cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advances and Challenges in Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Dramatic improvements in the outcomes of patients with rectal cancer have occurred over the past 30 years. Advances in surgical pathology, refinements in surgical techniques and instrumentation, new imaging modalities, and the widespread use of neoadjuvant therapy have all contributed to these improvements. Several questions emerge as we learn of the benefits or lack thereof for components of the current multimodality treatment in subgroups of patients with nonmetastatic locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). What is the optimal surgical technique for distal rectal cancers? Do all patients need postoperative chemotherapy? Do all patients need radiation? Do all patients need surgery, or is a nonoperative, organ-preserving approach warranted in selected patients? Answering these questions will lead to more precise treatment regimens, based on patient and tumor characteristics, that will improve outcomes while preserving quality of life. However, the idea of shifting the treatment paradigm (chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision, and adjuvant therapy) currently applied to all patients with LARC to a more individually tailored approach is controversial. The paradigm shift toward organ preservation in highly selected patients whose tumors demonstrate clinical complete response to neoadjuvant treatment is also controversial. Herein, we highlight many of the advances and resultant controversies that are likely to dominate the research agenda for LARC in the modern era.
Phenylthiocarbamide: A 75-Year Adventure in Genetics and Natural Selection

VARIATION in taste sensitivity to the bitter compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) is one of the best known Mendelian traits in human populations, ranking alongside eye color and blood types in the canon of classic examples. Much of PTC's appeal arises from the fact that it is nearly impossible to guess one's phenotype until explicitly tested, yet, when tested, the phenotype is so striking as to be amusing. This property is important, particularly in education, because it can spice up lessons on inheritance. Less obvious, especially today, is PTC's appeal as an easily typed yet highly informative genetic marker. It was this aspect of the trait that made PTC an important instrument in the earliest efforts to dissect the human genome. Variation in PTC sensitivity has also had long-standing appeal from an evolutionary standpoint. The connection of variable taste sensitivity with an aspect of behavior so obviously connected to fitness—diet choice—has long raised a basic question: Has natural selection been acting on this trait? It was this question that motivated the great statistician, R. A. Fisher, and his friends E. B. Ford and Julian Huxley, to perform what appears to be the first test for natural selection in a specific human gene. In an often-overlooked article published in 1939 (listed by Science Citation Index as having been cited <50 times in the ensuing 65 years), Fisher et al. (1939) reported that chimpanzees, like humans, show variable sensitivity to PTC. This, they argued, is strong evidence that balancing natural selection must have actively maintained variation at the locus from a time prior to the human–chimp divergence. While little-known today, this article set the stage for what has become an industry in the field of genetics.
Incidence of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease A Reanalysis of Data from Rochester, Minnesota, 1975–1984

For both dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), data regarding incidence rates in the oldest old and time trends in incidence are limited. The authors reanalyzed previously reported data on the incidence of dementia and AD in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1975 through 1984, using three new strategies. First, incidence rates were corrected by removing age-, sex-, and calendar year-specific prevalent cases from the census-derived denominator figures. Second, incidence figures for persons above age 84 years were disaggregated. Third, time trends were investigated graphically using age-specific curves and birth cohort curves. Dementia diagnosis and AD diagnosis followed defined ad hoc criteria. Analyses were conducted for men, women, and both sexes combined, and for dementia and AD separately. The age-specific incidence rates were similar in men and women, continued to increase after age 84 years, and remained stable over time for both dementia and AD. No birth cohort effect was present for either dementia or AD. The similar risks seen in men and women, the continuing increase in incidence after age 84 years, and the stability of incidence over time have important implications for etiologic research on AD.
Pile pinning and interaction of adjacent foundations during lateral spreading

Studies recently conducted by the authors and others have demonstrated that relatively simple equivalent-static analysis (ESA) procedures can adequately predict the response of bridge foundations to lateral spreading for design purposes assuming that the lateral spreading displacement demand is known or can be estimated. However, an important aspect of the analysis that remains to be addressed is how to account for the restraining force provided by foundations when the laterally spreading ground does not have a finite, measurable out-of-plane width. This study addresses this problem in the context of two parallel, adjacent bridges crossing the Colorado River in Mexico that were subjected to a broad field of laterally spreading ground during the 2010 Mw 7.2 El Mayor–Cucapah earthquake. Two-dimensional finite element analyses (FEA) are used to quantify the influence that the presence of each bridge had on the lateral spreading demand for the opposite bridge. The results show that the relatively stiff founda...
Probability and the ambiguity of language

