cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of multiple myeloma with thalidomide, dexamethasone, and zoledronate in an inner-city population with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS

B80 This single-arm, open-label trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose thalidomide in combination with dexamethasone and zoledronate (TDZ) for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in a largely African-Caribbean inner-city population with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. TDZ is non-myelotoxic and compatible with HAART, and thus appropriate for HIV+ patients with MM. Methods: 45 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed MM were enrolled. TDZ was given for 24 months or until progression, and consisted of: thalidomide, 100 mg daily; dexamethasone, 10-40 mg for 4 days/week for 3 weeks each month for 6 months, then reduced to 4 days each month; zoledronate, 4 mg IV monthly; and ASA, 81 mg daily. Response was stratified by reduction of M protein levels: > 75% (very good partial response [VPR]), > 50-75% (partial response [PR]), or 25-50% (minor response [MR]). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses provided estimates of longitudinal survival. Differences between HIV+ and HIV- patients were assessed by the log-rank test or the Fisher Exact Test with mid-P correction for small samples. Results: 8 of 45 enrollees were HIV seropositive, 7 of whom had AIDS and were on HAART. 38 (27F/11M; median age = 60.4 years) were evaluable, including all 8 HIV patients. Patients with HIV were younger (Mann-Whitney U test, P .2 for both). Despite prophylactic ASA, thromboembolism occurred in 6 patients (16%), all of whom were successfully treated with full anticoagulation. Other toxicities ≥ Grade 2, were not observed. Skeletal events occurred in 8% of patients; osteonecrosis of the jaw was not encountered. Conclusion: Thalidomide administered at half the standard dose in combination with zoledronate and dexamethasone provides safe, efficacious long-term treatment of MM in HIV and HIV+ patients. The modest frequency of toxicity and skeletal events under TDZ improves quality of life as well as survival. The high incidence of HIV in our study cohort suggests a pathogenetic role in MM.
Understanding the Demulsification of Water-in-Diluted Bitumen Froth Emulsions

Demulsification of water-in-diluted bitumen froth emulsions is greatly affected by the presence of solids in the emulsions. In this paper, the wettability, composition, and particle size distribution of the solids extracted from bitumen froth emulsions and diluted bitumen after demulsification, in the absence and presence of a demulsifier, were investigated using partitioning tests, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the application of the demulsifier assisted in the removal of water-wet solids, with the main components of the solids in the diluted bitumen being siderite and clays. The median particle size of the solids (D50) was reduced from 8 μm in the bitumen froth emulsions to less than 2 μm in the diluted bitumen phase after the use of a demulsifier in the diluted bitumen froth treatment. The presence of fine solids in the diluted bitumen froth increased the water/bitumen interfacial tension and increased the difficulty of demulsification because the fines are biwe...
Security in wireless sensor networks for health monitoring helmet with anomaly detection using power analysis and probabilistic model

Litigation faced by the NFL has called for better prevention and understanding of concussions and other sports injuries. To achieve this, sports officials have turned to wireless sensor networks, or WSNs, in the form of helmet sensors that automatically report any harmful injuries to attendants on the sidelines. While this approach provides players with a greater assurance of safety and a faster response to their injuries, the security weaknesses of WSNs must be addressed. These systems, being not only recently developed but also highly resource-constrained, may be easily manipulated by those looking to gain information about players (a form of passive attack) or even attempting to remove them from the game through the sending of false reports (a form of active attack). To prevent attacks such as these, we propose a system that uses a modification of the AES-CCM protocol as well as a novel attack detection system that uses probabilistic methods to report any harmful behavior to the user. The system's power usage due to injury reports is compared to a probability model that is based on past research that recorded the likelihood of injury for the positions played in professional football. This system offers many advantages over conventional cryptography as it is a lightweight approach that costs few resources; individual helmet sensors need only send simple power reports to a central base station which uses on-the-grid power to conduct security analysis. Provided below is detail of the paper which describes the problem in greater detail, a section that details the system architecture, a section that explains the AES-CCM protocol, and an explanation of the probabilistic approach. This is followed by a security analysis that compares the approach to several other approaches found in the literature, and finally a conclusion.
Photogeneration of hydrogen from water by a robust dye-sensitized photocathode

We report here on a photocathode with a “donor–dye–catalyst” assembly on a macro-mesoporous metal oxide for water reduction. The photoelectrocatalytic performance of the photocathode under mild conditions, with a photocurrent density of −56 μA cm−2 and a Faradaic yield of 53%, is superior relative to other reported photocathodes with surface attached molecular catalysts. Detailed electron transfer analyses show that the successful application of this photocathode originates mainly from the slow back electron transfer following light excitation. The results also demonstrate that addition of the long-chain assembly to the macro-mesoporous electrode surface plays a fundamental role in providing sufficient catalyst for water reduction.
Gross product simulation with pooling of linear and nonlinear regression models

This paper discusses the problem of decision support systems in the organization. The procedure (linear combination) developed with the aim to combine some predicted results obtained with simulation of linear and nonlinear regression models (experts), multiple regression model, nonparametric regression model, and semi parametric regression model. This adjustment procedure enforce some statistical characteristics like the expected value of the gross production rate based on Cobb-Douglas production function is unbiased for the actual value, and the total weights (importance) of all models (experts) is equal to one. We used modeling and simulation techniques to generate our data and to apply the procedure.
The “Ferguson effect”, or too many guns?

