cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased practice of a standing motor sequence task in healthy young and healthy elders: Short communication

Abstract Background Sequence-specific learning (SSL); the ability to implicitly integrate repeated sequences compared to random sequences during a motor sequence paradigm, is impaired in healthy elders (HE) compared to healthy young (HY). Prior studies have provided limited practice (small repetitions and only 1 to 3 days). Research question Using a standing, postural control task we sought to assess if more practice (7 days) would remediate the differences observed in SSL for HE. Methods We used a continuous tracking task following a sinusoidal path of randomly presented random and repeated patterns. Root mean square error (RMSE) was the primary dependent variable, and the difference in RMSE between the random and repeated sequences was calculated to determine if SSL occurred. Results Improvement in SSL was documented as a decreasing value of the mean repeated sequence and less or no change in the random sequence. Eight HY and 8 HE practiced the repeated sequences 420 times over 7 days. No differences were observed between the groups on cognition, balance, and mobility. HE did not demonstrate the ability to integrate the repeated sequence on day 1, but with increased practice, they integrated the repeated sequence similar to HY by the end of practice. The results of this study suggest that sustained practice over 7 days remediated differences in performance of a standing, implicit, sequence-specific task between HY and HE. Significance Clinically, it is important to provide individuals with sufficient practice amount to achieve integration of a standing task. Results suggest that older adults need more practice to demonstrate SSL.
Calibration of the global physical activity questionnaire to Accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Self-report questionnaires are a valuable method of physical activity measurement in public health research; however, accuracy is often lacking. The purpose of this study is to improve the validity of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire by calibrating it to 7 days of accelerometer measured physical activity and sedentary behavior. Participants (n = 108) wore an ActiGraph GT9X Link on their non-dominant wrist for 7 days. Following the accelerometer wear period, participants completed a telephone Global Physical Activity Questionnaire with a research assistant. Data were split into training and testing samples, and multivariable linear regression models built using functions of the GPAQ self-report data to predict ActiGraph measured physical activity and sedentary behavior. Models were evaluated with the testing sample and an independent validation sample (n = 120) using Mean Squared Prediction Errors. The prediction models utilized sedentary behavior, and moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity self-reported scores from the questionnaire, and participant age. Transformations of each variable, as well as break point analysis were considered. Prediction errors were reduced by 77.7–80.6% for sedentary behavior and 61.3–98.6% for physical activity by using the multivariable linear regression models over raw questionnaire scores. This research demonstrates the utility of calibrating self-report questionnaire data to objective measures to improve estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior. It provides an understanding of the divide between objective and subjective measures, and provides a means to utilize the two methods as a unified measure.
Investigating the effect of retained austenite and residual stress on rolling contact fatigue of carburized steel with XFEM and experimental approaches

Abstract In this study, the effects of retained austenite (RA) and residual stress on rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of carburized AISI 8620 steel were investigated through modeling and experiments. In modeling, a two-dimensional finite element RCF model was developed to examine the crack propagation and fatigue life of carburized AISI 8620 steel. An extended finite element method (XFEM) was used to initiate and propagate the cracks in the model. A Voronoi Tessellation was randomly generated to simulate the randomness of the microstructures in steel. The cracks were initiated on the grain boundaries of a Voronoi cell prior to the simulations at different locations in the RCF model. The RCF life of the samples was determined by rolling contact fatigue tests. The results in both simulations and experiments showed that the higher level of RA and compressive residual stress achieved improved RCF life through mitigation of crack propagation. The effect of increased RA led to significant improvement on RCF life as compared to increased in compressive residual stress.
Predation risk and microhabitat selection by cave salamanders, Eurycea lucifuga (Rafinesque, 1822)

Habitat selection is driven by many factors, but no one location is likely to be best for all factors; thus, individuals are subject to trade-offs when selecting habitat. Caves provide a clear example of such trade-offs because these habitats are energy deprived. Cave salamanders ( Eurycea lucifuga ) commonly inhabit caves at least in part because this habitat is cool and wet. We tested the hypothesis that caves also provide cave salamanders with a reduction in predation risk. We used clay models to test for differences in predation risk in caves vs. forests and at low (e.g., ground) vs. elevated (e.g., cave wall) positions, and recorded locations of cave salamanders to assess vertical (i.e., wall) vs. non-vertical (e.g., ground) substrate selection in a cave. Overall, a mean of 3.2 models in caves were damaged and a mean of 8.2 were damaged in forests. Cave salamanders selected vertical substrate more often than non-vertical substrate (χ2=794.53, p<0.001), and in caves, low-positioned models were more likely to be damaged than models on walls, although there was no effect of model height in forests. This study suggests that caves provide salamanders a refuge from increased predation pressure, a benefit that likely compensates for the costs of moving between caves and the richer foraging grounds outside them.
The paradox of resource availability and the perception of resource adequacy: the roles of psychological capital, perceived stress and age in the innovation process

