cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Many risk factors that promote cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been identified. These include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, decreased estrogen in postmenopausal women, increased homocysteine, and cigarette smoking. It has recently become clear that a mechanism common to these risk factors is oxidative stress. CVD risk factors specific to women are parity, oophorectomy, preeclampsia, and menopause. There are several proposed mechanisms to explain these women-specific associations, such as reduced lifetime exposure to estrogen and insulin resistance, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. One fact that did not receive much attention is the role of the oxidation hypothesis in these reproductive factors–CVD associations. In fact, pregnant, oophorectomized, and postmenopausal women exhibit higher levels of lipid peroxidation than nonpregnant, nonoophorectomized, and premenopausal women, respectively. We propose that the increased levels of lipid peroxidation during these states are responsible, at least in part, for their increased risk of CVD. This review extends the concept of the oxidation hypothesis of CVD to reproductive risk factors in women. It also addresses the potential role of oxidative stress in the hyperthyroidism-CVD relationship, as hyperthyroidism is a common disorder that most frequently occurs in women. We also discuss how screening human populations for reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels could help identify groups with a high level of ROS that may be at risk of developing CVD.
Human flexor reflex modulation during cycling

1. Human flexor reflex (HFR) responses were elicited during ergometer cycling in neurologically intact humans with the objective of understanding the influence of lower limb muscle activity on phase-dependent reflex modulation during movement. The experimental setup permitted control over background muscle activity and stimulus intensity without significantly interfering with the cycling motion. 2. All experiments involved cycling on an ergometer at a set rate and workload. A 333-Hz, 15-ms pulse train of electrical stimulation was randomly delivered to the skin over the tibial nerve at the ankle at selected lower limb positions. In the first group of experiments, subjects were stimulated at six cycling phases while pedaling with normal, phasic ankle activity (free-form cycling). The second and third group of experiments involved stimulation under static limb positioning conditions and during active pedaling while subjects were asked to maintain a consistent background level of isolated tibialis anterior (TA) or soleus (SOL) electromyographic (EMG) activity. 3. Control criteria were established to assure similar isolated muscle EMG levels and sensory stimulation intensities throughout the experiments. With the aid of the application of a lower extremity brace and visual EMG feedback, SOL and TA activity were confined by the subject to a narrow range during the task of cycling. Stimulus consistency was achieved through maintenance of flexor hallucis brevis M-waves to within an envelope encompassing the mean value +/- 5% of the maximum M-wave amplitude in all experimental conditions. 4. When the subject's limb was statically positioned, the HFR responses in the SOL muscle showed no significant changes in pattern when compared at various limb positions. During cycling with consistent SOL activity, a response waveform pattern of early-latency-long-duration depression was followed by a later-latency facilitation response in all positions except the initial power phase. The initial power phase was characterized by an additional early-latency facilitation in all but one subject. 5. In the TA muscle response, no change in onset latency (57.5 +/- 0.8 ms, mean +/- SD), waveform pattern, or response amplitude (7.9 +/- 1.1% maximal voluntary contraction, mean +/- SD) was observed during static limb positioning. Significant increases in response amplitude (P < 0.05) coupled with significant increases (9.2 ms, P < 0.05) in onset latency were seen during the transition from the recovery phase to the power phase during cycling. In addition, there was no correlation between the prestimulation baseline level and the onset latency during controlled TA cycling activity conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
This Office is Jinxed (a)

The pricing task force organized by Tom Jordan in the (A) case, UVA-OB-0925, recognizes the opportunity to adopt a new price strategy and become the price leader. It decides to use ABC SKU categorization to manage pricing. Many executives in his office products company thought it was an insane strategy and would destroy the business. But within six months, the company met its profit objective, every competitor matched the higher prices, and the company retained all its business.
Old Blue’s Road: A Historian’s Motorcycle Journeys in the American West . By James Whiteside.

Old Blue’s Road: A Historian’s Motorcycle Journeys in the American West . By James Whiteside. (Boulder: University Press of Colorado, 2015. xi + 282 pp. Illustrations, maps, notes, index. $19.95, paper.) “Old Blue” is a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle and James Whiteside is retired from the History Department at the University of Colorado Denver. Beginning in the summer of 2006, the two—sometimes accompanied by Whiteside’s friend Phineas—traveled together across and around the American West. Old Blue’s Road is an account of four trips: the first, to Victoria, BC, north through the Great Basin and south along the Rockies; the second, eastward from Denver to Dodge City, Kansas, then back along the Santa Fe Trail and north from Santa Fe … judyaustin40{at}yahoo.com
Late Cretaceous unroofing of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA: An episode of passive margin rejuvenation?

