cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visceral adipose tissue mass in nonlactating dairy cows fed diets differing in energy density1

Our objective was to determine dietary energy effects on feed intake, internal fat deposition, body condition score (BCS), visceral organ mass, and blood analytes in Holstein cows. Eighteen nonpregnant, nonlactating cows (BCS = 3.04 ± 0.25) were blocked based on initial BCS and were randomly assigned within each block to 2 treatments. Treatments were either high energy [HE; net energy for lactation (NEL)=1.62 Mcal/kg] or low energy (LE; NEL = 1.35 Mcal/kg) diets fed as total mixed rations for 8 wk. The LE diet consisted of 81.7% forage, including 40.5% wheat straw and 28.3% corn silage, whereas the HE diet contained 73.8% forage with no straw and 49.9% corn silage (dry matter basis). Cows were fed for ad libitum intake once daily at 0800 h. Feed intake was recorded daily, blood was sampled at wk 1, 4, and 7, and BCS was assigned at wk 1, 4, and 7. Cows were killed following the 8-wk period, and visceral organs, mammary gland, and internal adipose tissues were weighed and sampled. The HE group had greater dry matter intake (15.9 vs. 11.2 ± 0.5 kg/d) and energy intakes than cows fed LE, but neutral detergent fiber intake did not differ (5.8 vs. 5.6 ± 0.25 kg/d for HE and LE). Final body weight was greater for cows fed HE (807 vs. 750 kg), but BCS did not differ between groups (3.52 vs. 3.47 for HE and LE). Omental (26.8 vs. 15.2 ± 1.6 kg/d), mesenteric (21.5 vs. 11.2 ± 1.9 kg), and perirenal (8.9 vs. 5.4 ± 0.9 kg) adipose tissue masses were larger in HE cows than in LE cows. Although subcutaneous adipose mass was not measured, carcass weight (including hide and subcutaneous fat) did not differ between HE (511 kg) and LE (496 kg). Liver weight tended to be greater for cows fed HE, but weights of gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidney did not differ. Serum insulin tended to be greater and the glucose to insulin ratio was lower for cows fed HE. Serum concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and cholesterol were greater for HE cows than for LE cows but concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, total protein, and albumin did not differ. Final BCS was correlated with masses of omental (r = 0.57), mesenteric (r = 0.59), and perirenal (r = 0.72) adipose tissue, but mesenteric adipose mass increased more as BCS increased for cows fed HE. The similar final BCS between HE and LE cows demonstrates that BCS may lack sensitivity to detect differences in visceral fat deposition that might increase risk for peripartal diseases and disorders.
NEK1 Facilitates Cohesin Removal during Mammalian Spermatogenesis

Meiosis is a highly conserved process, which is stringently regulated in all organisms, from fungi through to humans. Two major events define meiosis in eukaryotes. The first is the pairing, or synapsis, of homologous chromosomes and the second is the exchange of genetic information in a process called meiotic recombination. Synapsis is mediated by the meiosis-specific synaptonemal complex structure in combination with the cohesins that tether sister chromatids together along chromosome arms through prophase I. Previously, we identified FKBP6 as a novel component of the mammalian synaptonemal complex. Further studies demonstrated an interaction between FKBP6 and the NIMA-related kinase-1, NEK1. To further investigate the role of NEK1 in mammalian meiosis, we have examined gametogenesis in the spontaneous mutant, Nek1kat2J. Homozygous mutant animals show decreased testis size, defects in testis morphology, and in cohesin removal at late prophase I of meiosis, causing complete male infertility. Cohesin protein SMC3 remains localized to the meiotic chromosome cores at diplonema in the Nek1 mutant, and also in the related Fkbp6 mutant, while in wild type cells SMC3 is removed from the cores at the end of prophase I and becomes more diffuse throughout the DAPI stained region of the nucleus. These data implicate NEK1 as a possible kinase involved in cohesin redistribution in murine spermatocytes.
Mechanisms regulating the expression, self-maintenance, and signaling-function of the bradykinin B2 and B1 receptors.