Technology development usually occurs in a complex and dynamic environment, whether it is corporate venturing or a start-up. To increase the likelihood of success, a better understanding of...
A Comparison of the US Newspaper Coverage of US Uncut and Occupy

ABSTRACTAlthough US Uncut and Occupy were two similar social movement organizations highlighting the rising levels of economic inequality in the United States after the Great Recession, Occupy received more media coverage than US Uncut. Through a qualitative comparison utilizing a variety of sources, this study found four possible reasons that can explain why Occupy received more media attention: (1) Occupy had more dramatic protest events; (2) Occupy was active during a time when people were more frustrated with the economy and Wall Street; (3) Occupy faced less competition from other protest events; and (4) Occupy held larger protest events.
Influence of Patients' Age in the Utilization of Esophagectomy for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background: The indication of surgical resection in esophageal cancer is often conditioned by patient's age. We aimed to assess the trends in utilization of surgical treatment for esophage...
Frito-Lay Adapts to the Chinese Market

In the 1930s, two men in different parts of the United States began businesses that would eventually come to dominate the global snack food market. The combined companies became Frito-Lay and were acquired by PepsiCo in 1965. This case explores the recent entry of Frito-Lay into the Chinese market, showing tactics which were successful, along with mistakes made by the company.
Evolution, purification, and characterization of RC0497: a peptidoglycan amidase from the prototypical spotted fever species Rickettsia conorii

Rickettsial species have independently lost several genes owing to reductive evolution while retaining those predominantly implicated in virulence, survival, and biosynthetic pathways. In this study, we have identified a previously uncharacterized Rickettsia conorii gene RC0497 as an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase constitutively expressed during infection of cultured human microvascular endothelial cells at the levels of both mRNA transcript and encoded protein. A homology-based search of rickettsial genomes reveals that RC0497 homologs, containing amidase_2 family and peptidoglycan binding domains, are highly conserved among the spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. The recombinant RC0497 protein exhibits α-helix secondary structure, undergoes a conformational change in the presence of zinc, and exists as a dimer at higher concentrations. We have further ascertained the enzymatic activity of RC0497 via demonstration of its ability to hydrolyze Escherichia coli peptidoglycan. Confocal microscopy on E. coli expressing RC0497 and transmission immunoelectron microscopy of R. conorii revealed its localization predominantly to the cell wall, septal regions of replicating bacteria, and the membrane of vesicles pinching off the cell wall. In summary, we have identified and functionally characterized RC0497 as a peptidoglycan hydrolase unique to spotted fever rickettsiae, which may potentially serve as a novel moonlighting protein capable of performing multiple functions during host-pathogen interactions.
PERCEPTIONS AND ADOPTION OF MOBILE MONEY SERVICES AMONG SELECTED UNIVERSITY STUDENT'S IN NIGERIA

Student's perceptions towards the adoption of mobile money services in Nigeria was carried out to find out why there was a low adoption of mobile money services among the students despite its huge benefits. The main objective was to examine the relationship between students' perceptions and adoption of mobile money services. The study was based on Social Cognitive Theory by Bandura, 1989. A survey method was adopted. The sampling technique was purposive sampling, the sample size of 400. Bio-data was analyzed with descriptive statistics while multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses. The result shows that Reciprocal determinism has a positive significant relationship with the adoption of mobile money services (β=.098, t= 2.392, p<.354). Forethought capacity had no statistically significant relationship on the adoption of mobile money services (β=.023, t= .631, p<.528). Vicarious capacity has a positive significant relationship with the adoption of mobile money services (β=.163, t= 5.036, p<.000). Self-reflective capacity has a positive significant relationship with the adoption of mobile money services (β=.619, t= 12.488, p<.000). Self-regulatory capacity has a positive significant relationship with the adoption of MMS (β=.059, t= 1.702, p=.089). Mobile money operators should endeavor to create awareness that is based on informing the students on the success and benefit of the system, the government should provide enabling the environment for mobile money services to work effectively in all the universities in Nigeria. University authorities should hence fort ensure that students pay their tuition fees and other fees through mobile money services. JEL: E51, O55, D14 Article visualizations:
1369 Cost and Outcomes Analysis of Robotic, Laparoscopic, and Abdominal Hysterectomy for Benign Disease in a Community Hospital Setting