The growing recognition that many passive margins have experienced periods of post-rift uplift has raised new questions about the nature of the tectonic processes that drive such uplift. The eastern North America margin is of particular interest because it is a classic Atlantic-style margin that has long been suspected of tectonic rejuvenation, yet the timing of post-rift uplift events remains elusive. To address this question we present apatite U-Th/He and fission track ages from a 1300 m vertical transect in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (USA), including a 910-m-deep bore hole. Thermal modeling suggests a period of accelerated denudation from ca. 85 to 65 Ma. This timing is broadly similar to the timing of accelerated exhumation and compression on passive margins elsewhere in the Atlantic, raising the question of whether a common mechanism, such as a change in lateral stresses, changes in mantle convection, or climate change, could be responsible.
John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison, and the Construction of Constitutional Legitimacy:

This study considers Chief Justice John Marshall’s famous opinion in Marbury v. Madison (1803) as a vehicle for investigating contemporary interpretations of both John Marshall and the concept of c...
Inhibition of muscle cell relaxation by somatostatin: tissue-specific, cAMP-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive

The direct action of somatostatin on smooth muscle was examined in muscle cells isolated from the stomach and intestine of human and guinea pig. Somatostatin inhibited relaxation in gastric but not intestinal muscle cells of the two species, and its mechanism of action was explored in more detail in gastric muscle cells of the guinea pig. Somatostatin inhibited relaxation induced by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 83 +/- 7%, P less than 0.001) and isoproterenol (85 +/- 5%, P less than 0.001), as well as the concomitant increase in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production [81 +/- 25% inhibition with VIP (P less than 0.02) and 68 +/- 12% inhibition with isoproterenol (P less than 0.01)]. Inhibition of relaxation and cAMP production was abolished by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. Relaxation induced by the permeant derivative of cAMP, N6,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, by sodium nitroprusside, which acts by increasing levels of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic mono...
Assessing and Serving the Workshop Needs of Graduate Students

Abstract This study determined which workshop topics are of most interest to graduate students in the humanities, science, and social science disciplines, and what their preferences are for workshop formats, times, and communication. Topics in demand by students were evaluated against those identified as very important by graduate program directors. In addition to disciplinary differences, the needs of master's and doctoral students were compared (and contrasted). Findings were shared with multiple campus units and utilized to develop workshops and other services to more fully support graduate students with their research, grant, career, teaching, and technology training requirements.
Endorsing Epistemic Egalitarianism

So far my argument supports a radically sceptical reading of Hume’s Treatise. While some may concede the plausibility of my interpretation of Hume’s early work (especially book I of the Treatise), they do not so readily concede that Hume’s mature stance is radically sceptical. To elaborate, some contend that Hume’s systematic categorization of various forms of scepticism in the last section of his Enquiry concerning Human Understanding provides little, if any, explicit embrace of radical sceptical theses and may in fact repudiate such radical scepticism. As a result, there is an odd asymmetry between readings of the Treatise and readings of Hume’s Enquiry concerning Human Understanding. We have seen that interpreters as diverse as Kemp Smith and Pears have admitted that in the Treatise at least some of Hume’s wording appears to endorse epistemic egalitarianism. But very few commentators today seem to think that Hume’s first Enquiry even appears to assert any thesis close to epistemic egalitarianism. Given that Hume’s overall philosophy, not just the philosophy expressed in the Treatise, was at one time considered very sceptical, we have reason to believe that at least some parts of the first Enquiry appear to endorse epistemic egalitarianism. In this chapter I argue that Hume’s Enquiry1 presents a vision of epistemic egalitarianism surprisingly in line with the epistemic egalitarianism of the Treatise.
Design Constraints of a Minimally Actuated Four Bar Linkage Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle

This paper documents and discusses the design of a low-cost Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle (FW-MAV) designed to be easy to fabricate using readily available materials and equipment. Basic theory of operation as well as the rationale underlying various design decisions will be provided. Using this paper, it should be possible for readers to construct their own devices quickly and at little expense.
Two-dimensional autocorrelation method for ultrasound-based strain estimation

Ultrasound strain imaging maps the tissue stiffness in the region of interest by estimating strain when the tissue is stressed. Prestress and poststress ultrasound echoes are processed to estimate the displacements, and the strain image is computed by a spatial derivative of the estimated displacement. Due to the nature of derivative operations, smaller errors in displacement estimation can cause large noise in the computed strain image. When tissue displacements are estimated using the phase of the autocorrelation between the prestress and poststress data (i.e., 1D autocorrelation method), it has been previously reported that local variations in ultrasonic center frequency due to speckle can introduce errors in the estimated displacement. We have developed a new method to compute strain based on two-dimensional autocorrelation. By estimating the local ultrasound frequency, we can improve the accuracy of displacement estimates and hence reduce the noise in strain images. We have analyzed the effect of local frequency changes on noise in strain images and the improvement in the strain signal-to-noise ratio with the 2D autocorrelation method. The simulation results are supported by experiments with homogenous gelatin phantoms and show that strain signal-to-noise ratio with 2D autocorrelation is consistently higher than that with 1D autocorrelation. The 2D autocorrelation can increase the strain signal-to-noise ratio by up to 200%, which leads us to believe that our estimation method can significantly improve the quality of strain images.
Building in-country capacity and expertise to ensure good governance of the deep sea minerals industry within the Pacific region ☆