Bradykinin (BK) is a potent short-lived effector belonging to a class of peptides known as kinins. It participates in inflammatory and vascular regulation and processes including angioedema, tissue permeability, vascular dilation, and smooth muscle contraction. BK exerts its biological effects through the activation of the bradykinin B2 receptor (BKB2R) which is G-protein-coupled and is generally constitutively expressed. Upon binding, the receptor is activated and transduces signal cascades which have become paradigms for the actions of the Galphai and Galphaq G-protein subunits. Following activation the receptor is then desensitized, endocytosed, and resensitized. The bradykinin B1 (BKB1R) is a closely related receptor. It is activated by desArg(10)-kallidin or desArg(9)-BK, metabolites of kallidin and BK, respectively. This receptor is induced following tissue injury or after treatment with bacterial endotoxins such as lipopolysacharide or cytokines such as interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In this review we will summarize the BKB2R and BKB1R mediated signal transduction pathways. We will then emphasize the relevance of key residues and domains of the intracellular regions of the BKB2R as they relate to modulating its function (signal transduction) and self-maintenance (desensitization, endocytosis, and resensitization). We will examine the features of the BKB1R gene promoter and its mRNA as these operate in the expression and self-maintenance of this inducible receptor. This communication will not cover areas discussed in earlier reviews pertaining to the actions of peptide analogs. For these we refer you to earlier reviews (Regoli and Barabe, 1980, Pharmacol Rev 32:1-46; Regoli et al., 1990, J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 15(Suppl 6):S30-S38; Regoli et al., 1993, Can J Physiol Pharmacol 71:556-557; Marceau, 1995, Immunopharmacology 30:1-26; Regoli et al., 1998, Eur J Pharmacol 348:1-10).
A Facility and Program at IPNS to Study Defects Produced by Fast Neutrons in Semiconductors

The Radiation Effects Facility at the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS), under construction at Argonne National Laboratory, will offer a genuinely unique opportunity to study the effects of fast-neutron bombardment of semiconductors. This user-oriented Facility will be described and the results of recent measurements of spallation neutron flux, flux gradients, and energy spectrum will be presented. A close similarity with the fast component of the neutron spectrum in a typical fission reactor will be demonstrated. Two unique features of a pulsed spallation neutron source will be exploited in experiments to be performed on semiconductors: the low γ flux and the pulsed nature. The unusually low production of γ-rays in a spallation neutron source will make it possible to perform experiments on semiconductors which in the past have been performed only on metals. For example, low-temperature defect production and annealing will be measured in situ by electrical resistivity techniques. The pulsed nature of the neutron source will be used to study the kinetics of defect annihilation and agglomeration. The structure and character of defects in Si will be investigated by techniques including resistivity, Hall coefficient, DLTS and TEM. Early experiments are being planned in cooperation with co-workers at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Other experimenters with an interest in this Facility are encouraged to contact the authors.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Yield of Cytology and Concurrent Surgical Pathology Specimens by Novel Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy

Introduction: Rapid on-site evaluation of specimen adequacy is used at many institutions to enhance diagnostic yield. Cytology personnel began routinely performing ROSE at our institution in 2010. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ROSE on diagnostic yield at our institution. Materials and Methods: Two 4 month time periods in which the majority of bronchoscopic cytology samples were obtained either with or without ROSE were selected. All bronchoscopic procedures were included whether or not real time image guidance was used. Image-guided modalities including fluoroscopy, endobronchial ultrasound-guided FNA (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) were used during both periods. The pre-ROSE time period was 1/1/09-4/30/09 and the postROSE time period was 1/1/12 4/30/12. The following data were collected: final diagnosis, number of non-diagnostic samples, number of slides per case, use of ancillary testing and number of patients requiring additional procedures. Unsatisfactory/non-diagnostic samples and all atypical categories were considered non-diagnostic. All procedures after the initial procedure were considered additional until a conclusive diagnosis was rendered. Pearson’s Chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction was used to determine statistical significances. Results: A total of 151 procedures were performed pre-ROSE and 246 procedures post-ROSE. Specific diagnostic categories and use of ancillary testing are summarized in Table 1. Comparison of diagnostic and non-diagnostic cases and additional diagnostic procedures performed are summarized in Table 2. Conclusions: There were significantly fewer non-diagnostic bronchoscopic samples in the post-ROSE period. Use of ancillary studies increased significantly in the post-ROSE period with more malignancies given a specific cell type. The number of additional procedures performed for definitive diagnosis decreased in the post-ROSE time period. Correlation of impact of ROSE on specific imaging modalities used in bronchoscopy is warranted
Babe Ruth as a Free Agent: What the Old-Time Greats Would Earn in Today's Labor Market for Baseball Players:

While baseball fans will always argue whether the old-time players were better than today's players, one thing is clear Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, and other greats from the past would welcome the o...
Human analgesic action of d-amphetamine, amobarbital, acetylsalicylic acid and acetophenetidin, in combination.

