cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Locomotive Routing Problem

Given a schedule of trains, the locomotive planning (or scheduling) problem (LPP) is to determine the minimum cost assignment of locomotive types to trains that satisfies a number of business and operational constraints. Once this is done, the railroad has to determine the sequence of trains to which each locomotive is assigned by unit number so that it can be fueled and serviced as necessary. We refer to this problem as the locomotive routing problem (LRP). The LRP is a very large scale combinatorial optimization problem, and the general version that we consider has previously been unstudied and unsolved in the research literature. In this paper, we develop robust optimization methods to solve the LRP. There are two major sets of constraints that need to be satisfied by each locomotive route: (1) locomotive fueling constraints, which require that every unit visit a fueling station at least once for every F miles of travel, and (2) locomotive servicing constraints, which require that every unit visit a service station at least once for every S miles of travel. The output of the LPP is not directly implementable because the LPP does not consider these fueling and servicing constraints. The LRP considers these constraints, and its output is therefore implementable. We model the LRP by considering alternative fueling and servicing friendly train paths (or strings) between servicing stations on the network. We formulate the LRP as an integer programming problem on a suitably constructed space-time network and show that this problem is NP-Complete. This integer programming problem has millions of decision variables. We develop a fast aggregation-disaggregation based algorithm to solve the problem within a few minutes of computational time to near optimality. Finally, we present computational results and extensive case studies of our algorithms on real data provided by a major Class I U.S. railroad.
The effect of sublethal endrin exposure on rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. II. The effect of altering serum cortisol concentrations on the immune response

The effect of altering serum cortisol concentrations on the immune response was elucidated in endrin- and non-endrin-exposed rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri. Fish were immunized with 10 μg of Yersinia ruckeri O-antigen following 30 days of treatment. The migration inhibition factor assay (MIF), plaque-forming cell assay (PFC) and serum agglutination titres (SAG) were performed 2, 14 and 30 days post-antigen inoculation. Endrin exposure was continued subsequent to antigen inoculation. Control fish were fed 20 and 35 mg kg−1 body weight day−1 of cortisol and metyrapone, respectively. Endrin-exposed fish received 35 mg kg−1 body weight day−1 of metyrapone in their diet. Control fish receiving cortisol had significantly reduced MIF, PFC and SAG responses. The MIF response was completely restored in endrin-exposed fish receiving dietary metyrapone. The PFC response and SAG titres were partially restored, 61 and 69% respectively, in endrin-exposed fish receiving metyrapone. The results indicate that elevated serum cortisol concentration obtained in endrin-exposed fish has a central role in repression of the immune response.
Modulation of kainic acid-induced activity in the mouse spinal cord by the amino terminus of substance P: sensitivity to opioid antagonists.

Behavioral sensitization to kainic acid (KA) in the mouse spinal cord appears to be mediated by the amino (N) terminus of substance P (SP), as potentiation of KA is sensitive to capsaicin, mimicked by SP1-7 but not SP5-11, and blocked by SP1-7 antagonists but not by neurokinin antagonists. As naloxone inhibits some effects of SP1-7, this study examines the role of opioid receptors in the mediation of KA-induced sensitization by the N terminus of SP. All drugs were injected i.t. Behavioral sensitization to repeated injections of KA was inhibited by a large (1 micrograms) dose of naloxone. Pretreatment with either naloxonazine or beta-funaltrexamine, mu-selective opioid antagonists, naltrindole, a delta-selective opioid antagonist, or nor-binaltorphimine, a kappa-selective antagonist, failed to alter the development of sensitization to KA, indicating that this phenomenon is not due to mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors. The ability of 22.5 pmol of SP1-7 to enhance subsequent KA responses was blocked when coadministered with 0.1 micrograms of naloxone. When administered with KA, naloxone not only failed to reverse the potentiative effect of SP1-7, but further enhanced responses to KA for 2 hr after SP1-7. In contrast to pretreatment with SP1-7, coadministration of KA with SP1-7 inhibited the intensity of behaviors. The inhibitory effect of SP1-7 on responses to a single injection of KA was prevented by pretreatment with naltrindole, whereas pretreatment with beta-funaltrexamine blocked the inhibitory effect of SP1-7 on response to KA in a KA-sensitized animal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Temporal Trends in AKI: Insights from Big Data

“Hiding within these mounds of data is knowledge that could change the life of a patient or change the world.” This quote by Atul Butte, a preeminent data scientist, perfectly encapsulates the alluring promise of big data for biomedical research. Using large, national administrative datasets is
"I Just Wouldn't Want to Get as Deep into It": Preservice Teachers' Beliefs about the Role of Controversial Topics in Mathematics Education.