I have been travelling around various parts of South Africa doing voluntary work. Through my work with teachers I have noticed the issue of the ambiguity of language with regard to probability. As greater emphasis is placed on probability in the new curriculum, three important words must be clearly understood by learners and educators alike: "a", "one" and "or".
Review: Broadcasting Buildings: Architecture on the Wireless, 1927–1945 by Shundana Yusaf

Shundana Yusaf Broadcasting Buildings: Architecture on the Wireless, 1927–1945 Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2014, 352 pp., 77 b/w illus. $29.95, ISBN 9780262026741 In 1932 the artist Paul Nash observed, “Whether it is possible to ‘Go Modern’ and ‘Be British’ is a question vexing quite a few people to-day.”1 Foreign influences such as the 1927 English translation of Le Corbusier’s Vers une architecture and a stream of architects from continental Europe as well as other parts of the world raised the question of how to align modernism, and the internationalism it suggested, with a desire to preserve what was valuable about Britain. Scholars of modern British architectural history have ably examined the topic of how the nation has maintained recognizable markers of British identity while embracing the ideas, arguments, and architects associated with the modern movement.2 In Broadcasting Buildings Shundana Yusaf shifts the perspective to provide an account of British architecture’s engagement with modernism as transmitted over the airwaves of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). With BBC radio broadcasts on architecture as her focal point, Yusaf provides an illuminating and well-detailed account that goes beyond simply reexamining the qualities that might have made British architecture “modern” to ask how media and communications technologies have shaped perceptions of the built environment. This attention to media puts forward a conceptual and methodological ambition: Yusaf argues that as a nonvisual medium, radio challenged the status of architecture by robbing it of “its defining qualities, like materiality, visuality, spatiality, and locality” (2). Despite the quandary of describing architecture without visual or material aids, or what Yusaf describes as “broadcasting buildings,” the BBC devoted many hours to architectural topics in the period covered in the book. Architects and city planners who appeared on the airwaves ranged from critics of the modern movement such as C. R. Ashbee, Edwin Lutyens, and Reginald Blomfield to its proponents, including Wells Coates, Amyas Connell, and …
Negotiation without Confrontation

Negotiation does not have to be a test of wills. By adhering to a few simple principles, occupational health nurses can turn a potential contest into a productive cooperation.
Trends and Frequency of Clonidine Toxicity Reported to Poison Center

Pediatric clonidine exposures were evaluated in 10060 cases reported to the American Association of Poison Control Center’s database from Jan 1, 1993 through Dec 31, 1999, at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore.
Effect of sample test volume and geometry of the tensile mechanical behavior of SiC/SiC continuous fiber ceramics composites

The development of a silicon carbide-type fiber from an organometallic precursor has led to a major resurgence of interest in fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. By combining this high strength fiber with a variety of ceramic matrices it has been possible to achieve tough composites offering significant potential advantages over monolithic ceramics and carbon-carbon for high temperature applications. A continuous-fiber ceramic matrix composite (CFCC) typical of materials proposed for such industrial applications as power generation, heat recovery and chemical production as well as biomedical and environmental applications was tested in uniaxial tension using a universal test machine. Test parameters investigated included: test mode (load versus displacement), test rate (0.003 mm/s, 0.03 mm/s, 50 N/s and 500 N/s), specimen geometry (straight-sided versus reducedgauge section) and type of specimen volume (long/thin versus short/fat). Typical properties include an average elastic modulus 140 ± 10 GPa, an average proportional limit stress of 45 ± 20 MPa, an average ultimate tensile strength of 210 ± 20 MPa and an average modulus of toughness of 760 ± 200 kJ/m.
Method Development for the Quantitation of Trace Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons from Water Via Solid-Phase Extraction with Supercritical Fluid Elution

The focus of this work is the quantitation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water at low parts-per-billion levels. The analytes are deposited onto a solid-phase extraction disk and eluted with a supercritical fluid. Initial studies investigate the proper method of quantitation (i.e., relative versus absolute). These studies are followed by optimization of the supercritical fluid elution in relation to time, temperature, flow rate, and pressure, while maintaining quantitative recoveries and high precision. From this effort, a three-step, 27-min supercritical fluid elution method is developed. This method employs a chamber temperature of 80 o C and a liquid flow rate of 2 mL/min and achieves an average recovery of 99% with a relative standard deviation of 4.6% for 16 PAHs
Comparison of Trajectory Synthesis Algorithms for Monitoring Final Approach Compression

