cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ubiquitous time variability of integrated stellar populations

Long-period variable stars arise in the final stages of the asymptotic giant branch phase of stellar evolution. They have periods of up to about 1,000 days and amplitudes that can exceed a factor of three in the I-band flux. These stars pulsate predominantly in their fundamental mode, which is a function of mass and radius, and so the pulsation periods are sensitive to the age of the underlying stellar population. The overall number of long-period variables in a population is directly related to their lifetimes, which is difficult to predict from first principles because of uncertainties associated with stellar mass-loss and convective mixing. The time variability of these stars has not previously been taken into account when modelling the spectral energy distributions of galaxies. Here we construct time-dependent stellar population models that include the effects of long-period variable stars, and report the ubiquitous detection of this expected 'pixel shimmer' in the massive metal-rich galaxy M87. The pixel light curves display a variety of behaviours. The observed variation of 0.1 to 1 per cent is very well matched to the predictions of our models. The data provide a strong constraint on the properties of variable stars in an old and metal-rich stellar population, and we infer that the lifetime of long-period variables in M87 is shorter by approximately 30 per cent compared to predictions from the latest stellar evolution models.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) Promotes Neuroimmune-Modulatory MicroRNA Profile in Striatum of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-Infected Macaques

Cannabinoid administration before and after simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-inoculation ameliorated disease progression and decreased inflammation in male rhesus macaques. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) did not increase viral load in brain tissue or produce additive neuropsychological impairment in SIV-infected macaques. To determine if the neuroimmunomodulation of Δ9-THC involved differential microRNA (miR) expression, miR expression in the striatum of uninfected macaques receiving vehicle (VEH) or Δ9-THC (THC) and SIV-infected macaques administered either vehicle (VEH/SIV) or Δ9-THC (THC/SIV) was profiled using next generation deep sequencing. Among the 24 miRs that were differentially expressed among the four groups, 16 miRs were modulated by THC in the presence of SIV. These 16 miRs were classified into four categories and the biological processes enriched by the target genes determined. Our results indicate that Δ9-THC modulates miRs that regulate mRNAs of proteins involved in 1) neurotrophin signaling, 2) MAPK signaling, and 3) cell cycle and immune response thus promoting an overall neuroprotective environment in the striatum of SIV-infected macaques. This is also reflected by increased Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and decreased proinflammatory cytokine expression compared to the VEH/SIV group. Whether Δ9-THC-mediated modulation of epigenetic mechanisms provides neuroprotection in other regions of the brain and during chronic SIV-infection remains to be determined.
The Epidemiology of Alcohol Abuse and Pneumonia

The association between alcohol abuse and pneumonia has been recognized for more than two centuries and represents an enormous health burden worldwide. The first published notation of alcohol as a clinical risk factor for the development of pneumonia is now over 200 years old, and since then there have been over a 1,000 references in the medical literature confirming these observations. Even in this modern era of medicine pneumonia remains a common infection that afflicts over 450 million persons worldwide annually and causes 7 % of all deaths. When one considers that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the world, the enormous excessive burden that alcohol contributes to the morbidity and mortality of pneumonia represents a major public health consideration. In this chapter we review the foundational literature that has chronicled the evolution of our understanding of the association between pneumonia and alcohol abuse over the past century. In addition, we discuss some of the specific pathogens that are particularly associated with serious lung infections in individuals with alcohol use disorders. Finally, we consider some of the specific guidelines for the treatment and prevention of pneumonia in the setting of alcohol abuse.
Volumes in higher dimension

This is the second talk, following “What is pi?” and dealing with volumes of standard figures like pyramids and cones. The talk was given to the same class, with 10th grade students, approximately 15 years old, in a high school in the suburbs of Toronto.
Indigenous coats of arms in títulos primordiales and techialoyan códices: Nahua corporate heraldry in the lienzos de chiepetlan, guerrero, México

The introduction of European heraldry in the Americas created a special class of material culture and iconography that circulated widely on coins, paper, architecture, and textiles. More interestingly, its appropriation and use by indigenous communities has not received proper archaeological attention. In this paper I analyze the adoption of royal Spanish heraldry by Nahua political systems (altepetl) during the Colonial period, from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. My primary goal is to understand the context, meaning, and social practices for three late colonial banners from eastern Guerrero—the Lienzos de Chiepetlan IV, V, and VI. I argue that these three banners can be treated as moveable pieces of a complex heraldic ensemble to form the full ornamented coat of arms of the Spanish king. These three banners permit us to compare and contrast indigenous narratives of allegiance and resistance to Spanish imperialism.
Health Benefits of Almonds beyond Cholesterol Reduction

Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fat, fiber, α-tocopherol, minerals such as magnesium and copper, and phytonutrients, albeit being energy-dense. The favorable fat composition and fiber contribute to the hypocholesterolemic benefit of almond consumption. By virtue of their unique nutrient composition, almonds are likely to benefit other modifiable cardiovascular and diabetes risks, such as body weight, glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This paper briefly reviews the nutrient composition and hypocholesterolemic benefits; the effects of almond consumption on body weight, glucose regulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, based on the data of clinical trials, will then be discussed. Although more studies are definitely warranted, the emerging evidence supports that almond consumption beneficially influences chronic degenerative disease risk beyond cholesterol reduction, particularly in populations with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
White Beam Synchrotron Topographic Studies of the Effects of Localized Stress Fields on the Kinetics of Single Crystal Solid State Reactions.

