cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teenage fertility, socioeconomic status and infant mortality.

This paper examines the relationship between infant mortality and a complex measure of socioeconomic status for evidence of diminution. In data on counties in the US with a minimum of 20 infant deaths over the 5-year period 1971-75 no evidence of a declining relationship between socioeconomic status and infant mortality was found. Both level of community affluence and racial composition of the population exerted direct effects on levels of infant deaths. In addition both socioeconomic status and racial composition exhibited indirect effects which operated through teenage childbearing. When total infant mortality was subdivided teenage fertility serves as a mediating variable in the link between socioeconomic status and neonatal mortality but not for the postneonatal components. Given the nearly equivalent total effect of socioeconomic status on infant mortality it is concluded that the classic division into neonatal (supposedly a function of biological and genetic agents) and postneonatal (traditionally attributed to social and environmental agents) may be too crude to allow the contemporary effects of the socioenvironmental milieu to be evaluated effectively. (authors modified)
Correlation-preserved non-gaussian statistical timing analysis with quadratic timing model

Recent study shows that the existing first order canonical timing model is not sufficient to represent the dependency of the gate delay on the variation sources when processing and operational variations become more and more significant. Due to the nonlinearity of the mapping from variation sources to the gate/wire delay, the distribution of the delay is no longer Gaussian even if the variation sources are normally distributed. A novel quadratic timing model is proposed to capture the non-linearity of the dependency of gate/wire delays and arrival times on the variation sources. Systematic methodology is also developed to evaluate the correlation and distribution of the quadratic timing model. Based on these, a novel statistical timing analysis algorithm is propose which retains the complete correlation information during timing analysis and has the same computation complexity as the algorithm based on the canonical timing model. Tested on the ISCAS circuits, the proposed algorithm shows 10 /spl times/ accuracy improvement over the existing first order algorithm while no significant extra runtime is needed.
An overview of active and hybrid structural control research in the U.S.

Under the leadership of the U.S. National Science Foundation in forming the U.S. Panel on Structural Control Research and in launching a program initiative in the area of structural control, there has been a surge of interest in this research field. Recent progress in active and hybrid control research in the U.S. is summarized in this paper. Some areas of research needs are identified and possible future directions for research and development in active and hybrid control are commented upon.
R&D towards cooling of the RHIC collider

We introduce the R&D program for electron-cooling of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). This electron cooler is designed to cool 100 GeV/nucleon bunched-beam ion collider at storage energy using 54 MeV electrons. The electron source will be an RF photocathode gun. The accelerator will be a superconducting energy recovery linac. The frequency of the accelerator is set at 703.75 MHz. The maximum bunch frequency is 28.15 MHz, with bunch charge of 10 nC. The R&D program has the following components: The photoinjector, the superconducting linac, start-to-end beam dynamics with magnetized electrons, electron cooling calculations and development of a large superconducting solenoid.
Characteristics of Hospice Patients Utilizing Hospice Inpatient/Residential Facilities

Given the increasing popularity of a hospice inpatient/residential facility (HIRF) among hospice patients and their family members, examining who uses HIRFs has been of increasing importance. Using the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey (NHHCS), we found that about 14% of the hospice patients received care in an HIRF in 2007. Characteristics of patients associated with HIRF use largely match the industry norm for a general inpatient level of care and include having no caregiver or having an incapable caregiver; having imminent death; and being directly admitted to a hospice after discharge from a hospital. Given a recent stricter enforcement of reimbursement rules, however, we call for close monitoring of any change in the number of HIRF beds--particularly in rural and low-income urban areas.
Individual Differences in Learning Arbitrary Sentences Presented at Different Rates

Abstract This study investigated individual differences in students′ learning of arbitrary sentences when the sentences were presented at different rates. Undergraduate students were shown arbitrary sentences on a computer monitor at various presentation rates. The students were then asked to answer questions about the content of the sentences. The results indicated that (a) both successful and less successful learners profited from additional study time in cued-recall performance; and (b) the cued-recall performance of less successful learners was comparable with that of the successful learners after a longer presentation rate was given to the less successful learners.
Infrastructureless location aware configuration for sensor networks

In large sensor networks nodes must self-configure their communication, location, and other characteristics. GPS and similar systems determine location today, but they require substantial infrastructure in the environment or on sensor nodes to locate nodes in a physical coordinate system. For many applications, logical location - the relationship of nodes with each other and their environment - can be more important than physical location. For example, distance along a road and presence of intersections may be more relevant than Euclidean coordinates for applications that track or guide drivers. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm, deployment order, for logical location determination. Deployment order exploits node deployment patterns and simple user interactions to define logical topologies in a completely distributed manner. With minimal user interaction it can establish arbitrarily complex logical topologies. We illustrate the algorithm through the "follow-me" application, which is an easy-to-deploy sensornet guidance system suitable for use in office buildings as well as inhospitable environments (underground, in damaged buildings, etc.). Finally, we demonstrate how the addition of landmarks allows the conversion from logical locations to approximate physical locations.
Quantifying Salmon-Derived Nutrient Loads from the Mortality of Hatchery-Origin Juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Snake River Basin

