cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frontiers in the Mathematical Description of “Biothermokinetic” Phenomena

Despite an abundant and diverse literature on the application of physico-mathematical methods to particular biological problems, it can hardly be said that there exists nowadays a “theoretical biology” analogous to theoretical physics. Many Natural Philosophers would argue that biology is predominantly an empirical science, too young — or, perhaps, just not epistemologically appropriate — for the kind of theoretical lawfulness (viz., abstract mathematical formulae, fundamental equations) which characterizes pure physics. The evolution of “mathematical biology” has followed rather much of a utilitarian bent. One tends to view a given biological phenomenon in isolation, assign to it a particular physical mechanism, explicate a mathematical model, and submit to empirical verification. If there is quantitative agreement with experimental data, the model is considered “good.” Missing from this montage of quantitative models, which defines the realm of today’s “theoretical biology,” are the qualitative (or relational) aspects of biological processes, as might be expected of a “physical theory.” Notwithstanding, there is mounting concern in philosophical circles over the unification of biology with physics. The call for such unity of science is coming from theoretical advances on the physical side, as it has come to interface with the biotic character of the Universe1. If biology is to fulfill its potential in this unification, it must re-examine the role of mathematics as a language for exploring the rich veneer of the living world.
PW 2509 Time to treatment for traumatic brain injury patients in moshi, tanzania

Background Annually, over 10 million people worldwide suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Using Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center’s (KCMC) TBI Clinical Registry, we aim to evaluate the impact of time to treatment for TBI patients presenting to the KCMC emergency department. Method A secondary analysis of all KCMC TBI Registry patients between May 2013-August 2016 included demographics, vital signs, Glasgow Coma Score (severe 3–8, moderate 9–12 or mild 13–15), time to critical interventions and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) (poor 1–3, good 4–5). We use descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis to assess for associations with improved GOS. Results Of the 3209 total patients, most (82.1%) were males who suffered road traffic injuries (67.4%) with an average age of 32.1 (SD16.6). 386 (12%) patients had a severe TBI, GCS 3–8. 2798 (87%) of patients saw a physician within one hour of arrival and 1267 (39.5%) had lab testing within an hour of seeing a physician. Overall, 10.15% of patients had poor outcome. Linear regression analysis showed that moderate and severe GCS were the largest predictors of a poor outcome with OR of 8.4 (5.8–12.2) and 38.8 (28.6–53.1) respectively. When stratifying by GCS, for moderate and severe GCS patients, delay or absence of receiving a CT scan (OR 2.3, 1.6–8.5) and oxygen (OR 2.7, 1.15–6.7) were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions Most TBI patients at KCMC are young men, suffering road traffic injuries and who see a physician within one hour of arrival at the hospital. Initial GCS is the best predictor of a poor outcome. Delay to CT scan and oxygen were predictors of poor outcome for patients with moderate and severe GCS.
A noninvasive cutaneous delayed type hypersensitivity test is effective for evaluating the effects of handling on immunological stress levels in rats

Rats are a common model for human physiology and psychology, yet routine handling associated with animal maintenance and treatment administration has been shown to impact behavioral and physiological measures in rats, which raises concerns about their use as a model. Adolescent and adult female rats (Sprague-Dawley, n=6 per group) were subjected to handling treatments (restraint, tickling, or playful handling) to evaluate the potential to minimize the physiological impacts of handling stress. Treatments were administered every other day for 21 days, and body weights, blood smears, and ultrasonic vocalizations were collected throughout this time and for 14 subsequent days without handling treatments. A noninvasive delayed type hypersensitivity test was performed by sensitizing rats to 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene on abdominal skin and later assessing the response to ear lobe exposure by measuring ear thickness. The greatest increase in lobe thickness was consistently observed at 48 hours post exposure, with few animals showing inflammation that persisted more than 72 hours. Assessments in the middle of the handling period (day 10) and at the end of the handling period (day 21) showed significantly less swelling for adolescent rats receiving the restraint treatment as compared to rats in the tickling or playful handling groups. This effect was observed in both adolescent and adult rats, however the adolescent rats showed more significant changes in circulating blood cell populations and body weight than did adults. No differences were detected outside of the handling treatment period. These results further establish that routine handling can impact immunological measures in rats and demonstrate efficacy of this noninvasive assay.
The effect of poor sleep and occupational demands on driving safety in medical residents.