This study analyzes the performance of aircraft in-trail separation monitoring algorithms using 480,000 flights on the final approach courses of 25 major airports in the National Airspace System. While compression monitoring is expected to help air traffic controllers achieve and maintain higher arrival rates, the trajectory prediction requirements for it are not well understood. To address this gap, analytical trajectories were constructed from flight plan and track data for flights arriving at the 14 major and 11 satellite airports of the 8 busiest terminal areas. Three types of analytical trajectory models were compared. These trajectory models were a constant speed model, and two heuristic deceleration models. The trajectory prediction accuracy and separation prediction accuracy of each of these models were calculated for all aircraft pairs along the final approach course. The results were used to rank the overall performance of the various trajectory models in terms of the true and false alerts by the compression monitoring algorithms. The best performing trajectory model enforced the landing speed constraint, used a landing speed based upon weight class, and did not adjust the landing speed by airport elevation. All of the trajectory models exhibited significantly more false alarms when excess in-trail separation was less than 0.5 nm.
Transgender Inmates in Prisons A Review of Applicable Statutes and Policies

Transgender inmates provide a conundrum for correctional staff, particularly when it comes to classification, victimization, and medical and health issues. Using LexisNexis and WestLaw and state Department of Corrections (DOC) information, we collected state statutes and DOC policies concerning transgender inmates. We utilized academic legal research with content analysis to determine whether a statute or policy addressed issues concerning classification procedures, access to counseling services, the initiation and continuation of hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery. We found that while more states are providing either statutory or policy guidelines for transgender inmates, a number of states are lagging behind and there is a shortage of guidance dealing with the medical issues related to being transgender.
Biliary ductules and bile secretion

Abstract Measurements of rate of bile flow and of bile solids, bilirubin and bile acid concentration, and excretion in rats indicate that (1) hepatic cell injury as induced by various drugs (ethionine, carbon tetrachloride, dimethynitrosamine, thioacetamide) is accompanied by decreased excretion of bile acids; (2) ductular cell proliferation observed after chronic administration of alpha-naphthyl-isothiocyanate and ethionine is associated with a true hydrocholeresis; and (3) one function of the ductular cells in bile secretion is the addition of an electrolyte-containing solution to the bile.
Nitroprusside for control of post-prostatectomy bleeding.

Abstract A case is presented of an 88-year-old man who had uncontrollable hemorrhage related to hypertension following suprapubic prostatic enucleation. A successful outcome was achieved by the use of nitroprusside to lower the blood pressure, which led to cessation of bleeding.
Phase II Trial on Extending the Maintenance Flushing Interval of Implanted Ports.

Purpose:Retrospective studies suggest that it may be safe to extend the maintenance flushing interval of implanted ports from once every month, as recommended by the manufacturer, to once every 3 months, but no prospective cohort studies have been done specifically assessing the safety and feasibility of this intervention.Methods:This was a phase II study in oncologic patients who retained a functional port after completion of systemic chemotherapy. Patients enrolled in the study had their port flushed once every 3 months and were observed until completion of five scheduled flushes (one on enrollment and four additional flushes, one every 3 months) or development of any port-related complication, including infections, thrombosis, and occlusions. The primary end points were frequency of port-related complications and port failure requiring removal.Results:A total of 87 patients were enrolled in the study. The median follow-up time was 308 days, accounting for a total of 24,202 catheter-days. There were 10 ...
Knowledge-Based NDE System

Radiographic inspections are required for all pressure hull welds in submarines to ensure that the weld metal meets or exceeds the acceptance standards [1]. Radiography has remained the dominant weld inspection technique in the Navy because the technique is sensitive to the discontinuity types of interest and because the radiographic technique produces a permanent record of the weld inspection.
The Risk of Overly Strict Requirements

Overly strict requirements can lead to more work, more dependencies, and more code, all of which place extra pressure on software development project schedules and budgets. Identifying such requirements and considering viable alternatives can reduce needless design complexity and project risk. The Web Extra https://youtu.be/SMdU78gPP1Q is an audio podcast of the Requirements article "The Risk of Overly Strict Requirements."
Temporary Teams: Contextual Factor Effects on Task Performance vs. Relational Cohesion

Temporary teams are defined by their transience, but their members are usually drawn from a common social context. This context gives their task and purpose legitimacy and a common ground. This stu...
Comprehensive clusterwise linear regression for pavement management systems

A comprehensive mathematical program was formulated to determine simultaneously (1) an optimum number of pavement clusters, (2) cluster memberships of pavement samples, (3) cluster-specific significant explanatory variables, and (4) estimated regression coefficients for pavement performance models (PPMs). Simulated annealing coupled with all-subset regression was proposed to solve the mathematical programming. The proposed algorithm was capable of identifying and addressing potential multicollinearity issues. All possible combinations of the explanatory variables were examined to select the best model that provided a balance among (1) the number of PPMs; (2) the number of explanatory variables; (3) the resources required to develop, maintain, and use these models; and (4) the explanatory power. For the data set used in this research, six-cluster models were determined as part of the optimum solution. The predictive capabilities of the resultant models were investigated, and results showed that the models provided few prediction errors without any overfitting issues.
Empathy, Simulation, and Neuroscience: A Phenomenological Case against Simulation-Theory

