cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy balance relationships with follicular development, ovulation and fertility in postpartum dairy cows☆

Abstract Increased capacity for milk production in dairy cows has been associated with a decline in fertility. Following parturition, nutritional requirements increase rapidly with milk production and the resulting negative energy balance (NEBAL) extends for 10–12 weeks. NEBAL is strongly associated with the length of the postpartum anovulatory period through attenuation of LH pulse frequency and low levels of blood glucose, insulin and IGF-I that collectively limit oestrogen production by dominant follicles. Plasma concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are higher in cows with an ovulatory vs. nonovulatory first dominant follicle. Evidence has accumulated that links the metabolic demands of high milk production and associated NEBAL with diminished quality of oocytes and capability for embryo development. Also NEBAL and body condition score (BCS) loss are related to reduced serum progesterone concentrations during the breeding period and to lower pregnancy rates. Overall, NEBAL is related to lower fertility in dairy cows both through effects exerted early in lactation and later during the breeding period.
Parallel Multigrid Algorithm for Aeroelasticity Simulations

This paper presents the development of a multigrid parallel algorithm for a nonlinear aeroelastic analysis. The aeroelastic model consists of 1) a nonlinear structural model that captures in-plane, out-of-plane, and torsional couplings; 2) an unsteady viscous aerodynamic model that captures compressible flow effects for transonic flows with shock/boundary-layer interaction; and 3) a solution methodology that assures a tightly coupled solution of the nonlinear structure and the fluid flow, including a consistent geometric interface between the highly deforming structure and the flowfield. A domain-decomposition parallel computation algorithm based on a message-passing interface was developed for the flow solver. A three-level multigrid algorithm was implemented in the flow solver to further reduce the computational time. A grid generation and deformation algorithm was developed concurrently with the flow solver in order to improve the efficiency of the computation. The grid deformation methodology kept the mesh topology unchanged as the structure deformed. Consequently, it was not necessary for either the parallel computation or the multigrid algorithm to update their communication pointers while the structure deformed. The validation of the numerical solver was done using experimental results of the F-5 wing. The aeroelastic solver was then used to assess the effect of structural nonlinearities on the aeroelastic response of the heavy Goland wing.
Photoinduced charge separation and recombination in solution and in gels of a Pt(II) terpyridyl–naphthalene diimide complex

Abstract Light induced electron transfer and subsequent recombination in a covalently linked terpyridyl Pt(II)/naphthalene diimide (ND) donor acceptor complex are discussed. The complex consists of the ND moiety covalently linked to a terpyridine ligand through a tolyl linkage (ND-tpy) with chloride serving as the fourth ligand of the Pt(II) center ([(ND-tpy)PtCl]). Photolysis of the complex in acetonitrile solution results electron transfer from the Pt(II) complex to the ND unit. This is followed by a significant structural change in the oxidized Pt complex/reduced ND that leads to formation of a charge separated species that decays by back electron transfer with a rate constant of 8 × 104 s−1, a much slower recombination rate than other Pt(II) donor/organic acceptor systems. The complex forms gels when concentrated DMSO solutions are heated and allowed to cool slowly. The gels have long tubular structures and the dried gels exhibit long range order of the Pt centers, as evidenced by X-ray powder diffraction. Photolysis of the gels suspended in solution leads to formation of long lived radical ions, formed presumably from self-exchange electron hopping between stacked donor and acceptor moieties in the gels.
Calcium Supplementation Increases Bone Density in Adolescent Girls

In a longitudinal calcium intervention study, bone density was assessed in pubertal girls for 18 months. Significant additional increases in total body bone mineral density (1.3%) and spine bone mineral density (2.9%) and content (4.7%) were noted in the calcium-supplemented group. Increasing bone mass during adolescence with adequate calcium intake, if maintained into adulthood, could decrease the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Analysis of the thermodynamic behavior of hydrogen in body-centered-cubic metals with application to niobium-hydrogen†

A critical analysis of experimental data for the Nb-H system shows that the partial molar entropy data are best interpreted by assuming a random solution of hydrogen in the metal on one site per metal atom even in concentrated solutions. A possible geometrical interpretation of this result is suggested. Eine kritische Analyse der Versuchsergebnisse fur das Nb-H-System zeigt, daβ die Werte der partiellen molaren Entropie am besten erklart werden konnen durch die Annahme einer statistisch ungeordneten Verteilung des Wasserstoffs im Metall mit einem verfugbaren Gitterplatz pro Metallatom, auch in konzentrierten Losungen. Eine mogliche geometrische Erklarung fur diese Deutung wird vorgeschlagen.
Response of phytoplankton in an alpine lake to inputs of dissolved organic matter through nutrient enrichment and trophic forcing