In this article, the authors report on the initial results of a mixed methods approach to study the beliefs that preservice teachers have about teaching real-world contexts, including those related to injustices, controversial issues, and children's home and cultural backgrounds. Data collection included a survey with 92 preservice Pre-K--8 teachers, and follow-up interviews with nine survey participants. Analysis of the data suggests that preservice teachers were open to the idea of teaching mathematics through real-world contexts, but were ambivalent regarding the use of controversial issues, and often unable to provide concrete or non-trivial examples of what these different types of real-world contexts would look like in a mathematics classroom. Based on the survey and interview findings, the authors make recommendations for future research, and for the use of controversial issues in teacher education programs.
Correlation of Src activation with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and aggressive features of head and neck squamous carcinoma

6026 Background: The role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to invasive and progression of several epithelial malignancies. The role of this process in head and neck squamou...
Do Spouses Make Claims? Health Seeking and Microfinance In India

We study a micro-finance program that provides compulsory health insurance to its borrowers and their spouses. We find that the non-borrowing spouses are less likely to file insurance claims than those who are borrowing. Further, a man is more likely to use the health insurance acquired through his wife's loan than is a woman (through her husband's loan). These patterns suggest that women who do not borrow are disempowered relative to those that do.
Stève Sainlaude. La France et la Confédération sudiste (1861–1865): La question de la reconnaissance diplomatique pendant la guerre de Sécession. Stève Sainlaude. Le gouvernement impérial et la guerre de Sécession (1861–1865): L'action diplomatique

Steve Sainlaude, La France et la Confederation sudiste (1861-1865): La question de la reconnaissance diplomatique pendant la guerre de Secession. (Histoire, Textes, Societes.) Paris: L'Harmattan. 2011. Pp. 244. €24.50. ; Steve Sainlaude, Le gouvernement imperial et la guerre de Secession (1861-1865): L'action diplomatique. (Histoire, Textes, Societes.) Paris: L'Harmattan. 2011. Pp. 145. €15.50. These two books are, to come to the point right away, blockbusters--path-breaking, fascinating analyses of French policy during the time of the American Civil War (1861 to 1865). Each runs over with important revisionist theses. The mastery of many of the materials treated, the boldness of statement, the relative fresh and directness of style, and the subtle undertone of much of the argument—all these are the hallmark’s of Sainlaude’s scholarship. The first volume is addressed to an examination of the outstanding policies pursued by Imperial France: how its neutrality should be maintained (and indeed whether it was wise to do so); the manifold attempts made by the government to mediate an end to the conflict; and finally (and by far the most important) the personal initiatives pursued by Napoleon III. Sainlaude examines each of these initiatives in turn and attempts to identify the reasons for their failure. At bottom, all were misconceived, shortsighted, and deleterious in the highest degree to the development of coherent diplomacy. But beyond that, and perhaps more important still, they floundered because of the profound and appalling personal deficiencies of the figure involved. Thus: “It was impossible to understand the intentions of the sovereign
Menu analysis : Design, merchandising, and pricing strategies used by successful restaurants and private clubs

The menu is a key factor in influencing the guest's first impression of the facility, the menu selections they are likely to order, and sets expectations about the food and beverages they are about to receive. Menu development is an ongoing process. To maintain a competitive advantage, menus must remain flexible. This study examines the dinner menus of successful restaurants and private clubs. The analysis compares menu design characteristics and pricing strategies used by restaurants and clubs that have been awarded honors in their industry segment. Each restaurant has received the DiRoNA award, and each club has received the Platinum Clubs of America honor. By identifying menu design techniques and pricing strategies used by these restaurants and clubs, other operators may benefit from applying these aspects to their businesses.
Repellency of selected esters and amides of four alicyclic acids against the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae).

Selected esters and amides of 4 alicyclic acids were found to be significantly more effective than N,N -diethyl- m -toluamide (deet) as topical repellents against the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Two compounds, 1-(3-cyclohexene-1-yl carbonyl)piperidine (AI3-35765) and 1-[ (2-methylcyclohexyl)-carbonyl]piperidine (AI3-35769), were significantly more effective than deet when they were applied to skin at rates of 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/forearm. Two others, 1-[ (2-methyl-cyclohexyl) carbonyl]-hexahydro-1 H -azepinc (AI3-35770) and N,N -dipropylcyclohexanccarboxamide (AI3-36326), were more dfective at the 2 highest doses while the remainder were more effective at the highest or intermediate dose.
The Benefits of Adjusting - Estimating the Speed of Adjustment toward a Target Capital Structure on a Cost Basis

I estimate the speed of adjustment toward a target capital structure on a cost basis. Whereas other papers test for mean reversion of leverage ratios, I test for mean reversion in the opportunity cost of being away from a target capital structure. The primary benefit of this approach is that the opportunity cost provides a direct link between changes in capital structure and changes in firm value and allows me to quantify the economic benefit of a given speed of adjustment policy as a percent of firm value. The mean firm saves about 3.3% of total assets by following the estimated speed of adjustment policy of 47.3% vis-a-vis a random financing policy. However, firms would not realize any significant gain (less than 0.40% to total assets) by changing their policy from the observed to a policy of complete adjustment. As such, firms appear to be not only adjusting toward optimal capital structures in a meaningful way but also optimizing the speed at which they adjust.
Crystal structure of 1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-undeca-hydro-cyclo-dodeca[c]pyrazol-3-ol.

