cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endothelial function of human gastroepiploic artery: Implications for its use as a bypass graft

The human gastroepiploic artery has been used as a coronary artery bypass conduit in a limited number of clinical studies. It has been postulated that the capacity of the endothelium to release vasoactive substances may contribute to differing patency rates observed in established bypass grafts. We have now examined endothelial function in the human gastroepiploic artery. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to substance P were observed. A maximum relaxation of 83.25% +/- 8.2% (mean +/- standard error) was attenuated to 48.5% +/- 16.4% in the presence of L-NG-monomethyl-arginine, a specific inhibitor of endogenous nitric oxide synthesis. Removal of the endothelium abolished the relaxations. With a specific radioimmunoassay, concomitant changes in levels of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate, the second messenger that elicits smooth muscle relaxation after release of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, were measured. It was found that the gastroepiploic artery had significantly higher resting and stimulated levels of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate than either the internal mammary artery or the saphenous vein. In the presence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, and indomethacin plus L-NG-monomethylanginine, the maximum relaxation was decreased to 70% +/- 9.5% and 59% +/- 10.8%, respectively. Our data demonstrate that endothelium-derived relaxing factor and prostacyclin may exhibit synergy in the control of vascular tone in this vessel. It is concluded that the endothelium of the gastroepiploic artery has a strong capacity to secrete vasodilators and inhibitors of platelet activity. This could have important influence on long-term patency.
Conquering the Low‐k Death Curve: Insulating Boron Carbide Dielectrics with Superior Mechanical Properties

To enable the continued scaling of integrated circuits, the semiconductor industry faces ongoing struggles to implement better low-dielectric-constant (low-k) materials within the interconnect system. One of the biggest challenges to integrating new dielectrics is overcoming the low-k death curve—that is, the fatal falloff in mechanical properties associated with the low material densities required to achieve low k values. It is shown that amorphous hydrogenated boron carbide (a-BC:H) films exhibit Young's modulus (E) values between two and ten times greater than those of state-of-the-art Si-based dielectric materials across a wide range of k values. In particular, optimized a-BC:H films with moderate k values in the range of 3–4, in addition to possessing outstanding stiffness (E ≈ 100–150 GPa), simultaneously exhibit excellent electrical properties (leakage current of 5 MV cm–1). Films in this range also demonstrate resistance to Cu diffusion to at least 600 °C, as well as chemical stability and etch properties suitable for low-k diffusion barrier/etch stop applications.
Integrated Information and State Differentiation.

Integrated information (Φ) is a measure of the cause-effect power of a physical system. This paper investigates the relationship between Φ as defined in Integrated Information Theory and state differentiation (D), the number of, and difference between potential system states. Here we provide theoretical justification of the relationship between Φ and D, then validate the results using a simulation study. First, we show that a physical system in a state with high Φ necessarily has many elements and specifies many causal relationships. Furthermore, if the average value of integrated information across all states is high, the system must also have high differentiation. Next, we explore the use of D as a proxy for Φ using artificial networks, evolved to have integrated structures. The results show a positive linear relationship between Φ and D for multiple network sizes and connectivity patterns. Finally we investigate the differentiation evoked by sensory inputs and show that, under certain conditions, it is possible to estimate integrated information without a direct perturbation of its internal elements. In concluding, we discuss the need for further validation on larger networks and explore the potential applications of this work to empirical studies of consciousness, especially concerning the practical estimation of integrated information from neuroimaging data.
Rural transport health and safety in sub-Saharan Africa: Online survey snapshot of expert opinion

ABSTRACTRural transportation in sub-Saharan Africa is a complicated and often contradictory endeavour. This article presents the results of an Internet-based survey deployed to elicit expert input on rural transport health and safety issues. The survey was specifically aimed at capturing priorities and opinions with regard to potential research needs. A total of 65 responses to the survey were received from transport and public health professionals from 25 countries across five continents. Descriptive analysis of the responses revealed varying concerns and priorities across different issues reflecting underlying themes of poverty and gender. Cluster analyses showed the complexities of interrelationships among issues. The results can form the basis for future studies and discussions needed to continue addressing the myriad transport-related issues impeding development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Impact of buffer architecture on the performance of heterogeneously integrated III-V-on-Si solar cells

We have demonstrated the impact of buffer architectures on the performance of 1J GaAs solar cells heterogeneously integrated on Si. An all-epitaxial molecular beam epitaxy-grown thin (<1 μm) hybrid GaAs/Ge “virtual” buffer approach provided 1J GaAs cell efficiency of ∼10% on Si, as compared with cell structures with thick 3 μm GaAs buffers. Solar cell results were further corroborated with materials analysis to provide a clear path for the reduction of performance-limiting dislocations. The thin “Ge-on-Si” virtual buffer approach to III-V-on-Si cell structures in the current work indicates a promising future for monolithically integrated, low-cost and high-efficiency III-V-on-Si photovoltaics.
Racial/ethnic disparities in the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among mothers of children diagnosed with cancer and Type-1 diabetes mellitus.