Inputs of terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) are increasing in alpine lakes due to multiple drivers such as climate change, tree line advancement, and insect epidemics. A 21 d microcosm experiment investigated three potential mechanisms by which increased inputs of terrestrial DOM subsidies might affect phytoplankton density, growth, and species assemblage: (1) directly, by providing nutrients enhancing growth of select phytoplankton species (nutrient stimulation hypothesis); (2) indirectly, through trophic forcing of zooplankton uniformly increasing the total biomass of all zooplankton that selectively graze on phytoplankton (trophic intensity hypothesis); and (3) indirectly, through trophic forcing of zooplankton by favoring zooplankton species that selectively graze on phytoplankton (trophic shift hypothesis). We manipulated DOM (terrestrial DOM additions vs. unmanipulated control), zooplankton (presence vs. absence), and incubation depth (epilimnion vs. hypolimnion) in a full 3 3 3 factorial design. Phytoplankton density and growth increased substantially and species assemblage shifted to near dominance by Asterionella formosa in the presence of DOM. Zooplankton biomass and growth increased with the addition of DOM, yet the species assemblage remained stable across treatments, and contributed to selective grazing effects on phytoplankton. Our data support the nutrient stimulation and trophic intensity hypotheses. While DOM effects have been classically attributed to stimulation by addition of fixed carbon, our experiments indicate that nutrient stimulation is also important. Additionally, the indirect DOM effect of trophic forcing can occur in the absence of selective effects of DOM on zooplankton.
Interactions between Natural Killer Cells and Antibody Fc Result in Enhanced Antibody Neutralization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Antibodies can prevent lentivirus infections in animals and may play a role in controlling viral burden in established infection. In preventing and particularly in controlling infection, antibodies likely function in the presence of large quantities of virus. In this study, we explored the mechanisms by which antibodies neutralize large inocula of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) on different target cells. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) from HIV-infected patients was tested for neutralizing activity against primary R5 strains of HIV-1 at inocula ranging from 100 to 20,000 50% tissue culture infective doses. At all virus inocula, inhibition by antibody was enhanced when target cells for virus growth were monocyte-depleted, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) rather than CD4(+) lymphocytes. However, enhanced inhibition on PBMCs was greatest with larger amounts of virus. Depleting PBMCs of natural killer (NK) cells, which express Fc receptors for IgG (FcgammaRs), abrogated the enhanced antibody inhibition, whereas adding NK cells to CD4(+) lymphocytes restored inhibition. There was no enhanced inhibition on PBMCs when F(ab')(2) was used. Further experiments demonstrated that the release of beta-chemokines, most likely through FcgammaR triggering of NK cells, contributed modestly to the antiviral activity of antibody on PBMCs and that antibody-coated virus adsorbed to uninfected cells provided a target for NK cell-mediated inhibition of HIV-1. These results indicate that Fc-FcgammaR interactions enhance the ability of antibody to neutralize HIV-1. Since FcgammaR-bearing cells are always present in vivo, FcgammaR-mediated antibody function may play a role in the ability of antibody to control lentivirus infection.
A Potential Case of Social Bankruptcy: States' AFDC Payments and Their Teen Birth Rates

Based on a pooled time series analysis that covers a 30-year period at five different time points—1960, 1970, 1980, 1985, and 1990—this research examines the relationship between states' Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) payments and teen birth rates. Drawing on rational choice theories, we expected the effects of states' AFDC payments on their teen birth rates to be positive, taking into account states' divorce rates, population change rates, unemployment rates, racial composition, and poverty rates. The effects of states'AFDC payments were significant in a negative direction in Model 1, a random effects model; they also were significant in a negative direction in Model 2 when we controlled for the effects of year; however, when we controlled for the effects of year and state in Model 3, they were not significant. The findings do not support assumptions regarding the incentive effects of welfare that underlie rational choice theories in states where teen birth rates are higher. If anything, teen birth rates are higher in states where AFDC payments are lower. Implications for policy and further research are discussed in relation to the positive effects of states' poverty and population change rates on the state teen birth rate problem.
Designing deep sequencing experiments: detecting structural variation and estimating transcript abundance.

Background: Massively parallel DNA sequencing technologies have enabled the sequencing of several individual human genomes. These technologies are also being used in novel ways for mRNA expression profiling, genome-wide discovery of transcription-factor binding sites, small RNA discovery, etc. The multitude of sequencing platforms, each with their unique characteristics, pose a number of design challenges, regarding the technology to be used and the depth of sequencing required for a particular sequencing application. Here we describe a number of analytical and empirical results to address design questions for two applications: detection of structural variations from paired-end sequencing and estimating mRNA transcript abundance. Results: For structural variation, our results provide explicit trade-offs between the detection and resolution of rearrangement breakpoints, and the optimal mix of paired-read insert lengths. Specifically, we prove that optimal detection and resolution of breakpoints is achieved using a mix of exactly two insert library lengths. Furthermore, we derive explicit formulae to determine these insert length combinations, enabling a 15% improvement in breakpoint detection at the same experimental cost. On empirical short read data, these predictions show good concordance with Illumina 200 bp and 2 Kbp insert length libraries. For transcriptome sequencing, we determine the sequencing depth needed to detect rare transcripts from a small pilot study. With only 1 Million reads, we derive corrections that enable almost perfect prediction of the underlying expression probability distribution, and use this to predict the sequencing depth required to detect low expressed genes with greater than 95% probability. Conclusions: Together, our results form a generic framework for many design considerations related to highthroughput sequencing. We provide software tools http://bix.ucsd.edu/projects/NGS-DesignTools to derive platform independent guidelines for designing sequencing experiments (amount of sequencing, choice of insert length, mix of libraries) for novel applications of next generation sequencing.
Preferences and reasons for communicating probabilistic information in verbal or numerical terms