President Trump has threatened to “send in the Feds” to reduce violent crime in the USA's third most populous city. But what might explain the increase? Sherry Towers and Michael D. White assess two hypotheses
Regional variation in outcomes for lower extremity vascular disease in the Vascular Quality Initiative

Abstract Background Increased focus has been placed on perioperative and long-term outcomes in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), both for purposes of quality improvement and for assessment of performance at a surgeon and institutional level. This study evaluates regional variation in outcomes after treatment for PAD within the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). By describing the variation in practice patterns and outcomes across regions, we hope that each regionally based quality group can select which areas are most important for them to focus on as they will have access to their regional data to compare. Methods We identified all patients in the VQI who had infrainguinal bypass or endovascular intervention from 2009 to 2014. We compared variation in perioperative and 1-year outcomes stratified by symptom status and revascularization type among the 16 regional groups of the VQI. We analyzed variation in perioperative end points using χ 2 analysis, and 1-year end points were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and life-table analysis. Results We identified 15,338 bypass procedures for symptomatic PAD: 27% for claudication, 59% for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI; 61% of these for tissue loss), and 14% for acute limb ischemia. We identified 33,925 endovascular procedures for symptomatic PAD: 42% for claudication, 48% for CLI (73% of these for tissue loss), and 10% for acute limb ischemia. Thirty-day mortality varied significantly after endovascular intervention for CLI (0.5%-3%; P P = .77) or for bypass for claudication (0.0%-2.6%; P = .37) or CLI (0.0%-5.0%; P = .08). After bypass, rates of >2 units transfused red blood cells (claudication, 0.0%-13% [ P P P = .004) but not for claudication (0.0%-0.6%; P = .98), as was postoperative myocardial infarction (claudication, 0.0%-4% [ P = .36]; CLI, 0.8%-6% [ P = .001]). One-year survival varied significantly for endovascular interventions for claudication (92%-100%; P P P P = .57). Conclusions In this real-world comparison among VQI regions, we found significant variation in perioperative and 1-year end points for patients with PAD undergoing bypass or endovascular intervention. This study highlights opportunities for quality improvement efforts to reduce variation and to improve outcomes.
Induction of polycystic ovarian disease in rats by continuous light: III. Mechanism of ovarian compensatory hypertrophy and ovulation after unilateral oophorectomy☆

Following unilateral oophorectomy of adult rats with persistent vaginal estrus and polycystic ovaries induced by constant light (constant-light rats), the compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining ovary one month later was significantly less (P < 0.001) than that observed in control rats subjected to a light-dark schedule. No corpora lutea were found in the remaining ovary of the constant-light rats operated upon. Diestrous smears were observed in some instances following unilateral oophorectomy of the constant-light rats, but they eventually became continuously cornified. When a group of constant-light rats was injected, after unilateral oophorectomy, with 20 I.U. of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on day 3, 7, or 21 postoperatively, all the animals had ovulated, the average number of oviductal ova per rat being 4, 2.5, and 6.6, respectively. Possible mechanisms of the decreased ovarian compensation following unilateral oophorectomy of the constant-light rat are discussed.
Dysarthria of Spinal Cord Injury and Its Management.

The dysarthria associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by speech impairments that reflect respiratory dysfunction and its downstream effects on phonation, articulation, and prosody. The exact nature of the dysarthria is determined in large part by the level of SCI and whether or not diaphragm function is spared. Individuals with insufficient diaphragm strength to breathe on their own must rely on ventilator support, which may help or hinder speech, depending on a variety of ventilator-related variables. This article provides a conceptual review of the underlying pathophysiology and effects of respiratory muscle weakness on speech produced with and without mechanical ventilation. Selected multidisciplinary interventions for the dysarthria of SCI are also reviewed.
Confirmatory factor analyses comparing parental involvement frameworks with secondary students

Given the lack of research on measurement models used to operationalize parental involvement with secondary students, the goal of this research is to examine the measurement properties of the three-domain conceptualization of parental involvement including school-based involvement, home-based involvement, and academic socialization, compared to a more nuanced six domain conceptualization school-based (1) school/parent communication, (2) attending school activities, home-based (3) home activities, (4) homework help, academic socialization, (5) parent–child communication about education, and (6) parental aspirations for child's education. When comparing the fit among the models, the six-factor model had best fit indices and indicated varied correlations among the subdomains. The six-factor model allowed for more nuanced variations among the subdomains that may be helpful when assessing parental involvement with high school students.
Characterizing thiol redox dynamics in the organogenesis stage rat embryo

