cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporin A-Sensitive Transcription Factor Egr-3 Regulates Fas Ligand Expression

Activation-induced transcriptional upregulation of the ligand for Fas (FasL) and the resulting apoptosis of Fas-bearing cells constitute essential steps in a host of normal and pathological processes. Here we describe an activation-inducible cis-acting regulatory element in the fasL promoter that is required for gene expression. Oligonucleotide competition and antibody supershift analyses identified two activation-induced DNA-binding species: Egr-1 (NGFI-A, krox-24, zif268, TIS-8), a transcription factor that has been implicated in growth, differentiation, and apoptosis; and Egr-3 (PILOT), a transcription factor of no previously known function. Activation-induced expression of Egr-3, like that of FasL, was inhibited by cyclosporin A, whereas expression of Egr-1 was unaffected. Transient expression of Egr-3 alone increased fasL promoter activity in a cyclosporin A-insensitive manner, whereas expression of Egr-1 had little effect. Moreover, endogenous fasL mRNA was induced in nonlymphoid cells by forced expression of Egr-3 in the absence of any other stimulus. These studies identify a critical Egr family-binding site in the fasL promoter and demonstrate that activation-induced Egr-3, but not Egr-1, directly upregulates fasL transcription in response to activating stimuli.
Vitamin A and infectious diseases

One of the most important therapeutic applications of vitamin A is its use in reducing the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases. It is estimated that over 100 million preschool children and a large proportion of women of reproductive age suffer from clinical and subclinical vitamin A deficiency worldwide [1]. A recent series of large, randomized, controlled clinical trials conducted in the last two decades has shown that vitamin A supplementation can reduce child mortality in developing countries by 30-50% [2]. Vitamin A supplementation is now part of public health programs to improve child survival in many developing countries, and high dose vitamin A supplementation is recommended therapy for acute measles infection, both in industrialized and developing countries [3]. Vitamin A supplementation is recognized for being as important as vaccines as a public health intervention aimed at saving children’s lives [4].
Onset of the Asian Summer Monsoon in 1979 and the Effect of the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract The time evolution of the general circulation over Asia during an 80-day period from mid-April to early July 1979 is studied using objectively analyzed FGGE Level II-b data. Through the analyses of the wind, temperature, precipitation, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) flux, and heat and moisture budgets in the area 0°–50°N, 40°–130°E, the major changes of the circulation leading to the onset of the summer monsoon and the role of the Tibetan Plateau in these changes are examined. During the analyzed period the general circulation underwent two distinct stages of abrupt transitions resulting in the successive onsets of early summer rains over Southeast Asia and the Indian summer monsoon. The first transition occurred in May in which low-level southwesterlies began over the longitudes east of 80°E (from the Bay of Bengal to the South China Sea), resulting in the spreading of early summer rains over Assam, the Bay of Bengal coasts of Burma and the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Indochina and the South C...
MeV photoelectrons from xenon in a strong laser field

Atomic xenon ionization in ultra-strong laser fields is measured to give mega-electron volt photoelectrons. The yields and angular distributions for electrons above the pondermotive energy are shown to be consistent with a semi-classical model.
Conductor Tutoring Using the Microsoft Kinect

In this paper we present a system that uses the Microsoft Kinect to provide beginner conducting students real time feedback about their performance. Using upper body joint coordinates we detect common mistakes such as swaying, rocking, excessive hinge movement, and mirroring. We compute instant velocities to determine tempo and classify articulation as legato or staccato. Our experiments show that the system performs perfectly when detecting erroneous movements, correctly classifies articulation type most of the time, and can correctly determine tempo by counting the number of beats per minute. The system was well received by conducting students and their instructor, as it allows them to practice by themselves, without an orchestra.
Late Holocene climate-induced forest transformation and peatland establishment in the central Appalachians

Abstract Understanding the potential for ecosystem transformation and community change in response to climate variability is central to anticipating future ecological changes, and long-term records provide a primary source of information on these dynamics. We investigated the late Holocene history of upland forest and peatland development at Cranesville Swamp, a peatland located along the West Virginia–Maryland border in the USA. Our primary goal was to determine whether establishment of peatland was triggered by moisture variability, similar to recent developmental models derived from depressional peatlands in glaciated regions. Results indicate that the peatland established at about 1200 cal yr BP, and was associated with a dramatic and persistent change in upland forest composition. Furthermore, timing of these upland and wetland ecological changes corresponded with evidence for multidecadal drought and enhanced moisture variability from nearby tree-ring and speleothem climatic reconstructions. Our results add to a growing body of research highlighting the sensitivity of both peatland development and upland forest communities to transient drought and enhanced moisture variability, and suggest that enhanced moisture variability in the future could increase the probability of similarly abrupt and persistent ecological change, even in humid regions like eastern North America.
Multi-disciplinary data organization and visualization models for clinical and pre-clinical studies: A case study in the application of proton beam radiosurgery for treating spinal cord injury related pain