Despite much disagreement regarding how probabilistic information is best communicated, virtually no research has been done to determine what communication modes people prefer or what factors affect their communication preferences. To address these issues, we did a survey of 442 graduate and undergraduate students in several specialties and universities. Some group differences emerged, but overall, 34% expressed preference for both conveying and receiving information about uncertainty in numerical rather than verbal form, 30% expressed the opposite preferences, and 35% indicated that they preferred to receive such information numerically but to convey it verbally. Generally, respondents who endorsed the use of verbal information said that it is easier to use, as well as more natural and personal. Those preferring numerical information said that it is more precise. Virtually all respondents, however, evidenced a willingness to use the opposite of their initially preferred mode if the situation should warrant it. The willingness to switch from one mode to another was said to depend on the level of precision implied by the data and the importance of the issue, as was suggested by Budescu and Wallsten (1987). These results may be helpful in structuring risk communication strategies.
Shaping the History of SPICE

The initial research goal of a graduate class project in 1969-1970 to “produce the best available computer program for the simulation of practical integrated circuits (ICs)” in the early days of the semiconductor industry resulted in the simulator SPICE. Today, more than four decades and 1 billion transistors per chip later, SPICE, in its various commercial or public-domain releases, has evolved into an IC design standard used for every single transistor-level circuit design. The following is an account of my participation, starting in 1977, in shaping the history of SPICE.
AMSU-A antenna pattern corrections

A procedure for making antenna pattern corrections to antenna temperatures of the advanced microwave sounding unit-A (AMSU-A) is developed. Antenna efficiencies, fractions of total power over three different solid-angle regions subtended at the satellite by the Earth (plus atmosphere below 20 km), cold space, and the satellite platform, were calculated at 30 Earth views and four possible cold space calibration positions. These calculated results simplify the process for correcting antenna temperature measurements to retrieve the true brightness temperatures from AMSU-A data. Using the antenna pattern data and a profile of atmospheric brightness temperature, a set of antenna pattern corrections was simulated for each channel at the 30 Earth views and four possible cold space calibration positions. The results show that these corrections can add 0.5 to 2.7 K to the antenna temperatures to retrieve the brightness temperatures and that the cold space calibration temperatures may be raised to 2 K above the nominal cold sky temperature of 2.73 K. Antenna pattern 3-dB beamwidths and main-beam efficiencies were also calculated from the antenna pattern data.
Cost-Effective Spinal Surgery: Reality or Oxymoron?

This chapter is an overview of cost-effectiveness research. A description of the process of cost-effectiveness analysis is presented along with several examples of these types of analyses that have been applied to different types of spinal surgery. The goal of this chapter is to provide a working knowledge of the elements of a cost-effectiveness analysis and to help you understand the benefits and pitfalls of this type of research. This should aid in determining the quality of cost-effectiveness studies.
Sub-diffuse optical biomarkers characterize localized microstructure and function of cortex and malignant tumor

This study uses a sub-diffusive light transport model to analyze fiber-optic measurements of reflectance spectra to recover endogenous tissue biomarkers and to correct raw fluorescence emissions for distortions from background optical properties. Measurements in tissue-simulating phantoms validated accurate recovery of the reduced scattering coefficient [(0.3-3.4 mm-1), error 10%], blood volume fraction [(1-3 vol%), error 7%], and a dimensionless metric of anisotropic scattering, γ, that is sensitive to submillimeter tissue ultrastructure [(1.29-2.06), error 11%]. In vivo sub-diffusive optical data acquired during clinical neurosurgeries characterize differences in microstructure (γ), perfusion (blood volume), and metabolism (PpIX fluorescence) between normal cortex and malignant tumor.
An Examination of the Indentation Size Effect and Bi-Linear Behavior of FCC Metals

