cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Body fat, coronary heart disease, and stroke in Japanese men

The Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) is a prospective study of heart disease and stroke in Japanese-American men in Hawaii. Body weight, height, and subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses were measured by using standard methods at the baseline exam held in 1965-1968. The relationship of measures of body fatness to the 20-y follow-up for coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke of these men was explored. Body mass index (BMI), subscapular skinfold thicknesses, and centrality index (subscapular skinfold thickness/triceps skinfold thickness) were predictors of CHD in this population, even after other risk factors were added to a multivariate model, indicating an independent contribution of body fat to CHD risk. Neither BMI nor centrality index was related to stroke. However, subscapular skinfold thickness was an independent predictor of stroke. The implications of these findings are that lifestyle changes that lead to an increase in obesity of Japanese men in Hawaii may increase risk for cardiovascular disease.
Comparison of whole, raw soybeans, extruded soybeans, or soybean meal and barley on digestive characteristics and performance of weaned beef steers consuming mature grass hay.

Two experiments were conducted to compare whole, raw soybeans (WSB), extruded soybeans (ESB), and soybean meal+barley (SBM+BAR) as supplemental protein sources for growing beef steers consuming low-quality, mature grass hay (6.5% CP). In Exp. 1, a 23-d digestion study, four ruminally cannulated steers were assigned to the following treatments in a 4 x 4 Latin square design: 1) control, no supplement; 2) 1.5 kg.animal-1.d-1 of WSB; 3) 1.36 kg.animal-1.d-1 of ESB; and 4) 1.48 kg.animal-1.d-1 of 62%:38% SBM+BAR. Apparent DM digestibility was increased by supplementation (P .10). No differences in digestibility were observed among supplement treatments (P > .10). In situ rate and extent of supplement CP disappearance in Dacron bags did not differ among supplements (P > .10), but extent of DM disappearance was greater for WSB than for ESB (P .10). Average daily gain and feed efficiency were increased by supplementation (P .10), but ESB tended to exhibit better feed efficiency than WSB (P = .10). In conclusion, WSB and ESB seem to be as effective as SBM+BAR protein supplements for growing beef cattle. In addition, WSB and ESB, at the levels used in these experiments, can be incorporated into diets for cattle consuming low-quality roughage without deleterious effects on fiber digestion or subsequent performance.
Design of a Low Cost Apparatus for Torsion Testing

Torsional loading is present in a variety of structures and machines. In designing structures that are subjected to this type of loading it is of paramount importance that the effect of loading on the machines be understood. To reinforce the student’s learning in a mechanics of material class a low cost table top apparatus is designed which can be used in a classroom or a laboratory. Many engineering programs attempt to strengthen the students understanding by introducing laboratory experiments. In general equipment used to measure the effect of torsional loading are capital intensive and bulky. As a result, the experiments are run by the instructors or by graduate assistants while students are only observing. This newly designed table-top device by the authors, costs fraction of the equipment that are available on the market. Five devices were made and instrumented to be used by 30 students in ME 207 class at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) during the spring 2014. The students indicated that this was a very useful tool to reinforce understanding of mechanics of materials concepts taught in the class. Overall, this experiment strengthened the understanding of theoretical relationships discussed in class as related to the torsional loading of circular shafts and tubes.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Mouse Model of Ascending UTI Involving Short- and Long-term Indwelling Catheters

Publisher Summary This chapter presents mouse models of ascending urinary tract infections (UTI) involving short- and long-term indwelling catheters. This model uses the mouse CBA/J inbred (F200) substrain originating in a cross of a Bagg albino female and a DBA male. Female mice 6–8 weeks of age, 20–22 g, are used. Prior to experimental use, a urine sample is obtained for culture to assure the absence of bacteriuria. During handling of animals, spontaneously voided urine can be obtained. In case of short-term indwelling catheter model, the mice are anesthetized with either methoxyflurane inhalation using an open-drop nose cone or with 50 mg/kg pentobarbital intraperitoneally. A scavenging fume hood is used while anesthetizing mice with methoxyflurane. Animals respond to anesthetic within five minutes and remain anesthetized for 20–30 minutes. The anesthetized mouse is placed in a supine position and the periurethral area is swabbed with povidone iodine solution, which is rinsed off with sterile water. The 25-mm-long catheter is advanced along the stylet to push the 4-mm-long segments off the stylet and into the bladder. In the long-term model, a single 4-mm-long catheter is secured by a single suture within the bladder lumen. While the mice are still anesthetized, the mouse abdomen is disinfected with povidone iodine and alcohol scrub and the bladder is exposed by a midline abdominal incision. The UTI is then documented by using quantitative cultures of bladder and kidney homogenates and light-microscopic examination of sections of bladder and kidney to assess histologic changes. The models are useful in assessing the effect of an indwelling bladder catheter on microorganism uropathogenicity; efficacy of antimicrobial therapy; attachment patterns of uropathogens to uroepithelial cells; and host response to infection including changes in antibacterial leukocyte function, host inflammatory response, and specific antibody responses.
High Performance Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells with Fullerene Derivatives as the Electron Transport Layer

