cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Views Toward Homosexuality Differ by Region of the Country? An Empirical Study of United States Opinion

Homosexuality is generally viewed negatively. That is certainly the case in the Jewish and Christian holy books as well as the Quran, although opinions differ as to interpretation. The practice has been condemned by these religions. An Imam in Orlando, Florida, the site of the mass murder of homosexuals, has gone so far as to say that killing homosexuals would be the compassionate thing to do.It is not the purpose of this paper to review the history of homosexuality, or the pros and cons or moral standing of the practice. Readers can obtain that information by reading the items listed in the reference section of this paper. The goal of this study is more limited, to determine whether views toward homosexuality differ by region of the country in the United States.The present study is part of a series on homosexuality. Other studies in the series look at trends on the acceptance of homosexuality and examine specific demographic variables such as gender, age, social class, level of education, religion and region to see whether these variables are significant. One study ranks the acceptance of homosexuality for 98 countries. Citations to some of those studies (with links) are listed in the reference section of the present paper.
Stiffness of thin, supported polystyrene films: Free-surface, substrate, and confinement effects characterized via self-referencing fluorescence

Abstract Stiffness-confinement effects are characterized via a non-contact, self-referencing fluorescence approach in polystyrene (PS) films labeled with trace levels of 1-pyrenylmethyl methacrylate. The pyrene fluorescence measurable I 1 /I 3 is sensitive to molecular caging, which increases with stiffness. At 140 °C, molecular caging and hence stiffness in single-layer PS films supported on silica is independent of thickness down to 240 nm and increases with decreasing thickness at 165 nm and below. In contrast, near T g at 100 °C and in the glassy state at 60 °C, molecular caging and hence stiffness in single-layer films is independent of thickness down to 63 nm and increases with decreasing thickness at 36 nm and below. In bulk bilayer films, perturbations originating at the substrate interface (free-surface interface) cause major increases (decreases) in caging and hence stiffness in 20-nm-thick substrate-adjacent (free-surface-adjacent) layers. In contrast, in 40-nm-thick bilayer films, the 20-nm-thick substrate-adjacent and free-surface-adjacent layers exhibit little difference in caging and stiffness. Thus, the gradient in stiffness from a film interface depends significantly on confinement, which we hypothesize begins to occur when thickness becomes comparable to the combined length scales over which free-surface and substrate perturbations propagate inside the film. Bulk bilayer films were used to investigate the length scales associated with interfacial perturbations. At 100 °C and 60 °C, stiffness-gradient length scales extend ∼45–85 nm from the substrate and ∼35–85 nm from the free surface. At 140 °C, the stiffness-gradient length scales extend ∼85–200 nm from the substrate and ≲ 20 nm from the free surface.
Electromagnetic field in human body due to VLF transmitter

The human body is a parasitic antenna in which electric fields and currents are induced by ambient EM fields over a wide range of frequencies. Research has shown that potentially harmful effects on the cellular level can develop in bodies exposed to the ELF (50-60 Hz) fields of very-high-voltage powerlines. Are similar effects to be expected from exposure to the VLF (10-30 kHz) fields of high-power transmitters? Since at both ELF and VLF the human body is extremely short, all parts of the body are conductors with /spl sigma/>>/spl omega//spl epsiv/, and there is no skin effect, equal fields active on cell membranes might well have comparable effects.
Poor Mobilization in T-Cell-Deficient Nude Mice Is Explained by Defective Activation of Granulocytes and Monocytes.

It has been reported that both SCID mice and SCID patients poorly mobilize hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This defect has been proposed to result from a lack of naturally occurring IgM immunoglobulins to trigger activation of the complement cascade (ComC) and release of C5 cleavage fragments crucial in the mobilization process. However, SCID individuals also have T-cell deficiency, and T cells have been shown to modulate trafficking of HSPCs. To learn more about the role of T lymphocytes, we performed mobilization studies in T-lymphocyte-deficient nude mice and found that these mice respond poorly to G-CSF and zymosan but are normal mobilizers in response to AMD3100. Since nude mice have normal levels of IgM immunoglobulins in peripheral blood and may activate the ComC, we focused on the potential involvement of Gr1+ granulocytes and monocytes, which show defective maturation in these animals. Using a nude mouse mobilization model,...
Genetic Stroke Syndromes

Genetic syndromes, while rare, are popular topics for board exams. Studies within the field of stroke genetics have made advances in the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). While the field begins to identify new associations, the clinician’s history with specific attention to the family history still remains critical. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with these conditions, how to identify and diagnose, and what treatment options (if any) are available. Refer to Table 10.1 for a quick review guide.
Compatibility of Radiofrequency Surgical Sponge Detection Technology with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices and Temporary Pacemakers

