cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homogenization of fish faunas in two categories of streams in a single basin in Kansas and the choice of similarity coefficients

The process of biotic homogenization represents an increased similarity among communities in their taxonomic, genetic, or functional attributes (Olden et al. 2004) through the loss of unique elements of native communities and the addition of widespread, nonnative elements (McKinney and Lockwood 1999). Thus, homogenization can result from introductions, extirpations, or both (Olden and Poff 2003; Olden and Poff 2004). Most assessments of the homogenization of fish faunas in streams have focused on comparisons of communities among basins, ecoregions, or states (Duncan and Lockwood 2001; Marchetti et al. 2001; Carlson and Daniels 2004). However, Scott and Helfman (2001) compared fish faunas in highland and lowland streams in the southeastern USA and discussed the importance of assessments at these smaller scales. Streams in western Kansas and their communities have undergone substantial changes since the state was established in 1861 (Cross and Moss 1987; Bergman et al. 2000). We used information summarized in a study on changes in the fish faunas of the Solomon River basin in north-central Kansas (Eberle et al. 2002) to assess the degree of homogenization that might have occurred between faunas characteristic of two general types of streams in a single basin in western Kansas.
Immigrant-Friendly and Unfriendly Cities: Impacts on the Presence of a Foreign-Born Population and City Crime

Immigration continues to be an issue in the USA. In the absence of substantive Federal law, some local governments have passed ordinances related to immigrants living in their community. Some of these have had pro-immigrant orientations and some have had anti-immigrant orientations. In the literature, these types of policies have been found to have mixed effects on immigrant decisions to live in those communities. These cities have passed these ordinances in order to attract or repel them because of perceived impacts on city crime among other reasons. This study is the first assessment on whether these policies have attracted or repelled the foreign-born population in these cities, and it contributes to the ongoing literature on whether that foreign-born population is having an effect on city crime. It was found that these policies are not having a significant effect on attracting or repelling immigrants while the impact of this population on city crime is significantly negative. Further research is recommended on this important topic.
Functional properties of bicarbonates on physicochemical attributes of ground beef

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO 3 ), and NaCl, alone or in combination, on raw ground beef. Raw ground beef was mixed with NaHCO 3 (5 g/kg; 10 g/kg), KHCO 3 (5 g/kg; 10 g/kg), and/or NaCl (5 g/kg), and the results of the treatment(s) were compared with ground beef treated with modified food starch (20 g/kg) or potato starch (20 g/kg). Adding the bicarbonates significantly increased (p L*- values of the ground beef during retail display storage. Our findings suggest that using bicarbonates increases the WHC by increasing the pH, resulting in raw ground beef that is more tender and adhesive.
Stability of famotidine in an extemporaneously prepared oral liquid

The stability of famotidine in an extemporaneously prepared oral liquid stored at 4 and 24 degrees C for 30 days was studied. Famotidine liquid was prepared by pulverizing and suspending 12 40-mg tablets in distilled water. This mixture was diluted with cherry syrup to a total volume of 60 mL, resulting in a famotidine concentration of 8 mg/mL. The liquid was divided into two 30-mL amber glass bottles and stored at 4 degrees C and at room temperature (24 degrees C). Samples from each of the two bottles were assayed for famotidine content by high-performance liquid chromatography. Each sample was assayed in duplicate at time 0 and on days 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30. The concentration of famotidine remained above 90% of original concentration for 20 days at 4 degrees C and for 15 days at room temperature. After 30 days, famotidine concentration was reduced by 15% and 24% at 4 degrees C and room temperature respectively. Famotidine liquid 8 mg/mL compounded extemporaneously from tablets was stable for 20 days at 4 degrees C and for 15 days at 24 degrees C.
Application for Training Simulator for Pulp and Paper Processes

Operator training was only a small part of the overall training challenge, but it was certainly an important part. The mill felt that mil wide simulation would be the most effective means of familiarizing operators with the processes.This paper explains the effect and experience of the SACDA TRAINER system in Pulp and Paper processes and the standard model of Kamyr digester.
The identification and quantitation of alkylated nucleobases by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV photodiode array detection.

The application of UV diode array detection in high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) identification and quantitation of several classes of synthetic and commercially available alkylated nucleobases is investigated. Quantitative spectral overlays of these compounds to methyl standard references from a spectral library and absorbance ratios at two maximal wavelengths (lambda max) are found to be useful in categorizing the solutes. They can be grouped into classes of compounds originating from a specific nucleobase and classes of analogs having different alkyl substituents (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, allyl, and benzyl) at the same position of the heterocycle. At a selected wavelength for alkylated nucleobases in the same class, the detector response factors are independent of the alkyl group (+/- 10%). This technique provides a practical means for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of product distribution of DNA base alkylation by using only readily obtainable methylated derivatives as the reference standards.
Non-bridging oxygen and high-coordinated aluminum in metaluminous and peraluminous calcium and potassium aluminosilicate glasses: High-resolution 17O and 27Al MAS NMR results

