cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reference materials to evaluate measurement systems for the nutrient composition of foods: results from USDA’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP)

Over a 6.5-year period a total of 2554 values were reported by nine laboratories for 259 certified or reference nutrient concentrations in 26 certified reference materials (CRM) submitted to contract laboratories, blinded, as part of the qualifying process for analytical contracts and in the routine sample stream as part of the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program. Each value was converted to a Z'-score, reflecting the difference from the assigned value related to the combined expected analytical uncertainty plus the uncertainty in the CRM value. Z'-scores >|3.0| were considered unacceptable. For some nutrients (Na, folate, dietary fiber, pantothenic acid, thiamin, tocopherols, carotenoids, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids), >20% of Z'-scores were >|3.0|. For total fat, vitamin C, and niacin >25% of Z'-scores were >|2.0|. Components for which CRM data were best (more than 90% of Z'-scores <|2.0|) were Mg, P, Mn, Se, and vitamin B12. In some cases deviations from assigned values were not uniform across laboratories and materials. For Na almost all high Z'-scores were for low-Na matrices, suggesting analytical problems related to concentration.
Correlated peak relative light intensity and peak current in triggered lightning subsequent return strokes

The correlation between peak relative light intensity L(R) and stroke peak current I(R) is examined for 39 subsequent return strokes in two triggered lightning flashes. One flash contained 19 strokes and the other 20 strokes for which direct measurements were available of the return stroke peak current at ground. Peak currents ranged from 1.6 to 21 kA. The measurements of peak relative light intensity were obtained from photographic streak recordings using calibrated film and microsecond resolution. Correlations, significant at better than the 0.1 percent level, were found for several functional relationships. Although a relation between L(R) and I(R) is evident in these data, none of the analytical relations considered is clearly favored. The correlation between L(R) and the maximum rate of current rise is also examined, but less correlation than between L(R) and I(R) is found. In addition, the peak relative intensity near ground is evaluated for 22 dart leaders, and a mean ratio of peak dart leader to peak return stroke relative light intensity was found to be 0.1 with a range of 0.02-0.23. Using two different methods, the peak current near ground in these dart leaders is estimated to range from 0.1 to 6 kA.
Semantic MEDLINE: An advanced information management application for biomedicine

To support more effective biomedical information management, Semantic MEDLINE integrates document retrieval, advanced natural language processing, automatic summarization and visualization into a single Web portal. The application is intended to help manage the results of PubMed searches by condensing core semantic content in the citations retrieved. Output is presented as a connected graph of semantic relations, with links to the original MEDLINE citations. The ability to connect salient information across documents helps users keep up with the research literature and discover connections which might otherwise go unnoticed. Semantic MEDLINE can make an impact on biomedicine by supporting scientific discovery and the timely translation of insights from basic research into advances in clinical practice and patient care. Semantic MEDLINE is illustrated here with recent research on the clock genes.
REAL-TIME DISPERSIVE REFRACTION WITH ADAPTIVE SPECTRAL MAPPING

Spectral rendering, or the synthesis of images by taking into account the constituent wavelengths of white light, enables the rendering of iridescent colors caused by phenomena such as dispersion, diffraction, interference and scattering. Caustics, the focusing and defocusing of light through a refractive medium, can be interpreted as a special case of dispersion where all the wavelengths travel along the same paths. In this paper we extend Adaptive Caustic Mapping (ACM), a previously proposed caustics mapping algorithm, to handle physically-based dispersion. Because ACM can display caustics in real-time, it is amenable to extension to handle the more general case of dispersion. We also present a novel algorithm for filling in the gaps that occur due to discrete sampling of the spectrum. Our proposed method runs in screen-space, and is fast enough to display plausible dispersion phenomena at real-time and interactive frame rates.
Estimation of snow water equivalence using SIR-C/X-SAR. II. Inferring snow depth and particle size

For pt.I see ibid., vol.38, no.6, p.2465-74 (2000). The relationship between snow water equivalence (SWE) and SAR backscattering coefficients at C- and X-band (5.5 and 9.6 GHz) can be either positive or negative. Therefore, discovery of the relationship with an empirical approach is unrealistic. Instead, the authors estimate snow depth and particle size using SIR-C/X-SAR imagery from a physically-based first order backscattering model through analyses of the importance of each scattering term and its sensitivity to snow properties. Using numerically simulated backscattering values, the authors develop semi-empirical models for characterizing the snow-ground interaction terms, the relationships between the ground surface backscattering components, and the snowpack extinction properties at C-band and X-band. With these relationships, snow depth and optical equivalent grain size can be estimated from SIR-C/X-SAR measurements. Validation using three SIR-C/X-SAR images shows that the algorithm performs usefully for incidence angles greater than 300, with root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 34 cm and 0.27 mm for estimating snow depth and ice optical equivalent particle radius, respectively.
Physical Activity Benefits and Needs in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract Regular physical activity is vital for adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this review was to assess critically the evidence on effectiveness of physical activity interventions for adults with intellectual disability. An electronic database search was conducted. Research was then assessed for methodological rigor, and strength of the evidence was determined. Eleven clinical studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions studied included a variety of physical activity modes. Critical review revealed moderate to strong evidence that physical activity positively affected balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in individuals with intellectual disability. The authors also found that the research in this area needs to be translated into practice, specifically the development of physical activity programs that are adaptable to the needs of individuals with intellectual disability.
Memory consolidation during sleep: A form of brain restitution