Abstract Hatchery supplementation of anadromous salmon is extensive across the Pacific Northwest region with millions of juvenile salmon stocked annually. The influence of hatchery-origin fish as prey items in recipient ecosystems has been explored, but influences of these fish on broader stream nutrient dynamics has not been well-studied. Salmon-derived nutrients (SDN) associated with the mortality of adult anadromous salmon provide key subsidies to freshwater habitats. While a number of studies have estimated current and historic SDN loading from returning wild salmon, SDN contributions from the mortality of hatchery-origin juveniles (many of which die in the stream prior to emigration) remains largely unknown. We conducted a mass balance analysis of SDN input and export via hatchery activities (stocking and broodstock collection) in the Snake River watershed. Using Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha as a model species, we accounted for yearly SDN input (via hatchery-origin juvenile fish mortality)...
Implementation of AWHONN 2010 Guidelines for Professional Registered Nurse Staffing for Perinatal Units—The Journey of a Level III Maternal/Newborn Unit in a Community Hospital Setting

Paper Presentation Purpose for the Program With a trial of staffing assignments, based on the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) 2010 staffing guidelines, the maternal–newborn unit of a mid‐sized community hospital (with a level III obstetric center) desired to assess the effect of the trial on unit productivity. A trial staffing grid was developed based on published guidelines. The purpose of the trial was chiefly to assess the effect of the proposed changes on the overall unit productivity, which was based on hours per patient day. Proposed Change The previously followed staffing grid allowed for a 1:4 nurse to couplet patient assignment. During a 6‐week trial period, nurses followed a 1:3 nurse to couplet patient assignment to assess the overall effect of the trial on total unit productivity and focus on time management related to individual nursing staff overtime. Unit productivity statistics were posted for staff at 2‐week intervals during the initial 6‐week trial. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation During the 6‐week trial period, overall productivity was maintained within the established budget for patient volume. Significant reductions were noted with regard to overtime. Findings included marked improvements in patient satisfaction scores and nurse satisfaction with a 1:3 nurse to couplet assignment. Numerous nursing comments related favorably to improvements in patient care and patient education, and overall satisfaction with the care provided by nurses and the nursing role. Because of the positive effect noted during the 6‐week trial, the trial was extended for additional weeks. Implications for Nursing Practice The application of AWHONN's Guidelines for Professional Registered Nurse Staffing for Perinatal Units can be accomplished with overall improvement in individual nursing productivity and a moderate effect on unit productivity for the maternal–newborn unit. Both patient and nursing satisfaction are significantly improved with the implementation of a 1:3 nurse to couplet assignment for the postpartum mother and newborn. As follow‐up to the trial, the maternal–newborn nursing unit is working toward fully adopting the 2010 AWHONN staffing guidelines.
Psychosocial Adjustment of Familial Polyposis Patients and Participation in a Chemoprevention Trial

Psychological and social adjustment was assessed in eighty-nine individuals with familial polyposis, a genetically transmitted disease placing one at high risk for colon cancer. Three illness-related concerns were identified: 1) fear about future health due to the high risk for cancer; 2) guilt about transmitting a genetic disease to one's children; and 3) concern about physical disfigurement resulting from surgery. Well-being scores were generally positive, although somewhat lower than those reported in a community sample. Two factors in particular influenced well-being scores;: those with higher levels of concern about disfigurement reported lower well-being, and those with accurate information about the disease reported higher well-being. Of the eighty-nine individuals included in this study, sixty-one were participating in a clinical trial and twenty-eight had been invited but declined entry. Demographic and psychosocial factors were examined for their relationship to participation. Only three of thes...
Metabolic characterization of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

High-resolution metabolomics has created opportunity to integrate nutrition and metabolism into genetic studies to improve understanding of the diverse radiation of primate species. At present, however, there is very little information to help guide experimental design for study of wild populations. In a previous non-targeted metabolomics study of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), Rhesus macaques, humans, and four non-primate mammalian species, we found that essential amino acids (AA) and other central metabolites had interspecies variation similar to intraspecies variation while non-essential AA, environmental chemicals and catabolic waste products had greater interspecies variation. The present study was designed to test whether 55 plasma metabolites, including both nutritionally essential and non-essential metabolites and catabolic products, differ in concentration in common marmosets and humans. Significant differences were present for more than half of the metabolites analyzed and included AA, vitamins and central lipid metabolites, as well as for catabolic products of AA, nucleotides, energy metabolism and heme. Three environmental chemicals were present at low nanomolar concentrations but did not differ between species. Sex and age differences in marmosets were present for AA and nucleotide metabolism and warrant additional study. Overall, the results suggest that quantitative, targeted metabolomics can provide a useful complement to non-targeted metabolomics for studies of diet and environment interactions in primate evolution.
REDISCOVERY OF THE RARE STONEFLY UTAPERLA SOPLADORA AT THE TYPE LOCALITY MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY AFTER IT WAS DESCRIBED