Change in configuration and structure with composition are important components of thermodynamic and transport properties of most aluminosilicate melts, but the complex interactions, particularly in metaluminous and peraluminous compositions, are not yet well understood. In this paper, we present high-resolution 27 Al and 17 O MAS and 3QMAS NMR data on several calcium and potassium aluminosilicate glasses prepared at several SiO 2 isopleths, ranging from peralkaline to peraluminous compositions. In all calcium aluminosilicate glasses, the V Al content increases with increasing Al content, while the NBO content decreases (in one series, below the limit of detection), consistent with other recent NMR studies of calcium aluminosilicate glasses. An increase in V Al content per total Al is also observed as the glass approaches the calcia-silica binary. In the potassium aluminosilicate glasses, NBO is directly quantified for the first time in metaluminous and peraluminous compositions; V Al is below the detection limit. We discuss possible mechanisms for the incorporation of alumina into the melt structure and show how changes in the V Al content as a function of composition may be used to eliminate mechanisms that do not fit the observed data. We also explore reactions, which show the difficulty of explaining the NBO present on the metaluminous join with only the observed V Al, implying the necessity of multiple reactions producing NBO in such compositions.
Neuropeptide Y inhibits ciliary beat frequency in human ciliated cells via nPKC, independently of PKA

The intracellular mechanisms whereby the inhibitory neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y (NPY) decreases ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were investigated in cultured human tracheal and bronchial ciliated ...
The Controlled Atmospheric System That Can Produce Efficient、 Stable and Single Mercury Isotope

In the atmosphere-vegetation-soil interface,the migration and transformation of mercury has been a hotspot research in recent years.The novel technology presented here for the investigation of a stable isotope of mercury provides a new means for the scientific research.The possible difficulties and the successful experimental key of the technology is the simulation of the atmospheric environment that there is sustained,stable and low concentrated of single mercury isotope.This experiment aims to design and create a system of atmospheric microenvironment which can add not only the single mercury isotopes,but also combine characteristics low concentration gradient,with strong stability,high controllability,high efficiency,smart and lightweight,easy installation,high mobility and wide application of the technology.
Effect of ACTH on Regeneration of Adrenal Cortex Following Auto-grafting in Hyophysectomized Rats.∗†

SummaryLarge doses of ACTH stimulated autografts of adrenal glands in hypophysectomized rats to regenerate cortical tissue. Extent of regeneration was less than occurs in the non-hypophysectomized rat.
Use of antimicrobials for patients undergoing prostatectomy.

SUMMARY Our suggestions for the use of antimicrobials in patients undergoing prostatectomy are summarized in Table 2. The use of antimicrobial prophyhxis perioperatively for patients without bacteriuria remains controversial. Some authors recommend 5 , 15 , 16 , 24 and others do not recommend 9 , 18 , 20 , 32 antimicrobial prophylaxis. We do not recommend perioperative prophylaxis for low-risk patients without previous urinary tract infections or an indwelling urethral catheter. We do recommend that patients with risk factors that increase the rate or consequence of urinary tract infection, those with previous urinary tract infections, or those with indwelling urethral catheters, even though the urine shows no growth, receive perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. Antimicrobial therapy is mandatory for patients with preoperative bacteriuria. The drug must be selected according to the susceptibility of the pathogen, and the duration of treatment must be guided by the severity of the infection. At the time of catheter removal, antimicrobial prophylaxis is probably beneficial, and antimicrobial therapy is essential if bacteriuria is present prior to catheter removal. All patients must have cultures after catheter removal and antimicrobial therapy if a urinary tract infection is identified.
Nonepidermal and Appendageal Skin Tumors

This article reviews the essential clinical and pathologic features of a number of tumors of the dermis and epidermal appendages to help improve the clinician's skill at formulating preoperative differential diagnoses, assessing the need for treatment, and determining appropriate follow-up. In addition, it attempts to alert the practitioner to a number of heritable and systemic conditions that may be signalled by the presence of cutaneous tumors.
Contact urticaria caused by rubber. Analysis of seven cases.

Seven patients with contact urticaria to rubber-containing materials were evaluated. One proved to be allergic to cornstarch powder in rubber gloves. Of the remaining six patients, three were allergic to Hevea brasiliensis and three to accelerators found in rubber. Of the seven patients, two, in whom the exposure was mucosal, suffered anaphylaxis. Among the remaining five, two had preceding contact hypersensitivity, and one each had atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, and irritant dermatitis. This finding suggests that breaks in the barrier function of the skin, whether related to atopic dermatitis or not, may be a significant factor in the development of urticarial reactions to rubber products.
Spin polarization of the ν=12/5 fractional quantum Hall state