In this study, we report the utilization of solution-processed high electrical conductive [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) combined with solution-processed TiO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL) to overcome extremely low electrical conductivity of solution-processed TiO2 ETL in planar heterojunction (PHJ) perovskite hybrid solar cells (pero-HSCs). Due to the much more preferable electron extraction and transportation of PC61BM at the cathode side, a tremendously boosted short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF) and enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) are observed. To further address the wettability issues of perovskite materials on the top of PC61BM, water-soluble fullerene derivative is applied to modulate the surface of PC61BM. Consequently, further advanced FF with slightly enlarged JSC and open-circuit voltage (VOC) are observed. The resulted PCE is comparable with the meso-superstructured solar cells in which high PCEs can be produced. Our studies certainly p...
Reliability of Tests: A Technique Using the "Regression to the Mean" Fallacy

There are many situations in empirical research where an "individual" receives a "score" on a particular "test," e.g., students taking IQ or aptitude tests, consumers giving a rating to a particular product, golfers playing 18 holes of golf on a particular course. In all these cases the test score will consist of a measure of true ability plus an error component. In this article we present a method of separating the variance of the scores into a component that is due to the true difference of ability and a component that is due to the error (or unreliability) of the test. Obviously, if each individual takes the test only once there is nothing we can do to separate the ability variance and test variance. A histogram of the test scores will have a variance, but it will be a combination of the two components. If each person could take the test many times, there would be no problem; an analysis of variance could be performed. The within-person variance would measure the reliability of the test and the between-person variance would measure the variance of true ability in the population. However, this type of analysis is not always possible. The individual may "learn" as he takes the same test over and over again, subjects may become bored, time may not permit many re-tests, etc. This article presents a methodology in which each person takes the same test twice. Our technique will also give some insight into the familiar "regression to the mean" fallacy and allows us to quantify this regression fallacy. In getting a person to take the same test (e.g., answer the same question) twice, there may be a number of methodological problems. He may remember his answer on the first trial and wish to appear consistent; the context of the question may have changed; in the intervening time period all other things may not have remained equal. Therefore, the model that we develop in this article has a "noise" or "unreliability" component that could contain some of the above factors. Hence, care should be taken to assure that the second trial is as similar to the first trial as possible so that the "noise" component of the model gives an accurate indication of the reliability of the test. The model only assesses the reliability of the measuring technique-the validity of the scores is not discussed at all. In fact, the model that will be developed has no implactions at all for validity. Some obvious marketing applications of the model are in the areas of consumers' ratings of products or product attributes, subjects' statements concerning perceived similarities of brands, and virtually any other area where a subject gives a score to an object with respect to an attribute.
The Biology of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). II. Factors Affecting Adult Fecundity and Longevity

The fecundity of adult females of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), maintained at 27° C. was directly related to the concentration of food offered them, the success and frequency of mating, and their weight. Fecundity was not affected by longevity, nor was any clear relationship found between it and the type of substrate available for oviposition. Longevity of adults was affected by food concentration, but was not greatly influenced by frequency of mating, type of oviposition substrate, adult weight, or the number of eggs laid.
Development of a lateral flow immunoassay for rapid field detection of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is an aggressive, highly invasive pest ant species from South America that has been introduced into North America, Asia, and Australia. Quarantine efforts have been imposed in the USA to minimize further spread of the ant. To aid the quarantine efforts, there remains an acute need for a rapid, field portable method for the identification of these ants. In this report, we describe two novel monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind the S. invicta venom protein 2 produced by S. invicta. Using these monoclonal antibodies we developed a lateral flow immunoassay that provides a rapid and portable method for the identification of S. invicta ants. The lateral flow immunoassay was validated against purified S. invicta venom protein 2 and 33 unique ant species (representing 15 % of the total species and 42 % of the Myrmicinae genera found in Florida), and only S. invicta and the S. invicta/richteri hybrid produced a positive result. These monoclonal antibodies were selective to S. invicta venom protein 2 and did not bind to proteins from congeners (i.e., S. geminata or S. richteri) known to produce a S. invicta venom protein 2 ortholog. This S. invicta lateral flow immunoassay provides a new tool for regulatory agencies in the USA to enforce quarantine protocols and limit the spread of this invasive ant. Graphical Abstract Field method to detect and identify the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.
Civil Litigation against Terrorists and Terrorist States

The aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have seen a range of policy responses to deterring future attacks and compensating victims of terrorism. The U.S. military is engaged in a multifront war combating terrorists overseas, government agencies are pursuing various domestic policies to forestall another attack, and congress, the president, and federal courts are likewise bound together in an ongoing dialogue about expedient, legal, and constitutional approaches to the War on Terror. One seemingly unlikely policy response has been the use of civil litigation to hold terrorists and states that sponsor terrorism accountable. Relying on tort law principles such as wrongful death, personal injury, and negligence, from both American and international law, victims of terrorism have turned to the American federal court system to establish that those linked with terrorism, from the individuals who carry out terrorist acts, to the foreign states that financially sponsor or otherwise facilitate terrorism, are financially liable for their injurious activities. Indeed, over 95 tort cases have arisen out of the September 11 attacks, and slightly over half have been settled.1 The vast majority of cases are typical wrongful death lawsuits that target American corporations for not taking steps to protect the 9/11 victims from a terrorist attack. However, a small number of cases name as defendants foreign governments accused of sponsoring terrorist acts, terrorist groups such as al Qaeda, and international banks and other companies that may have helped finance the acts of terrorist groups.
Complications of transverse advancement ureteral reimplantation: diverticulum formation.

Abstract The transverse advancement technique of ureteral reimplantation has been used to reimplant 304 ureters in 205 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux. An analysis of the results indicates that diverticulum formation is a significant complication of the operation, having been encountered in 17 per cent of the cases. This complication did not affect the reliability of the operation in regard to reflux prevention, with an over-all success rate of 98.7 per cent.
Effects of Psychopharmacologic Agents on Learning Disorders

This discussion of psychotropic drugs focuses on their use in children of school age, particularly those in the middle childhood years. Emphasis is on the stimulants, such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, since more research has been done on such agents. Investigations of the combined effects of psychotropic drugs and other treatment techniques are given strong emphasis.
Studies of Introital Colonization in Women with Recurrent Urinary Infection. VI. Analysis of Segmented Leukocytes on the Vaginal Vestibule in Relation to Enterobacterial Colonization

AbstractSegmented leukocytes on the vaginal vestibule were quantitated in 93 specimens from 27 women with recurrent bacteriuria (1.03 times 105 plus or minus 4.9 times 105 cells per ml.) and compared to 251 specimens from 26 control women who had never had bacteriuria (8.0 times 104 plus or minus 1.7 times 105). There was no significant difference (p more than 0.6). Leukocyte counts accompanying colonization with more than 100 Enterobacteriaceae per ml. (6.4 times 104 plus or minus 1.0 times 105 cells per ml.) were no different from those unaccompanied by Enterobacteriaceae (8.7 times 104 plus or minus 3.3 times 105 cells per ml., p more than 0.9). No distinctive pattern was observed in excretion of vaginal leukocytes during the menstrual cycles of 21 premenopausal, control volunteers.
WE-DE-207B-09: Scatter Radiation Measurement From a Digital Breast Tomosynthesis System and Its Impact On Shielding Consideration

Purpose: To accurately measure the scatter radiation from a Hologic digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) system and to provide updated scatter distribution to guide radiation shielding calculation for DBT rooms. Methods: A high sensitivity GOS-based linear detector was used to measure the angular distribution of scatter radiation from a Hologic Selenia Dimensions DBT system. The linear detector was calibrated for its energy response of typical DBT spectra. Following the NCRP147 approach, the measured scatter intensity was normalized by the primary beam area and primary air kerma at 1m from the scatter phantom center and presented as the scatter fraction. Direct comparison was made against Simpkin's initial measurement. Key parameters including the phantom size, primary beam area, and kV/anode/target combination were also studied. Results: The measured scatter-to-primary-ratio and scatter fraction data closely matched with previous data from Simpkin. The measured data demonstrated the unique nonisotropic distribution of the scattered radiation around a Hologic DBT system, with two strong peaks around 25° and 160°. The majority scatter radiation (>70%) originated from the imaging detector assembly, instead of the phantom. With a workload from a previous local survey, the scatter air kerma at 1m from the phantom center for wall/door is 0.018mGy/patient, for floor is 0.164mGy/patient, and for ceiling is 0.037mGy/patient. Conclusion: Comparing to Simpkin's previous data, the scatter air kerma from Holgoic DBT is at least two times higher. The main reasons include the harder primary beam with higher workload, added tomosynthesis acquisition, and strong small angle forward scattering. Due to the highly conservative initial assumptions, the shielding recommendation from NCRP147 is still sufficient for the Hologic DBT system given the workload from a previous local survey. With the data provided from this study, accurate shielding calculation can be performed for Hologic DBT systems with specific workload and barrier distance.
A Multi-Attribute Attitude Model for the Prediction of University Preference