An increasing adoption of electronic medical records has made information more accessible to clinicians and researchers through dedicated systems such as HIS, RIS and PACS. The speed and the amount at which information are generated in a multi-institutional clinical study make the problem complicated compared to day-to-day hospital workflow. Often, increased access to the information does not translate into the efficient use of that information. Therefore, it becomes crucial to establish models which can be used to organize and visualize multi-disciplinary data. Good visualization in turn makes it easy for clinical decision-makers to reach a conclusion within a small span of time. In a clinical study involving multi-disciplinary data and multiple user groups who need access to the same data and presentation states based on the stage of the clinical trial or the task are crucial within the workflow. Therefore, in order to demonstrate the conceptual system design and system workflow, we will be presenting a clinical trial based on application of proton beam for radiosurgery which will utilize our proposed system. For demonstrating user role and visualization design purposes, we will be focusing on three different user groups which are researchers involved in patient enrollment and recruitment, clinicians involved in treatment and imaging review and lastly the principle investigators involved in monitoring progress of clinical study. Also datasets for each phase of the clinical study including preclinical and clinical data as it related to subject enrollment, subject recruitment (classifier), treatment (DICOM), imaging, and pathological analysis (protein staining) of outcomes.
A Comparison of Total Body Water as Determined by Antipyrine and Desiccation in Rabbits

SummaryThe close agreement obtained for the values of total body water by the use of the antipyrine method and desiccation, indicates the validity of this procedure for the purpose of measuring tot...
Production of American English and Spanish Vowels

The acoustical spectrum of the Spanish vowels /i, a, u/ and their English counterparts were analyzed and compared. The English speakers were asked to produce the /i, a, u/ vowel sounds as in the words heed, father, food but in isolation, while the Spanish speakers produced the vowel sounds as in si, paso, tu. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference for the vowels /i, a/ between languages. For the vowel /u/, there was a statistically significant difference. These observations indicate that on the average both vowel systems (for /i, a/) are produced with similar peak frequencies in the acoustic spectrum. The spectrographic analysis of vowel /u/ does not point toward acoustical equivalency.
Inexpensive, Open Source Epifluorescence Microscopes

In an effort to help lower the costs of fluorescence microscopy and expand the use of this valuable technique in the classroom, teaching lab, and hopefully beyond, we provide two different open source designs for inexpensive epifluorescence microscopes. First, we explain how to 3D print the parts for a simple adapter that can be mounted onto a conventional compound light microscope with a removable head to convert it for epifluorescence and bright-field viewing. Second, we describe how to build a similar microscope using supplies that are available at most hardware stores or online. We demonstrate the capabilities of our designs using Tetrahymena thermophila cells that were stained with two common fluorophores (Rhodamine B or Acridine Orange) or tagged with a fluorescent protein. We further explain how these microscopes can be used to teach basic principles of photochemistry, biochemistry, and histochemistry, as well as cellular and molecular biology. In the spirit of making these designs open and accessi...
HIV voluntary counseling and testing in Fengtai district of Beijing,2012

Objective To understand the social and demographic characteristics of individuals receiving HIV voluntary counseling and testing(VCT) in Fengtai district in 2012 and HIV infection status among them,and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of HIV / AIDS.Methods The descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of VCT performed in Fengtai in 2012.Results Of 2152 subjects surveyed,2130 received VCT service,with the ratio of males to females of 1 ∶ 1.4,and 81.1% of them were aged 20-40 years.Counseling was mainly about sex contact,accounting for 40.3%.Fifty six HIV infections were detected(2.6%),most infections were transmitted through homosexual contact(85.7%).Conclusion Homosexual contact was the major HIV transmission route in VCT clinics' visitors in Fengtai.It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of AIDS among MSM.
Comparison of single-dose and multiple-dose crystalloid and blood potassium cardioplegia during prolonged hypothermic aortic occlusion.