We have carried out tilt magnetic field ($B$) studies of the $\ensuremath{\nu}=12/5$ fractional quantum Hall state in an ultrahigh-quality GaAs quantum well specimen. Its diagonal magnetoresistance ${R}_{xx}$ shows a nonmonotonic dependence on tilt angle (\ensuremath{\theta}). It first increases sharply with increasing \ensuremath{\theta}, reaches a maximal value of \ensuremath{\sim}70 \ensuremath{\Omega} at \ensuremath{\theta} \ensuremath{\approx} 14\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and then decreases at higher tilt angles. Correlated with this dependence of ${R}_{xx}$ on \ensuremath{\theta}, the 12/5 activation energy (${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{12/5}$) also shows a nonmonotonic tilt dependence. ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{12/5}$ first decreases with increasing \ensuremath{\theta}. Around $\ensuremath{\theta}={14}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$, ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{12/5}$ disappears as ${R}_{xx}$ becomes nonactivated. With further increasing tilt angles, ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{12/5}$ reemerges and increases with \ensuremath{\theta}. This tilt $B$ dependence at $\ensuremath{\nu}=12/5$ is strikingly different from that of the well-documented 5/2 state and calls for more investigations on the nature of its ground state.
Oral health, HIV, TB and smoking: Addressing behavioral health

S the beginning of the 21st century, we are facing the convergence of several epidemics. These include tobacco smoking, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infection. These epidemics interact by way of increasing disease susceptibility and worsening outcomes. To control these interacting epidemics, it is crucial to better understand each infection and how it influences the others. The association between tobacco smoke and TB was suggested many years ago. Evidence of the impact of tobacco smoking on TB infection has been confounded by its almost universal association with poverty, overcrowding and alcohol usage. Similar pathological mechanisms induced by malnutrition, alcohol abuse and smoking may indeed all predispose an individual to TB. Although both tobacco smoking and HIV infection may be associated through their common associations with poverty and high-risk behavior, tobacco smoking appears to be an independent and important risk factor for contracting HIV. Smoking further raises the extremely high risk of contracting TB in HIV+ individuals. Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at risk for many oral health problems, particularly those who are smokers. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are more likely to experience chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes that are linked to poor oral health status. This presentation will describe the impact of HIV, TB and tobacco use on the oral health of PLWHA; it will discuss the importance of multidisciplinary health teams in the oral care for PLWHA; and it will suggest concrete steps that clinicians can take to promote positive behavioral health changes in PLWHA.
An Interacting Multiple-Model-Based Algorithm for Driver Behavior Characterization Using Handling Risk

Performance of vehicle control systems, such as active safety systems and driver assistance systems, can be significantly improved by taking driver behavior information into consideration. This paper implements a handling limit-based algorithm for driver behavior characterization by introducing stochastic perspective with the interacting multiple model (IMM) estimation theory. The proposed algorithm constructs mathematical models for four vehicle dynamics categories. The IMM estimator is designed for each vehicle dynamics category to evaluate driver scores. The proposed algorithm is compared with an existing handling limit-based algorithm through experimental tests, and the results illustrate advantages of the proposed algorithm.
The fecal microbiome of dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in dogs is a syndrome of inadequate synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Small intestinal bacterial dysbiosis occurs in dogs with EPI, and is reversed with pancreatic enzyme therapy. However, there are no studies evaluating the fecal microbiome of dogs with EPI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fecal microbiome of dogs with EPI. Three day pooled fecal samples were collected from healthy dogs (n = 18), untreated (n = 7) dogs with EPI, and dogs with EPI treated with enzyme replacement therapy (n = 19). Extracted DNA from fecal samples was used for Illumina sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and analyzed using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) and PICRUSt was used to predict the functional gene content of the microbiome. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed significant differences in bacterial groups and functional genes between the healthy dogs and dogs with EPI. There was a significant difference in fecal microbial communities when healthy dogs were compared to treated and untreated dogs with EPI (unweighted UniFrac distance, ANOSIM P = 0.001, and 0.001 respectively). Alpha diversity was significantly decreased in untreated and treated EPI dogs when compared to the healthy dogs with respect to Chao1, Observed OTU, and Shannon diversity (P = 0.008, 0.003, and 0.002 respectively). The families Bifidobacteriaceae (P = 0.005), Enterococcaceae (P = 0.018), and Lactobacillaceae (P = 0.001) were significantly increased in the untreated and treated dogs with EPI when compared to healthy dogs. In contrast, Lachnospiraceae (P < 0.001), and Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased in dogs with EPI. Dogs with EPI (before treatment) had significant increases in functional genes associated with secretion system, fatty acid metabolism, and phosphotransferase system. In contrast, healthy dogs had a significant increase in genes related to phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, transcription machinery and sporulation. In conclusion, this study shows that the fecal microbiome of dogs with EPI (both treated and untreated) is different to that of healthy dogs.
Maize defective kernel mutant generated by insertion of a Ds element in a gene encoding a highly conserved TTI2 cochaperone.