Abstract Since the 1990s, international development assistance has placed increased emphasis on good governance as a means to promote sustainable development. Many aspects of the relationship between good governance and development remain poorly understood and may vary across countries, yet it is recognised that for developing countries, a critical component resides in the ability to respond to their capacity-building needs taking into consideration individual circumstances. The interest for the DSM industry in the Pacific region stemmed from the first surveys undertaken in the 1960s on mineral deposits on the seabed of the Pacific Ocean. Since the 1970s over 100 research cruises have occurred in the Pacific region contributing to the identification of some of the world's most promising DSM resources. Recent renewed interest in commercial DSM exploration, has propelled the need for PICs to be equipped with adequate regulatory frameworks for ocean research and exploration. In 2011, SPC and the EU, initiated the SPC-EU DSM Project which had the overall objective to strengthen governance of the region's DSM. Improving human and technical capacity at a national level was at the core of the Project. This paper draws on the experience of the Project and provides an overview of capacity building needs in the Pacific region regarding DSM with a focus on the needs surrounding science, environmental management and regulatory frameworks and institutional arrangements. It discusses the achievements of the SPC-EU-DSM Project at the institutional, individual and societal levels and highlights challenges affecting the use, retention and continuous upgrading of capacities.
Offshore wind energy storage concept for cost-of-rated-power savings

Abstract The size and number of off-shore wind turbines over the next decade is expected to rapidly increase due to the high wind energy potential and the ability of such farms to provide utility-scale energy. In this future, inexpensive and efficient on-site wind energy storage can be critical to address short-time (hourly) mismatches between wind supply and energy demand. This study investigates a compressed air energy storage (CAES) and hydraulic power transmission (HPT) system concept. To assess cost impact, the NREL Cost and Scaling Model was modified to improve accuracy and robustness for offshore wind farms with large turbines. Special attention was paid to the support structure, installation, electrical interface and connections, land leasing, and operations and maintenance cost items as well as specific increased/reduced costs reductions associated with CAES + HPT systems. This cost model was validated and applied to a sample $2.92 billion project Virginia Offshore case It was found that adaption of CAES + HPT can lead to a substantial savings of 21.6% of this 20-year lifetime cost by dramatically reducing capital and operating cost of the generator and power transmission components. However, there are several additional variables that can impact the off-shore energy policy and planning for this new CAES + HPT concept. Furthermore, these cost-savings are only first-order estimates based on linear mass-cost relationships, and thus detailed engineering and economic analysis are recommended.
Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Profiling Pediatricians and Their Health Care Resources.

Background and Objectives Pediatricians face numerous challenges in providing care for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Few studies have described health care resources available to support pediatricians to care for CSHCN. This study investigated available resources to care for CSHCN and factors associated with having a greater proportion of CSHCN in practice. Methods We conducted a statewide survey of active members of the American Academy of Pediatrics in California to study pediatric subspecialty care access, community and office resources and practice barriers. We performed a logistic regression model on having an “above average proportion” of CSHCN in practice, adjusting for demographics, practice type (rural vs. suburban/urban) and medical resources, care satisfaction, and ease of subspecialty access. Results Our response rate was 50.2% (n = 1290); 75% of respondents reported providing some primary care services, with many primary care pediatricians caring for a high proportion of CSHCN. Pediatricians reported an average of 28% CSHCN in their practices. Rural pediatricians lacked subspecialty access (10–59% reporting no access to the various subspecialties). Factors relating to higher CSHCN in practice included being in academic medical centers and satisfaction in caring for CSHCN. Conclusions Pediatricians report lack of access to mental health services, care coordination and case management. Academic medical centers and higher physician satisfaction in care delivery for CSHCN are associated with more CSHCN in practice. Promoting ways to support pediatricians, such as practice collaboration with behavioral specialists, may be necessary to encourage primary care pediatricians to provide medical homes for CSHCN.
Intervals of Resistance: Being True to the Earth in the Light of the Anthropocene