In recent years, some simulation theorists have claimed that the discovery of mirror neurons provides empirical support for the position that mind reading is, at some basic level, simulation. The purpose of this essay is to question that claim. I begin by providing brief context for the current mind reading debate and then developing an influential simulationist account of mind reading. I then draw on the works of Edmund Husserl and Edith Stein to develop an alternative, phenomenological account. In conclusion, I offer multiple objections against simulation theory and argue that the empirical evidence mirror neurons offer us does not necessarily support the view that empathy is simulation.
High-Risk Coronary Atherosclerosis: Is It the Plaque Burden, the Calcium, the Lipid, or Something Else?

Cardiac death and myocardial infarction usually result from thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery with underlying atherosclerotic plaque. Histologically, most underlying plaques that have resulted in sudden cardiac death or myocardial infarction because of coronary thrombosis (vulnerable plaque) are ruptured thin-cap fibroatheromas with large plaque burden and a lipid-rich necrotic core.1 Second most common are erosions of proteoglycan-rich plaques with thrombosis, despite an intact fibrous cap. The extent that macroscopic or microscopic calcification contributes to plaque instability and thrombosis is controversial. Both fibroatheromas and erosion-prone plaques may be calcified2 and, occasionally, an isolated calcified nodule has been associated with coronary thrombosis. Using noninvasive and invasive imaging techniques, new in vivo insights into the role of calcification in patient and plaque vulnerability are emerging. The computed tomography (CT)-derived coronary artery calcium score (CACS) accounts for the area and the maximum density of each detected calcium deposit in the entire coronary tree3 and has proven useful in predicting future cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients at intermediate risk.4 CT angiography has demonstrated that hypolucent plaques with positive remodeling or a napkin-ring sign predict future cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or acute coronary syndromes (ACS; patient-level analysis).5 Finally, prospective intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) studies have shown that a large plaque burden, small minimal lumen area (MLA), and composition consistent with a thin-cap fibroatheroma by radiofrequency analysis identifies those plaques that are likely to cause future adverse cardiovascular events (lesion-level analysis).6,7 In this regard, coronary calcification has been correlated with plaque burden but not luminal stenosis.8 Reconciling these differences, especially the apparent discordance between plaque burden, coronary calcium, and lipid as risk factors is a matter of importance. See Article by Madder et al In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging , Madder et al9 report the …
Retroviral and Lentiviral Safety Analysis of Gene-Modified T Cell Products and Infused HIV and Oncology Patients

Replication-competent retrovirus/lentivirus (RCR/L) and insertional oncogenesis are potential safety risks with integrating viruses in gene-modified cell therapies. As such, the Food and Drug Administration guidances outline RCR/L-monitoring methods throughout the entire gene therapy treatment cycle. We present data for 17 vector lots, 375 manufactured T cell products, and 308 patients post-infusion across both HIV and oncology indications, showing no evidence of RCR/L. Given our data, a Poisson probability model estimates that a single patient, or a group of patients, would need to be followed for at least 52.8 years to observe one positive RCR/L event, highlighting the unlikelihood of RCR/L development. Additionally, we estimate the median time for lentivirus-modified T cell products to fall below the 1% vector sequence threshold in peripheral or whole blood that would trigger vector integration site analysis. These estimated times are 1.4 months in hematologic malignancies, 0.66 month in solid tumors, and 0.92 month in HIV. Based on these considerable safety data in HIV and oncology and recent Biologics License Applications filed for lentiviral-modified T cell products for hematologic malignancies, this may be an opportune time to re-evaluate the current guidelines for T cell gene therapy product testing and long-term patient monitoring.
Role of Age, Tumor Grade, and Radiation Therapy on Immediate Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction.