Utaperla sopladora Ricker was named as a monotypic genus and species from a holotype male, with the type locality given as Puffer’s Lake, Utah (Ricker 1952). A 2nd specimen from the Yukon River, Dawson, Yukon Territory, Canada was available to Bill Ricker when he named the species. This female paratype was designated as the allotype, and Ricker stated that he had “little hesitation in describing the latter under the same name.” Time has borne out the validity of Ricker’s statement, since subsequent collections between northern Canada and Utah have produced specimens that all seem conspecific (Gaufin 1964, Gaufin et al. 1972, Ricker and Scudder 1975, Baumann et al. 1977, Stewart and Ricker 1997). Additionally, Ricker (1976) gave the etymology of the binomial name: Utaperla means the perlid from Utah, since the type species is from Utah, and sopladora is derived from the Spanish word soplador translated as “puffer.”
Pasteurella multocida infection in a primary shoulder arthroplasty after cat scratch: case report and review of literature

Infected joint arthroplasty presents a significant challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Common causative organisms include Staphylococcus aureus (22%-39%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (15%-37.5%), gramnegative bacilli (4%-28.2%), streptococci (6%-11.2%), enterococci (0%-9.2%), and anaerobes (0%-6.5%). 10 Occasionally, equally in immunocompromised individuals, infection can be caused by uncommon organisms. Pasteurella multocida is a rare causal organism of infected joint replacement that has only previously been reported in cases of knee and hip arthroplasties. 8,12,18,19 We present an unusual case of an infected shoulder arthroplasty caused by Pasteurella multocida after a cat scratch.
The cost-effectiveness of implementing in-person and computerized interventions to enhance treatment receipt among drug-involved probationers in two US jurisdictions (Economics of SBI Symposium)

Background In the United States 1 in 45 adults is under criminal justice supervision in the community, and substance use is prevalent among this population. Treatment for this population has been shown to be generally cost-effective and cost-beneficial. Relatively little is known about the costeffectiveness of services to enhance treatment receipt among drug-involved probationers. This study assesses the relative cost and cost-effectiveness of face-to-face motivational interview (MI), a motivational computer program (MC), and probation services as usual in a controlled clinical trial. The protocol is to deliver two sessions in the MI and MC arms.
Regolith and Weathering (Rock Decay) in the Critical Zone

Abstract Weathering, or rock decay processes are at the center of the Critical Zone. The weathering engine modifies the Earth’s crust to adjust to surface atmospheric, hydrologic, and biotic conditions, relevant to the many fields that find interest in the Critical Zone. Regolith refers to the body of decayed rock or sediment, coincidental to (and parallel and synonymous with) the Critical Zone. Weathering processes are synergistic, involving combinations of mechanical and chemical decay, taking place mostly at a nano-scale boundary layer at the mineral surface. Numerous factors intrinsic to the rock itself and of the surrounding subsurface and subaerial environment influence the availability of weathering agents and the rates and efficacy of decay. When environmental conditions allow, the terrestrial Critical Zone, regolith, can attain significant thickness, tens of meters, in most environments. Rates of formation calculate the oldest regolith profiles to exceed one million years in age.
Transporte de gases por medio de perfluorocarbonos

RESUMEN Los perfluorocarbonos (PFCs) son alcanos donde a los atomos de hidrogeno se suman los de fluor o han sido sustituidos parcialmente por estos. Los PFCs estan caracterizados por fuerzas intramoleculares debiles, lo que concede a los PFCs una alta solubilidad a gases. Los PFCs y sus emulsiones pueden ser utilizados para la oxigenacion de tejidos in vivo o in vitro, o para acarrear y distribuir otros gases o compuestos con alta facilidad. Este trabajo explora la aplicabilidad de los PFCs como transportadores de gases en diferentes modelos experimentales, confirmando que los PFCs proporcionan una solucion farmacologica unica para la entrega segura de los gases. SUMMARY Perfluorocarbons (PFC) are alkanes where hydrogen atoms have been added or replaced partially by fluorine atoms. PFC are characterized by weak intermolecular forces, which give the PFC high solubility to gases. PFC and their emulsions can be used to oxygenate tissues in vivo or in vitro, and to carry and distribute other gases or compounds with high facility. This work explores the applicability of PFC as a gas transporter in different experimental models. In this respect, the PFC provides a unique pharmacological solution for the safe delivery of gases.
Force and Ideas: The Early Writings by Walter Lippmann, with Introduction and Annotations by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. New Brunswick and London: Transaction Publishers, 2000. 356 pp

