.
Maize and Markets

The destructive nineteenth century stands singularly and remarkably within the millennium-old human history of agriculture in the Eastern Cape. Tens of thousands of people died. Conflict and conquest in the early colonial age produced a massive subsistence crisis that, in many areas, resulted in starvation and social crisis. A vast number of people found themselves displaced by war and then subjected to new colonial policies that dictated where they were to live; their new rulers also demanded taxes paid in cash. Violence had important implications not only for mortality rates– the destruction of bodies in war– but also affected how diseases spread, the size and composition of households, where people settled, how they moved, and, as we shall see, what kinds of crops they planted and how they interacted with the emerging market economy. War made history. Violence, I suggest, became a motor of long-term structural change. Scholars interested in rural change in southern Africa, however, have not explored the economic implications of colonial violence; more generally, violence has been a topic historians have dared not explore in much detail. Bundy discussed the 1877–1878 war, offering details of the impact of the conflict on peasant communities. He was aware of the possibly transformative impact of war, in fact more so than many later writers on the African “peasantry.” However, because the work was based primarily on published primary sources, it was not easy to gather data closer to the level of the household, the central analytic category behind peasant studies. This meant it was difficult to reconstruct detailed local histories of agrarian change.
United States rural policy: Increasing opportunities and improving the quality of life of rural communities

United States rural policy seeks to mobilise the assets of rural areas for national prosperity and offer opportunities for greater quality of life across all rural communities. This chapter considers the diversity of rural places and how rural policy and other place-based approaches and bodies, such as the White House Rural Council, can contribute to their vitality. It further describes how several programmes and plans are being implemented to fulfil these goals, including: Promise Zones; StrikeForce Initiative; Partnership for Sustainable Communities; Local Food, Local Places; Community Economic Development approaches; Strategic Economic and Community Development; Investing Manufacturing Communities Partnerships, and rural elements of the Climate Action Plan.
Plasma Exosomes As Markers of Residual Disease in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Exosomes are virus-size (30–100 nm in diameter) membrane-bound microvesicles that are formed within the endocytic compartments and via fusion of multivesicles bodies are released into extracellular space. The exosomal cargo includes proteins/glycoproteins expressed on the cell membrane as well as molecules and soluble factors present in the cytosol of parental cells. While exosome secretion occurs under physiologic conditions, and all cells are capable of their release, tumor cells are avid exosome producers. Patients newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prior to any therapy have higher levels of exosomes compared to normal controls (NC). We hypothesize that the molecular content of isolated exosomes, which are thought to mimic that of leukemic blasts, could be informative about the presence in the bone marrow of leukemic blasts that might avoid detection by conventional hematopathological assays. Methods: Samples of venous blood (20-50 mL) were obtained from patients newly diagnosed with AML prior to any treatment (n=13), after completion of initial induction chemotherapy in patients who achieved complete remission (n=8), during consolidation therapy and age-matched healthy volunteers. Exosome fractions were isolated from plasma by exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G50 columns followed by ultracentrifugation. Exosome protein content was determined and expressed in µg protein/mL plasma. Isolated exosomes were characterized by western blots for expression of classical exosomal markers and for expression of novel myeloid cell surface markers associated with AML, interleukin-3 receptor a chain (CD123) and C-type lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL-1). Results: The exosome fractions isolated from AML patients’ plasma at diagnosis had a considerably greater mean protein content (81.5 ± 10.8 μg protein/mL plasma) than did exosome fractions isolated from the plasma of NC (13.1 ± 2.4 μg protein/mL plasma) with p Conclusions: Exosomes in AML patients have a unique and distinctive molecular profile. The exosomal profile suggest the presence of residual disease in patients considered to have achieved complete remission by conventional hematopathologic assays. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Cysticercosis of tongue — A case report

Tongue is a rare site for cysticercosis cellulosae. Very few cases of solitary cysticercosis of tongue have been reported. We are reporting one such case. Also a review of reported cases in literature, etoipathogenesis, clinical course and management is being described.
The Jewish Secular Experience

In this volume, Joskowicz and Katz have gathered 14 essays addressing the Jewish experience with secularism. Everyone included in the volume participated in the 2009–2010 seminar on secularism at t...
Flightin maintains myofilament lattice organization required for optimal flight power and courtship song quality in Drosophila.