We have used the newly engineered transposable element Dsg to tag a gene that gives rise to a defective kernel (dek) phenotype. Dsg requires the autonomous element Ac for transposition. Upon excision, it leaves a short DNA footprint that can create in-frame and frameshift insertions in coding sequences. Therefore, we could create alleles of the tagged gene that confirmed causation of the dek phenotype by the Dsg insertion. The mutation, designated dek38-Dsg, is embryonic lethal, has a defective basal endosperm transfer (BETL) layer, and results in a smaller seed with highly underdeveloped endosperm. The maize dek38 gene encodes a TTI2 (Tel2-interacting protein 2) molecular cochaperone. In yeast and mammals, TTI2 associates with two other cochaperones, TEL2 (Telomere maintenance 2) and TTI1 (Tel2-interacting protein 1), to form the triple T complex that regulates DNA damage response. Therefore, we cloned the maize Tel2 and Tti1 homologs and showed that TEL2 can interact with both TTI1 and TTI2 in yeast two-hybrid assays. The three proteins regulate the cellular levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs) and localize to the cytoplasm and the nucleus, consistent with known subcellular locations of PIKKs. dek38-Dsg displays reduced pollen transmission, indicating TTI2’s importance in male reproductive cell development.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities of juvenile dermatomyositis in US children: an analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Objective JDM is associated with multiple potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including reduced heart rate variability, systolic/diastolic cardiac dysfunction, abnormal brachial artery reactivity and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about cardiovascular risk in JDM. We sought to examine the association between JDM and cardiovascular risk factors and disease in US children. Methods Data from the 2002-12 National Inpatient Sample was analysed, including ∼20% of all US hospitalizations (n = 14 535 620 paediatric hospitalizations). Results JDM was significantly associated with 12 of 13 comorbidities, including hypertension [survey logistic regression; crude odds ratio (95% CI): 22.25 (15.51, 31.92)], obesity [5.87 (3.44, 10.02)], uncomplicated diabetes [7.95 (4.21, 15.00)], lipid abnormalities [5.84 (2.77, 12.31)], particularly lipodystrophy [151.08 (38.24, 596.86)], peripheral and visceral atherosclerosis [10.09 (3.70, 27.56)], late effects of cerebrovascular disease [15.49 (2.37, 101.43)], personal history of transient ischaemic attack and cerebral infarction [10.82 (2.46, 47.65)], pulmonary circulatory disorder [12.23 (2.59, 57.73)], arrhythmia [3.93 (2.80, 5.52)], bradycardia [4.22 (2.65, 6.74)] and hypotension [2.62 (1.27, 5.39)]. Conclusions There are significantly higher odds of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities among inpatients with JDM, with adolescents, girls and racial/ethnic minorities being at highest risk.
Non-contact thermometry of nanoscale materials for radiation-balanced lasers (Conference Presentation)

Recent experimental breakthroughs in the laser-refrigeration-of-solids (LRS) have demonstrated that cryogenic temperatures can now be achieved opening up a range of promising applications using compact, vibration-free optical cryocoolers. These results also have stimulated significant interest in the development of new material designs for applications in radiation balanced lasing (RBL). The development of practical host materials for RBLs requires the understanding of how both spontaneous emission rates and non-radiative decay rates change under a wide range of thermal conditions and dielectric host environments. In this work the photoluminescence lifetime of 4S3/2 transitions from Er(III) ions within co-doped Yb3+/Er3+-codoped hexagonal sodium-yttrium-fluoride (beta-NaYF4) nanostructures is presented as a rapid, low-cost, spatially resolved method of quantifying the temperature of within RBL materials. Lifetime measurements from single nanostructures are made using single-beam laser-traps, where the focal plane of the trapping laser is used to control the spacing between single nanowires and dielectric chamber surfaces that are supported by a temperature-controlled piezo-stage. The lifetime of Er(III) ions is observed to change significantly based on the distance between emitting dipoles and nearby dielectric interfaces and also as a function of chamber temperature. Lifetime measurements are also presented for measuring the temperature within polydimenthylsiloxane-polymer/nanocrystal composite materials that serve as a model system for future optical-fiber cladding materials. Lastly, ratiometric photoluminescence and lifetime measurements will be presented for Yb(III):YLiF4 microcrystals supported on cadmium sulfide nanoribbon cantilevers, indicating the potential for hybrid semiconductor/RE-fluoride composite structures for future RBL applications.
Planning Complexity Registers as a Cost in Metacontrol