Study Objective To compare overall costs and quality measures of various methods of benign hysterectomies at a community based hospital system Design A retrospective review of all hysterectomies for benign indications at Saint Peters University Hospital between March 2017 to Dec 2018. Robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies, laparoscopic hysterectomies, and abdominal hysterectomies were compared. Setting Data was collected from admission to discharge. In the OR, all patients were in comparable sized OR rooms and staff were trained in the procedure performed. Patients undergoing robotic assisted hysterectomies and laparoscopic hysterectomies were placed in the dorsal lithotomy position with trendelenberg. Those undergoing abdominal hysterectomies were placed in the dorsal supine position. Patients or Participants The study included 288 women who underwent benign hysterectomy by any method at Saint Peters University Hospital from March 2017 to Dec 2018. 86 (40.4%) patients underwent a robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, 60 (28.0%) underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy, and 68 (31.7%) underwent an abdominal hysterectomy. Interventions All patients received a hysterectomy in one of the three following methods: robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, and abdominal hysterectomy. Concomitant procedures of a salpingo-oophrectomy and/or cystoscopy were performed if indicated. Measurements and Main Results A retrospective chart review was performed for all benign hysterectomies from March 2017 to December 2018 using student t test and a multivariate regression analysis. The primary outcome was the direct total cost of the patient's hospitalization related to their hysterectomy. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, surgery time, days in the hospital postoperatively, and complications postoperatively. Mean total costs of robotically assisted hysterectomies were $26,452 less than abdominal hysterectomies (p Conclusion Overall, total cost was significantly influenced by the mode of hysterectomy, with robotic assisted hysterectomies being the most cost effective.
A Republic, If the Courts Can Keep It?

This contribution to a conference celebrating Andrew Coan’s Rationing the Constitution: How Judicial Capacity Shapes Supreme Court Decision-Making (Harvard Univ. Press, 2019) makes three primary points. First, I explain why the Supreme Court’s flawed reasoning in INS v. Chadha supports Coan’s judicial capacity theory of Supreme Court decision making. Second, I show why judicial capacity concerns do not support the Supreme Court’s decision in Rucho v. Common Cause to treat the constitutionality of partisan gerrymandering as a nonjusticiable political question. The Court could and should have announced a bright line rule against any partisan calculation in districting decision making, and let lower courts adjudicate the pure question of fact that such a rule would raise. Recent scholarship is converging in this direction. The weakness in Justice Kagan’s dissent lay in conceding any place for partisan calculation in districting. Predominant purpose tests, pulled across from racial affirmative action cases, do not fit partisan gerrymandering. Even the Court’s staunchest opponents of racial affirmative action concede that the goals of that action may be laudable; those opponents just contend that weightier moral reasons call for race neutrality in almost all circumstances. No one on the Court uses “laudable” to describe the goals of partisan gerrymandering. Partisan reasons are not redeemed by being low impact. Partisan reasons should have no impact on governing actions. Third, I argue that the Court should have identified a nonjusticiable political question not in Rucho, but, as other recent scholarship has suggested, in Shelby County v. Holder. Congress’s provision for preclearance in the Voting Rights Act serves not only to uphold the promises of the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments, but also to fulfill the national government’s constitutional duty to guarantee every state in the Union a republican form of government. The Court has long held that it will not second guess the judgment of the elected branches about what republican form requires.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus with Positive Anti‐Ro Antibodies Following Palbociclib and Letrozole Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review

Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DI-SCLE) is an uncommon but well-described phenomenon, most often seen in association with antihypertensives and antifungal medications. In recent years, rare reports of DI-SCLE have been described in patients being treated with targeted therapies. Herein, we describe a case of DI-SCLE in association with palbociclib and letrozole treatment for metastatic breast cancer. This report is the first known case of DI-SCLE with positive anti-Ro antibodies in this setting. We also summarize the literature describing DI-SCLE in association with targeted therapies to date and its possible association with dysregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.
Preparing Students for Difficult Conversations with Patients and Families

Abstract Background Nursing and other health care professionals are often required to conduct difficult conversations with patients and their families. Simulation in nursing education combined with the utilization of standardized patients (SPs) provides realistic situations for students to practice those important communication skills. Method A simulation-based experience (SBE) for pediatric content was developed for nursing students to become more proficient in the role of teaching parents about immunizations and to increase student confidence when engaging families who express vaccine hesitancy (the difficult conversation). Results Ninety-five percent of students strongly agreed their confidence in communication was enhanced. Conclusion The portrayal of parents by SPs was an effective strategy to increase student confidence in conducting difficult conversations with patients before they are faced with a real-life situation.
A Darwinian Ricker Equation