The title compound, C13H22N2O, crystallized as a pyrazolol tautomer. The 12-membered macrocycle has a distorted chair conformation. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked via pairs of O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are linked via N—H⋯π and C—H⋯π inter­actions, forming slabs parallel to the bc plane.
An Inelastic Neutron Scattering Study of H2 in Vycor Glass

The orientational properties of n-H2confined in Vycor have been studied via inelastic neutron spectroscopy. We observe two distinct rotational transitions which we ascribe to H2in the center of the pore and H2strongly bound to the surface. The molecules on the surface can be modeled as rotationally hindered rotors, and a distribution of orientational potentials is extracted.
Operator sum representation for Markov transition models of human inference processes

The standard Bayesian framework does not account for the decision maker's errors, such as the conjunction and disjunction fallacies, in updating the belief state upon measuring the uncertain quantities. Moreover, the classical probability theory does not distinguish a mixed state (e.g., being of two minds) from a superposed state (e.g., being of neutral mind). The operator sum representation of completely positive linear maps can address these limitations in a unified manner, and allows for numerical determination of a general belief-state update rule. In particular, examples show that the operator sum approach yields an improvement over the existing quantum model of human inference, and that it can be used to explain the mixing and superposition effects of gossip interactions.
E4orf1 Enhances Glucose Uptake Independent of Proximal Insulin Signaling

Impaired proximal insulin signaling is often present in diabetes. Hence, approaches to enhance glucose disposal independent of proximal insulin signaling are desirable. Evidence indicates that Adenovirus-derived E4orf1 protein may offer such an approach. This study determined if E4orf1 improves insulin sensitivity and downregulates proximal insulin signaling in vivo and enhances cellular glucose uptake independent of proximal insulin signaling in vitro. High fat fed mice were injected with a retrovirus plasmid expressing E4orf1, or a null vector. E4orf1 significantly improved insulin sensitivity in response to a glucose load. Yet, their proximal insulin signaling in fat depots was impaired, as indicated by reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), and significantly increased abundance of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1). In 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes E4orf1 expression impaired proximal insulin signaling. Whereas, treatment with rosiglitazone reduced ENPP1 abundance. Unaffected by IR-KD (insulin receptor knockdown) with siRNA, E4orf1 significantly up-regulated distal insulin signaling pathway and enhanced cellular glucose uptake. In vivo, E4orf1 impairs proximal insulin signaling in fat depots yet improves glycemic control. This is probably explained by the ability of E4orf1 to promote cellular glucose uptake independent of proximal insulin signaling. E4orf1 may provide a therapeutic template to enhance glucose disposal in the presence of impaired proximal insulin signaling.
Computer-aided diagnosis program for classifying the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma on MR images following liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS).

Purpose To develop and evaluate a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) program for liver lesions on magnetic resonance (MR) images for classification of the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following the liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS). Materials and Methods Liver MR images from 41 patients with hyperenhancing liver lesions categorized as LR 3, 4, and 5 were evaluated by two radiologists. The major LI-RADS features of each index liver lesion were recorded, including size (maximum transverse diameter), presence of hyperenhancement, washout appearance, and capsule appearance. A CAD program was implemented to register MR images at different contrast-enhancement phases, segment liver lesions, extract lesion features, and classify lesions according to LI-RADS. The LI-RADS features quantified by CAD were compared with those assessed by radiologists using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and receiver operator curve (ROC) analyses. The LI-RADS categorization between CAD and radiologists was evaluated using the weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results The mean and standard deviation of the lesion diameters were 21 ± 11 mm (range, 7–70 mm) by radiologists and 22 ± 11 mm (range, 8–72 mm) by CAD (ICC, 0.96–0.97). The area under the curve (AUC) for the washout assessment by CAD was 0.79–0.93 with sensitivity 0.69–0.82 and specificity 0.79–1. The AUC for the capsule assessment by CAD was 0.79–0.9 with sensitivity 0.75–0.9 and specificity 0.82–0.96. The classifications by the radiologists and CAD coincided in 76–83% lesions (k = 0.57–0.71), while the agreements between radiologists were in 78% lesions (k = 0.59). Conclusion We developed a CAD program for liver lesions on MR images and showed a substantial agreement in the LI-RADS-based classification of the risk of HCCs between the CAD and radiologists. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
On the Lp boundedness of wave operators for two-dimensional Schrödinger operators with threshold obstructions