The indirect flight muscles (IFMs) of Drosophila and other insects with asynchronous flight muscles are characterized by a crystalline myofilament lattice structure. The high-order lattice regulari...
The impact of cell regeneration on the dynamics of viral coinfection

Many mathematical models of respiratory viral infections do not include regeneration of cells within the respiratory tract, arguing that the infection is resolved before there is significant cellular regeneration. However, recent studies have found that ∼40% of patients hospitalized with influenza-like illness are infected with at least two different viruses, which could potentially lead to longer-lasting infections. In these longer infections, cell regeneration might affect the infection dynamics, in particular, allowing for the possibility of chronic coinfections. Several mathematical models have been used to describe cell regeneration in infection models, though the effect of model choice on the predicted time course of viral coinfections is not clear. We investigate four mathematical models incorporating different mechanisms of cell regeneration during respiratory viral coinfection to determine the effect of cell regeneration on infection dynamics. We perform linear stability analysis for each of the models and find the steady states analytically. The analysis suggests that chronic illness is possible but only with one viral species; chronic coexistence of two different viral species is not possible with the regeneration models considered here.
Can Collateral Behavior Account for Transitions in the Stimulus Control of Speech

The task of extending Skinner’s (1957) interpretation of verbal behavior includes accounting for the moment-to-moment changes in stimulus control as one speaks. A consideration of the behavior of the reader reminds us of the continuous evocative effect of verbal stimuli on readers, listeners, and speakers. Collateral discriminative responses to verbal stimuli, beyond mere echoic or textual behavior, are potential sources of control and must be included in any complete account of both verbal and nonverbal behavior.
Systemic Therapies for Scarring and Non-scarring Alopecia

Primary scarring (cicatricial) and non-scarring alopecias comprise a diverse group of diseases that range from very common to very rare. However, they are all challenging to treat. Goals of treatment are generally aimed at relieving symptoms, if present, and reducing clinical signs of disease activity, such as scale, erythema, or pustules. In many cases, regrowth of hair cannot be expected. However, in alopecia areata, the goal is to regrow hair and sustain it. Some forms of alopecia have spontaneous remission, making it difficult to determine whether or not a particular treatment will be consistently effective for different patients. Treatments that will be discussed in this chapter are oral antibiotics for scarring alopecias, immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for scarring alopecias and alopecia areata, and antiandrogenic treatments for androgenetic alopecia. Evidence for their use, where available, and dosing regimens will be discussed.
Toward a spatial understanding of active transportation potential among a university population

ABSTRACTUniversities and surrounding communities stand to benefit when active travel mode choices are elevated. Despite this, there is little research on travel mode choice at commuter universities...
Turnover of muscle lipids and response to exercise differ between neutral and polar fractions in a model songbird, the zebra finch.

ABSTRACT The turnover rates of tissues and their constituent molecules give us insights into animals9 physiological demands and their functional flexibility over time. Thus far, most studies of this kind have focused on protein turnover, and few have considered lipid turnover despite an increasing appreciation of the functional diversity of this class of molecules. We measured the turnover rates of neutral and polar lipids from the pectoralis muscles of a model songbird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata, N=65), in a 256 day C3/C4 diet shift experiment, with tissue samples taken at 10 time points. We also manipulated the physiological state of a subset of these birds with a 10 week flight training regimen to test the effect of exercise on lipid turnover. We measured lipid δ13C values via isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and estimated turnover in different fractions and treatment groups with non-linear mixed-effect regression. We found a significant difference between the mean retention times (τ) of neutral and polar lipids (t119=−2.22, P=0.028), with polar lipids (τ=11.80±1.28 days) having shorter retention times than neutral lipids (τ=19.47±3.22 days). When all birds were considered, we also found a significant decrease in the mean retention time of polar lipids in exercised birds relative to control birds (difference=−2.2±1.83 days, t56=−2.37, P=0.021), but not neutral lipids (difference=4.2± 7.41 days, t56=0.57, P=0.57). A larger, more variable neutral lipid pool and the exposure of polar lipids in mitochondrial membranes to oxidative damage and increased turnover provide mechanisms consistent with our results.
A multiscale experimental approach for correlating global and local deformation response in woven composites

