cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep Duration and Its Association With Ambulatory Blood Pressure in a School-Based, Diverse Sample of Adolescents

background Evidence is accumulating that sleep duration is related to blood pressure (BP) and hypertensive status, but the strength of the association varies by age, and findings are inconsistent for adolescents. This crosssectional study tested the hypothesis that sleep duration, both during the night and during naps, would be negatively associated with ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) measured over 24 hours in adolescents. methods In this ethnically diverse (37% non-Hispanic black, 31% Hispanic, 29% non-Hispanic white, 3% other), school-based sample of 366 adolescents aged 11–16 years, ambulatory BP was measured every 30 minutes for 24 hours on a school day; actigraphy was used to measure sleep duration. Covariables included demographic factors, anthropometric indices, physical activity, and position and location at the time of each BP measurement. Mixed models were used to test day and night sleep duration as predictors of 24-hour SBP and DBP, controlling for covariables. results The mean sleep duration was 6.83 (SD = 1.36) hours at night, and 7.23 (SD = 1.67) hours over 24 hours. Controlling for duration of sleep during the day and covariables, each additional hour of nighttime sleep was associated with lower SBP (−0.57; P < 0.0001); controlling for nighttime sleep duration and covariables, each additional hour of daytime sleep was associated with lower SBP (−0.73; P < 0.001) and lower DBP (−0.50; P < 0.001). conclusions Longer sleep duration was significantly associated with lower ambula tory SBP and DBP in adolescents. The findings have potential implica tions for cardiovascular health in this age group.
The Gomory-Chvátal Closure of a Nonrational Polytope Is a Rational Polytope

The question as to whether the Gomory-Chvatal closure of a nonrational polytope is a polytope has been a longstanding open problem in integer programming. In this paper, we answer this question in the affirmative by combining ideas from polyhedral theory and the geometry of numbers.
A general theory for predicting subthreshold transmembrane response to electric and magnetic fields

The authors present a general theory for predicting transmembrane response along uniform finite length axons with arbitrary geometries and finite terminating impedances due to applied electric and magnetic fields. The transmembrane potential due to subthreshold applied electric and magnetic fields can be described using a generalized cable equation. The authors derive an integral expression for the subthreshold transmembrane potential by choosing a Green's function appropriate to the boundary conditions and configuration of the neuronal structure. Numerical evaluation of this integral expression can then be used to predict transmembrane response during electric and magnetic stimulation. The authors illustrate the usefulness of the theory with specific examples of stimulation of finite axons with arbitrary geometries, by electric and magnetic fields. >
A Nationwide Overview of Sight-Singing Requirements of Large-Group Choral Festivals.

The purpose of this study was to examine sight-singing requirements at junior and senior high school large-group ratings-based choral festivals throughout the United States. Responses to the follow...
Plasma polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene. II. Capacitive radio frequency discharge

The plasma polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) is studied in a capacitively coupled system with internal electrodes using radio frequency (13.56 MHz) power. The emphasis is on identifying conditions that are compatible with continuous coating of plasma polymer on a substrate moving through the center of the interelectrode gap. At high pressure (500 mTorr), deposition of plasma polymer is primarily on the electrodes rather than on a substrate placed midway between electrodes. Glow is observed in only part of the interelectrode gap at low powers and fills the gap only at high power levels. The use of a magnetic field effects barely discernible changes. Low-pressure (below 100 mTorr) operation is more favorable for deposition of a substantial portion of the plasma polymer on a substrate placed midway between electrodes. The plasma polymer deposited at low pressure is characterized by ESCA and deposition rate data and compared to that deposited in an inductively coupled system. The polymers formed in both systems are broadly similar and completely different from conventional poly(TFE). Subtle system-dependent differences are identified. The known susceptibility of fluorine-containing polymers (including plasma polymer) to a high-power plasma has been used as a probe of plasma power density within the interelectrode gap in the capacitively coupled system. Without magnets the most active zone of the plasma is in the center of the interelectrode gap. The use of a magnetic field moves this active zone closer to the electrodes and leads to a more efficient coupling of energy to a polymerizing glow discharge.
A game theoretic framework for bandwidth reservation in mobile ad hoc networks

Up to date, most of approaches proposed for bandwidth reservation in MANETs assume cooperativeness among all nodes. However, in a public network where nodes are owned by different self-interested organizations, willingness to cooperate cannot be assumed. Selfishness of network nodes may cause not only failure of reservation but also degradation of overall networking performance. A mechanism of economic incentives is therefore needed to induce selfish nodes to participate in bandwidth reservation. In this paper, we propose a game theoretic framework based on Nash bargaining game from cooperative game theory. The framework solves the selfishness problem when reserving bandwidth in a forwarding node's neighborhood. We describe the network model in which this framework may be applied, as well as the computation of Nash equilibrium point, which can be considered as a pricing scheme that may obtain social optimality in reservation negotiations. Application of our framework can efficiently prevent network nodes from acting selfishly and therefore would improve the overall performance of the network.
Task-Level Control of Motion and Constraint Forces in Holonomically Constrained Robotic Systems