Background Radiofrequency (RF) technology has improved detection of retained surgical sponges with a reported 100% sensitivity and specificity. However, the potential for interactions of the RF signals emitted by the detection system with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) or temporary pacemakers may limit its use in those patients with these devices. This study investigated whether RF detection technology causes interference or clinically significant changes in the programmed settings of implanted pacemakers and defibrillators or temporary epicardial pacemakers. Methods Fifty patients who were scheduled either for CIED removal or placement of a temporary epicardial pacemaker (at the time of open heart surgery) were recruited for this study. Device settings and measurements from separate interrogations before and after scanning with the RF detection system were compared. For the temporary pacemakers, we observed for any changes in hemodynamics or signs of pacing interference. Results Twenty (40%) pacemakers, 20 (40%) implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and 10 (20%) temporary pacemakers were analyzed in this study. During scanning, no signal interference was detected in any permanent device, and there were no significant changes in programmed settings after scanning with the RF detection system. However, pacing inhibition was detected with temporary pacing systems when programmed to a synchronous mode (DDD). Conclusions RF detection technology can be safely used to scan for retained surgical sponges in patients with permanent CIEDs and temporary pacemakers set to asynchronous mode.
The Enchantment of Landscape in Wilhelm Schäfer

(1943). The Enchantment of Landscape in Wilhelm Schafer. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 18, No. 4, pp. 277-279.
Subvalvular Techniques for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

Surgical treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation with reduction ring annuloplasty is the current standard of practice, yet recurrence in a third of patients limits the benefit of this approach. In an effort to improve outcomes, attention has turned to understanding the contribution of leaflet tethering in this disease process. Subvalvular techniques to alleviate leaflet restriction have been shown to be safe, and in the appropriate patient population decrease recurrence of ischemic mitral regurgitation when combined with reduction annuloplasty. We describe our preferred technique of posterior papillary muscle repositioning. Further understanding of the preoperative parameters that predict recurrence, and deployment of concomitant subvalvular repair techniques in this subset of patients will be the next important breakthrough in the surgical treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation.
A Star Is Born: Reaching One’s True Potential

We focus on the qualitative evidence that supports this type of programming through the stories of specific participants in a variety of community-based learning programs (not just our own). We believe the proof of transformation lies in real-life stories. These stories are told in many different voices, as we all have had insight into our own experiences. We hear from students and teachers, from parents and community members, and provide evidence in our own voices, as we observed and experienced the magic of the arts.
Mortality in Sickle Cell Patient Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Program: 10 Years Grady Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center Experience.

Over the last three decades there has been improvement in survival in children with sickle cell disease. Overall survival from birth to age 18 of 86% and 95% has been reported in children with sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and sickle hemoglobin C (Hb SC) disease respectively. These encouraging results are secondary to initiation of preventive measures like newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, immunization and stroke prevention and other supportive therapies. Ballas (Blood2004;104 supl:Abstr 3743) reported high death rate for young adults with the disease. To determine the death rates and cause of death in our population, we did a retrospective review of our patients who had recently transitioned into adult care. Mortality rate and circumstances of death in a 10 year period of transition from pediatric to adult program in Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Memorial Hospital between 1996 and 2006 were determined. Total number of deaths was obtained from the clinical database. Death, autopsy and medical records were reviewed to determine the cause and circumstances of death. Between 1996 and 2006, 387 young adults with sickle cell disease (HbSS, HbSC, HbS beta thalassemia) transitioned to the adult program at age 18. Twenty two (5.8%) patients died during their first 10 years of transition. Mean age at death was 23.4 (range 21.6–26) and male to female ratio was 1.2 to 1. Ten patients (45%) died due to chronic organ failure all due to chronic iron overload (end stage liver disease in 8 and congestive heart failure in 2). Eight patients (36%) died due to complications of acute vaso-occlusive crisis (sudden death in 4, acute chest/multi-organ failure in 4) while 4 patients (18%) died of non-sickle related causes. Three of four who died of sudden death has documented pulmonary hypertension. Our mortality rate is lower than those reported by Ballas with the most common cause of death being complications of iron overload in chronically transfused patients. Specific interventions targeted at improving management of iron overload need to be developed for the increasing numbers of patients on chronic transfusion transitioning into adult care.
Numerical Optimization of Generative Network Parameters

We address the early design of complex, large-scale systems by viewing them as random networks and optimizing structure over their generative parameters. In this approach, we do not seek specific topologies, but rather classes of near-optimal networks which correspond to desirable statistical behavior, while also allowing flexibility to accommodate unmodeled constraints. Functionally, we perform the optimization of generative parameters on small networks (e.g., one hundred nodes) and use the results to design large networks (e.g., one thousand or more nodes). This approach is a computationally feasible forward design path for large-scale systems. A numerical example is given in which a network’s degree distribution is optimized for combined robustness and cost in a cascading failure scenario; the work has direct application to distributed communication systems.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Adjuvant ovarian suppression for resected breast cancer: 2017 critical assessment