SummaryFour treatments were compared on each of 16 human subjects for their ability to elevate the threshold to experimentally induced pain of the tooth pulp, by the method and discipline of Harris and Blockus. Rigorous elimination of bias was exercised. The treatments were: A. d-amphetamine, 5 mg; amobarbital, 32 mg; acetylsalicylic acid, 162 mg; acetophenetidin, 162 mg; B. acetylsalicylic acid, 162 mg; acetophenetidin, 162 mg; C. placebo; D. no medication, i.e., a dry-run. The threshold of experimentally induced pain was elevated more significantly during the 2y2 hours after the amphetamine mixture than after the other 3 treatments.
Tethered Heavy Dicarbene Analogues: Synthesis and Structure of Ditetryldiyl Ethers (Ar′E)2(μ-O) (E = Ge, Sn; Ar′ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2)

Ditetryldiyl ethers (Ar′E)2(μ-O) (E = Ge, Sn; Ar′ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2) which contain a pair of two-coordinate Sn or Ge atoms were successfully prepared by the reaction of the corresponding ...
Reconsideration of the Power of Trustees in China

The functions and values of the modern trust law in civil law countries have already experienced significant changes in comparison with the earlier ones.As a consequence,the trustee's power has also undergone a substantial expansion.However,the trustees' power proscribed in China's existing trust law is challengeable with its excessive stress on obligations rather than powers,excessive emphasis on safety,rather than efficiency,and excessive emphasis on pessimistic side,rather than optimistic side.The only way out of this dilemma for China is to adopt a new concept of values,pay more homage to the status of trustees,strengthen their power and take the experience of Japan and South Korea to quicken the passage of laws related to foreign expertise.
Progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone advance the estrogen-induced bioassayable luteinizing hormone surge in castrate monkeys *

Recent studies have demonstrated marked disparities between bioassayable (BIO) versus radioimmunoassayable concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) at midcycle. Other studies in intact women and monkeys have indicated that progesterone (P) may facilitate estrogen induction of the preovulatory gonadotropin surges. We have combined the study of these observations as follows: long-term castrate female monkeys were given estradiol benzoate with and without subsequent P or 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) injections. Plasma was collected during a selected 24-hour interval via a chronic indwelling femoral vein cannula. Initially, estrogen-negative feedback decreased the pulsatility and circulating levels of gonadotropins. P and 17-OHP treatment (after estradiol) hastened initiation of the BIO-LH surge by up to 8hours. Although estrogen-positive feedback alone enhanced the biologic activity of LH, P and 17-OHP expedited the midcycle-like BIO-LH surges.
Stationary variational estimates for the effective response and field fluctuations in nonlinear composites

Abstract This paper presents a variational method for estimating the effective constitutive response of composite materials with nonlinear constitutive behavior. The method is based on a stationary variational principle for the macroscopic potential in terms of the corresponding potential of a linear comparison composite (LCC) whose properties are the trial fields in the variational principle. When used in combination with estimates for the LCC that are exact to second order in the heterogeneity contrast, the resulting estimates for the nonlinear composite are also guaranteed to be exact to second-order in the contrast. In addition, the new method allows full optimization with respect to the properties of the LCC, leading to estimates that are fully stationary and exhibit no duality gaps. As a result, the effective response and field statistics of the nonlinear composite can be estimated directly from the appropriately optimized linear comparison composite. By way of illustration, the method is applied to a porous, isotropic, power-law material, and the results are found to compare favorably with earlier bounds and estimates. However, the basic ideas of the method are expected to work for broad classes of composites materials, whose effective response can be given appropriate variational representations, including more general elasto-plastic and soft hyperelastic composites and polycrystals.
A Survey of Current and Potential Uses of Market Data by the FDIC

This article illustrates various ways in which the supervisors of depository institutions currently use market information; the article also highlights some potential applications of market data that the FDIC is considering in its insurance functions. The first section reviews the literature on the application of market data to supervisory risk assessments. The second section briefly reviews the supervisory process, setting the context for the current use of market information within that process. The third section illustrates how market information is currently applied in assessments of both industry risk trends and institution-specific risk conditions. The fourth section discusses research and other activities being conducted at the FDIC with a view to using market information more broadly. The final section summarizes and discusses a few of the challenges for wider incorporation of market information into the supervisory process.
Fluorescence Spectrum from a Three-Level Atom Interacting with a Monochromatic and Broadband Laser

The fluorescence spectrum emitted from a three-level atom interacting with two strong resonant fields has received considerable attention. The three-level atom in the ladder-type configuration has been studied by Whitley and Stroud and others.1, 2 However, the V-type configuration (see insert figure 1) has received much less attention. Using a method similar to Whitley and Stroud a computer generated spectrum is calculated both on and near resonance. The resulting spectrum appears to be in some disagreement with the literature.3 However, our results can be understood on a physical basis by employing rate equation techniques and by an approximate calculation of the eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian.
Movement of X Chromosome in Epileptic Cortex

Chronic uncontrolled seizure activity was linked to specific positional changes of the X chromosome in neurons of cortical seizure foci from both male and female patients at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Impact of the natural variability in snowflake diameter, aspect ratio, and orientation on modeled snowfall radar reflectivity