(2002). Force and Ideas: The Early Writings by Walter Lippmann, with Introduction and Annotations by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. New Brunswick and London: Transaction Publishers, 2000. 356 pp. American Journalism: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 107-107.
The hyperbox

A hyperbox is a 2-dimensional depiction of an N-dimensional box (rectangular parallelepiped). This paper defines the visual syntax of hyperboxes, states some properties, and sketches two applications. Hyperboxes can be evocative visual names for tensors or multidimensional arrays in visual programming languages. They can also be used to simultaneously display all pairwise relationships in an N-dimensional dataset. We show that this can be helpful in choosing a sequence of dimension-reducing transformations that preserve interesting properties of the dataset.
Addressing Ground Clutter Corruption of SODAR Measurements

Echoes from ground clutter around a SODAR may result in a low bias in the wind speed measured by a SODAR. Typically, some, but not all, of the data collected by a SODAR at a site with ground clutter may be corrupted in this manner. In this study, methods to identify acceptable data points in already-collected data are explored, as well as the use of those remaining data points for the estimation of wind speeds. The paper also explores two approaches to filtering that can remove the effects of ground clutter from the raw data, before averaging. One filters out individual wind speed measurements based on signal amplitude. The other approach attempts to filter the raw acoustic data, using wavelets, to eliminate the effect of ground clutter before any further data processing. The filtering of data based on signal amplitude works well, but may result in few data samples with which to determine 10-minute averages. The wavelet approach did not successfully filter out the effects of ground clutter.
Dispersion of a cloud of particles by a moving shock: Eects of shape, angle of incidence and aspect ratio

This paper discusses the particle-laden flow development of a cloud of particles in the accelerated flow behind a normal moving shock. The eect of aspect ratio of a rectangular and elliptical cloud and the clouds’ angle of attack with respect to the carrier flow is studied. Computations are performed with an in-house higher order weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO-Z) based Eulerian-Lagrangian solver that solves the conservation equations in the Eulerian frame, while particles are traced in the Lagrangian frame. Streamlined spherical and elliptical clouds exhibit a lower dispersion than blunt rectangular cloud shapes. The averaged and root mean square location of the particle coordinates in the cloud show that with decreasing aspect ratio, the cloud’s streamwise convection velocity increases. With increasing rotation the cross-stream dispersion increases if the aspect ratio is larger than unity. The particle-laden flow development of an initially rotated rectangle is qualitatively and quantitatively comparable to the dispersion of an initially triangular cloud.
A computationally efficient method for vector autoregression with mixed frequency data

Abstract A linear transformation method is proposed to handle the vector autoregression with mixed frequency time series data. Temporally aggregated observations impose linear constraints on the distribution of latent variables, which are converted such that each observation replaces a latent variable. Full-sample transformation yields a closed-form simulation smoother, while partial-sample transformation leads to a computationally efficient sampler suitable for parallel computing.
Calibration of the Accuracy for All Fiber-optical Current Transducer

The principle of the all fiber-optical current transducer(AFOCT) is introduced.According to IEC 60044-8:2002 standards,a calibration system is developed to calibrate the accuracy of AFOCT.Experimental results are as follows: At room temperature,the measurements of the ratio errors and the phase errors for 1% to 120% of the input rated current meet the requirements.The ratio errors and the phase errors for the input rated current are less than ±0.2% and ±10′,respectively,within-40～+80 ℃.The accuracy of prototype meets the accuracy requirement of 0.2S class.
[A cross-sectional study on risk factors of associated type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in Beijing].

Objective To disclose the epidemiological status of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its related risk factors in adults in Beijing.Methods Logistic model was applied to analyze the relationship between the risk factors and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Results A total of 22301 people were studied,of whom 9836 were males,12465 females,and 2658 of them aged over 60(accounting for 11.92%).The risk factors,which might cause diabetes,would include being male(OR=1.453),with genetic history(OR=2.751),people older than 40(OR=1.584),with hypertension(OR=1.338),with larger waist circumference(OR=1.741),overweight or obesity(OR=1.098),low consumption of fruits(OR=1.430),hypertriglyceridemia(OR=1.767)and hypercholesterolemia (OR=1.315).Conclusion It is of great importance to carry out prevention and controI of type 2 diabetes mellitus programs to eliminate the risk factors among adults in Beijing,with contents as:keeping the blood pressure and weight within the normal range,increasing fruit intake,decreasing the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Logistic regression model; Risk factors
Properties of Enzymes

