cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Neuropathy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

This chapter covers two groups of disorders that share a common anatomical substrate (the peripheral nervous system), but are strikingly different in their biology, prevalence, clinical presentations, and prognosis. Polyneuropathy is common, affects up to 8% of the population older than 50 years (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 62:310–318, 1997), is diverse in its cause (often symptomatic of a underlying systemic disorder such as diabetes), often presents with sensory symptoms or pain, and usually has a chronic benign course. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, on the other hand, is an uncommon although not rare (lifetime risk about 1/400) (Eur J Neurol 16:745–751, 2009) relatively homogenous primary neurodegeneration that largely manifests with muscle weakness/atrophy, and is fatal (median survival is about 3 years).
Improved Clinical Sensitivity of a Reflexive Algorithm to Minimize False-Negative Test Results by a Urine Benzodiazepine Immunoassay Screen.

Background: Urine drug testing is an essential component of treating patients for chronic pain and/or anxiety and is used to monitor compliance during treatment. A common algorithm is to use an immunoassay as a urine drug screen (UDS), followed by mass spectrometry to confirm all presumptive positive samples. Many UDSs, however, have significant limitations, and false-negative test results can be common due to lack of antibody specificity. Methods: Urine samples were screened by a benzodiazepine immunoassay followed by confirmatory testing using LC-MS/MS to determine an initial false-negative test rate for the screen. Attempts to improve the false-negative test rate included hydrolysis before screening and optimization of the absorbance cutoff required for a positive result. Results: Hydrolysis corrected 41% of false-negative test results in samples containing parent benzodiazepines and/or metabolites but had no effect on samples containing only clonazepam. Of the confirmed false-negative test results, 85% (17 of 20) demonstrated absorbance values between 20 and 100, with 100 being the cutoff for a positive result. Implementing an optimized absorbance cutoff of 20, rather than 100, for a reflexive confirmation testing algorithm decreases the false-negative test rate of detecting benzodiazepine from 47% to 2%. Conclusions: Hydrolyzing samples before the benzodiazepine screen provided a modest improvement in the false-negative test rate; however, the screen still missed samples containing clonazepam. Optimization of the absorbance cutoff to reflex samples to LC-MS/MS markedly improved the false-negative test rate for all benzodiazepines.
Think Tank Presidents’ Statements

These statements express a variety of voices and comment on the multi-polarity of the contemporary world—affirming the need for a range of perspectives to inform global governance. The contributing think tanks differ in scale, focus, and home country—all of which enable them to evaluate the T20 and other policy networks with criteria ranging from economic concerns to issues of international security. Similarly, these think tanks differ in their levels of involvement within T20. Some—including TEPAV, IWEP-CASS, and the German Development Institute—have helped coordinate T20 activities. Others have joined the T20 only relatively recently. This range of perspective offers insights both from those enmeshed in T20 activities and from those able to judge the organization from a more observational standpoint.
Confronting Charlottesville: using interdisciplinary research as critical engagement praxis

On Friday, August 11, 2017, nearly 250 far-right, white nationalists began a torch-lit march across the University of Virginia campus shouting slogans, such as “Blood and soil!”, “You will not repl...
The Hydrogen-Iodine Reactions: 100 Years Later

Max Bodenstein opened the field of gas phase chemical kinetics in 1894 with his report of experimental studies of the hydrogen-iodine reaction H2 + I2 → HI + HI and its reverse HI + HI → H2 + I2. Bodenstein measured the rates of the forward and reverse reactions, their equilibria, and their temperature dependence. He found second order kinetic expressions and an Arrhenius temperature dependence for the rate constants. He suggested several mechanisms for these reactions.
Computerized Tomography Reconstruction Methods

Computerized tomography (CT) is the process of recovering a distribution of some parameter from physically obtained approximations of its line integrals along lines of known locations. CT devices used in brain imaging include x-ray CT that aims at recovering the distribution of x-ray attenuation coefficients and positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computerized tomography, which aim at recovering the distribution of radioactivity that results in the emission of positrons and single photons, respectively. The production of the desired distribution from data collected by such a device is done on a computer by a reconstruction method. Such methods are the subject matter of this article.
Unusual critical-field behavior in Y 1-x Er x Rh 4 B 4

Measurements of the upper critical fields versus temperature in Y/sub 1-x/Er/sub x/Rh/sub 4/B/sub 4/ reveal that the system undergoes a nearly abrupt change from very weak to very strong pair breaking in an applied field with increasing Er concentration. This abrupt change in behavior occurs for 0.10
Spokesmen for Truth (Continued): Christian Preachers

No city, apart from Jerusalem, so affected the development of Christianity as did Alexandria.1 Here the early preachers had to contend with lawlessness, riots, idolatry, gnosticism, and heresies of nearly every sort, most of which originated in Egypt by the second century and from thence their spokesmen communicated them to other churches abroad.2 But given the heterogeneous population of Alexandria and the fact that every great religion has its aberrations, this is not surprising. Unfortunately, we have little account of the spoken word in these debates, though particular sermons, by Origen, for example, do supply hints of the theological turmoil of the city. And for good reason: he was at the center of it.
In vitro methionine oxidation of recombinant human leptin.