White Beam Synchrotron Topography has been used to determine the role of localized stress fields in the solid state polymerization of single crystals of the diacetylene PTS. Results indicate that the stress fields due to grown in dislocations can accelerate local reaction kinetics in thermally induced polymerization reactions, although no such effects were previously observable in photolytically or radiolytically induced reactions. Results are analyzed in an analogous fashion to the treatment of the nucleation of solid state phase transformations at dislocations. Good agreement was found between approximate theoretical treatments and experimental observation. The response of the monomer crystal to the inhomogeneous stresses generated as a result of inhomogeneous reaction and the implications regarding local reaction kinetics are discussed in detail.
Pediatric Home Mechanical Ventilation

Infants and children with chronic respiratory failure are a byproduct of improvements in intensive care medicine. Home mechanical ventilation is an alternative to hospital care for the ventilator-assisted child. With proper preparation, safeguards, and support, these children are being successfully managed at home.
Psychometric Testing of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS): A New Pain Scale for Military Population.

Objective. The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS 2.0) is a pain assessment tool that utilizes a numerical rating scale enhanced by functional word descriptors, color coding, and pictorial facial expressions matched to pain levels. Four supplemental questions measure how much pain interferes with usual activity and sleep, and affects mood and contributes to stress. Methods. Psychometric testing was performed on a revised DVPRS 2.0 using data from 307 active duty service members and Veterans experiencing acute or chronic pain. A new set of facial representations designating pain levels was tested. Results. Results demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.871) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.637 to r = 0.774) for the five items. Excellent interrater agreement was established for correctly ordering faces depicting pain levels and aligning them on the pain intensity scale (Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, W = 0.95 and 0.959, respectively). Construct validity was supported by an exploratory principal component factor analysis and known groups validity testing. Most participants, 70.9%, felt that the DVPRS was superior to other pain rating scales. Consclusion. The DVPRS 2.0 is a reliable and valid instrument that provides standard language and metrics to communicate pain and related outcomes.
The structure of support: Mapping network evolution in an online support group

Abstract Online social support groups enable individuals to create specialized networks that provide access to a variety of resources. Although the efficacy of such communities has been studied, less understood are the structural mechanisms behind their emergence and the ways these mechanisms foster ties and may subsequently affect provision of support. This paper analyzes an online support group (OSG) for parents of children with ADD/ADHD over a one-year period, focusing on the interplay of structure and technology in the creation of the emergent support network. Findings highlight a dual network structure that supports a variety of relationships and levels of participation. Whereas a core group of members generates the initial content, the network becomes self-sustaining and supports a fluid membership between active and inactive members. Structurally, the network offers four types of support: direct, indirect, relational, and functional. Together, findings emphasize the interplay among technology, structure, and communication in advancing specialized channels of communication in a digital age.
GPS Imaging of vertical land motion in California and Nevada: Implications for Sierra Nevada uplift

We introduce "GPS Imaging," a new technique for robust estimation of the vertical velocity field of the Earth's surface, and apply it to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in the western United States. Starting with vertical position time series from Global Positioning System (GPS) stations, we first estimate vertical velocities using the MIDAS robust trend estimator, which is insensitive to undocumented steps, outliers, seasonality and heteroscedasticity. Using the Delaunay triangulation of station locations, we then apply a weighted median spatial filter to remove velocity outliers and enhance signals common to multiple stations. Finally, we interpolate the data using weighted median estimation on a grid. The resulting velocity field is temporally and spatially robust and edges in the field remain sharp. Results from data spanning 5-20 years show that the Sierra Nevada is the most rapid and extensive uplift feature in the western United States, rising up to 2 mm/yr along most of the range. The uplift is juxtaposed against domains of subsidence attributable to groundwater withdrawal in California's Central Valley. The uplift boundary is consistently stationary, though uplift is faster over the 2011-2016 period of drought. Uplift patterns are consistent with groundwater extraction and concomitant elastic bedrock uplift, plus slower background tectonic uplift. A discontinuity in the velocity field across the southeastern edge of the Sierra Nevada reveals a contrast in lithospheric strength, suggesting a relationship between Late Cenozoic uplift of the southern Sierra Nevada and evolution of the southern Walker Lane.
Selection and characterization of peptide memitopes binding to ricin.