Does sleep restore brain function or does it consolidate memory? I argue that memory consolidation during sleep is an offshoot of restitution. Continual learning causes local synapse-specific neural fatigue, which then masks expression of that learning, especially on time-limited tests of procedural skills. Sleep serves to restore the fatigued synapses, revealing the consolidation-based enhancement observed as a “latent” overnight improvement in learning.
Altered type II interferon precedes autoantibody accrual and elevated type I interferon activity prior to systemic lupus erythematosus classification.

Objectives The relationship of immune dysregulation and autoantibody production that may contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis is unknown. This study evaluates the individual and combined contributions of autoantibodies, type I interferon (IFN-α) activity, and IFN-associated soluble mediators to disease development leading to SLE. Methods Serial serum specimens from 55 individuals collected prior to SLE classification (average timespan=4.3 years) and unaffected healthy controls matched by age (±5 years), gender, race and time of sample procurement were obtained from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. Levels of serum IFN-α activity, IFN-associated mediators and autoantibodies were evaluated and temporal relationships assessed by growth curve modelling, path analysis, analysis of covariance and random forest models. Results In cases, but not matched controls, autoantibody specificities and IFN-associated mediators accumulated over a period of years, plateauing near the time of disease classification (p 4 years pre-classification; 97% within 2 years of SLE classification). Conclusions Years before SLE classification, enhancement of the type II IFN pathway allows for accumulation of autoantibodies and subsequent elevations in IFN-α activity immediately preceding SLE classification. Perturbations in select immunological processes may help identify at-risk individuals for further clinical evaluation or participation in prospective intervention trials.
Episode-based care for stroke: Can neurologists play a leading role?

In this issue of Neurology® Clinical Practice , Dr. Michael Dobbs argues that episode-based care, which would encompass acute and longer-term associated care, is a likely candidate model of reimbursement for stroke.1 Physicians may be familiar with other bundled payment formats, particularly the diagnosis-related groups used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for determining inpatient care reimbursement to hospitals under Medicare part A.2 Episode-based care would have the advantages of looking at recurrent care and utilization events up to 1 year following the initial treatment and would be a basis for professional payment of physicians. As Medicare extends its eye beyond discharge from the hospital (now seen in 30-day Hospital Readmission Rates3 and implementation of the Medicare Value-Based Payment Modifier4), value-based reimbursement for episodes of care may be in the near future.
The Role of Games and Simulations to Teach Abstract Concepts of Anarchy, Cooperation, and Conflict in World Politics

Games and simulations are increasingly used in courses on international politics. This study explores the hypothesis that games are better than simulations (as well as only reading and lectures) in introducing students to abstract concepts integral to an understanding of world politics. The study compares a two-level Prisoner's Dilemma game created by Joseph K. Young with a role-play simulation of India-Pakistan negotiations over nuclear disarmament in the 1990s. The study subjects are 149 undergraduate students. The findings suggest that, although an active-learning activity (game or simulation) promotes greater student learning than reading and lecture alone, whether the activity is a game or a simulation generally does not make a statistically significant difference with regard to knowledge gained. This is with the exception of the importance of regime type, which was understood better by those who played the game, and the effect of anarchy, which was better understood by those who were part of the sim...
New Focal Mechanisms for the New England Region: Constrains on the Regional Stress Regime

Single-event focal mechanisms for fifteen earthquakes in New England and New York have been determined. Thirteen of these are new focal mechanisms, while two are redeterminations for events with previously reported solutions. The focal mechanisms display considerable scatter in P-axis orientation, as has been reported in earlier studies. Some areas within the region, such as central New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts, show locally consistent principal stress directions. Other areas, such as central Maine, do not. All but one or two of the new focal mechanisms have P-axis and T-axis orientations which fall within the range of values calculated by Gephart and Forsyth (1985) for a regional stress field of horizontal, E-W maximum stress and vertical minimum stress in New England.
In-line Inspection and Detection for Surface Quality of Hot Rolling Bar Steel with Optical Photo