Objective: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Examination recently revised and implemented duty hour standards that increased maximum duty hours for first-year medical residents and red...
Carpal Fractures Other Than the Scaphoid

Fractures to carpal bones other than the scaphoid are not uncommon. Due to overlying bone shadows on conventional radiographs, it may be difficult to establish a correct and secure diagnosis. A high index of suspicion for potential carpal fracture is necessary, based on acute localized tenderness to palpation and high-energy forces associated with the injury. This is especially true for fractures of the body of a carpal bone. Most non-scaphoid carpal fractures are caused by ligament avulsion of very small, marginal bone fragments.
H2 Production in the Radiolysis of Water on UO2 and Other Oxides

The production of H2 in the γ-ray and 5 MeV helium ion radiolyses of water adsorbed on 0.4 and 1 μm particles of UO2 has been examined. The yields of H2 determined with respect to the total energy deposited in the oxide−water system is 0.016 molecule/100 eV, which is about the same as similarly sized CeO2 particles. Radiation chemical yields of H2 increase substantially with decreasing number of adsorbed water layers when the yield is determined with respect to the energy deposited directly by γ-rays in the water. A yield of about 40 molecules of H2 per 100 eV energy directly absorbed by four layers of water on UO2 compared to 0.45 molecule/100 eV in bulk liquid water strongly suggests that energy is being transported from the oxide through the water interface. The results with UO2 have been combined with data on ZrO2 and CeO2 to give H2 yields for a wide range of water loading. H2 is mainly produced from chemisorbed water in the γ-radiolysis of ZrO2, and its yield decreases in the presence of O2 to value...
What Drives Work: A Written Performance Piece

This creative non-fiction piece recounts the vicissitudes of being a disabled, black, female professor in the academy.
Being a Stay-at-Home Dad (SAHD): Implication for the Mental Health Profession:

Stay-at-home dads (SAHDs) have become more prevalent in today’s society. Despite these changes, there remains a paucity of research on the mental health needs of SAHDs. This qualitative study exami...
Chapter 6 – BEAM ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on beam analysis. The analysis of beams, beam-columns, and plates on elastic foundations is wide-spread in engineering. A common structural system considered in engineering is that of the elastic beam. In mechanics of materials, a number of common assumptions are made to reduce the analysis to a one-dimensional formulation. The most common assumption is that planes in the beam, normal to a fiber along the x -axis, remain normal to that fiber in its deformed state. A variational formulation for the elastic beam is related to minimizing the total energy and work in the system. One important term required for the analysis is the strain energy. That quantity is defined as half the volume integral of the product of the stress and strain. The stresses in a statically indeterminate structure on an elastic foundation are influenced by the deformation of the foundation while the pressure distribution on the foundation is affected by the relative stiffness of the structure and the foundation medium. To allow for this structure-foundation interaction, the finite element method is ideally suited.
Learning to execute instructions in a Minecraft dialogue

The Minecraft Collaborative Building Task is a two-player game in which an Architect (A) instructs a Builder (B) to construct a target structure in a simulated Blocks World Environment. We define the subtask of predicting correct action sequences (block placements and removals) in a given game context, and show that capturing B’s past actions as well as B’s perspective leads to a significant improvement in performance on this challenging language understanding problem.
Small Molecule Adjuvants Potentiate Colistin Activity and Attenuate Resistance Development in Escherichia coli by Affecting pmr AB System

Background Colistin is one of the last-resort antibiotics to treat multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections in humans. Further, colistin has been also used to prevent and treat Enterobacteriaceae infections in food animals. However, chromosomal mutations and mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes, which confer resistance to colistin, have been detected in bacterial isolates from food animals and humans worldwide; thus, limiting the use of colistin. Therefore, strategies that could aid in ameliorating colistin resistance are critically needed. Objective Investigate the adjuvant potential of novel small molecules (SMs) on colistin. Materials and methods Previously, we identified 11 membrane-affecting SMs with bactericidal activity against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Here, we investigated the potentiation effect of those SMs on colistin using checkerboard assays and wax moth (Galleria mellonella) larval model. The impact of the SM combination on colistin resistance evolution was also investigated by analyzing whole genome sequences of APEC isolates passaged with colistin alone or in combination with SMs followed by quantitating pmrCAB and pmrH expression in those isolates. Results The SM combination synergistically reduced the minimum bactericidal concentration of colistin by at least 10-fold. In larvae, the SM combination increased the efficacy of colistin by two-fold with enhanced (>50%) survival and reduced (>4 logs) APEC load. Further, the SM combination decreased the frequency (5/6 to 1/6) of colistin resistance evolution and downregulated the pmrCAB and pmrH expression. Previously unknown mutations in pmrB (L14Q, T92P) and pmrA (A80V), which were predicted deleterious, were identified in the colistin-resistant (ColR) APEC isolates when passaged with colistin alone but not in combination with SMs. Our study also identified mutations in hypothetical and several phage-related proteins in ColR APEC isolates in concurrent with pmrAB mutations. Conclusion Our study identified two SMs (SM2 and SM3) that potentiated the colistin activity and attenuated the development of colistin resistance in APEC. These SMs can be developed as anti-evolution drugs that can slow down colistin resistance development.
Compatible recurrent identities of the sandpile group and maximal stable configurations