Abstract Holonomically constrained multibody systems constitute an important class of robotic systems. Under holonomic constraints motion is restricted to a constrained motion manifold within configuration space. The task-level control scheme presented here provides an effective approach to executing motion control in the presence of constraints. This scheme also allows for the simultaneous specification of desired constraint forces, given sufficient actuation, by exposing both motion coordinates and constraint forces within the control formalism. This allows for substantial flexibility in control synthesis and, thus, this methodology can be extensively applied to a wide range of holonomically constrained systems. An example is presented that demonstrates the efficacy of the analytical framework and its ease of implementation in practical robotic control problems involving constraints.
The role of critiquing in cooperative problem solving

Cooperative problem-solving systems help users design solutions themselves as opposed to having solutions designed for them, Critiquing—presenting a reasoned opinion about a user’s product or action–is a major activity of a cooperative problem-solving system. Critics make the constructed artifact “talk back” to the user. Conditions under which critics are more appropriate than autonomous expert systems are discussed. Critics should be embedded in integrated design environments along with other components, such as an argumentative hypertext system, a specification component, and a catalog. Critics support learning as a by-product of problem solving. The major subprocesses of critiquing are goal acquisition, product analysis, critiquing strategies, adaptation capability, explanation and argumentation, and advisory capability. The generality of the critiquing approach is demonstrated by discussing critiquing systems developed in our group and elsewhere. Limitations of many current critics include their inability to learn about specific user goals and their intervention strategies.
ON REVERSAL OF GEOTROPISM IN ASTERINA

A certain level of strychninization induces in Asterina reversal of geotropism from the normally geonegative movement to a persistent downward creeping. The effect of an attached float producing upward pull is to induce upward creeping, under these conditions, whereas normally it leads to downward movement. This reversal cannot be regarded as due to a mere intensification of the sensory effect of tension. It must be understood as representing a true reversal of inhibition. The temporary reversal of geotropism following mechanical disturbances (in the absence of strychnine) is interpreted in the same way.
MINLP Based Topology Synthesis for Delta Sigma Modulators Optimized for Signal Path Complexity, Sensitivity and Power Consumption

The paper proposes a novel architecture synthesis algorithm for single-loop single-bit /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulators. We defined a generic modulator architecture and derived its noise and signal transfer function (NTF/STF) in symbolic forms. We then used the TF in MINLP (mixed integer nonlinearly constrained programming) to generate optimal topologies for a variety of design requirements, such as modulator complexity, sensitivity and power consumption, which appeared as cost functions. Experiments show the superiority of the synthesized topologies as compared to traditional solutions.
Mineralogical and microtextural characterization of ''gel-zircon'' from the Manibay uranium mine, Kazakhstan

Gel-zircon, an unusual Zr-silicate phase from the Manibay uranium mine, northern Kazakhstan, was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microprobe energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). XRD results indicate that gel-zircon is mostly amorphous and occurs with numerous impurity phases. Microprobe EDS results indicate a UO{sub 2} content up to 9.14 wt.% HRTEM images revealed that the microtexture of gel-zircon consists of nanocrystallites of zircon, 2--10 nm in size, in a dominantly amorphous matrix. Despite the U-Pb age of 420 {+-} 25 my and the lack of significant crystallinity, the gel-zircon is an apparently chemically durable phase. Leaching of uranium ores which contain gel-zircon as the major U-bearing phase is impossible using existing uranium plant technologies. The alpha-decay dose, 2.64 displacements per atom (dpa), corresponding to the age of gel-zircon is much higher than that (0.5 dpa) required to cause metamictization of crystalline zircon. However, the morphology of gel-zircon which occurs as veins up to 5 mm thick and tens of mm long does not indicate initial crystallinity. Initially crystalline natural zircons often preserve their crystal morphology after metamictization. This amorphous phase is analogous to the highly damaged state characteristic of zircon proposed asmore » a waste form for the disposition of excess weapons plutonium.« less
Equilibrium Similarity Analysis in Forced Convection Turbulent Boundary Layers With and Without Pressure Gradient