An imaging-based surface inspection system for wire rods and bars is developed to help the steel mills responding to the market demand for higher surface quality.It applies speed imaging to continuously picture the surface of the wire rods and bars.The images are processed through ad hoc software for the detection of surface defects.Real world mill operations prove good results.
A cluster based multicast routing protocol for Autonomous Unmanned Military Vehicles (AUMVs) communication in VANET

Autonomous Unmanned Military Vehicles (AUMVs) became part of numerous military combat operations to meet the challenges of modern warfare techniques and strategies. Hence, there is a need to develop an ad hoc network among AUMVs to perform the military tasks collectively within a war field where infrastructure installation is not possible. Therefore, in this paper a novel AUMVs protocol is proposed to develop a Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) among unmanned Military Vehicles (MVs). The proposed protocol performs cluster based multicast communication among AUMVs by considering real time and dynamic war field scenario. The AUMVs protocol develops stable clusters and becomes adaptable according to the military environment by using a proposed Priority Based Cluster Head Election Scheme (PCHE) during cluster formation which reduces the network overhead and delay. Additionally, the AUMVs protocol achieves high throughput by combining the multicast approach with a cluster based scheme. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed protocol has achieved the goal of stable and efficient communication among unmanned MVs.
Discrimination in Employment Provisions in the Mexican Federal Labor Law

The discrimination in employment provisions in employment provisions in the Mexican Federal Labor Law (FLL) are surveyed in a general overview. Employment discrimination in Mexico under the FLL is generally proscribed but is mandated in a limited number of instances. Discriminatory violations can induce various sanctions against transgressing Mexican employers.
Abstract A27: BLM overexpression promotes tumorigenicity in an azoxymethane/dextran sulfate (AOM/DSS) murine model of intestinal cancer

The role of genomic instability in colorectal cancer susceptibility is well established by studies of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), its associated disruption of DNA mismatch repair, and other DNA repair deficiencies that predispose to colon cancer. DNA repair deficiency that results in loss of capacity to maintain the genome leads to increased mutation or chromosome instability that in turn increases tumor formation. In some recent experiments using mouse models of cancer, deletion of genomic housekeeping genes promoted tumorigenesis. The Blm gene encodes a RecQ helicase that represses aberrant homologous recombination. Previous experiments using ApcMin/+ mice showed that a heterozygous Blm mutation increased intestinal tumor formation and tumor dysplasia. Conversely, mice over-expressing BLM displayed more than a 50% reduction of intestinal tumor number compared to wild-type controls. In order to isolate the effect of a Blm mutation on tumorigenicity, we used C57Bl/6 mice treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate to induce polyp formation. We predicted that mice with homozygous deletion of Blm would show an increase in tumor formation compared to wild-type mice, and transgenic mice over-expressing BLM would display fewer polyps. After treating our mice for 12 weeks and sacrificing them between 155 and 165 days of age, we found that mice with a complete deletion of Blm displayed a decrease in polyp formation compared to wild-type controls (3.0 polyps v. 5.5 polyps, p = 0.004). Transgenic mice over-expressing BLM in this model showed an increase in median polyp formation compared to wild-type controls (8.5 polyps v. 5.5 polyps, p = 0.01). Ongoing experiments will clarify the mechanism by which Blm promotes tumorigenesis in this mouse model of colon cancer. Citation Format: Kenechi Ebede, Michael McIlhatton, William Hankey, Joanna Groden. BLM overexpression promotes tumorigenicity in an azoxymethane/dextran sulfate (AOM/DSS) murine model of intestinal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: The Translational Impact of Model Organisms in Cancer; Nov 5-8, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A27.
Low Vision Enhancement: The Use of Figure–Ground Reversals with Visually Impaired Children:

Describes an investigation of how different figure-ground contrast combinations affect the visual functioning of visually impaired children. The study employed the use of field reversals—printing w...
Deriving Differentially Private Session Logs for Query Suggestion

Query logs are valuable resources for Information Retrieval (IR) research. However, the huge concern about user privacy has become an obstacle preventing data from being released and interfering with the advance of IR. It is understandable but still quite disappointing. Recent privacy research has begun to address the problem by anonymizing queries in query logs. In that, each query and its associated user actions are treated as one block for anonymization; each block is independent from each other. It might be sufficient to support ad-hoc retrieval that handles queries independently but will be not adequate for more complex IR tasks that require the knowledge of query sequences. In this paper, we tackle this challenge by keeping session information in differentially privately anonymized logs so that an anonymized log is able to support IR tasks, such as query suggestion and session search, that need query sequence information as well. We also provide analysis on how to achieve a proper balance between privacy and search utility.
Foraging Behavior of Ants, or Picnics: An Ant's-Eye View