Purpose. To investigate the role and importance of the four methionines in recombinant human leptin, and the effect of methionine oxidation in leptin structural stability and biological activity. Methods. Oxidized leptin derivatives were prepared in the presence of H2O2 and t-butylhydroperoxide, separated by RP-HPLC, and characterized by peptide mapping and LC/MS. Their biophysical and biological properties were studied. Results. Six major species of oxidized leptins were detected: two mono-oxidized, one di-oxidized, two tri-oxidized, and one tetra-oxidized. Further oxidation at cystine disulfide was also detected. Kinetic analysis indicated that oxidation at Met1 and Met69 proceeded first and independently. In 48 mM t-butylhydroperoxide, the pseudo first-order rate constants, k 1 and k 69, were 1.5 × 10−3 and 2.3 × 10−4 min−1. No change in the secondary or tertiary structure was detected for Met1 mono-oxidized and Met1, Met69 di-oxidized leptins. The Met1 mono-oxidized leptin retained full potency as compared to native leptin. A slight decrease of thermostability and a significant loss of the in vitro bioactivity were observed for Met1, Met69 di-oxidized leptin. Both Met55 and Met137 were not oxidized in t-butylhydroperoxide but only in H2O2. They appeared to be much less accessible to oxidation and might interact with the hydrophobic core structure of the leptin molecule. Conclusions. The oxidation of leptin occurred in the order of Met1 > Met69 >> Met55 ≈ Met137, and the importance for maintaining leptin structural integrity was Met55 ≈ Met137 >> Met69≈ Met1. Met69, but not Met1, plays a critical role in the protein stability and activity.
Anterior Cranial Fossa Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting as Recurrent Multifocal Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhages: A Case Report.

We report a unique case and presentation of a 77-year-old man with atrial fibrillation who presented with complex imaging features, including bifrontal cerebral hematomas that progressed to multifo...
Seismic Behavior on Oceanic Transform Faults at the East Pacific Rise

Abstract Transform faults are one of the three major types of plate boundaries and can be divided into two groups: continental and oceanic transform faults. Compared with continental transform faults, oceanic transform faults, especially the short fast-spreading ones at the East Pacific Rise, have several advantages when studying earthquake physics and the earthquake cycle: simple thermal and kinematic structures, short earthquake cycles, high levels of foreshock activity, and the most systematic and predictable seismic behavior in seismology. This review focuses on recent progress in earthquake physics achieved from studies of oceanic transform faults at the East Pacific Rise. An important conclusion is that many characteristics of these earthquakes are related to the abundance of water in the environment. Looking to the future, many outstanding questions remain unanswered, and solving these problems require a multidisciplinary approach with efforts in all related directions, including field observations, theoretical analyses, and lab/numerical experiments. Among these efforts, seafloor geodesy is a promising technology that may revolutionize research on seismic behavior of oceanic transform faults.
Posterolateral Approach to Thoraco-Lumbar Metastases - Separation Surgery

Treatment of metastatic spinal disease is a multidisciplinary team effort. With scientific and technological advancements, decision-making has become increasingly complex. Neurologic, oncologic, mechanical and systemic (NOMS) is an adaptive treatment algorithm that integrates advances in cancer care and can aid in strategic treatment planning as it covers the four major considerations in spine tumor care: neurology, oncology, mechanical stability, and systemic status and co-morbidities. Spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) has revolutionized the treatment of spinal metastatic disease and has been demonstrated to deliver an ablative tumoral dose resulting in high rates of local control. SSRS is defined as high-dose conformal photon therapy and overcomes radioresistance seen with conventional external beam radiation therapy by fundamentally changing the radiobiologic effect. The response to SSRS is dose-dependent, and in order to deliver a tumoricidal dose, a safe distance between the spinal cord and tumor must be present or created. Hence, patients with high-grade cord compression from “radioresistant” tumors undergo hybrid separation surgery-SSRS treatment. This entails a single-stage posterolateral surgical approach enabling circumferential spinal cord decompression and stabilization. This hybrid separation surgery-radiosurgery therapy has been proven to be safe and efficient but also improves patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (Barzilai et al., Neuro Oncol Pract, 2017).
FRI0678 Validity of three 0–10 visual analog scales (VAS) for quantitative physician assessment of inflammation, damage, and distress to supplement a physician global assessment 0–10 vas