Abstract In the abelian sandpile model, recurrent chip configurations are of interest as they are a natural choice of coset representatives under the quotient of the reduced Laplacian. We investigate graphs whose recurrent identities with respect to different sinks are compatible with each other. The maximal stable configuration is the simplest recurrent chip configuration, and graphs whose recurrent identities equal the maximal stable configuration are of particular interest, and are said to have the complete maximal identity property. We prove that given any graph G one can attach trees to the vertices of G to yield a graph with the complete maximal identity property. We conclude with several intriguing conjectures about the complete maximal identity property of various graph products.
The effect of remote patient monitoring on the primary care clinic visit frequency among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Aims Healthcare organizations are increasingly using technology to assist in diabetes management based on telemedicine’s proven ability to improve glycemic regulation, decrease cost, and overcome barriers to effective healthcare. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how telemedicine intersects with primary care. We aim to measure the impact of a remote monitoring program for diabetes on primary care delivery through analysis of primary care office visit frequency. Methods Patients eligible to participate in our institution’s remote diabetes monitoring program were identified and classified as enrolled or not enrolled (i.e. “usual care”). The number of scheduled and completed primary care office visits in the 12 months prior to and after the index date were measured for both groups. The index date was the enrollment date or, for the patients who received usual care, the next available enrollment session after eligibility screen. Two-sample t-tests were used to examine the change in frequency of office visits prior to and after enrollment for participants, as well as the difference in visit frequency between enrolled patients versus patients receiving usual care. Results There was no statistical difference in the number of scheduled or completed primary care clinic visits before or after enrollment in telehealth. Furthermore, there was no difference in the number of scheduled or completed primary care visits between patients enrolled in telehealth versus those receiving usual care. Conclusion Participation in telehealth has been shown to be associated with significant HbA1c reductions in prior work, yet our data suggest that remote monitoring is not associated with a change in primary care office visit frequency. This suggests that telehealth may improve diabetes management independently of primary care visits.
Abstract IA25: Targeting MEK1/2 inhibitor resistance in RAS-mutated cancers

Although the RAF>MEK>ERK MAP kinase pathway is key to the development of many RAS-mutated cancers, efforts to target this pathway with pharmacologic inhibitors have failed to deliver clinical benefit to patients. Here we show that inhibition of RAS>RAF>MEK>ERK signaling in RAS-mutated cancer cell lines elicits autophagy, a process of cellular recycling that protects cancer cells from the potentially cytotoxic effects of RAF>MEK>ERK pathway inhibition. Furthermore, combined inhibition of MEK1/2 plus autophagy displays synergistic antiproliferative effects against cell lines in vitro and promotes regression of xenografted patient-derived tumors in mice. Finally, treatment of a cancer patient with the combination of trametinib plus hydroxychloroquine resulted in a partial, but nonetheless striking, disease response. These data suggest that this combination therapy may represent a novel strategy to target RAS-driven malignancies such as melanoma, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Conan Kinsey, Soledad Camolotto, Amelie Boespflug, Katrin Gullien, Amanda Truong, Mona Foth, Jill Shea, Michael Seipp, Jeffrey Yap, Lance Burrell, David Lum, Jonathan Whisenant, Courtney Cavalier, Kaitren Rehbein, Stephanie Cutler, Kajsa Afotler, Alana Welm, Bryan Welm, Courtney Scaife, Eric Snyder, Martin McMahon. Targeting MEK1/2 inhibitor resistance in RAS-mutated cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Melanoma: From Biology to Target; 2019 Jan 15-18; Houston, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA25.
Marginal Income Tax Rates, Economic Growth, and Primary Fiscal Deficits:

Economic theory suggests that variations in marginal tax rates are more important for consumption and investment decisions than the average rates commonly studied. This article analyzes the aggrega...
Presence and short-term persistence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors.

Background In March 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) as an investigational new drug for treatment of COVID-19. Since then, collection of CCP from COVID-19-recovered patients has been implemented in donor centers nationwide. Children's Hospital Colorado rapidly put into practice a CCP collection protocol, necessitating development and implementation of assays to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in CCP units. Study design and methods We evaluated 87 units of CCP collected from 36 donors over two to four sequential donations using both antigen-binding assays for SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and spike antigens and a live virus focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT50 ). Results Our data show that the majority of donors (83%) had a FRNT50 titer of at least 80, and 61% had a titer of at least 160, which met the FDA's criteria for acceptable CCP units. Additionally, our data indicate that analysis of antibodies to a single SARS-CoV-2 antigen is likely to miss a percentage of seroconverters; however, these individuals tend to have neutralizing antibody titers of less than 80. There was considerable variability in the short-term, sustained antibody response, measured by neutralizing antibody titers, among our donor population. Conclusion The correlation of neutralizing activity and antigen-binding assays is necessary to qualify CCP for therapeutic use. Since SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels decline in a percentage of donors, and such a decline is not detectable by current qualitative assays implemented in many laboratories, robust, quantitative assays are necessary to evaluate CCP units best suited for therapeutic infusion in COVID-19 patients.
Femoral Injury (Distal)