A similarity analysis has been developed for a 2-D forced convection turbulent boundary layer with and without pressure gradient. Two new inner and outer temperature scalings are derived by means of similarity analysis of the equations of motion. The new scalings will be verified with the experimental data subject to adverse pressure gradient (APG) and zero pressure gradient (ZPG), and will be compared with various scalings. It will be shown that the mean temperature proflles are dependent on the external pressure gradient and the initial conditions. However, using the new scaling in inner variables or in outer variables, the temperature proflles collapse into a single curve. Thus, the true asymptotic solution for the temperature fleld exists even at a flnite Pe'clet number. The asymptotic temperature proflle found in the present analysis are in agreement with the fact that an asymptotic velocity proflle exists if the mean velocity deflcit proflle is normalized by the Zagarola & Smits scaling.'
EXCESS EPICARDIAL ADIPOSE TISSUE IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH-RISK CORONARY PLAQUE ON CCTA INDEPENDENT OF RISK FACTORS, CORONARY CALCIUM SCORE AND STENOSIS: RESULTS FROM THE ROMICAT II TRIAL

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an immunologically and metabolically active fat depot implicated in coronary atherogenesis. The objective was to determine whether EAT volume is associated with high-risk coronary plaque (HRP) features assessed by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) independent of
How does c-view image quality compare with conventional 2D FFDM?

Purpose: The FDA approved the use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in 2011 as an adjunct to 2D full field digital mammography (FFDM) with the constraint that all DBT acquisitions must be paired with a 2D image to assure adequate interpretative information is provided. Recently manufacturers have developed methods to provide a synthesized 2D image generated from the DBT data with the hope of sparing patients the radiation exposure from the FFDM acquisition. While this much needed alternative effectively reduces the total radiation burden, differences in image quality must also be considered. The goal of this study was to compare the intrinsic image quality of synthesized 2D c-view and 2D FFDM images in terms of resolution, contrast, and noise. Methods: Two phantoms were utilized in this study: the American College of Radiology mammography accreditation phantom (ACR phantom) and a novel 3D printed anthropomorphic breast phantom. Both phantoms were imaged using a Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D system. Analysis of the ACR phantom includes both visual inspection and objective automated analysis using in-house software.Analysis of the 3D anthropomorphic phantom includes visual assessment of resolution and Fourier analysis of the noise. Results: Using ACR-defined scoring criteria for the ACR phantom, the FFDM images scored statistically higher than c-view according to both the average observer and automated scores. In addition, between 50% and 70% of c-viewimages failed to meet the nominal minimum ACR accreditation requirements—primarily due to fiber breaks. Softwareanalysis demonstrated that c-view provided enhanced visualization of medium and large microcalcification objects; however, the benefits diminished for smaller high contrast objects and all low contrast objects. Visual analysis of the anthropomorphic phantom showed a measureable loss of resolution in the c-viewimage (11 lp/mm FFDM, 5 lp/mm c-view) and loss in detection of small microcalcification objects. Spectral analysis of the anthropomorphic phantom showed higher total noise magnitude in the FFDM image compared with c-view. Whereas the FFDM image contained approximately white noise texture, the c-viewimage exhibited marked noise reduction at midfrequency and high frequency with far less noise suppression at low frequencies resulting in a mottled noise appearance. Conclusions: Their analysis demonstrates many instances where the c-viewimage quality differs from FFDM. Compared to FFDM, c-view offers a better depiction of objects of certain size and contrast, but provides poorer overall resolution and noise properties. Based on these findings, the utilization of c-viewimages in the clinical setting requires careful consideration, especially if considering the discontinuation of FFDM imaging. Not explicitly explored in this study is how the combination of DBT + c-view performs relative to DBT + FFDM or FFDM alone.
Searching for Our Fiscal Soul (Presentation Slides)

This is an extended version of a presentation made at TEDx Livermore 2016, the theme of which was the Economics of Empathy. Searching for Our Fiscal Soul argues that democracy is an exercise in empathy towards fellow citizens we do not know, and, if we did, might not like. We express that empathy through government spending, because that is how we actualize values that are important enough that we are willing to pay for them. This is our fiscal soul in action. Whether measured against the values we all routinely recite, or against the social environments achieved by peer countries, the fiscal soul of the United States is in peril. The remedy lies in understanding the value of a complementary economy, in which government spending is properly reframed as purchasing investments and insurance that private markets do not, and cannot, reach.
FmFinder: Search and Filter Your Favorite Songs

Choices in music express our taste and personality. Different people have different collections of favorite songs. The explosive growth of digital media makes it easier to access any songs we want. Consequently, finding the songs best fit to our tastes becomes more challenging. Existing solutions record user patterns of listening to music, then make recommendation lists for users. By applying information visualization techniques to this problem, we are able to provide users with a novel way to explore their list of recommendations. Based on that knowledge, users can filter the songs according to their needs and compare the music tastes of different groups of people.
Economic Burden of Hospitalizations for Heat-Related Illnesses in the United States, 2001–2010