Background: Rheumatologists generally view their primary goal as control of inflammation in order to prevent long-term damage, and quantitative assessment involves measures of inflammatory activity (lab tests, joint counts, and indices). Although structural damage and patient distress (fibromyalgia, depression, etc.) are widely recognized, these problems generally are described narratively, and not assessed quantitatively. Recent advances in control of inflammation, as well as increased degenerative diseases in an aging population and recognition of a high prevalence of fibromyalgia, may have shifted rheumatologists9 patient mix more prominently toward damage and distress vs inflammation. Objectives: To analyze physician global assessment (DOCGL) on a 0–10 visual analog scales (VAS), and 3 additional 0–10 VAS for inflammation, damage, and distress, as well as estimates of the proportion of each to explain DOCGL. Methods: Rheumatologists at one academic site complete a 0–10 DOCGL VAS, 3 further 0–10 VAS to assess inflammation (reversible disease) (DOCINF), joint and other organ damage (irreversible disease) (DOCDAM), and patient distress (fibromyalgia, depression), etc. (DOCSTR), in routine care. The proportion of DOCGL attributed to inflammation, damage, and distress (total=100%) also is estimated. Mean values were analyzed in a cross-sectional study of 570 patients, and compared in subgroups with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), or fibromyalgia (FM), using t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Mean DOCGL VAS was 4.4/10 in all patients, 4.4 in 131 with OA, 4.6 in 98 with RA, and 5.2 in 89 with FM (table 1). Highest mean scores were seen for DOCINF in RA, DOCDAM in OA, and DOCSTR in FM (p Conclusions: VAS scores and estimates of the proportions of DOCGL attributed to damage were higher than for inflammation in all groups, including RA patients as a group. Control of inflammation remains a primary concern for rheumatologists, but has improved considerably in recent years, and damage and distress may have become more prominent in routine care. Systematic quantitation of inflammation, damage, and distress, in addition to DOCGL, appears feasible and of value in routine clinical care. Disclosure of Interest: T. Pincus Shareholder of: Dr. Pincus holds a copyright and trademark for MDHAQ and RAPID3 for which he receives royalties and license fees. All revenue is used to support further development of quantitative questionnaire measures for patients and doctors in clinical rheumatology care., I. Castrejon: None declared, J. Block: None declared
Camelina: Long-term cropping systems research in a dry Mediterranean climate

Abstract Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] is a short-season annual oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family. Interest in camelina has increased substantially during the past 15 years because the oil is an excellent feedstock for producing low-carbon-emission biofuel and has a unique fatty acid profile as a potential edible oil. Camelina has been promoted as an alternative crop in low-precipitation dryland regions because of its low fertilizer requirement and drought tolerance. An 8-yr field experiment was conducted from 2010 to 2017 at the WSU Dryland Research Station near Lind, WA to compare a 3-yr winter wheat (WW)-spring camelina-summer fallow (SF) rotation with the traditional 2-yr WW-SF rotation. Annual crop-year (Sept. 1-Aug. 31) precipitation ranged from 193 to 375 mm and averaged 281 mm. Camelina seed yield ranged from 339 to 1175 kg/ha and averaged 643 kg/ha. Mean WW yield of 2692 kg/ha in the 3-yr rotation was significantly lower (p = 0.046) compared to 2862 kg/ha in the 2-yr rotation. Soil profile water was significantly lower (p
Chesapeake Bay’s “forgotten” Anacostia River: eutrophication and nutrient reduction measures

The Anacostia River, a Chesapeake Bay tributary running through Washington, D.C., is small but highly polluted with nutrients and contaminants. There is currently a multi-billion dollar tunnel project underway, being built in several phases, aimed at diverting effluent to sewage treatment, especially during high flow periods, and improving water quality of the Anacostia and the river into which it flows, the Potomac. Here, 4 years of biweekly to monthly nutrient and phytoplankton data are analyzed to assess pre-tunnel eutrophication status and relationships to flow conditions. Under all flow conditions, nutrients prior to tunnel implementation were well in excess of values normally taken to be limiting for growth, and hypoxia was apparent during summer. Chlorophyll a was higher in summer (averaging 26.9 μg L−1) than in spring (averaging 14.8 μg L−1), and based on pigment composition, summer communities had proportionately more cyanobacteria (> 2-fold higher zeaxanthin to chlorophyll a ratios) compared to spring, which had proportionately more diatoms (> 2-fold higher fucoxanthin to chlorophyll a ratios). When all data from all years and sites were considered, there was a decrease in diatoms and increase in cyanobacteria with decreasing NO3− and increasing NH4+ concentrations, increasing ratios of NH4+ to NO3−, and increasing temperature. Tunnel implementation and associated nutrient reductions may reduce the severity of summer blooms but reductions of spring assemblages may be even greater because river flows are typically higher at that time of year.
Searching for singularities in the Navier–Stokes equations

Despite much effort, the question of whether the Navier–Stokes equations allow solutions that develop singularities in finite time remains unresolved. Terence Tao discusses the problem, and possible routes to a solution.
Optimization of Automatic Target Recognition with a Reject Option Using Fusion and Correlated Sensor Data