The distal femur physis in children is the most active growth plate in the body and contributes to a significant amount of growth for a child. Type I and II Salter–Harris distal femur physeal fractures usually occur during sports activities. It is important to know how to diagnose and treat these injuries so that significant complications, such as growth arrest, do not occur. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and amount of displacement. Complications are common, when this physis is injured.
Ethnic Identity as a Moderator Between HIV Knowledge, Viral Hepatitis Knowledge, and Psychological Antecedents Among Racial-Ethnic Minority Youth Living in an Urban Community

Racial-ethnic minority youth between the ages of 13 and 24 in the USA are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Low HIV knowledge and psychological antecedents such as low perception of risk and low sexual negotiation skills have all been associated with HIV risk behaviors; however, the role of ethnic identity on these factors is unclear in the literature. Ethnic identity, which is a critical part of identity development among racial-ethnic minority youth, has been found to be a protective factor in risk-taking behaviors. However, limited research is available on the role of ethnic identity in HIV prevention research among youth. For this study, data were collected as part of a larger HIV prevention education program using a sample of 564 students of color (Meanage = 16.30, standard deviation [SD] = 1.26; 67.4% Hispanic, 29.5% Black) from an underserved northeastern US urban community. We examined whether ethnic identity moderated the relationship between psychological antecedents (e.g., perception of risk and sexual negotiation skills), gender, and viral hepatitis knowledge on HIV knowledge. Findings revealed that ethnic identity significantly moderated the relationship between psychological antecedent variables and HIV knowledge by strengthening these associations as ethnic identity increased. Female adolescents were also more likely to have higher levels of HIV knowledge than males. Findings provide support for cultural and gender-specific prevention programs for racial-ethnic minority youth that seek to reduce HIV risk behaviors by increasing ethnic identity, particularly in under-resourced communities.
Sensitivity analysis of the numerical simulations of partially grouted reinforced masonry shear walls

Abstract A simplified finite element (FE) model is proposed using VecTor2 software to simulate the cyclic behavior of partially grouted reinforced masonry shear walls (PG-RMSWs) constructed with concrete-masonry blocks and having reinforced bond beams. The proposed model is validated against different experimentally tested walls available in the literature and is found to be capable of simulating the experimental behavior. Following the development of the validated model, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the relative effect of different grouted and ungrouted masonry modeling input parameters on the seismic response of the modeled walls. In this regard, six reference walls with different aspect ratios and different vertical reinforcement spacings are modeled. Afterward, reference values of masonry modeling input parameters are changed within ±30% from the reference values yielding 126 modeled walls. A numerical study is also conducted to compare the response of fully grouted reinforced masonry shear walls (FG-RMSWs) and PG-RMSWs to investigate the differences in their behaviors. In this regard, four walls with different aspect ratios and spacings between vertical grouted cells are considered. For the sensitivity analysis, it is concluded that the parameters of the ungrouted masonry are the most influential ones, where the walls' behavior is primarily sensitive to the input value of the angle of internal friction between blocks and mortar. However, this effect diminishes as the aspect ratio of the wall increases and spacing between grouted cells decreases. Accordingly, for shorter walls and walls with larger spacing between grouted cells, more attention shall be given to the estimation of the parameters representing the material properties of ungrouted masonry, especially the angle of internal friction. This concludes that a better seismic response of PG-RMSWs can be achieved by improving the properties of the block-mortar interface in the ungrouted portions of the walls. Comparisons of the seismic response of FG-RMSWs with PG-RMSWs show that FG walls with a lower aspect ratio have a higher ultimate load and a lower corresponding displacement compared to their PG counterparts. For walls with a higher aspect ratio, both the ultimate load and the corresponding displacement are larger for FG walls.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Yoga Skills Training Versus an Attention Control Delivered During Chemotherapy Administration.