We investigated pure FCC metals including Aluminum, Nickel, Silver, and 70/30 Copper Zinc (alpha-brass) alloy for the indentation size effect (ISE) and the bilinear behavior using a single Berkovich indenter tip in a single test machine. The results were consistent with those reported by Elmustafa and Stone, 2003 of the ISE and the bilinear behavior using two separate indenter tips (Berkovich and Vickers) from two separate machines. This behavior is mechanistic in nature and is observed regardless of the type of the self similar indenter tip employed. Furthermore, the research presented in this paper would seem to also validate the conclusions that Elmustafa et al (2004) articulate that the Strain Gradient Plasticity collapses at small scales and that the bilinear behavior of these FCC metals is attributed to the presence of long range shear stresses induced by geometrically necessary dislocations. Also, we observed what has been defined as a “tapping” issue for materials with high E/H ratios when using the CSM. The CSM protocol results in erroneous hardness results at very shallow depths for high E/H ratio soft metals due to the so called “tapping” of the stylus as articulated by Pharr et al. (2009). This method should only be used as a secondary technique to the load control protocol when examining the ISE effect.
Suppression of Leafminer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Populations on Turkey Oak (Fagaceae) Using Implants of Acephate

Herbivory by leafmining insects is notoriously difficult to manipulate for ecological studies because eggs and larvae generally cannot be moved easily among plants without damaging plant tissue and killing larvae. We report on the effectiveness of stem implants of acephate (O,S dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothioate)for protecting turkey oak, Quercus laevis Walter,foliage from leafminer, Brachys tesselatus F., herbivory. Implanting acephate capsules into the stem of turkey oak trees before budbreak significantly reduced overall leafminer damage (both adult foliage feeding and larval mining) without any evident negative effects on tree acorn production (number and weight of acorns). This technique is currently being used to examine long–term costs of leafminer herbivory on growth and reproduction of turkey oak. It is likely that a similar approach can be used to manipulate leafminer densities for ecological studies on other tree species, as has been shown for herbivores on conifers and numerous crop species.
A 1090 Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) Reception Model for Air- Traffic-Management Simulations

*† Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) has been identified by the FAA to be an enabling technology to support future ground and air traffic surveillance to provide traffic position, altitude, and aircraft identification to the air traffic controller as well as cockpit crews. To support NASA Langley’s air traffic management (ATM) research and development, a performance based ADS-B reception model using 1090 MHz data link has been developed to simulate reception of ADS-B messages based on range and airwave traffic interference for future ATM concept development. The reception model takes into account two major reception performance factors. One is the range effect, and the other is the interference resulting from overlapping messages at the receiver, due to the 1090 MHz data link sharing the same frequency as downlink Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)/Mode S/Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Upon successful reception, surveillance information such as position and identification of surrounding traffic can then be used for flight deck situation awareness and automation functions, e.g., conflict detection and resolution, and self separation to improve flight deck operations as well as flight safety and traffic flow. The model presented in this paper is mostly based on single message-level (rather than pulse-level) requirements and test procedures in the published Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), i.e., MOPS for ATCRBS/Mode S Airborne Equipment RTCA/DO-181C, and MOPS for 1090 MHz ADS-B and Traffic Information Services – Broadcast (TIS-B)/RTCA DO-260A. The model is also easily configurable according to other performance specifications and/or fielded equipment performance. A comparison with flight test data shows good model performance.
Sexual Rehabilitation and Male Radical Cystectomy

Sexual function was assessed before radical cystectomy in 112 men: 20 per cent were sexually inactive and 35 per cent had erectile dysfunction. Sexual function before cystectomy was an index of general health status and correlated significantly with survival free of disease. Followup data on sexual function were provided by 73 men at an average of 13 months postoperatively. After cystectomy, which was performed via standard operative techniques, 91 per cent of the men experienced some degree of erectile dysfunction but 50 per cent remained sexually active, at least using noncoital stimulation. Thirteen men chose to have a penile prosthesis implanted. Sexual counseling was rated as satisfactory by 80 per cent of the men.
One elevated bladder pressure measurement may not be enough to diagnose abdominal compartment syndrome

Bladder pressure measurements (BPMs) are considered a key component in the diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this observational review was to determine risk factors of ACS and associated mortality with particular focus on the role of BPM. A retrospective trauma registry and chart review was performed on trauma patients from January 2003 through December 2010. Comparisons were made between patients with and without ACS. There were 3172 patients included in the study of whom 46 had ACS. Patients with ACS were younger, more severely injured, with longer lengths of stay. Logistic regression determined Injury Severity Score (ISS) and urinary catheter days as independent predictors of ACS, whereas independent predictors of mortality included age, ISS, and ACS. Subset analysis demonstrated no association between BPM 20 mmHg or greater and diagnosis of ACS versus no ACS. Logistic regression indicated independent predictors of mortality were number of BPM 20 mmHg or greater and age. Patients with ACS are more severely injured with worse outcomes. An isolated BPM 20 mmHg or greater was not associated with ACS and may be inadequate to independently diagnose ACS. These findings suggest the need for repeat measurements with early intervention if they remain elevated in an effort to decrease mortality associated with ACS.
Nerve growth factor and insulin: evidence of similarities in structure, function, and mechanism of action.