In many pattern recognition applications, significant costs can be associated with various decision options. Often, a minimum acceptable level of confidence is required prior to making an actionable decision. Combat target identification (CID) is one example where the incorrect labeling of Targets and Non-targets has substantial costs; yet, these costs may be difficult to quantify. One way to increase decision confidence is through fusion of data from multiple sources or from multiple looks through time. Numerous methods have been published to determine optimal rules for the fusion of decision labels or to determine the Bayes' optimal decision if prior probabilities along with decision costs can be accurately estimated. This research introduces a mathematical framework to optimize multiple decision thresholds subject to a decision maker's preferences. The decision variables may include rejection thresholds to specify Non-declaration regions and ROC thresholds to explore viable true positive and false positive Target classification rates. This methodology yields an optimal class declaration rule subject to decision maker preferences without using explicit costs associated with each type of decision. This optimization framework is demonstrated using various generated and collected sensor data. The experiments using generated data were performed to gain insight of the potential effects of fusing data with various degrees of correlation. The optimization framework is then applied to assess two competing fusion systems across four test sets of radar data. The fusion methods include Boolean logic and probabilistic neural networks for the fusion of collected 2-D SAR data processed via 1-D HRR moving target algorithms. Excursions are performed by varying the prior probabilities of Targets and Non-targets and varying the correlation between multiple sensor looks. In addition to optimizing thresholds according to decision maker preferences, an objective function is presented to facilitate comparison between CID systems, where the time associated with each look is incorporated.
Synthesis of non-natural cyanthiwigin–gagunin hybrids through late-stage diversification of the cyanthiwigin natural product core

Abstract Derivitization of natural product scaffolds produces diversely functionalized molecules for biological study and offers insight into the reactivities of complex molecular architectures. In the present study, the tricyclic framework of the cyanthiwigin natural product family was employed as a platform for late-stage diversification. The design and synthesis of several non-natural “hybrid” molecules resembling both the cyanthiwigin and gagunin natural products was accomplished, and the results of these investigations are described herein.
Keep it Coherent: A Meta-Analysis of the Seductive Details Effect

Studies have shown that learners exposed to interesting and irrelevant information, known as seductive details, do not perform as much as those who learned without seductive details. However, findings are mixed in terms of the degree to which seductive details hinder learning. Further research is also needed on how design features of learning materials influence the seductive details effect. This meta-analysis summarizes the seductive details effect and investigates the moderating factors of design and methodology. We also discuss evidence supporting each of the four hypothetical underlying mechanisms for the seductive details effect. Findings show that including seductive details in learning material can hinder learning. Mean effect sizes were moderated by the presence of seductive details, image type used in comparison, delivery format, language, subject, learner pacing, recall question type, and manipulation check approach. We conclude by highlighting limitations in current research, suggesting opportunities for future research, and examining practical implications.
Putting women in place: feminist geographers make sense of the world

How does gender shape the ways we perceive space, place, and mobility? This question is the driving force behind Putting Women in Place: Feminist Geographers Make Sense of the World (Domosh and Sea...
Presentation and outcomes of carotid endarterectomy in active smokers

Abstract Objective Smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor in the pathogenesis of carotid artery disease and has been shown to be a predictor of worse outcomes after vascular surgery. However, the effect of active smoking on outcomes of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy is unknown. This study analyzed the outcomes of carotid endarterectomy by smoking status in a large national database. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted carotid endarterectomy files (2011-2017) were reviewed. Patients were stratified according to smoking status, and outcomes were compared using propensity score matching (1:1) based on preoperative characteristics. Results During the study period, 26,293 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy, with 19,282 (73.34%) nonsmokers and 7011 (26.66%) smokers. Smokers were more likely to be younger, to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to have a symptomatic presentation, and to have higher anatomic risk (P Conclusions Smokers are at increased risk for death after carotid endarterectomy compared with matched counterparts. Smoking should be considered an important risk factor for worse outcomes, and patients should be strongly counseled on the importance of smoking cessation before undergoing carotid endarterectomy.
Patient with a Vagal Nerve Stimulator

Although an infrequent encounter in the inpatient setting, pain specialists should have knowledge in management of pain in these patients. The following chapter will seek to demonstrate the relevant diagnostics and management of these patients. The discussion will begin with a brief history of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) followed by a review of the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology of the vagus nerve, diagnosis of VNS complications, treatment of pain, discussion of challenges in management, and finally planning for discharge. While VNS is not a commonly used treatment encountered today, many underlying principles will have cross-over application to other areas of pain management and may serve as a general guideline to the treatment of pain in individuals who, although are not treated with VNS, suffer from the same diagnoses that can be treated with VNS.
Thymic resident NKT cell subsets show differential requirements for CD28 co-stimulation during antigenic activation