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a laboratory study of foraging behavior of ants. The foraging decisions of many species seem to be based on maximizing energy intake per unit of time. However, acquisition of essential nutrients and/or consumption of a varied diet may also be important, as may risk of being preyed on while feeding. Competitive interactions with other foragers may hinder access to preferred foods, or cooperative communication between foragers may facilitate access. In a typical ant colony, most of the individuals are sterile female workers; often there is just one fertile queen, whose primary activity is laying eggs. The workers collect food for the colony; feed their mother, the queen, and feed and care for their young siblings; enlarge the colony as needed; and defend the colony. Ant colonies generally contain tens to thousands of workers (depending on the species).
Ultimate Strength of High-Load-Capacity Composite Bolted Joints

Presented are the results of a series of tests initiated to obtain baseline data on the load-carrying capacity of bolted joints designed to carry large loads, specifically up to 222 kN (50 kips). The major testing purposes were to determine the load carrying capacity as a function of the width and thickness of the joint and the diameter and number of bolts, and to observe the failure mode. A total of 100 tests were conducted on three different specimen configurations. The specimens were fabricated from a T300/5208 fiber/resin system in a quasi-isotropic lay-up. The results presented indicate that for a given ratio of specimen width to hole diameter, the specimens with the smaller holes sustained a higher net-section tensile stress before failure. In addition, for a given ratio of specimen width to hole diameter, the thinner specimens withstood a higher net-section stress. No attempt has been made to correlate the results with theoretical predictions.
A Study of Rectification and Liquid-Vapor Phase Equilibrium in Systems Phenol-Water-Hydroxyacetone and Phenol-Water-α-Methylstyrene

Distillation processes and the liquid-vapor phase equilibrium in the systems phenol-water-hydroxyacetone and phenol-water-α-methylstyrene at atmospheric pressure were studied. The direction of the distillation lines was established and the possibility of preparing pure phenol and concentrating other components, i.e., impurities, in various regions of distillation of the systems was determined.
Plasma ferritin concentration is positively associated with in vivo fatty acid mobilization and insulin resistance in obese women

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Do obese women with relatively high whole-body iron stores exhibit elevated in vivo rates of fatty acid (FA) release from adipose tissue compared with a well-matched cohort of obese women with relatively low iron stores? What is the main finding and its importance? Obese women with high plasma [ferritin] (a marker of whole-body iron stores) had greater FA mobilization, lipolytic activation in adipose tissue and insulin resistance (IR) compared with obese women with lower plasma [ferritin]. Given that elevated FA mobilization is intimately linked with the development of IR, these findings suggest that elevated iron stores might contribute to IR in obesity by increasing systemic FA availability. ABSTRACT High rates of fatty acid (FA) mobilization from adipose tissue are associated with insulin resistance (IR) in obesity. In vitro evidence suggests that iron stimulates lipolysis in adipocytes, but whether iron is related to in vivo FA mobilization is unknown. We hypothesized that plasma ferritin concentration ([ferritin]), a marker of body iron stores, would be positively associated with FA mobilization. We measured [ferritin], the rate of appearance of FA in the systemic circulation (FA Ra; stable isotope dilution), key adipose tissue lipolytic proteins and IR (hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp) in 20 obese, premenopausal women. [Ferritin] was correlated with FA Ra (r = 0.65; P = 0.002) and IR (r = 0.57; P = 0.008); these relationships remained significant after controlling for body mass index and plasma [C-reactive protein] (a marker of systemic inflammation) in multiple regression analyses. We then stratified subjects into tertiles based on [ferritin] to compare subjects with 'High-ferritin' versus 'Low-ferritin'. Plasma [hepcidin] was more than fivefold greater (P < 0.05) in the High-ferritin versus Low-ferritin group, but there was no difference in plasma [C-reactive protein] between groups, indicating that the large difference in plasma [ferritin] reflects a difference in iron stores, not systemic inflammation. We found that FA Ra, adipose protein abundance of hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase, and IR were significantly greater in subjects with High-ferritin versus Low-ferritin (all P < 0.05). These data provide the first evidence linking iron and in vivo FA mobilization and suggest that elevated iron stores might contribute to IR in obesity by increasing systemic FA availability.
The Impact of Early Developmental Exposure to Stressors Related to Individual Fitness in Aquatic Organisms and the Subsequent Reproductive Success and Failure on Populations