: This chapter provides broad coverage on enzyme properties, describing the characteristics and activities therein. The reasons for the unidirectional nature of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is outlined. Nomenclature is discussed with the aim of students being able to identify the enzyme activity type, based on name. Methods of control of enzyme activity, including induction of gene expression; noncovalent enzyme-substrate interactions; feedback inhibition; reversible covalent modification; control proteins; and proteolytic activation are characterized and discussed. The impact of phosphorylation is described.
Shyness, Social Anxiety, and Social Anxiety Disorder

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the social shyness and social anxiety disorder and its prevalence and treatment. Social anxiety is defined as a cognitive and affective experience that is triggered by the perception of possible evaluation by others. However, the constructs of social anxiety, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and shyness share much common ground. Over the past 30 years, estimates of the prevalence of SAD in the general population have increased from 2% to over 12%, with 26% of women and 19% of men reporting they were “very shy” growing up. The highest levels of shyness in the US samples were also found among Asian Americans, while Jewish Americans were typically least shy. Culturally based self-definitions mediate social anxiety, and particular self construal are related to particular types of social anxiety. Treatments for shyness, social anxiety, and SAD generally include cognitive restructuring, social skills training, and role-plays of threatening situations. A metaanalysis of SAD treatment suggested that both cognitive and behavior therapy treatments were effective for SAD, and some researchers suggest that exposure appears to be the most powerful mechanism for producing ameliorative change. Social fitness has been chosen as the model of helping people deal with shyness, social anxiety, and SAD because it best fits one's goal to transfer research and theory from social and personality psychology into behavioral, cognitive, and emotional regulation strategies that help individuals to thrive in social interaction.
Magneto-optical effects in topological insulators

In this contribution we study the magneto-optical Faraday effect of topological insulator (TI) films in the presence of an external magnetic field. In the first part, we give a short review of the essential results [Refs. 10-12] in the low-frequency regime. In strong magnetic fields, the low-frequency Faraday effect for TI thin films is found to be quantized at integer multiples of the fine structure constant. In the second part, we present results from our study on the influence of cyclotron and cavity resonance effects in thick TI films. For thick films, we find that the same quantization of the Faraday rotation re-emerges when cavity resonance occurs. At higher frequencies, the interplay of both cyclotron resonance and cavity resonance effects leads to interesting features in the resulting Faraday rotation.
Analog years: Connecting climate science and agricultural tradition to better manage landscapes of the future

Abstract Climate scientists rely on observed historical weather and climate data to inform current and future climate model projections. Similarly, agricultural producers use historical events—recent past experiences and historical narratives—to construct local knowledge to assess, quantify, and manage current and future risks. These historical data, events, and experiences become reference points or analogs when compared to a current phenomenon that exhibits similar characteristics specific to past conditions. In this paper we utilize a lens of agricultural traditions and past experiences to posit a temporal reference framework. In-person interviews with 159 Midwest farmers illustrate how the past influences farmers’ perceptions of current and future risks and is used to integrate scientific climate information to inform decision-making. Qualitative analysis provides support for the temporal reference framework, but more empirical testing is needed to further validate the model.
Education and Social Media: Toward a Digital Future

Christine Greenhow is Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education at Michigan State University’s College of Education and former Fellow of the Information Society Project at Yale Law School. Julia Sonnevend is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Michigan. Colin Agur is Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.
Outcomes in patients with early-stage breast cancer who underwent a 21-gene expression assay.

BACKGROUND Invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) rates are excellent in patients with breast cancer (BC) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-), axillary lymph node-negative (LN-) tumors with a 21-gene expression assay recurrence score (RS) of 0 to 10. However, to the authors' knowledge, the outcomes among patients with an RS of 11 to 25 who are treated with endocrine therapy alone are unknown. METHODS In this retrospective single-institution study, the authors described the characteristics of patients with HR+, HER2-, LN- BC who underwent a 21-gene expression assay. In addition, among those individuals diagnosed between 2005 and 2011, we measured IDFS, recurrence-free survival, distant recurrence-free survival, and overall survival rates, focusing on patients with an RS of 11 to 25 by receipt of chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival rates and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS Among 1424 patients, the RS distribution was 0 to 10 in 297 patients (21%), 11 to 25 in 894 patients (63%), and >25 in 233 patients (16%); of these, 1.7%, 15%, and 73.4% of patients, respectively, received chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 58 months, those patients with an RS of 11 to 25 had an IDFS rate at 5 years of 92.6% (95% CI, 89.6%-94.7%), which was comparable between those who received chemotherapy and those who did not. The hazard ratios of the effect of chemotherapy were 1.64 for IDFS (95% CI, 0.73-3.71), 1.46 for recurrence-free survival (95% CI, 0.41-5.23), 1.25 for distant recurrence-free survival (95% CI, 0.32-4.92), and 2.19 for overall survival (95% CI, 0.44-11.0). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study demonstrate similar outcomes with or without chemotherapy in patients with HR+, HER2-, LN- BC who have an RS of 11 to 25, but a benefit from chemotherapy in this group cannot be ruled out. Cancer 2017;123:2422–31. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Avelumab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