Abstract Context It is important to address fatigue and co-occurring symptoms during chemotherapy to preserve quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Objective To conduct a randomized controlled pilot study of a Yoga Skills Training (YST) intervention compared to an attention control (AC) among adults diagnosed with GI cancer. Methods YST consisted of four 30-minute sessions delivered individually during chemotherapy plus home practice. AC provided empathic attention plus home diaries. Patient-reported (PROMIS T-score) assessments of fatigue, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale) were collected at chemotherapy visits: baseline, Week 8, Week 10 and Week 14, and analyzed using a mixed effects model. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed at baseline and Week 10. Results Forty-four of 77 adults approached agreed to participate (57%; YST n = 23; AC n = 21). Participants’ mean age was 58 years and 48% were men. Participants randomized to YST reported a larger decline in fatigue (-2.4 difference, d = 0.30) and depressive symptoms (-2.5 difference, d = 0.30) than AC participants from baseline to Week 10 and sleep disturbances at Week 8 (-3.9 difference, d = 0.50). Differences in magnitude of change in symptoms were consistent with or exceeded a minimally important difference. Psychological stress decreased more in the AC at Week 10 (d = 0.30). Reductions in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, sTNF R1) were larger in the YST group than AC. Conclusion YST showed promise for improving fatigue, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and inflammation. YST is also feasible and reaches patients underrepresented in yoga research (i.e., GI cancer, men), thus warranting further examination.
The Dynamics of Bureaucracy in the US Government: How Congress and Federal Agencies Process Information and Solve Problems

This book develops a new theoretical perspective on bureaucratic influence and congressional agenda setting based on limited attention and government information processing. Using a comprehensive new data set on regulatory policymaking across the entire federal bureaucracy, Samuel Workman develops the theory of the dual dynamics of congressional agenda setting and bureaucratic problem solving as a way to understand how the US government generates information about, and addresses, important policy problems. Key to the perspective is a communications framework for understanding the nature of information and signaling between the bureaucracy and Congress concerning the nature of policy problems. Workman finds that congressional influence is innate to the process of issue shuffling, issue bundling, and the fostering of bureaucratic competition. In turn, bureaucracy influences the congressional agenda through problem monitoring, problem definition, and providing information that serves as important feedback in the development of an agenda.
Immunoglobulin Quantification and Viscosity Measurement

Quantification of intact serum immunoglobulins has proven useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected immunodeficiency disorders, lymphocyte and plasma cell neoplastic diseases, allergic conditions, and some chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Since the advent of quantitative immunoglobulin assays nearly 50 years ago (1), increasingly robust analytical methods have been developed. The armamentarium of intact immunoglobulin assays was first substantively expanded by the development of immunoglobulin light-chain measurements in which the light chains are bound to heavy chains (intact immunoglobulins). The last decade has seen the development of both free (unbound) immunoglobulin light-chain assays and heavy/light-chain (HLC) or junctional epitope assays, the latter of which allows for individual measurements of IgGκ, IgGλ, IgAκ, IgAλ, IgMκ, and IgMλ (2, 3). Despite these advances in immunoglobulin and light-chain quantification methods, there remain technical complexities that can influence accuracy and, in turn, proper clinical application. Equally important, even with robust assays, is the need for thorough understanding of the clinical indications for, and limitations to, immunoglobulin and related measurements.
Hyperfine Field Spectra of Binary Fe-Co Alloys: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Fe 57 and Co 59

The distribution of hyperfine fields in iron-rich $\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{Co}$ binary alloys has been investigated by spin-echo and continuous-wave nuclear-magnetic-resonance techniques. Both the $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$ and the $^{59}\mathrm{Co}$ hyperfine field spectra have been examined. The spin-echo technique is found to give an accurate spectral line shape, without the appearance of extraneous instrumental effects. The anomalously large relative intensity of the prominent satellite line observed in alloys containing a low concentration of cobalt atoms is shown to be the result of a near degeneracy of two distinct resonances; these resonance lines originate at nuclear sites which are nearest neighbors and next nearest neighbors to a cobalt impurity atom. Other lines in the $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$ and $^{59}\mathrm{Co}$ spectra which have previously been observed by other workers have been reinterpreted. The distribution of hyperfine fields in this alloy system is believed to result primarily from changes in the core-polarization contribution to the hyperfine field, the changes in the conduction-electron-polarization contribution being substantially smaller.
The Unisys implemented, JIAWG compliant, linear, token-passing HSDB chip set description

As future avionic system architectures and concepts become increasingly dependent on distributed modular technology, the proliferation of the emerging Joint Integrated Avionics Working Group (JIAWG)-specified high speed data bus (HSDB) into every subsystem is likely. Unisys perceives a need for a HSDB chip set that can be integrated into the numerous non-common module applications that are prevalent in the platforms that will support the HSDB. The author details the features of the chip set that Unisys has developed that can be incorporated into various avionic architectures to provide the JIAWG standard fiber-optic data bus. Improvements being contemplated for the HSDB chip set and two potential implementations are described. >
Seaweed, soy, and estrogen metabolism in healthy postmenopausal American women.