Deleuze and Guattari develop an account of communal interaction and political awareness corresponding to an ontology of becoming that resists the metaphysical priority of substance or essence and that accounts for the multiple networks and forces that underlie these illusory projections of wholeness. Their geo-philosophy accounts for the intersection of the new ontological vision with the concrete social formations indicative of the modern “cosmic” age—post-industrialist, information-driven, virtualized economic capacities, and in the first sections of the paper, I develop an account of the Anthropocene which addresses the ways that human beings have become alienated from the earth, and mired in pessimistic resignation with regard to the possibility of making significant transformations in our politico-economic situation. This malaise is the correlate of a general suspension of imagination, in other words, an inability to imagine a radically different future; and, to my mind, is linked to the issue of pedagogy in light of the Anthropocene.
Molecular Dosimetry as a Bridge Between Mammalian and Non-Mammalian Test Systems

There are two major differences between the estimation of human health effects of a mutagen and of a carcinogen. First, with a mutagen, the target tissue is known; it is only the dose to the germ cells that contributes to the mutagenic risk to future generations. In contrast, any somatic tissue may be the relevant target for a carcinogen. The knowledge that the germ cells are the target tissue for mutagenesis is the major advantage that the geneticist has in estimating mutagenic risk.
A Randomized Phase II Trial of Pioglitazone for Lung Cancer Chemoprevention in High Risk Current and Former Smokers

Lung cancer chemoprevention, especially in high-risk former smokers, has great potential to reduce lung cancer incidence and mortality. Thiazolidinediones prevent lung cancer in preclinical studies, and diabetics receiving thiazolidinediones have lower lung cancer rates which led to our double-blind, randomized, phase II placebo-controlled trial of oral pioglitazone in high-risk current or former smokers with sputum cytologic atypia or known endobronchial dysplasia. Bronchoscopy was performed at study entry and after completing 6 months of treatment. Biopsies were histologically scored, and primary endpoint analysis tested worst biopsy scores (Max) between groups; Dysplasia index (DI) and average score (Avg) changes were secondary endpoints. Biopsies also received an inflammation score. The trial accrued 92 subjects (47 pioglitazone, 45 placebo), and 76 completed both bronchoscopies (39 pioglitazone, 37 placebo). Baseline dysplasia was significantly worse for current smokers, and 64% of subjects had mild or greater dysplasia at study entry. Subjects receiving pioglitazone did not exhibit improvement in bronchial dysplasia. Former smokers treated with pioglitazone exhibited a slight improvement in Max, while current smokers exhibited slight worsening. While statistically significant changes in Avg and DI were not observed in the treatment group, former smokers exhibited a slight decrease in both Avg and DI. Negligible Avg and DI changes occurred in current smokers. A trend toward decreased Ki-67 labeling index occurred in former smokers with baseline dysplasia receiving pioglitazone. While pioglitazone did not improve endobronchial histology in this high-risk cohort, specific lesions showed histologic improvement, and further study is needed to better characterize responsive dysplasia.
Conceptualizing Individual and Household Disaster Preparedness: The Perspective from Cameroon

This research explored the basic issue of what preparedness means and entails to people in Fako Division, Cameroon—a place threated by many hazards and that has experienced many disasters. Findings from the analysis of the 33 interviews conducted in this study indicate that preparedness is a dynamic state of readiness that is dependent on context, a social process, and a process of completing activities to save lives and minimize the effects of disasters. In addition, the research determined that Cameroonians view a wholly prepared person as someone who would: (1) have knowledge about hazards and what to do about them; (2) engage others, including their families and neighbors, in discussions about activities related to hazards; and (3) participate in activities to minimize loss from hazards, sustain themselves in the face of hazards, and flee from hazards. The findings from the interview data synchronize to a large extent with what is implied, but not clearly stated, in the existing research literature. The article addresses this synchrony, posits a definition of preparedness, and identifies the theoretical components of preparedness.
Small cell transformation of non-small cell lung cancer on immune checkpoint inhibitors: uncommon or under-recognized?