Significant progress has been made in approximating snowflakes with increasingly realistic shape models and then simulating their microwave scattering properties for snowfall remote sensing. This study aims to complement prior findings by analyzing the natural variability within snowstorms. The approach consists of (i) deriving the variability of snowflake diameters, aspect ratios, and orientation angles from automated snowflake observations during individual snowstorms, (ii) calculating the corresponding variability of snowflake backscatter cross sections at 24, 35, 94, and 183 GHz, and (iii) evaluating the impact of the analyzed snowflake variability on modeled snowfall equivalent radar reflectivity factors (Ze). For seven snowstorms, the observed natural variability in snowflake diameter, aspect ratio, and orientation leads to distributions of snowflake backscatter cross sections that span up to 6 orders of magnitude. The impact on modeled radar reflectivity is smaller with distributions of Ze values spanning less than 1 order of magnitude and with median absolute deviations and standard deviations of up to 25 %, depending on the analyzed frequency and the applied snowflake parameterization. An assessment of different characterizations of snowflake aspect ratio and orientation indicates that a simplistic description of aspect ratios and orientation angles through constant values which do not correspond with the observed snowflake distributions for the analyzed snowstorm can lead to relative differences in modeled Ze of |ΔZe|≥60%. These differences in Ze are generally smaller than uncertainties in Ze associated with the parameterization of snowflake mass but still translate into significant uncertainties for the retrieval of snowfall rates from radar reflectivity measurements.
Anesthesia for Common Pediatric Emergency Surgeries

Anesthesiologist must be prepared on a daily basis to care for children who need emergency surgery. An appropriate perioperative plan must be formulated and executed to ensure successful management of the child. This article outlines how to prepare and effectively manage common pediatric emergency surgeries.
What's the buzz: Tell me what's happening in breast cancer screening

Many controversies have come to light related to breast cancer screening recommendations for average- and high-risk populations. This manuscript focuses on factors to consider when coordinating and conducting breast cancer screening programs in an average or "healthy women" population. As presented at the 2016 ONS Congress, a brief comparison of current screening recommendations among various organizations for early detection of breast cancer is provided. Lessons learned regarding key components of successful screening programs such as being patient focused, accessible, and sustainable are shared. Practice implications such as gaining confidence in providing individualized patient education, encouraging every woman to discuss her risk of breast cancer with her health-care provider, advocating for patients needs and being involved in or aware of clinical and translational research on the efficacy of the clinical breast examination and screening services are critical roles for nurses and advanced practice nurse providers.
A low-noise cartesian error feedback architecture

Feedback improves the linearity of the main path; however, this increases the linearity requirement of the feedback path in conventional transmitter Cartesian feedback architecture. To alleviate this issue, the feedback signal should be largely attenuated, which then inevitably degrades the system noise performance. To mitigate the trade-off between noise and linearity, we have invented a new architecture, named error feedback architecture by introducing an external feedforward path to suppress the feedback signal while only feeding back the error information in principle. In this paper, first, the trade-off between noise and linearity in the conventional TX Cartesian feedback loop is described. Then, how the signal cancellation provided by the new architecture can mitigate the inherent noise-linearity trade-off is discussed. The noise and nonlinearity of the feedforward path, which cannot be regulated by the loop, are also analyzed. Finally, WCDMA power class 4 (21dBm) is utilized as one application example for the evaluation of noise and linearity.
The English Language and the Indian State: Raag Darbari to The White Tiger

AbstractThrough a study of the history of language legislation in India and through critical analyses of key textual moments in Shrilal Shukla's Hindi novel, Raag Darbari (1968) and Aravind Adiga's...
Epidemiology of fishing related upper extremity injuries presenting to the emergency department in the United States.

ABSTRACTObjective: Fishing injuries commonly affect the hands. The goal of this study was to quantify the incidence of fishing-related upper extremity injuries that present to emergency departments in the United States.Methods: We examined the reported cases of fishing-related upper extremity injuries in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Analysis was performed based on age, sex and the type of injury reported.Results: The national incidence of fishing-related upper extremity injuries was 119.6 per 1 million person-years in 2014. The most common anatomic site for injury was the finger (63.3%), followed by the hand (20.3%). The most common type of injury in the upper extremity was the presence of a foreign body (70.4%). The incidence of fishing-related upper extremity injuries in males was 200 per 1 million person-years, which was significantly higher than the incidence in females (41 per 1 million person-years).Conclusion: The incidence of fishing-related upper extremity injuries...
Risk and Prevention for Highly Penetrant Genes