Currently available data supporting adjuvant ovarian function suppression for resected breast cancer in premenopausal women in addition to standard chemotherapy and tamoxifen are not persuasive, even though an ASCO guideline supports them. Available information from the key trial, called "SOFT," has only 5-year follow-up in a 15-year disease. It employs breast cancer events as an endpoint, rather than distant metastases, or better still, death from any cause. The small advantages reported to date may disappear when aromatase inhibitors are given after the occurrence of menopause in the control population. Caution should be exercised in recommending ovarian suppression in all but the highest-risk situations.
Two-aggregator topology optimization without splitting in data center networks

Data aggregation is a critical operation in many big-data applications; for example, data residing in several source racks (mappers) are to be aggregated into one or more specified racks called aggregators (reducers) in the data center network during the shuffle phase of a map-reduce task. In this paper, we explore algorithms for data aggregation to two aggregators in a data center network under the constraint that data from a source rack must be routed to each aggregator using a single path. We derive bounds on the approximation ratios of two classes of aggregation algorithms- Restricted 1-Round (R1R) and Restricted 2-Round (R2R). For the case when racks have exactly 2 optical links (uplinks in Top-of-Rack switches), we propose another strategy using the 2Chain topology for aggregation and show that the optimal 2Chain cannot have an aggregation time greater than that of the optimal R1R and R2R topologies. For the case when racks have at least 4 optical links, we propose a 1-round aggregation algorithm (1R) that uses tree topology for aggregation. Experimental results indicate that, when racks have 4 optical links, 1R, R2R and R1R reduce the aggregation time by up to 85%, 67% and 67% respectively, relative to the two-round aggregation algorithm proposed by Wang et al. Moreover, the 2Chain can reduce the aggregation time up to 42% and 24% respectively relative to R1R and R2R, when racks have exactly 2 optical links.
Researching Historical Memory

This chapter focuses on research methods of conducting research on historical memory, including how to use public opinion polls, school textbooks, important texts and documents (official speech and documents, memoirs, etc.), and monuments and memory sites for conducting research to examine the functions of historical memory. It gives examples from many published books or research articles with concrete examples of how researchers from different disciplines have conducted research on historical memory. This chapter also attempts to integrate the main points throughout the book, especially regarding how to conduct research using historical memory as a variable.
Model analysis of feedstock behavior in fused filament fabrication: Enabling rapid materials screening

Abstract This research presents a rapid screening process for analyzing the extrudability of polymeric materials for filament extrusion based additive manufacturing (AM) by predicting extrusion failure. This rapid screening process can further suggest optimal Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) processing conditions for a specific material. Annular backflow and filament buckling, which are the two primary failure modes during extrusion in FFF, are considered in this study. The screening method focuses on model analysis of annular backflow while simultaneously considering a previously developed model for filament buckling and includes the introduction of a non-dimensional number (Flow Identification Number, or FIN) that predicts a material's propensity to backflow based on a rheological analysis and the system geometry. Annular backflow was modeled by calculating velocity profiles and determining the normalized net flow magnitude. The backflow and buckling models were experimentally verified with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, and sodium sulfonated poly(ethylene) glycol. We empirically validated that the FIN was able to accurately predict backflow and that the potential to backflow and, by extension, propensity to fail during extrusion, is most sensitive to fluctuations in filament diameter and the material's shear thinning behavior. Our results demonstrate the importance of printing in the shear thinning regime to reduce the effect of processing conditions on the extrudability of a polymer.
Prospective evaluation of chronic pain disorders and treatments.

Abstract Background The incidence of chronic pain is variable among individuals who have sustained traumatic or surgical injury. Also, treatments for pain rarely are effective consistently for a procedure or agent, and no therapies are considered effective for pain that is chronic. New method Difficulties with standard methods for conducting clinical trials call attention to a need for protocols that provide a new understanding of the development of and control over chronic pain. Prospective single-subject research designs can document varieties of pain progression over time for individuals. Subsequent grouping of individuals with common characteristics directs a mechanism-based approach to therapy. Results Tracking of individuals’ pain and associated influences over time is consistent with clinical practice, noting and adapting to changes that occur. Comparison with existing methods Grouping patients with diverse characteristics and variable effects of therapy is problematic. Conventional evaluation of pain assesses patients with similar injuries or surgery without characterizations of individuals who develop chronic pain or recover over time. Also, classical evaluation of therapies involves comparison of groups receiving treatment or a placebo without characterization of patients with successful and unsuccessful results. Conclusions Single-subject prospective studies can inform clinical trials according to individual differences that would be obscured by comparison of groups with unknown variation in characteristics that influence pain and therapeutic effectiveness.
Anti-thrombotic strategies for microfluidic blood processing.