Background Histological transformation of oncogene-driven lung adenocarcinoma to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) following treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is a well-described phenomenon. Whether a similar transformation may drive acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) in non-SCLC (NSCLC) is uncertain. Hence, tissue biopsies are not universally recommended at progression of NSCLC on ICPIs, unlike TKIs. Case presentation We report a case of a woman in her mid-60s with a 35 pack-years tobacco history and stage IV squamous cell lung carcinoma with no targetable genomic alterations, whose disease progressed within 4 months of first line carboplatin/gemcitabine therapy. Her treatment was switched to second line nivolumab monotherapy which resulted in sustained partial response lasting 21 months. She subsequently developed rapid, bulky progression of mediastinal disease. Biopsy showed transformation to SCLC. Comparison of genomic profiling results from the initial NSCLC diagnosis and SCLC transformation revealed near-identical tumor profiles. Her disease responded to next line carboplatin/etoposide, though lasting for only 10 months. She died 14 months after detection of neuroendocrine transformation of her NSCLC. Systematic review We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify similar cases of NSCLC-to-small cell transformation on ICPIs. Nine patients, including our index case, were identified, with seven (77.8%) on nivolumab and two (22.2%) on pembrolizumab monotherapy. Median survival time since small cell transformation was 13.0 months (95% CI 2.0 to 16.0). Using our patient case as a framework, we further discuss the lack of consensus criteria to distinguish small cell transformation from de novo metachronous SCLC. Conclusions Histological transformation to SCLC is a potential mechanism of acquired resistance to ICPIs in NSCLC. Repeat tissue biopsies should be considered at the time of progression, similar to oncogene-directed therapies. Prospective larger studies are warranted to further characterize NSCLC-to-small cell transformation on ICPIs using molecular fingerprinting with paired tumor genomic profiles, evaluation of neuroendocrine features at baseline and consideration of initial response.
Uniquely identifying the variable order of time-fractional partial differential equations on general multi-dimensional domains

We proved the unique determination of the variable order in a two-scale mobile–immobile variable-order time-fractional partial differential equation with a variable diffusivity tensor imposed on a ...
Epidemiology and risk factors for varicella zoster virus reactivation in heart transplant recipients.

Heart transplant (HT) recipients are at higher risk of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. Risk factors for VZV reactivation are currently not well defined, impeding the ability to design and implement strategies to minimize the burden of this illness in this population. Automated data extraction tools were used to retrieve data from the electronic health record (EHR) of all adult HT recipients at our center between 2010 and 2016. Information from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Standard Analysis and Research Files was merged with the extracted data. Potential cases were manually reviewed and adjudicated using consensus definitions. Cumulative incidence and risk factors for VZV reactivation in HT recipients were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox modeling, respectively. In 203 HT recipients, the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation at 8-years post-transplantation was 26.4% (95% CI: 17.8-38.0). The median time to VZV reactivation was 2.1 years (IQR, 1.5-4.1). Half (14/28) of the cases experienced post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Post-transplant CMV infection (HR 9.05 [95% CI: 3.76-21.77) and post-transplant pulse-dose steroids (HR 3.19 [95% CI: 1.05-9.68]) were independently associated with a higher risk of VZV reactivation in multivariable modeling. Identification of risk factors will aid in the development of targeted preventive strategies.
Step length synergy is weaker in older adults during obstacle crossing.

Abstract Community ambulation requires gait adaptations to navigate environmental obstacles. It is well known that while crossing obstacles, variables quantifying the gait pattern are controlled relative to the obstacle’s position. However, the stability of these gait variables is underexplored. We measured foot positions relative to an obstacle as young and older adults stepped over it. We report secondary analysis of this data in which we quantified the stability of the step length when the two feet are placed on either side of the obstacle. We employed the uncontrolled manifold approach to test the hypotheses that (1) synergistic across-trial co-variation in the distances of the front and the back heel from the obstacle edge will stabilize the step length, and (2) older adults will display weaker synergies (i.e., lower step length stability). We observed that the front and back heel distances relative to the obstacle’s edge co-varied synergistically to stabilize the step length for both age groups. Therefore, foot placement during obstacle navigation is controlled not only with reference to a feature of the environment (i.e. the obstacle), but also to stabilize the step length, presumably to control COM motion. The synergy index was 38% lower for older adults than young adults. This decline may be associated with aging-related functional deficits and tripping-related falls.
Multivariable extremum seeking with distinct delays using a one-stage sequential predictor

Abstract We provide new designs for multivariable extremum seeking for static maps with arbitrarily long time delays. We allow different delays in each input channel and output delays, and gradient- and Newton-based frameworks. Our sequential predictor based approach provides an alternative to earlier prediction methods, and leads to extremum seeking designs where a dynamical extension eliminates the need for distributed terms. Our source seeking example illustrates the good performance of our methods.
Zoledronic acid and bone health in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Fracture prevention in cognitively impaired individuals is lacking. This work highlights the benefits of zoledronic acid on bone health in cognitively impaired older adults. Demonstrating benefits of therapy may increase treatment uptake and reduce fracture risk in this group. Osteoporosis has detrimental consequences for frail older adults. The effects on those with both osteoporosis and cognitive impairment are compounded due to increased risk of falls and changes in mobility, both of which can lead to fracture. However, there are limited data on treatment benefits for osteoporotic individuals with cognitive impairment. This post hoc, secondary analysis of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of single-dose zoledronic acid included 179 women age ≥ 65 years residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, 43 of whom had mild to severe cognitive impairment. We assessed bone mineral density (BMD) of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and serum bone turnover markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and procollagen type I N propeptide) at 6 and 12 months. In participants with cognitive impairment, those who received zoledronic acid had 4.3% greater BMD at the total hip (p=.005) and 5.3% greater BMD at the femoral neck (p<.001) after 12 months compared to those in the placebo group. Bone turnover markers demonstrated significant decreases at 6 months in those with cognitive impairment who received active treatment compared to the placebo group. Improvements in bone health measures with zoledronic acid were similar to those seen in participants without cognitive impairment. Zoledronic acid improves bone health in frail older women with cognitive impairment similar to those without impairment. Further studies are warranted to assess the benefit for fracture reduction in this undertreated population.
529 College Savings Plan under the TCJA: Evaluating Age-Based Portfolios