The classic Ricker equation \(x_{t+1}=bx_{t}\exp \left( -cx_{t}\right) \) has positive equilibria for \(b>1\) that destabilize when \(b>e^{2}\) after which its asymptotic dynamics are oscillatory and complex. We study an evolutionary version of the Ricker equation in which coefficients depend on a phenotypic trait subject to Darwinian evolution. We are interested in the question of whether evolution will select against or will promote complex dynamics. Toward this end, we study the existence and stability of its positive equilibria and focus on equilibrium destabilization as an indicator of the onset of complex dynamics. We find that the answer relies crucially on the speed of evolution and on how the intra-specific competition coefficient c depends on the evolving trait. In the case of a hierarchical dependence, equilibrium destabilization generally occurs after \(e^{2}\) when the speed of evolution is sufficiently slow (in which case we say evolution selects against complex dynamics). When evolution proceeds at a faster pace, destabilization can occur before \(e^{2}\) (in which case we say evolution promotes complex dynamics) provided the competition coefficient is highly sensitive to changes in the trait v. We also show that destabilization does not always result in a period doubling bifurcation, as in the non-evolutionary Ricker equation, but under certain circumstances can result in a Neimark-Sacker bifurcation.
New methodology for measuring electron density perturbations caused by plasma coherent modes using profile reflectometry: Magnitudes and radial profiles in DIII-D

New capabilities of fast-sweep frequency-modulated profile reflectometry are explored to measure electron density ne perturbation magnitudes and radial profiles due to plasma coherent modes in DIII-D. The first approach is based on the frequency analysis of phase perturbations associated with high frequency (∼MHz) Alfven eigenmodes (AEs). The measurement of ∼5.5 MHz fast-ion-driven global Alfven eigenmodes (GAEs) is demonstrated in a neutral beam-heated DIII-D plasma. The GAE induced a broad radial distribution of phase perturbations in the profile reflectometer data. Analysis of these data determined the effective cutoff location displacement and the estimated ne fluctuation profile. In the second approach, high resolution ne profiles are used directly to determine the radial structure of ne perturbations due to a neo-classical tearing mode. These new measurements broaden the application of profile reflectometry and advance the development of AE spectroscopy as a tool for non-invasive diagnosis of fast-ion-driven modes in DIII-D and burning plasmas such as ITER.
PEGylated Oligothioetheramide Prodrugs Activated by Host Serum Proteases.

Due to the increasing prominence of antibiotic resistance, novel drug discovery and delivery approaches targeting bacteria are essential. In this work we evaluate a prodrug design to improve the cytotoxic profile of polycationic oligothioetheramides (oligoTEAs), which are promising antimicrobials. Herein we chemically modify the oligoTEA, PDT-4G, with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and show that 1, 2, and 5 kDa PEGs mitigate cytotoxicity. As PEGylation reduces antibacterial activity, we evaluate two peptide linkers which, unlike oligoTEAs, are susceptible to proteolytic cleavage in serum. To gain insight into the prodrug reactivation, two linkers were tested, the 5-residue peptide sequence LMPTG, and the dipeptide sequence VC-PABC. In the presence of 20 % serum, prodrugs made with the VC-PABC linker successfully inhibited bacterial growth. Overall, we observed reactivation of oligoTEAs facilitated by serum protease cleavage of the peptide linkers. This work opens the door to the future design of antimicrobial prodrugs with tunable release profiles.
Choice and Risk

Risk is the chancing of negativity—of some loss or harm. To take a risk is to resolve one’s act-choices in a way that creates or enhances the chance of an unfortunate eventuation, rendering the occurrences of something unwanted more likely. And to be at risk is to be so circumstanced that something unpleasant might happen, some misfortune occur. Risk is correlative with the chance of a mishap—and it exists whenever there are probabilistically indeterminate outcomes some of which are of negative character. Risks face us with the possibility that something untoward may occur, leaving us unable to foretell any specific outcome with categorical assurance.
Faddeev Equations for Atomic Problems and Solutions for the (e,H) System

Solutions of the Faddeev equations for Coulomb potentials are investigated. A method which is of practical use for solving the Faddeev equations below the three-particle breakup threshold is developed. As an example, the method is applied to the (e, H) system in which the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ bound state and the lowest members of the resonances in both the singlet and the triplet $J=0$ series are calculated. The results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements and previous calculations which used conventional methods.
Safety, Outcomes, and Recommendations for Two-Step Outpatient Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Challenges.