The redundant mechanisms involved in blood coagulation are crucial for rapid hemostasis. Yet they also create challenges in blood processing in medical devices and lab-on-a-chip systems. In this work, we investigate the effects of both shear stress and hypothermic blood storage on thrombus formation in microfluidic processing. For fresh blood, thrombosis occurs only at high shear, and the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban is highly effective in preventing thrombus formation. Blood storage generally activates platelets and primes them towards thrombosis via multiple mechanisms. Thrombus formation of stored blood at low shear can be adequately inhibited by glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. At high shear, von Willebrand factor-mediated thrombosis contributes significantly and requires additional treatments with thiol-containing antioxidants—such as N acetylcysteine and reduced glutathione—that interfere with von Willebrand factor polymerization. We further demonstrate the effectiveness of these anti-thrombotic strategies in microfluidic devices made of cyclic olefin copolymer, a popular material used in the healthcare industry. This work identifies effective anti-thrombotic strategies that are applicable in a wide range of blood- and organ-on-a-chip applications.
Long-term Potentiation (Hippocampus)

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a long lasting increase in synaptic transmission elicited by brief trains of electrical stimulation in numerous pathways. The best-studied form of LTP takes place at glutamatergic synapses and the mechanisms underlying its induction, expression, maintenance and stabilization are to a large extent well understood. The article will cover the advances in this field since the 1970s and point out the questions that still remain unanswered.
Fifteen-Year Cumulative Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Beaver Dam Eye Study

Purpose To describe the 15-year cumulative incidence of signs of early and late age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Population-based cohort study. Participants We included 3917 persons, 43 to 86 years of age at the time of a baseline examination in 1988 through 1990 and with information collected in follow-up in 1993 through 1995, and/or 1998 through 2000, and/or 2003 through 2005. Methods Grading of stereoscopic fundus photographs using the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System. Main Outcome Measures Cumulative incidence of drusen type and size, pigmentary abnormalities, geographic atrophy, and exudative AMD accounting for competing risk of death. Results The 15-year cumulative incidence was 14.3% for early AMD (the presence of either soft indistinct drusen or the presence of pigmentary abnormalities together with any type of drusen) and 3.1% for late AMD (presence of exudative AMD or geographic atrophy). There was an increased incidence of AMD lesions with age ( P P Conclusions We document the long-term incidence of signs of AMD and a continuum from small hard drusen to late AMD in older persons in the population. The 15-year cumulative incidence of late AMD in people ≥ 75 years of age (8%) indicates a public health problem of significant proportions because the United States population this age is expected to increase by 54% between 2005 and 2025.
Philosophical considerations in educational assessment

In this chapter, Richard Gunderman considers assessment as one of three basic components of an educational program: curriculum, methods, and assessment. Acknowledging that knowledge and skills are not the only educational objectives that need to be assessed, Gunderman points to other, less easily “measured” competencies that are relevant to the profession. To gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of how educational assessment is designed and implemented, this chapter considers in more depth the important differences between centralized and decentralized approaches to assessment. In centralized approaches, a few high-level educators, such as a board of radiology, make the decisions and policies about how educational assessment will take place. In decentralized approaches, such decisions are made by educators at individual institutions. In centralized approaches, knowledge and authority are located centrally, and decisions spread in a central-to-local direction. In decentralized approaches, knowledge and authority reside locally, and ideas and information flow from the local to the central. Both approaches exhibit characteristic advantages and disadvantages. After a thorough discussion about the benefits and limitations of centralized and decentralized approaches, Gunderman concludes that when it comes to educational assessment, a balance needs to be struck. Centralization promotes fairness and efficiency, while decentralization promotes engagement and creativity.
What is Wrong with My Patient

Case studies are utilized in all Clinical Laboratory courses to allow students to apply the knowledge they have learned to a simulated patient situation. "What is Wrong with My Patient" was a case scenario that was assigned to each student enrolled in the spring 2017 Clinical Chemistry I course and plasma samples were created with appropriate amounts of laboratory analytes to fit the case. The goal of this activity was to allow students to develop critical thinking skills for evaluation of patient symptoms, make decisions regarding necessary lab work based on patient condition, evaluate sources of error in testing, develop a differential and final diagnosis, and present findings to their peer group. Each student received their personal patient sample which interestingly led to display of ownership of their patient. Students were allowed to run all of the analytes that were available for student lab exercises including glucose, bilirubin, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol, triglyceride, electrolytes, creatinine and enzymes. Results were recorded on a lab report and were presented to the class at the end of the semester. A survey of students was conducted to record their satisfaction with this activity. The results of this survey suggested that 100% (n=40) of students thought that this activity enhanced their learning experience in the course. Around 95% of students recommended that this activity be utilized in future classes. Student suggestions were also recorded to improve this activity for future courses.
Speeding the Detection of Vessel Cannulation: An In-Vitro Stimulation Study.