A combinatorial random peptide display library expressed in E. coli was employed to identify short, linear peptide sequences that showed affinity for ricin and could be used as reagents for detection and identification of ricin. One peptide, P3, from a collection of four short peptides showed specific binding to ricin. The kinetic analysis of this peptide binding to the ricin showed lower equilibrium binding constants for the peptide P3 than monoclonal antibody. This is attributed due to both slower association and faster dissociation rates for the peptide P3. The random ricin peptide P3 binds to ricin with a KD of 1 μM versus the antibody's KD of 14 nM. This particular peptide memitope P3 against ricin showed specific binding to ricin without any significant cross-reactivity against other proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme and natural bacterial toxins such as Staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B. The results provided proof-of-principal that peptide memitopes are another choice of reagents due to ease in production to be used for the detection of highly toxic bio-threat or biowarfare agents such as ricin.
Beyond Rosie: A Documentary History of Women and World War Two Julia Brock, Jennifer W. Dickey, Richard J. W. Harker, and Catherine M. Lewis, Editors. University of Arkansas Press, 2015.

Beyond Rosie: A Documentary History of Women and World War Two Julia Brock, Jennifer W. Dickey, Richard J. W. Harker, and Catherine M. Lewis, Editors. University of Arkansas Press, 2015.Beyond Rosie was developed from a 2012 traveling exhibition, "Beyond Rosie: Women and World War Two," by members of the Department of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. The book is mostly a collection of primary documents about women during the war, accompanied by commentary on why the various texts, illustrations, and photographs were included. It is designed for a school audience, either upper division high school or college, with the assumption that readers will know little or nothing about the war, especially the part that women played in it. The introduction provides some basic information about the war and makes it clear that age, race, class, sexual orientation, marital status, and children affected how women were able to participate. Areas of focus include factory workers, women's auxiliary services, women on the Home Front, espionage, and the opportunities afforded women as journalists, medical workers, and government girls.The editors provide a nice variety of texts, photographs, posters, oral histories, film script excerpts, and federal documents. The oral histories express the experiences of different kinds of women including Latina and African-American women in factories and war plants, a WAAC, an interned Japanese woman, a lesbian in the WAVEs, a WASP, a member of the Army Nurse Corps, a cryptographer, and a chemist for the Manhattan Project. These are interesting, but some could have been better edited in that if a question were asked and the respondent didn't answer, the question was left blank. These reminiscences are complemented by excerpts of letters written by wives to their husbands overseas about life back home.What may strike readers, especially students, about these materials is the condescending language used to describe women by the men for whom they were working. This is especially clear in statements about hiring practices and how managers should deal with women workers. For example, a film script excerpt, "Problems in Supervision: Supervising Women Workers" (1944), has a foreman telling his manager that women workers scare him. However, by the end, he realizes that women just need processes explained to them and that they have home responsibilities as well. Some of the suggestions for working with women, as in a brochure created by RCA (Radio Corporation of America), are actually just good managerial practice, such as arranging for brief rest periods, having good ventilation and lighting, and having clean restrooms and a lunch area. …
The impact of sociodemographic factors and PSA screening among low-income Black and White men: data from the Southern Community Cohort Study

The impact of sociodemographic factors and PSA screening among low-income Black and White men: data from the Southern Community Cohort Study
Chapter 62 – Trauma

Traumatic brain and spine injury (TBI/TSI) is a leading cause of death and lifelong disability in children. The biomechanical properties of the child's brain, skull, and spine, the size of the child, the age-specific activity pattern, and variance in trauma mechanisms result in a wide range of age-specific traumas and patterns of brain and spine injuries. A detailed knowledge about the various types of primary and secondary pediatric head and spine injuries is essential to better identify and understand pediatric TBI/TSI, which enhances sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis, will guide therapy, and may give important information about the prognosis. The purposes of this chapter are to: (1) discuss the unique epidemiology, mechanisms, and characteristics of TBI/TSI in children; (2) review the anatomic and functional imaging techniques that can be used to study common and rare pediatric TBI/TSI and their complications; (3) comprehensively review frequent primary and secondary brain injuries; and (4) to give a short overview of two special types of pediatric TBI/TSI: birth-related and nonaccidental injuries.
Determination of need for elution studies for positive direct antiglobulin tests in pretransfusion testing.