Abstract Background Despite the psychological benefits and oncologic safety of postmastectomy breast reconstruction, most breast cancer patients do not undergo reconstruction. To better understand the patterns of breast reconstruction usage, it is important to identify the clinicopathologic factors associated with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), and whether modification of the reconstruction incidence when stratified by patient- or cancer-related factors exists in the breast cancer population. The primary objectives were to determine whether the incidence of immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction varies across age, and whether the tumor grade or radiation therapy modify the effect of age on the incidence of immediate breast reconstruction. Materials and Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we identified women who had undergone mastectomy for breast cancer from 2000 to 2014. Inverse probability of treatment-weighted log-binomial regression was used to estimate the effect of age on IBR after accounting for potential confounding by patient demographic data and cancer characteristics. Potential effect measure modification by tumor grade and radiation therapy on the age–IBR relationship was also assessed. Results Of 321,206 women, 77,798 (24.2%) had undergone IBR. Age was significantly associated with IBR prevalence (P Conclusion Compared with their older counterparts, younger breast cancer patients were more likely to undergo IBR, and both tumor grade and radiation therapy were differentially associated with the likelihood of IBR across patient age.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) effects on iron oxide nanoparticle formation

Abstract The effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the formation of iron oxide nanoparticles during polyol synthesis are described. The addition of PVP during synthesis changes the particle morphology from compact to porous with chains of small iron oxide nanocrystals at the surface of the particles due to the steric repulsion of PVP ligands. The addition of PVP also reduces average particle size from 857 nm to 225 nm by preventing agglomeration. In addition, the presence of PVP restricts crystal growth of iron oxide and limits oxidation. The high-surface areas achieved for the powders can be useful for catalytic applications.
Allpass decorrelating filter design and evaluation

By breaking up the phase coherence of a signal broadcast from multiple loudspeakers, it is possible to control the perceived spatial extent and location of a sound source. This so-called signal decorrelation process is commonly achieved using a set of linear filters, and finds applications in audio upmixing, spatialization, and auralization. It is important that any individual decorrelating filter does not perceivably alter the sound of its input, i.e., that it does not color the signal spectrum or smear transients over time. In that way, the process will only affect the spatial properties of the sound. Allpass filters make ideal decorrelation filters since they have unit magnitude spectra, and therefore can be perceptually transparent. By manipulating their phase, allpass filters can be leveraged to achieve a degree of decorrelation. Here, we present a method for designing allpass decorrelation filters by specifying group delay trajectories in a way that allows for control of the amount of correlation as a function of frequency. This design is efficiently implemented as a cascade of biquad allpass filters. We present statistical and perceptual methods for evaluating the amount of decorrelation and audible distortion.By breaking up the phase coherence of a signal broadcast from multiple loudspeakers, it is possible to control the perceived spatial extent and location of a sound source. This so-called signal decorrelation process is commonly achieved using a set of linear filters, and finds applications in audio upmixing, spatialization, and auralization. It is important that any individual decorrelating filter does not perceivably alter the sound of its input, i.e., that it does not color the signal spectrum or smear transients over time. In that way, the process will only affect the spatial properties of the sound. Allpass filters make ideal decorrelation filters since they have unit magnitude spectra, and therefore can be perceptually transparent. By manipulating their phase, allpass filters can be leveraged to achieve a degree of decorrelation. Here, we present a method for designing allpass decorrelation filters by specifying group delay trajectories in a way that allows for control of the amount of correlation as...
Eliciting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: The effect of question phrasing on deception

Abstract In strategic information exchanges (such as negotiations and job interviews), different question formulations communicate information about the question asker, and systematically influence the veracity of responses. We demonstrate this function of questions by contrasting Negative Assumption questions that presuppose a problem, Positive Assumption questions that presuppose the absence of a problem, and General questions that do not reference a problem. In Study 1, Negative Assumption questions promoted greater disclosure of undesirable work-related behaviors than Positive Assumption or General questions did. In Study 2, Negative Assumption questions increased disclosure of undesirable information in face-to-face job recruitment meetings, relative to Positive Assumption questions and General questions. Study 3 demonstrated that the relationship we identify between question type and the veracity of responses is driven by inferences of assertiveness and knowledgeability about the question asker. Finally, in Study 4, asking assertive questions with regard to uncommon behaviors led the question asker to be evaluated more negatively.
Diagnosis and management of intracerebral hemorrhage in elderly patients.