159Background: Despite recent progress, mCRPC remains a lethal disease. While programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors have shown activity in variety of malignancies, to this point there is minimal evidence of activity in mCRPC. This is a report of avelumab, anti-PDL1 in mCRPC patients (pts). Methods: This is an expansion cohort of the first in human, phase I trial (JAVELIN Solid Tumor; EMR100070-001) that evaluated 10 mg/kg of avelumab in pts with mCRPC who had progressive disease (PD) on previous treatment. Pts who had PD on an androgen receptor antagonist (ARA) could enroll on trial and continue their ARA. Avelumab was administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 2 weeks (w) with restaging scans every 6 w. Prostate cancer working group 2 criteria were used to determine PD. Results: 18 patients were enrolled on this cohort; the median age of pts was 67 years. Median on study PSA was 11ng/mL. 11 pts had Gleason score (GS) ≥ 8 and 7 had GS of 7. 3 pts had previous chemother...
Multi-Modal Particle Filtering for Hybrid Systems with Autonomous Mode Transitions

Abstract Model-based diagnosis of embedded systems relies on the ability to estimate their hybrid state from noisy observations. This task is especially challenging for systems with many state variables and autonomous transitions. We propose a fair sampling algorithm that combines Rao-Blackwellised particle filters with a multi-modal Gaussian representation. In order to handle autonomous transitions, we let the continuous state estimates contribute to the proposal distribution in the particle filter. The algorithm outperforms purely simulational particle filters and provides unification of particle filters with hybrid hidden Markov model (HMM) observers.
Controlling phase separation of TaxHf1−xC solid solution nanopowders during carbothermal reduction synthesis

Synthesis of single-phase tantalum hafnium carbide (TaxHf1-xC, 0<x<1) solid solution nanopowders via carbothermal reduction (CTR) reaction is complicated due to the difference in reactivity of parent oxides with carbon and presence of a miscibility gap in TaC-HfC phase diagram below ~887 °C. These can lead to phase separation, i.e. formation of two distinct carbides instead of a single-phase solid solution. In this study, nanocrystalline TaxHf1-xC powders were synthesized via CTR of finely mixed amorphous tantalum-hafnium oxide(s) and carbon obtained from a low-cost aqueous solution processing of tantalum pentachloride, hafnium tetrachloride, and sucrose. Particular emphasis was given to investigate the influences of starting compositions and processing conditions on phase separation during the formation of carbide phase(s). It was found that due to the immiscibility of Ta-Hf oxides and relatively fast CTR reaction, individual nano HfC and TaC phases form quickly (within minutes at 1600 °C), then go through inter-diffusion forming carbide solid solution phase. Moreover, the presence of excess carbon in the CTR product slows down the inter-diffusion of Ta and Hf dramatically and delays the solid solution formation, while DC electrical field (applied through the use of a spark-plasma sintering system) accelerates inter-diffusion significantly but leads to more grain growth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Imaging findings of hereditary renal tumors, a review of what the radiologist should know.

Abstract It is estimated that up to 8% of currently diagnosed renal cancers are part of a hereditary syndrome. The radiologist may be the first person to associate a renal tumor presenting during an imaging study to other manifestations of a hereditary syndrome. This diagnosis can have broad implications for the patient but also for other family members. This update reviews the current known associations and emerging mutations of hereditary renal cancers from a radiologist’s perspective. Renal manifestations, as well as associated radiological findings and pitfalls are discussed. Additionally, screening and surveillance recommendations are also discussed to aid radiologists in the decision-making process for patient management.
Ultrasonic Measurements on Aluminosilicate and Borate Glasses

The low temperature properties of amorphous materials exhibit a number of features which are nearly independent of composition and strikingly different from their crystalline counterparts. The unusual behavior of the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and ultrasonic properties in the amorphous state have been successfully described1,2 by theories based upon the tunneling model of Anderson, Halperin, and Varma3, and by Philips4.
Epstein—Barr Virus-Induced Immune Deficiency

Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) is an ubiquitous herpesvirus infecting human beings and primates, exclusively. Lymphocytic proliferation associated with EBV in fection, the normal immune responses controlling the virus, the transient anergy occurring during acute infectious mononucleosis (IM), and the acquired progressive immune defects occurring in males with the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) are described in this chapter. The results of a decade of investigation of the Duncan family are summarized to illustrate mechanisms of virus-induced immune suppression.
Asian Immigrant Integration in the Southern Region of the United States