Publisher Summary The hypothesis that nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin have evolved from a common ancestral precursor was originally formulated based on similarities at the widely separated levels of primary structure and biological function. This chapter discusses that the usefulness of the hypothesis has been in narrowing the conceptual gap between these two. The three-dimensional structure of NGF possesses the unique conformation required for specific interaction with a receptor on the surface membrane of responsive neurons, which has properties similar to the insulin receptor. The chapter discusses studies on the intracellular post-receptor mechanism of either insulin or NGF that contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of the other. Moreover, NGF-insulin relationship allows comparative study for two evolutionarily related hormone-receptor pairs, a system that is very useful in studying the evolutionary development of receptor-mediated intercellular regulatory systems. These studies indicate that such a hormone-like regulatory system operates on a specific part of the nervous system during its embryonic development.
Les nouveaux enjeux de la recherche marketing dans l'univers des services : Pour une aide à la décision plus opérationnelle

Le Marketing “ actif ” des Services s’interesse au client multi-produits et multi-services, que l’entreprise se doit, non plus seulement de mieux satisfaire ou de moins insatisfaire, mais de fideliser pour accroitre sa part de marche. Dans un contexte ou la fidelisation des clients est plus rentable que le recrutement, dans un contexte ou la fidelisation appelle a des engagements clients / fournisseurs a plus long terme qui diminuent le risque d’entreprise et seduisent les investisseurs ou actionnaires, cet article propose une demarche de recherche, la methode LOYALTY PLUS, validee par de grands groupes annonceurs, et centree sur la politique de fidelisation. Ses implications sont tres operationnelles pour l’entreprise : La fidelite est calculee de maniere non arbitraire et proche d’une realite de ventes sur le marche. La strategie de fidelisation est complete et coherente : elle integre le marketing strategique, en isolant les leviers concurrentiels de fidelite, et les valeurs internes de l’entreprise, un concept aujourd’hui fort sur le plan economique.
Interactionist Qualitative Research as a Semiotic Mediation Activity

In this article, we introduce qualitative research from an interactionist perspective. We specifically explore qualitative research itself as a semiotic process with associated actions. This enable...
Islam and the European Empires

This is a welcome contribution to (Western) imperial, religious, Islamic, Western-Islamic relational, transnational, international, comparative and global historical studies. It is fair to say it p...
Improving the cyber resilience of industrial control systems

Abstract Industrial control systems are designed to be resilient, capable of recovering from process faults and failures with limited impact on operations. Current industrial control system resilience strategies use redundant programmable logic controllers. However, these redundant programmable logic controllers, which typically are the same or similar makes and models as the primary controllers, can be exploited by the same cyber attacks that target the primary controllers. This paper proposes a resilience strategy for industrial control systems that employs an active defense technique to reduce, if not eliminate, the likelihood of a common cause failure induced by a cyber attack. The active defense implementation is compared with a traditional industrial control system resilience implementation using a semi-simulated wastewater treatment system that was exposed to cyber attacks. The results demonstrate that the active defense implementation is very effective in the aftermath of a cyber attack whereas the traditional resilience implementation gives rise to a system disruption.
CMOS luminescence lifetime sensor for white LED multi-spectral characterization

Time constants and luminescence lifetimes of an InGaN-based white LED at different wavelengths are characterized by a novel multi-cycle charge modulation based CMOS image sensor chip. To enable high sensitivity, we propose parasitic insensitive multi-cycle charge modulation scheme for low-light lifetime extraction. The designed in-pixel CTIA-based structure is able to capture the weak luminescence-induced voltage signal by accumulating photon-generated charges in 25 discrete gated time windows within 10ms, in which each time window has 10us pulse width. A pinned photodiode on chip with 1.04pA dark current is utilized for luminescence detection. The proposed circuitry can achieve 2.1mV/(nW/cm2) responsivity and 4.38nW/cm2 resolution at 630nm wavelength for intensity measurement and 45ns resolution for lifetime measurement.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN THE AGE OF WEB 2.0: THE RAP VIDEO PROJECT

The following experiential-learning innovation for Web 2.0 allows students to engage in creativity that is focused on writing poetry about a course-related topic and then recording a three-minute r...
The Nature and Dynamics of Technological Changes in an Automobile Tire Company — A Case Study

In this paper we describe how technological changes in an American automobile tire manufacturing firm helped to improve productivity and quality to a considerable extent over only an 18 month period of time. Technological changes considered not only include higher level technology machinery but also process and numerous managerial changes plus extensive retraining of the work force.
Energetic Radiation from Galactic Cosmic Ray Interactions with Saturn's Main Rings