Blood potassium cardioplegia (BCP) has recently been advocated as a superior method of myocardial protection, but it has not been compared to a crystalloid potassium cardioplegia solution (KCP). This study was undertaken to compare the protective effect of single (SD) and multiple dose (MD) BCP and KCP during 120 minutes of hypothermic (22° C) aortic occlusion. Thirty-five dogs were divided into four groups: Group I, SD-KCP; Group II, SD-BCP; Group III, MD-KCP; Group IV, MD-BCP. Both perfusates contained 25 mEq/L of potassium chloride at pH 7.4. Change in left ventricular function was defined as the arithmetic difference in the center of mass between prearrest and post-arrest left ventricular function curves and was expressed as percent recovery of left ventricular stroke work. Regional myocardial flow was measured with microspheres. Ventricular biopsies were serially obtained for measurement of myocardial water, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) creatine phosphate, and calcium and for electron microscopy. Percent recovery of left ventricular function was as follows: Group I, 63%; Group II, 48%; Group III, 64%; Group IV, 75%; and 57% of dogs in Group II had incomplete arrest. Endocardial/epicardial flow ratio increased immediately after reperfusion in Groups I and III with rapid return to baseline. Group II had prolonged return to baseline, and in Group IV the flow ratio remained at control levels throughout reperfusion. ATP and creatine phosphate were best preserved in Group IV, although in all groups ATP remained greater than 75% of control. No significant uptake of calcium was noted on reperfusion in any group. Electron microscopy demonstrated intracellular edema and minimal ischemic injury in all groups, but Group II biopsies revealed extravasated red blood cells in the interstitium. Careful MD-BCP results in superior myocardial protection, whereas suboptimal BCP results in a depressed and damaged myocardium. KCP appears to be more sustained and consistent and therefore may offer greater assurance of reproducible, effective cardioplegia.
Finite Parameter Models, Linear Prediction, and Real-Time Filtering

This chapter discusses the moving average processes that are important collections of finite parameter models. The equivalence between mixed autoregressive-moving average processes and processes with rational spectral densities are established in the chapter; these processes have predictors that can be put in recursive form. Finite-order autoregressions are quite useful as models for observed time series and, as in the case of moving averages, a great deal of effort has gone into devising schemes for fitting them to time series data. The most popular method is based on the Yule–Walker equations, which comprise a set of linear equations relating the coefficients of the autoregression to its autocovariances. By estimating the autocovariances, using observations from the given time series, the coefficients of the autoregression that best fits this series can be obtained by solving the equations with the estimated autocovariances in place of the real ones.
Exact reconstruction conditions and error bounds for regularized Modified Basis Pursuit (Reg-modified-BP)

We study the problem of reconstructing a sparse signal from a limited number of linear measurements, when a part of its support and the signal estimate on it are known. The support and signal estimate can be obtained from prior knowledge, e.g., in a real-time dynamic MRI application, they could be the support and signal estimate from the previous time instant. We propose regularized Modified Basis Pursuit (Reg-mod-BP). We also provide the exact reconstruction conditions and we argue that they can be weaker than modified-CS. We then bound its reconstruction error when exact reconstruction can not happen and we show that the bound is much smaller than modified-CS when the available measurements are few. We also use Monte Carlo to verify that reg-mod-BP has better exact reconstruction conditions than other methods with very few measurements. We also compare the average errors when exact reconstruction can not be achieved and show that the errors are smaller than other methods.
The role of stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses to challenging and threatening stress

Background and objectives Prior research suggests that altering situation-specific evaluations of stress as challenging versus threatening can improve responses to stress. The aim of the current study was to explore whether cognitive, physiological and affective stress responses can be altered independent of situation-specific evaluations by changing individuals' mindsets about the nature of stress in general. Design Using a 2 × 2 design, we experimentally manipulated stress mindset using multi-media film clips orienting participants (N = 113) to either the enhancing or debilitating nature of stress. We also manipulated challenge and threat evaluations by providing positive or negative feedback to participants during a social stress test. Results Results revealed that under both threat and challenge stress evaluations, a stress-is-enhancing mindset produced sharper increases in anabolic ("growth") hormones relative to a stress-is-debilitating mindset. Furthermore, when the stress was evaluated as a challenge, a stress-is-enhancing mindset produced sharper increases in positive affect, heightened attentional bias towards positive stimuli, and greater cognitive flexibility, whereas a stress-is-debilitating mindset produced worse cognitive and affective outcomes. Conclusions These findings advance stress management theory and practice by demonstrating that a short manipulation designed to generate a stress-is-enhancing mindset can improve responses to both challenging and threatening stress.
Rapid assembly of the doubly-branched pentasaccharide domain of the immunoadjuvant jujuboside A via convergent B(C6F5)3-catalyzed glycosylation of sterically-hindered precursors.