Objective Research findings have indicated that mothers of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses can be at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSS), with African American mothers being especially vulnerable because of evidence suggesting higher rates of PTSD among both African Americans and women. Race/ethnicity, past trauma exposure and the interaction of these variables were evaluated as risk factors for PTSS, depression, and state and trait anxiety among African American and Caucasian mothers of chronically ill children. Method Mothers of children (N = 91) diagnosed with a life-threatening illness (i.e., cancer or Type-I diabetes mellitus [T1DM]) completed standardized measures and provided a salivary cortisol sample while attending medical appointments for their ill children. Results A MANCOVA revealed that mothers of children diagnosed with T1DM had higher cortisol levels than mothers of children with cancer. There was no racial or ethnic disparity in the risk of PTSS among the mothers. Conclusion These findings suggest that mothers of children with T1DM may be vulnerable to stress reactions, as reflected by cortisol, a biological marker. Clinicians and researchers might consider illness-specific features when evaluating the risk of stress reactions among mothers of children with life-threatening illnesses. (PsycINFO Database Record
Managers’ Political Ideology and Gender Inequality within Organizations

Political science research provides strong evidence that political ideology (e.g. liberal versus conservative) has an important influence on how individuals view gender roles in economic life. We p...
Some Aspects of the Work and Influence of R. L. Moore

There is a considerable body of literature dealing largely or in part with the life, work, teaching, influence, and legacy of R. L. Moore. This article will supply for the interested reader a list of such writings. We will comment on some of them and will elaborate on some, according to our own tastes and prejudices. The fact of their existence in the readily available literature makes it unnecessary, even if it were possible, to try to give a complete analysis of Moore’s work. We will conclude by discussing his teaching.
Radioactive Dilution Indicator: II. Gastric Analysis

A new method of quantitative gastric analysis has been devised which permits the simultaneous measurement of gastric secretion and emptying in response to a meal containing a radioactive dilution indicator. This procedure is not designed to supplant the conventional tests now in use, but should prove useful in evaluating the effects of various foods and pharmacologic agents on gastric function in health and disease. This method, which utilizes the principle of isotopic dilution, is based on the assumption that both the secretory and emptying rates are independent of gastric volume and that both the secretory and emptying rates are constant throughout the test. Although it is known that gastric emptying rates vary and that secretion and emptying are dependent upon the size of the gastric volume, the error produced by these physiologic adjustments may be smaller than that encountered with conventional methods of aspiration. Soluble dyes have been used by others in demonstrating the dilution principle. los Formulas derived from such studies have been applied to the artificial stomach experiments described in the appendix, as well as to clinical studies. When the radioactive dilution test was used in experiments with the artificial stomach, which provides ideal conditions, the over-all percentage error was less than 5 per cent. Although the in vivo test is probably not limited to the same percentage error, a reasonable correlation was found to exist between calculated volumes from isotope dilution data and true volumes measured directly in the artificial stomach experiments. It is customary to assume that the fasting stomach is completely emptied by conventional blind aspiration. Measurements by means of a radioactive dilution indicator, as reported elsewhere,4 showed a significant residuum of gastric juice after conventional aspiration in most cases. The gastric residuum was considered in all subsequent calculations (appendix, formula 1). The test is begun by emptying the stomach as completely as possible by blind aspiration. A known amount of radioactive tracer material is added (first test meal) to the unknown volume of gastric residuum. After the two
Incorporating Land Use into Methods of Synthetic Population Generation and of Transfer of Behavioral Data

This paper describes a new method of population synthesis that includes land use information. The method is based on an initial identification of suitable land use summaries to build a spatial taxonomy at any spatial scale. This same taxonomy is then used to classify household travel survey records (persons and households) and in parallel geographic subdivisions for the state of California. This land use information is the added dimension in the population synthesis methods for travel demand analysis. Synthetic population generation proceeds by expanding (re-creating) the records of the households responding to the survey and the entire array of travel behavior data reproduced for the synthetic population. The basis for selecting the variables to use in the synthetic population is first testing their significance in simplified specification in models of travel behavior that include land use as an explanatory variable and account for the shape of behavioral data (e.g., observations with no travel). The pap...
Conquering the cube: learning to sketch primitives in perspective with an intelligent tutoring system