Background Some practitioners "prime" small IV angiocatheter needles with 0.9% sodium chloride-claiming this modification speeds visual detection of blood in the angiocatheter flash chamber on vessel cannulation. Methods We compared the time required for human blood to travel the length of saline-primed and saline-unprimed 24- and 22-gauge angiocatheter needles (Introcan Safety IV Catheter; B. Braun, Bethlehem, PA). A syringe pump (Medfusion 4000, Cary, NC) advanced each angiocatheter needle through the silicone membrane of an IV tubing "t-piece" (Microbore Extension Set, 5 Inch; Hospira, Lake Forest, IL) filled with freshly donated human blood. When the angiocatheter needle contacted the blood, an electrical circuit was completed, illuminating a light-emitting diode. We determined the time from light-emitting diode illumination to visual detection of blood in the flash chamber by video review. We tested 105 saline-primed angiocatheters and 105 unprimed angiocatheters in the 24- and 22-gauge angiocatheter sizes (420 catheters total). We analyzed the median time to visualize the flash using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test in R (http://www.R-project.org/). The Stanford University Administrative Panel on Human Subjects in Medical Research determined that this project did not meet the definition of human subjects research and did not require institutional review board oversight. Results In the 24-gauge angiocatheter group, the median (and interquartile range) time for blood to travel the length of the unprimed angiocatheter needle was 1.14 (0.61-1.47) seconds compared with 0.76 (0.41-1.20) seconds in the saline-primed group (P = 0.006). In the 22-gauge catheter group, the median (interquartile range) time for blood to travel the length of the unprimed angiocatheter needle was 1.80 (1.23-2.95) seconds compared with 1.46 (1.03-2.54) seconds in the saline-primed group (P = .046). Conclusions These results support the notion that priming small angiocatheter needles, in particular 24-gauge catheters, with 0.9% sodium chloride may provide earlier detection of vessel cannulation than with the unprimed angiocatheter.
Is a veterinary student's performance on multiple-mini interviews affected by personality preferences?

Author(s): Chigerwe, Munashe; Boudreaux, Karen A; Ilkiw, Jan E | Abstract: ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between a student's Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) preference pairs and resulting types and his or her multiple-mini interview (MMI) scores upon admission, and to determine the proportions of types among veterinary classes over five years.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted for data collected from 706 students admitted into the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UCDSVM) program beginning in the fall of 2013 and ending in the fall of 2018. Data consisted of a candidate's MBTI preference pairs and types which were collected during the first week of enrollment and multiple-mini interview scores from his or her admission data.ResultsA total of 706 students from 5 classes completed the MBTI survey. Multivariate analysis showed no significant association between the MBTI preference pairs of extroversion and introversion (F(1, 697) = 3.30, p=0.0959), sensing and intuition (F(1, 697) = 0.40, p=0.4395), thinking and feeling (F(1, 697) = 3.59, p=0.0591), or judging and perceiving (F(1, 697) = 0.38, p = 0.5657) and MMI score. Analysis showed no trends (χ2 (60, N=706) =76.51, p=0.074) in the student's MBTI types over the 5-year period.ConclusionsThe MMI score of a candidate admitted into the UCDSVM is unlikely to be affected by personality preferences. Therefore, it is unlikely that multiple-mini interview scores included in the admission process will affect the personality diversity of candidates admitted into a veterinary class.
Heat and mass transfer on rectangular and annular finned surfaces of heat exchangers operating under frosting conditions