Decision-making algorithms face a basic tradeoff between accuracy and effort (i.e., computational demands). It is widely agreed that humans can choose between multiple decision-making processes that embody different solutions to this tradeoff: Some are computationally cheap but inaccurate, whereas others are computationally expensive but accurate. Recent progress in understanding this tradeoff has been catalyzed by formalizing it in terms of model-free (i.e., habitual) versus model-based (i.e., planning) approaches to reinforcement learning. Intuitively, if two tasks offer the same rewards for accuracy but one of them is much more demanding, we might expect people to rely on habit more in the difficult task: Devoting significant computation to achieve slight marginal accuracy gains would not be "worth it." We test and verify this prediction in a sequential reinforcement learning task. Because our paradigm is amenable to formal analysis, it contributes to the development of a computational model of how people balance the costs and benefits of different decision-making processes in a task-specific manner; in other words, how we decide when hard thinking is worth it.
Conformal Field Theory in String Theory

The role of conformal field theory in string theory is briefly reviewed. Topics discussed include the formulation of first quantized string theory, simple string compactifications, and equivalences between conformal field theories.
Abstract 2397: Intracellular cholesterol regulates the DNA damage response in inflammatory breast cancer

Purpose: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer, and patients with IBC remain at high risk of locoregional recurrence after radiotherapy. We previously demonstrated that depleting intracellular cholesterol induces radiosensitivity in IBC cells in vitro, and that IBC patients with high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and those taking a statin, which inhibits de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, have improved locoregional control after radiotherapy. These results suggest that targeting cholesterol metabolism may improve the radiotherapeutic management of IBC. Here, we aimed to understand the molecular mechanism(s) linking cholesterol metabolism and radiation-induced DNA damage and DNA repair and to evaluate statin pharmacotherapy as a DNA repair inhibitor and radiotherapeutic adjunct in an in vivo pre-clinical model of IBC. Methods: KPL4, SUM149, SUM190, and IBC3 IBC cell lines were used to examine the effect(s) of simvastatin and human serum lipoproteins on radiation-induced DNA damage induction, DNA damage signaling, DNA damage-associated G1, intra-S, and G2/M cell cycle checkpoint activation, and DNA double strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Results: We have generated multiple IBC cells lines with an integrated Traffic Light Reporter (TLR) that is capable of measuring HR and NHEJ, and demonstrate that depletion of intracellular cholesterol abrogates HR-mediated repair of DNA DSBs. We also show that intracellular cholesterol has pleiotropic effects on cell cycle distribution and DNA damage-associated cell cycle checkpoints. We also report a novel polycistronic dual bioluminescence reporter system that can robustly visualize and quantitate DNA DSB induction and repair in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Cholesterol is an important determinant of intrinsic radiosensitivity in IBC, and appears to regulate repair of radiation-induced DNA DSBs. Targeting cholesterol metabolism is a potential strategy to overcome IBC radioresistance and improve the prognosis for this aggressive disease. Citation Format: Shane R. Stecklein, Adam R. Wolfe, Bisrat G. Debeb, Richard A. Larson, Wendy A. Woodward. Intracellular cholesterol regulates the DNA damage response in inflammatory breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2397.
Catheter-based closure of aortic and mitral paravalvular leaks: existing techniques and new frontiers.

Introduction: Significant paravalvular leak (PVL) complicates between 6% and 15% of valve replacements and can result in heart failure and hemolysis. Paravalvular leak can be effectively treated wi...
Archaeological Investigations at the Double Flute Folsom Site (LA178142), New Mexico

ABSTRACTIn May 2017, the QUEST Archaeological Research Program (Southern Methodist University) investigated the Double Flute Folsom site (LA178142) in Socorro County, New Mexico. Intensive surface survey and excavations were performed to determine the nature and extent of Folsom activities, the stratigraphic integrity of archaeological deposits, and their paleoenvironmental context. The site exhibits a sparse lithic scatter and little stratigraphic integrity. Double Flute is a small, ephemeral Folsom locality.
One-Day Challenge Course Impact on Student Life Effectiveness Skills

This study investigated the impact a one-day challenge course program has on college student's life effectiveness skills, as measured by the 24-item LEQ-H self-reported questionnaire. The sample population (n=57) for this study was made up of college-aged students from two class sections of a recreation and leisure introductory course. Analysis of t-tests of the two pre-test (baseline and pre course) measurements showed no significant differences in participant scores for seven of the eight LEQ Factors. Using t-test analysis of the pre and post (treatment phase) LEQ-H scores for female participants indicated significant increases for all eight LEQ-H domains (time management, social competence, achievement motivation, intellectual flexibility, task leadership, emotional control, active initiative, and self confidence) and for the overall LEQ score. In contrast, male participants reported significant increases in only of one of the eight LEQ Factors (time management). Females reported moderate to large (.619 to .845) effect size scores and males reported small to moderate (.143 to .526) effect size scores, demonstrating that they did receive some benefits from participation. Results strongly suggest that a one-day challenge course program can have a significant impact on college students', particularly females', life effectiveness skills.
CHAPTER 4 – CANONICAL FORMS OBTAINED VIA ORTHOGONAL TRANSFORMATIONS