Design sketching is a powerful tool for expressing ideas from pen and paper effectively and becoming a more well-rounded communicator. Sketching instructors conventionally employ pen and paper in their classrooms to convey these fundamentals to students. However this traditional approach limits the bandwidth and capability of instructors to give timely and individualized feedback. An intelligent tutoring system can leverage the knowledge of domain expert design sketching instructors so that students can practice and receive real-time feedback outside of classroom hours.Our system leverages consulted instructor insights and observed pedagogical practices of an active university design sketching curriculum, and applies them in a mastery-based progression of exercises that utilize sketch recognition to give real-time feedback. An evaluation of our system's usability in a class of engineering students studying design sketching showed that it performed very well, was seen by the students as a motivating and intuitive practice tool, and allowed the students to improve the accuracy and speed of their sketches.
Key factors influencing the adoption of apparel mobile commerce: an empirical study of Chinese consumers

AbstractIn recent years, mobile commerce (m-commerce) has experienced an extraordinary growth in China. Apparel brands and retailers envision they will replicate the success they have achieved in traditional electronic commerce via emerging m-commerce. Therefore, understanding of Chinese consumer’s m-commerce adoption behavior has attracted increasing attentions from both marketers and academia. This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing the Chinese consumers’ intentions to use apparel m-commerce. An enhanced consumer’s apparel m-commerce adoption model was developed through integrating the existing e-commerce/m-commerce theories/models (i.e. Theory of Reasoned Action, Technology Acceptance Model, and Diffusion of Innovation Theory). A total of 287 eligible responses were collected via an online questionnaire survey in China. Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were utilized for data analysis and hypothesis testing. Results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease-of-use, ...
Adaptation as Experiential Theatre: Immersion and the Dramaturgy of Fragmentation ( The Drowned Man, Hotel Medea )

In some instances of innovative theatre practice adaptation operates as an experiential reinvention which can have equal appeal to those familiar with and those novice to the pre-existing source. In such situations the adaptive process often implies proximity and intimacy, and incorporates a strong visual dramaturgy and/or dramaturgies of interaction. In immersive theatre adaptive strategies are realised under the guise of complex analogies, stemming from the view that texts exist on multiple parallel levels of perception and interpretation. Thus, radical adaptation emerges as a distinctive practice not by retaining particular aspects from a precursor but by repositioning, editing or destabilizing plotlines or characters. In this way, spectatorship itself is closely entwined with fragmentation, and the single unified narrative emerges as a somewhat irrelevant proposition.
Adrienne Rich’s Wild Patience

For a while in the 1980s, I had taped to the steering wheel of my car, “A Wild Patience Has Taken Me This Far,” the title of Adrienne Rich’s 1981 collection of poems. I was deeply involved in prepa...
Homeopathy Use in the United States and Implications for Public Health: A Review

Homeopathy is used by just over 2% of the U.S. population, predominantly for respiratory, otorhinolaryngology, and musculoskeletal complaints. Individual users who see a homeopathic provider for care are more likely to perceive the therapy as helpful than those who do not; however, only 19% of users in the United States see a provider. The rest presumably rely upon over-the-counter products. Recent clinical trials highlight several areas in which homeopathy may play a role in improving public health, including infectious diseases, pain management, mental health, and cancer care. This review examines recent studies in these fields, studies assessing costs associated with homeopathic care, safety, and regulations in the United States. Data suggest the potential for public health benefit from homeopathy, especially for conditions such as upper respiratory infections and fibromyalgia.
A New Method for the Deposition of Metallic Silver on Porous Ceramic Water Filters

A new method of silver application to a porous ceramic water filter used for point-of-use water treatment is developed. We evaluated filter performance for filters manufactured by the conventional method of painting an aqueous suspension of silver nanoparticles onto the filter and filters manufactured with a new method that applies silver nitrate to the clay-water-sawdust mixture prior to pressing and firing the filter. Filters were evaluated using miscible displacement flow-through experiments with pulse and continuous-feed injections of E. coli. Flow characteristics were quantified by tracer experiments using [3H]H2O. Experiments using pulse injections of E. coli showed similar performance in breakthrough curves between the two application methods. Long-term challenge tests performed with a continuous feed of E. coli and growth medium resulted in similar log removal rates, but the removal rate by nanosilver filters decreased over time. Silver nitrate filters provided consistent removal with lower silver levels in the effluent and effective bacterial disinfection. Results from continued use with synthetic groundwater over 4 weeks, with a pulse injection of E. coli at 2 and 4 weeks, support similar conclusions—nanosilver filters perform better initially, but after 4 weeks of use, nanosilver filters suffer larger decreases in performance. Results show that including silver nitrate in the mixing step may effectively reduce costs, improve silver retention in the filter, increase effective lifespan, and maintain effective pathogen removal while also eliminating the risk of exposure to inhalation of silver nanoparticles by workers in developing-world filter production facilities.
Older Patient Preferences for Internal Fixation after a Distal Radius Fracture: A Qualitative Study from the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial.