Abstract The analysis of the process of frost formation on a cold surface exposed to humid air yields a system of differential equations. In this study, the orthogonal collocation method is used to help solve the system of equations resulting from the flow of humid air over heat exchanger fins maintained at a temperature below both the dew-point temperature of water vapor in air and the freezing point. The temporal dependence of the frost growth creates a moving boundary that is addressed using a front-fixing method. This proposed method allows solving for important variables such as frost thickness, temperature distribution, and heat flux through the frost layer. Model results were found to agree closely with available experimental data. In all data sets modeled, it was found that super saturation at the frost-air interface must be included in the model to accurately predict frost growth.
Portion size has sustained effects over 5 days in preschool children: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND Although short-term studies have found that serving larger portions of food increases intake in preschool children, it is unknown whether this portion size effect persists over a longer period or whether energy intake is moderated through self-regulation. OBJECTIVES We tested whether the portion size effect is sustained in preschool children across 5 consecutive days, a period thought to be sufficient for regulatory systems to respond to the overconsumption of energy. METHODS With the use of a crossover design, over 2 periods we served the same 5 daily menus to 46 children aged 3-5 y in their childcare centers. In 1 period, all foods and milk were served in baseline portions, and in the other period, all portions were increased by 50%. The served items were weighed to determine intake. RESULTS Increasing the portion size of all foods and milk by 50% increased daily consumption: weighed intake increased by a mean ± SEM of 143 ± 21 g/d (16%) and energy intake increased by 167 ± 22 kcal/d (18%; both P 0.13), indicating that there were sustained increases in intake from larger portions without compensatory changes over time. Children differed in their response to increased portions: those with higher weight status, lower ratings for satiety responsiveness, or higher ratings for food responsiveness had greater increases in intake from larger portions (all P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS This demonstration that preschool children failed to adjust their intake during prolonged exposure to larger portions challenges the suggestion that their self-regulatory behavior is sufficient to counter perturbations in energy intake. Furthermore, overconsumption from large portions may play a role in the development of overweight and obesity, as the magnitude of the effect was greater in children of higher weight status. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02963987.
Regulatory and Clinical Perspective on Biosimilars: a Comparison of the US and European Experiences

The purpose of the review is to explore the reasons for low penetration of biosimilars in the United States (US) and to compare and contrast the US and European experiences. A biosimilar is a biologic that is highly similar to and with no clinically meaningful differences from an existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved reference product, where the reference product is the biologic that was originally approved by the FDA. The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA) created an abbreviated approval pathway (351(k)) for biosimilars to encourage their development and created provisions for interchangeability. Since then, 19 biosimilars have been approved and 7 have been marketed via this pathway; however, the market penetration and utilization of biosimilars in the US has been low. For example, infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra®), while approved in 2016, has captured less than 5% of the US infliximab market share. The European Union (EU) established a biosimilar pathway in 2005 with their first biosimilar approved in 2006. The biosimilar approval pathway in the EU and US are similar in that their goal is to prove biosimilarity. De novo studies to establish safety and efficacy of the biosimilar are not needed. In contrast, as part of the approval in the EU, a transition study in which patients are switched from a reference to a biosimilar is required. Individual countries are left to decide interchangeability. From a clinical perspective, the main concerns regarding biosimilars have been about switching patients from reference to biosimilars especially in clinically stable patients, a bias towards associating more adverse effects with biosimilars, and the differentiation of biosimilars used for chronic versus short-term conditions with objective efficacy measures. Finally, the idea that a biosimilar’s approval can be based on extrapolation from other indications has also led to reluctance in using them. Such clinical conundrums were likely also faced in the EU; however, its economic milieu has helped to increase adoption over the last decade. These techniques include price competition by using all available biosimilars, price regulation by national authorities, and incentives for prescribers to use biosimilars. While recognizing differences in the payer system, some or all of these techniques may help increase adoption in the US where individualized contracting and significant rebates offered by the reference products’ manufacturers have made switching to the biosimilar financially unfavorable. A pathway for accelerated biosimilar approval was developed in the US in 2009. Nonetheless, biosimilar penetration to the market remains low compared to the EU due to unique issues in the US, including the rebates provided by manufacturer of the reference biologic. While being sensitive to differences in payer structure between the US and countries in EU, it is possible to adopt some of their techniques.
Equity and Diversity in College Admissions

Equity and diversity issues are becoming more important in higher education and colleges are adopting various policies to address them. I am going to focus on college admissions and discuss two policies that are most commonly used in practice: affirmative action and need/merit-based financial aid. Here are what we have come up with so far and what can be done in the future.
Nonverbal Communication in Political Debates: by J. S. Seiter & H. Weger, Jr., Lanham, Maryland, Lexington Books, 2020, 244 pp., $105 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-4985-8522-4

From John F. Kennedy to Joe Biden, “Political debates are as much, if not more, about projecting images as they are about arguing positions on policy” (Seiter & Weger, 2020, p. 66). For this reason...
A system for rapid chemical identification based on infrared signatures

Rapid scanning quantum cascade lasers are utilized in the detection of trace amounts of explosive materials. Infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy employs a quick tuning infrared quantum cascade laser system to illuminate targets with mid-IR light, 6 – 11 μm in wavelength, and to perform spectroscopic measurements in less than one second. A narrow cone of the signal backscattered from targets at standoff distance is collected and imaged onto a liquid nitrogen cooled MCT focal plane array. This backscattered signal is processed into a hyperspectral image cube containing spectral and spatial information. The analysis of the experimental data measured with the system is discussed. This includes the processing of the raw camera frames (using signals from individual components of the system) into discrete wavelength bins, typically 0.01 μm in width. Spectra are generated by plotting the signal from regions of interest, typically clusters of adjacent pixels within the frames, as a function of the wavelength associated with the binned frames. These spectra are compared against the FTIR diffuse reflectance of the analytes on an equivalent substrate for identification. Methods to optimize signal to noise and produce identifications with high confidence are presented. For a single experiment, taking less than 1 second, with the camera running at full frame over 16,000 individual spectra are generated. Targets are prepared by sieving and also dry transfer to mimic real world threats, in trace amounts and on relevant substrates. Traces of explosives, as well as illicit drugs are investigated.
Agriculture Sector Role in the Economic Growth