This chapter presents two very important canonical forms: the Hessenberg form and the Real Schur Form (RSF) of a matrix can be obtained using orthogonal similarity transformations. Another important canonical form, known as the generalized real Schur form, can be obtained using orthogonal equivalence. These canonical forms form important tools in the development of numerically effective algorithms for control problems. The RSF of a matrix displays the eigenvalues of the matrix. The chapter presents a method, known as the QR iteration method, for computing the RSF of the matrix. The QR iteration method is nowadays a standard method for computing the eigenvalues of a matrix. The QR factorization is iterative in nature. Since the roots of a polynomial equation of degree higher than four cannot be found in a finite number of steps, any numerical method to compute the eigenvalues of a matrix of higher order than four, has to be iterative in nature. The chapter also explains the generalized Real Schur Form by QZ algorithm and the Golub-Kahan-Reinsch algorithm that is a standard computational algorithm for computing the SVD.
Kidney function, proteinuria and breast arterial calcification in women without clinical cardiovascular disease: The MINERVA study.

Author(s): Parikh, Rishi V; Iribarren, Carlos; Lee, Catherine; Levine-Hall, Tory; Tan, Thida C; Sanchez, Gabriela; Ding, Huanjun; Bidgoli, Fatemeh Azamian; Molloi, Sabee; Go, Alan S | Abstract: BackgroundBreast arterial calcification (BAC) may be a predictor of cardiovascular events and is highly prevalent in persons with end-stage kidney disease. However, few studies to date have examined the association between mild-to-moderate kidney function and proteinuria with BAC.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled women with no prior cardiovascular disease aged 60 to 79 years undergoing mammography screening at Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 10/24/2012 and 2/13/2015. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), along with specific laboratory, demographic, and medical data, were measured at the baseline visit. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), medication history, and other comorbidities were identified from self-report and/or electronic medical records. BAC presence and gradation (mass) was measured by digital quantification of full-field mammograms.ResultsAmong 3,507 participants, 24.5% were aged ≥70 years, 63.5% were white, 7.5% had eGFR l60 ml/min/1.73m2, with 85.7% having uACR ≥30 mg/g and 3.3% having uACR ≥300 mg/g. The prevalence of any measured BAC (g0 mg) was 27.9%. Neither uACR ≥30 mg/g nor uACR ≥300 were significantly associated with BAC in crude or multivariable analyses. Reduced eGFR was associated with BAC in univariate analyses (odds ratio 1.53, 95% CI: 1.18-2.00), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for potential confounders. Results were similar in various sensitivity analyses that used different BAC thresholds or analytic approaches.ConclusionsAmong women without cardiovascular disease undergoing mammography screening, reduced eGFR and albuminuria were not significantly associated with BAC.
Treatment of Breathing-Related Disorders

Abstract The first line of therapy for breathing-related sleep disorders remains positive airway pressure (PAP). These disorders can fall into one or more of three categories: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and hypoventilation. Treatment of OSA involves opening the airway during sleep with either PAP, oral appliance therapy, or behavioral modification. Treatment of CSA requires the initiation and support of inspiratory effort when a patient’s own respiratory drive is either absent or insufficient. Hypoventilation requires support and augmentation of ventilation with noninvasive positive pressure ventilator devices. Treatment of these disorders always includes longitudinal clinical follow-up to ensure effectiveness and adherence.
Facilitation of Surgical Innovation: Is It Possible to Speed the Introduction of New Technology While Simultaneously Improving Patient Safety?

Objective:To review efficiency metrics and patient safety data before and after implementation of a structured review process for surgical innovations.Summary Background Data:Surgical innovation ranges from minor incremental improvement to radical experimentation. Although innovation paradigms have
Ivosidenib induction therapy complicated by myopericarditis and cardiogenic shock: A case report and literature review:

IntroductionIvosidenib is a novel oral inhibitor of mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 approved for the treatment of refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia in patients with isocitrate dehydr...
Modeling magnetic evolution and exchange hardening in disordered magnets: The example of Mn 1 -x Fe x Ru 2 Sn Heusler alloys

We demonstrate how exchange hardening can arise in a chemically disordered solid solution from a first-principles statistical mechanics approach. A general mixed-basis chemical and magnetic cluster expansion has been developed, and applied to the ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ru}}_{2}\mathrm{Sn}$ Heusler alloy system; single-phase solid solutions between antiferromagnetic ${\mathrm{MnRu}}_{2}\mathrm{Sn}$ and ferromagnetic ${\mathrm{FeRu}}_{2}\mathrm{Sn}$ with disorder on the Mn/Fe sublattice that exhibit unexpected exchange hardening. Monte Carlo simulations applied to the cluster expansion are able to reproduce the experimentally measured magnetic transition temperatures and the bulk magnetization as a function of composition. The magnetic ordering around a site is shown to be dependent not only on bulk composition, but also on the identity of the site and the local composition around that site. The simulations predict that local antiferromagnetic orderings form inside a bulk ferromagnetic region at intermediate compositions that drives the exchange hardening. Furthermore, the antiferromagnetic regions disorder at a lower temperature than the ferromagnetic regions, providing an atomistic explanation for the experimentally observed decrease in exchange hardening with increasing temperature. These effects occur on a length scale too small to be resolved with previously used characterization techniques.
Outcomes and Complications in the Management of Distal Radial Fractures in the Elderly.