Approximately 10% of breast cancer cases are attributed to a hereditary predisposition. Here, we review the risks and management options for highly penetrant genes including BRCA1/2, TP53, PTEN, CDH1, STK11, and PALB2 which confer a 5 to greater than 10-fold increased risk of breast cancer, and an increased risk of other cancers. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) reduces mortality in BRCA1/2 carriers. Other management strategies are tailored to the hereditary cancer syndrome in question and include more intensive screening with imaging and serologic studies, risk-reducing surgeries such as mastectomy, and consideration of risk reduction agents. Given the advances in our knowledge regarding the impact of management strategies in mutation carriers, genetic testing for high-penetrance breast cancer genes has become standard of care. It is critically important to discuss the implications of testing unaffected family members, in order to be able to offer impactful interventions to healthy at-risk individuals.
Pricing and Licensing for Museum Digital Content

Museums' rights and reproduction departments are overwhelmed by and underprepared for requests for image use in electronic media. This article will evaluate related models for pricing and fees used by non-art industries, and provide some interim guidelines for museums while they make the transition to supplying requests for electronic media.
Can a Teaching Intervention Reduce Interobserver Variability in LVEF Assessment: A Quality Control Exercise in the Echocardiography Lab

Objectives This study sought to determine whether a formalized teaching intervention could reduce the interobserver variability (IOV) in visual estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) within a group of sonographers and physicians with a spectrum of experience. Background Precise and reliable echocardiographic assessment of LVEF is necessary for clinical decision-making and minimizing duplicative testing. Skill in the visual estimation of LVEF varies depending on experience and is critical for corroborating EF quantification. IOV may also lead to inconsistency if multiple readers are assessing the EF on serial exams. Methods Fourteen cases of 2-dimensional echocardiograms were shown to 25 participants who estimated the EF based on a complete assessment of LV wall motion including parasternal, short-axis, apical, and subcostal views. The cases represented a spectrum of EF range, image quality, and clinical context. Following the initial interpretations, participants underwent a teaching intervention involving tutorial review of reference cases and group discussion of each case with determination of the EF guided by quantitative measure (biplane Simpson method). Three months after the teaching intervention, 14 new cases were shown to the 25 participants following the same methodology. Results IOV was quantified before and after the teaching intervention with the use of a 3-factor, nested analysis of variance. The factors were: observer, patient, and pre- and post-intervention (time). The analysis of variance showed that the intervention reduced the IOV for the 25 readers between the pre- and post-intervention assessments (F = 2.8, p = 0.007). The IOV decreased from ±14% EF prior to intervention to ±8.4% EF following intervention (a 40% reduction in IOV). Conclusions In a large echocardiography laboratory with a wide range of training levels and experience, a simple, formalized teaching intervention can successfully diminish IOV of LVEF assessment. This intervention provides not only discrete quality measures, but also serves as a practical tool to document and improve quality of reporting, potentially reducing clinical inefficiencies and repeat testing.
The Soliton Lattice: Application to the ω Phase

In the present work we study the connection among three subjects. 1) Dislocation defects in crystals. 2) The physics and thermodynamics of solitons. 3) Displacive phase transitions and the quasi-elastic scattering in the disordered phase (the “central peak”). The idea that connects these subjects is that a displacive phase transition also involves a change in the lattice constant, i.e. a volume change. If a domain of the ordered phase appears within the disordered phase, it will suffer a strain due to the discrepancy in lattice constants. The interaction of these incommensurate structures in a one dimensional (1D) model leads to the solitons as described in some of the previous contributions in this volume, (see A.D. BRUCE; P. BAK; J.D. AXE).
Safety and preliminary activity data from a single center phase II study of triplet combination of nivolumab (N) with dabrafenib (D) and trametinib (T) [trident] in patients (Pts) with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma (MM).

9560Background: Targeted therapies and immunotherapies (IMTs) have each improved survival for pts with BRAF V600 mutated MM, however many still progress and ultimately die from this disease. New co...
A longitudinal analysis of pain experience and recall in fibromyalgia.

Aim To evaluate pain experiences and memories in fibromyalgia (FM) patients over time. Method Participants included 572 females who were members of a large health maintenance organization who had a diagnosis of FM syndrome (FMS) and met inclusion criteria for the study. Recruitment was for an intervention study that tested the effects of social support and education treatment arms, but there were no treatment effects. Reports of experiential pain (EP), historical peak pain (HPP), and historical valley pain (HVP) for FM were collected. Differences between HPP and EP and EP and HVP (bias) were calculated to determine whether HPP and HVP were distributed evenly around EP over time across participants. Models were performed to assess personal history and psychosocial factors that affect EP, HPP, HVP, and bias. Results There was systematic tendency for HPP to be significantly larger than EP relative to EP vs HVP. EP and HPP decreased significantly over time, but not HVP. There were significant predictors of EP, HPP, HVP, and bias, including depression, self-efficacy, and sleep quality, among others. Conclusion The experiences and recollections of pain in FM appear to provide a unique means of understanding the maintenance of chronic pain-including factors that affect this process.
Open Access Publishing and Subsequent Citations Among Articles in Major Cardiovascular Journals.