ABSTRACT Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) outpatient challenge protocols are not standardized, vary in clinical practice, and can be time and resource intensive to perform. Objective Investigate the safety and outcomes of two-step outpatient NSAID challenges for evaluation of patients with non-aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)-related NSAID hypersensitivity. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients with history of NSAID allergy who underwent outpatient NSAID challenges under allergist supervision. Individuals with AERD were excluded. Patient demographics, NSAID reaction history and drug challenge details and outcomes were collected. Results A total of 249 patients (mean age 51.6 years, 63.5% female) underwent 262 NSAID challenges. Of these, 224 (85.5%) challenges were negative. There were 30 challenges (11.5%) that resulted in an immediate reaction during the challenge procedure, and 8 (3.1%) that resulted in delayed reactions. Three individuals with immediate reactions required treatment with intramuscular epinephrine. Factors associated with a positive NSAID challenge included a prior reaction occurring within 5 years of drug challenge (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.66, 95% CI 1.67-8.44), history of a prior immediate reaction within 3 hours of NSAID ingestion (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.12-5.57), history of cross-reactive NSAID hypersensitivity to multiple NSAIDs (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.23-6.91), and presence of comorbid chronic spontaneous urticaria (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.35-6.41). Conclusion Over 85% of two-step non-AERD NSAID drug challenges were negative for an immediate or delayed reaction, opening up patients for use of at least one clinically indicated NSAID. Challenge reactions were generally mild. Two-step NSAID challenge protocols can be safely performed in the outpatient setting.
Regime, Climate, and Region in Transition: Russian Participation in the Arctic Council

The Arctic Council (AC) was created with multiple competing agendas. Russia played a crucial role in its founding and has been an indispensable member since then. I consider the evolution of Russia...
Radionuclide Therapy of Leukemias

Leukemia is currently the most common fatal cancer in the United States among males younger than 40 years old, whereas bronchopulmonary cancer predominates in men aged 40 years and older. Among females, leukemia is the leading cause of cancer death before age 20 years, breast cancer ranks first at ages 20–59 years, and lung cancer ranks first at ages 60 years and older [1] (Table 2.1). There are 259,889 people living with, or in remission from, leukemia in the US. In 2011, it was estimated that 44,600 new cases of leukemia in the US would be diagnosed (25,320 men and 19,280 women). In total, 21,780 individuals would die from the disease (12,740 men and 9,040 women). In children younger than 14 years old, nearly one-third of the cancers diagnosed are leukemias (particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)) (Table 2.2).
TH-CD-204-03: A Glioblastoma Tumor Growth Prediction Model Using Volumetric MR Spectroscopic Imaging for Radiation Therapy Response

Purpose: We implemented high resolution, 3D whole brain MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) technology to provide additional information on glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumors not readily apparent on standard-of-care MR images. Here, we report integrating these images into a prediction model of tumor growth with radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: To predict therapy response, a mathematical algorithm of tumor infiltration based on the classical reaction-diffusion equation was customized to create a map of tumoral density for every location in the brain from the presence of choline (Cho), a proliferation-derived metabolite and N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a neuronal metabolite. Input images are pre and mid-treatment (2 weeks) MRSI acquisitions. The model is initialized using the gradient of the Cho/NAA ratio in the vicinity of tumor (periphery) as a measure of tumor infiltration, and the absolute Cho level as a measure of actively proliferating tumor cells. Customized, per-patient model parameters are tested until simulated images of tumor growth derived from the pre-treatment MRSI datasets match mid-treatment imaging at 2 weeks. Customization is done by iteratively modifying model parameters to minimize the discrepancy between simulated and acquired images as judged by the squared sum differences of voxel intensities within the PTV. We hypothesize that this model will predict response at week 10, 4 weeks following completion of concurrent radiation and temozolomide. Results: Utility of the MRSI-based tumor growth model was investigated by comparing the net treatment gain against clinical observations in GBM patients. Model parameters of tumor proliferation plus effectiveness of therapy correlated with clinical outcomes being positive if progression free survival is longer than 6 months. Conclusion: MRSI could provide more accurate information the reaction-diffusion tumor growth model than conventional MR images, as it provides information about proliferation and infiltration directly and can be easily integrated with clinical observations to predict per-patient response to therapy.
Morphology and Ultrastructure of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Spherules

During growth in fluid medium, most strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae produce free-floating granules which become larger with time. We have called these granules “spherules.” This study describes the morphological and ultrastructural features of M. pneumoniae strain AP-164 spherules, both free and in association with HeLa cells in cell culture. In thin section, spherules were composed of lobulated cells, connected together by membranes, and ring-shaped cells. The two-dimensional morphology observed varied according to the plane of section and to the age of the culture. In HeLa cell cultures, mycoplasmata were found attached to plasma membranes of cells; in sections, individual mycoplasmata were often aligned in radial apposition to the membranes. Mycoplasmata were not found intracellularly. The three-dimensional morphology of spherules was examined by the critical point method and by scanning electron microscopy. Both methods revealed lobulated forms, ring-shaped forms, and star-shaped forms. Treatment of the spherules with crude porcine pancreatic lipase effectively released large numbers of free organisms. Phosphotungstic acid preparations of these uncentrifuged forms revealed a morphology in agreement with the other methods used. Lobulated ring forms with “beaded” filaments were prominent. In respect to morphology, M. pneumoniae under our conditions resembles that of the type species M. mycoides.
Designing supportive mobile technology for stable diabetes