The impact of several persistent organic chemical stressors known to primarily impact the early developmental stages of bivalves and finfish. The highest concentrations of these compounds are often present in our waterways, which are nursery areas for shellfish and finfish. It is well documented in aquaculture and aquarium-raised teleosts that even within the same species, strain differences can dramatically alter the dose response and impact fecundity. Such individual variability in reproductive fitness, due to effects on biochemical pathways and cellular physiology, modulates the toxic responses whereby effects could transmit to the population level. Laboratory experiments with field-collected fish demonstrate that exposure history of the specific population from which the individual is obtained can dramatically influence the effective dose response and reproductive success. The sensitivity of the embryonic and early life stages to xenobiotics is due in part to the alteration of synchronization of programed cell movement, the primordial organ formation, and the disruption of programmed biochemical and physiological pathways of growth and development. Even in adult organisms when oogenesis and spermatogenesis are occurring, several compounds can disrupt this process by reducing fecundity and survival of embryos and larvae, by disrupting gonadal structure and function in juveniles and adults, and through interfering with behavior. The impacts of xenobiotics on reproductive success, early life stage survival, and altered hormonal cues at the individual level can dramatically increase mortality and decrease the maximum sustainable yield of a population (NJAES 01202, NIEHS T-32-ES007148).
A Novel SOC Estimation Method for Lithium Ion Battery Based On Improved Adaptive PI Observer

The study of lithium ion battery is paramount in electric power systems such as the aerospace, electrical vehicle and electrical propulsion system. State of charge estimation accuracy and robustness is significant for good performance and long life of battery. To further increase the accuracy for the estimation of state of charge, an improved adaptive proportional integral observer is proposed. Real time update of parameters of the battery are acquired according to state of charge and error feedback. The battery model is deliberated and the establishment of improved adaptive Proportional integral observer (PIO) is detailed in this work. First order resistance capacitance model is designed in Matlab/Simulink in order to verify the algorithm. The error is minimized by reducing the operations carried out after data acquisition to convert data into information. The estimation process is highly accurate, stable and reliable as compared with conventional adaptive PI observer with estimation accuracy of 99.4%. The estimation algorithm proves to be a great aid for power supply applications of lithium ion battery.
The Evolution of a Non-Categorical Competency-Based Special Education Methods Course

Research on competency-based teacher education has concentrated upon the dimension of performance evaluation. Although the question of whether or not trainees are proficient in the skills taught is critical, student evaluation of training components may be even more important in guiding short-term training program management The present study traces the development of a special education methods course, showing the relationship of course changes to formative evaluation via systematic student input.
Emotional response to perceived racism and nocturnal heart rate variability in young adult African Americans.

Abstract Background Heightened autonomic nervous system (ANS) arousal is a well-established contributor to the effect of stress on adverse cardiovascular health outcomes which disproportionately affect African Americans. ANS arousal is normally attenuated during sleep and compromise of this shift is associated with multiple adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) dominance during sleep can be altered by stress. Racism has been recognized to have many negative health consequences in African Americans. Perceived racism has been linked to ANS activity, however, we are not aware of prior research on racism and nocturnal ANS balance. Objective: To examine relationships between perceived racism and nocturnal ANS activity indexed by heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy African American men and women age 18–35. Methods Fifty-four participants completed the Perceived Racism Scale and had 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram recordings in their homes. Power spectral analysis was used to derive normalized high frequency (nHF) to index PNS activity which was computed by 5-minute epochs during wake and sleep. Results Endorsement of racism and negative emotional reactions during the past year were inversely related to nHF during time in bed. Multiple regression analysis indicated that negative emotional reactions were a significant predictor of nHF during the sleep period F(2,54) = 4.213, p = .020, R2 = 0.135 (adjusted R2 = 0.103). Relationships during wake were not statistically significant. Conclusion Findings suggest that perseverative thoughts triggered by negative emotional reactions to racism influencing nocturnal ANS activity may be a pathway by which perceived racism affects health. Support: 3UL1TR001409-02S1 and R01HL087995 to Dr. Mellman.
Employee Experiences with a Newly Adopted Paid Parental Leave Policy: Equity Considerations for Policy Implementation

Purpose: Paid parental leave (PPL) policies offer immense opportunity to enhance health equity by providing financial stability to workers and promoting the health of families in the United States. Working in partnership with a local county government, which recently adopted a paid leave policy, we engaged in a qualitative substudy to enhance our understanding of how workers perceived and experienced the policy across levels of the socioecological framework. Methods: Working in partnership with Multnomah County, a large public-sector employer in Portland, OR that recently adopted a PPL policy, we collected qualitative data through focus groups with employees. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Results: We conducted seven focus groups with county employees (N=35) in the fall of 2017. Three major themes emerged from the focus group data: intersectional inequities, disparities by department, and uneven benefits. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the inequities of experience with the PPL policy across employees at individual, organization, and environmental levels. These findings offer insight and guidance for entities considering the adoption and implementation of such policies to consider concrete steps to enhance equity of access and experience.
Microporosity formation in A356.2 castings

ABSTRACT Cast aluminum alloys are susceptible to extensive microporosity formation during solidification. This microporosity originates from the liberation of dissolved hydrogen upon freezing and from the volume contraction resulting from the liquid-solid transformation. The fundamental mechanisms associated with microporosity formation during solidification of A356.2 alloy have been investigated. The effects of initial hydrogen concentration, cooling rate and other process variables on pore size and distribution have been studied with simple test castings. The amount and distribution of porosity have been evaluated by image analysis techniques and density measurements. The results indicate that the pore density is essentially constant for various hydrogen concentrations while the pore size and amount of porosity increases with the initial hydrogen content in the liquid metal. The experimental data have been used to formulate a mathematical model to simulate microstructure evolution and pore formation in equiaxed structures. The model yields data on microstructural parameters such as dendrite arm spacing, grain size, amount of porosity and pore size. It has been shown that the predicted values compare well with experimental results.
Constitutive JAK3 Activation as a Mouse Model for Human Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.