Natural killer T (NKT) cells rapidly respond to antigenic stimulation with cytokine production and direct cytotoxicity. These innate-like characteristics arise from their differentiation into mature effector cells during thymic development. A subset of mature NKT cells remain thymic resident, but their activation and function remain poorly understood. We examined the roles of CD28 and CTLA-4 in driving the activation of thymic resident NKT cells. In contrast to studies with peripheral NKT cells, the proliferation of thymic NKT cells was significantly impaired when CD28 engagement was blocked, but unaffected by CTLA-4 activation or blockade. Within NKT subsets, however, stage 3 NKT cells, marked by higher NK1.1 expression, were significantly more sensitive to the loss of CD28 signals compared to NK1.1- stage 2 NKT cells. In good agreement, CD28 blockade suppressed NKT cell cytokine secretion, lowering the ratio of IFN-γ:IL-4 production by NK1.1+ NKT cells. Intriguingly, the activation-dependent upregulation of the master transcription factor PLZF did not require CD28-costimulation in either of the thymic NKT subsets, underlining a dichotomy between requirements for early activation vs subsequent proliferation and effector function by these cells. Collectively, our studies demonstrate the ability of CD28 co-stimulation to fine tune subset-specific responses by thymic resident NKT cells and contextually shape the milieu in this primary lymphoid organ.
Deformation and failure of PrintCast A356/316 L composites: Digital image correlation and finite element modeling

Abstract A356/316 L interpenetrating phase composites can be fabricated by infiltrating additively-manufactured 316 L stainless-steel lattices with a molten A356 aluminum alloy, a new process termed PrintCasting. This work investigates the mechanical properties of PrintCast composites and their relation to the volume-fraction of 316 L reinforcement. Uniaxial tension experiments were conducted with A356/316 L PrintCast composites that had either 30 vol%, 40 vol% or 50 vol% 316 L. When 316 L reinforcement increased from 30 vol% to 40 vol%, a > 200% increase in ductility and 400% increase in absorbed-energy were observed, while a much lower increase was exhibited when reinforcement increased from 40 vol% to 50 vol%. The failure of the 30 vol% sample occurred by localized deformation and a single failure initiation region, in contrast to the 40 vol% and 50 vol% samples which failed by delocalized damage in the entire gauge section. To understand this transition phenomena, digital image correlation (DIC) was coupled with finite element (FE) analysis to capture the deformation and failure processes. The results revealed that, for all samples, stress concentrated and failure initiated in a 316 L strut near the lattice nodes, where the strut underwent localized bending-dominated deformation. In the high 316 L volume-fraction composites, the increase in 316 L-strut diameter reduced local bending stress and stabilized the deformation, leading to improved damage tolerance. Based on the presented analysis, local modifications to the PrintCast structure are suggested.
ARe we there yet? Understanding androgen receptor signaling in breast cancer

The role of androgen receptor (AR) activation and expression is well understood in prostate cancer. In breast cancer, expression and activation of AR is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer development and its importance in promoting cell growth in the presence or absence of estrogen. As both prostate and breast cancers often share a reliance on nuclear hormone signaling, there is increasing appreciation of the overlap between activated cellular pathways in these cancers in response to androgen signaling. Targeting of the androgen receptor as a monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies has proven to be an effective clinical strategy for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer, and these therapeutic strategies are increasingly being investigated in breast cancer. This overlap suggests that targeting androgens and AR signaling in other cancer types may also be effective. This manuscript will review the role of AR in various cellular processes that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis, first in prostate cancer and then in breast cancer, as well as discuss ongoing efforts to target AR for the more effective treatment and prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer.
Dialogs in the assessment of neonatal cholestatic liver disease.

Summary Neonatal cholestatic liver disease is rarely encountered by pathologists outside of specialized pediatric centers and navigating the long list of potential diseases can be daunting. However, the differential diagnosis can be rapidly narrowed through open conversations between the pathologist and pediatric gastroenterologist. The dialog should ideally begin before obtaining the liver biopsy and continue through the rendering of the final pathologic diagnosis. Such dialogs are necessary to first ensure the proper handling of the precious sample and then to allow for synthesis of the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and genetic data in the context of the histologic features seen in the liver biopsy. In this review, we aim to provide a broad template on which such dialogs may be based and pitfalls that may be encountered on both the clinical and pathologic sides. This review will focus on non-biliary atresia etiologies of neonatal cholestasis, including select infectious, genetic, and metabolic entities.
Red meat consumption, cooking mutagens, NAT1/2 genotypes and pancreatic cancer risk in two ethnically diverse prospective cohorts.