I discussed in this paper how the economic growth is link with economic development, agriculture sector is cooperate with industrial sector regarding economic growth.
Racial and Ethnic Enrollment Disparities and Demographic Reporting Requirements in Acute Leukemia Clinical Trials

Data regarding racial and ethnic enrollment diversity for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) clinical trials in the United States are limited, and little is known about the effect of federal reporting requirements instituted in the late 2000s. We examined demographic data reporting and enrollment diversity for ALL and AML trials in the United States from 2002 to 2017, as well as changes in reporting and diversity after reporting requirements were instituted. Of 223 AML trials and 97 ALL trials with results on ClinicalTrials.gov, 68 (30.5%) and 51 (52.6%) reported enrollment by both race and ethnicity. Among trials that reported race and ethnicity (AML, n = 6554; ALL, n = 4149), non-Hispanic (NH)-Black, NH-Native American, NH-Asian, and Hispanic patients had significantly lower enrollment compared with NH-White patients after adjusting for race-ethnic disease incidence (AML odds ratio, 0.68, 0.31, 0.75, and 0.83, respectively; ALL odds ratio, 0.74, 0.27, 0.67, and 0.64; all, P ≤ .01). The proportion of trials reporting race increased significantly after implementation of the reporting requirements (44.2% to 60.2%; P = .02), but race-ethnicity reporting did not (34.8% to 38.6%; P = .57). Reporting proportions according to number of patients enrolled increased significantly after the reporting requirements were instituted (race, 51.7% to 72.7%; race-ethnicity, 39.5% to 45.4%; both, P < .001), and relative enrollment of NH-Black and Hispanic patients decreased (AML odds ratio, 0.79 and 0.77; ALL odds ratio, 0.35 and 0.25; both P ≤ .01). These data suggest that demographic enrollment reporting for acute leukemia trials is suboptimal, changes in diversity after the reporting requirements may be due to additional enrollment disparities that were previously unreported, and enrollment diversification strategies specific to acute leukemia care delivery are needed.
Towards Sound Accessibility in Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) leverages sight, hearing, and touch senses to convey virtual experiences. For d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) people, however, information conveyed through sound may not be accessible. While prior work has explored making every day sounds accessible to DHH users, the context of VR is, as yet, unexplored. In this paper, we provide a first comprehensive investigation of sound accessibility in VR. Our primary contributions include a design space for developing visual and haptic substitutes of VR sounds to support DHH users and prototypes illustrating several points within the design space. We also characterize sound accessibility in commonly used VR apps and discuss findings from early evaluations of our prototypes with 11 DHH users and 4 VR developers.
Relative density of United States forests has shifted to higher levels over last two decades with important implications for future dynamics.

Tree size-density dynamics can inform key trends in forest productivity along with opportunities to increase ecosystem resiliency. Here, we employ a novel approach to estimate the relative density (RD, range 0-1) of any given forest based on its current size-density relationship compared to a hypothetical maximum using the coterminous US national forest inventory between 1999 and 2020. The analysis suggests a static forest land area in the US with less tree abundance but greatly increased timber volume and tree biomass. Coupled with these resource trends, an increase in RD was identified with 90% of US forest land now reaching a biologically-relevant threshold of canopy closure and/or self-thinning induced mortality (RD > 0.3), particularly in areas prone to future drought conditions (e.g., West Coast). Notably, the area of high RD stands (RD > 0.6) has quintupled over the past 20 years while the least stocked stands (RD < 0.3) have decreased 3%. The evidence from the coterminous US forest RD distribution suggest opportunities to increase live tree stocking in understocked stands, while using density management to address tree mortality and resilience to disturbances in increasingly dense forests.
On basic properties of localization using distance-difference measurements

We study basic properties related to the task of localizing a source using distance-difference measurements to it. These properties are related to minimalistic realizations of localization systems in terms of the number of sensors and computational complexity. We first establish conditions for unique identification of a source in Euclidean plane. We then derive the minimum number of sensors needed for uniquely identifying a source for cases where it is located anywhere in the Euclidean plane and inside a polygonal monitoring region. The localization problem may be solved by computing the intersections points of two hyperbolas. While there are four intersection points in general, we show that there are only 2 for this localization problem, which in turn bounds the potential source estimates to be considered.
Static analysis of parameterized loop nests for energy efficient use of data caches