A multi-attribute attitude model, based on the efforts of Rosenberg and Fishbein, was used to determine whether a multi-criteria scale can be used to predict student preferences for universities. Data were gathered from 241 freshmen in five state universities in Ohio. Respondents were asked to weight the importance of 18 selection criteria and evaluate seven universities using those criteria. These data were compared to the respondents’ preference ordering of the universities. The results indicate a high level of predictability, particularly for highly ranked universities.
Identification and Quantification in Multivariate Quality Control Problems

Many quality control problems are multivariate in character since the quality of a given product or object consists simultaneously of more than one variable. A good multivariate quality control pro...
Resources and race: assisted reproduction in Ecuador

This article considers the early period of development of IVF in Ecuador, focusing on factors that shaped the decade after the nation's first successful IVF birth (1992-2002). It describes how a poorly resourced public healthcare sector compelled Ecuadorians towards private-sector medicine, which included assisted reproduction treatment, and how IVF clinics drew patients through the pervasive racial inequalities that characterise post-colonial Ecuadorian society. More generally, the development of assisted reproduction treatment in Ecuador exemplifies themes in 20th century healthcare provisioning and inequality in Latin America, making it essential to understand this larger picture when considering Ecuador's IVF industry both within the region and also internationally.
Effect of Surface–Molecule Interactions on Molecular Loading Capacity of Nanoporous Gold Thin Films

Surface–molecule interactions play an essential role in loading capacity and release kinetics in nanostructured materials with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Engineering the surfaces via immobilizing functional moieties is, therefore, a versatile means to enhance the performance of drug delivery platforms with nanostructured components. Nanoporous gold (np-Au), with its high effective surface area, well-established gold-thiol chemistry, and tunable pore morphology, is an emerging material not only for drug delivery applications but also as a model system to study the influence of physicochemical surface properties on molecular loading capacity and release kinetics. Here, we functionalize np-Au with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols with varying functional groups and chain lengths and use fluorescein (a small-molecule drug surrogate) to provide insight into the relationship between surface properties and molecular release. The results revealed that electrostatic interactions dominate the...
Photonic crystal lasers and waveguides

When combined with high index contrast slabs in which light can be efficiently guided, microfabricated two-dimensional photonic bandgap mirrors provide us with the geometries needed to confine light into extremely small volumes. We show that it is now possible to define nanocavity lasers and waveguides within InGaAsP and Si for light in the 1.55μm wavelength range. We have designed, fabricated and characterized optical nanocavities and waveguides which use two-dimensional Photonic Crystal geometry for lateral confinement, and Total Internal Reflection (TIR) for vertical confinement.
Self-endorsing in digital advertisements

Self-endorsed advertisements (SEAs) are a novel form of digital advertisements, wherein a virtual self that looks like oneself in a digital advertisement persuades the physical self. Study 1 (N=63) found that for unfamiliar brands, SEAs were more effective in promoting favorable brand attitudes using both verbal (name) and visual (picture) virtual self cues than no self-endorsing at or only a picture of the self. Self-referencing, the psychological process of encoding new information by activating one's self schema, mediated self-endorsing and brand attitude. Study 2 (N=75) manipulated the agency of SEA creation (i.e., self-versus other-created). Controlling for pre-existing brand attitudes, self-created SEAs elicited greater self-referencing for existing brands than other-created SEAs. High self-referencing led to high perception of self-brand congruity, and ultimately favorable brand attitude. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of self-endorsing as a new persuasion tool in a digital media environment. Self-endorsed advertisements (SEAs) feature virtual selves that persuade physical selves.SEAs may be an effective digital strategy for fostering favorable brand attitudes.Self-referencing and self-brand congruity are mechanisms of self-endorsing effects.Self-created SEAs are more effective than SEAs created by third parties.
Chapter 11 Estimation for dirty data and flawed models

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on resistant estimation procedures and methods for evaluating the impact of particular data elements on regression estimates. Model builders using macroeconomic time series are often plagued by occasional unusual events, leading them to decrease the weights to be attached to these data in the spirit of resistant estimation. Even when there are good data and theory that correspond reasonably well to the process being modeled, there are episodic model failures. The chapter discusses some model failures that can arise in practice. It describes recent developments in methods for the detection of influential data in regression and discusses several issues about inference in the resistant case and the main theoretical foundations of robust and bounded-influence (BIF) estimation. The chapter presents an example of BIF applied to the Harrison–Rubinfeld large cross-section hedonic price index. The chapter also presents some recent results on instrumental-variables bounded-influence estimation, and discusses resistant estimation for time-series models.
Effects of multimedia story reading and questioning on preschoolers’ vocabulary learning, story comprehension and reading engagement