Saturn's main rings have an energetic particle and gamma ray photon radiation environment produced by ring interactions of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) protons and heavier ions penetrating the planetary dipolar magnetic field. Accurate models of this radiation environment are important for interpretation of Pioneer 11 and Cassini in situ measurements near the rings and for constraints on radiolytic contributions to neutral gas production and ice chemistry. A GEANT (GEometry ANd Tracking) based simulation is used to model flux spectra of protons, electrons, positrons, charged pions, neutrons, and gamma ray photons emitted from GCR interactions with H2O ice spheres approximating the ring material. Dependent on location in the A to D rings within the planetary magnetic field of Saturn, only GCR protons above respective energies of 20 to 72 GeV can reach the rings without being deflected away by the magnetic field. Calculated differential and integral fluxes from our simulations have good agreement with in situ Pioneer-11 measurements in selected energy channels. The charged particle and neutral radiation measurements are sensitive, respectively, to the sizes and areal mass densities of ring bodies. Computed gamma ray emission fluxes are 8% of our calculated limit for detection from the Earth by the Fermi Large Area Telescope. Addition of charged particle sensors and neutron-photon imaging spectrometers to a future Saturn Ring Observer mission would provide valuable information on the ring mass structure. The present paper provides a foundation for modeling of Pioneer 11 and Cassini radiation measurements across the main rings and future measurements of radiation from the rings.
Diversity, Homophily and the Risk of Node Re-identification in Labeled Social Graphs

Real network datasets provide significant benefits for understanding phenomena such as information diffusion or network evolution. Yet the privacy risks raised from sharing real graph datasets, even when stripped of user identity information, are significant. When nodes have associated attributes, the privacy risks increase. In this paper we quantitatively study the impact of binary node attributes on node privacy by employing machine-learning-based re-identification attacks and exploring the interplay between graph topology and attribute placement. Our experiments show that the population’s diversity on the binary attribute consistently degrades anonymity.
DICER1 mutations are frequent in müllerian adenosarcomas and are independent of rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation.

Mullerian adenosarcomas are biphasic epithelial-mesenchymal tumors with benign epithelial and malignant mesenchymal components. The sarcoma component may be low or high grade; the latter is often seen in the presence of stromal overgrowth, which correlates with worse clinical outcome. Heterologous differentiation may also occur, usually in association with stromal overgrowth. DICER1 mutations have been reported primarily in a small subset of adenosarcomas with rhabdomyosarcomatous elements, but whether these are specific to the rhabdomyosarcomatous phenotype is unclear. In this study, we examined the clinical, pathologic, and genomic features of 19 mullerian adenosarcomas enriched for tumors with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation, as well as eight uterine carcinosarcomas with a rhabdomyosarcoma component. Somatic hotspot mutations in the RNase IIIb domain of DICER1 were identified in 8/19 (42%) adenosarcomas, of which four showed rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. DICER1 mutations were detected in 4/6 (67%) cases with a rhabdomyosarcoma component and in 4/11 (36%) cases without rhabdomyosarcoma. At least two DICER1 mutations were identified in 7/8 (88%) tumors, of which four had a truncating mutation. The hotspot DICER1 mutation in the remaining tumor was hemizygous and associated with loss of heterozygosity. Other less frequent recurrent somatic pathogenic alterations included Ras or PI3K/PTEN pathway aberrations (5/19 each, 26%), CDK4/MDM2 amplifications (3/19, 16%), and mutations in TP53 (3/19) and ARID1A (3/19). Two tumors demonstrated homozygous BAP1 deletion. One tumor harbored an ESR1-NCOA3 fusion gene. Carcinosarcomas with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation showed frequent mutations in TP53 (7/8, 88%) and the PI3K/PTEN pathway (6/8, 75%) but lacked DICER1 mutations. The findings highlight the importance of DICER1 mutations in mullerian adenosarcoma tumorigenesis and show that these alterations are not exclusive to heterologous rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation.
Recent advances in our understanding of the structure and function of more unusual cation channels

As their name implies, cation channels allow the regulated flow of cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium across cellular and intracellular membranes. Cation channels have long been known for their fundamental roles in controlling membrane potential and excitability in neurons and muscle. In this review, we provide an update on the recent advances in our understanding of the structure–function relationship and the physiological and pathophysiological role of cation channels. The most exciting developments in the last two years, in our opinion, have been the insights that cryoelectron microscopy has provided into the inner life and the gating of not only voltage-gated channels but also mechanosensitive and calcium- or sodium-activated channels. The mechanosensitive Piezo channels especially have delighted the field not only with a fascinating new type of structure but with important roles in blood pressure regulation and lung function.
Bandwidth Management in ATM Networks Using Fast Buffer Reservation