Caches are an important part of architectural and compiler low-power strategies by reducing memory accesses and energy per access. In this chapter, we examine efficient utilization of data caches for low power in an adaptive memory hierarchy. We focus on the optimization of data reuse through the static analysis of line size adaptivity. We present an approach that enables the quantification of data misses with respect to cache line size at compile-time. This analysis is implemented in a software package STAMINA. Experimental results demonstrate effectiveness and accuracy of the analytical results compared to alternative simulation based methods.
Calcium channel activation stabilizes a neuronal calcium channel mRNA

We have identified a calcium-dependent pathway in neurons that regulates expression levels of the alpha1B subunit and N channel current. When neurons are depolarized and voltage-gated calcium channels activated, the half-life of cellular N channel alpha1B mRNA is prolonged. This stabilizing effect of depolarization is mediated through the 3' untranslated region of a long form of the alpha1B mRNA and may represent a form of modulation of N-channel levels that does not require changes in gene transcription. Increases in N channel expression would affect several key neuronal functions controlled by calcium, including transmitter release and neurite outgrowth.
A Generation-Time Effect on the Rate of Molecular Evolution in Bacteria

Molecular evolutionary rate varies significantly among species and a strict global molecular clock has been rejected across the tree of life. Generation time is one primary life-history trait that influences the molecular evolutionary rate. Theory predicts that organisms with shorter generation times evolve faster because of the accumulation of more DNA replication errors per unit time. Although the generation-time effect has been demonstrated consistently in plants and animals, the evidence of its existence in bacteria is lacking. The bacterial phylum Firmicutes offers an excellent system for testing generation-time effect because some of its members can enter a dormant, nonreproductive endospore state in response to harsh environmental conditions. It follows that spore-forming bacteria would--with their longer generation times--evolve more slowly than their nonspore-forming relatives. It is therefore surprising that a previous study found no generation-time effect in Firmicutes. Using a phylogenetic comparative approach and leveraging on a large number of Firmicutes genomes, we found sporulation significantly reduces the genome-wide spontaneous DNA mutation rate and protein evolutionary rate. Contrary to the previous study, our results provide strong evidence that the evolutionary rates of bacteria, like those of plants and animals, are influenced by generation time.
Propagation at Extremely Low Frequencies

The sections in this article are 1 Simplified Waveguide Model 2 Applications 3 Background Noise 4 The Schumann Resonance 5 Extension of The Waveguide Model 6 Antipodal Effects 7 Ionospheric Reflection 8 The Inhomogeneous Ionosphere 9 ELF Calculation Methods 10 Acknowledgments
A review of study designs and methods of dietary assessment in nutritional epidemiology of chronic disease.

Increasingly the role of diet in the etiology of chronic disease has been the focus of research. Reviewed here are the epidemiologic study designs used for such research and the methodologies used for measurement of diet. Strengths and weaknesses of ecologic, cross-sectional, case-control cohort studies and clinical trials are discussed. Additionally the advantages and disadvantages of dietary recalls, food records, diet histories and food frequency questionnaires are reviewed as pertains to their use in nutritional epidemiology research
INK4 locus of the tumor-resistant rodent, the naked mole rat, expresses a functional p15/p16 hybrid isoform.

The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a long-lived and tumor-resistant rodent. Tumor resistance in the naked mole rat is mediated by the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan of very high molecular weight (HMW-HA). HMW-HA triggers hypersensitivity of naked mole rat cells to contact inhibition, which is associated with induction of the INK4 (inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinase 4) locus leading to cell-cycle arrest. The INK4a/b locus is among the most frequently mutated in human cancer. This locus encodes three distinct tumor suppressors: p15INK4b, p16INK4a, and ARF (alternate reading frame). Although p15INK4b has its own ORF, p16INK4a and ARF share common second and third exons with alternative reading frames. Here, we show that, in the naked mole rat, the INK4a/b locus encodes an additional product that consists of p15INK4b exon 1 joined to p16INK4a exons 2 and 3. We have named this isoform pALTINK4a/b (for alternative splicing). We show that pALTINK4a/b is present in both cultured cells and naked mole rat tissues but is absent in human and mouse cells. Additionally, we demonstrate that pALTINK4a/b expression is induced during early contact inhibition and upon a variety of stresses such as UV, gamma irradiation-induced senescence, loss of substrate attachment, and expression of oncogenes. When overexpressed in naked mole rat or human cells, pALTINK4a/b has stronger ability to induce cell-cycle arrest than either p15INK4b or p16INK4a. We hypothesize that the presence of the fourth product, pALTINK4a/b of the INK4a/b locus in the naked mole rat, contributes to the increased resistance to tumorigenesis of this species.