Diabetes is a complex, evolving chronic disease, with an evolving need for self-management as the disease progresses. Through patient interviews and a focus group, we explored the changing need for technological support for diabetes self-management over the course of the disease, with a particular focus on insulin users. We propose a design for supportive technology aimed at the stabilization and progression stages of diabetes, which focuses on the creation of an individualized database of how new experiences with food, physical activities and travel affect one's glucose levels. Our design supports feedback and improvement for future similar experiences, while avoiding the burden of intensive tracking. We propose a mechanism to suggest insulin doses adapted to the user, and sharing data with peers according to individual privacy wishes. Future research could allow this innovative approach to benefit non-insulin users.
On Similarity Queries for Time-Series Data: Constraint Specification and Implementation

Constraints are a natural mechanism for the specification of similarity queries on time-series data. However, to realize the expressive power of constraint programming in this context, one must provide the matching implementation technology for efficient indexing of very large data sets. In this paper, we formalize the intuitive notions of exact and approximate similarity between time-series patterns and data. Our definition of similarity extends the distance metric used in [2, 7] with invariance under a group of transformations. Our main observation is that the resulting, more expressive, set of constraint queries can be supported by a new indexing technique, which preserves all the desirable properties of the indexing scheme proposed in [2, 7].
The James Supportive Care Screening: integrating science and practice to meet the NCCN guidelines for distress management at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Background Selecting a measure for oncology distress screening can be challenging. The measure must be brief, but comprehensive, capturing patients' most distressing concerns. The measure must provide meaningful coverage of multiple domains, assess symptom and problem-related distress, and ideally be suited for both clinical and research purposes. Methods From March 2006 to August 2012, the James Supportive Care Screening (SCS) was developed and validated in three phases including content validation, factor analysis, and measure validation. Exploratory factor analyses were completed with 596 oncology patients followed by a confirmatory factor analysis with 477 patients. Results Six factors were identified and confirmed including (i) emotional concerns; (ii) physical symptoms; (iii) social/practical problems; (iv) spiritual problems; (v) cognitive concerns; and (vi) healthcare decision making/communication issues. Subscale evaluation reveals good to excellent internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent, divergent, and predictive validity. Specificity of individual items was 0.90 and 0.87, respectively, for identifying patients with DSM-IV-TR diagnoses of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusions Results support use of the James SCS to quickly detect the most frequent and distressing symptoms and concerns of cancer patients. The James SCS is an efficient, reliable, and valid clinical and research outcomes measure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of carcinogens by measurement of cell-mediated immunity: IV. Antitumor immunity following perinatal exposure to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine

Abstract This study was initiated to investigate the possible perinatal carcinogenic effects of the colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in Fischer F344 inbred rats. Pregnant female animals during their 16–18th day of gestation were administered the chemical by intraperitoneal injections, and beginning at 4 months postparturition, the antitumor cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was delineated in the dams and pups as an indirect measure of carcinogenesis. The CMI status was established by the ability of peripheral blood lymphoid cells obtained from the rats to injure and kill target tumor cells derived from an X-ray-induced rat small bowel adenocarcinoma cell line with the degree of damage being reflected in the quantity of loss of radioiodinated peripheral and integral membrane proteins from the target cells. A significant antitumor CMI was observed in the exposed offsprings although there was no apparent difference between the immunoresponsiveness observed in either the males or the female siblings. Unexpectedly, the mothers exhibited little such antitumor cellular immunity following the carcinogenic insult; even though all previous investigations of adult animals always demonstrated such an immunological response following exposure to the quantities of DMH that were administered (0.1 to 20 mg per kg body wt). As a consequence, these findings tentatively implied that the state of pregnancy alters a female's response to chemical carcinogenic insults and may actually serve as a device for protection from environmentally caused cancer. The threshold detection level for DMH exposure utilizing immune measurements was found to be approximately 10 times smaller for the perinatal susceptibility to the chemical insult intimating that such tests might usefully be incorporated in those bioassays utilized for determining the cancer-causing potential of weak carcinogens. Our findings now suggest that DMH may indeed be a perinatal carcinogen and that immune responsiveness may be readily employed for identifying such substances. However, the definitive studies of actually identifying cancer following such in utero exposures remain to be accomplished.
The Bridge Project: Connecting Home, School, and Community for Mexican Immigrant Children

This study examines the academic and psychosocial effects of the Bridge Project after-school program on 25 prekindergarten through 6th-grade English language learner Mexican immigrant children and their families living in an affordable housing complex in the San Francisco Bay Area. The results of the study show that the program increased the children’s reading comprehension by an average of 2.8 grade levels and increased children’s English proficiency an average of 2.8 California English Language Development Test levels over a 2-year period. Parents also observed their children’s growth in confidence, social skills, motivation, responsibility, and the ability to ask questions.
Multidecadal regional sea level shifts in the Pacific over 1958–2008