Retrospective evaluation of elution studies for specimens with positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results during a three-month interval revealed 29 warm autoantibodies and 28 nonreactive eluates. Clearly, routine elution studies were non-productive. However, there was no evaluation method for exclusion from elution studies. Therefore, an algorithm correlating laboratory, transfusion, and clinical data was developed. It identified delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and possible autoimmune hemolytic anemia. By following the algorithm, technologists would perform elution studies, forego them, or consult the Medical Director. To test the algorithm, 568 positive DATs identified from 12,416 specimens were analyzed. Technologist evaluation without medical consultation for 194 specimens yielded 106 elution studies; 374 specimens required medical consultation, and 166 had eluates. Seven delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions were found. This suggests certain elution studies can be eliminated routinely. However, DATs with positive results associated with possible delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions require investigation. The search for autoimmune hemolytic anemia was not productive.
Energy harvesting via fluidic agitation of a magnet within an oscillating heat pipe

Abstract An ‘oscillating magnet’ energy harvesting module was developed and integrated into a 4-turn, tubular oscillating heat pipe (OHP) filled with water. The harvesting module consisted of a 1000-turn solenoid wrapped around a polycarbonate tube and two transverse posts, which were placed through the tube above and below the solenoid. Electromagnetic induction was accomplished via the thermally-driven, fluidic agitation of a suspended neodymium magnet placed between the transverse posts. The thermal performance and energy harvesting ability of this ‘oscillating-magnet OHP’ (OMHP) was experimentally investigated over a range of heat inputs with either 1.59 mm or 3.17 mm diameter neodymium magnets. Results demonstrate that the OMHP heat transfer performance decreased as the magnet diameter approached that of the OHP tube due to increased local pressure drops across the magnet, which disrupted advection between the evaporator and condenser. At 400 W of heat input, the OMHP equipped with a smaller oscillating magnet ( i.e. 1.59 mm diameter) produced a maximum peak electrical power of 21.9 µW and provided an effective thermal conductivity of ∼7000 W/m K. In contrast, the OMHP equipped with a larger oscillating magnet ( i.e. 3.17 mm diameter) produced a maximum peak electrical power of 428 µW and an effective thermal conductivity of ∼2600 W/m K at 200 W of heat input. Since the confined magnet motion is coupled with the heat transfer and internal fluid motion of the OHP, the design of the OMHP is driven by the importance of energy harvesting relative to thermal performance. This technology is unique in that it can be used for thermal management and in situ electric power production.
Anuran amphibians as comparative models for understanding extreme dehydration tolerance: a unique negative feedback lymphatic mechanism for blood volume regulation.

Anurans are the most terrestrial order of amphibians. Couple the high driving forces for evaporative loss in terrestrial environments and their low resistance to evaporation, dehydration is an inev...
Role of TRAF6 as a Regulator of Endothelial Cell Activation and Angiogenesis (88.20)

Tumor angiogenesis and metastasis are dependent on tumor-secreted growth factors and pro-inflammatory signals that target receptors on endothelial cells. The signaling cascade that emanates from many of these receptors is mediated by the adaptor molecule and signal transducer TRAF6. To date, however, the intrinsic effect of TRAF6 in endothelial cell biology has not been examined in detail. Most importantly, its effect on angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis has not been investigated in vivo. We hypothesize that, by acting as a molecular convergence point in the signaling downstream of different pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic stimuli, TRAF6 is a chief regulator of endothelial cell activation and angiogenesis to drive tumor growth and metastasis. To test this hypothesis, we have generated transgenic mice that lack TRAF6 specifically in endothelial cells (TRAF6-ΔE) to use as a novel in vivo model of angiogenesis and metastasis. Using in vitro angiogenic tests, we have found that TRAF6-deficient endothelial cells have impaired angiogenic properties, and using two different tumor models we have demonstrated that endothelial cell-expressed TRAF6 has an essential role in tumor growth.
Characterization of the FSH-suppressing activity in follicular fluid.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the characterization of the FSH-suppressing activity in follicular fluid. In every species tested, removal of the ovaries eventually leads to an elevation in serum levels of both LH and FSH. Circulating estradiol levels are maintained in these ovariectomized animals by adrenal secretion of estradiol. Moreover, following unilateral ovariectomy, serum FSH rises in the face of the unchanged estradiol levels. Serum LH does not show a reliable rise until 3 or 4 days postbilateral ovariectomy. These acute FSH changes in response to the alterations in ovarian feedback in the rat argue against the hypothesis that estradiol is the sole negative feedback signal for FSH. In perimenopausal women, serum FSH begins to rise before estradiol levels fall, while serum LH rises only after steroid levels decline. Folliculostatin is effective in suppressing serum FSH on each day of the estrous cycle in intact animals. Follicular fluid from many mammalian species suppresses FSH secretion significantly and selectively when injected intraperitoneally or intravenously in intact, bilaterally ovariectomized or unilaterally ovariectomized recipients. The degree of FSH suppression is proportional to the dose administered whether the ovaries are present in the recipient.
Sidney Riegelman — The Educator