A convergent synthesis of the complex, doubly-branched pentasaccharide domain of the natural-product immunoadjuvant jujuboside A is described. The key step is a sterically-hindered glycosylation reaction between a branched trisaccharide trichloroacetimidate glycosyl donor and a disaccharide glycosyl acceptor. Conventional Lewis acids (TMSOTf, BF3·Et2O) were ineffective in this glycosylation, but B(C6F5)3 catalyzed the reaction successfully. Inherent complete diastereoselectivity for the undesired α-anomer was overcome by rational optimization with a nitrile solvent system (1:5 t-BuCN/CF3Ph) to provide flexible, effective access to the β-linked pentasaccharide.
A UVLO with zero static power consumption power-on reset circuit in HVIC

This paper proposes an Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO) with zero static power consumption Power-on Reset (POR) circuit in a High-Voltage Integrated Circuit (HVIC). The HVIC with the proposed UVLO and POR circuit is fabricated using a 1.2 μm 650 V BCDMOS process. Experimental results show that the UVLO with POR circuit consumes very low static power; 411 μW at 15 V power supply. Moreover, the newly designed POR circuit works nicely regardless of high-side floating power supply rise time. The proposed circuit has good performance in terms of high-peak pulsating noise immunity. Therefore, this design is suitable for embedding in an HVIC with an integrated bootstrap diode for low power motor application and intelligent power modules.
Testing perfect rankings in ranked‐set sampling with binary data

In ranked-set sampling, the rankings may be either perfect or imperfect. Statistical procedures that assume perfect rankings tend to be more efficient than procedures that do not assume perfect rankings when perfect rankings actually hold, but may perform poorly if the rankings are imperfect. Several procedures have been developed for testing the null hypothesis of perfect rankings, but these procedures break down if the data are not continuous. In this article, we develop tests of perfect rankings that can be applied with binary data. Motivated by new theoretical results about how the success probabilities in the judgment strata differ under perfect and imperfect rankings, we develop a consistent test with a test statistic that is asymptotically normal. We find, however, that the test does not properly control the type I error rate with small samples. This motivates us to instead implement a bootstrap version of the test. This bootstrap test controls the type I error rate even with small sample sizes. Functions for implementing both tests using R are available in the Supplementary Material. The Canadian Journal of Statistics xx: 1–14; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Multifunctional Cascade Catalysis of Itaconic Acid Hydrodeoxygenation to 3-Methyl-tetrahydrofuran

Hybrid production of isoprene from biomass-derived sugar as a feedstock for renewable rubber is a three-part process comprising glucose fermentation to itaconic acid, liquid-phase hydrodeoxygenation to 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran, followed by vapor-phase dehydra-decyclization to isoprene. Here, we investigate a multifunctional catalyst design for itaconic acid hydrodeoxygenation to 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran. The production of 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran from itaconic acid is a multistep process involving hydrogenation, acid-catalyzed dehydration, and hydrodeoxygenation of multiple organic functionalities. A detailed kinetic analysis of this multistep reaction network over a Pd/C catalyst revealed a kinetic bottleneck in the reduction of methyl-γ-butyrolactone to 1,4-methylbutanediol, which was accelerated through the use of Re as an oxophillic promoter. Varying ratios of Pd:Re indicated a maximum overall rate of lactone ring opening with a 3.5:1.0 Pd:Re ratio, likely due to the combined capability of Pd to hydro...
Ultrasonic Detection System Based on Two-Wave Mixing in Photorefractive Gaas Crystal

The generation and the detection of ultrasound at distance by lasers present many advantages over conventional piezo-electric based methods. In particular, it can be used on surfaces of complex geometry and on products at elevated temperature on a production line [1,2]. Detection has been so far usually performed by using interferometers with passive elements, the most useful being the confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer used in a transmission or reflection mode. [1,3–5].
Algebraic Theories in a Category

This chapter serves as an introduction to categorical universal algebra. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a functor U:A → K to be a category of algebras are provided. Theories in K are interpreted as monoids in the category of endofunctors of K. Epimorphic quotient theories characterize the abstract Birkhoff subcategories; when the base category is regular, the Birkhoff subcategory generated by a class A of algebras is the class of all quotients of subalgebras of products of elements of A. As a generalization of topological algebra, for each fibre-complete category C over Set the category of all (X, s, ξ), with s a C-structure and (X,ξ) a T-algebra in such a way that the T-operations are admissible in C is seen to be algebraic over C. Given two algebraic theories in Set, the category of bialgebras—the two sorts of operation commute with each other—is studied; it is often itself algebraic. A general colimit theorem is applied to prove that many categories of algebras have small colimits.
Elderly Asian Immigrants and Challenges of Living in the United States of America

Asian immigrants started emigrating from their home countries to the U.S. during the 1800s (Mui et al. 2007). Asian immigrant populations tend to live in three states: California, New York, and Texas. These three states account for about 50% of Asian immigrant populations in the U.S. (California, 35%, New York, 10%, and Texas, 6%). The primary Asian immigrant populations include Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Cambodian (Mui et al. 2007).
Phase Transfer Extraction of Lead and Cadmium