Abstract A multiscale experimental approach is introduced that facilitates correlating globally applied stress to the local material response at yarn scale. Using a high-resolution optical digital image correlation , low and high strain zones in off-axis woven composite samples loaded in uniaxial tension are identified and the corresponding full-field strains are quantified. The local strain response quantified over low and high strain domains are used along with the continuum scale deformation to establish a correlation between global and local deformation behavior as a function of fiber orientation. In addition, global stress-local strain curves are extracted for low and high strain domains at different fiber orientation angles. A simple plasticity model in conjunction with the obtained stress-strain curves is implemented and utilized to develop a phenomenological model that enables correlating global stress with the locally developed strain at different locations in a composite specimen subjected to off-axis tensile load .
Outcomes in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis With Preserved Ejection Fraction Undergoing Rest and Treadmill Stress Echocardiography.

Background In asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, we sought to assess the incremental prognostic value of resting valvuloarterial impedence (Zva) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) to treadmill stress echocardiography. Methods and Results We studied 504 such patients (66±12 years, 78% men, 32% with coronary artery disease who underwent treadmill stress echocardiography between 2001 and 2012. Clinical and exercise variables (% of age‐sex predicted metabolic equivalents [%AGP‐METs]) were recorded. Resting Zva ([systolic arterial pressure+mean aortic valve gradient]/[LV‐stroke volume index]) and LV‐GLS (measured offline using Velocity Vector Imaging, Siemens) were obtained from the baseline resting echocardiogram. Death was the primary outcome. There were no major adverse cardiac events during treadmill stress echocardiography. Indexed aortic valve area, Zva, and LV‐GLS were 0.46±0.1 cm 2 /m 2 , 4.5±0.9 mm Hg/mL per m 2 and −16±4%, respectively; only 50% achieved >100% AGP‐METs. Sixty‐four percent underwent aortic valve replacement. Death occurred in 164 (33%) patients over 8.9±3.6 years (2 within 30 days of aortic valve replacement). On multivariable Cox survival analysis, higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (hazard ratio or HR 1.06), lower % AGP‐METS (HR 1.16), higher Zva (HR 1.25) and lower LV‐GLS (HR 1.12) were associated with higher longer‐term mortality, while aortic valve replacement (HR 0.45) was associated with improved survival (all P P Conclusions In asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing treadmill stress echocardiography, LV‐GLS and ZVa offer incremental prognostic value.
Characterization of Rod Function Phenotypes Across a Range of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Severities and Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits.

Purpose To examine spatial changes in rod-mediated function in relationship to local structural changes across the central retina in eyes with a spectrum of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease severity. Methods Participants were categorized into five AMD severity groups based on fundus features. Scotopic thresholds were measured at 14 loci spanning ±18° along the vertical meridian from one eye of each of 42 participants (mean = 71.7 ± 9.9 years). Following a 30% bleach, dark adaptation was measured at eight loci (±12°). Rod intercept time (RIT) was defined from the time to detect a -3.1 log cd/m2 stimulus. RITslope was defined from the linear fit of RIT with decreasing retinal eccentricity. The presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD), ellipsoid (EZ) band disruption, and drusen at the test loci was evaluated using optical coherence tomography. Results Scotopic thresholds indicated greater rod function loss in the macula, which correlated with increasing AMD group severity. RITslope, which captures the spatial change in the rate of dark adaptation, increased with AMD severity (P < 0.0001). Three rod function phenotypes emerged: RF1, normal rod function; RF2, normal scotopic thresholds but slowed dark adaptation; and RF3, elevated scotopic thresholds with slowed dark adaptation. Dark adaptation was slowed at all loci with SDD or EZ band disruption, and at 32% of loci with no local structural changes. Conclusions Three rod function phenotypes were defined from combined measurement of scotopic threshold and dark adaptation. Spatial changes in dark adaptation across the macula were captured with RITslope, which may be a useful outcome measure for functional studies of AMD.
Therapeutic options for a rising PSA after radical prostatectomy