The use of multimedia story applications on touch-interactive mobile devices has become prevalent in early education settings. However, despite the promise of multimedia story applications for early learning outcomes, there has been a dearth of research on the educational benefits of such tools, and whether their effects can be strengthened with the integration of questioning strategies. This study investigated the effects of multimedia story reading and questioning on children’s literacy skills, including vocabulary learning, story comprehension and reading engagement. Using a 2 (multimedia vs. paper) × 2 (question vs. no question) design, a total of 72 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: multimedia story reading, multimedia story reading with questioning, paper story reading, and paper story with questioning. To identify the effects of Media and Questioning on children’s vocabulary learning, story comprehension, and reading engagement, we conducted a series of two-way ANCOVAs, controlling for different covariates as appropriate. The results showed significant interaction of media and questioning on target vocabulary and significant main effect of media for engagement, but the results showed no significant main effects of either media or questioning for comprehension. This study demonstrated research tools to examine children’s learning and engagement with interactive mobile devices, and suggested potential benefits of multimedia story reading and questioning for learning. We discuss implications of these findings for the design and use of multimedia storybooks.
Year-round optical properties and source characterization of Arctic organic carbon aerosols on the North Slope Alaska

Long-term data on organic aerosol concentration and optical properties is needed in the Arctic to improve characterization of radiative forcing by atmospheric aerosols. This study presents the seasonal trends (summer 2012- summer 2013) of organic carbon (OC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) along with optical properties of light-absorbing OC from a year-long sampling campaign in Utqiaġvik, AK. Ambient OC concentrations for the year range from 0.008 ± 0.002 μg m-3 to 0.95 ± 0.06 μg m-3 with peaks in late summer, early fall and late winter. On average, WSOC accounted for 57 ± 11% of the total OC burden throughout the sampling campaign, which is consistent with previous WSOC values. In order to understand the potential radiative impacts of light absorbing OC, the light absorption properties of WSOC were determined. Seasonal averaging revealed that the highest average mass absorption efficiency value of 1.54 ± 0.75 m2 g-1 was in the fall, with an annual range of 0.70 ± 0.44 to 1.54 ± 0.75 m2 g-1. To quantify the contributions of fossil and contemporary carbon sources to OC, radiocarbon abundance measurements were performed. For OC, fossil contributions were the greatest for select samples in the fall at 61.4 ± 9.8%, with contemporary contributions dominating OC in the spring and summer (68.9 ± 9.8% and 64.8 ± 9.8%, respectively). Back trajectories identifie five major source regions to Utqiaġvik throughout the year, with a marine influence from the Arctic Ocean potentially present in all seasons. All these results point to impact from primary and secondary sources of OC in the Arctic.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Pregnancy Rates Following Intrauterine Insemination with a Focus on American Indians.

No research exists on American Indian pregnancy rates following infertility treatment. Most racial/ethnic fertility research has focused on pregnancy following in vitro fertilization, with only rare studies looking at intrauterine insemination (IUI). The objective of our study was to compare fecundability following IUI by race/ethnicity, with a special focus on American Indians. This was a retrospective analysis of subjects undergoing IUI July 2007–May 2012 at a university-based infertility clinic. The primary outcome was positive pregnancy test, with a secondary outcome of ongoing pregnancy/delivery (OP/D). We calculated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using cluster-weighted generalized estimating equations method to estimate modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to account for multiple IUI cycles in the same patient. A total of 663 females (median age 32) undergoing 2007 IUI cycles were included in the analysis. Pregnancy rates overall were 15% per IUI cycle. OP/D rates overall were 10% per IUI cycle. The American Indian patients had significantly lower pregnancy (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16–0.72) and OP/D rates (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.87) compared to non-Hispanic whites when patient and cycle characteristics were controlled. Pregnancy and OP/D rates for blacks, Asians, and Hispanics did not differ from those of non-Hispanic whites. Our finding of lower IUI treatment success among American Indian patients is novel, as no published studies of assisted reproductive technology or other fertility treatments have examined this subgroup separately. Further investigation of patient and clinical factors that may mediate racial/ethnic disparities in fertility treatment outcomes is warranted.
Saving Marriage Culture “One Marriage at a Time”: Relationship Education and the Reinstitutionalization of Marriage in an Era of Individualism