Of the many people I have known, few have been as complex as Sidney Riegelman. Since I have been given the task of discussing Sid, the complex educator, it is imperative that I lay out the credentials that enable me to comment in this regard. First of all, I was a student of his — a relationship that began when I was an undergraduate at the University of California at San Francisco and ended on the day he withdrew from the company of man. I attended the first pharmaceutics lecture he gave at UCSF in 1951. Later, he taught in the senior dispensing course, and I was there too. And even later, as a graduate student sharing problems with his first two graduate students, I had the opportunity to observe him as a graduate mentor.
Clinical Use of Prostaglandins in Reproduction

Because of the close association of prostaglandins with the reproductive tract of both males and females noted in the early years of basic research, it followed that the first clinical trials would involve reproductive processes. Bygdeman et al. (1967) were stimulated to begin a pilot study of the effects of intravenous prostaglandins on the human pregnant uterus by the work of von Euler and of Bergstrom and Samuelsson (1967), which had been proceeding in Stockholm for many years. Karim independently arrived at similar conclusions and began similar efforts because of his knowledge of native medical lore. He had observed that the umbilical cord of term Ugandan babies born in the bush was not tied after being cut. Investigating cord jelly for a vasoconstrictive substance, he isolated a compound which was later identified as prosta-glandin F2α. Further investigation revealed significant levels in the amniotic fluid, decidua, and peripheral blood of women in labor, but not before labor (Karim, 1968). After tolerance studies in nonpregnant females and males, initial clinical efforts were directed toward the induction of term labor. The observation that prostaglandins could, unlike oxytocin, stimulate the early pregnant uterus to contract led to investigations of its use as an abortifacient. Ramifications of information obtained from the above studies have stimulated early studies in contraception and male infertility. In 2 years, clinical research has moved from a stage of tentative studies in two laboratories to widespread clinical studies being carried out in centers throughout the world. This development occurred appropriately enough at a time when the Western world was shifting its attitude toward population control. Whether or not the prostaglandins themselves become valuable clinical tools, the current influx of able investigators into the field will greatly enhance our knowledge of reproductive physiology and suggest new clinical approaches for the control of fertility.
DERIVING SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURES FROM TIROS–N DATA

Operational procedures for deriving sea surface temperatures on a global basis from the TIROS-N data are described. The statistical maximum likelihood technique is applied to a histogram of AVHRR 11-μm channel data to provide the fundamental surface temperature measurement at a resolution of 50 kilometers. The strong correlation relating the brightness temperature difference of two of the HIRS tropospheric sounder channels to the amount of cloud contamination in the sounder's field of view provides the means for cloud detection. A HIRS water vapor channel is used to correct the fundamental measurement for variations in atmospheric moisture .
Impaired hyaloidal circulation function and uncoordinated ocular growth patterns in experimental retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE To test the hypotheses that, in the newborn rat model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), the hyaloidal circulation is functionally impaired and its development is not well coordinated with that of other ocular structures. METHODS The functional response of the hyaloidal circulation to a carbogen inhalation challenge was noninvasively evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in day 12 rats raised under either variable oxygen conditions (experimental ROP, n = 8) or room air (control, n = 8). A similar MRI examination was performed in separate experiments using either day 18 newborn control rats (n = 3) or adult rats (n = 9). For each experiment, the hyaloidal circulation perfusion response to carbogen, the functional spatial extent of the hyaloidal circulation in vitreous, and the volumes of vitreous and lens were estimated from MRI enhancement maps. RESULTS The hyaloidal perfusion response to carbogen breathing in the newborn rats decreased as follows: control day 12 > experimental day 12 > control day 18; no measurable hyaloidal function was found in the adult rat. Regression analysis indicated a relatively poorer superior-inferior correlation in the temporal response to carbogen inhalation for the experimental animals than in the control newborn rats. The vitreous volume decreased in control rats as expected (adult rat > day 18 > day 12). Good agreement was found between the MRI-determined adult rat vitreous volume (56 +/- 2 microliters) and that of previous reports. Functional hyaloidal volumes during carbogen breathing were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between day 18, day 12 control, and experimental newborn rats. The ratio of this functional hyaloidal circulation extent volume to vitreous volume was significantly different (P < 0.05) between these groups. Covariance analysis revealed a relatively less coordinated development between the functional hyaloidal volume and the vitreous volume in experimental animals than in age-matched control animals, whereas there was coordinated evolution of the hyaloidal circulation and the lens in all the animals. CONCLUSIONS Carbogen-enhanced MRI appears to be a powerful new and noninvasive approach for assessing the functionality of the hyaloidal circulation (that is, its ability to respond to a carbogen challenge) and quantitatively comparing the functional hyaloidal extent to other ocular volumes in the same eye during development and during the disease process. Evidence is presented here for the first time that supports the authors' hypotheses that the function of the hyaloidal circulation in experimental ROP is impaired and that the growth of ocular components are less coordinated.
Laparoscopic versus open surgery: a systematic review evaluating Cochrane systematic reviews.