Starting in the 1980s, an influx of immigrants moved away from traditional gateway cities or came into the United States and settled in emerging localities in the southern region of the United States. The rapid immigrant growth and the preeminence of the historic Black-White binary racial composition in the South necessitates the need for discussion on race and immigration. This qualitative study explores the integration of Asian immigrants in localities in the South. Themes found in this study were experiences of settling in the South, perspectives on integrating into the local community, and strategies and challenges for moving forward to live in the South. Findings will contribute to better understanding of the impact of Asian immigrants in the South and their experiences of integration into the local community.
A Guide to a Guidance Statement on Screening Guidelines

The American College of Physicians Clinical Guidelines Committee presented an assessment of the quality and content of 7 English-language breast cancer screening guidelines and gave 4 guidance stat...
Post-operative urinary retention after lower extremity arthroplasty and the peri-operative role of selective alpha-1 adrenergic blocking agents in adult male patients: a propensity-matched retrospective cohort study

The purpose of this study was to determine whether male patients taking pre-operative selective alpha-1 adrenergic blocking agents have a lower likelihood of developing post-operative urinary retention (POUR) and a shorter length of hospitalization following lower extremity arthroplasty. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty, or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at an academic institution from January 2002 to May 2014. A cohort of male patients aged 35 and older who were taking a selective alpha-1 blocker prior to surgery (N = 229) were compared with a control group (N = 330) not taking one of these medications. Propensity score–matched logistic regression was performed to isolate the effect of taking a selective alpha-1 blocker on POUR. When evaluating for the outcome of POUR while controlling for age, hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infections, type of anaesthesia, and procedure, those patients taking an alpha-1 blocker had a 12.1% decreased relative risk (95% CI 3.4 to 20.8%; p = 0.007) of developing POUR compared with patients not taking these medications. Mean length of stay was 3.8 days (95% CI 3.6 to 4.1) in the cohort taking selective alpha-1 blockers compared with 4.7 days (95% CI 4.4 to 4.9) for the control cohort. After controlling for known risk factors for the development of POUR, the use of selective alpha-1 blockers pre-operatively reduces the risk of developing urinary retention after lower extremity arthroplasty and is associated with a 1-day decreased length of stay.
Causal Factors and Effects of Unemployment on Graduates of Tertiary Institutions in Ogun State South West Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

The research was set out to find the causal factors and effects of unemployment on graduates of tertiary institutions in Ogun State South West Nigeria: Implications for counselling. In order to carry out the research, two research questions and one hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The researcher made use of an instrument tagged causal factors and effects of unemployment on graduates of tertiary institutions questionnaire (CFAEOUGOTIQ) to collect information. The instrument contained twenty items. The instrument had content validity and language appropriateness. The instrument had a reliability coefficient of 0.85. The population of the study was made up of graduates of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education that had no job in public and private sectors in Ogun State Nigeria. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique to select 226 university graduates, 120 polytechnic graduates and 75 college of education graduates that participated in the research. Copies of the questionnaire were administered on each of the participants by 3 research assistants. The return rate of copies of the questionnaire administered, showed that 215 questionnaires were retrieved from the university graduates, 107 questionnaires were retrieved from polytechnic graduates and 60 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved from college of education graduates. The scoring and collation of the information from the field was done by the researcher. The researcher used the mean and standard deviation to answer the two research questions while the analysis of variance was used to test the hypothesis. The researchers used 2.50 as benchmark to determine whether respondents agreed or disagreed with each of the items on table one and two. The hypothesis was held significant at 0.05 level of significance. Some of the findings of the research showed that, high rate of graduate turn out, neglect of the agricultural sector by government, collapse of manufacturing industries and reforms in the banking sector resulting in regular retrenchment of workers were causal factor of unemployment on graduates of tertiary institutions. Other include, misappropriation of funds meant for development of projects, lack of employable skills by graduates and inability to pass employment interviews. The research also found out that one of the effects of unemployment on graduates of tertiary institution is low self-esteem of themselves. One of the recommendations is that admission into tertiary institutions should be based on the number of vacancies available in public and private sectors.
PROGNOSTIC UTILITY OF RISK ENHANCERS RECOMMENDED IN THE 2018 ACC/AHA CHOLESTEROL TREATMENT GUIDELINES OVER THE POOLED COHORT EQUATION: INSIGHTS FROM 3 LARGE PROSPECTIVE COHORTS

The new cholesterol guidelines recommended the use of risk enhancers to supplement PCE-based risk assessment. However, little is known about their incremental benefit over the PCE We performed pooled analysis of 3 prospective cohorts - MESA, ARIC, and CHS—to evaluate the incremental benefit of
Meta‐analysis of sleep deprivation in the acute treatment of bipolar depression