Abstract Background While open access publishing among cardiovascular journals has increased in scope over the last decade, the relationship between open access and article citation volume remains unclear. Methods We evaluated the association between open access publishing and citation number in 2017 among 4 major cardiovascular journals. Articles indexed to PubMed with ≥ 5 citations were identified among the following journals: Circulation, European Heart Journal, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and JAMA Cardiology. Multivariable Poisson regression models were adjusted for journal and article type. Results Of the 916 articles published in 2017, original investigations accounted for most articles (66.7%), followed by reviews (14.5%), guideline/scientific statements (8.4%), research letters (3.7%), viewpoints (3.7%), and editorials (2.9%). Among all articles, 43% (n = 391) were open access. Citation number was higher among open access articles compared with those with subscription access (14 [25th-75th percentile: 9-23] vs 11 [25th-75th percentile: 7-17]; P Conclusion Among contemporary articles published in major cardiovascular journals, open access publishing accounted for over 40% of articles and was significantly associated with increased short-term citations. Further research is required to assess the variation in long-term citation rates based on open access publishing status.
Rejecting constitutional reform in the 2016 Italian referendum: analysing the effects of perceived discontent, incumbent performance and referendum-specific factors

The rejection of constitutional reform in the 4 December 2016 referendum resulted in the resignation of Matteo Renzi. Numerous potential explanations could be offered for this result, reflecting po...
Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in the Elderly Population.

The median age at diagnosis for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is approximately 72 years. Elderly patients pose unique management challenges because of the increased risk of therapy-related toxicities and mortality. Because there are no high-volume retrospective studies, prospective trials, or dedicated treatment recommendations for this population, this investigation addresses a major knowledge gap by examining national practice patterns and postoperative/survival outcomes in elderly MPM patients. The National Cancer Database was queried for patients aged ≥ 80 years with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic MPM. Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with observation and surgery. Kaplan–Meier analysis assessed overall survival (OS), and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling examined factors associated with OS. Survival was also calculated following propensity matching. Additionally, postoperative outcomes were evaluated in surgical patients. Of 4526 patients, 2% received surgery and chemotherapy, 22% underwent chemotherapy alone, and 63% were observed. Respective median OS was 12.2, 9.5, and 4.1 months (p < 0.001). Differences between all groups persisted following propensity matching (all comparisons p < 0.05). For the 8% of patients who underwent specified definitive surgery (95% of whom received pleurectomy/decortication), 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 11.0% and 28.5%, respectively. The median length of postoperative hospitalization was 6 days, with 30-day readmission occurring in 7.5% of patients. The majority of elderly MPM patients in the US are observed, which was associated with poorer OS than chemotherapy and/or surgery. Although highly selected surgery/chemotherapy patients were associated with the longest OS, given the high biases in database studies and high perioperative mortality rates, careful patient selection for combined modality approaches in this population is imperative.
Evolution of a project based graphics course

Recent developments in graphics technologies and tools have led to the introduction of new topics and activities into a project based graphics course. These changes are presented and evaluated. Issues involving advances in graphics hardware and software are identified and future directions for course evolution are explored.
A new B-spline collocation method for singular integro-differential equations of higher orders

Abstract Two numerical schemes based on B-spline collocation method are presented for approximate solution of the systems of singular integro-differential equations of higher orders appearing in fracture problems with Steigmann–Ogden surface energy. It is shown that the resulting systems of linear equations are well-conditioned and the numerical examples are in good agreement with known solutions. Although this paper is concerned with the numerical solution to the specific equations, the proposed method can be easily generalized to a large class of singular integro-differential equations.
Development of nuclear microsatellite markers to facilitate germplasm conservation and population genetics studies of five groups of tropical perennial plants with edible fruits and shoots: rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen), lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn. and Garcinia cochinchinensis (Lour.) Choisy) and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl and Guadua angustifolia Kunth)

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) enriched libraries for five groups of tropical perennial plants with edible fruits and shoots were prepared and sequenced in a GS-FLX Roche 454: sapodilla (Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen), lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn. and G. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Choisy), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl and Guadua angustifolia Kunth). For SSR development, these species were organized by their common names in five groups. A total of 3870 SSR primer sets were designed, using capillary electrophoresis 1872 nuclear SSRs were tested on 4 to 10 DNA samples within each plant group, that is 384 loci for each of the four groups of fruit trees and 336 loci for the bamboo group. Only 7.9% of the primers tested did not result in amplification. All 1872 SSRs are provided, we highlight 178 SSRs (between 26 and 47 per group) considered top-quality polymorphic SSRs that amplified all the samples, had strong fluorescence signal, presented no stutters and showed minimum non-specific amplification or background fluorescence. A total of 66,057 contig sequences were submitted to GenBank Database. Markers presented here will be useful not only for conservation efforts in banks of germplasm, but also for in-depth analysis of population genetics which usually requires evaluation of large number of loci.
Variational Representations and Neural Network Estimation of R\'enyi Divergences