The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) introduces some of the most sweeping tax law changes in more than 30 years and enhances the flexibility investors have when using 529 college savings plans for more than just qualified higher education expenses. Investors can now use funds from these accounts to pay for qualified K-12 tuition expenses without being taxed or penalized on the earnings associated with the distributions at the federal level. While this new provision may make 529 college savings plans more attractive, investors may now need to re-evaluate their investment holdings in these plans especially if they are using age-based portfolios and are planning for pre-undergraduate education expenses, post-graduate education expenses, or are considering using a combination of in-state and out-of-state 529 college savings plans to achieve their education planning goals.
Malevolent Creativity and Malevolent Innovation: A Critical but Tenuous Linkage

Interest is growing in the dark side of creativity and recent research has been instrumental in improving our understanding of the phenomenon. However, such efforts have also revealed confusion reg...
Treatment of Focal Cerebral Ischemia with Prostacyclin and Indomethacin

An effective medical regimen for the treatment of focal cerebral ischemia has yet to be defined. Therapy ideally should be directed towards improving tissue perfusion, reducing edema, and increasing the tolerance of cerebral tissue, particularly neurons, to the effects of ischemia1. It is unlikely that a single agent will be found to accomplish all these goals. Recent investigations have suggested that progressive microcirculatory impairment5,17,21 and intravascular coagulopathy12 occur in the ischemic brain. Other studies have described increased resistance of pial collateral arteries following experimental middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion23. Although it is not known to what extent this microcirculatory impairment contributes to the progression of ischemic changes and neurological damage, it is felt that maintenance of the cerebral microcirculation may enhance the delivery of oxygen and substrate, and potentially allow delivery of other therapeutic agents to the core area of ischemia.
Photonic Doppler Velocimetry Measurements of Materials Under Dynamic Compression

Photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV), also known as heterodyne velocimetry [1], is a compact displacement interferometer system that is rapidly becoming a standard diagnostic in dynamic compression research. A PDV system is essentially a fiber-based Michelson interferometer, utilizing recent advances in near-infrared (λ0 = 1550 nm) detector technology and fast digitizers to record beat frequencies in the gigahertz range. Compared to the traditional shock wave diagnostic VISAR [2], some advantages of PDV include simple assembly and operation, readily available components, and the lack of an intrinsic delay time. In PDV measurements, Doppler shifted light from a moving target is combined with unshifted light, creating a beat frequency that is proportional to the target velocity (f = 2v/λ0). For a target moving at 1 km/s, a measured PDV signal would have a beat frequency of 1.29 GHz. The frequency content of the PDV signal is typically calculated using a sliding short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Within each signal segment of time duration ?, the beat frequency is extracted from the peak of the power spectrum where the velocity resolution is defined by how well the frequency peak can be resolved.
Mixed mesodermal tumor of urinary bladder: a light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Light and ultrastructuralfindings in a mixed mesodermal tumor of the urinary bladder are reported. The mesenchymal component of the tumor contained undifferentiated mesenchymal cells and cells with chondroblastic differentiation. The neoplastic chondrocytes displayed an abundance of cytoplasmic microfilaments and had a scalloped cell surface.
Within and between-country variances in inflation rates : Are they similar?