Laparoscopic surgical procedures (LSP) have grown in popularity due to their purported benefits of improved effectiveness and efficiency. This study summarizes the Cochrane systematic reviews’ (CSRs’) evidence comparing the use of LSP versus open procedures used for surgical patient management and comparing the CSRs’ quality and consistency of LSP evidence reported across time and different surgical specialties. The Cochrane Database was searched to identify CSRs comparing LSP versus open procedures; 36 CSRs and 15 CSR protocols were found as of February 16, 2016. Each CSR’s clinical outcomes and major conclusions were evaluated; CSR’s quality and completeness were assessed using PRISMA and AMSTAR criteria. Overall, CSRs’ reporting variations across specialties and trends over time were summarized. A weighted analysis across all 36 CSRs found improved outcomes with LSP (odds ratio 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.88, 0.92). Substantial CSR variation was found in the patient inclusion/exclusion criteria and clinical endpoints used. Individually, most CSR analyses showed no significant difference (65.4%) between LSP versus open procedures; 25.8% showed a LSP benefit versus 8.9% an open benefit. As a major conclusion, a positive LSP impact was documented by 8/36 (22.2%) CSRs; but only half of these CSRs decisively concluded that there was a LSP advantage. Undeclared conflicts of interest were identified in 9/36 CSRs (25.0%), raising the potential for a reporting bias. Both CSR variabilities (i.e., missing population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design statements) and PRISMA-related deficiencies were documented. Overall, CSR evidence supports a LSP advantage; however, clinical decisions must be driven by CSR procedure-specific evidence. Variations and inconsistencies in CSR design and reporting identified future opportunities to improve CSR quality by increasing the methodological transparency, standardizing CSR reporting, and documenting comprehensively any non-financial conflicts of interest (i.e., ongoing research and historical publications) for all CSR team members.
Nutrition and Weight Management

Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining body weight within a healthy range and in improving and maintaining the health and well-being of cancer survivors. Avoiding weight gain and maintaining a healthy body weight over time have been shown to be challenging in cancer survivors. Optimal nutrition strategies to avoid weight gain, achieve weight loss, and achieve healthy weight maintenance are important to promote the overall health of cancer survivors. Improvements in the understanding of the role of obesity and nutrition approaches to weight management in cancer survivorship have been made over the decade since we authored the original chapter. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the mechanisms involved in body weight regulation and dietary intervention strategies for weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.
Erratum to: A Bayesian Network model for predicting cooling load of commercial buildings

the HTML version of the article unfortunately the copyright holder is incorrect. It should be “© US Government (outside the USA) 2017”. It is correct in the PDF. The publisher apologizes for the mistake.
Mid-infrared dual comb spectroscopy with semiconductor frequency comb lasers: progress towards integrated spectroscopic chemical sensors (Conference Presentation)

Semiconductor laser frequency comb sources such as type-I quantum well cascade diode lasers, interband cascade lasers and quantum cascade lasers have recently shown tremendous potential as spectroscopic sources for chemical sensing. By simultaneously providing broadband coverage and high-spectral resolution in the mid-IR spectral region, they enable detection of large molecules with broadband absorption spectra and small molecules with well-resolved spectral lines. There is a strong interest in technologies that can provide sensitive spectroscopic detection of chemicals using a compact integrated photonics systems, and semiconductor sources offer unique opportunity for system integration. In this paper I will demonstrate results from a dual comb spectroscopy (DCS) systems based on semiconductor sources that effectively down-convert mid-IR spectra to the RF domain where one can perform spectroscopic signal detection followed by chemical concentration retrieval algorithms. We utilize phase and timing correction algorithms to allow for coherent averaging of data generated by free-running lasers over extended time-scales. Examples of high-resolution spectroscopic detection of small and large molecules in a gas phase will be presented. Current limitations and future directions towards fully integrated photonics DCS systems will be discussed.
Prognostic Usefulness of Systolic Blood Pressure One-Year Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (from MADIT-CRT).