We derive a new variational formula for the Renyi family of divergences, $R_\alpha(Q\|P)$, between probability measures $Q$ and $P$. Our result generalizes the classical Donsker-Varadhan variational formula for the Kullback-Leibler divergence. We further show that this Renyi variational formula holds over a range of function spaces; this leads to a formula for the optimizer under very weak assumptions and is also key in our development of a consistency theory for Renyi divergence estimators. By applying this theory to neural-network estimators, we show that if a neural network family satisfies one of several strengthened versions of the universal approximation property then the corresponding Renyi divergence estimator is consistent. In contrast to density-estimator based methods, our estimators involve only expectations under $Q$ and $P$ and hence are more effective in high dimensional systems. We illustrate this via several numerical examples of neural network estimation in systems of up to 5000 dimensions.
Financial strain and electronic nicotine delivery systems use among U.S. young adults: A longitudinal panel analysis, 2013-2018.

Abstract Introduction Financial strain is associated with an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking, but less is known about its association with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use. This study examined longitudinal associations of financial strain with ENDS use behaviors among young adults. Methods We analyzed in 2020 four waves (2013–2018) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health, a nationally representative longitudinal study. A total of 5740 U.S. young adults (aged 18–24 years at baseline) had matched data for all four waves. We used generalized linear mixed modeling which accounts for correlations between repeated measures. Weighted logistic regressions assessed the association between financial strain and three different types of ENDS use behaviors (i.e., everyday, some-day, and experimental use), adjusting for major confounders including poverty, mental health symptoms, and other substance use behaviors. Results Frequency and proportion of everyday ENDS use showed a linear increase over time whereas some-day and experimental uses showed quadratic trends, increasing with a peak at Wave 2 and then decreasing over time. Financial strain prospectively predicted some-day (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.03–1.69) and experimental (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.02–1.52) ENDS use, but not everyday use. Conclusions The findings of the current study indicate the need for distinctly different approaches for non-daily ENDS users from daily users. Our findings further suggest that ENDS use prevention and cessation efforts should consider financial strain of young adults particularly for non-daily users to thwart them from progressing towards nicotine dependence and long-term use.
A Comparative Study on Contemporary Intrusion Detection Datasets for Machine Learning Research

In the modern world, Machine Learning (ML) touches our day-to-day routine in various ways. Researchers have been actively working on adding intelligence to Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) using ML techniques because a traditional IDS can detect known attacks but is incapable of detecting unknown attacks. Two major factors on which the efficiency of an intelligent IDS model depends are – the data and the mechanism used by the model to learn the data. This paper focuses on the contribution of data, by performing an analysis of recently published datasets, namely, UNSW-NB15, Bot-IoT, and CSE-CIC-IDS2018, employing ML algorithms including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Keras Deep Learning models, and XGBoost. The paper compares the performance of an ML-based IDS by training it with each of them, thereby, analyzing how the choice of a dataset impacts the performance.
Understanding children's funds of identity as learners through multimodal self-expressions in Mexico City

Abstract This qualitative study examined the multimodal self-expressions of 39 students in grades 4th–6th attending public schools in Mexico City. Students' shared perspectives of their learning environments and of themselves as learners throughout their teachers' participation in a program designed to shift traditional teacher-centered practices toward co-constructions of learning spaces that are conducive to dialogue, reflection, and socio-emotional awareness through art and narratives. Drawing from a multimodal social semiotics and funds of identity theoretical framework, we analyzed students' responses to three prompts that elicited their perspectives regarding their own learning and their learning environments. Prompts were completed at three different points in time during one school year. Findings include: (1) changes in classroom configurations illustrating teacher-student relationships, (2) the emergence of additional materials and resources for learning, (3) variation in the learning approaches preferred by students, and (4) expanded purposes and motivations for learning. This study illustrates how student-centered pedagogies and teacher-mediated learning processes can mobilize students' funds of identity for learning by co-constructing knowledge and connecting to students' experiences through dialogue and art.
Artists on the Research Team: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Team Science, Research Rigor, and Creative Dialogue.