5581 Introduction: Seaweed and soy foods are common in Japan and Korea where the incidence and mortality of breast cancer are significantly lower than in the US. Most attention has focused on soy foods and their phytoestrogen content. Seaweeds are known to have an antibiotic effect in vitro and in vivo studies support the idea that dietary seaweed modifies gastrointestinal bacteria populations. We investigated the possibility that dietary seaweed could act as a probiotic when consumed with soy, and enhance the gastrointestinal metabolism of phytoestrogens, especially the increasing the production of equol. Equol production is associated with decreased breast cancer risk. Methods: In a double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial, 28 healthy postmenopausal women (average age = 58 years) were recruited to our 17 week study. Ten of the women had been treated for early breast cancer but were disease free at the time of the study. None of the women took antibiotics during the study, and alcoholic beverage consumption was limited to one or fewer drinks per week. The women were randomized to either seaweed or placebo for six weeks, followed by a week when soy supplementation (2 mg isoflavones/kg body weight) was added. A 3-week washout period separated the two arms of the study, after which women were crossed over to the alternate intervention arm. Blood samples for estradiol, estrone, and sex hormone binding globulin were obtained at baseline and each of the 6 clinic endpoints. Women collected 48-hour urine specimens at each of the 7 time points for phytoestrogen determination. Results: Blood levels of estrone and estradiol did not change during the study, but SHBG levels significantly decreased during the seaweed plus soy supplementation period. No urinary phytoestrogen excretion was reported during the placebo or seaweed interventions, but urinary phytoestrogens were detected during both the soy and seaweed plus soy intervention periods. Equol production was only seen in women who had never been treated for breast cancer, and not in any of the breast cancer survivors. For 6 of the 7 disease-free women who produced equol when taking soy, the combination of seaweed plus soy further increased equol levels. Conclusions: The presence of seaweed in the Asian diet may act as a probiotic, enhancing intestinal conversion of phytoestrogens, particularly the production of equol, and could account for some of the breast cancer protective effects of dietary soy.
Virtual Worlds: Relationship between Real Life and Experience in Second Life.

Due to the unique applications of virtual reality in many modern contexts, Second Life (SL) offers inimitable opportunities for research and exploration and experiential learning as part of a distance learning curriculum assignment. A review of current research regarding SL examined real world social influences in online interactions and what the effects on users may be. This aids students in understanding the social constructionist perceptions and worldview of those persons they may serve in social services. This suggests the importance of developing an understanding of the relationship between users’ real life (RL) and their SL. Some research has begun to reveal the effectiveness of telecommunication and computer simulation with certain clients in the fields of mental health and social work, yet there is a lack of sufficient research done within the context of virtual worlds. The current study surveyed users of several educationally and health focused SIMS (simulations) as to what motivates their SL and RL interactions. The data explores associations between users’ RL and their SL in several areas,potentially addressing the future role of educating social work students regarding research methodology in online virtual reality interactions. Implications for social work are discussed including engaging clients using incentives for social participation built into the SL milieu.
Influence of boundary conditions relaxation on panel flutter

The problem of nonlinear panel flutter with relaxation in the boundary conditions is studied based on a phenomenological model of joint preload relaxation. The conventional boundary value problem of the panel involves time-dependent boundary conditions that will be converted into autonomous ones using a special coordinate transformation. The resulting boundary conditions will be combined with the governing non-homogeneous, partial differential equation that will include the influence of the boundary conditions relaxation. The analysis will be restricted to two-mode interaction and includes the influence of boundary conditions relaxation on the panel modal frequencies and limit cycle amplitudes in the time and frequency domains. The relaxation and system nonlinearities are found to have opposite effects on the frequency evolution of the panel.
Unclonable Lightweight Authentication Scheme

We propose a lightweight, tamper-resilient challenge-response authentication scheme. The scheme that we propose (HB+PUF) is a variant of the PUF-HB protocol [1] which utilizes Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs). We reduce the security of (HB+PUF) in the active attacker model to solving the LPN problem. The proposed scheme enjoys strong tamper-resilience due to the PUF properties. We present a proof of concept implementation for the proposed protocol. To generate the random bits needed for the protocol, we reuse the PUF circuit as a Random Number Generator (RNG). This construction shows to be cost-effective since we will be using the same hardware for authentication as well as random number generation without incuring any significant overhead. The overall scheme including storage, tamper-resilience and RNG can be achieved with less than 1000 gates. The small footprint should be ideal for constrained environments such as RFID's, smart cards, and sensor networks.
Intragenic and Extragenic Suppressors of Mutations in the Heptapeptide Repeat Domain of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae RNA Polymerase II