Abstract Precise control of the glutathione (GSH): glutathione disulfide (GSSG) balance is vital for the developing embryo, but it is not yet well understood how GSH levels and the GSH redox state are regulated, maintained, and modulated over the course of mammalian embryonic development. In this study, we characterize and connect thiol redox dynamics, protein synthesis, volumetric growth and net cysteine fluxes over the course of early organogenesis (gestational day (GD) 10–GD11.13) in the rat embryo. Our results show that despite a significant exponential growth of conceptal volumes and protein mass, the GSH: GSSG redox balance is remarkably stable during early organogenesis, with distinct redox potentials for the visceral yolk sac (VYS) (− 218 mV) and the embryo proper (EMB) (− 222 mV). The yolk sac was found to play a key role in maintaining GSH levels and the GSH: GSSG redox balance in the developing embryo. Based on an overall cysteine (Cys) mass-balance, we show that until GD10.6, yolk sac supply of Cys, the rate-limiting precursor for GSH synthesis, is sufficient to sustain embryonic demands for its GSH synthesis and protein synthesis needs. After GD10.6, the EMB maintains the amino acid intake flux, resulting in a significant depletion of most thiols in the amniotic fluid and the yolk sac fluid. Cysteine, was found to be predominantly used for de novo protein synthesis in the developing embryo (approximately 90% of total Cys). Protein synthesis (rates) should thus be included in any quantitative assessment of GSH redox dynamics in the developing embryo. Our time-course dataset of thiol dynamics, developed exponential relationships for protein synthesis and volumetric growth, and yolk sac surface area-mediated protein influx, provide important quantitative insights in GSH redox dynamics during embryonic development and are a prerequisite to further develop quantitative ‘systems biology’ models for GSH metabolism in the developing embryo.
Nutrition Therapy for Specific Lithogenic Risk Factors: High Urine Uric Acid/Acid Urine

Uric acid is a metabolite of animal protein. Excess urinary uric acid can lead to calcium oxalate and uric acid stone formation. Elevated urinary uric acid, low urine pH, and uric acid stone formation are associated with truncal obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. The key urinary risk factors for uric acid stones are low urine pH, high urinary uric acid levels, and insufficient urine volume. This chapter reviews the physiology and pathophysiology of uric acid metabolism as it relates to uric acid stone formation and reviews the evidence and rationale for specific dietary approaches to stone prevention.
Global sensitivity, feasibility, and flexibility analysis of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing processes

Abstract Simulation models for continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing processes have been developed and adapted as a powerful computer-aided tool to facilitate the process development. Accordingly, process analysis methods have also been implemented to obtain a more extensive process knowledge. In this book chapter, we gave an overview of the recent advances on two aspects of process analysis methods based on simulations: (1) global sensitivity analysis, and (2) feasibility and flexibility analysis methods. Global sensitivity analysis extracts the process knowledge in a “forward” manner: within certain ranges of the inputs, how these inputs can contribute to the variability in the output. On the other hand, feasibility and flexibility analysis evaluates the process in a “backward” manner: given specified ranges (i.e., process constraints) on the output, what is the design space of the inputs within which a process can always remain feasible. These two process analysis strategies together can strengthen the process understanding in developing a pharmaceutical process.
SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF A SIMPLE NUCLEATION THEORY FOR SICKLE CELL HEMOGLOBIN GELATION

A simple theory for the kinetics of hemoglobin S gelation, based on a model of nucleation and growth of individual polymers, is developed. An analytical rate expression is derived for the early stages of the reaction. The influence of the large non-ideality that is known to exist in concentrated hemoglobin solutions is included. The theory is capable of rationalizing the large experimentally-observed dependence of the delay time on concentration, temperature, and equilibrium solubility. It indicates that the extreme sensitivity of the delay time to these variables is due in large part to the nonideality of the concentrated protein solutions required for gelation. The theory fails, however, to predict the shape of the kinetic progress curves, suggesting that some additional physical process must be incorporated into the model.
Dynamics of intertidal marshes near shallow estuaries in Louisiana