Background Distal radius fracture treatments provide similar functional outcomes. It has been hypothesized that the use of internal fixation is increasing because of physician preferences. The multisite randomized Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial provides a unique opportunity to examine patient preferences in the absence of surgeon influence. The authors' objective was to investigate patient preference for internal fixation even after being informed of the equipoise among treatments. Methods The authors performed 30 semistructured interviews with older individuals, all older than 60 years, approached at their institution for the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial. The authors' sample included three groups: those with a preference for internal fixation (n = 11), those with preference for nonsurgical treatment (n = 6), and those without a preference who consented to surgical randomization (n = 13). We used grounded theory for data collection and analysis. Results All participants indicated their chief concern was regaining full function. Patients based their preferences for internal fixation on multiple values, including obstacles to recovery, autonomy, aesthetics, and pain relief. Some patients who did not select internal fixation reflected on their experiences, questioning whether they would have had a potentially different outcome with internal fixation treatment. Conclusions Without evidence for a superior treatment, patients focus on factors that pertain to recovery rather than outcomes, with most preferring the volar locking plating system. To best align with patient values, physicians should focus their discussion with patients on aspects of the recovery period rather than functional outcomes. Evidence from the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial will provide high-level information about patient-reported, functional, and radiographic outcomes.
Bioinspired process using anisotropic silica particles and fatty acid for superhydrophobic cotton fabrics

Superhydrophobic cotton fabrics having lotus leaf-like dual scale surface roughness were prepared via a 2-step ‘green’ process. First, silica particles with different shapes were synthesized using a water-in-alcohol emulsion and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) of different molecular weights (MWs). Lower MW PVP resulted in a combination of spherical and cone-shaped particles while high MW PVP resulted in needle-shaped particles. These anisotropic particles were covalently bonded to the fabrics to create desired permanent surface roughness. Second, fatty acid was grafted using a novel solvent-free grafting process of fatty acid to lower the surface energy of fabrics. Grafting of fatty acid and silica particles onto the fabric surface was confirmed using ATR-FTIR. The facile 2-step process consisting of obtaining surface roughness through silica particles and low surface energy through grafted fatty acid resulted in superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with water contact angles (WCA) above 150°. Fabrics with dual-shaped particles (spherical and cone-shaped) exhibited a higher WCA of 157° while fabrics with single-shaped (needles) particles showed a slightly lower WCA of 153°. Covalent bonding of both particles and fatty acid resulted in highly durable superhydrophobic characteristics. The ‘green’, fluorine-free process developed in this study can be easily scaled up for other cellulosic materials such as viscose rayon, paper, micro-fibrillated cellulose, etc., to expand their applications in self-cleaning surfaces, water-repellent protective coatings, packaging, polymer composites, electronics and others.
Nanoporous Structure and Enhanced Thermal Stability of a Polyimide/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite

Polymer composites based on polyimides and single-walled carbon nanotubes are of interest in space and aerospace industries, due to inherent thermal stabilities as thermal/electrical conductivities of the components. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to disperse the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the polyimide matrix. This work attempts this by predispersion of the CNTs in the precursor reactive materials, and then polymerization is carried out with the CNTs in place. When this is done, some unusual behavior has been observed, such as the formation of nanoporous composite structure and enhanced thermal stability of the products.
Development of NI my-RIO Based Control Module for Versatile Terrain Autonomous Mobility Platform (VTAMP)

In recent years, much progress has been made in the field of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV). Nonetheless, safe mobility and traversal of a UGV on rough terrains such as snow and mountainous regions is still a daunting task. This paper discusses the increased maneuverability and robustness of a UGV by developing its control on NI myRIO. A Versatile Terrain Autonomous Mobility Platform (VTAMP) has been designed for an increase traversing capability through rough and challenging terrains. Extended maneuverability is achieved with the assistance of arm-like structures in the vehicle known as "Flippers". An open loop control system based on NI myRIO is developed with the addition of few add-ons like night vision camera. To achieve robustness, a fail-safe has been developed in both hardware and software and its reliability is experienced in various testing conditions.
Using Secondary Survey Data to Study Community Sentiment: An Example Examining Sentiment Toward Income Based on Family Needs and Income

Surveys and secondary survey data can be extremely useful tools for researchers and practitioners examining community sentiment. In this chapter, we discuss survey methodology and provide a detailed, step-by-step example of how to conduct secondary data analysis. We first introduce survey methodology and discuss the pros and cons of survey data. We then proceed with an example that uses secondary survey data to examine community sentiment on the question of if/how family needs should be a factor in deciding how much employees ought to be paid. We conclude by discussing how our example sheds light on the utility of survey data in community sentiment research.
Can low autopsy rates be increased? Yes, we can! Should postmortem examinations in oncology be performed? Yes, we should! A postmortem analysis of oncological cases