Introduction Radical prostatectomy is an effective primary treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. While many patients are cured of their disease after surgery, there are still a significant proportion of men who will develop a biochemical recurrence (BCR). In this review, we detail existing treatment algorithms for this group of patients as well as future therapies that show great promise. Materials and methods A review of the literature was performed, and relevant, high-impact articles were identified and reviewed focusing on the treatment of men with BCR after surgery for prostate cancer. Wherever possible, we used data from randomized, controlled trials. When lacking, multi-institutional retrospective studies were utilized. Results In a man with BCR, it is important to differentiate between local and distant failure to help guide treatment decision-making. In many of these men, adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy can improve local control, and in the case of salvage radiotherapy, it can improve overall survival (OS). Moreover, there are several systemic therapies available to men with gross metastases and/or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that have demonstrated a significant survival advantage as well as symptom control. Conclusions In the setting of BCR, many treatment options exist. Each modality has an effective role in the management of men with locally recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, there are currently a number of effective therapies for men who progress to metastatic CRPC. In this review, we present current data detailing the role/efficacy of each therapy for a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after definitive surgical therapy.
Financial Management in Academic Libraries: Data-Driven Planning and Budgeting

Academic libraries continuously generate and collect copious amounts of data, including purchased books, journal subscriptions, interlibrary loan requests, web page views, and so forth. More than e...
Estimating the benefits of public plant breeding: beyond profits

In this study, we estimate increases in producer revenue, total exports, and welfare effects from the genetic gains of the rice breeding program at the University of Arkansas System (UofA) Division of Agriculture from 1983 to 2016. Rice producers are paid based on both the quantity and quality of rice. Therefore, we implement a cluster‐specific fixed‐effects model based on location and year to identify the contributions of the UofA breeding program for both paddy yields (quantity) and head rice yields (quality attribute) over time. Additionally, the estimated increased yield was imputed into the RiceFlow trade model to estimate price and export effects. Including spillover benefits from UofA varieties, we find that on average U.S. rice producers gain 30.9 million USD annually. The expansion of U.S. long grain rice exports facilitated by the UofA is estimated to be 53,000 milled metric tons annually, which is enough to lower rice prices by over 1% in low‐income countries such as Haiti, Panama, and Nicaragua. Overall, the public breeding program at the UofA contributes to (1) positive genetic gains, (2) additional revenue in the Mid‐South, and (3) increased trade between the U.S. and rice‐consuming countries.
Prevalence and Factors Influencing Use of Internet and Electronic Health Resources by Middle-Aged and Older Adults in a US Health Plan Population: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Background: Health care organizations are increasingly using electronic health (eHealth) platforms to provide and exchange health information and advice (HIA). There is limited information about how factors beyond internet access affect use of eHealth resources by middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional survey data for 10,920 Northern California health plan members aged 45 to 85 years who responded to a mailed and Web-based health survey (2014-2015). We used bivariate and multivariable analyses with weighted data to estimate prevalence of and identify factors associated with internet use and self-reported past year use of the health plan’s patient portal and Web-based HIA resources by middle-aged adults (aged 45 to 65 years; n=5520), younger seniors (aged 65 to 75 years; n=3014), and older seniors (aged 76 to 85 years; n=2389). Results: Although approximately 96% of middle-aged adults, 92% of younger seniors, and 76% of older seniors use the internet to obtain information, about 4%, 9%, and 16%, respectively, require someone’s help to do so. The percentages who used the patient portal and Web-based HIA resources were similar for middle-aged adults and younger seniors but lower among older seniors (59.6%, 61.4%, and 45.0% and 47.9%, 48.4%, and 37.5%, respectively). Disparities in use of the internet, patient portal, and Web-based HIA across levels of education and between low and higher income were observed in all age groups, with wider disparities between low and high levels of education and income among seniors. Multivariable analyses showed that for all 3 age groups, educational attainment, ability to use the internet without help, and having 1 or more chronic condition were significant predictors of patient portal and Web-based HIA use after controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, and internet use. Conclusions: Internet use, and especially use without help, significantly declines with age, even within a middle-aged group. Educational attainment is significantly associated with internet use, ability to use the internet without help, and use of patient portal and Web-based HIA resources by middle-aged and older adults. Even among middle-aged and older adult internet users, higher educational attainment and ability to use the internet without help are positively associated with patient portal and Web-based HIA use. Organizations serving middle-aged and older adults should take into account target population characteristics when developing and evaluating uptake of eHealth resources and should consider offering instruction and support services to boost patient engagement.
Danger signals in oral cavity-related diseases.