[1] Altimeter data have significantly improved our understanding of regional sea level variability and trends, but their relatively short records do not allow either evaluation of the ocean state prior to 1993 or multidecadal low-frequency signals in the ocean. Here we characterize and quantify the multidecadal regional sea level rise (rSLR) and related ocean heat content in the Pacific from a non-Boussinesq ocean circulation model in comparison with data sets from altimeters, two sea level reconstructions, and in situ ocean profiles from 1958 to 2008. We show that the rSLR trends have undergone two shifts, during the mid-1970s and in the early 1990s, with an east-west dipole pattern in the tropical Pacific. In each of these phases, rSLR accelerated on one side of the Pacific, but decelerated on the other side. The multidecadal sea level shifts can be explained by the dynamical (steric) upper-ocean responses to the surface wind forcing associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), with negligible contributions from internal (depth-integrated) ocean mass changes. Additional model experimentation further confirms that the Pacific wind stress trend over the recent two decades has played an important role in strengthening the rSLR in the western Pacific while suppressing the rSLR in the eastern Pacific. The climate-forced large-scale rSLR variability is likely to impose a long-term and uneven impact on coastal communities.
Efficient algorithm for QCD with light dynamical quarks

A new approach to the inclusion of virtual quark effects in lattice QCD simulations is presented. Infrared modes which build in the chiral physics in the light quark mass limit are included exactly and in a gauge invariant way. At fixed physical volume the number of relevant infrared modes does not increase as the continuum limit is approached. The acceptance of our procedure does not decrease substantially in the limit of small quark masses. Two alternative approaches are discussed for including systematically the remaining ultraviolet modes. In particular, we present evidence that these modes are accurately described by an effective action involving only small Wilson loops.
Anticoagulant activity of human arterial mucopolysaccharides.

THE isolation of acid mucopolysaccharide material from human aortic tissue was reported in a previous publication1 from this laboratory. Analysis of the isolated material2 and of components separated by paper electrophoresis3,4 indicated that the major part of the material consisted of chondroitin sulphate. The presence in the material of a fraction susceptible to the action of staphylococcal hyaluronidase2 and of a sulphated component containing both galactosamine and glucosamine4 was also observed. The isolation of heparitin sulphate from human aortic tissue has recently been reported by Linker, Hoffman, and Meyer5.
On R&D capitalization and value relevance: a commentary

Abstract Studies that explore the empirical association between accounting numbers and price-based measures cannot, by themselves, lead to inferences regarding the usefulness of alternative accounting policies. The Boone and Raman (2001) paper is one among many studies that employ a “value-relevance” methodology (finding associations between prices or measures derived wherefrom and accounting numbers based on alternative treatments) in an attempt to derive implications for accounting policy formulation. This paper dwells on the reasons why no such implications can be drawn from association studies, and why, under the best of circumstances, such studies can illuminate only one corner of the black box: does the market behave as if it both (1) believes and (2) attaches some weight to information provided to it?
Bayesian procedures for testing partial equality of two populations when parameters are exchangeable

Bayesian procedures for sharp hypothesis testing have been reviewed in Dickey (1976). These procedures can be adapted to provide a unified approach to testing hypotheses of partial equality of two populations from a parametrized family. It is shown here that the assessment of prior probabilities to be attached to hypersurfaces of different dimensions and, in particular, to the hypotheses of interest can be done in a systematic manner if the parameters are exchangeable. Application to the two multivariate normal populations is suggested.
Ultrashort electrical pulses open a new gateway into biological cells

An electrical model for biological cells predicts that for pulses with durations shorter than the charging time of the outer membrane, there is an increasing probability of electric field interactions with intracellular structures. Experimental studies in which human cells were exposed to pulsed electric fields of up to 300-kV/cm amplitude, with durations as short as 10 ns, have confirmed this hypothesis. The observed effects include the breaching of intracellular granule membranes without permanent damage to the cell membrane, abrupt rises in intracellular free calcium levels, and enhanced expression of genes. At increased electric fields, the application of submicrosecond pulses induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in biological cells, an effect that has been shown to reduce the growth of tumors. Possible applications of the intracellular electroeffect are enhancing gene delivery to the nucleus, controlling cell functions that depend on calcium release (causing cell immobilization), and treating tumors.
Near-threshold fatigue crack growth behaviour of a ferritic stainless steel at elevated temperatures