The metals lead and cadmium have played important roles in the economic development of nations because of their widespread industrial applications. A problem with their use, however, is their toxicity. The combination of these two features means that over the past 100 years considerable amounts of these metals have been dispersed throughout soils and waters. Now there is an urgent need for them to be removed and recovered, both for safety reasons and for economic reasons so that they can be further used under more controlled conditions. Lead and cadmium have been introduced into the environment from a variety of sources. Cadmium is present in metal coatings and batteries, and lead has found widespread use in both automobile and housing applications. These metals can be present in waste sites as complexed divalent ions, or as complexed methylated derivatives. The simple metal ions in soils are occluded or bound into the clay structures. The methylated derivatives, although soluble in water, are more hydrophobic, and therefore their solubility in organic solvents is higher.
John T. Reeves, MD

One of the highlights of each Hypoxia Symposium is the honoring of an outstanding individual for his or her career contributions to the field. For this 12th International Symposium, John T. (Jack) Reeves, MD, was selected to receive this honor. No one is more deserving, and I say this having had the privilege of Jack’s friendship for nearly half a century.
RNA-dependent DNA polymerase in virions of Rous sarcoma virus.

Viral RNA-dependent DNA Polymerase: RNA-dependent DNA Polymerase in Virions of Rous Sarcoma Virus
Association Between Transfusion of RBCs and Subsequent Development of Delirium in Critically Ill Children.

Objectives To determine the temporal relationship between the transfusion of RBCs and the subsequent development of delirium in a cohort of critically ill children. Design Nested retrospective cohort study within prospective cohort study. Setting Urban academic tertiary care PICU. Patients All consecutive admissions from September 2014 through August 2015. Interventions Children were screened twice daily for delirium during their PICU admission. Measurements and main results Among 1,547 independent admissions screened for delirium, 166 (10.7%) were transfused RBCs. Children who were transfused RBCs were more than twice as likely to be delirious during their admission compared with children who were never transfused, after controlling for known predictors of delirium development (adjusted odds ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.38-3.37; p = 0.001). Among transfused children, a temporal relationship was observed between receipt of RBCs and the subsequent development of delirium. For each additional 10 mL/kg of RBCs transfused, the recipients were 90% more likely to develop delirium or coma in the 72 hours following the transfusion, after controlling for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.14-3.17; p = 0.01). Anemia (represented by nadir hemoglobin prior to transfusion) was not associated with delirium development. Conclusions In this cohort of critically ill children, there is an independent association between the receipt of an RBC transfusion and the subsequent development of delirium. Further prospective studies are warranted to replicate this finding and investigate possible pathophysiologic mechanisms for this association.
Extracellular Vesicles in Bladder Cancer: Biomarkers and Beyond

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) are membrane-bound, nanosized vesicles released by cancer cells and taken up by cells in the tumor microenvironment to modulate the molecular makeup and behavior of recipient cells. In this report, we summarize the pivotal roles of TEVs involved in bladder cancer (BC) development, progression and treatment resistance through transferring their bioactive cargos, including proteins and nucleic acids. We also report on the molecular profiling of TEV cargos derived from urine and blood of BC patients as non-invasive disease biomarkers. The current hurdles in EV research and plausible solutions are discussed.
Water security in practice: The quantity-quality-society nexus

Abstract The study of water resources has evolved from a focus on physical availability to also include social factors such as governance. Increased understanding of diverse physical and social influences has led to a more comprehensive notion of water security, which is defined as an adequate supply of clean freshwater to support humans and ecosystems at all times. Despite the clear recognition that water security encompasses quantity, quality, and societal considerations, discussions often focus on only one or two of these aspects. This practice masks critical ways in which water quality issues intersect with water quantity issues as well as social factors for many water security decisions. This review paper highlights the growing call to consider water security in a more integrated manner by underscoring the complex interactions among water quantity, water quality, and society (i.e., the quantity-quality-society nexus) for six common water management practices. These descriptions highlight the need to understand the tradeoffs between water quantity and water quality associated with water management decisions, especially as freshwater scarcity increases. We conclude with a discussion of emerging opportunities in sociohydrological research and data analysis that have the potential to improve current understanding and management of the quantity-quality-society nexus of water security.
Chromatin organization modulates the origin of heritable structural variations in human genome.