The largest subunit of RNA polymerase II contains a repeated heptapeptide sequence at its carboxy terminus. Yeast mutants with certain partial deletions of the carboxy-terminal repeat (CTR) domain are temperature-sensitive, cold-sensitive and are inositol auxotrophs. Intragenic and extragenic suppressors of the cold-sensitive phenotype of CTR domain deletion mutants were isolated and studied to investigate the function of this domain. Two types of intragenic suppressing mutations suppress the temperature-sensitivity, cold-sensitivity and inositol auxotrophy of CTR domain deletion mutants. Most intragenic mutations enlarge the repeat domain by duplicating various portions of the repeat coding sequence. Other intragenic suppressing mutations are point mutations in a conserved segment of the large subunit. An extragenic suppressing mutation (SRB2-1) was isolated that strongly suppresses the conditional and auxotrophic phenotypes of CTR domain mutations. The SRB2 gene was isolated and mapped, and an SRB2 partial deletion mutation (srb2 delta 10) was constructed. The srb2 delta 10 mutants are temperature-sensitive, cold-sensitive and are inositol auxotrophs. These phenotypes are characteristic of mutations in genes encoding components of the transcription apparatus. We propose that the SRB2 gene encodes a factor that is involved in RNA synthesis and may interact with the CTR domain of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II.
Born Fat: The Relations Between Weight Changeability Beliefs and Health Behaviors and Physical Health

Although some popular press and nonscholarly sources have claimed that weight is largely unchangeable, the relationship between this belief and objective measures of health remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that people who believe weight is unchangeable will have poorer objective and subjective health, and fewer exercise behaviors and poorer eating habits, than people who believe weight is changeable. Participants were 4,166 men and 4,655 women enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the 2007 to 2010 iterations. Believing that weight was uncontrollable was negatively related to exercise and healthful dietary practices and positively related to unhealthful eating. Lack of exercise and unhealthful eating were, in turn, associated with poor physical health. Age, but not gender, moderated the relationships between belief in weight changeability and exercise behaviors, healthful eating, and unhealthful eating. This study suggests that believing weight is unchangeable is associated with poor health behaviors and poorer physical health.
Anticompetitive Effects of Mergers in Markets with Localized Competition

Discussions of current U.S. antitrust policy toward mergers generally begin with the 1984 Department of Justice Revised Merger Guidelines (hereinafter called Guidelines), which provides a framework for economic analysis (Salop: 1987). The approach of the Guidelines is first to define the relevant geographic and product market. The relevant market then provides the arena for examining market concentration and other conditions affecting a merger's anticompetitive impact (e.g., ease of entry and factors encouraging collusion). According to this basic approach, products are either in the market or not. Application of the Guidelines' approach becomes less clear in dealing with heterogeneous product markets, where the distinction between products is a matter of degree. In section 3.4, the Guidelines consider product differentiation:
Bell trajectories for revealing quantum control mechanisms

The dynamics induced while controlling quantum systems by optimally shaped laser pulses have often been difficult to understand in detail. A method is presented for quantifying the importance of specific sequences of quantum transitions involved in the control process. The method is based on a ``beable'' formulation of quantum mechanics due to John Bell that rigorously maps the quantum evolution onto an ensemble of stochastic trajectories over a classical state space. Detailed mechanism identification is illustrated with a model seven-level system. A general procedure is presented to extract mechanism information directly from closed-loop control experiments. Application to simulated experimental data for the model system proves robust with up to 25% noise.
Incidental findings in trauma patients: dedicated communication with the primary care physician ensures adequate follow-up.

Frequent use of computed tomography (CT) in trauma patients results in frequent detection of non-trauma-related incidental findings (IFs). Inpatient documentation and disclosure at discharge are infrequent, even when they are potentially serious. We aimed to not only identify the incidence of IFs but also to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to trigger follow-up. In this before–after study, all trauma patients evaluated by the trauma surgery service who underwent CT were admitted for >24 h, had at least one IF requiring follow-up, and had a primary care physician (PCP) employed in our health care system were identified. The historical control period was from January 2006 to December 2008. The intervention period was from December 2011 to September 2012. Intervention consisted of notifying the PCP via email or postal letter. The outcome of interest—the rate of follow-up—was compared between both groups. During the historical period, 364 (20.5 %) of 1,774 eligible trauma patients had 434 IFs requiring follow-up. During the study period, 197 (26 %) of 692 trauma patients had 212 IFs requiring follow-up. Overall, 91 % of study patients with postdischarge PCP follow-up had documented follow-up of the IF. There was a significant improvement in the rate of follow-up in the study group compared to that of the control group (51 vs. 11 %; p < 0.0001). Detection of IFs is common in trauma patients. A dedicated effort of communicating the presence of an IF to the patient’s PCP triggered a follow-up for 91 % of patients who saw their PCP after hospital discharge.
Poor relief policy in antebellum New York state: The rise and decline of the poorhouse