Background:The purpose of the present study was to identify trends in management and to compare the outcomes and complications following nonoperative and operative management (including external fixation, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and open reduction and internal fixation) for distal
Decoding Inter-individual Variability in Experience-Dependent Behavioral Plasticity.

Inter-individual variability in behavioral flexibility is widespread throughout the animal kingdom, but its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this issue of Neuron, Beets et al. (2020) provide novel insights into the genetic basis of inter-individual differences in behavioral flexibility using the model nematode C. elegans.
Leisure in our lives: exploring the common leisure occasion.

This study explores the common leisure occasion—those informal, unstructured leisure situations which emerge throughout the day—in attempt to understand the situational factors conducive to its app...
Photocontrolled miR-148b nanoparticles cause apoptosis, inflammation and regression of Ras induced epidermal squamous cell carcinomas in mice.

Abstract Despite evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential in modulating tumorigenesis, a major challenge in cancer treatment is to achieve tumor-specific selectivity and efficient yet safe delivery of miRNAs in vivo. In this study, we have developed a light-inducible silver nanoparticle nucleic acid delivery system that demonstrates precise spatiotemporal control, high cellular uptake, low cytotoxicity, escape from endosomes and release of functional miRNA into the cytosol. Using this approach, we delivered exogenous miR-148b to induce apoptosis in Ras-expressing keratinocytes and murine squamous cell carcinoma cells while avoiding cytotoxicity in untransformed keratinocytes. When administered to transgenic mice with HRasG12V-driven skin tumors, a single dose of silver nanoparticle conjugates followed by 415 nm LED irradiation at the tumor site caused a rapid and sustained reduction in tumor volume by 92.8%, recruited T cells to the tumor site, and acted as a potent immunomodulator by polarizing the cytokine balance toward Th1 both locally and systemically. In summary, our results demonstrate that spatiotemporal controlled miR-148b mimic delivery can promote tumor regression efficiently and safely.
Orbital Equivalence of Terrestrial Radiation Tolerance Experiments

High-energy (>40 MeV) protons are commonly used to characterize radiation tolerance of space electronics against damage caused by energy transfer to the nuclei and electrons of semiconductor materials while in orbit. While practically useful, these experiments are unrepresentative in terms of particle type and energy spectra, which results in disproportionate amounts of displacement damage and total ionizing dose. We compare these damages to those realized by bulk semiconductors used in optoelectronics in common low, medium, and high Earth orbits by calculating the duration in orbit required to achieve equivalent nuclear and electronic energy deposition. We conduct this analysis as a function of test proton energy, material, material thickness, and shielding thickness. The ratio of nuclear to electronic orbit duration, a value which would approach unity in an ideal radiation tolerance test, is found to exceed unity in the majority of cases but approaches unity as Al shielding increases. This study provides a connection between damage produced in terrestrial accelerator-based characterizations and orbit irradiation in terms of both damage modes which can cause optoelectronic components to fail: displacement damage and total ionizing dose.
Lead age as a predictor for failure in pediatrics and congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND Pediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) patients have a high rate of transvenous (TV) lead failure. OBJECTIVE To determine whether TV lead age can aid risk assessment for lead failure to guide the decision of whether a lead should be replaced or reused at the time of a generator change. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of patients <21 years old undergoing TV device implant from 2000 to 2014 at our institution. Patient, device, and lead variables were collected. Leads were compared in groups based on how many generator changes were completed. RESULTS A total of 393 leads in 257 patients met inclusion criteria, 60 leads failed (15%). Failed leads were more likely to have not yet undergone generator change (p = .048). CHD (p = .045), Tendril lead type (p = .02) and silicone insulation (p = .02) were associated with failure. In multivariate analysis, younger leads (p = .022), number of generator changes (p = .003), CHD (p = .005) and silicone insulation (p = .004) remained significant while Tendril lead type did not (p = .052). Survival curves show an early decline around 4 years. CONCLUSIONS Lead failure rate in pediatric and CHD patients is high. Leads that have not yet undergone a generator change were more likely to fail in this cohort. The strategy of serial replacement based on lead age needs further research to justify in this population.
Georgia Cotton Acreage Response to the Boll Weevil Eradication Program

An adaptive regression model is employed for estimating pre- and post-boll weevil eradication cotton-acreage response. Results indicate cotton acreage becoming more inelastic to own- and cross-price changes. As a result of this shift in acreage response and yield increases from eradication, net producer benefits on average are $88.73 per acre.
Network Security for Home IoT Devices Must Involve the User: A Position Paper