Since 2000, U.S. federal and state governments have devoted almost $1 billion to marriage and relationship education (MRE) programs that teach the skills and attitudes associated with satisfying, long-term marriages. While advocates argue that MRE is an effective way to counter the negative social outcomes resulting from marital decline, critics contend that it is an ideological policy focused on reinstating the moral primacy of heterosexually married families. Drawing on two ethnographies we argue that this debate misses a key feature of MRE. These interventions simultaneously trace structural issues to individualistic tendencies and assume that social problems related to marriage demand individual-level solutions. We consider how this dilemma played out in social spaces where marriage and relationship education policy was discussed and implemented and how MRE advocates navigated this tension, specifically by articulating, codifying, and teaching new individualized norms for marital behavior. This qualitative case study illustrates a common tension in the framing of social problems in the U.S.: Structural issues are translated into individual deficiencies even when the problem is identified as individualism, thereby limiting the scope of perceived solutions.
Application of artificial neural networks to wave load prediction for coastal bridges

Predicting quickly and accurately the wave forces on the bridge superstructures from wave height and bridge structure information is important in facilitating bridge design and estimating potential damages to coastal bridges by hurricanes and tsunamis for disaster management. This study proposes a machine learning approach with Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) as an alternative and competitive method for wave force prediction in contrast to the conventional approaches of laboratory tests and numerical simulations which are often expensive and time consuming. At first, we exploit the available Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation models/software to generate the "ground-truth" data for ANN training. A comparison study among eight linear and nonlinear regression models including ANN and Support Vector Regression and LASSO shows that ANN outperforms all other models in terms of prediction accuracy. Various tuning experiments have been carried out in selecting an optimal network structure. We also studied the effect of input data standardization and our results indicate that input data standardization is beneficial to improve the prediction performance of ANN. Finally, the trained network structures are successfully evaluated with appreciable correlation coefficients and small root mean square errors. The results show that the proposed ANN approach is robust and capable of capturing the physical complexities for the wave force on deck prediction task.
Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Aged 50 Years and Younger.

Background This study evaluated outcomes in younger patients, specifically aged 50 years and younger, after mechanical aortic valve replacement (mAVR) and bioprosthetic AVR (bAVR). Methods From 1994 to 2016, 643 patients underwent AVR (411 mAVR and 232 bAVR) at age 50 or younger. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve procedures were also included. Propensity score-matching methods resulted in 170 evenly matched patient pairs. Primary end points were operative mortality and long-term survival. Secondary end points were stroke, major bleeding, and redo AVR. Median observation time was 8.1 years (range, 0 to 23.6 years). Results Overall, mean age was 41.9 years, and 29.3% were women, with an increasing trend toward use of bAVR. Mean age in the matched patients was 43.3 years for both cohorts (p = 0.68). Operative mortality, stroke, atrial fibrillation, reoperation for bleeding, and readmission rates within 30 days were all similar between the two groups. bAVR patients were at higher risk for redo AVR (13% vs 1.6%, p Conclusions The increased risk of reoperation for bAVR and major bleeding incidents for mAVR was not reflected in midterm and long-term survival differences between the two groups. Our results suggest that bAVR may be an acceptable prosthesis choice for some patients aged 50 years and younger, although the results should be taken with caution.
Communicative Language Teaching

The term communicative language teaching identifies new pedagogical orientations that have grown out of the realization that knowledge of grammatical forms and structures alone does not adequately prepare learners for effective and appropriate use of the language they are learning. The inevitable outcome of increased attention to language use has been a proliferation of approaches to language teaching that claim to be communicative and of new terminology to refer to notions and concepts not addressed in previous form-oriented approaches. Understanding the nature of communicative language teaching and establishing a principled basis for its assessment depends upon familiarity with terms associated with it. Thus, the examination of communicative language teaching undertaken in this chapter begins with a review of the terms notion and function, and functional-notional syllabus.
A simple, quantitative method for assessing angiogenesis and antiangiogenic agents using reconstituted basement membrane, heparin, and fibroblast growth factor.

Background Blood vessel growth is necessary for normal tissue homeostatis and contributes to solid tumor growth. Methods to quantitate neovascularization should be useful in testing biological factors and drugs that regulate angiogenesis or to induce a vascular supply to promote wound healing. Experimental design An extract of basement membrane proteins (Matrigel) was found to reconstitute into a gel when injected subcutaneously into C57/BL mice and to support an intense vascular response when supplemented with angiogenic factors. Results New vessels and von Willebrand factor antigen staining were apparent in the gel 2-3 days after injection, reaching a maximum after 3-5 days. Hemoglobin content of the gels was found to parallel the increase in vessels in the gel allowing ready quantitation. Angiogenesis was obtained with both acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors and was enhanced by heparin. Several substances were tested for angiostatic activity in this assay by coinjection in Matrigel with fibroblast growth factor and heparin. Platelet-derived growth factor BB, interleukin 1-beta, interleukin-6, and transforming growth factor-beta were potent inhibitors of neovascularization induced by fibroblast growth factor. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha did not alter the response but was alone a potent inducer of neovascularization when coinjected with Matrigel and heparin. Consistent with the previously demonstrated importance of collagenase in mediating endothelial cell invasion, a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases that also inhibits collagenases was found to be a potent inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor-induced angiogenesis. Conclusions Our assay allows the ready quantitative assessment of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors and should be useful in the isolation of endothelial cells from the capillaries that penetrate into the gel.
Exact Inference for a Weak Instrument, a Small Sample, or Extreme Quantiles