In an arts in public health research team, artists may be undervalued as key research collaborators because of the difficulties in skillful integration of experts who possess not only different bod...
Making Sense of the EU–China Relations: Partners and Rivals

The EU faces an urgent question of how to create a “united front” to formulate its China policy and strategically position itself in the rivalry between a global hegemon and rising power. This chapter reviews the evolving EU–China relationship and explores areas of closer cooperation and growing tensions. Through three cases that exemplify the intensifying degree of bilateral cooperation and conflict, this chapter argues that EU–Chinese relations have transformed due to China’s surging interest and influence in Europe and its emerging trend of decoupling with the U.S. China has been, simultaneously, a cooperating partner with whom the EU has closely aligned objectives (climate change), a negotiated partner with whom the EU needs to find a balance of interests (AIIB), and an economic competitor against whom the EU needs to defend its interests and values (BRI). The chapter defines China both as a strategic partner and as a systemic rival to the EU.
Confronting the Burden of the Past: The Historical Antecedents of the Present Predicament of African Universities

Modern universities arrived in Africa amidst a fanfare of great optimism in terms of their future (and their role in national development). Today, however, the sad truth is that in many parts of Africa much of that optimism has now been replaced by a deep pessimism.1 One may begin this chapter, then, with two observations regarding the current state of African universities: first, they have come a long way from the time when nearly all of Africa was ruled by Europe; that is, in quantitative terms, enormous progress has been achieved. Yet at the same time, in qualitative terms, universities throughout sub-Saharan Africa are on a steep downward spiral.
Modeling and analysis of the grit level interaction in diamond wire sawing of silicon

This paper analyzes the interaction between diamond grits and crystalline silicon (c-Si) in the ductile regime of diamond wire sawing through theoretical calculations and finite element modeling (FEM). Cutting depth per grit is calculated based on the sawing parameters and is found to be in the range of 41 to 143 nm for a typical diamond wire sawing operation. These depths are smaller than the critical depth of cut for brittle-to-ductile cutting mode transition in single point diamond turning/scribing of c-Si as well as the value derived from indentation fracture mechanics. The shape of the cutting grit plays an important role in determining the normal force and the critical depth of cut. The cutting force calculated by the FEM is approximately 12 mN for a spherical grit/indenter shape and 30 mN for a faceted pyramidal (Vickers) indenter at a 70-nm scribing depth. It is shown ductile mode cutting performance is sensitive to grit shape, and grits with sharp edges can easily lead to brittle fracture. The theoretical cutting depth per grit indicates the likely dominance of ductile mode cutting in diamond wire sawing, albeit, in reality, it is usually a mixture of ductile and brittle cutting. This discrepancy is more likely related to the grit size and shape variation in an actual diamond wire as well as to the dynamics of the operation.
Strengthening the Affective and Behavioral Dimensions of Learning about Human Diversity: Sharing Personal Narratives on Off-Site Retreats.

Abstract This article describes an autobiographical writing assignment completed by students and faculty that is shared in an off-site retreat. It highlights an approach to learning about human diversity that blends affective and behavioral approaches with more traditional cognitive methods. It supports the interrogation of student and instructor assumptions, biases, attitudes, and experiences that result from living in a diverse and inequitable world. Such interrogation is critical if students are to develop the capacity to engage a broad range of clients with varying constellations of social identity. The paper narrates the issues and processes involved.
Agent organized networks redux

Individual robots or agents will often need to form coalitions to accomplish shared tasks, e.g., in sensor networks or markets. Furthermore, in most real systems it is infeasible for entities to interact with all peers. The presence of a social network can alleviate this problem by providing a neighborhood system within which entities interact with a reduced number of peers. Previous research has shown that the topology of the underlying social network has a dramatic effect on the quality of coalitions formed and consequently on system performance (Gaston & deslardins 2005a). It has also been shown that it is feasible to develop agents which dynamically alter connections to improve an organization's ability to form coalitions on the network. However those studies have not analysed the network topologies that result from connectivity adaptation strategies. In this paper the resulting network topologies were analysed and it was found that high performance and rapid convergence were attained because scale free networks were being formed. However it was observed that organizational performance is not impacted by limiting the number of links per agent to the total number of skills available within the population. implying that bandwidth was wasted by previous approaches. We used these observations to inform the design of a token based algorithm that attains higher performance using an order of magnitude less messages for both uniform and non-uniform distributions of skills.
Heart rate dynamics preceding hemorrhage in the intensive care unit

Occult hemorrhage in surgical/trauma intensive care unit (STICU) patients is common and may lead to circulatory collapse. Continuous electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring may allow for early identification and treatment, and could improve outcomes. We studied 4,259 consecutive admissions to the STICU at the University of Virginia Health System. We collected ECG waveform data captured by bedside monitors and calculated linear and non-linear measures of the RR interbeat intervals. We tested the hypothesis that a transfusion requirement of 3 or more PRBC transfusions in a 24 hour period is preceded by dynamical changes in these heart rate measures and performed logistic regression modeling. We identified 308 hemorrhage events. A multivariate model including heart rate, standard deviation of the RR intervals, detrended fluctuation analysis, and local dynamics density had a C-statistic of 0.62. Earlier detection of hemorrhage might improve outcomes by allowing earlier resuscitation in STICU patients.