Abstract Let H = − Δ + V be a Schrodinger operator on L 2 ( R 2 ) with real-valued potential V, and let H 0 = − Δ . If V has sufficient pointwise decay, the wave operators W ± = s − lim t → ± ∞ ⁡ e i t H e − i t H 0 are known to be bounded on L p ( R 2 ) for all 1 p ∞ if zero is not an eigenvalue or resonance. We show that if there is an s-wave resonance or an eigenvalue only at zero, then the wave operators are bounded on L p ( R 2 ) for 1 p ∞ . This result stands in contrast to results in higher dimensions, where the presence of zero energy obstructions is known to shrink the range of valid exponents p.
A coupled hyperelastic-plastic-continuum damage model for studying cyclic behavior of unfilled engineering polymers

Abstract History of accumulated fatigue damage and induced plastic strain are salient design criteria in many structural elements in aerospace, automotive and healthcare industries. A successful fatigue engineering tool should be able to predict the cyclic permanent set as well as the fatigue damage, and lifetime. When an engineering polymer is subjected to cyclic loads, the unloading curves may deviate from the so-called linear unloading response. It is argued that previously developed fatigue computational tools, e.g. Shojaei and Wedgewood (2017) and Shojaei and Volgers (2017), might overpredict the residual plastic strain in real applications. This work aims at accommodating the observed nonlinear unloading curves into the previously developed fatigue modeling framework that significantly improves the predicted permanent deformation. To accomplish this task a hyperelastic material model is coupled with plasticity, and Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM). The developed hyperelastic-plastic-CDM framework is implemented in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, viz. Abaqus, through user-defined material laws for structural analysis. The hyperelastic material model within the small strain framework can effectively capture elastic loading and unloading responses. The enforced coupling between hyperelastic, plastic, and CDM models results in more accurate prediction of the progressive fatigue damage and permanent set in unfilled polymers. The performance of the developed framework is compared with the experimental data and it is shown that the developed framework performs well in capturing progressive permanent set, and fatigue damage in unfilled polymers. The proposed framework may improve the precision of cyclic analysis in unfilled polymers and may help engineers in their design optimization cycles.
Play Leadership Training Courses: University of Washington Tries New Project

(1931). Play Leadership Training Courses. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 13-49.
Waves in Thin Plates

A plate is a body where one of the dimensions is substantially smaller than the other two. Plates in flexure are the two-dimensional equivalent of beams and classical plate theory is its equivalent of the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory, whereas the in-plane or membrane behavior of plates is analogous to that of rods. Many of the behaviors of plates and beams are quite similar, therefore only those aspects that are significantly different will be covered in this chapter.
Satellite Rainfall Information for Flood Preparedness and Response

Much of the economic and humanitarian toll from flood events is due to a lack of adequate warning and preparation. Information on current and anticipated rainfall from satellite data represents a source of affordable yet useful information for weather forecasters, emergency planners, and other personnel responsible for responding to flood events. This chapter will describe the current state of estimating and nowcasting rainfall at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), along with plans for the upcoming Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) onboard Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)-R, which shares many capabilities with the EUMETSAT Spinning Enhanced Visible Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). Examples of these products in actual flood events in Ukraine will be included.
Toward a paradigm shift from deficit-based to proactive speech and language treatment: Randomized pilot trial of the Babble Boot Camp in infants with classic galactosemia

Background: Speech and language therapy is typically initiated reactively after a child shows delays. Infants with classic galactosemia (CG), a metabolic disease with a known high risk for both speech and language disorders, hold the keys towards evaluating whether preventive treatment is effective when the risks are known at birth. We present pilot data from a randomized parallel trial of an innovative proactive speech and language intervention program, the Babble Boot Camp (BBC). Method : Five children with CG, otherwise healthy, participated in the study from approximately 2 to 24 months of age. One of these was randomly selected as control receiving conventional management, which typically starts at age 2-3 years. A pediatric speech-language pathologist met weekly via telepractice with the parents in the treatment cohort. Parents implemented the prespeech, speech, and language stimulation and expansion activities according to the intervention protocol. The control child was still too young for conventional treatment. Primary outcome measures were speech sound production complexity in babble and speech and expressive vocabulary size. Secondary outcome measures were vocalization rates and developmental milestones in communication, motor, and cognition. The trial is ongoing. Results : All four treated children had higher speech sound skills in babble, three had higher speech sound skills in meaningful speech, two had higher expressive vocabularies, three had higher global developmental scores, and two had higher vocalization rates, compared to the control child with CG. Discussion: Given the high risk for speech and language delays in children with CG, finding on-schedule abilities in two or more of the treated children but not the untreated child is unexpected under random conditions. The trends toward beneficial effects of the BBC on speech sound production, expressive language, and communication milestones warrant appropriately powered larger clinical trials with full randomization. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03838016 (12 th February 2019).
Development and Feasibility of SymTrak, aMulti-domain Tool for Monitoring Symptoms of Older Adults in Primary Care.