This paper describes a randomization-based inference procedure for the distribution or quantiles of potential outcomes for a binary treatment and instrument. The method imposes no parametric model for the treatment effect, and remains valid for small n, a weak instrument, or inference on tail quantiles, when conventional large-sample methods break down. The method is illustrated using simulations and data from a randomized trial of college student incentives and services.
Article 27 and Mexican Land Reform: The Legacy of Zapata's Dream

This student note takes an historical look at indigenous land tenure in Mexico and the role that limited alienability has played in sustaining indigenous agriculture from the time of the Aztecs up until the reforms enacted by the Salinas administration in Mexico in the early 1990's. As the piece was in edits, the Zapatista rebellion broke out and the text was amended to note the role that land tenure played in the uprising.
P077Imputing allelic variants for five human leukocyte antigen genes using a high-throughput genotyping array

Aim To assess the feasibility of imputing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles in African cohorts based on high-throughput genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Methods For two African cohorts representing eastern and southern Africa, genomic DNA samples extracted from peripheral blood were first used for genotyping HLA-A , HLA-B , HLA-C , HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles, all with 4-digit resolution through a combination of PCR-based genotyping techniques, including direct sequencing of locus-specific amplicons. SNP genotypes were further defined by a widely-used commercial array (the Illumina ImmunoChip). Paired HLA and SNP data from the first 400 individuals in each cohort served as a reference (the training set) for validation in the rest of samples. All imputation procedures were done using the HIBAG algorithm. Results A total of 7539 SNPs spanning the extended human MHC passed various quality control procedures and then merged with fully-resolved HLA alleles in 490 Rwandans and 1100 Zambians. Overall, SNP-based imputation of 2-digit allele groups at the five target loci showed success rates between 93.9% and 98.3%, while success rates in imputing 4-digit alleles ranged from 85.4% to 97.2%. Two major HLA-DRB1 allele groups (DRB1*04 and DRB1*10) in Zambians were the only ones with suboptimal imputation probabilities ( Conclusions In the era of high-throughput genomics, SNP-based imputation of HLA variants may offer a quick and affordable alternative for initial assessment of 2-digit allele groups. However, reliable imputation of 4-digit allele remains difficult even for some common alleles of broad interest.
New insights on the pathogenesis of paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare chromaffin cell tumors (PPGLs) that at times raise significant challenges in clinical recognition, diagnosis, and therapy and when undiagnosed could associate with severe morbidity. Recent discoveries in PPGL genetics propelled our understanding in the pathophysiology of tumorigenesis and allowed the application of functional classification of pathogenetically distinct groups of PPGLs. This also resulted in a qualitative change in our approach to clinical assessment, diagnosis, and therapy of different subgroups of PPGLs. Establishment of the fact that mutations in multiple components of the PHD–VHL–HIF-2α pathway associate with pseudohypoxia-driven tumorigenesis allowed us not only to better understand the effect of this phenomenon but also to more deeply appreciate the value of functional abnormalities in the physiologic tissue oxygen-sensing mechanism. Mutations in the tricarboxylic acid cycle–related genes opened an additional window into understanding the physiology of one of the basic cellular metabolic pathways and consequences of its disruption. Mutations in the kinase signaling–related genes allow the PPGL field to join a massive innovative process in therapeutic advances in current oncology. New pathophysiologically distinct groups of mutations will widen and deepen our understanding of additional pathways in PPGL tumorigenesis and hopefully introduce additional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. All of these developments are tremendously important in our understanding of both the normal physiology and pathophysiology of PPGLs and are strong tools and stimuli in the development of modern approaches to all components of medical management.
Colliding Discourses: Families Negotiating Religion, Sexuality, and Identity