Near-threshold fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behaviour has been studied in an 18%CrNb stabilized ferritic stainless steel at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 700 °C. At a stress ratio of 0.1 increasing the test temperature from room temperature to 500 °C resulted in an increase of the growth rates in the midrange growth regime and a sharply defined threshold at a δK level higher than the room temperature threshold, giving rise to a crossover type of behaviour. At temperatures higher than 500 °C increased crack tip plasticity predominates and the fatigue crack growth rates decrease smoothly with a decreasing value of ΔK to thresholds lower than the room temperature value. Crack closure measurements suggest that asperity-induced closure dominates at room temperature but transitions to plasticity-induced closure dominate at 500 °C. A constant-Kmax, increasing R-ratio (CKIR) test procedure was utilized at room temperature and at 500 °C in an attempt to identify near-threshold FCP data in the absence of crack closure. However, the type of crossover behaviour identified with constant R-ratio tests at room temperature and 500 °C was also observed in the CKIR tests. This is attributed to a change in the closure mechanism from a roughness-induced one to one involving crack tip plasticity.
Modified Bowen-Walraven Image Slicer

A review of the properties of classical image slicers is given and the description of a modification of the Bowen-Walraven device follows. This description includes light path, discussion of fabridation errors and assembly and testing of prototypes produced at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Considerations about further development of image slicers conclude the article.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Boundaries, Entities, and Modern Vegetarianism: Examining the Emergence of the First Vegetarian Organization

Taking the emergence of the first vegetarian organization in Victorian England as a case, this article argues that “what vegetarianism is” is an ongoing social process that is determined by how social actors link its boundaries. Although in hindsight, people tend to take what an idea is for granted and treat it as a constant, what an idea was, is, and will be in fact depends heavily on what ideas can penetrate the boundaries of the specific idea and vice versa. Adopting Abbott’s alternative approach that boundaries come before entities, the case study of the emergence of modern vegetarianism serves to further illustrate the complexity between boundaries and entities and the emergent aspect of the process of “boundaries-into-entities.” A connection is also made to align Abbott’s suggested approach with Star and Griesemer’s ecological approach.
Gender Disparity and HIV Risk Among Young Black Women in College: A Literature Review

This review article explores the issue of the gender-ratio imbalance among African American college students and its effect on the HIV risk behavior of young Black women in college. The theory of g...
Determination of In-Situ Hydrocarbon Volumes in Liquid Rich Shale Plays

The determination of accurate in-situ oil and gas volumes is critical for unconventional “liquid-rich shale” (LRS) plays to determine total resource in-place and accurate recovery factors. Here, we present a methodology using geochemistry applied to pristine core samples to determine in-situ oil volume per volume of rock (bbls/acft), using open system Rock-Eval pyrolysis and solvent-extract-based geochemistry to determine the total hydrocarbon volume. An additional method is shown which attempts to correct for the mass of light oil lost due to evaporation during core recovery. The oil lost during core recovery is mostly low-boiling-point hydrocarbons less than C15 in the diesel and gasoline-range compounds. The loss of this material can be estimated from the density of the hydrocarbon fluid in-place determined from a whole-oil-extract gas chromatogram or correlations to biomarker compounds. Examples of the methodology are shown for oil- and water-based drilled cores to assist in lateral well placement for enhanced liquid yields. The pyrolysis-based method (Rock-Eval pyrolysis) does a reasonable job of prediction of C6+ hydrocarbon volume and can be used to help constrain the recovery factor and determine the heterogeneity in resource density for optimization of development drilling. The next phase of understanding in-place fluids will require the quantification of gas in-place (C1-5) to obtain accurate gas-to-oil ratios.
On the characterization of nonlinear viscoelastic materials

Starting with specific constitutive equations, methods of evaluating material properties from experimental data are outlined and then illustrated for some polymeric materials; these equations have been derived from thermodynamic principles, and are very similar to the Boltzmann superposition integral form of linear theory. The experimental basis for two equations under uniaxial loading and the influence of environmental factors on the properties are first examined. It is then shown that creep and recovery data can be conveiently used to evaluate properties in one equation, while two-step relaxation data serve the same purpose for the second equation. Methods of reducing data to accomplish this characterization and to determine the accuracy of the theory are illustrated using existing data on nitrocellulose film, fiber-reinforced phenolic resin, and polyisobutylene. Finally, a set of three-dimensional constitutive equations is proposed which is consistent with nonlinear behavior of some metals and plastics, and which enables all properties to be evaluated from uniaxial creep and recovery data.
Oxazine ring construction: methods and applications to natural product synthesis

Although natural products containing a 1,2-oxazine ring are rare, more examples in this family of natural products have been discovered since trichodermamides A and B were reported in 2003. In addition to their structural novelty, these natural products possess very interesting bioactivities that are strongly dependent on their structures, making them attractive targets for investigating structure-activity relationships (SAR). In this feature article, we summarized the methodologies developed in recent years for constructing the 1,2-oxazine rings. Racemic and enantioselective total syntheses of trichodermamides A and B, based on these methodologies, are reviewed in detail.