The oral cavity is a unique environment containing teeth juxtaposed with soft tissues, all of which are constantly bathed in microbial products and host-derived factors. While microbial dysbiosis in the oral cavity clearly leads to oral inflammatory disease, recent advances find that endogenous danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from oral and salivary tissue also contribute to the progression of inflammatory and autoimmune disease, respectively. In contrast, DAMPs produced during oral fungal infection actually promote the resolution of infection. Here, we present a review of the literature suggesting a role for signaling by DAMPs, which may intersect with pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) signaling, in diseases that manifest in the oral cavity, specifically periodontal disease, oropharyngeal candidiasis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
Abstract A05: Genetic factors associated with racial disparities of liver cancer

Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Racial disparities in HCC have been well-known among several racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. The incidence rates (per 100,000/year) for non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanics (HISP), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) are 7.0, 15.7, 11.8, and 18.6, respectively. The 5-year survival rates (%) for the four population groups are 18.2, 15.1, 19.2, and 24.4, respectively. NHWs have the lowest incidence rates, while APIs have the highest 5-year survival rate among the four racial and ethnic groups. Previous studies have indicated that socioeconomic status, in general, is associated with HCC health disparity; however, they alone cannot fully explain the disparity between different racial and ethnic groups. Few studies have investigated the biologic factors that may be associated with the health disparity in HCC. Using RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we have performed a comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes and pathways between Caucasian and Asian American liver cancer patients and identified hundreds of differentially expressed genes. We also identified a handful of genes that are differentially mutated between Caucasian American and Asian American HCC patients using the somatic mutation data from TCGA. We will discuss in details the differentially expressed genes and pathways, and their implications for the HCC health disparity. As far as we know, our study represents the largest-scale study on the biologic factors for HCC health disparity between Caucasian and Asian American liver cancer patients. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Zihan Cui, Zhe Wang, Tingting Zhao, Qingxiang Amy Sang, Jinfeng Zhang. Genetic factors associated with racial disparities of liver cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A05.
Rural–Urban and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Invasive Cervical Cancer Incidence in the United States, 2010–2014

Introduction Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in cervical cancer screening, incidence, and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate how cervical cancer stage at diagnosis is associated with rurality and race/ethnicity. Methods We analyzed 2010 through 2014 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. We compared cervical cancer frequency and age-adjusted incidence for each stage by county-level rurality and race/ethnicity. Results There were 59,432 incident cases of cervical cancer reported from 2010 through 2014. The most common stage at diagnosis was localized (urban, 43.3%; rural 41.3%). Rural counties had higher incidence than urban counties for localized (rate ratio [RR] = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.15), regional (RR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.10-1.19), and distant (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19) stage cervical cancer. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women had higher incidence of regional and distant cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women. Non-Hispanic white women in rural counties had higher incidence than those in urban counties at every stage. However, incidence for non-Hispanic white women was lower than for non-Hispanic black or Hispanic women. Conclusion Rural counties had higher incidence of cervical cancer than urban counties at every stage. However, the association of rural residence with incidence varied by race/ethnicity.
The Dodd–Frank Act’s non-uniform regulatory impact on the banking industry

The Dodd–Frank was signed into law in 2010 in response to the financial crisis of 2008 and the ensuing Great Recession. The changes brought about by the Dodd–Frank Act impact, directly and indirectly, all institutions operating in the banking industry. In this paper, we study the relative impact of increased compliance costs across banks of different sizes. Analyzing a dataset comprising the entire population of commercial banks and thrifts from 2003 to 2016, the empirical findings suggest that the Act’s cost of compliance has fallen more heavily on small institutions relative to their large competitors, thus producing an intra-industry redistribution of wealth.
Challenges and opportunities in software-driven medical devices

The safety and security of medical devices driven by software, the software-development processes, and the need for data collection and privacy, all offer challenges and opportunities for device regulation and clinical care.
Using a 3D Porous Flow-Through Electrode Geometry for High-Rate Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO in Ionic Liquid