There is limited evidence on the association between red meat consumption and pancreatic cancer among ethnic minorities. We assessed this relationship in two large prospective cohorts: the Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC) and the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). Demographic, dietary and other risk factor data were collected at cohort entry. Red meat intake was assessed using cohort-specific validated food frequency questionnaires. Incident pancreatic cancer cases were identified via linkages to state cancer registries. Cox regression was used to calculate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of red meat intake with pancreatic cancer risk in each cohort. We performed additional analyses to evaluate cooking methods, mutagens and effect modification by NAT1/2 genotypes. From a total of 184 542 (MEC) and 66 793 (SCCS) at-risk participants, we identified 1618 (MEC) and 266 (SCCS) incident pancreatic cancer cases. Red meat consumption was associated with pancreatic cancer risk in the MEC (RRQ4vsQ1 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.37) and with borderline statistical significance in the SCCS (RRQ4vsQ1 1.31, 95% CI 0.93-1.86). This association was significant in African Americans (RRQ4vsQ1 1.49, 95% CI 1.06-2.11) and Latinos (RRQ4vsQ1 1.44, 95% CI 1.02-2.04) in the MEC, and among African Americans (RRQ4vsQ1 1.55, 95% CI 1.03-2.33) in the SCCS. NAT2 genotypes appeared to modify the relationship between red meat and pancreatic cancer in the MEC (pinteraction = 0.03). Our findings suggest that the associations for red meat may be strongest in African Americans and Latinos. The mechanisms underlying the increased risk for these populations should be further investigated.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacon-Based Micro-Positioning for Pedestrians Using Smartphones in Urban Environments

In recent years, smartphones have become ubiquitous among all age groups. Millions of people are now using the Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled devices for daily activities. However, the horizontal position errors of GPS are not negligible in many cases. For example, the signal unavailability or limited signal in the GPS denied environment, in large and crowded structures around the users, during the environmental disaster, etc., often affect the accuracy of GPS for ordinary users. To this end, we developed a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon-based system for positioning in the urban environment using smartphones, with pedestrians as primary users. The proposed architecture improves the horizontal error by 10–40% based on the environments and positions. To demonstrate the feasibility, we implemented a testbed in the urban environment. Though beacons have been used indoors for various research and commercial use, we have conducted our research in the outdoor environment and empirically discuss the challenges and solutions.
Getting it to Work: Exploring Student-Driven Problem Solving in Computational Making

This paper presents findings from a year-long after-school program that engages youth from local communities in computational making and community problem solving. Our goal is to understand how self-directed computational making activities contribute to shifts in students' self-efficacy and perception of themselves as people who can pursue careers in STEM. During the first, skill-building semester, our preliminary findings suggest that when youth have the opportunity to work through self-directed projects, they engage in a variety of strategies to set goals and work through challenges. We believe that this work contributes to a growing field-wide understanding of novice designers' problem scoping practices and their nuanced perceptions of challenge.
Forest-atmosphere BVOC exchange in diverse and structurally complex canopies: 1-D modeling of a mid-successional forest in northern Michigan

Abstract Foliar emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC)—important precursors of tropospheric ozone and secondary organic aerosols—vary widely by vegetation type. Modeling studies to date typically represent the canopy as a single dominant tree type or a blend of tree types, yet many forests are diverse with trees of varying height. To assess the sensitivity of biogenic emissions to tree height variation, we compare two 1-D canopy model simulations in which BVOC emission potentials are homogeneous or heterogeneous with canopy depth. The heterogeneous canopy emulates the mid-successional forest at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS). In this case, high-isoprene-emitting foliage (e.g., aspen and oak) is constrained to the upper canopy, where higher sunlight availability increases the light-dependent isoprene emission, leading to 34% more isoprene and its oxidation products as compared to the homogeneous simulation. Isoprene declines from aspen mortality are 10% larger when heterogeneity is considered. Overall, our results highlight the importance of adequately representing complexities of forest canopy structure when simulating light-dependent BVOC emissions and chemistry.
Single photons on demand from a single molecule at room temperature

The generation of non-classical states of light is of fundamental scientific and technological interest. For example, 'squeezed' states enable measurements to be performed at lower noise levels than possible using classical light. Deterministic (or triggered) single-photon sources exhibit non-classical behaviour in that they emit, with a high degree of certainty, just one photon at a user-specified time. (In contrast, a classical source such as an attenuated pulsed laser emits photons according to Poisson statistics.) A deterministic source of single photons could find applications in quantum information processing, quantum cryptography and certain quantum computation problems. Here we realize a controllable source of single photons using optical pumping of a single molecule in a solid. Triggered single photons are produced at a high rate, whereas the probability of simultaneous emission of two photons is nearly zero--a useful property for secure quantum cryptography. Our approach is characterized by simplicity, room temperature operation and improved performance compared to other triggered sources of single photons.
Evidence that Pancreatic Proteases Enhance Vitamin B12 Absorption by Acting on Crude Preparations of Hog Gastric Intrinsic Factor and Human Gastric Juice