A three-year (1991–1993) field investigation was conducted to quantify the hydrodynamics of intertidal marshes adjacent to tidal channels and shallow bays within two Louisiana coastal regions: (1) the sediment-rich Atchafalaya Basin, and, (2) the sediment-poor Terrebonne Basin with relatively minor riverine inflow. The Terrebonne Basin marsh is regularly inundated and flooding is characterized by sporadic draining interspersed by prolonged flooding events. The maximum water depth on the marsh surface exceeds 50 cm, the flow velocity across marsh surface reaches 10 cm sec−1, and the sediment deposition rate varies from 10 to 90 g m−2 per tidal cycle. This rather high sediment deposition rate occurs during winter storms with strong southerly winds. In contrast, the marsh site within the sediment-rich Atchafalaya Basin is irregularly inundated and characterized by sporadic flooding interspersed by prolonged draining. There the marsh flooding depth rarely exceeds 25 cm, the over-marsh flow velocity barely reaches 2.5 cm sec−1, and the sediment deposition rate ranges from 5 to 50 g m−2 per tidal cycle. The surprisingly low rate of sediment deposition in a marsh within a sediment-rich region is largely due to the man-made canals that alter the hydrologic regime in the upper reaches of the tidal channel.
High-Vacuum Particulate-Free Deposition of Wafer-Scale Mono-, Bi-, and Trilayer Molybdenum Disulfide with Superior Transport Properties.

Wafer-scale MoS2 growth at arbitrary integer layer number is demonstrated by a technique based on the decomposition of carbon disulfide on a hot molybdenum filament, which yields volatile MoSx precursors that precipitate onto a heated wafer substrate. Colorimetric control of the growth process allows precise targeting of any integer layer number. The method is inherently free of particulate contamination, uses inexpensive reactants without the pyrophoricity common to metal–organic precursors, and does not rely on particular gas-flow profiles. Raman mapping and photoluminescence mapping, as well as imaging by electron microscopy, confirm the layer homogeneity and crystalline quality of the resultant material. Electrical characterization revealed microampere output current, outstanding device-to-device consistency, and exceptionally low noise level unparalleled even by the exfoliated material, while other transport properties are obscured by high-resistance contacts typical to MoS2 devices.
How social media supports hashtag activism through multivocality: A case study of #ILookLikeanEngineer

Although research on different hashtag activism campaigns abounds, no study has looked at how different affordances of social media support a single campaign. We use data from a hashtag activism campaign, #ILookLikeAnEngineer, launched to showcase diversity within engineering workforce, to examine how different elements of a campaign blend together. We specifically identify three distinct but interconnected ways in which social media supports activism: 1) modality — it allows users to participate through text, photos, and links; 2) messaging — it allows users to post and support multiple though related topics; and 3) actors — it provides a voice to different participants (individuals/organizations, men/women). Our analysis supports the idea that multivocality — the core idea that people leverage multiple ways of participating — is the key to campaign success. Our analysis of 19,492 original tweets and 89,650 retweets shows that multivocality allowed the campaign to receive support not just from individuals but from large corporations, media, and NGOs, who were able to share their perspective using their preferred modality giving rise to a new form of digital polyphonic narrative that supports their agenda.
Inequality and Political Trust in China: The Social Volcano Thesis Re-examined

The social volcano thesis states that the rising inequality in China threatens regime stability. This idea, although widely held in the media and in academia, is backed by little positive evidence but by much negative evidence. Two primary pieces of negative evidence are that the Chinese people trust the central government and that they are highly tolerant of inequality. This paper discusses the shortcomings of the negative evidence and re-examines the thesis in a rigorous and direct way. Our multilevel analysis shows that provincial inequality has negative effects on individuals’ trust in the local government but not in the central government, and this negative effect holds for both the rich and the poor. Because distrust in the local government implies distrust in the central government, we conclude that a social volcano exists.
Estradiol Treatment Initiated Early After Ovariectomy Regulates Myocardial Gene Expression and Inhibits Diastolic Dysfunction in Female Cynomolgus Monkeys: Potential Roles for Calcium Homeostasis and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling.

Background Left ventricular ( LV ) diastolic dysfunction often precedes heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the dominant form of heart failure in postmenopausal women. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of oral estradiol treatment initiated early after ovariectomy on LV function and myocardial gene expression in female cynomolgus macaques. Methods and Results Monkeys were ovariectomized and randomized to receive placebo (control) or oral estradiol at a human-equivalent dose of 1 mg/day for 8 months. Monkeys then underwent conventional and tissue Doppler imaging to assess cardiac function, followed by transcriptomic and histomorphometric analyses of LV myocardium. Age, body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate were similar between groups. Echocardiographic mitral early and late inflow velocities, mitral annular velocities, and mitral E deceleration slope were higher in estradiol monkeys (all P 1.2-fold change; false discovery rate, P<0.05) in estradiol animals relative to controls, which implicated pathways associated with better calcium ion homeostasis and muscle contraction and lower extracellular matrix deposition ( P<0.05). Conclusions Estradiol treatment initiated soon after ovariectomy resulted in enhanced LV diastolic function, and altered myocardial gene expression towards decreased extracellular matrix deposition, improved myocardial contraction, and calcium homeostasis, suggesting that estradiol directly or indirectly modulates the myocardial transcriptome to preserve cardiovascular function.
Impact of Non-cardiac Comorbidities in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Management of Multisystem Complications