Molecular pathogenesis of human peripheral T-cell malignancies remains poorly understood. We aimed to establish a model for these disorders by using the recently identified JAK3 A572V allele. This mutation, which lies in the pseudokinase (JH2) domain of JAK3, transforms Ba/F3 cells to factor-independent growth and causes a striking lymphoproliferative phenotype in a murine bone marrow transplantation assay. Further characterization of JAK3 A572V animals revealed that the aberrantly expanded cell population consisted of a mature effector/memory subtype of CD8 + T-cells that infiltrated all major lymphoid and several non-lympoid organs and could be transplanted into secondary and tertiary recipients. These JAK3 A572V T-cells had increased proliferative capacities and displayed enhanced phosphorylation of common JAK3 targets, such as STAT5 and S6-kinase. Proliferation of primary T-cells transformed by JAK3 A572V was effectively inhibited with a small molecule JAK inhibitor that had no effect on the proliferative potential of control cells transduced with a wildtype JAK3 allele. Furthermore, the mutant cells showed increased production of cytotoxic cytokines, such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, compared to wildtype counterparts, which correlated with an increased cellular cytotoxicity towards allogeneic target cells. Of particular interest, JAK3 A572V animals presented with skin lesions and histopathologic analysis showed aberrant skin-homing T-cells tagging along the epidermal/dermal junctions. Mice receiving Rag1-deficient donor cells transduced with the JAK3 A572V allele also developed a lethal lymphoproliferative disease characterized by the expansion of immature CD3 − TCRβ − CD4 +/− CD8 + cells, suggesting that the JAK3 A572V -dependent lymphoproliferation does not require proper TCR rearrangement. Altogether these results indicate that in this murine model, constitutive activation of JAK3 results in peripheral/cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) that closely resembles the human disease. These findings suggest the possibility that the molecular basis of human PTCL could include aberrant JAK3 signaling and might provide a useful platform for deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms and requirements for peripheral lymphoid disease development and progression. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to investigate the therapeutic potential of selective JAK3 inhibitors for this subset of lymphoid disorders, whose treatment remains a challenge.
Neurological Dashboards and Consultation Turnaround Time at an Academic Medical Center.

Background Neurologists perform a significant amount of consultative work. Aggregative electronic health record (EHR) dashboards may help to reduce consultation turnaround time (TAT) which may reflect time spent interfacing with the EHR. Objectives This study was aimed to measure the difference in TAT before and after the implementation of a neurological dashboard. Methods We retrospectively studied a neurological dashboard in a read-only, web-based, clinical data review platform at an academic medical center that was separate from our institutional EHR. Using our EHR, we identified all distinct initial neurological consultations at our institution that were completed in the 5 months before, 5 months after, and 12 months after the dashboard go-live in December 2017. Using log data, we determined total dashboard users, unique page hits, patient-chart accesses, and user departments at 5 months after go-live. We calculated TAT as the difference in time between the placement of the consultation order and completion of the consultation note in the EHR. Results By April 30th in 2018, we identified 269 unique users, 684 dashboard page hits (median hits/user 1.0, interquartile range [IQR] = 1.0), and 510 unique patient-chart accesses. In 5 months before the go-live, 1,434 neurology consultations were completed with a median TAT of 2.0 hours (IQR = 2.5) which was significantly longer than during 5 months after the go-live, with 1,672 neurology consultations completed with a median TAT of 1.8 hours (IQR = 2.2; p = 0.001). Over the following 7 months, 2,160 consultations were completed and median TAT remained unchanged at 1.8 hours (IQR = 2.5). Conclusion At a large academic institution, we found a significant decrease in inpatient consult TAT 5 and 12 months after the implementation of a neurological dashboard. Further study is necessary to investigate the cognitive and operational effects of aggregative dashboards in neurology and to optimize their use.
The Kraak Porcelains Discovered from Taiwan and Macao, and Their Relationship with the Manila Galleon Trade

Taiwan and Macao played the vital roles of the international maritime transit trade in the cultural and economic interchange between the east and west in the seventeenth century. The Chinese Kraak porcelains exported from Taiwan and Macao in the first half of the seventeenth century were transshipped to other regions of the world in a large number by the Dutch, Spaniard and Portuguese.
Plasma Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) and CKD Progression in Children.