Three-dimensional porous flow-through electrodes promise the realization of higher current densities in the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) by overcoming mass-transport li...
Introduction to Piezoelectric Actuators: Research Misconceptions and Rectifications - Part II

Piezoelectric actuator developments require interdisciplinary knowledge on materials physics, electrical designing and mechanical engineering. Because of the limited knowledge of newly-involved researchers, they occasionally publish misleading information, some sort of misconceptions, reflected in the delay of innovative developments of the next generation. This paper is Part II of a series of my tutorial course, and reviews the popular 10 among the researchers’ misconceptions primarily related with the misunderstanding of ‘voltage and electric field’, ‘ionic displacement and strain’, ‘thin film fabrication’, ‘energy transmission coefficient’, ‘thin film device designing’, ‘piezoelectric vibration damping’, ‘mechanical impedance matching’, ‘piezoelectric energy harvesting”, ‘resonance & anti-resonance’, ‘best-selling devices’, and provides rectifications, aiming at their future progress.
Biochar influences nitrogen availability in Andisols of north Idaho forests

Biochar application in forest soils can influence tree growth and forest productivity through mediating plant-available nitrogen (N) pools. However, how soil N availability and related transformations respond to biochar addition in cold–temperate forest ecosystems is not well understood. Our study assessed the effect of a hardwood forest residue biochar on soils taken from an elevational gradient within a cold–temperate, north Idaho forest. Forest soils were incubated at 0%, 10% and 20% biochar amendments in a greenhouse for 120 days. We measured soil small organic N (amino compound) and inorganic N (ammonium and nitrate) pools, enzyme activities, small organic N turnover, N mineralization and nitrification rates. Biochar decreased small organic N and inorganic N concentrations in most elevations. Enzyme analysis shows biochar increased the activity of aminopeptidase, but decreased the activity of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase. Biochar did not influence small organic N turnover and N mineralization rates, but decreased nitrification rate. In conclusion, hardwood forest residue biochar application in cold–temperate forests has important impact on short-term soil N cycling.
Emotional distress, stress, and cardiovascular health in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

10547Background: The contribution of emotional distress and stress to cardiac health in adult survivors of childhood cancer has not been reported, despite evidence of causal associations in the gen...
The Road to Vaping: E-cigarette Susceptibility and Curiosity Among U.S. Adolescents Susceptible and Nonsusceptible to Cigarette Smoking:

Background. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most commonly used tobacco product among adolescents. We aimed to identify factors associated with e-cigarette susceptibility and curiosity ...
Investigation of long term drift of an intraocular pressure sensor

“Zero drift” behavior of an optical intraocular pressure sensor is studied using an analytical model based on the deflection of a circular membrane. Results from the analytical model were verified with experimental results from “bulge” testing. The analytical model was used to study the zero drift of the sensor as a function of changes in membrane thickness, geometry of the sensor and amount of gas inside the cavity of the sensor. The results show that dissolution of the membrane, swelling of the spacer layer and oxidative aging can contribute significantly to zero drift of the sensor over time. The results are useful in guiding design and fabrication optimization to minimize drift in intraocular pressure sensors used for long term implantation.
Empirical Analysis of the Yield Curve: The Information in the Data Viewed through the Window of Cox, Ingersoll, and Ross

This paper uses recent advances in Bayesian estimation methods to exploit fully and efficiently the time-series and cross-sectional empirical restrictions of the Cox, Ingersoll, and Ross model of the term structure. We examine the extent to which the cross-sectional data (five different instruments) provide information about the model. We find that the time-series restrictions of the two-factor model are generally consistent with the data. However, the model's cross-sectional restrictions are not. We show that adding a third factor produces a significant statistical improvement, but causes the average time-series fit to the yields themselves to deteriorate.
Adaptive Behavior and Functional Life Skills Across the Lifespan: Conceptual and Measurement Issues

Adaptive behavior is an important construct that is involved in the diagnosis and determination of the severity of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders. Adaptive behavior is also associated with greater independence and overall quality of life. Adaptive behavior is defined as the skills that are learned and performed to meet the everyday demands of one’s community or society. The number and complexity of adaptive behaviors needed to meet these demands increase with chronological age. Higher levels of adaptive behavior are associated with more positive life outcomes and improved quality of life. This chapter presents a number of conceptual issues regarding the construct of adaptive behavior, its importance in the field of intellectual disability and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and presents a review of key measures that can be used to assess adaptive behavior and inform on the development and evaluation of teaching and interventions that target increasing adaptive behavior.
PRODUCTION OF YELLOW POPLAR INTERIOR PLYWOOD WITH COTTONSEED-BASED PROTEIN ADHESIVES