Ever declining autopsy rates have been a concern of pathologists as well as clinicians for decades. Notably, in the field of oncology, data on autopsies and discrepancies between clinical and autoptic diagnoses are particularly scarce. In this retrospective study, we show the effect of a simple catalog of measures consisting of a different approach to obtain consent for autopsy, structured conferencing, and systematic teaching of residents, as well as a close collaboration between clinicians and pathologists on the numbers of autopsies, especially of oncological patients. Additionally, postmortem examination protocols from the years 2015 until 2019 were analyzed, regarding rates of discrepancies between clinical and autoptic causes of death in this category of patients. Autopsy numbers could be significantly increased from a minimum in 2014 (60 autopsies) to a maximum in 2018 (142 autopsies) (p < 0.0001). In the 67 autopsies of oncological cases, a high rate of 51% of major discrepancy between clinical and autoptic causes of death could be detected. In contrast to the general reported decline of autopsy rates, we present rising autopsy numbers over the past 5 years with an increasing number of oncological cases who underwent a postmortem examination. The high percentage of major discrepancies between clinical and autopsy diagnosis is in contrast to an expected decrease of major discrepancies in times of precise diagnostic methods and underlines the importance of autopsies to ensure high quality in diagnostics and therapy not only in the field of oncology.
Reproductive Tract Anomalies in Adolescent Endometriosis

Congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract, including Mullerian anomalies, occur in up to 5% of women and are due to errors of normal embryologic development. Most anomalies are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. When symptomatic, they may present with gynecologic and/or obstetrical complications, most commonly cyclic pelvic pain or primary amenorrhea. Definitive diagnosis is achieved with MRI and 3D ultrasonography. Uterine malformations are associated with renal and urinary tract anomalies in 30–50% of cases, and all women diagnosed with a genital anomaly should also undergo screening for urinary system malformation.
Active and Collaborative Learning Based Dynamic Instructional Approach in Teaching Introductory Computer Science Course with Python Programming

In this era of smart devices, new technologies, gadgets, apps, and numerous systems and services available over online, teaching an introductory programming course by traditional lecture method faces challenges to draw student’s attention; especially in their freshman year. In this work, we discuss our experience in teaching an introductory CS course by infusing both interactive and collaborative learning in pedagogy so that students can learn using interactive platforms, tools, technologies, systems, and services as available to them and collaboration within and among groups. For interactive learning, students used an interactive programming environment (e.g. repl. it classroom) as well as online eBooks. We designed several in-class exercises, assignments, small lab-based projects with example codes and expected outputs, and unit tests by using built-in unit tests library. We also, in the middle of semester, introduced collaborative learning through teamwork on well-defined projects during the learning time and submitted at the end. The collaborations include use of basic task management tools and multi-player tool of repl.it that the students can critic, supplement, improve peer works and learn. To evaluate the impact of this infusion, a pre- and post-survey were conducted on student cohort in two different semesters. The initial evaluation of the survey results and performances (final project and final grades) show evidence to conclude that the proposed pedagogical approach increased student motivation and engagement and facilitated learning to entry-level computer science students.
Bedside Benchmarks: Transparent Data to Reduce Variation in Postoperative Care

Benchmark data at the bedside — for clinicians, patients, and families alike to see — can serve as a useful tool to set expectations regarding key metrics and milestones during the postoperative pe...
Transcriptome-wide association analysis identifies DACH1 as a kidney disease risk gene that contributes to fibrosis

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for kidney function identified hundreds of risk regions; however, the causal variants, target genes, cell types, and disease mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we performed transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), summary Mendelian randomization, and MetaXcan to identify genes whose expression mediates the genotype effect on the phenotype. Our analyses identified Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1), a cell-fate determination factor. GWAS risk variant was associated with lower DACH1 expression in human kidney tubules. Human and mouse kidney single-cell open chromatin data (snATAC-Seq) prioritized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) GWAS variants located on an intronic regulatory region in distal convoluted tubule cells. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing confirmed the role of risk variants in regulating DACH1 expression. Mice with tubule-specific Dach1 deletion developed more severe renal fibrosis both in folic acid and diabetic kidney injury models. Mice with tubule-specific Dach1 overexpression were protected from folic acid nephropathy. Single-cell RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and functional analysis indicated that DACH1 controls the expression of cell cycle and myeloid chemotactic factors, contributing to macrophage infiltration and fibrosis development. In summary, integration of GWAS, TWAS, single-cell epigenome, expression analyses, gene editing, and functional validation in different mouse kidney disease models identified DACH1 as a kidney disease risk gene.
Artificial intelligence to assess body composition on routine abdominal CT scans and predict mortality in pancreatic cancer- A recipe for your local application.