Rationale & Objective Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a novel biomarker associated with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been identified as an independent risk factor for CKD progression in children, although these findings remain preliminary, limited to a single point in time, and unreplicated in pediatric cohorts. Study Design Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Setting & Participants 565 participants aged 1 to 16 years enrolled in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) Study. Exposure Plasma suPAR levels, categorized by quartiles, measured at study entry and a 6-month follow-up interval. Outcome CKD progression, defined as the initiation of kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation) or >50% decline in estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR). Analytic Approach Associations between plasma suPAR quartiles and risk for CKD progression were estimated using lognormal survival models, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Participants in the highest suPAR quartile experienced 54% faster progression compared with the lowest quartile after adjustment for demographic and traditional CKD risk factors (P Limitations Potential for residual confounding, reliance on observational data, relatively fewer patients with higher eGFRs for subgroup analysis. Conclusions Higher suPAR levels are associated with shorter time to kidney replacement therapy or halving of eGFR in children with CKD. This association is attenuated slightly with inclusion of eGFR in regression modeling but remains a significant association for participants with the highest suPAR levels.
Time Perspectives and Subjective Well-Being: A Dual-Pathway Framework

In this chapter, we review the literature on the relations between time perspective and well-being. Time perspective is shown to be a stronger influence on individuals’ happiness than personality. The evidence we review suggests that time perspectives influence well-being through both direct and indirect pathways. The past time perspectives exert a direct influence on how people assess their satisfaction in life, while a future orientation impacts happiness through its influence on how people assess their prospects for the future. In contrast, the present time dimensions appear to impact people’s well-being indirectly, by influencing the behaviors that determine life circumstances, which in turn influence well-being. In addition, the future time dimension also exerts an indirect influence on well-being. People who are more future oriented are found to take actions that establish congenial life circumstances that are more likely to lead to a higher sense of well-being.
Cation Radicals of Hachimoji Nucleobases P and Z: Generation in the Gas Phase and Characterization by UV-Vis Photodissociation Action Spectroscopy and Theory

We report the generation of gas-phase cation radicals of unusual nucleobases 5-aza-7-deazaguanine (P) and 6-amino-5-nitro-(1H)pyrid-2-one (Z) that have been used as building blocks of base-expanded (hachimoji) DNA. The cation radicals were generated by collision-induced intramolecular electron transfer and dissociation of ternary copper-terpyridine complexes. The cation radicals were characterized by deuterium labeling and tandem mass spectrometry including MS3 collision-induced dissociation, UV-vis photodissociation, and action spectroscopy. Vibronic absorption UV-vis spectra were calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and compared with the action spectra to unequivocally assign the most closely matching structures for the gas-phase cation radicals. Ab initio calculations up to the coupled clusters-complete basis set (CCSD(T)/CBS) level of theory were used to rank by energy the P and Z neutral molecules and cation-radical isomers and provided transition-state and dissociation energies. The 5-aza-7-deazaguanine cation radicals were determined to have the canonical N-1-H, 6-oxo structure (P1+•) that was the global energy minimum within this group of isomers. The Z cation radicals were found to have the 1H-pyrid-2-one structure (Z1+•). The formation of P1+• and Z1+• was shown to be controlled by the solution thermodynamics of the Cu-terpyridine complexes and the kinetics of their dissociations. We also report and compare CCSD(T)/CBS-calculated adiabatic recombination energies of cation radicals for the entire hachimoji set of eight nucleobases, P+• (7.92 eV), Z+• (8.51 eV), S+• (8.51 eV), B+• (7.76 eV), T+• (8.98 eV), C+• (8.62 eV), A+• (8.32 eV), and G+• (7.97 eV), to assess the thermodynamics of base-to-base electron transfer following random ionization.
Civic Participation of Haitian Immigrants in the Dominican Republic: An Urban-Rural Comparison

Using data on 91 respondents from a 2017 household survey, this study examines the civic participation of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic. We analysed self-reported attendance at voluntary association meetings (labour, community improvement, sports/recreation, religious, and parent-teacher). The purpose was to identify the extent to which respondents engaged in civic life and to determine whether there were significant urbanrural/ peri-urban differences in attendance, in order to shed light on if the location of residence may or may not shape participant involvement. The results revealed that participation was highest in parent-teacher meetings (78%) and lowest in labour meetings (18%). Across all five meeting types, there was a higher percentage of attendance by rural/peri-urban than urban participants. The differences between urban and rural/peri-urban participant attendance were significant for all of the association meeting types, except for parentteacher meetings. This research is important for appreciating the previously under-examined issue of civic engagement of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic with special attention given to geographic variation.
Spatially refined time-varying reproduction numbers of SARS-CoV-2 in Arkansas and Kentucky and their relationship to population size and public health policy, March – November, 2020