A clinically practical, brief, user-friendly, multi-domain self-report and caregiver-report tool is needed for tracking actionable symptoms in primary care for elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Develop and assess usability, administration time, and internal reliability of SymTrak. Phase I: legacy instruments, content validity, analyses of existing data, focus groups (physicians, nurses, patients, informal caregivers), and Think Aloud interviews (patients, caregivers) were used to develop SymTrak. Phase II (pilot feasibility study): 81 (27 patient-caregiver dyads, 27 patients without an identified caregiver) participants were self-administered SymTrak in clinic. SymTrak and demographic questions. Consistent themes emerged from phase I focus groups. Ambiguous wording was corrected with Think Aloud feedback. In phase II, patients and caregivers preferred circling words instead of numbers for item response options. SymTrak self-administration completion time in clinic was brief; mean was 2.4, 3.0, and 3.3 min for the finalized circlingwords version, respectively, for caregivers, dyadic patients, and patients without a caregiver; and the maximum was 6.2 min for any participant. Usability questionnaire ratings were high. Cronbach’s alpha for the SymTrak 23-item total score was 0.86, 0.79, and 0.81 for caregivers, dyadic patients, and patients without a caregiver, respectively. SymTrak demonstrates content validity, positive qualitative findings, high perceived usability, brief self-administered completion time, and good internal reliability.
La evaluación como instrumento para mejorar la calidad educativa: reflexiones sobre las últimas tendencias en los procesos de evaluación

The evaluation as an instrument of diagnosis, development and appraisal of educational actions currently needs to be taken into consideration by professors and academics of the education field. This article analyses the assessment of learning from a modern view emphasizing the auto evaluation and co evaluation, as well as the use of non-conventional evaluation instrLme nt s. The evaluation of teachers is widely analyzed, considering the latest developments in the country and the institutional evaluation, particularly appointed tothe accreditation.
Editing the first twenty years of Research in African Literatures

The one-page editorial in the inaugural issue of Research in African Literatures that appeared in the spring of 1970 stated the raison d’etre of this new venture in African journal publishing:Journ...
Determining the impact of a severe dry to wet transition on watershed hydrodynamics in California, USA with an integrated hydrologic model

With the onset of climate change, regions relied upon for water supply are increasingly subject to end-member fluctuations between periods of severe drought followed by extreme precipitation. The impacts of these extreme conditions on watershed hydrodynamics in water-resource sensitive regions such as California are unknown despite their great importance for resilience and water management purposes. Understanding these impacts requires high-resolution physically based models to capture sharp variations of topography, land use, wetting fronts, etc. An integrated hydrologic model was used in a high-performance computing framework to study the complex nonlinear dynamics occurring at a representative Californian watershed. The Cosumnes Watershed, one of the last major rivers in California without a dam, offers a rare opportunity to isolate the effects of water management from climate extremes. Here, we show model validation with comparisons between model outputs and local measurements in addition to various satellite-based products including (1) Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) with Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) and a reconstruction method by Bair and co-authors, (2) soil moisture with Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), and (3) evapotranspiration (ET) with Mapping Evapotranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC). To assess changes in hydrodynamic behavior during climate extremes and their transitions, a simulation spanning a recent drought followed by the highest precipitation year on record (2015–2017) is discussed. From these simulations, we are able to highlight regions that are the most sensitive to climate extremes, which depend on many factors including hydrologic connectivity, geology and topography. These analyses provide a better understanding of the physical phenomena occurring in the watershed, strengthening our knowledge of how the system may respond to extreme conditions which might become the “new normal.”
Quantitative Mapping of Molecular Substituents to Macroscopic Properties Enables Predictive Design of Oligoethylene Glycol-Based Lithium Electrolytes.

Molecular details often dictate the macroscopic properties of materials, yet due to their vastly different length scales, relationships between molecular structure and bulk properties can be diffic...
Differences in the prevalence of modifiable risk and protective factors for prostate cancer by race and ethnicity in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Prostate cancer burden is disproportionate by race. Black men have the highest incidence and mortality rates. Rates for Hispanic men are significantly lower than for non-Hispanic Whites. Whether differences in prevalences of modifiable risk and protective factors for prostate cancer may explain these racial/ethnic differences remains unclear. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), which are cross-sectional and nationally representative. We selected factors known or suspected to be associated with prostate cancer and calculated risk scores combining key factors. Age-adjusted means and proportions were calculated for each factor and risk score by race/ethnicity. We estimated odds ratios (OR) using polytomous logistic regression. Prevalences of most factors are statistically significantly differed by race/ethnicity. In NHANES III, the prevalence of high risk score (i.e., > 25th percentile for all participants) was lower for all groups (non-Hispanic Black = 59.4%, non-US-born Mexican American = 51.4%, US-born Mexican American = 61.4%) vs. non-Hispanic White men (76.4%). Similar findings were observed for the fatal weighted risk score and for continuous NHANES. Our findings from this nationally representative study suggest that a combination of multiple risk and protective factors may help to explain the lower rates of prostate cancer in Mexican Americans. However, variation in these factors did not explain the higher risk of prostate cancer in non-Hispanic Black men. No one lifestyle change can reduce prostate cancer equally across all racial/ethnic groups, and modifiable factors may not explain the increased risk in black men at all. Secondary prevention strategies may provide the most benefit for black men.
Influence of microfabrication on digital PCR performance in bead-based microwell array assays