This talk describes a method for managing the allocation of bandwidth and controlling congestion in ATM networks. The method described provides a complete solution to the problem of efficient resource management in the presence of bursty traffic. The method relies on a technique called fast buffer reservation in which space in link buffers is allocated “on-the fly” to user information bursts at the time the bursts occur, ensuring that a burst, if accepted, has extremely high probability of being delivered intact. We also describe the hardware mechanisms required to implement the method and a fast call acceptance algorithm that ensures that the probability of burst rejection is acceptably small. We conclude that the method is practical and adds only a small incremental cost to an ATM switching system. We restrict ourselves here to the method’s application to point-to-point and one-to-many virtual circuits, but we note that it can also be extended to many-to-many virtual circuits (that is, virtual circuits with multiple transmitters, as well as multiple receivers).
Validation of Four Smartwatches in Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate Assessment During Exergaming

Abstract Objective: Validated the Apple Watch (AW), Fitbit Surge HR (FS), TomTom Multisport Cardio Watch (TT), and Microsoft Band (MB) in energy expenditure (EE), average heart rate (HR), and peak ...
Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: Impact on emotions

Abstract Prolonged exposure (PE) is an empirically supported treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that has reliably established clinically significant reduction of symptoms. In this chapter, we present an overview of PE and its efficacy, review the emotional processing theory (EPT) to explain the etiology and treatment of PTSD, and examine the influence of PE on specific emotions. While PE has long been understood to effectively target fear and anxiety, we present research that supports PE’s effectiveness at ameliorating diverse trauma sequelae, including anger, guilt, sadness, and even emotion dysregulation. We discuss how PE may modify these different emotional reactions, including through emotional activation and modification of unhelpful cognitions. We present a case study of treating diverse emotions within the context of PE and explore how culture may impact PE. Additional research into how PE modifies specific emotions is warranted. Directions for future research include continuing to study PE mechanisms of action including elucidation of specific mechanisms that modify diverse emotions.
Reduced Insulin Clearance and Insulin-Degrading Enzyme Activity Contribute to Hyperinsulinemia in African Americans.

Background African Americans (AAs) are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). The causal role of β-cell glucose sensitivity (β-GS) and insulin clearance in hyperinsulinemia in AA adults is unclear. Objective Using a cross-sectional study design, we compared β-cell function and insulin clearance in nondiabetic AAs (n = 36) and NHWs (n = 47) after a mixed meal test (MMT). Methods Insulin secretion rate, glucose sensitivity, rate sensitivity, and insulin sensitivity during MMT were derived from a mathematical model. Levels of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule-1 (CEACAM1), key players in insulin clearance, were measured (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in hepatic cytosolic fractions from age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched AA and NHW cadaveric donors (n = 10). Results Fasting and mean postprandial plasma glucose levels were similar in both ethnic groups. AAs had significantly higher fasting and mean postprandial plasma insulin levels. However, fasting ISR, total insulin output, and insulin sensitivity during MMT were not different between the groups. β-GS and rate sensitivity were higher in AAs. Fasting and meal plasma insulin clearance were lower in AAs. Hepatic levels of IDE and CEACAM-1 were similar in AAs and NHWs. Hepatic IDE activity was significantly lower in AAs. Conclusions In this study, lower insulin clearance contributes to higher plasma insulin levels in AAs. Reduced insulin clearance may be explained by lower IDE activity levels in AAs. Further confirmatory studies are needed to investigate diminished insulin clearance in AAs as a result of lower IDE activity levels.
Designing an All-Solid-State Sodium-Carbon Dioxide Battery Enabled by Nitrogen-Doped Nanocarbon

All-solid-state sodium–carbon dioxide (Na-CO2) battery is an emerging technology that effectively utilizes the greenhouse gas, CO2, for energy storage with the virtues of minimized electrolyte leak...
Disseminated nocardiosis in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Opportunistic infections are an ongoing concern in patients with autoimmune disease who are being treated with immunosuppressive agents. Nocardiosis is an uncommon opportunistic infection which has...
Fictitious Student Creation Incentives in School Choice Problems

We address the question of whether schools can manipulate the student-optimal stable mechanism by creating fictitious students in school choice problems. To this end, we introduce two different manipulation concepts, where one of them is stronger. Our first result demonstrates that the student-optimal stable mechanism is not strongly fictitious student-proof even under acyclic priority structures (Ergin (2002)). Then, for the weak one, our main theorem shows that the student-optimal stable mechanism is weakly fictitious student-proof if and only if the priority structure of schools is acyclic.
Hot or Not? A Nonparametric Formulation of the Hot Hand in Baseball

A nonparametric analysis of player plate appearances (PA) in the 2018 Major League Baseball (MLB) season provides no evidence of a batter hot hand. Players with more than 100 PAs in the 2018 season are analyzed using one-sided permutation tests stratified by player. Based on recent literature, we use the correlation between lagged on-base percentage (OBP)and a binary indicator of on-base performance. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this test statistic as well as others in the literature. A common criticism of no-hot-hand findings for individual players is low power, and a frequently proposed remedy is pooling data across players. Through simulation, we show that pooling data conflates long-term ability and recent performance. Another common criticism of no-hot-hand findings is emphasis on recent performance. We show that long lags, which de-emphasize recent performance, can lead to counter intuitive results. In contrast to much of the recent literature, which uses parametric methods, we argue that our nonparametric method is the most appropriate way to analyze the existence of the hot hand in baseball as well as numerous other inference questions.
Lung Cancer Screening Policy in Alaska and Occupational Therapy