Understanding how heat waves affect morbidity and mortality, as well as the associated economic costs, is essential for characterizing the human health impacts of extreme heat under a changing climate. Only a handful of studies have examined healthcare costs associated with exposures to high temperatures. This research explores costs associated with hospitalizations for heat-related illness (HRI) in the United States using the 2001 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Descriptive statistics of patient data for HRI hospitalizations were examined and costs of hospitalizations were reported using the all-payer inpatient cost-to-charge ratio. Costs were examined using a log-gamma model with patient and hospital characteristics included as fixed effects. Adjusted mean costs were then compared across racial groups. The mean costs of HRI hospitalizations were higher among racial/ethnic minorities compared to Whites, who accounted for almost 65% of all HRI hospitalizations. Observed differences in costs based on income, insurance, and gender were also significant. These results suggest that these populations are suffering disproportionately from health inequity, thus, they could shoulder greater disease and financial burdens due to climate change. These findings may have important implications in understanding the economic impact public health planning and interventions will have on preventing hospitalizations related to extreme heat.
Approximate Solution to the Angular Speeds of a Nearly-Symmetric Mass-Varying Cylindrical Body

This paper examines the rotational motion of a nearly axisymmetric rocket type system with uniform burn of its propellant. The asymmetry comes from a slight difference in the transverse principal moments of inertia of the system, which then results in a set of nonlinear equations of motion even when no external torque is applied to the system. It is often difficult, or even impossible, to generate analytic solutions for such equations; closed form solutions are even more difficult to obtain. In this paper, a perturbation-based approach is employed to linearize the equations of motion and generate analytic solutions. The solutions for the variables of transverse motion are analytic and a closed-form solution to the spin rate is suggested. The solutions are presented in a compact form that permits rapid computation. The approximate solutions are then applied to the torque-free motion of a typical solid rocket system and the results are found to agree with those obtained from the numerical solution of the full non-linear equations of motion of the mass varying system.
New mandates? No problem for The Rockefeller University Press

The existing public access policy for our three journals—The Journal of Cell Biology, The Journal of Experimental Medicine, and The Journal of General Physiology—is fully compliant with new policies from the Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Wellcome Trust. In addition to mandating public access, the new policies specify licensing terms for reuse of content by third parties, in particular for text and data mining. We question the need for these specific terms, and we have added a statement to our licensing policy stipulating that anyone, including commercial entities, is permitted to mine our published text and data.
Sanitation, Disease Externalities and Anaemia: Evidence From Nepal

Anaemia impairs physical and cognitive development in children and reduces human capital accumulation. The prior economics literature has focused on the role of inadequate nutrition in causing anaemia. This article is the first to show that sanitation, a public good, significantly contributes to preventing anaemia. We identify effects by exploiting rapid and differential improvement in sanitation across regions of Nepal between 2006 and 2011. Within regions over time, cohorts of children exposed to better community sanitation developed higher haemoglobin levels. Our results highlight a previously undocumented externality of open defaecation, which is today practiced by over a billion people worldwide.
Embedding the Guideline Elements Model in Web Ontology Language

The Guideline Elements Model (GEM) uses XML to represent the heterogeneous knowledge contained in clinical practice guidelines. GEM has important applications in computer aided guideline authoring and clinical decision support systems. However, its XML representation format could limit its potential impact, as semantic web ontology languages, such as OWL, are becoming major knowledge representation frameworks in medical informatics. In this work, we present a faithful translation of GEM from XML into OWL. This translation is intended to keep the knowledge model of GEM intact, as this knowledge model has been carefully designed and has become a recognized standard. An OWL representation would make GEM more applicable in medical informatics systems that rely on semantic web. This work will also be the initial step in making GEM a guideline recommendation ontology.
The freeze-fractured median eminence. I. Development of intercellular junctions in the ependyma of the 3rd ventricle of the rat.

Ependymal junctions in both the ventro-lateral wall and infundibular floor of the 3rd ventricle were examined in adult, young, neonatal, and fetal rats in freeze-fracture preparations. During late fetal and early postnatal life, tight junctions developed in both ventro-lateral and floor ependyma with, first, the appearance of an area of waffle-like or honeycomb texture in the membrane where tight junctions will appear; second, the decoration of P-face crests of this honeycomb with individual particles; and lastly, fusion of these particles into smooth strands. In adults, tight junctions were rare in the lateral ependyma, but persisted on the floor as a loose network. Many small ependymal gap junctions were already present at the earliest fetal stage (17 days) examined. They occupied significantly larger proportions of the membranes on the ventro-lateral wall than on the floor throughout the time course due to an increase in their size but not their numbers. The smallest gap junctions were regarded as the newest in a process of renewal throughout life. The development of both junctional types parallels what is known of the onset of neuroendocrine functions in the median eminence. In the rat, this is apparently just before, at, or just after birth.
Communication: Counter-ion solvation and anomalous low-angle scattering in salt-free polyelectrolyte solutions

We investigate the influence of counter-ion solvation on the homogeneity of salt-free polyelectrolyte solutions based on a coarse-grained model that includes an explicit solvent. We show that the solvation of the counter-ions can cause a transformation between a nearly homogeneous to a non-uniform polymer solution, in which there is both a chain clustering and the formation of large charge-free domains, i.e., “voids.” The emergence of these heterogeneous structures induced by counter-ion solvation is accompanied by the localization and formation of counter-ion rich domains that are symptomatic of emergent effective long-range attractive interchain interactions.
Growth Module in the Pediatric Preclerkship Educational Exercises (PRECEDE) Curriculum.