Structural variations (SVs) in the human genome originate from different mechanisms related to DNA repair, replication errors, and retrotransposition. Our analyses of 26 927 SVs from the 1000 Genomes Project revealed differential distributions and consequences of SVs of different origin, e.g. deletions from non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) are more prone to disrupt chromatin organization while processed pseudogenes can create accessible chromatin. Spontaneous double stranded breaks (DSBs) are the best predictor of enrichment of NAHR deletions in open chromatin. This evidence, along with strong physical interaction of NAHR breakpoints belonging to the same deletion suggests that majority of NAHR deletions are non-meiotic i.e. originate from errors during homology directed repair (HDR) of spontaneous DSBs. In turn, the origin of the spontaneous DSBs is associated with transcription factor binding in accessible chromatin revealing the vulnerability of functional, open chromatin. The chromatin itself is enriched with repeats, particularly fixed Alu elements that provide the homology required to maintain stability via HDR. Through co-localization of fixed Alus and NAHR deletions in open chromatin we hypothesize that old Alu expansion had a stabilizing role on the human genome.
Association of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy Program with Transmucosal Fentanyl Prescribing

Importance Transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) drugs are potent, rapid-acting opioids approved to treat breakthrough pain in patients with cancer who are tolerant to other around-the-clock opioid analgesics. In March 2012, a US Food and Drug Administration–approved Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) was implemented, mandating prescribers, distributors, pharmacies, and patients to enroll in the REMS to prescribe, dispense, or receive TIRF drugs. Objective To evaluate the association of the TIRF-REMS Access Program with TIRF prescribing. Design, Setting, and Participants Cohort study using an interrupted time series analysis of TIRF prescriptions to Medicare Part D beneficiaries nationwide from 2010 to 2014. Data were analyzed from August 2017 through July 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Prescribing of TIRF per 100 000 Medicare Part D beneficiaries, overall and stratified by cancer status; percentage of TIRF prescriptions for patients without cancer, overall and by brand; and percentage of TIRF prescriptions for patients without known opioid tolerance, defined as patients prescribed at least 60 morphine milligram equivalents per day, overall and by brand. Results There were 99 601 TIRF prescriptions written by 8619 clinicians to 10 472 patients. Most of the patients (79%) were younger than 65 years (mean [SD] age, 56 [13] years), and most (67%) did not have cancer. Implementation of TIRF-REMS was associated with a 26.7% relative level decrease in TIRF prescribing (95% CI, −33.3% to −19.4%;P Conclusions and Relevance Implementation of the TIRF-REMS Access Program, a restrictive drug distribution program, was associated with a temporary reduction in the rate of TIRF prescribing to Medicare Part D beneficiaries, and with a sustained decrease in the percentage of TIRF prescriptions for patients without known opioid tolerance. Implementation may have also been associated with a temporary decrease in the percentage of TIRF prescriptions for patients without cancer.
The Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Self-Reported Kidney Disease.

Patients with CKD have low awareness of their CKD status. In the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), only 8.1% of adults with hypertension, diabetes, or a relevant family history were aware of their CKD ([1][1]). This was concordant with estimates from the National
Diabetes and Stroke: The Role of Glucose Regulation

The relationship between stroke and diabetes mellitus (DM) though complex is undeniable. Numerous studies have delineated a clear correlate between prediabetes, diabetes mellitus type 1, and diabetes mellitus type 2 as they relate to cerebrovascular disease with decades of research detailing the causality between hyperglycemia and stroke risk. The global prevalence of stroke continues to rise despite the advances in treatment options for cardiovascular risk factor modification such as diabetes. Diabetics represent a subset of the patients who are at two to three times higher risk for mortality from stroke than the general population [1]. The purpose of this chapter is to detail the microvascular and macrovascular mechanisms that promote cerebrovascular disease in diabetics which leads to stroke. Additionally, the importance of glucose control for both primary and secondary stroke prevention will be discussed in terms of the role of therapeutical options for attaining normoglycemia. Finally, there will be in-depth discussion of the optimization of diabetic control as it relates to other stroke risk factors such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
Estradiol treatment improves biological rhythms in a preclinical rat model of menopause.

Abstract The perimenopausal transition at middle age is often associated with hot flashes and sleep disruptions, metabolic changes, and other symptoms. Whereas the mechanisms for these processes are incompletely understood, both aging (AG) and a loss of ovarian estrogens play contributing roles. Furthermore, the timing of when estradiol (E) treatment should commence and for how long are key clinical questions in the management of symptoms. Using a rat model of surgical menopause, we determined the effects of regimens of E treatment with differing time at onset and duration of treatment on diurnal rhythms of activity and core temperature and on food intake and body weight. Reproductively mature (MAT, ∼4 months) or AG (∼11 months) female rats were ovariectomized, implanted intraperitoneally with a telemetry device, and given either a vehicle (V) or E subcutaneous capsule implantation. Rats were remotely recorded for 10 days per month for 3 (MAT) or 6 (AG) months. To ascertain whether delayed onset of treatment affected rhythms, a subset of AG-V rats had their capsules switched to E at the end of 3 months. Another set of AG-E rats had their capsules removed at 3 months to determine whether beneficial effects of E would persist. Overall, activity and temperature mesor, robustness, and amplitude declined with AG. Compared to V treatment, E-treated rats showed (1) better maintenance of body weight and food intake; (2) higher, more consolidated activity and temperature rhythms; and (3) higher activity and temperature robustness and amplitude. In the AG arm of the study, switching treatment from V to E or E to V quickly reversed these patterns. Thus, the presence of E was the dominant factor in determining stability and amplitude of locomotor activity and temperature rhythms. As a whole, the results show benefits of E treatment, even with a delay, on biological rhythms and physiological functions.
Trust in Physicians and Regional Brain Volumes: A Population-Based Study