Our chapter will address the current climate and narratives around how religious families negotiate the beliefs that inform their lives in particular to coming into an awareness of a family member or child who identifies as LGBTQIA+. We will discuss how these two parts of people’s lives are often spoken about in disparate ways within our culture, often making it difficult for families to see the possibilities for them to coexist. We will also speak to the very real, and often marginalized, reality that for many families, accessing their religious and spiritual teachings can actually set a foundation for acceptance, even though this is not often what gets attended to in cultural narratives. We will also highlight how we work therapeutically with these families in ways that engage in collaborative activism as well as activism through countering. Specifically, we will provide case examples that show how we align with religious beliefs to foster support and affirmation of LGBTQIA+ family members and how we make choices to counter beliefs or spiritual practices that may be harmful or hurtful to LGBTQIA+ family members.
Comparison of item formats: agreement vs. item-specific endpoints

The current study was an investigation of the extent to which items constructed with an agreement format were affected by acquiescence bias relative to responses to a matched set of items designed with item-specific formats. If an acquiescence bias existed, the expectation was that the magnitude of responses to agreement items would be consistently greater than those to the matched item-specific versions. Two hundred respondents completed a survey in which they described and rated a recent interaction with an auto insurance website. Half of the respondents provided ratings using items with an agreement format (Version 1 of the survey), and the other half provided ratings on items matched for content but with item-specific endpoint anchors rather than generic disagree/agree endpoints (Version 2 of the survey). The two groups of respondents were matched on their ratings of overall experience, which was the same for both groups. Of 14 comparisons of matched agreement and item-specific formats, 12 (86%) were not statistically significant. For the other two items, the means of the agreement versions were significantly lower than those for the item-specific versions (p < 0.05), which is the opposite of the expected result if agreement items were affected by an acquiescence bias. Thus, despite published concerns about the potential effect of acquiescence bias on responses to items using an agreement format, the results of this study found no evidence for such bias, at least in the context of user experience research. Both agreement and item-specific formats appeared to work equally well.
Atmospheric operation of original electron emission device and generation of reactive species

We developed herein an original electron emission device that can stably operate in the atmosphere. The important features of the device are that the energy of electrons is as extremely small as several eV, the emission current in the atmosphere is as large as several μA/cm2, and the durability is of several hundred hours. These characteristics are obtained by an original device structure based on a 1 μm-thick Ag nanoparticle/polymer composite layer. The electron emission device does not require a strong electric field in the space between the emitter and the collector as required for discharge or plasma. The physical mechanism of electron emission is a mixture of field emission according to the Fowler–Nordheim plot and electron emission caused by breakdown. The energy of the emitted electrons depends on the applied voltage and can be controlled. The electrons emitted from the device can generate various ions and radicals.
Future Perspectives in Colorectal Cancer Treatments

This chapter aims to give the reader a succinct insight of the immediate and near future perspectives in colorectal cancer treatments and to outline the role of future perspectives in value-based care. Currently unfolding innovations are discussed including indocyanine green fluorescence imaging, D3 extended mesenterectomy, robotic surgery for rectal cancer, prevention of surgical site infections, intracorporeal antiperistaltic ileocolic anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy, transanal total mesorectal excision and local excision of rectal cancer, pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, and colorectal polyps. In the context of soon upcoming innovations, colorectal cancer stem cells, miRNA dysregulation and its contribution to inequity in colorectal cancer survival, colonoscopic cellular therapy, and prognostic value of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein are discussed.
Endothelial Cell Biomechanical Responses are Dependent on Both Fluid Shear Stress and Tensile Strain.

The goal of this study was to investigate how concurrent shear stress and tensile strain affect endothelial cell biomechanical responses. Human coronary artery endothelial cells were exposed to concurrent pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain in a programmable shearing and stretching device. Three shear stress–tensile strain conditions were used: (1) pulsatile shear stress at 1 Pa and cyclic tensile strain at 7%, simulating normal stress/strain conditions in a healthy coronary artery; (2) shear stress at 3.7 Pa and tensile strain at 3%, simulating pathological stress/strain conditions near a stenosis; (3) shear stress at 0.7 Pa and tensile strain at 5%, simulating pathological stress/strain conditions in a recirculation zone. Cell morphology was quantified using immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell surface PECAM-1 phosphorylation, ICAM-1 expression, ERK1/2 and NF-κB activation were measured using ELISA or Western blot. Simultaneous stimulation from pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain induced a significant increase in cell area, compared to that induced by shear stress or tensile strain alone. The combined stimulation caused significant increases in PECAM-1 phosphorylation. The combined stimulation also significantly enhanced EC surface ICAM-1 expression (compared to that under shear stress alone) and transcriptional factor NF-κB activation (compared to that under control conditions). Pulsatile shear stress and cyclic tensile strain could induce increased but not synergistic effect on endothelial cell morphology or activation. The combined mechanical stimulation can be relayed from cell membrane to nucleus. Therefore, to better understand how mechanical conditions affect endothelial cell mechanotransduction and cardiovascular disease development, both shear stress and tensile strain need to be considered.