The prevalence and impact of non-cardiac comorbidities in adult patients with congenital heart disease increase over time, and these complications are often specifically a consequence of the long-term altered cardiovascular physiology or sequelae of previous therapies. For the ACHD patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for either surgical or medical treatment, an assessment of the burden of multisystem disease, as well as an understanding of the underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology, is essential for optimal management of these complex patients. This chapter takes an organ-system-based approach to reviewing common comorbidities in the ACHD patient, focusing on conditions that are directly related to ACHD status and may significantly impact ICU care.
Necessary dielectric elastomer parameters for wearable tremor suppression

Recent research proposes dielectric elastomers as actuators for mechanical suppression of pathological tremor. Dielectric elastomers offer several advantages compared to traditional actuators, including decreased weight, smaller profile, reduced rigidity, and better scalability. The similarities between dielectric elastomers and human muscle enable application of the actuators in a bio-inspired approach, where external artificial muscles directly actuate against tremor produced by the underlying human muscle. Two approaches exist for dielectric-elastomerbased tremor suppression: fully-active and tremor-active. In the fully-active approach, the dielectric elastomer actuators must actuate against tremor while also activating to follow the voluntary motion of the joint. In contrast, the tremor-active approach only requires activation against the tremor; the human sensorimotor system compensates for the passive dynamics of the dielectric elastomers. The tremor-active approach is unique to dielectric-elastomer-based tremor suppression since the soft actuators can have mechanical impedances on the same order or less than that of the human body. These two approaches have tradeoffs between actuation and viscoelastic requirements: the tremor-active approach decreases the actuation requirements, but applies limitations to the stiffness and viscoelastic characteristics of the actuator. This paper quantifies the necessary actuator parameters to achieve acceptable tremor suppression performance for each approach. The necessary parameters are normalized by joint parameters to generalize the results for tremor suppression about any joint.
High mercury concentrations in Atlantic Goliath Grouper: Spatial analysis of a vulnerable species

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara is currently a protected species in the southeastern United States waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and is considered vulnerable throughout its geographic range. In this study, I evaluated mercury concentrations in their tissues (muscle, liver), which revealed high concentrations (μg/g ww) of mercury (mean ± SE) in liver (6.18 ± 0.86) and muscle (1.12 ± 0.06) tissue that increased with size and age. Mercury concentrations were highest in fish caught off Florida's Atlantic coast, but varied on a finer regional scale. Mercury concentrations in muscle tissue were generally greater near urbanized areas with known mercury sources and environmental conditions appropriate for higher methylation rates. This suggests that management should consider improving the water quality in these areas to reduce the risk of health effects to human consumers and to the fish themselves.
Long-Term Implant Survivorship and Modes of Failure in Simultaneous Concurrent Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background There is limited evidence describing long-term implant survivorship and modes of failure in simultaneous concurrent bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods We performed a retrospective review of 266 consecutive patients (532 knees) who underwent simultaneous concurrent bilateral TKA. We reviewed medical records for preoperative characteristics, perioperative complications, and revision surgeries. The primary outcome was TKA survivorship. Secondary outcomes included indication and type of revision surgery. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate survivorship and characterize risk of revision up to 20 years post-TKA. Results Our cohort had median follow-up of 9.8 years (interquartile range, 3.9-15.9). Forty-four patients (17%) underwent revision. Revision was more common among younger and male patients. The cumulative incidence of first-time revision per knee (n = 532) was 1.27 per 100 component-years. Implant survival was 99% (confidence interval, 97%-99%) at 5 years, 92% (89%-95%) at 10 years, 83% (77%-87%) at 15 years, and 62% (50%-73%) at 20 years. Five and 10-year survivorship compared favorably to estimates of TKA survivorship in the literature. The cumulative incidence of revision surgery per patient was 1.91 per 100 component-years. Implant survival at 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year time points was 96% (CI, 92%-98%), 84% (77%-89%), 71% (62%-79%), and 59% (46%-70%), respectively. Aseptic loosening (40%), polyethylene wear (34%), and infection (11%) were the most common indications for revision. Conclusion Simultaneous concurrent bilateral TKA is associated with a higher risk of reoperation for the patient when both knees are evaluated but similar implant survivorship to the literature when each knee was evaluated in isolation.
Randomized trial of a dissonance-based transdiagnostic group treatment for eating disorders: An evaluation of target engagement.