Introduction The Johns Hopkins Pediatrics Clerkship developed this growth module as part of the PRECEDE (preclerkship educational exercises) curriculum, with the primary goal of providing students ...
An Artistic and Spiritual Exploration of Chinese Joss Paper

TEACHING ARTISTIC TRADITIONS unfamiliar to one's own is essential to a culturally diverse society because it validates the unique cultural heritages of different ethnic groups. Moreover, it allows ...
Broken Promises or Selective Memory Planning? A National Picture of HOPE VI Plans and Realities

AbstractGovernment efforts to redevelop public housing often face a contentious gap between plans and realities. This paper compares 2014 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administrative data on housing unit counts and unit mixes for all 260 developments receiving Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) revitalization grants with data provided in the original HOPE VI grant award announcements. We find that HUD records undercount approximately 11,500 once-proposed units. The biggest changes were a 29% decline in the number of market-rate units and a 40% decline in homeownership units. The chief shortfall during implementation, therefore, was not with public housing units (although the HOPE VI program as a whole did trigger an overall decline of such units). To help elucidate the dynamics at play when the unit allocation shifts between initial grant award and implemented project, we include a series of five brief case studies that illustrate several types of unit change. I...
Social Media in the Arts: Designing for Meaningful Participation in Museums and Galleries

My thesis focuses on Social Media in the Arts. The motivation behind this research spurred from a recent boom in social media marketing and engagement by arts organizations. I began to survey the positive and negative attributes of current social media tools, while discovering a multitude of social media experiments created by museums and galleries. Through several explorative and generative research processes, I looked into the needs of stakeholders including visitors, curators, and artists. This process concluded with a project designed specifically to encourage meaningful visitor participation in the arts—a social media app called “ViewPoint”. It takes advantage of visitor’s natural instinct to point at interesting things. Pointing becomes a means to share artworks with friends and non-acquaintances. It then uses sharing as a catalyst for in person conversations. ViewPoint is deceptively simple, however it leverages characteristics of in-person events and the power of social media to optimize the conditions for quality interaction. In researching the past year, I have been surprised by my findings and inspired by the power of the public voice. I have discovered first hand that each person sees art in his or her own way and that the best solution is one that allows a personal experience as visitors perceive, share and learn about art.
Neural Plasticity and Recovery of Function After Brain Injury

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the neural events that contribute to recovery from brain injury. The forms of neural plasticity that are thought to mediate recovery of function are discussed in the chapter, reviewing those instances of nervous system injury in which neurobiological explanations of a recovery sequence have been suggested. Two approaches have yielded significant advances. First, the extensive axonal growth that can occur following brain injury in the neonatal animal may help determine the motor function of that animal as an adult. After neonatal pyramidotomy, this growth leads to a later sparing of forepaw dexterity, whereas the anomalous retinotectal connections that result from neonatal collicular injury can lead to misdirected head orientation toward visual cues as an adult. Second, the axonal outgrowth that occurs from fetal neurons transplanted into the brains of adult rats can result in the replacement of a severed pathway and concomitant improvements in motor functions or the performance of a spatial task.
Vagus nerve stimulation intensity influences motor cortex plasticity.

Abstract Background Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with forelimb motor training enhances reorganization of movement representations in the motor cortex. Previous studies have shown an inverted-U relationship between VNS intensity and plasticity in other brain areas, such that moderate intensity VNS yields greater cortical plasticity than low or high intensity VNS. However, the relationship between VNS intensity and plasticity in the motor cortex is unknown. Objective In this study we sought to test the hypothesis that VNS intensity exhibits an inverted-U relationship with the degree of motor cortex plasticity in rats. Methods Rats were taught to perform a lever pressing task emphasizing use of the proximal forelimb musculature. Once proficient, rats underwent five additional days of behavioral training in which low intensity VNS (0.4 mA), moderate intensity VNS (0.8 mA), high intensity VNS (1.6 mA), or sham stimulation was paired with forelimb movement. 24 h after the completion of behavioral training, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was used to document movement representations in the motor cortex. Results VNS delivered at 0.8 mA caused a significant increase in motor cortex proximal forelimb representation compared to training alone. VNS delivered at 0.4 mA and 1.6 mA failed to cause a significant expansion of proximal forelimb representation. Conclusion Moderate intensity 0.8 mA VNS optimally enhances motor cortex plasticity while low intensity 0.4 mA and high intensity 1.6 mA VNS fail to enhance plasticity. Plasticity in the motor cortex exhibits an inverted-U function of VNS intensity similar to previous findings in auditory cortex.
Autonomous motion planning and task execution in geometrically adaptive robotized construction work