Abstract This paper critiques the test which led Hans Genberg to the widely cited finding that the variance in inflation rates across OECD countries under fixed exchange rates was not significantly different from the variance in inflation rates across U.S. cities. It offers a more appropriate test which indicates that, in fact, there is a highly significant difference in the variance of inflation rates within and among countries.
Frequent Pattern Mining in Data Streams

As the volume of digital commerce and communication has exploded, the demand for data mining of streaming data has likewise grown. One of the fundamental data mining tasks, for both static and streaming data, is frequent pattern mining. The goal of pattern mining is to identity frequently occurring patterns and structures. Such patterns may indicate scientific phenomena, economic or social trends, or even security threats. Moreover, not only is pattern discovery important by itself, but it is also a building block for machine learning tasks such as association rule induction. Traditionally, algorithms for pattern discovery have processed the entire dataset as a batch, with no restriction on how many passes through the data would be taken.
The Stimulation of Calcium Transport in Cardiac Sarcoplasmic Reticulum by Adenosine 3':5'-Monophosphate-dependent Protein Kinase

Abstract The effects of an adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase on Ca2+-activated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and calcium uptake of canine cardiac microsomes were examined. The cardiac microsomes, which represent an enriched preparation of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum, were preincubated with varying concentrations of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or cyclic AMP or both in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP. Ca2+-activated ATPase activity and calcium uptake were determined in the presence of oxalate and various concentrations of Ca2+. Ionized Ca2+ concentrations were maintained with Ca2+ buffers containing CaCl2 and ethylene glycol bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid. The initial rates of both Ca2+-activated ATPase and calcium uptake were increased 2 to 3 times following 10-min preincubation with protein kinase and 1 µm cyclic AMP. Pretreatment with protein kinase in the absence of cyclic AMP caused a lesser degree of stimulation, whereas pretreatment with cyclic AMP alone had no detectable effect. Stimulation of the Ca2+-activated ATPase and calcium uptake by protein kinase was dependent on cyclic AMP concentration: maximal stimulation was seen at approximately 10-6 m with apparent half-maximal stimulation at approximately 10-7 m. Marked stimulation of both Ca2+-activated ATPase activity and calcium uptake by cyclic AMP and protein kinase was seen at a Ca2+ concentration of approximately 1 µm. The stoichiometric coupling of Ca2+-activated ATPase and calcium uptake was maintained at 2 moles of calcium taken up per mole of ATP hydrolyzed, following stimulation by protein kinase and cyclic AMP. The stimulatory effects on Ca2+-activated ATPase and calcium uptake of pretreatment with protein kinase and cyclic AMP could be shown after microsomes were washed with buffered 50 mm KCl. These findings indicate that protein kinase can increase the rate of calcium transport by the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum without altering the efficiency of the calcium pump. This effect may account for the abbreviation of systole that is caused by agents, like epinephrine, which increase cyclic AMP production, and resulting alterations in the distribution of Ca2+ within the myocardial cell may be responsible, at least in part, for the augmentation of myocardial contractility.
Transition of a Coherent Classical Wave to Phase Incoherence

A coherent wave may be characterized by a single-valued phase function. As the wave propagates, its rays twist and separate, causing its Lagrangian manifold k(x) to develop pleats. Thereby the phase becomes multivalued, and the wave may be termed incoherent. This process is analyzed by studying the local spectral density, which changes from a line spectrum to a continuous spectrum.
The Upper HR Diagram - An Observational Overview

The most massive and most luminous stars have always intrigued astronomers with considerable speculation about the upper limits to stellar masses and luminosities. Only about 20 years ago the nominal upper limit to stellar masses was supposed to be about 60 M⨀ (Ledoux 1941, Schwarzschild and Harm 1959) due to vibrational instability. In a more massive star the pulsation amplitude was expected to grow until its outer layers were ejected reducing the mass or even destroying the star. Theory seemed to preclude the existence of very massive stars. But a few stars appeared to be very massive such as Plaskett’s star, and the brightest supergiants in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds observed by Feast et al. (1960). They found that many stars in the Clouds have visual luminosities that require masses close to 100 M⨀. And by 1970, η Car (Davidson 1971) had been recognized as a very massive star. At about the same time, theorists (Appenzeller 1970, Ziebarth 1970) found that the vibrational instability was limited and the upper mass limit was closer to 100 M⨀. Non-catastrophic mass loss might occur but massive stars were theoretically possible.
Stricture-forming lesions of the female genitals and rectum

Abstract 1. 1. Attempts have been made in the District of Columbia, at Gallinger Municapal Hospital, to develop facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of lesions of the female genitals. 2. 2. The use of sodium salt of sulfanilic acid in the treatment of lymphopathia venereum has been discussed. 3. 3. Corrective surgical procedures can be utilized in lymphopathia venereum of the vulva, the healing phase of granuloma inguinale and in the papillomatous growth of condyloma acuminatum. 4. 4. We have not necessarily explored new fields but have applied established diagnostic procedures. Only in this way can a higher percentage of correct diagnoses be made and proper therapy instituted.
Comparative evaluation of PWM AC-AC converters