Objective Test whether a dissonance-based transdiagnostic eating disorder treatment reduces valuation of the thin beauty ideal and high-calorie binge foods, the intervention targets, and eating pathology relative to waitlist controls. Method Women with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 eating disorders (N = 100) were randomized to an 8-week group-implemented Body Project Treatment (BPT) redesigned to encourage rapid symptom reduction or a waitlist control condition, completing functional MRI paradigms assessing neural response to thin models and binge foods, questionnaires, and diagnostic interviews at pretest and posttest. Results Compared to controls, BPT participants showed greater reductions in responsivity of regions involved in reward valuation (ventromedial prefrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, caudate) to thin models but not binge foods, pursuit of the thin ideal (d = .72), palatability ratings of binge foods (d = .78), and greater increases in attractiveness ratings of average-weight models (d = .44), the intervention targets. BPT participants also showed significantly greater reductions in body dissatisfaction (d = .83), negative affect (d = .76), and eating disorder symptoms (d = .59), and marginally greater abstinence from binge eating and compensatory behaviors (39% vs. 21%) than controls. Conclusions Results provide novel evidence that BPT affected the hypothesized intervention targets and reduced variables that are putatively secondary to pursuit of the thin ideal, including body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and eating disorder symptoms. Symptom reductions were smaller than in past trials, suggesting that it may be optimal to reduce valuation of the thin ideal before asking participants to reduce disordered eating behaviors that are used to pursue this ideal. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Buying 'Organic' to Get 'Authenticity'? Or Safer and More Nutritious Food? Think Again. And Again.

Henry I. Miller, MD, a physician and molecular biologist, is a senior Fellow at the Pacific research Institute in san Francisco, California. He was the founding director of the FDA’s Office of Biotechnology. Contact: moc.liamg@rellimiyrneh Open in a separate window
Using TDD in an introductory programming course to increase student performance and engagement

Test Driven Development (TDD) is a modern software development technique which encourages writing tests based on specifications before a solution is implemented or attempted. Devising tests before implementation encourages in-depth analysis of the problem, full-coverage of the requirements, and discovery of edge-cases. Once a final solution is written which passes all the pre-created tests, the final solution is typically better than a solution found using a non-TDD method. Subsequent refactoring of the solution can be done confidently by assuring the tests continue to pass as modifications are done. Teaching the effectiveness of TDD in a lower-level programming course can be difficult. Here we investigate methods of TDD evaluation and reinforcement to better convey the effectiveness of TDD as a general program development technique. The use of instant-feedback systems, integrated with TDD, is required to keep the students engaged and moving forward toward a solution. We report on these TDD instruction and evaluation techniques, as well as how they impacted student class performance and engagement.
Cytokine responses across submaximal exercise intensities in women with major depressive disorder.

Abstract Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with chronic inflammation. Exercise training can treat depression in adults with MDD, potentially through reducing inflammatory activity. This improvement may occur through adaptations to repeated acute inflammatory responses. Cytokine responses to acute steady-state exercise of varying intensities were determined in women with different levels of depression. Methods This analysis included 19 women with MDD who each participated in four sessions consisting of 30 ​min of quiet rest, light, moderate, or hard intensity exercise. Blood samples were collected pre- and within 10 ​min post-session. Changes in the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF were evaluated in each session. Results Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF were all significantly elevated following vigorous exercise (i.e., hard) compared to the quiet rest session. No changes in cytokine levels occurred after light and moderate exercise. Depression severity did not appear to influence the acute inflammatory response to exercise. Limitations The sample size was small, all female, and from a secondary data analysis, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions Repeat, acute increases in inflammatory activity following hard exercise sessions may prompt adaptations and lead to reductions in chronic inflammation over time. This dose-response study identified an exercise intensity threshold to induce acute inflammatory responses in women with MDD.
Monosomic Loss of MIR15A/MIR16-1 Is a Driver of Multiple Myeloma Proliferation and Disease Progression

The most common genetic abnormality in multiple myeloma (MM) is the deletion of chromosome 13, seen in almost half of newly diagnosed patients. Unlike chronic lymphocytic leukemia, where a recurrent minimally deleted region including MIR15A/MIR16-1 has been mapped, the deletions in MM predominantly involve the entire chromosome and no specific driver gene has been identified. Additional candidate loci include RB1 and DIS3, but while biallelic deletion of RB1 is associated with disease progression, DIS3 is a common essential gene and complete inactivation is not observed. The Vk*MYC transgenic mouse model of MM spontaneously acquires del(14), syntenic to human chromosome 13, and Rb1 complete inactivation, but not Dis3 mutations. Taking advantage of this model, we explored the role in MM initiation and progression of two candidate loci on chromosome 13: RB1 and MIR15A/MIR16-1. Monoallelic deletion of Mir15a/Mir16-1 but not Rb1 was sufficient to accelerate the development of monoclonal gammopathy in wildtype mice, and the progression of MM in Vk*MYC mice, resulting in increased expression of Mir15a/Mir16-1 target genes and plasma cell proliferation, which was similarly observed in patients with MM.
Effects of acoustic softening on thermal conductivity beyond group velocity