An analysis of the risk factors and clinical presentation of intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly is provided. Specific pathogenic mechanisms that apply to the elderly, such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy, are discussed in detail. General management of intracerebral hemorrhage is discussed, along with specific issued related to the surgical indications of the various types of intracerebral hemorrhage.
PCR: Random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting

This chapter discusses random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting. One of the most promising analytical methods for the detection of DNA sequence diversity among mycoplasmas involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using a single primer under conditions of low stringency. The primer stimulates the synthesis of DNA fragments from paired sites in the target genome sufficiently homologous to itself to allow for annealing and extension. RAPD is rapid and sensitive, requires only nanogram quantities of template DNA, and is useful for strain identification within numerous genera. The requirement for small quantities of pure DNA makes this method particularly suitable for slow-growing organisms such as the mycoplasmas. The quantity of primer used is a critical parameter. It has been found that 400 ng is optimal for precise, informative pattern amplification. Less primer results in fewer bands and more primer results in a pattern that is too complex to accurately evaluate. The chapter indicates the utility of RAPD fingerprinting for distinguishing strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
Tracking Groups in Mobile Network Traces

Detecting and tracking groups in mobility network traces is critical for developing accurate mobility models, which in turn are needed for mobile/wireless network design. One approach is to represent mobility traces as a temporal network and apply group (community) detection algorithms to it. However, observing detailed changes in a group over time requires analyzing group dynamics at small time scales and introduces two challenges: (a) group connectivity may be too sparse for group detection; and (b) tracking evolving groups and their lifetimes is difficult. We proposes a group detection framework to address these time scale challenges. For the time-dependent aspect of the groups, we propose a time series segmentation algorithm to detect their formations, dissolutions, and lifetimes. We generate synthetic datasets for mobile networks and use real-world datasets to test our method against state-of-the-art. The results show that our proposed approach achieves more accurate fine-grained group detection than competing methods.
Fish consumption prior to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationships between maternal fish consumption and pregnancy outcomes in a large, population-based sample of women in the USA.DesignWe collected average fish consumption prior to pregnancy using a modified version of the semi-quantitative Willett FFQ. We estimated adjusted OR (aOR) and 95 % CI for associations between different levels of fish consumption and preterm birth (<37 weeks), early preterm birth (<32 and <35 weeks) and small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA; <10th percentile).SettingThe National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS).SubjectsControl mother–infant pairs with estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2011 (n 10 919).ResultsNo significant associations were observed between fish consumption and preterm birth or early preterm birth (aOR = 0·7–1·0 and 0·7–0·9, respectively). The odds of having an SGA infant were elevated (aOR = 2·1; 95 % CI 1·2, 3·4) among women with daily fish consumption compared with women consuming fish less than once per month. No associations were observed between other levels of fish consumption and SGA (aOR = 0·8–1·0).ConclusionsHigh intake of fish was associated with twofold higher odds of having an SGA infant, while moderate fish consumption prior to pregnancy was not associated with preterm or SGA. Our study, like many other studies in this area, lacked information regarding preparation methods and the specific types of fish consumed. Future studies should incorporate information on nutrient and contaminant contents, preparation methods and biomarkers to assess these relationships.
Oral health status of adults in North Carolina assisted living facilities.

Objectives The specific aims of this study were to describe the baseline oral health status of persons residing in North Carolina assisted living facilities and determine how identified oral health problems vary according to resident and facility demographic variables. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive epidemiologic study used a statewide random sample of 40 assisted living facilities and a convenience sample of 854 assisted living residents. Dental hygienists and dentists conducted oral screenings on residents using the Association of State and Territorial Dental Director's Basic Screening Survey for Older Adults tool. Results Nearly one-third of participants were younger than 65. Overall, poorer oral health was noted for non-Hispanic black residents, Medicaid recipients, residents of small facilities (20-60 beds), and residents of facilities located in the Coastal Plains region of the state. Oral health also worsened with increasing length of residence yet seemed to improve with age. The overall rate of edentulism was 29 percent, half of whom did not have complete dentures. Nearly half (48.6 percent) of residents had untreated decay. Conclusions There is a need for policy and public health programming that addresses the broad racial and socioeconomic factors that contribute to disparities among the institutionalized. Furthermore, the oral health disparities between institutionalized and community-dwelling older adults reflect the need for policy that requires and ensures access to a minimum level of oral health care throughout the duration of a resident's stay. Programming to support such policy should include development of an oral health workforce that is competent in geriatric oral health care.
Spin proximity effects and spin lifetime anisotropy in graphene spin valves (Conference Presentation)