Digital PCR (dPCR) is a highly sensitive analytical technique used to quantify DNA targets. Detection sensitivity can be further enhanced by capturing target sequences onto beads for preconcentration and sample cleanup prior to analysis in microfluidic microwell arrays. However, robust digital analysis requires individual beads to be interrogated within individual wells. Fabricating microwells with dimensions ≤ 3 μm is challenging, and the high surface area-to-volume ratio of the wells leaves PCR susceptible to inhibition stemming from materials used during device processing. This report describes the development of a microfabrication procedure to create ultralow-volume wells (100 fL) for bead-based dPCR and characterize the effects of microprocessing materials on assay performance. Standard microfabrication protocols used for creating microelectronics resulted in devices with nanoscopic debris originating from photoresists used during processing. A model dPCR assay was developed to characterize the effects of this debris, which revealed variable PCR inhibition. Debris within microwells attenuated digital and analog assay signals to a greater extent than debris on the device surface. Spatial heterogeneity of debris across devices was quantified to characterize regional PCR inhibition and intra- and inter-device variability. Ultimately, a fabrication procedure was developed to create pristine microfluidic arrays using dual processes to remove positive resist and forgoing use of negative resist entirely, which enabled robust amplification with digital signals matching theoretical predictions. Results from this work catalog the unique performance artifacts from device microfabrication and provide a guide for future studies seeking to conduct robust, high-sensitivity bead-based dPCR assays.
Equal Opportunity: Women Representation on Editorial Boards and Authorship of Editorials in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journals.

INTRODUCTION The proportion of women editorial board members and authors of editorials in major gastroenterology journals is not known. METHODS We determined the sex of editorial board members (n = 2,282) and authors of editorials (n = 1,705) across 6 journals from 1985 to 2020 at 5-year intervals. RESULTS The proportion of women editorial board members increased from 2.9% in 1985 to 19.8% in 2020 (P < 0.0001) and women authors of editorials increased from 0% in 1985 to 22.2% in 2020 (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION The proportion of women represented over time has improved, but opportunities likely exist to improve further.
"The Most Disastrous and Fatal Epidemic" : Mortality Statistics During the 1890 Russian Influenza Epidemic in Connecticut.

During the Russian influenza pandemic, which reached the United States in late 1889, US public health officials attempted to document the number of deaths associated with this disease outbreak. A h...
d-Methionine reduces tobramycin-induced ototoxicity without antimicrobial interference in animal models

Abstract Background Tobramycin is a critical cystic fibrosis treatment however it causes ototoxicity. This study tested d-methionine protection from tobramycin-induced ototoxicity and potential antimicrobial interference. Methods Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and outer hair cell (OHC) quantifications measured protection in guinea pigs treated with tobramycin and a range of d-methionine doses. In vitro antimicrobial interference studies tested inhibition and post antibiotic effect assays. In vivo antimicrobial interference studies tested normal and neutropenic Escherichia coli murine survival and intraperitoneal lavage bacterial counts. Results d-Methionine conferred significant ABR threshold shift reductions. OHC protection was less robust but significant at 20kHz in the 420mg/kg/day group. In vitro studies did not detect d-methionine-induced antimicrobial interference. In vivo studies did not detect d-methionine-induced interference in normal or neutropenic mice. Conclusions d-Methionine protects from tobramycin-induced ototoxicity without antimicrobial interference. The study results suggest d-met as a potential otoprotectant from clinical tobramycin use in cystic fibrosis patients.
Programmable encryption for wireless and network applications

The evolution of encryption technology has moved from large electromechanical boxes to printed wiring assemblies to embeddable integrated circuits. Along the way, a variety of cryptographic algorithms have emerged to address different applications, speeds and communications media. From a security perspective, there is often a need to keep these various systems distinct and isolated. From a communications perspective, there is often a need for interoperability among many of the systems. As advancing technology has allowed many systems to be consolidated into few (e.g., the Joint Tactical Radio System), the need for interoperability between different cryptographic devices has increased. This increased need for interoperability is also being driven by changing mission needs such as Homeland Security and joint operations with allied forces. In the context of this paper, programmable encryption is defined as the ability of a cryptographic device to be loaded with new information that enables it to interoperate with a variety of encryption devices, both fielded and yet to come. This paper addresses in more detail the need for programmable encryption, the USA government's position on the subject, applicability to current and future government programs, current state of the technology, technical and performance tradeoffs. implementation methods, and expectations of what the future holds in this arena.
Photon dispersion as a consequence of the interaction of torsion with an external magnetic field