We model the highly reduced thermal conductivity of nanostructured materials observed in nanoribbons. For highly scaled structures, such as wires with diameters on the order of 20 nm, physical effects beyond classical boundary scattering, including acoustic softening, become important. To date, work on acoustic softening has focused on reductions in group velocity. However, a reduction in the group velocity implies that the phonon dispersion is modified. Here, we investigate how changes in the phonon dispersion manifest in the mean free path, heat capacity, and group velocity. Including these effects in the modeling of thermal conductivity, we find that softening increases low-temperature thermal conductivity while reducing high temperature thermal conductivity. We further compare the model to experimental data.
Financial Support for Family Members and Importance of Performance Quality Interact as a Source of Motivation for Multiple Jobholding

Very few studies on multiple jobholding have examined predictors. Most studies have focused on outcomes. The current study examined an interactive predictor of multiple jobholding. Data were extracted from a data set used in a path-analytic study (Mellor and Decker 2020). An interactive perspective was drawn from a motivation framework on extrinsic and intrinsic reasons to hold more than one job, in which a conditional relationship was hypothesized between number of family members supported financially and number of employers. The data confirmed that number of family members supported interacts with importance placed on performance quality by employees as a predictor of multiple jobholding. Implications for work motivation in reference to multiple jobholding research are discussed.
How do classroom behaviors predict longitudinal reading achievement? A conditional autoregressive latent growth analysis

Abstract Elementary students’ ability to regulate classroom behavior is believed to play an important role in their reading ability. To date, there is some evidence articulating this relationship, but much of the research has not addressed how classroom behavior may predict the longitudinal reading achievement. The present study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011 to examine the associations of self-control, attentional focusing, and externalizing problem behaviors with reading development for elementary students from kindergarten through fourth grade. A combination of the latent growth model and the autoregressive model – the Autoregressive Latent Trajectory model is applied to describe children's increasing but later leveling off reading growth. Results from the Autoregressive Latent Trajectory model conditional on classroom behaviors show that they have a mix of positive and negative associations with reading growth. Further, a multigroup analysis reveals the gender differences in such associations. Implications for educators, researchers and policy makers are discussed.
Forget-me-not: Lemierre’s syndrome, a case report

Background: Familiarity breeds complacency. One case of sore throat can start to sound like another. However, even common viral and bacterial infections can lead to serious sequelae. Clinicians can...
Alleviating the tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolution in super-resolution ultrasound

Despite the rapid progress of super-resolution ultrasound, tradeoffs between spatial and temporal resolution may challenge the translation of this promising technology to the clinic. To temper these tradeoffs, we propose a new and computationally efficient method that can extract hundreds of micro-bubble peaks from ultra-fast contrast-enhanced US images and demonstrate its potential to augment the abilities of SR-US in imaging micro-vascular structure and function.
Interprofessional Education Week: the impact of active and passive learning activities on students' perceptions of interprofessional education.

Healthcare professions faculty at a private Midwestern university designed an Interprofessional Education (IPE) Week, consisting of 12 different interprofessional learning activities over the span ...
Irradiation of fresh meat

Publisher Summary Food irradiation is a process of exposing a food or food packaging material to ionizing radiation whose source is photons (gamma rays, X-rays), or high-energy electrons. This chapter provides an overview of the irradiation of fresh meat. The irradiation of red meats was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1997 and the final rules for inspection from the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) were issued in December 1999. When raw meats are irradiated, the minimum effects of irradiation on product quality are seen when the meat is irradiated frozen. As with any other food process, food irradiation processing must be optimized for the specific product, by evaluating all of the components of the process, including the raw materials, the process itself, packaging, storage, and distribution. When critical steps in the process are ignored or overlooked, the end result will be a product that is unacceptable to the consumer. However, when properly carried out, the process can produce products that are entirely acceptable to the consumer and that are indistinguishable from non-irradiated products at the time of consumption.
The Chromosomal Arrangement of Coding Sequences in a Family of Repeated Genes

Publisher Summary This chapter studies the chromosomal arrangement of DNA sequences that code for mRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster, and in analyzing adjacent sequences that may control their expression. To isolate individual segments coding for particular mRNAs a set of hybrid DNA molecules is constructed by joining the bacterial plasmid ColE1 to sheared fragments of D. melanogaster embryonic DNA. It also reviews that from these a single DNA segment is identified that contains sequences homologous to approximately 1% of the mass of cytoplasmic poly (A) containing RNA from D . melanogaster tissue culture cells. Some of the properties of this hybrid are called as cDm412. The chapter discusses that sequences complementary to an abundant mRNA, cDm412 contain sequences representative of several families of moderately repetitive DNA sequences. It also reviews that sequences adjacent or very close to some copies of the mRNA sequence are different. If this is generally true, and if these sequences are transcribed, then it should be able to solve these problems by the use of such probes.
Bringing Design to Software

1. A Software Design Manifesto. 2. Design of the Conceptual Model. 3. The Role of the Artist-Designer. 4. Design Language. 5. The Consumer Spectrum. 6. Action-Centered Design. 7. Keeping It Simple. 8. The Designer's Stance. 9. Reflective Conversation with Materials. 10. Cultures of Prototyping. 11. Footholds for Design. 12. Design as Practiced. 13. Organizations for User-Centered Design. 14. Design for People at Work. Reflection. Bibliography. Index.
Inpatient arthritis rehabilitation programs in the US: results from a national survey.