Abstract In the past 15 years, numerous policies and programs to improve the economic welfare of our poorest citizens have been implemented. Partly as a result of this antipoverty effort, a rapid increase in the number of welfare beneficiaries and the value of available welfare benefits occurred. Although this growth in welfare led to a reduction in income poverty, a “welfare crisis” emerged. The dimensions of the crisis were perceived differently by politicians, taxpayers, and welfare recipients, but all became convinced that the existing welfare system needed reform ( S. Danzinger and R. Plotnik (1978) , University of Wisconsin, Madison, Institute for Research on Poverty, Discussion Paper No. 517-78). That our poor laws are manifestly defective in principle, and mischievous in practice, and that under the imposing and charitable aspect of affording relief exclusively to the poor and infirm, they frequently invite the able-bodied to partake of the same bounty, are propositions very generally admitted ( J. V. Yates, (1824) , The Almshouse Experience: Collected Reports. New York: Arno Press).
Infusing Early Intervention for Substance Use Into Community Mental Health Services for Transitioning Youth

The treatment of transitioning youth (ages 16–25) diagnosed with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems has been the focus of numerous research and practice efforts. However, far less attention has been devoted to intervening early to address alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, which has the potential to contribute to the numerous challenges transitioning youth with emotional or behavioral disorders already confront. This article describes transitioning youth, their need for AOD early intervention, and the community mental health system characteristics to be considered in developing early intervention practices. Implementation and enhancement of effective AOD screening and early intervention practices has the potential to facilitate a healthy transition to adulthood for youth who experience considerable risk for substance abuse disorders.
Editorial: Liver X receptor α (LXRα) as a therapeutic target in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

LXRs are known to play an important role in the control of lipid homeostasis. Specifically, LXRs have been implicated in the regulation of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. They have also been suggested to be immunomodulatory and potentially important in cancer biology. As such, LXRs have promise as a target for future therapeutic strategies for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. It is therefore important to understand the role that LXRs play in a given tumor type to develop new, clinical, therapeutic strategies effectively. LXRα and LXRβ are nuclear receptors that have a primary purpose in regulating lipid and cholesterol metabolism. LXRα (also known as NR1H3) is highly expressed in liver, adipose tissue, kidney, and macrophages [1]. LXRβ (also known as NR1H2) is expressed ubiquitously [1]. LXRs are activated by oxysterols and may also be stimulated using synthetic ligands such as T0901317 or GW3965. In this issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, a paper by Geyeregger et al. [2] examines the influence of LXRα on cell proliferation and survival in the Kit225 T-CLL cell line, in T cell blasts from healthy donors, and in primary T and B cells from CLL patients. This paper focuses primarily on the effect of LXR activation via LXRα agonist treatment on the function of cytokine stimulation using in vitro cell culture-based models.
Integrative Training for Children and Adolescents: Techniques and Practices for Reducing Sports-Related Injuries and Enhancing Athletic Performance

As more children and adolescents participate in sports and conditioning activities (sometimes without consideration for cumulative workload), it is important to establish age-appropriate training guidelines that may reduce the risk of sports-related injury and enhance athletic performance. The purpose of this article is to review the scientific evidence on youth strength and conditioning and to provide age-appropriate recommendations for integrating different strength and conditioning activities into a well-designed program that is safe, effective, and enjoyable. Integrative training is defined as a program or plan that incorporates general and specific strength and conditioning activities that enhance both health- and skill-related components of physical fitness. The cornerstone of integrative training is age-appropriate education and instruction by qualified professionals who understand the physical and psychosocial uniqueness of children and adolescents.
Emission spectroscopy of ZnO inverse opal photonic crystals

Light emitted within a photonic crystal structure can be used to probe both the photonic density of states and the anisotropic propagation of light through the structure. Here we present results of angle- and polarization-resolved measurements of photoluminescence from three-dimensional ZnO photonic crystals. The ZnO inverse opals were fabricated by infiltration of polystyrene synthetic opal templates using atomic layer deposition. The resulting nanocrystalline ZnO structures exhibit strong UV emission as well as a broad defect emission peak, allowing us to observe the dispersion of the primary as well as higher-order PBGs over the entire visible spectrum. The spontaneous emission spectrum is strongly modified and anisotropic due to the effect of the photonic band structure. The observed features are correlated to transmission and reflection measurements as well as calculated (reduced) band structures in the Γ-L-K plane of the fcc Brillouin zone. Apart from the suppression and redistribution of light near the primary and higher band gaps, we observe a strong enhancement in the PL peaks due to light propagation in higher (e.g. 5th and 6th)photonic bands at frequencies and angles where no PBG exists.
Quantum-defect theory for -1/r 4 -type interactions

We present a quantum-defect theory (QDT) for the $\ensuremath{-}1/{r}^{4}$ type of long-range potential, as a foundation for a systematic understanding of charge-neutral quantum systems such as ion-atom, ion-molecule, electron-atom, and positron-atom interactions. The theory incorporates both conceptual and mathematical advances since earlier formulations of the theory. It also includes more detailed discussions of the concept of resonance spectrum and its representations, universal properties in charge-neutral quantum systems, and a QDT description of scattering resonances that is applicable to any $\ensuremath{-}1/{r}^{n}$ potential with $ng2$.