Defatted cottonseed (CS) and water-washed CS meals were prepared from glandless CS and were used in adhesive formulations to produce three-ply yellow poplar plywood panels. Adhesive resins were prepared from each protein meal with sodium bisulfite and one of two polyamido-amine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) wet strength agents, and the plywood panels were produced by hot pressing. Shear strength and water resistance were determined by American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American National Standards Institute for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood/Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (ANSI/HPVA) methods and were compared with the properties of plywood panels made with an adhesive formulated from a commercial soybean meal. Panels prepared from three protein meals had comparable shear strengths. The combinations of the two CS preparations and the two wet strength agents produced panels with acceptable wet resistant properties, whereas the soybean meal only produced acceptable panels with one of the wet strength agents. Because the panels prepared from the two CS meals had comparable properties, there appears to be no benefit to including a water-washing step to increase the meal’s protein level. In contrast with recent literature reports suggesting the addition of alkali to elevate the formulation pH was necessary with CS meal, suitable panels were prepared herein without the addition of the base. This difference may have been due to the slightly higher pressing temperature and longer press times used in this work compared with earlier results. The CS meals showed promise as formaldehyde-free hardwood-plywood wood-based adhesives for interior applications.
Bile Acid Conjugated DNA Chimera that Conditionally Inhibits Carbonic Anhydrase-II in the Presence of MicroRNA-21.

In order to tackle the issue of systemic toxicity in chemotherapy, there is a need to develop novel mechanisms for the activation of protein inhibitors using biomarkers overexpressed in cancer cells. Many current strategies focus on using cancer associated enzymes as a triggering agent for prodrugs. Herein, we detail an alternative approach that harnesses a microRNA (miR-21) that is overexpressed in cancers as the trigger that activates an inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase-II (hCA-II). Specifically, we have developed a DNA-small molecule chimera (DC) composed of an hCA-II binding lithocholic acid amide (LAA) headgroup that can transition from a rigid duplex state (that does not bind appreciably to hCA) to a single-stranded conformation via a miR-21 trigger. The activated single-stranded DC can project the LAA headgroup into the hCA-II active site and is a robust hCA-II inhibitor (Ki of 3.12 μM). This work may spur research into developing new classes of cancer selective protein inhibitors.
Confronting the Dark Side of the Beat: A Guide to Creating a Heavy Metal Music Collection

ABSTRACT Heavy metal music has existed for over thirty years and has garnered million of fans worldwide.It is, however, a musical style that continues to be neglected bythe library world.This article attempts to correct this oversight by providing librarians with a basic guide to collecting heavy metal.Areas covered include metal's basic musical concepts, history, and major sub-genres.It concludes with a discussion of important print and electronic resources for heavy metal.
An equation analyzer package for the manipulation of mathematical expressions—II: Application to nonlinear optimization

Abstract This paper describes the development of the APOLLO nonlinear programming software package. The system has been designed to facilitate the use of nonlinear programming techniques in engineering design calculations. In its current form, the program provides a powerful computational tool for certain classes of these problems.
JM Family Enterprises Inc.: Selectively Outsourcing IT for Increased Business Value

In 2001, JM Family Enterprises (JMFE), the 15th largest privately held company in the United States, began a transformation of its IT services. By 2004, the company was ranked seventh in InformationWeek magazine's listing of most innovative users of IT. JMFE's IT transformation involved rationalization of its technology architecture, adoption of best service practices, data center consolidation and selective outsourcing. This case study emphasizes the role of outsourcing in JMFE's IT transformation. Executives from both JMFE and IBM describe how they have managed the relationship to ensure mutual benefits.
Taguchi's Fixed-Element Arrays are Fractional Factorials

Taguchi developed his catalog of orthogonal arrays from mathematical procedures published in well-known English language journals. These arrays evolved as extensions of factorial plans and latin squares. This paper illustrates the fractional factorial n..