The propagation of plane electromagnetic and torsional waves is studied in the presence of an external magnetic field. The dispersion formula indicates how photons may exhibit a splitting in frequency which could possibly serve as an astrophysical test for the Einstein-Cartan theory.
A 1 kHz a-scan rate pump-probe laser-ultrasound system for robust inspection of composites

We recently built a fiber-optic laser-ultrasound (LU) scanner for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of aircraft composites and demonstrated its greatly improved sensitivity and stability compared with current noncontact systems. It is also very attractive in terms of cost, stability to environmental noise and surface roughness, simplicity in adjustment, footprint, and flexibility. A new type of a balanced fiber-optic Sagnac interferometer is a key component of this all-optical LU pump-probe system. Very high A-scan rates can be achieved because no reference arm or stabilization feedback are needed. Here, we demonstrate LU system performance at 1000 A-scans/s combined with a fast 2-D translator operating at a scanning speed of 100 mm/s with a peak acceleration of 10 m/s2 in both lateral directions to produce parallel B-scans at high rates. The fast scanning strategy is described in detail. The sensitivity of this system, in terms of noise equivalent pressure, was further improved to be only 8.3 dB above the Nyquist thermal noise limit. To our knowledge, this is the best reported sensitivity for a noncontact ultrasonic detector of this dimension used to inspect aircraft composites.
Photocurrents in the vertical electrostatic separators at CESR

At CESR a pair of vertical separators are used to separate the two beams vertically at the symmetry point, in the north, of the interaction point in the south. They are 2.7 meter long and each one is providing a 1.0 mrad kick for a differential voltage of 100 KV between the electrodes. One side of each separator is exposed to the high flux of synchrotron radiation from a soft bend, 140 meter radius, magnet and a hard bend, 34.8 meter radius, magnet. The radiation generates large amount of photoelectrons which are converted to a large photocurrent. For a beam current of 150 ma the photocurrent is 1.2-1.5 ma. It caused a few times a day, a partial drop in the high voltage which caused a vertical beam blow up and beam loss. In addition the photocurrent was increasing the heat load of the positive electrode by 25 percent. In the paper we show how we were able to suppress the photocurrent almost to zero. As a result we have seen an increase in the life time of the beams and as well an increase in the luminosity.
Mercury contamination of alluvial sediments within the Essequibo and Mazaruni River Basins, Guyana

Small- and medium-scale mining operations in Guyana have increased significantly since the late 1980s. The majority of these gold mining operations utilize mercury (Hg) amalgamation methods in the recovery process, raising the question as to the significance of Hg inputs to the environment from mining activities. In March and April, 2001, 168 samples were collected from floodplain, sand bar, and channel bed deposits along a 350 km reach of the Mazaruni River and a 160 km reach of the Essequibo River. Distinct trends in the geochemical data suggest that much of the Hg found in the alluvial deposits is related to anthropogenic sources, including (1) Hg concentrations in floodplain, channel bed and sand bar deposits locally exceed background values defined by ferralitic soils; (2) core data reveal that Hg concentrations within floodplain deposits have increased in recent years; and (3) high Hg concentrations along the channels can be attributed to the influx of material from tributaries affected by mining operations, or to mining activities along the rivers. Recent investigations in Amazonia have argued that Hg from amalgamation mining represents a small portion of the total Hg load to riverine systems, the majority coming from the erosion of Hg enriched upland soils within deforested terrain. Geochemical data from the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers suggest that Hg from mining may be a more significant source in Guyana where large-scale deforestation is limited. However, it is unclear whether the increased Hg represents the direct input associated with the amalgamation process, or Hg associated with the erosion of soils and sediments that results from activities that accompany mining.
Significance of mastocytemia in cats.