Low systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with increased mortality and heart failure in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Data on the relation between SBP measured following cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation and subsequent clinical events are limited. We hypothesized that assessment of systolic blood pressure at 12 months after cardiac resynchronization therapy can be used to identify patients with increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The study population comprised 1000 patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation in MADIT-CRT. Outcomes were compared between patients with low (
On the near-field interfaces of homogeneous and immiscible round turbulent jets

Quantifying accidental opaque discharges is a challenging task, since probing beyond their visible interfaces may be difficult or impossible. In this case, we show that the visible interface features near the jet exit can be used to gauge the flow. This work examines the interface in the near-field features of submerged homogeneous and immiscible turbulent jets. Experiments were carried out with water jets and immiscible silicone oil jets of two viscosities in a water tank. The jet Reynolds numbers are in the range of for homogeneous water jets and for silicone oil jets in water. The jet fluids are made visible by doping with fluorescent dye and excitation with directional illumination. The jet interfaces are continuous and convoluted for water jets, while convoluted and discontinuous with droplets and ligaments for oil jets. Direct flow visualization, schlieren photography, shadowgraph photography and particle image velocimetry are employed as appropriate. Interface length scales are characterized using various image processing techniques. Droplet sizes are quantified using Hough transformation. Interface length scales decrease with Reynolds number and increase gradually with distance from the exit plane for a given Reynolds number. These scales are isotropic for the homogeneous water jets and exhibit a streamwise-to-cross-stream ratio of approximately 1.3 for the oil jets. Interfacial tension, hence the Weber number, determines the average droplet size in the immiscible jets.
Reduced cortical thickness in World Trade Center responders with cognitive impairment.

Introduction This study examined cortical thickness (CTX) in World Trade Center (WTC) responders with cognitive impairment (CI). Methods WTC responders (N = 99) with/without CI, recruited from an epidemiologic study, completed a T1-MPRAGE protocol. CTX was automatically computed in 34 regions of interest. Region-based and surface-based morphometry examined CTX in CI versus unimpaired responders. CTX was automatically computed in 34 regions of interest. Region-based measures were also compared to published norms. Results Participants were 55.8 (SD = 0.52) years old; 48 had CI. Compared to unimpaired responders, global mean CTX was reduced in CI and across 21/34 cortical subregions. Surface-based analyses revealed reduced CTX across frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes when adjusting for multiple comparisons. Both CI and unimpaired WTC groups had reduced CTX in the entorhinal and temporal cortices compared to published normative data. Discussion Results from the first structural magnetic resonance imaging study in WTC responders identified reduced CTX consistent with a neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology.
Physical Activity, Medical Home, and Health Behavior Counseling Among Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs: NSCH 2016-2017.

Aim 1 was to establish updated prevalence estimates for meeting national physical activity (PA) guidelines among adolescents with and without special healthcare needs (SHCN), 12–17 years old. To identify at-risk subgroups, our sub-aim was to compare the distribution of prevalence estimates across PA levels by SHCN subtypes, and in reference to peers without SHCN. Aim 2 was to examine the association between meeting PA guidelines, having a medical home, and receiving positive health behavior counseling in this population. Weighted prevalence estimates for meeting the 2018 National PA Guidelines (inactive, insufficiently active, sufficiently active: guidelines met) were calculated from a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2017 ( n = 16,171, 27% SHCN). Adjusted odds ratios and 95% CIs were estimated from logistic regression models to measure the association between PA, medical home, and postive health behavior counseling. Of adolescents with SHCN, 15% were reported to be meeting PA guidelines compared to 19% of peers without SHCN peers. Among adolescents with a medical home, regardless of SHCN status, those receiving positive health behavior counseling had 1.70 times the adjusted odds of meeting PA guidelines compared to peers without counseling. Adolescents with and without SHCN were more likely to meet PA guidelines if they had a medical home and received positive health behavior counseling, highlighting the value of comprehensive healthcare practices for PA promotion.
Smelling Baraka: Everyday Islam and Islamic Normativity

The rise of “everyday Islam” as an attempt to indicate the complex and ambiguous lives of Muslims and humans, in general, appears as a response to the representation of pious Muslims by figures such as Mahmood, Hirschkind, and Agrama. Fadil and Fernando critique this turn to the “everyday” for excluding the possibilities of certain types of Muslim existence in the everyday, for instance, Salafi. In this paper, baraka emerges in and beyond the performances of selawat by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qadir Assegaf (Habib Syech) in Indonesia operating like a smell. The conditions and operation of smell are revealed by Habib Syech’s utterance that he must be “like a smell.” Habib Syech at once illudes characterization and makes declarative statements. This evasion of the either/or challenges the dichotomy of the moderate Muslim performer of selawat bringing communitas and Sufi practice to the modern Muslim and the Salafi reformer who wants to enforce gender norms, emphasize the problematics of liberal-secular tolerance, and erase ambiguity.
The Effect of Fundamental Frequency on Mandarin Intelligibility by L2 Learners in Quiet and Noise Environments: A Pilot Study