Objective Trust, a fundamental part of human interpersonal relationships, is known to be associated with specific brain regions and demographic characteristics. Level of trust in medical professionals can alter population health outcomes and influence the nature of the doctor-patient relationship. This study utilized structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and trust data from the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a large community-based study, to determine brain regions associated with degree of trust in physicians and the medical profession. The first phase of the DHS was conducted from 2000 to 2002 and the second phase from 2007 to 2009. Methods The MRI data were analyzed as part of the DHS using automated FreeSurfer software. Forward stepwise binary logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between measures of trust and bilateral brain region volumes and thickness followed by confirmatory multiple regressions of significant brain regions. A total of 1,596 participants were included in the final analysis. Results Left caudal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) thickness was inversely correlated with trust of physicians (P < .01). There were no significant associations between trust in physicians and age, race or ethnicity, or education. Conclusions The ACC is an integral part of the salience network, the brain network responsible for communication and social behavior. Trust in physicians did not appear to be influenced by demographic characteristics. The findings suggest there are neuroanatomical correlates of trust in physicians.
Intervention fidelity in participatory research: a framework

In community interventions more generally, the concept of fidelity refers to the degree to which a program is delivered as intended. The present paper discusses ways in which fundamental aspects of...
Network Intrusion Detection Model Using One-Class Support Vector Machine

Network intrusion detection is the process of monitoring network traffic for abnormal behaviors and issuing alerts when such suspicious activity is discovered. This paper presents a new network intrusion detection approach that trains on normal network traffic data and searches for anomalous behaviors that deviate from the normal model. The proposed approach applies one-class support vector machine (OCSVM) algorithm to detect anomalous activities in the network traffic. The experiment was done using a dataset of real network traffic collected using the modern honey network (MHN).
Virtual wine tours and wine tasting: The influence of offline and online embodiment integration on wine purchase decisions

Abstract Applying the theory of embodied cognition as the research framework, the purpose of the current study was to explore the influence of virtual wine tours on young consumers' wine sensory experience and purchasing behaviors. A lab tasting experiment was conducted to compare the influence of a VR video with that of a traditional video featuring a vineyard and winery tour. Results indicated that the VR wine tour video evoked higher intentions to purchase and willingness to pay than the traditional video. Consumers with higher levels of wine knowledge appreciated the video presence and the tastes/aromas of the wine more than consumers with lower levels of wine knowledge. Combined with the taste/finish of the wine, video presence mediated the relationships between video types and consumers' purchase behaviors, revealing that the integration of offline and online embodiments makes a difference in consumers’ purchasing decisions. Recommendations were then provided based on these results.
The Influence of Packaging on Palatability and Shelf Life Stability of Horse Treats.

Abstract Horse treat packaging may be composed of materials including plastic and paper which protect the product from the environment to improve shelf life. Objectives of this research were to 1) assess the impact of packaging on shelf life of horse treats, and 2) evaluate the impact of packaging on horse preferences. Three packaging treatments (control, poly, and paper) were examined at five time points over a 12-month period. Treatments were analyzed for moisture, water activity, mold, yeast, pH, and volatile organic acids. Horse preference testing evaluated first treatment sniffed, consumed, and finished as well as number of treats consumed. Significance was set at P
Issues in world language teacher preparation: ACTFL/CAEP standards and oral proficiency

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of current research on two of the original ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) research priorities areas, model teacher preparation programs and teacher oral proficiency, as well as a look at future directions for research in these areas. Driven by the call for continued research in the original articles, this article lays the foundation for future research on effective world language (WL) teacher preparation programs. Despite the premise from the original articles and the growth of teacher preparation programs built around the ACTFL/CAEP Standards, further research is necessary to fully realize the effects of teacher's proficiency levels on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
Misleading performance in the supercomputing field