ABSTRACT Purpose To examine the time-varying reproduction number, Rt, for COVID-19 in Arkansas and Kentucky and investigate the impact of policies and preventative measures on the variability in Rt. Methods Arkansas and Kentucky county-level COVID-19 cumulative case count data (March 6-November 7, 2020) were obtained. Rt was estimated using the R package ‘EpiEstim’, by county, region (Delta, non-Delta, Appalachian, non-Appalachian), and policy measures. Results The Rt was initially high, falling below 1 in May or June depending on the region, before stabilizing around 1 in the later months. The median Rt for Arkansas and Kentucky at the end of the study were 1.15 (95% credible interval [CrI], 1.13, 1.18) and 1.10 (95% CrI, 1.08, 1.12), respectively, and remained above 1 for the non-Appalachian region. Rt decreased when facial coverings were mandated, changing by -10.64% (95% CrI, -10.60%, -10.70%) in Arkansas and -5.93% (95% CrI, -4.31%, -7.65%) in Kentucky. The trends in Rt estimates were mostly associated with the implementation and relaxation of social distancing measures. Conclusions Arkansas and Kentucky maintained a median Rt above 1 during the entire study period. Changes in Rt estimates allows quantitative estimates of potential impact of policies such as facemask mandate.
Outcomes After Resection Arthroplasty Versus Permanent Antibiotic Spacer for Salvage Treatment of Shoulder Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Background Although revision to new components is favored following shoulder periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), implant exchange is not always feasible. In certain cases, definitive treatment may be retainment of an antibiotic spacer or resection arthroplasty. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review the literature for studies reporting on outcomes after resection arthroplasty or permanent antibiotic spacer for salvage treatment of shoulder PJIs. Methods A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for Level I-IV studies that reported on the final treatment of periprosthetic shoulder infections using resection arthroplasty or a permanent antibiotic spacer. Data recorded included study demographics, causative infectious organism, shoulder-specific range of motion and outcome measures, and infection eradication rate. Study methodological quality was analyzed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score. Forest plots of proportions and meta-analyses of single means were generated for infection eradication rates and outcomes, respectively. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. A P value of 0.05 was set as significant. Results The initial search yielded 635 articles (211 duplicates, 424 screened, 57 full-text review). Twenty-three articles (126 resection arthroplasty and 177 retained antibiotic spacer patients, 51% females, mean age range 37 to 78.5 years, mean MINORS score 9.6 + 0.7) were included and analyzed. The pooled infection eradication rate was 82% [72% - 89%] following resection arthroplasty and 85% [79% - 90%] after permanent antibiotic spacer. The pooled mean forward flexion (71.5˚ versus 48.7˚; p Conclusion When implant exchange following shoulder PJI is not feasible, permanent antibiotic spacers and resection arthroplasty are both salvage procedures which provide similar rates of infection eradication. Though both can decrease pain levels, permanent antibiotic spacer may result in better functional outcomes compared to resection arthroplasty.
Arrhythmias During Pregnancy

Cardiac arrhythmias that occur during pregnancy represent a unique problem, since two lives may be in jeopardy. Most arrhythmias originate in the mother, but occasionally fetal arrhythmias require therapy through maternal administration of drugs. When considering therapeutic interventions, pro-arrhythmia and other adverse effects to both the mother and fetus must be considered. There are also unique risks to the fetus, such as congenital malformations.
Molecular arms in the outer disk of M51: Structure and origins

This is the first study to focus on molecular gas in the outer disk of an external spiral. We have used the NRA0 12m telescope to make a C0(2-I) map of 23 points covering the outermost southwest arm/interarm region in M51. Our 30" beam is adequate to resolve arm and interarm regions in this portion of the M51 disk. Our map points are primarily spaced every beamwidth on a square grid, except at the inner edge of the outermost arm, where observations were taken at half-beamwidth spacing to confirm the peaking of the molecular emission on the dust lane along the inner edge of the arm. The observations range in galactocentric radius from 1.95 to 4.25 arcmin, or 5.4 to 11.9 kpc at a distance of 9.6 Mpc. In figure 1 a contour map of our data is superimposed on a photo of M51.
Ventricular Tachycardia Storm Successfully Treated With Immunosuppression and Catheter Ablation in a Patient With Cardiac Sarcoidosis

We describe the case of a 43-year-old male with cardiac sarcoidosis and ventricular tachycardia storm successfully treated with catheter ablation and immunosuppression. Antiarrhythmics alone, and in combination with immusuppressive agents, failed to successfully manage the ventricular tachycardia episodes. Catheter ablation in conjunction with immunosuppression proved to be the most successful treatment strategy. The reported efficacy of catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia in cardiac sarcoidosis is variable.