Abstract Background Body composition is associated with mortality; however its routine assessment is too time-consuming. Purpose To demonstrate the value of artificial intelligence (AI) to extract body composition measures from routine studies, we aimed to develop a fully automated AI approach to measure fat and muscles masses, to validate its clinical discriminatory value, and to provide the code, training data and workflow solutions to facilitate its integration into local practice. Methods We developed a neural network that quantified the tissue components at the L3 vertebral body level using data from the Liver Tumor Challenge (LiTS) and a pancreatic cancer cohort. We classified sarcopenia using accepted skeletal muscle index cut-offs and visceral fat based its median value. We used Kaplan Meier curves and Cox regression analysis to assess the association between these measures and mortality. Results Applying the algorithm trained on LiTS data to the local cohort yielded good agreement [>0.8 intraclass correlation (ICC)]; when trained on both datasets, it had excellent agreement (>0.9 ICC). The pancreatic cancer cohort had 136 patients (mean age: 67 ± 11 years; 54% women); 15% had sarcopenia; mean visceral fat was 142 cm2. Concurrent with prior research, we found a significant association between sarcopenia and mortality [mean survival of 15 ± 12 vs. 22 ± 12 (p Conclusions AI body composition analysis can provide meaningful imaging biomarkers from routine exams demonstrating AI’s ability to further enhance the clinical value of radiology reports.
A Multidimensional Approach to Defining and Measuring Financial Literacy in the Digital Age

Digital financial services (DFS) have rapidly expanded in recent years, largely driven by fintech and further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are growing concerns that traditional financial literacy is insufficient to empower individuals to effectively access and use DFS. Digital financial literacy (DFL) is emerging as a key enabler that involves a set of knowledge, awareness, and abilities, which includes some aspects of financial literacy (FL) and digital literacy (DL), but also specific features and risks that are particular to DFS. This chapter focuses on construction of a multidimensional framework for DFL that highlights the empirical techniques needed to test the reliability, validity, and robustness of the metrics. We also examine best practices to investigate the extent to which DFL can boost financial inclusion and improve peoples’ livelihoods, especially for those traditionally excluded from the financial marketplace. The insights from this chapter provide a useful starting place for scholars to build upon to contribute to better-targeted DFL strategies that ensure no one is left behind in the digital transition.
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ATIS) : THE USER REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

This paper describes an effort to develop clear and relevant guidelines for the design of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) and Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO). It focuses on methods and results of a user requirements analysis which identifies the appropriate content, organization, and format of the ATIS/CVO guidelines.
Conceptualizing Sensory Environments

Although the rising tide of ecological interest has led to the study of ever-increasing numbers and varieties of environments, very little has been done toward conceptualizing and categorizing them. While some work has been done in this area for human environments, most notably by Rudolph Moos (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976), for animal studies there has been almost nothing. Researchers have instead tended to label environments in general ways (e.g., “social rearing”), and have only infrequently looked for the underlying commonalities and differences.
Coherent fast wave radiation from spatiotemporally modulated gyrating relativistic electron beams

Generation of radiation is described at a harmonic of the rotation frequency for a spatiotemporally modulated gyrating electron beam. Cumulative energy flow into the wave occurs when its group velocity matches the beam's axial velocity. Fifth harmonic wave growth at 94 GHz in a cylindrical waveguide is shown to be relatively free of mode competition for a device employing a 150 kV, 6.7 A beam. Non-linear simulations show a saturated efficiency of 56% for a linear magnetic field taper in this device. The saturated efficiency only drops to 50% for an axial velocity spread of 10%.
Destruction of Oxygenate/Odor Formation in a High Temperature Flat Flame Burner

As a group of diesel engine exhaust products, oxygenates have been found primarily responsible for the characteristic exhaust odor. In diesel combustion systems, it is thought that oxygenates are produced in too-lean-to-burn regions and are subsequently destroyed in the temperature flame regions. In order to study these destruction processes, n-dodecane/oxygen/inert gas mixtures have been burned in a high temperature premixed, prevaporized, one-dimensional, laminar flat flame burner. The rate of decay of oxygenates along the axis of the burner in the reaction zone and in the post flame zone has been measured and followed. An empirical relationship describing the rate of decay of oxygenates has been derived and is presented and discussed in this paper.
An Additional Step in the Transport of Iron Defined by the tonB Locus of Escherichia coli