Abstract This research explores a means by which a construction robot can leverage its sensors and a Building Information Model (BIM) to perceive and model the actual geometry of its workpieces, adapt its work plan, and execute work in a construction environment. The adaptive framework uses the Generalized Resolution Correlative Scan Matching (GRCSM) search algorithm for model registration, a new formulation for fill plan adaptation, and new hardware for robotic material dispensing. Joint filling is used as a case study to demonstrate the formulation of an adaptive plan and evaluate a robot's ability to perform adaptive work in an environment where the actual location and geometry of its workpieces may deviate from their designed counterparts. Averaged across five experiments, the robot was found capable of identifying the true position and orientation of the joint's center with a mean norm positioning error of 0.11 mm and orientation error of 1.1°. The adaptive framework offers significant promise for a range of construction activities, including those involving objects of complex geometry and detailed work.
Safety of concomitant cholecystectomy with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass: a MBSAQIP analysis.

Abstract Background Gallstone disease occurs more commonly in the obese population and is often diagnosed during the preoperative evaluation for bariatric surgery. Objectives This study analyzed outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), with and without cholecystectomy (LC), using data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Setting Patients reported to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program participating centers in the United States and Canada in 2015. Methods All cases of LGB and SG, with and without LC, were analyzed. A 1:1 propensity-matched cohort was created for both SG and LGB, with and without concomitant LC. Multivariate logistic regression stratified by procedure was used to identify predictors of major complications after SG and LGB, using concomitant LC as a predictor. We also constructed a model for surgical site infections (SSIs) for SG group. Results Of 98,292 sleeve operations, 2046 (2%) had concomitant LC. Of 44,427 bypass operations, 1426 (3%) had concomitant LC. For the sleeve group, concomitant LC increased operative time by an average of 27 minutes but did not affect length of stay, mortality, or major complications. Concomitant LC was associated with increased SSI (1% versus .4%) and need for reoperation (1.6% versus .7%) in univariate models. After adjusting for other predictors, concomitant LC was associated with increased risk for SSI (odds ratio 2.5, confidence interval 1.0–5.9, P = .04). For the bypass group, concomitant LC increased operative time by an average of 28 minutes to the operation, and postoperative length of stay averaged ∼5 hours longer (2.4 versus 2.2 d, P = .03). Thirty-day complications were similar between the groups. On multivariate analysis, concomitant LC was not a significant risk factor for major complications. Only operative time was an independent factor for major complications. Conclusions Concomitant LC with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass did not affect mortality or risk of major complication. For sleeve patients, concomitant LC was associated with a .6% increased risk (.4% to 1.0%) of SSI. Concomitant LC with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass is safe when indicated for gallstone disease.
Structural transformations during the gas chromatography of carbamates

There is no apparent paucity of examples illustrative of the structural changes observed during the gas chromatography of diverse carbamates and thiocarbamates. In many cases the resultat thermal degradation products observed are analogous in some measure to the three possible modes of decomposition reported in nonchromatographic thermal studies for N-phenyl carbamates [4, 35, 36], e.g., Dyer andWright [35] have shown that when R is a primary or secondary alkyl group, all three modes of decomposition can occur when the reaction is carried out in the absence of solvents. If the amine and isocyanate products are allowed to remain in the formation mixture, diphenyl urea is also formed, viz., As has been shown, the thermal and hydrolytic stabilities of carbamates exhibit a marked dependence upon the degree and type of N-substitution. Disubstituted carbamates are quite resistant to thermal decomposition (as well as hydrolysis). Monosubstituted carbamates readily undergo thermal decomposition at elevated temperatures to yield primarily the respective isocyanate while unsubstituted carbamates have been reported to decompose to allophanates, cyanuric acid, and alcohol [37]. The thermal decomposition of unsubstituted carbamates is accelerated appreciably in the presence of eventrace amounts of metal salts, giving rise to the formation of cyamelide. The degradative scheme for the diol dicarbamates (as typified by the medicinal carbamates, meprobamate and soma) is more difficult to interpret.Paquin [38] reported that the pyrolysis of the dicarbamate of 1,3-butylene glycol (I), yielded an oxazolidone (II) and a cyclic urea (III) as follows: The further degradation of compounds II and III under pyrolytic conditions remains a distinct possibility.
Optical Atomic Clocks