The problems of misleading performance reporting and the evident lack of careful refereeing in the supercomputing field are discussed in detail. Included are some examples that have appeared in recently published scientific papers. Some guidelines for reporting performance are presented, the adoption of which would raise the level of professionalism and reduce the level of confusion in the field of supercomputing.
Race/ethnic and sex differences in the initiation of non-statin lipid-lowering medication following myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) at very high-risk for recurrent events who have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 70 mg/dL despite maximally-tolerated statin therapy are recommended to initiate ezetimibe or a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. Objective Compare the initiation of ezetimibe and a PCSK9 inhibitor after a myocardial infarction (MI) among very high-risk ASCVD patients by race/ethnicity and sex. Methods We analyzed data from 374,786 adults ≥ 66 years of age with Medicare fee-for-service coverage who had an MI between July 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018, were not taking ezetimibe or a PCSK9 inhibitor, and had very high-risk ASCVD defined by the 2018 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology multi-society cholesterol guideline. Pharmacy claims through December 31, 2018 were used to determine ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitor initiation. Results Overall, 6980 (1.9%) beneficiaries initiated ezetimibe, and 1433 (0.4%) initiated a PCSK9 inhibitor. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for ezetimibe initiation among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Asian versus non-Hispanic White beneficiaries were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.70–0.86), 0.92 (95%CI: 0.76–1.11) and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.59–0.89), respectively. Compared to non-Hispanic White beneficiaries, the aHRs for PCSK9 inhibitor initiation were 0.63 (95%CI: 0.48–0.81) among non-Hispanic Black, 0.70 (95%CI: 0.43–1.13) among Hispanic, and 0.93 (95%CI: 0.62–1.39) among Asian beneficiaries. The aHRs for ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitor initiation comparing women to men were 1.11 (95%CI: 1.06–1.17) and 1.13 (95%CI: 1.01–1.25), respectively. Conclusion There are race/ethnic and sex disparities in the initiation of ezetimibe and a PCSK9 inhibitor following MI among very high-risk ASCVD patients.
Preliminary x-ray study of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase.

Abstract An x-ray crystallographic study has shown the space group of pyruvate kinase to be P6122, a = 187.2 A and c = 170.0 A, with one-half of the tetrameric molecule in the asymmetric unit. This suggests that the molecule is composed of a pair of active dimers.
Second Circuit 1999-2000 Res Judicata Developments

During the 1999-2000 survey year the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has issued at least twenty-five res judicata decisions, expanding the doctrines of claim preclusion and issue preclusion. The court liberally applied claim preclusion but infrequently applied the more expansive doctrine of issue preclusion. Also, the Second Circuit released over fifty unpublished decisions that affect the rights of pro se litigants appearing before the court. These decisions demonstrate the court's immense respect for the doctrine of res judicata. Similarly, the decisions illustrate the extent to which the court relies on the doctrine to achieve finality, to prevent inconsistent judgments and to allocate judicial resources. This survey article will review some of the court's significant decisions and comment on future trends for application of the law of res judicata in the Second Circuit.
On provably best construction heuristics for hard combinatorial optimization problems

In this article, a heuristic is said to be provably best if, assuming Pi¾źNP, no other heuristic always finds a better solution when one exists. This extends the usual notion of "best possible" approximation algorithms to include a larger class of heuristics. We illustrate the idea on several problems that are somewhat stylized versions of real-life network optimization problems, including the maximum clique, maximum k-club, minimum connected dominating set, and minimum vertex coloring problems. The corresponding provably best construction heuristics resemble those commonly used within popular metaheuristics. Along the way, we show that it is hard to recognize whether the clique number and the k-club number of a graph are equal, yet a polynomial-time computable function is "sandwiched" between them. This is similar to the celebrated Lovasz function wherein an efficiently computable function lies between two graph invariants that are NP-hard to compute. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 673, 238-245 2016
Scalable Algorithm for Resolving Incorrect Occlusion in Dynamic Augmented Reality Engineering Environments

@Augmented reality (AR) offers significant potential in construction, manufacturing, and other en- gineering disciplines that employ graphical visualization to plan and design their operations. As a result of intro- ducing real-world objects into the visualization, less vir- tual models have to be deployed to create a realistic visual output that directly translates into less time and effort re- quired to create, render, manipulate, manage, and update three-dimensional (3D) virtual contents (CAD model en- gineering) of the animated scene. At the same time, us- ing the existing layout of land or plant as the background of visualization significantly alleviates the need to collect data about the surrounding environment prior to creat- ing the final visualization while providing visually con- vincing representations of the processes being studied. In an AR animation, virtual and real objects must be simultaneously managed and accurately displayed to a user to create a visually convincing illusion of their co- existence and interaction. A critical challenge impeding this objective is the problem of incorrect occlusion that manifests itself when real objects in an AR scene par- tially or wholly block the view of virtual objects. In the ∗ To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: vkamat