BACKGROUND Sleep deprivation (SD) is an antidepressant intervention with multiple administration formats that has been investigated primarily with uncontrolled clinical trials and qualitative reviews of the literature. The validity and applicability of these findings to the treatment of bipolar depression (BPD) is uncertain. METHODS A PRISMA-based systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the efficacy of SD in the treatment of BPD and to identify moderator variables that influence response rate. RESULTS From a sample of 15 studies covering 384 patients, the overall, mean response rate to SD was 47.6% (CI 36.0%, 59.5%). This response rate compared post-SD to pre-SD depression scores, and not to a placebo control condition. Of several potential moderating variables examined, the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy achieved statistical significance with response rates of 59.4% [CI 48.5, 69.5] for patients using adjunctive medication vs 27.4% [CI 17.8, 39.8] for patients not using adjunctive medication. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis of SD in the treatment of BPD found an overall, response rate of almost 50%, reinforcing earlier estimates of efficacy. The use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy had a statistically significant moderating effect on SD response suggesting that clinical practice should routinely pair these interventions. These findings provide a higher level of evidence supporting the use of SD, especially when used with medication, and should inform future management guidelines for the treatment of BPD.
Malting in the Lab and at Home: The Forgotten Step on the Path to Beer

Brewing science is an interdisciplinary course taught at many universities in both lecture- and lab-based modalities. The laboratory component of this class typically focuses on the brewing process from malted barley to beer. However, this ignores the malting process—an essential step in making beer, although one typically performed by maltsters outside of the brewhouse. In this report we discuss the development of a malting lab that is suitable to incorporate into introductory brewing science courses in order to help students demonstrate and explain the key process of converting raw barley into malt. During this week-long experiment, students start with raw barley (commercially available in scales that work for all course sizes) and, using small scale and inexpensive custom-made equipment, malt the barley at home for later use in the course. This experiment is suitable for hybrid course laboratories in student homes and apartments with minimal course expenses or requirements and can be implemented in any brewing science course—even those that are predominantly lecture-based.
Efficient ray casting polygonized isosurface of binary volumes

In this paper, we propose an efficient grid-based ray casting method for rendering polygonized isosurfaces of binary volumes as a special form of voxel art. We utilize an auxiliary multi-level data structure, the region index layer, to accelerate empty space leaping. We also construct the polygonal surfaces within each cell as constructive solid geometry (CSG) combinations of half-space subvolumes to reduce boundary checks in the intersection test. We describe the construction method of the region index layer and CSG cube configurations and demonstrate how to utilize these data structures to enhance the performance of the ray casting algorithms.
Papal Commemoration, 1300–1700: Institutional Memory and Dynasticism

Papal commemoration is intrinsically connected with the perpetuation of the institution of the papacy and later with papal dynasticism. Memorialising past popes simultaneously reasserted the institution’s strength and continuity and allowed papal families to share reflected glory derived from secular authority, social credit, and spiritual charisma. Since the papacy depended in part on the wealth and social leverage of its cardinals and popes and gained from their relatives’ desire to recognise contributions to papal history, there was no practical advantage to limiting papal commemoration. Communities that hosted objects, images, and sites of commemoration then became standard-bearers for families’ long-term goals of perpetuating connections to the elite Church and the papacy, preferably by building a papal dynasty.
The CdS/CdTe Solar Cell

The CdS/CdTe solar cell is chosen as another thin film polycrystalline cell with ample experimental information. relating to production and treatment methods of the CdS/CdTe cell. Many physical properties of the CdS/CdTe solar cell are given. Its crystallography is discussed. Defect chemistry is indicated from several critical treatment methods. An instructive table of predicted or measured defect levels in CdTe is given. Many different processing methods are given and the associated difference in performance are delineated. Cell degradation is correlated with various production methods. Sensitive and insensitive variables influencing the electrical properties of the CdS/CdTe solar cell are identified. The cell degradation and recuperation in the dark at elevated temperatures is discussed.
The Purpose and Processes of Pork-Barrel Politics

This is the first part of an article which will argue that the extensive literature on distributive politics within Congress fails to capture either the purposes or processes of distribution. Members' motivations to pursue benefits stem from belief in the activity as much as interest in reelection, and the electoral connection is somewhat less direct than is commonly assumed. Generalization tends to miss the point that "pork" is a taste preference which varies among both constituencies and legislators. In the process of distribution demanders interact with suppliers, and the motives of both sides of the exchange need to be understood. Suppliers, in particular, worry about blame for saying No as well as credit for saying Yes. Demands, supply, processes and controversy change over time, so arguments that pork-barrel spending "is" anything in particular (universalistic, partisan) are misguided. This draft focuses on purposes, and sets the stage for more extensive analysis of processes and outcomes in the next draft.