For many centuries, and continuing today, a primary application of accurate clocks is for precise navigation. For example, GPS enables us to determine our distance from the (known) positions of satellites by measuring the time it takes for a pulse of radiation emitted by the satellite to reach us. The more accurately we can measure this time, the more accurate our position is known.
Later-Generation Mexican-American Undergraduate Stages of Passage and the Development of a Transformational Impetus

Race and immigrant generation are among the most important factors that shape educational opportunities and outcomes in U.S. society. While sociological researchers point to downward mobility after the second generation among Mexican-Americans, there is limited empirical attention to the role that generational status may play in shaping post-secondary educational experiences and outcomes. Drawing on the under-utilized Undergraduate States of Passage Model advanced by Yosso (2006), this study qualitatively examines the experiences of later-generation Mexican-American students. Findings indicate that later-generation Mexican-American college students experienced unique challenges to building counter spaces with other Latinas/os/xs on campus. Yet, participants consistently described a desire to transform, which I call a “transformational impetus.” Implications for post-secondary persistence among Mexican-American collegians are discussed, as are implications for advancing racial justice for the Latina/o/x population more broadly.
Integrating Multisource Block-Wise Missing Data in Model Selection

For multisource data, blocks of variable information from certain sources are likely missing. Existing methods for handling missing data do not take structures of block-wise missing data into consi...
Quantifying the Multidimensional Impedance of the Shoulder During Volitional Contractions

The neuromuscular control of the shoulder requires regulation of 3D joint mechanics, but it is unknown how these mechanics vary during tasks that load the shoulder in different directions. The purpose of this study was to quantify how the 3D mechanics of the shoulder change with voluntary torque production. Eleven participants produced voluntary isometric torques in one of six directions along three measurement axes. Impedance was estimated by applying small, pseudorandom angular perturbations about the shoulder as participants maintained steady state torques. The nonparametric impedance frequency response functions estimated from the data were parameterized by a collection of second-order linear systems to model the 3D inertia, viscosity, and stiffness of the shoulder. Each component of the 3D stiffness matrix scaled linearly with volitional torque production. Viscosity also increased monotonically with torque but nonlinearly. The directions of maximal stiffness and viscosity were consistently aligned towards the direction of torque production. Further, the shoulder was least stiff and least viscous in the direction of internal/external rotation, suggesting it may be more prone to injury along this axis. These experimental findings and the corresponding mathematical model summarizing our results provide novel insights into how the neuromuscular system regulates 3D shoulder mechanics in response to volitional muscle activations.
An Analysis of Swedish Pop Music

This chapter explores the styles of Swedish pop music. Through hybridity and circulation, Swedish pop is part of a globalized culture, while also retaining elements that are uniquely Swedish. First, the Cheiron studio developed a production style that can, broadly speaking, be considered a Swedish sound. Since then, Swedish elements to songwriting include an analytical or “mathematical” approach, as well as a stripped-down, simplified sound. Swedish pop is influenced by genres traditionally popular in Sweden, although genre crossing is also common. While global popular music trends evolve in unpredictable ways, Swedish writer–producers have had a discernable impact on those trajectories, in terms of circulation across space and time.
Unmet Dental Care Need and Associated Barriers by Race/Ethnicity among US Adults:

Introduction:Ability to access needed dental care may vary among population subgroups. We assessed 1) the differences in the proportions of adults who reported unmet dental care needs in the past 1...
Ray Tracing and Use of Shadows as Features for Determining Location in Lunar Polar Terrain

Ice is the most valuable resource on the Moon. It exists only at the poles where shadows are extensive and drivable routes are short. Robot routes to reach this ice are tenuous. Sun-synchronous lunar polar routes offer order-of-magnitude greater duration and range if such routes are achievable. Sun-synchrony is brittle in the sense that a rover must be at precisely scheduled time and place, so special localization techniques are warranted. Methods for terrain-based localization that work at equatorial regions are challenged at the lunar poles, where the grazing sunlight casts long shadows that obscure and change views over time. The shadows are shown here to accentuate craters as localization features. This paper presents a method that improves terrain registration at the poles of the Moon by probabilistically considering sensor and terrain uncertainty, and exploiting shadows as semantic features for localization. This method is validated and evaluated in simulated experiments.
Symptom Distress and Quality of Life Among Black Americans With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers

Objective Black Americans are disproportionately affected by cancer and chronic diseases. Black patients with cancer and their family caregivers may concurrently experience symptoms that influence their wellbeing. This study investigates the influence of mental and physical symptom distress on quality of life (QOL) among Black Americans with cancer and their family caregivers from a dyadic perspective. Methods One hundred and fifty-one dyads comprised of a Black American with breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer and a Black family caregiver were included in this secondary analysis of pooled baseline data from three studies. Self-reports of problems managing 13 symptoms were used to measure mental and physical symptom distress. Descriptive statistics and the actor-partner interdependence model were used to examine symptom prevalence and the influence of each person's symptom distress on their own and each other's QOL. Results Fatigue, sleep problems, pain and mental distress were prevalent. Patients and caregivers reported similar levels of mental distress; however, patients reported higher physical distress. Increased patient mental distress was associated with decreased patient QOL (overall, emotional, social, functional). Increased patient physical distress was associated with decreased patient QOL (overall, physical, emotional, functional) and decreased caregiver emotional wellbeing. Increased caregiver mental distress was associated with decreased caregiver QOL (overall, emotional, social, functional) and decreased patient overall QOL. Increased caregiver physical distress was associated with decreased caregiver QOL (overall, physical, functional), decreased patient emotional wellbeing, and better patient social wellbeing. Conclusions Supporting symptom management in Black patient/caregiver dyads may improve their QOL.
A Bayesian dose-finding design for outcomes evaluated with uncertainty.

Introduction:In some phase I trial settings, there is uncertainty in assessing whether a given patient meets the criteria for dose-limiting toxicity.Methods:We present a design which accommodates d...
Long-Term Outcomes of Inferior Meatus Augmentation Procedure to Treat Empty Nose Syndrome

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS We sought to report the long-term, symptom-focused, prospective outcomes in empty nose syndrome (ENS) patients after undergoing inferior meatus augmentation procedure (IMAP) through use of four validated questionnaires: Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). STUDY DESIGN Prospective case series. METHODS A single-center prospective case series was performed for patients diagnosed with ENS who underwent IMAP between July 2017 and February 2020. Diagnosis of ENS was based on the following criteria: 1) reported discomfort with nasal breathing and/or paradoxical nasal obstruction after inferior turbinate reduction, 2) a positive ENS6Q score of at least 11, and 3) a positive cotton test. Questionnaire responses were recorded prior to surgery as well as 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS Seventeen eligible patients were included. Mean ENS6Q scores were significantly reduced at all postoperative time points (p < .0001, p < .0001, p < .0001, p = .0003). Of the six ENS6Q subdomains, five (suffocation, dryness, sense of diminished airflow, nasal crusting, and nasal burning) were significantly reduced 1-year postoperatively (p < .0001, p = .0004, p = .0136, p = .0114, p = .0080, respectively). SNOT-22 scores were significantly reduced at all time points (p = .0021, p = .0227, p = .0004, and p = .0025). Of the SNOT-22 subdomains, the sleep subdomain was significantly reduced 1-year postoperatively (p = .0432). Low baseline GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were recorded at 7 and 9.4, respectively, and although scores at all postoperative time points were reduced, there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION IMAP via implant of cadaveric rib cartilage provides significant, long-term improvements in ENS-specific and general sinonasal symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2736-E2741, 2021.
Abstract 2160: Tumor suppressor p53 down-regulates programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) expression

Programmed Cell Death Protein 4 (PDCD4), a well-known tumor suppressor, acts to inhibit translation initiation and cap-dependent translation by inhibiting the helicase activity of EIF4A. EIF4A tends to target mRNAs with structured 59-UTR. PDCD4 can also prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting tumor promoter-induced neoplastic transformation, and studies indicate that PDCD4 may inhibit translation of certain mRNAs via directly binding. A previous study has demonstrated that PDCD4 inhibits translation of p53 mRNA and treatment with DNA-damaging agents down-regulates PDCD4 expression but activates p53 expression. The study further demonstrated that treatment with DNA-damaging agents resulted in down-regulation of PDCD4 expression and an increase in p53 expression, suggesting a potential mechanism in which p53 regulates expression of Pdcd4. However, whether p53 directly regulates PDCD4 remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that p53 regulates PDCD4 expression. First, we found that overexpression of p53 in p53-null cells (H1299 and Saos2 cells) decreased PDCD4 protein level. Secondly, p53 dose-dependently decreased PDCD4 promoter activity in gene reporter assays. Moreover, we demonstrated that mutations on p53 (R273H: contact mutant, hotspot and R175H: conformational mutant, hotspot) abolished p53-mediated PDCD4 repression. Furthermore, using Tet-on expression system, PDCD4 protein level was decreased when WT p53, but not hotspot mutants of p53, was expressed in H1299 cells. Finally, mutations on DNA-binding domain, but not C-terminal regulatory domain, of p53 disrupted p53-mediated PDCD4 repression. Taken together, our results suggest that p53 functions as a novel regulator of PDCD4 and the relationship between of p53 and PDCD4 may be involved in tumor development and progression. Citation Format: Wei-Hsiung Yang, Andrew P. George, William H. Yang, Chiung-Min Wang, Richard H. Yang. Tumor suppressor p53 down-regulates programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) expression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2160.