Recently a new family of AC-AC power converters has been proposed for AC power conditioning. They are solid state functional equivalents of transformers with a continuously variable transformation ratio. Operating on the principle of pulse width modulated control using gate turn off devices like IGBTs, they have been shown to have significant performance advantages compared to older generation thyristor based phase controlled power converters. The family of proposed converters include buck, boost, buck-boost and Cuk power converters. This paper is aimed at presenting the design guidelines and the results of a comparative study of these power converters. Detailed design equations are provided along with a typical examples of design of various power converters for a power conditioning application. >
Early sexual experiences among pregnant and parenting adolescents

One hundred sixty-six pregnant or parenting adolescent females completed a survey regarding early sexual experiences (wanted and unwanted), family dysfunction and violence, and health-risky behaviors occurring prior to age 18. Fifty-three percent had at least one unwanted sexual experience. Younger age at first unwanted sexual experience was associated with younger age at first wanted sexual experience. Adolescent females with an unwanted sexual experience, as compared to those without, were more likely to be victims of physical violence, to have run away, to be substance abusers, and to have family members with drug or alcohol problems. Four factors explained 39% of the variance in age at first pregnancy: presence of a family member with a drinking problem, age first got hit with a belt or other object by a family member, age first got drunk, and age at first wanted sexual experience. It was concluded that the prevention of teenage pregnancy entails a multifaceted approach that addresses family life, early sexual experiences, and health-risky behaviors.
Familial aggregation of Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma in Caucasian adults.

Background: Although familial clusters of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma have been reported, a familial predisposition to these diseases has not been systematically investigated. Aims: To determine whether Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal (or oesophagogastric junctional) adenocarcinoma aggregate in families. Patients and methods: A structured questionnaire eliciting details on reflux symptoms, exposure history, and family history was given to Caucasian case (n=58) subjects with Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma, and to Caucasian control (n=106) subjects with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without Barrett’s oesophagus. Reported diagnoses of family members were confirmed by review of medical records. Results: The presence of a positive family history (that is, first or second degree relative with Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma) was significantly higher among case subjects compared with controls (24% v 5%; p v 43% male; p Conclusions: Individuals with Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma are more likely to have a positive family history of Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma than individuals without Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, or oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma. A positive family history should be considered when making decisions about screening endoscopy in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Studies of the nature of 17-hydroxyprogesterone hyperresonsiveness to gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist challenge in functional ovarian hyperandrogenism

Plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17PROG) hyperresponsiveness to GnRH agonist (nafarelin) testing is typical of polycystic ovary syndrome and other functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) that does not meet customary criteria for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. We have postulated that this results from abnormal regulation of androgen secretion. Whether this dysregulation is the result of a normal physiological response to ovarian hyperstimulation or escape from down-regulation of steroidogenesis is unknown. To distinguish between these possibilities, we have analyzed the ovarian steroid responses to nafarelin for the apparent efficiency of the steroidogenic steps and the apparent dose-response relationships between blood LH and steroid levels. We compared normal women (n = 18) with three groups of hyperandrogenic women (n = 15-19/group): patients with 17PROG hyperresponsiveness with or without elevated LH levels (type 1 and type 2 FOH, respectively) and patients with normal 17PROG responses to nafarelin (nafarelin negative). Subjects were pretreated with dexamethasone to suppress coincidental adrenal contributions to plasma steroid levels. The pattern of steroid secretion was similarly abnormal in both types of FOH, with the high LH group having generally more severe abnormalities in the levels of steroid intermediates. Baseline 17PROG and 17-hydroxypregnenolone and the ratio of 17PROG to androstenedione (AD) were increased (P < 0.05). In addition, the apparent slope of the 17PROG response to LH was significantly increased. Baseline levels of both AD and dehydroepiandrosterone and the AD response to nafarelin were increased, yet the ratio of peak minus baseline (delta) AD/delta 17PROG (another index of 17,20-lyase activity) was subnormal in FOH. The apparent slope of the testosterone (T) response to LH was significantly increased, and indexes of aromatase activity [estradiol (E2)/T and delta estradiol/delta T] were significantly decreased. Nafarelin stimulated plasma E2 in all groups to rise along an apparently similar LH-E2 dose-response slope. We interpret these results as indicating that FOH patients have generalized overactivity of thecal steroidogenesis, but nevertheless compensate so as to maintain a normal dose-response relationship between blood levels of LH and E2. FOH patients, whether they have LH excess or not, seen to form excessive 17PROG and incompletely dampen (down-regulate) thecal cell 17PROG, AD, and T secretion in response to LH stimulation. 17PROG hyperresponsiveness to nafarelin seems to be prominent both because it is formed in excess and because 17,20-lyase efficiency is rate limiting. The T elevation seems to arise mainly from overactive steroidogenesis, but also partly from an additional functional decrease in aromatase efficiency, which is secondary to negative feedback by the substrate-driven tendency toward estrogen excess.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)