Abstract The uptake of iron by cells of Escherichia coli involves at least three components. One component is chelators of iron which are excreted into the medium by iron-deficient cells. One function of these dihydroxybenzoylserine-containing compounds is to increase the availability of transportable ferric ion to the cells by solubilization of hydroxypolymers of iron. Another component is a tonB-associated step which is characterized by a high affinity of the cells for ferric ion. Point and deletion mutants of the tonB locus are resistant to phage T1, unable to grow normally on iron-deficient medium, and transport ferric ion with a Km 10-fold higher than for wild type cells. Also involved in the uptake of iron is an energy-dependent component which can be demonstrated by treatment of wild type or tonB- cells with azide (30 mm) and iodoacetamide (1 mm). The energy poisons decrease the Vmax of iron accumulation by approximately 10-fold, but they do not alter the apparent Km.
Self-Produced Child Pornography: The Appropriate Societal Response to Juvenile Self-Sexual Exploitation

One need only read the newspaper to see a rising dangerous phenomenon among juveniles: the creation and subsequent sharing via the Internet of sexually explicit photographs. This "self exploitation" is not only a tragic social problem, but a growing legal one as well. Judges, attorneys, and legislators, are forced to address this activity because, in addition to being self destructive, it is also a violation of state and federal child pornography laws. Juvenile self exploitation illustrates a clash of two lines of jurisprudence and public policy: the aggressive opposition to child pornography and the more lenient rehabilitative treatment of juvenile self destructive behavior. This article offers an in depth analysis of the appropriate societal and governmental response to this behavior and, specifically, whether juvenile prosecution should remain an option for the state. The article analyzes all the growing number of cases in this area; other legal models including criminal child pornography laws, child prostitution laws, and statutory rape laws; the doctrinal bases for governmental intervention in juveniles' lives; as well as numerous social science studies concerning child pornography's effects. Among those most closely examined are the social harms recognized by social science, the courts, and legislatures. The article concludes that, based upon the vast social harms caused by child pornography to children within and exposed to the images, the purpose of the juvenile justice system, and the need for a deterrent to this behavior, juvenile prosecution should remain an option for the state. While prosecution should not be mandatory, policy makers should create a policy and protocol for addressing this self destructive behavior. The article concludes with a proposed protocol offering guidance to policy makers as to when prosecution befits the activity and when it does not.
A mutation in CLOCK leads to altered dopamine receptor function

Mice with a mutation in the Clock gene (ClockΔ19) have a number of behavioral phenotypes that suggest alterations in dopaminergic transmission. These include hyperactivity, increased exploratory behavior, and increased reward value for drugs of abuse. However, the complex changes in dopaminergic transmission that underlie the behavioral abnormalities in these mice remain unclear. Here we find that a loss of CLOCK function increases dopamine release and turnover in striatum as indicated by increased levels of metabolites HVA and DOPAC, and enhances sensitivity to dopamine receptor antagonists. Interestingly, this enlarged dopaminergic tone results in downstream changes in dopamine receptor (DR) levels with a surprising augmentation of both D1- and D2-type DR protein, but a significant shift in the ratio of D1 : D2 receptors in favor of D2 receptor signaling. These effects have functional consequences for both behavior and intracellular signaling, with alterations in locomotor responses to both D1-type and D2-type specific agonists and a blunted response to cAMP activation in the ClockΔ19 mutants. Taken together, these studies further elucidate the abnormalities in dopaminergic transmission that underlie mood, activity, and addictive behaviors.
Stable expression of human cytochrome P450 1A1, human NADPH-cytochrome p450 reductase and single copy of human N-acetyltransferase-2 in DNA nucleotide excision repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells

1536 N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) plays an important role in the metabolic activation of many promutagens, procarcinogens, and drugs. Genetic polymorphism has been identified for human NAT2. To investigate the role of human NAT2 polymorphism on genotoxicity from aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens, DNA nucleotide excision repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells (UV5) were constructed for stable expression of human cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1), human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, and a single copy of human NAT2*4 (rapid acetylator) or human NAT2*5B (slow acetylator) allele. This study describes the construction of these cell lines. Briefly, full length cDNAs, encoding human CYP1A1 and human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, were cloned into the bicistronic mammalian expression vector pIRES (Clontech). After sequence confirmation, the plasmid was transfected into nucleotide excision repair-deficient UV5 cells. Individual geneticin resistant colonies were selected and measured for the CYP1A1-dependent ethoxyresorufin dealkylation activity. The Flp-In expression system (Invitrogen) was used to express the single copy of human NAT2 into newly established UV5 cells expressing human CYP1A1 (UV5CYP1A1). This Flp-In expression system allows expression of a single copy of target gene at a specific genomic location, thus eliminating the potential expression variations due to the chromosomal position effect and unknown copy number of the cDNA. Briefly, pcDNA5/FRT plasmid containing human NAT2*4 or NAT2*5B coding region was transfected into UV5CYP1A1 cells, and cells were selected for hygromycin B. Experiments were performed to confirm that only a single copy of NAT2 gene was integrated and expressed at same chromosomal position in the cells. NAT2 mRNA levels and catalytic activities were determined for the cells expressing human NAT2*4 or NAT2*5B. The results showed that cells containing a single copy of NAT2 exhibited measurable sulfamethazine NAT2 activity whereas untransfected cells did not. The expression levels of NAT2 mRNA were equivalent among the cells containing a single copy of NAT2*4 or NAT2*5B. In contrast, sulfamethazine NAT2 activity in the cells containing a single copy of NAT2*4 was ∼10-fold higher than in the cells containing a single copy of NAT2*5B. These cell lines should be useful tools to study human NAT2 polymorphism and its effects on aromatic and heterocyclic amine genotoxicity. Partially supported by USPHS grant CA-34627 from the National Cancer Institute and a grant from Philip Morris, Inc.
A genetic polymorphism in the sex-linked ATP5A1 gene is associated with individual fitness in Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla).