Fundamental frequency (F0), listening environment, and semantic context are three important factors for both tonal and non-tonal language intelligibility by native speakers. However, it remains unclear how these factors affect second language (L2) learners of Mandarin Chinese and whether there are differences between native and L2 Mandarin speakers. Through speech re-synthesis and sentence counterbalancing, this study investigated the possible effects of F0 (i.e., natural F0 versus flattened F0) on the intelligibility of Mandarin speech by L2 Mandarin learners from different proficiency levels in quiet and white noise conditions when controlling for sentence context. A mixed-effect statistical model confirmed the main effects of F0 contour, listening environment, and proficiency level. That is to say, the lack of natural F0 contour, the presence of noise, and the lower proficiency level would predict the reduction in intelligibility when adjusting for the other two variables. However, no significant interactions were found. Specifically, the hypothesis that flattened sentences are as intelligible as natural sentences for more advanced learners was not supported due to the change of experimental subjects from native speakers to L2 speakers. It was proposed that compared to native speakers, L2 speakers’ underdeveloped utilization of secondary cues and semantic contexts, due to a developing proficiency level, may lead to non-significant interactions. The finding of the effect of F0 on intelligibility also illustrates the importance of tone accuracy and diversifying L2 learners’ linguistic input in Chinese pronunciation teaching and learning.
Stressful Life Events and Obesity in the United States: The Role of Nativity and Length of Residence.

Purpose Obesity is a public health issue in the United States (US), that disproportionately affects marginalized group members. Stressful life events (SLE) have been implicated as an obesogenic risk factor. However, there is scant research examining of the role of nativity status and length of residence in the relationship between SLE and obesity. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Sample A total of 34,653 participants were included in these analyses, of whom 10,169 (29.39%) had obesity. Measures Obesity (measured using body mass index), stressful life events, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, family income, marital status, current smoking status, and alcohol abuse. Analysis Weighted logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 10,169 (29.39%) had obesity. There was a significant interaction between SLE and nativity status/length of residence [F (3, 34,642) = 60.50, p Conclusions Number of SLE may be a risk factor for obesity, particularly for US-born adults and foreign-born adults living the US >20 years. Further research is needed to understand the pathways that may link SLE to obesity among these groups.
Optimization of Spinal Cord Stimulation Using Bayesian Preference Learning and Its Validation

Epidural spinal cord stimulation has been reported to partially restore volitional movement and autonomic functions after motor and sensory-complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Modern spinal cord stimulation platforms offer significant flexibility in spatial and temporal parameters of stimulation delivered. Heterogeneity in SCI and injury-related symptoms necessitate stimulation personalization to maximally restore functions. However, the large multi-dimensional stimulation space makes exhaustive tests impossible. In this paper, we present a Bayesian optimization strategy for identifying personalized optimal stimulation patterns based on the participant’s expressed preference for stimulation settings. We present companion validation protocols for investigating the credibility of learned preference models. The results obtained for five participants in the E-STAND spinal cord stimulation clinical trial are reported. Personalized preference models produced by the proposed learning and optimization algorithm show that there is more similarity in optimal frequency than in pulse width across participants. Across five participants, the average model prediction accuracy is 71.5% in internal cross-validation and 65.6% in prospective validation. Statistical tests of both validation studies show that the ability of the preference models to correctly predict unseen preference data is significantly greater than chance. The personalized preference models are also shown to be significantly correlated with motor task performance across participants. We show that several aspects in participants’ quality of life has been improved over the course of the trial. Overall, the results indicate that the Bayesian preference optimization algorithm could assist clinicians in the systematic programming of individualized therapeutic stimulation settings and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
DEMOGRAPHIC AND DRIVING PERFORMANCE FACTORS IN SIMULATOR ADAPTATION SYNDROME

Simulation is an important option for testing at-risk drivers with medical impairments. Simulator Adaptation Syndrome (SAS), characterized by autonomic symptoms, presents a drawback to testing. This study investigated new issues regarding susceptibility of neurologically impaired drivers to SAS, scenario situations most likely to cause SAS, and effects of SAS on driver performance. Subjects were 164 drivers enrolled in larger ongoing studies of at-risk older drivers. Eighteen had Alzheimer's disease (AD), 44 stroke, and 102 were neurologically normal controls. Experimental drives were conducted using a fixed-base high-fidelity simulator with a 150 deg forward field of view. Each driver completed a questionnaire immediately after driving in the simulator, rating any feelings of discomfort along nine dimensions; an overall discomfort score was calculated. Of the 164 drivers, 130 completed the full drive and 34 ended the drive early. Drivers with higher overall discomfort scores were more likely to drop out before completing a drive. Specific symptoms strongly predicted dropping out, namely dizziness, nervousness, light-headedness, body temperature increase, and nausea. Simulator dropout rates and reported discomfort scores were significantly greater in women than men, but did not differ between drivers with AD or stroke and neurologically normal drivers. Comparisons between 32 Dropouts and 32 Non-Dropouts (matched by age, gender, neurological impairment, and scenario driven) showed no evidence that higher levels of discomfort cause a driver to perform atypically before the point of dropout. Dropout could be related to specific segments and events in the drive that required abrupt braking.