Many home IoT devices suffer from poor security design and confusing interfaces, lowering the bar for successful cyberattacks. A popular approach to identify compromised IoT devices is network-based detection, in which network traffic is analyzed to fingerprint and identify such devices. However, while several network-based techniques for identifying misbehaving devices have been proposed, the role of the user in remediating IoT security incidents has been conspicuously overlooked.
Effects of the Gratitude Letter and Positive Attention Bias Modification on Attentional Deployment and Emotional States

Much research testing positive psychological interventions (PPIs) has focused primarily on emotional states, while research testing the effects of positive attention bias modification (PABM) has tended to focus primarily on attentional deployment. Evidence is sparse and inconsistent on attentional deployment (i.e., a process of emotion regulation) in PPIs, changes in emotional states (i.e., an outcome of emotion regulation) in PABM programs, and the combined effects of the two types of interventions on attentional deployment and emotional states. In the current study, we found that the gratitude letter increased positive affect immediately after completion and the PABM biased attention immediately after completion; however, the effects of the gratitude letter on affect were only maintained throughout the study when paired together with the PABM program. Further, we found evidence that the gratitude letter and the gratitude letter with the PABM program increases initial viewing away and late viewing towards emotional stimuli. Thus, the gratitude letter may produce positive effects on affect by increasing the salience of emotional stimuli, potentially helping individuals notice positive sitmuli in their enviroment to maintain their mood and negative stimuli in their enviornment to reduce emotional avoidance. The results suggest that combining the gratitude letter with a PABM program can produce strong effects on both attentional deployment and emotional states. We discuss the implications for clinical practice and future research.
A need for health promotion in the older adult population: Health promotion and aging: practical applications for health professionals (6th edition), by David Haber, Springer Publishing Company, $31.69, ISBN-978-0-8261-9917-1

Haber’s (2013) sixth edition of Health Promotion and Aging: Practical Applications for Health Professionals provides updated and relevant information regarding healthy aging and the older adult pop...
Generating THz fields and Delivering Them to Samples for Maximum Effect

Nonlinear THz spectroscopy is now practiced widely, in most cases using inorganic or organic nonlinear optical crystals for generation of sufficiently strong THz fields. Typically, the fields are projected into free space and from there focused onto the samples to drive nonlinear responses of interest. Field enhancement structures of various types may be used to generate near-field amplitudes that exceed those reached in free space, sometimes by several orders of magnitude. Strong-field THz control over molecular and material behaviour as well as nonlinear spectroscopy have been demonstrated using this approach.
Roadmaps to net-zero emissions systems: Emerging insights and modeling challenges

Summary Understanding economic and technical characteristics of net-zero emissions energy systems is important, given the growing number of national, subnational, and company net-zero targets. Emerging modeling studies examine how to achieve these net-zero goals, but differences across countries, model structures, and input assumptions make comparisons difficult. This perspective reviews insights from country-level studies on net-zero emissions systems. There is robust agreement on near-term “low regrets” strategies: rapid reduction of coal generation and expansion of renewables in the power sector; lower fossil fuel use; end-use efficiency improvements; electrification of end uses especially in transportation; and research, development, and deployment to buy down learning curves for emerging technologies that might be valuable for deeper decarbonization. However, although nearer-term trends are qualitatively similar, studies exhibit variation in decarbonization strategies, especially as net-zero goals are approached. Net-zero emissions targets lead to shifts toward clean electricity and declines in fossil fuel use, though magnitudes of these changes vary considerably across countries, models, and scenarios. This work also highlights modeling and analysis needs moving forward, including ways to provide more actionable information for stakeholders and research gaps where collaborations are increasingly valuable.
The Making of the Chinese Industrial Workplace: Welfare and Wages in Wartime

As much as Xue Mingjian trumpeted the benefits of “labor kindness” in his creation of an enterprise welfare community at the Shenxin Number Three Mill in Wuxi, only a handful of other factories pursued Xue's strategy to fuse scientific management with Confucian benevolence. A few large-scale enterprises in Shanghai under British, Japanese, and Chinese ownership – such as the plants operated by the British American Tobacco Company, Naga Wata Textile Corporation, the Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company, and the Commercial Press – did offer employees limited nonwage benefits. In the thousands of small manufacturing workshops in Chinese cities, owners at times extended certain benefits to apprentices and employees. Even labor contractors were nominally responsible for providing workers with housing, food, and clothing. However, the fact that owners and managers of large factories housed workers in a primitive factory dormitory or offered simple meals in a dining hall – fees for which were commonly deducted from a worker's pay – should not be overemphasized as the “sprouts” that eventually grew into the work-unit structure of the 1950s. In most cases in the 1930s, managerial provision of housing and food simply helped to ease the inconvenience of journeying back and forth from a distant dwelling for meals and rest. Such examples of nonwage benefits were qualitatively different from the kind of enterprise welfare measures that became standard practice in large state-owned enterprises by the late 1940s.