Crude preparations of hog gastric intrinsic factor or their own previously collected gastric juices administered with labeled vitamin B12 did not enhance vitamin B12 absorption in patients with vitamin B12 malabsorption secondary to pancreatic insufficiency. However, when these sources of gastric intrinsic factor were incubated with three times crystallized preparations of insolubilized bovine trypsin or chymotrypsin, the proteolytic enzymes were removed by centrifugation, and the preparations of gastric intrinsic factor were readministered to these patients, the absorption of vitamin B12 was markedly enhanced. Studies of hog gastric intrinsic factor before and after exposure to proteolytic enzymes failed to show any difference on Sephadex chromatography or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or on its affinity for vitamin B12 or the ileal receptor in guinea pigs. These investigations demonstrate that: (1) gastric intrinsic factor as secreted by subjects with pancreatic insufficiency or obtained from hog pyloric mucosal extracts is ineffective in promoting vitamin B12 absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency, (2) incubation of crude preparations of gastric intrinsic factor with insolubilized pancreatic proteases modified these preparations of gastric intrinsic factor in an as yet undefined manner, allowing them to enhance vitamin B12 absorption, and (3) in vitro studies using gut sacs or brush border preparations do not reflect the abnormality in vitamin B12 absorption associated with pancreatic dysfunction.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and immune changes under antidepressive treatment in major depression in females

Background/aim Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) induction has been suggested as a mechanism by which immune activation affects tryptophan metabolism and serotonin synthesis in major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated IDO and changes in inflammatory mediators in patients with MDD undergoing effective treatment. Patients and methods Forty female patients with MDD and 40 controls were recruited. Serum IDO was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also determined tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (IFNγ), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serotonin concentrations. Results Patients' baseline concentrations of IDO and immune mediators were higher and serotonin concentrations were lower compared to controls. IDO and TNFα concentrations decreased under treatment and IDO changes were positively correlated with patient improvement. IFNγ and CRP concentrations remained unchanged. Serotonin concentration tended to increase. Conclusion IDO might play an important role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Moreover, antidepressant therapy might reduce IDO production through an IFNγ-independent pathway. Finally, peripheral concentration of IDO assessed by ELISA might be a useful marker of MDD.
Seriation, Stratigraphy, and Index Fossils: The Backbone of Archaeological Dating

Seriation, Stratigraphy, and Index Fossils: The Backbone of Archaeological Dating. Michael J. O'Brien and R. Lee Lyman. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999. 254 pp.
When lies are uncovered: Emotional and relational outcomes of discovered deception

The current article explores the impact that the discovery of deception has upon emotional intensity, negativity of emotional reaction, and relational stability for individuals involved in relationships. Drawing upon contemporary conceptualizations of emotion and cognition, several hypotheses and research questions were developed and tested in a sample of 190 subjects who had recently discovered the lie of a relational partner. The results suggest partial support for the model of emotion that is presented. Increases in relational involvement, importance attributed to the information that was lied about, and importance attributed to the act of lying were all positively associated with reported increases in emotional intensity. Increases in suspicion functioned to enhance reported emotional intensity for situations in which either the lie or the act of lying was judged as significant. From both quantitative measures and open‐ended responses, the importance of the information that was lied about emerged as t...
Differential partition of anticoagulant heparan sulfate proteoglycans synthesized by endothelial and fibroblastic cell lines

The heparan sulfate proteoglycans that bind and activate antithrombin III (aHSPGs) are synthesized by endothelial cells as well as other nonvascular cells. We determined the amounts of cell surface-associated and soluble aHSPGs generated by the rat fat pad endothelial (RFP) cell line and the fibroblast (LTA) cell line. The RFP cells exhibit higher levels of cell surface-associated aHSPGs as compared to LTA cells, whereas LTA cells release larger amounts of soluble aHSPGs as compared to RFP cells. After confluence RFP cells show an increase in both cell surface-associated and soluble aHSPGs. In contrast, postconfluent LTA cells maintain a constant level of cell surface-associated and soluble aHSPGs. These observations indicate that different cell types can preferentially accumulate aHSPGs as cell surface-associated or soluble forms which could reflect alternate biological functions.
Amateur Stripping: Sexualized Entertainment and Gendered Fun

Abstract Research on stripping has changed in emphasis from the initial focus on female dancers performing primarily for men to research on the all-male strip shows conducted primarily for women. However, a further stage in this progression, the amateur stripping contest for both men and women, has gone seemingly unnoticed. This observational investigation, using data from an amateur stripping contest, finds that despite contemporary rhetoric of egalitarianism, women who participate in amateur stripping still experience unequal status. This descriptive case study demonstrates that traditional gender roles are actually reenforced despite the club's proclamations of egalitarianism.
N-soliton solutions for the combined KdV–CDG equation and the KdV–Lax equation