Background In cats, mastocytemia is considered to be confined to animals with mast cell tumors (MCT), whereas in dogs it is associated with diverse diseases. Objective The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of mastocytemia in cats. Methods All blood smears and buffy coat (BC) smears on which mast cells were identified over a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed and mast cells counted. Mastocytemic cats were classified based on their clinical diagnosis. Results Mastocytemia was identified on 40 blood smears and 13 BC smears from 33 cats. The incidence of mastocytemia detected in cats during routine CBCs was 0.33% (40/12,116 CBCs). Twenty-two of 33 mastocytemic cats (67%) had visceral (n = 17) or cutaneous MCT (n = 7), including 2 that had concurrent visceral and cutaneous involvement. In 3 additional cases (9%), visceral MCT was clinically suspected, but no cytologic or histopathologic evaluation of visceral organs was performed. MCT was excluded in 3 of 33 mastocytemic cats (9%) with a final diagnosis of lymphoid neoplasia (n = 2) and multiorgan hemangiosarcoma (n = 1). Five additional animals (15%) had a diagnosis other than MCT, including lymphoma (n = 2) and chronic renal failure (n = 3), but no cytologic or histopathologic evaluation of the spleen was performed. Blood smears from cats with confirmed MCT had 1–113 mast cells per smear, whereas cats in which MCT was excluded had 1–2 mast cells per smear. Conclusions Data confirm that mastocytemia is rare and most commonly found in cats with visceral MCT; however, rare circulating mast cells may also be seen with neoplasms other than MCT.
Scurvy results in decreased collagen synthesis and bone density in the guinea pig animal model

The effect of severe ascorbic acid deficiency on bone remodeling and collagen synthesis was evaluated in a 21 day experiment, using the scorbutic guinea pig model. Animals (n = 6-7/group) were assigned to one of three groups: scorbutic, pair-fed ascorbic acid-replete, or ad libitum ascorbic acid-replete groups. After 2 weeks, scorbutic animals started voluntarily decreasing food intake and losing weight. By day 19-21, at which time bone and tissue samples were collected and analyzed, scorbutic animals decreased food intake to 46% of usual and lost 9% body weight. Serum 25OHD3, 1,25(OH)2D3, calcium, and albumin were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the scorbutic animals than in the other groups. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the proximal and central femur were significantly lower in the scorbutic group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Morphometric analysis of tibia indicated significantly lower bone volume, fewer and thinner trabeculae, and a thinner growth plate in the scorbutic group, compared to the pair-fed and ad libitum groups (p < 0.05). Osteoclast surface was about 60% higher in the scorbutic group than in the pair-fed and ad libitum control groups (0.05 < p < 0.10). Mechanical strength of the femur and lumbar vertebral body tended to be lower when bone mass was altered in the same group. Collagen synthesis of articular cartilage and tendons was lower in the scorbutic group than in the pair-fed or ad libitum groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, scurvy but not food restriction, per se, results in alterations in bone mass and tissue collagen synthesis.
Effects of aquatic insect predators on zooplankton in fishless ponds

We removed the surface-orienting aquatic insects from a fishless pond to determine their predation effects on zooplankton behavior and size structure. A second fishless pond served as the unmanipulated reference system in this two year study. In the reference pond and the treatment pond prior to manipulation, daphnids exhibited pronounced diel vertical migrations. Following the removal of surface-orienting aquatic insects from the treatment pond, daphnid migration changed to a reverse migration strategy that was significantly different from that observed in the reference system. Average daphnid body size increased significantly following predator removal in the treatment system. Our data indicate that predation by aquatic insect predators, such as notonectids and dytiscids, may affect daphnid migration behavior in fishless systems. Vertical migration by daphnids may allow coexistence with surface-orienting insects in ponds that are deep enough to provide a spatial refuge from these predators.
Imaging Performance of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope *

The HET is a modified Arecibo-style telescope with a segmented spherical primary and a four-mirror spherical aberration corrector (SAC). Objects are tracked by driving the SAC along the focal sphere of the primary. In the original design of the telescope the alignment of the SAC was to be maintained passively. In practice, this could not be done to specifications, leading to degraded imaging quality. We have developed a metrology system to actively control the alignment of the SAC. An autocollimator maintains the optical axis of the SAC normal to the primary mirror beneath it. An absolute distance measuring interferometer (DMI) monitors the SAC/primary mirror distance, maintaining focus. Both systems work at a wavelength of 1.5 microns, well above the operating wavelength of current or planned science instruments and therefore do not interfere with observations. The performance of the system is measured via Hartmann testing. Several upgrades are implemented in the primary mirror control system, including calibration of individual edge sensors, new control system software, and a new method of setting and controlling the overall radius of curvature of the primary array. New techniques were developed to efficiently piston the segments onto the proper sphere radius.
On balanced approximations for time integration of multiple time scale systems

The effect of various numerical approximations used to solve linear and nonlinear problems with multiple time scales is studied in the framework of modified equation analysis (MEA). First, MEA is used to study the effect of linearization and splitting in a simple nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE), and in a linear partial differential equation (PDE). Several time discretizations of the ODE and PDE are considered, and the resulting truncation terms are compared analytically and numerically. It is demonstrated quantitatively that both linearization and splitting can result in accuracy degradation when a computational time step larger than any of the competing (fast) time scales is employed. Many of the issues uncovered on the simple problems are shown to persist in more realistic applications. Specifically, several differencing schemes using linearization and/or time splitting are applied to problems in nonequilibrium radiation-diffusion, magnetohydrodynamics, and shallow water flow, and their solutions are compared to those using balanced time integration methods.