Graphene exhibits excellent properties for spin transport including the long spin diffusion lengths at room temperature (up to 30 microns). This results from a small intrinsic spin-orbit coupling, leading to relatively slow spin relaxation rates, in combination with relatively high mobilities. The low spin-orbit coupling, however, also has some downsides, mainly that the electrical control of spin is difficult to achieve. In this talk, I will discuss one of the emerging approaches to address this limitation, namely the use of spin proximity effect in heterostructures. One type of effect is the proximity exchange coupling, where spins in graphene are exchange coupled to the magnetization of an adjacent ferromagnetic insulator. This can produce effective magnetic fields to induce precessional dynamics and magnetically-controlled spin relaxation [1]. Another type of effect is the proximity spin-orbit coupling, where spins in graphene experience substantially increased spin-orbit coupling due to interactions with an adjacent heavy metal layer or transition metal dichalcognide (TMDC) 2D semiconductor. The role of electrostatic gating as a proposed method for tuning the spin proximity effect will be discussed, as well as the surprising observation of intrinsic gate-tunable spin lifetime anisotropy in Bernal stacked bilayer graphene [2]. This latter result is one of the first instances of an intrinsic band structure spin-orbit effect observed in graphene spin valves. Relevant references from presenter: [1] Singh et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 187201 (2017). [2] Xu et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 127703 (2018).
Effect of disturbances and sensorimotor deficits on the postural robustness of an ankle–hip model of balance on a balance board

This paper investigates the effect of postural disturbances and sensorimotor deficits on the robustness of the upright posture (UP) for a human body model balancing on a balance board (BB). The robustness is investigated by computing the gradient field along the basin of attraction (BoA) of an asymptotically stable equilibrium point. The human model is modeled as a double-inverted pendulum (hip and ankle joints). The human-BB system is assumed actuated by torques at the hip, BB hinge, and ankle joints. Postural disturbances induce an initial joint angle velocity either at the ankle or at the hip joint. Moreover, either proprioceptive or visual and vestibular deficits are considered in the human-BB model. The nonlinear dynamic equation of motion of the human-BB system is numerically solved to obtain the BB, ankle, and hip joint angle position and velocity profiles. The BoA of the human-BB UP equilibrium is built as the set of initial conditions whose resulting time-series profiles converge to the equilibrium. It was shown that UP is more robust to disturbances that induce hip joint initial angle velocity. That is probably due to the fact that disturbances that induce ankle joint initial velocity affect the whole body, while disturbances that induce hip joint angle initial velocity only affect the trunk. Whenever visual and vestibular deficits are considered, the UP is more robust if proprioceptive gain and BB stiffness are small. Contrarily, whenever proprioceptive deficits are considered, the UP is more robust if visual and vestibular gain and BB stiffness are large. The method proposed here (the BoA and the gradients) can be used to systemically provide understanding about the robustness of the human-BB UP to external disturbances, which may help to identify people with a higher risk of fall.
Challenging Monolingual Ways of Looking at Multilingualism: Insights for Curriculum Development in Teacher Preparation

In the past decade, researchers have argued for translanguaging as an instructional approach that radically re-conceptualizes educators’ views on multilingualism as an asset. Teacher education prog...
Intergenerational Learning Through Community-Based Internships: A Case Study of Grounding Roots’ Garden Groups

This research employed a single-case design to examine an urban agricultural internship program called Grounding Roots, which brings together youth interns, and undergraduate and community elder mentors, in intergenerational garden groups. This research question guided the study: How, if at all, can community-based education through internships support youth who are marginalized in traditional educational environments? Findings highlight holistic educational opportunities found in community-based spaces that connect learning to young people’s communities and lives, particularly for youth of marginalized identities. The Grounding Roots program supported youth in multidimensional learning and identity development. The research highlighted important elements of programs to support youth, including having assets recognized and leveraged; building confidence, leadership identities, and diverse relationships; and connecting with the greater community. Further, this research brings attention to the value of intergenerational mentoring and work, diversity in learning communities, and work-based (internship) learning. *** Esta investigacion empleo un diseno de caso unico para examinar un programa de practicas (o pasantias) agricolas urbanas llamado Grounding Roots. El programa reune en grupos agricolas intergeneracionales a jovenes en practicas con mentores comunitarios y de estudiantes de pregrado. La cuestion central del estudio fue: ?Como puede la educacion basada en la comunidad a traves de practicas, si es que lo hace, apoyar a los jovenes marginados de los entornos educativos tradicionales? Los hallazgos de esta investigacion destacan las oportunidades educativas integrales que ofrecen los espacios comunitarios al conectar el aprendizaje con las comunidades y vidas de los jovenes, en particular en el caso de jovenes con identidades marginalizadas. El programa Grounding Roots sirvio a los jovenes en un aprendizaje multidimensional y en el desarrollo de su identidad. La investigacion destaco algunos elementos importantes de los programas de apoyo a la juventud, tales como el reconocimiento y aprovechamiento de los activos; la construccion de confianza, de identidades de liderazgo y de relaciones de diversidad; y la conexion con la comunidad en general. Por ultimo, esta investigacion tambien revela el valor de los mentores y del trabajo intergeneracional, de la diversidad en las comunidades de aprendizaje, asi como el valor del aprendizaje basado en el empleo (pasantias).
Risk Appetite and Intermediation by Swap Dealers

We find that intermediary risk appetite plays an important role in the availability of dealer hedging services provided to real economy firms. We show that dealers intermediate the swap exposures of different clienteles and hedge some residual risk in the futures market. Using novel data on WTI crude oil swaps and futures positions of individual dealers, we present evidence that dealers hedge bespoke contracts with standard, liquid instruments and face basis risk. We conclude that the equilibrium quantity of basis risk taken, and therefore the amount of inter-mediation service available at a given price, is correlated with risk appetite.
Impact of in-season injury on quality of life and sleep duration in female youth volleyball athletes: a prospective study of 2073 players.