Lung cancer claims more lives than any other cancer in the world and remains difficult to diagnose in the early stages. This article examines the current state of lung cancer detection and screening via low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in Alaska and considers potential opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners in primary care settings. Medicare requires at least one documented shared decision-making encounter between provider and patient before LDCT lung cancer screening occurs. As a result of time constraints, documentation requirements, and the plethora of preventive health services they provide, primary care physicians often lack the time and training to conduct this essential service. This provides an opportunity for occupational therapy practitioners to perform these services as part of their practice and to play a role in this area as patient educators and prevention specialists in primary care settings. What This Article Adds: This article explores the national health crisis of lung cancer and describes how occupational therapists can participate in providing care in primary care settings.
Association of Rare Genetic Variants and Early-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Ethnic Minority Individuals.

Importance Although rare variants in cardiac ion channels, transcription factors, and myocardial structural proteins are associated with early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in White individuals of European descent, it remains unclear whether genetic variation also contributes to the cause of AF in those of minority ethnicity. Objectives To assess the prevalence of rare and novel pathogenic variants in candidate genes in ethnic minority probands with early-onset AF and determine genotype-phenotype associations. Design, setting, and participants In this cohort, family-based study, probands of African and Hispanic descent with early-onset AF (defined as AF occurring in individuals aged ≤66 years) prospectively enrolled in a clinical and genetic biorepository underwent sequencing of 60 candidate genes. Recruitment took place from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2019. Data were analyzed from February 1 to February 28, 2020. Exposures Rare and novel variants categorized as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. Main outcomes and measures The prevalence of rare and novel pathogenic variants in African American and Hispanic/Latinx probands with early-onset AF and genotype-phenotype associations. Results Among 227 probands with early-onset AF, mean (SD) age at onset of AF was 51.0 (9.9) years, 132 probands (58.1%) were men, 148 (65.2%) were African American, and 79 (34.8%) were Hispanic/Latinx. A family history of AF was verified in 24 probands with early-onset AF (10.6%). Sequencing 60 candidate genes identified 53 (23 rare and 30 novel) variants with 16 of the 227 (7.0%) probands harboring likely pathogenic (43.8%) or pathogenic (56.2%) variants, with most loss-of-function variants in TTN, the gene encoding the sarcomeric protein titin (46.7%). In 6 families with more than 2 affected members, variants of unknown significance in sodium channel (SCN10A), potassium channel (KCNE5), sarcomeric proteins (MYH6 and TTN), and atrial natriuretic peptide (NPPA) cosegregated with AF. Conclusions and relevance In this study, likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants were identified, with most loss-of-function variants in TTN, that increase susceptibility to early-onset AF in African American and Hispanic/Latinx individuals. These findings provide further understanding toward molecular phenotyping of AF and suggest novel mechanism-based therapeutic approaches for this common arrhythmia in ethnic minority groups.
Comparative Effectiveness of Roflumilast and Azithromycin for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with exacerbations despite optimized bronchodilator therapy, roflumilast and chronic azithromycin are recommended options. Roflumilast is recommended in severe COPD patients with chronic bronchitis, whereas chronic azithromycin is more broadly indicated. The comparative effectiveness between these 2 treatments to reduce exacerbation rate remains unclear. Objectives Our objective was analysis of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) database (medication and claims data without lung function or presence of chronic bronchitis or tobacco use) to compare the effectiveness of roflumilast and azithromycin on hospitalizations and mortality. Methods The primary outcome of the study was cumulative incidences of first COPD-related and all-cause hospitalization. Sensitivity analysis on hospitalizations was conducted for VHA patients who also had Medicare. Results In 1302 roflumilast and 2573 azithromycin patients, the all-cause mortality rates at 1 year were 19% and 15%, respectively. The median times-to-all-cause death were 47 months (interquartile range [IQR] 16-81) for the roflumilast and 48 months (IQR 20-83) for the azithromycin groups. Roflumilast was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.29). Roflumilast showed no significant association for COPD-related hospitalization (subdistribution HR [SHR]=1.14, 95% CI, 1.00-1.29) and all-cause hospitalization (HR 1.07, 95% CI, 0.97-1.18). For patients with Medicare (N=2030), roflumilast was associated with higher COPD-related (SHR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05-1.41) and all-cause (SHR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.38) hospitalizations. Conclusions Roflumilast was associated with higher hazard ratios for death, COPD-related hospitalizations, and all-cause hospitalizations in COPD patients only after adjustment for VHA and external Medicare events. Prospective clinical trials are needed to directly compare the relative efficacy of these therapies.