Abstract The Hirota-Ito approach presented in [R. Hirota, M. Ito, Resonance of solitons in one dimension, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 52(3) (1983) 744–748] for extending fifth-order integrable equations with a nonvanishing boundary conditions to combined equations is used in this work. The generalized fifth-order Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon (CDG) and Lax equations are extended to combined integrable equations. The Hirota’s bilinear method is used to derive multiple-soliton solutions for the extended KdV–CDG and KdV–Lax equations.
A Randomized Response Model for Privacy-Preserving Data Dissemination

Public dissemination of medical data encourages meaningful research and quality improvement. However, there is a big concern that improper disclosure may put sensitive personal information at risk. To maintain the research benefits and customize the privacy protection, we propose a novel and practical randomized response model (k-shuffle) and a statistical information recovery procedure. The former mixes distribution of patient records with samples drawn from k-1 pre-determined distributions to ensure differential privacy. The latter allows data receivers to recover statistical properties (e.g., the mean and variance) of interested sub-populations with accuracy proportional to the size of the sub-population. That is, our algorithm provides stronger privacy protection to smaller groups, and offers high data usability to studies targeted at larger population. Most importantly, with differential privacy guarantee, data receiver cannot reconstruct the record-to-identity mapping for each individual. In summary, our approach offers a scalable privacy-preserving data dissemination mechanism that can be applied in both centralized and distributed fashion, which makes it possible for perturbed data to be outsourced (in the cloud) with mitigated privacy risks. Our experimental results demonstrated the performance of our model in terms of privacy protection, information loss, and classification accuracy using both synthetic and real-world datasets.
Pulmonary Overlap Syndromes, with a focus on COPD and ILD

First described in the 1980s by pulmonologist David Flenley, “overlap” syndromes refer to the coexistence of chronic lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).1 Although it could refer to any of the lung diseases and OSA, “the” Overlap Syndrome (OVS) is usually reserved for the coexistence of OSA and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which Flenley believed to have unique adverse health consequences distinct from either condition alone. Given the high prevalence of each disorder alone, Overlap syndrome is also likely to be common and clinically relevant. However, although Overlap syndrome has been described in the literature for nearly 30 years, the lack of standard diagnostic criteria for the syndrome has limited rigorous discussion of diagnosis, prevalence, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcomes. These challenges are explored in more detail below, and throughout this review. Importantly, several recent studies suggest that Overlap Syndrome does, as Flenley believed, have worse outcomes than either disease in isolation. These findings have highlighted the urgent need for further study of both “the” Overlap Syndrome and all overlaps between OSA and chronic lung disease.
Does a "vanishing twin" affect first-trimester biochemistry in Down syndrome risk assessment?

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of spontaneous reduction in multifetal pregnancy on first-trimester maternal serum biochemistry. Study design We evaluated first-trimester pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels in singleton euploid pregnancies. Biochemical values in pregnancies with evidence of spontaneous reduction were compared to other singleton pregnancies. Mann-Whitney U , Student t test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical comparison. Results There were 41 cases (0.9%) of spontaneous reduction. Though spontaneous reduction was not associated with different levels of either analyte, reduction within 4 weeks was associated with higher levels of both PAPP-A (1.79 vs 1.18; P = .002) and free β-hCG (1.28 vs 0.96; P = .03) compared with other pregnancies. Spontaneous reduction was associated with a higher frequency of PAPP-A >95th %ile (17.1 vs 4.7%; P = .003) and free β-hCG >95th %ile (17.1% vs 5.0%; P = .004). Logistic regression identified independent associations between spontaneous reduction and both high PAPP-A and high free β-hCG. Conclusion Recent spontaneous reduction is associated with higher values of PAPP-A and free β-hCG. These differences have the potential to affect risk assessment for fetal aneuploidy.
Shades of White: White Kids and Racial Identities in High School

Shades of White: White Kids and Racial Identities in High School. Pamela Perry. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2002. 268 pp.
A bimodal plasticity theory of fibrous composite materials

It is shown that elastic-plastic response of metal matrix composites reinforced by aligned continuous fibers can be described in terms of two distinct modes. In the matrix-dominated mode, the composite deforms primarily by plastic slip in the matrix, on planes which are parallel to the fiber axis. In the fiber-dominated mode, both phases deform together in the elastic and plastic range. Constitutive equations are derived for the matrix-dominated mode of deformation in composites with elastic-perfectly plastic matrices. Response in the fiber-dominated mode is approximated by the self-consistent and Voigt models. The two deformation modes give different branches of the overall yield surface which identify the state of stress that activates a particular mode, and indicate the conditions for mode transition in a given composite system. The matrix-dominated mode is found to exist in systems reinforced by fibers of large longitudinal shear stiffness, such as boron or silicon carbide. Systems reinforced by more compliant fibers, such as graphite, appear to deform exclusively in the fiber-dominated mode. The results show good agreement with experimental data, and with predictions obtained from a more accurate material model. They also help to reconcile several different plasticity theories of fibrous composites, and suggest limits of their validity.