Abstract The implementation of prospective payment systems has severely limited the traditional practice of providing rehabilitation services to arthritis patients on rheumatic disease units; however, the admission of these patients to a designated rehabilitation unit may be appropriate. This paper presents data on the provision of inpatient rehabilitation services to patients with arthritis. Two surveys were developed for this study. The first survey sample consisted of 502 hospitals; 163 (52%) of the 313 respondents were identified as facilities providing inpatient arthritis rehabilitation. A second survey regarding patient and program characteristics was completed by 146 of the 313 facilities. The data from rehabilitation units serving arthritis patients are presented with regard to utilization, discharge disposition, sources of payment, patient demographic and diagnostic information, and specialization of the rehabilitation program. The data indicate that persons with arthritis are underrepresented in the rehabilitation population, although the diagnosis is approved for admission under rehabilitation guidelines. This underutilization is attributed to problems of reimbursement, inappropriate admission criteria, inadequately trained staff, and lack of referrals.
Retrieval of a Dislodged Catheter Using Combined Fluoroscopy and Intracardiac Echocardiography

This report details a method of percutaneous, transluminal retrieval of an intracardiac foreign body using fluoroscopy in combination with intracardiac echocardiography. During retrieval, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) provided real-time anatomic localization of a constantly moving, almost radiolucent micropuncture coaxial dilator fragment with respect to the tricuspid and pulmonary valves. This method may serve as a crucial aid in retrieval of intracardiac foreign bodies that are difficult to see with fluoroscopy and which may be adjacent to cardiac valves.
Microscale Tracking of Surgical Instrument Motion

An apparatus for accurate three-dimensional tracking of the tip of a microsurgical instrument has been developed for laboratory use. The system is useful for evaluation of microsurgical instrument designs and devices for accuracy enhancement (both robotic devices and active hand-held instruments), as well as for assessment and training of microsurgeons. It can also be used as a high-precision input interface to microsurgical simulators. The system involves illumination of the workspace and optical sensing of the position of a small reflective ball at the instrument tip, and therefore requires no wiring connection to the instrument being tracked. Sensing is performed by two position-sensitive photodiodes, placed orthogonally. The rms noise per coordinate is presently 7 microns. Preliminary results are presented. The photodiodes exhibit some degree of nonlinearity, which can be calibrated. The goal is to achieve an rms noise level of 1 micron. This is expected to be attainable via a synchronous detection scheme which has not yet been implemented.
Synthesis of iris images using Markov Random Fields

Of all the physiological traits of the human body that help in personal identification, the iris is probably the most robust and accurate. A number of iris recognition algorithms have been proposed in the literature over the past few years; however, not all of them have been tested on large databases. The largest known iris database has about 350,000 images in it but is proprietary. In this paper, a synthetic iris generation method based on Markov Random Field (MRF) modeling is proposed. The synthesis procedure is deterministic and avoids the sampling of a probability distribution and is, therefore, computationally simple. Furthermore, it is shown that iris textures in general are significantly different from other non-stochastic textural patterns. Clustering experiments indicate that the synthetic irises generated using the proposed technique are similar in content to real iris images.
A perfect focus of the internal tide from the Mariana Arc

[1] The Mariana Arc of ridges and islands forms an ∼1300-km-long arc of a circle, ∼630 km in radius centered at 17°N, 139.6°E. The hypothesis that the westward-propagating internal tides originating from the arc converge in a focal region is tested by examining the dominant M2 internal tides observed with air-launched expendable bathythermographs (AXBTs) and altimetric data from multiple satellites. The altimetric and AXBT observations agree well, though they measure different aspects of the internal tidal motion. M2 internal tides radiate both westward and eastward from the Mariana Arc, with isophase lines parallel to the arc and sharing the same center. The westward-propagating M2 internal tides converge in a focal region, and diverge beyond the focus. The focusing leads to energetic M2 internal tides in the focal region. The spatially smoothed energy flux is about 6.5 kW/m, about four times the mean value at the arc; the spatially un-smoothed energy flux may reach up to 17 kW/m. The size of the focus is close to the Rayleigh estimate; it is thus a perfect focus.