Objectives The psychological impacts of injuries in youth athletes remain poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of injury on quality of life (QOL) and sleep in female high school volleyball athletes. Methods 2073 female high school volleyball players (15.6±1.1 years) completed the Pediatric Quality of Life survey (total QOL, physical, social, school, emotional and psychosocial function) and reported average sleep duration at the start and end of the season. Injury data were collected by school athletic trainers. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to compare changes in QOL and sleep duration during the season between (1) injured and uninjured athletes and (2) injured athletes who did or did not suffer a season-ending injury. Results Time-loss injuries were reported in 187 athletes with complete preseason and postseason data. During the season, injured athletes demonstrated a greater decrease in total QOL (β=−1.3±0.5, p=0.012), as well as physical function (β=−1.6±0.6, p=0.012), school function (β=−2.0±0.76, p=0.01) and psychosocial function domains (β=−1.2±0.6, p=0.039) compared with uninjured athletes. Athletes who sustained a season-ending injury had a significantly greater decrease in total QOL (β=−6.8±2.0, p=0.006) and physical function (β=-17±2.9, p Conclusion In-season injuries are associated with significant decreases in total QOL as well as physical and psychosocial function. Healthcare providers should consider the impacts of injuries on QOL and sleep in youth athletes in order to optimise management and improve overall health.
Impact of Youth Transdiagnostic Treatment on Parents’ Own Emotional Responding and Socialization Behaviors

According to emotion socialization theory, parent characteristics interact with child and contextual factors to influence parent responding to youth emotions, which impacts youth emotional reactivity and regulation. However, little is known about how treatments for youth emotional disorders, particularly those with significant parent intervention components, may impact parents’ own emotional reactivity and their responses to youth emotion. We investigated whether parents (N = 91) participating in a transdiagnostic treatment for youth emotional disorders experienced change in their own emotional reactivity (i.e., symptoms, distress tolerance [DT], emotion regulation), supportive responses to youth emotion (e.g., expressive encouragement), and unsupportive responses to youth emotion (e.g., punitive, minimizing). We also examined the relationship of these changes to treatment-related change in youth symptoms. Parent anxiety, depression, stress, DT, and cognitive reappraisal significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment. Unsupportive responses to youth emotions also decreased. Change in parent DT and baseline youth symptoms were the only significant predictors of parent-rated post-treatment youth anxiety and depressive symptoms when all variables were included in regression models. This is the first known investigation of changes in parent emotional reactivity and responses to youth emotions in response to a transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders for youth. Results support the beneficial impact of treatment involvement on parents’ own emotional reactivity and behaviors, as well as the potential importance of targeting parent DT to improve youth symptoms.
Characterization of Micromirrors Embedded in Parylene Photonic Waveguides for Out-of-plane Light Delivery

We have recently demonstrated flexible Parylene photonic waveguides with embedded micromirrors. Here, the out-of-plane beam profile of the micromirrors is characterized using a combination of simulation and experiments.
It's more than just cancer biology: Health disparities in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) represent a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Racial/ethnic disparities have been documented in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, but health disparities have not been well described in patients with PNETs. METHODS A retrospective review of patients with PNETs in the National Cancer Database was performed for 2004-2014. Approximately 16 605 patients with PNETs and available vital status were identified. Survival was compared by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression. RESULTS There were no significant differences in survival between Non-Hispanic, White; Hispanic, White; or Non-Hispanic, Black patients on univariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients from communities with lower median household income and education level had worse survival (p < 0.001). Patients age less than 65 without insurance, similarly, had worse survival (p < 0.001). Multivariable modeling found no association between race/ethnicity and risk of mortality (p = 0.37). Lower median household income and lower education level were associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Unlike most other malignancies, race/ethnicity is not associated with survival differences in patients with PNETs. Patients with lower socioeconomic status had worse survival. The presence of identifiable health disparities in patients with PNETs represents a target for intervention and opportunity to improve survival in patients with this malignancy.