While testing genetic sexing techniques in Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla), we found a genetic polymorphism in the ATP5A1 gene in 38% of individuals. The Z′ allele included changes in both intronic and exonic portions of the sequenced region, but there was no evidence that this changed the resulting ATP synthase product. Males that had one or more copies of this allele had higher relative body mass (mass corrected for size) than other genotypes. This allele was unrelated to stable isotope signatures, and so was not a useful predictor of latitude within the eastern portion of the Ovenbird breeding range. Future studies are needed to determine whether this polymorphism may be a useful geographic marker. This study is the first to link polymorphisms in the sex-linked ATP5A1 gene with fitness effects.
Hillslope subsurface flow similarity: Real‐world tests of the hillslope Péclet number

[1] Similarity analysis offers the ability to model hydrological response using quantifiable landscape descriptors. It is possible to develop similarity indices based on analytical solutions to the governing dynamic equations (Brutsaert, 2005). Berne et al. (2005) provide derivation of such a similarity index (the hillslope Peclet number) of subsurface flow and saturation for hillslopes with exponential width functions. They showed that the hillslope Peclet number depends only on geometric properties of the hillslope. Their work was validated using laboratory experiments conducted on constructed hillslopes with homogeneous soil structure and varying bedrock slope angle. This study applies the similarity analysis of Berne et al. (2005) to two data sets: (1) the trench hillslope study at the Maimai research catchment conducted by Woods and Rowe (1996) and (2) the isolated hillslope study near Troy, Idaho, United States, conducted by Brooks et al. (2004). The Maimai trench study was selected because it provides subsurface flow data from hillslopes with different planform geometries. The Troy hillslope study was selected because the experimental results of Brooks et al. (2004) provide an estimate of hydraulic conductivity consistent with the support scale of the hillslope. We estimated the hillslope Peclet number of the hillslopes on the basis of elevation data and reported values of average soil depth. This hillslope Peclet number quantifies the geomorphological control on how water moves through these hillslopes and creates a basis for comparison independent of hydraulic properties. We then estimated the first and second moments of the characteristic subsurface response function of each hillslope on the basis of subsurface flow data. To compare the empirical and theoretical moments, the hydraulic properties (saturated hydraulic conductivity and drainable porosity) of the hillslopes were related using a base flow recession analysis. Then we were able to derive the dimensionless moments of the hillslopes' observed characteristic response function using hydraulic conductivities reported in the literature. The agreement between the observed and theoretical moments shows the promise of implementing the hillslope Peclet number as a similarity parameter to describe first-order hydrological response in humid environments.
Emerging Trends: Asset Pricing

The modern field of asset pricing is organized around the concept of the stochastic discount factor. This essay uses this framework to discuss the literature on predictability of asset returns in the short and long run, the influence of irrational investor expectations on asset prices, and the cross-section of stock returns. Future progress will require microeconomic data on investor actions and ideally survey evidence on their risk preferences and beliefs. Keywords: stochastic discount factor; efficient markets; return predictability; rational expectations; behavioral finance; ambiguity aversion
Interracial and Intercultural Lesbian Couples

SUMMARY Evidence indicates that lesbians, like everyone else, are meeting and entering into relationships with women from increasingly varied cultural backgrounds including race, culture, and class. This article seeks to provide clinicians with both the challenges of these relationships as well as the strengths of these relationships. The historical context in which interracial and intercultural lesbian relationships have evolved is presented in the first section of the paper in order to situate these couples in a historical context. Next the available literature is reviewed focused on challenges these couples may experience as they navigate their world and their relationship. The following section of the paper relies on the literature to review potential relationship strengths in intercultural and interracial relationships. It should be noted that much more has been written about challenges than about strengths. Finally, clinical considerations are highlighted for working with interracial and intercultur...