cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A formal approach for architectural modeling and prototyping of distributed real-time systems

For complex software systems, a central design concern is the system architecture. The systematic treatment of architectural specification and refinement is a proper basis for an engineering approach to system design. However, conventional Petri net models do not provide adequate abstractions for architectural specification, because their primary concern is behavior modeling and analysis. As an attempt to address this problem, we present a formal model called NOAM (Net-based and Object-based Architectural Model) for architectural specification and prototyping of real-time distributed systems. Building on the existing contributions from Petri nets, NOAM not only supports precise specification of real-time behavior embodied in a system architecture, but also provides a framework for systematic architectural refinement and exploration. Special focus is placed on using the formal model and our support environment to prototype NOAM specifications, and to meet real-time constraints.
Market Opportunities and Threats to the U.S. Pork Industry Posed by Traceability Systems

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the U.S. pork industry is lagging its principal international competitors and major international customers in terms of developing programs for traceability, transparency, and assurance (TTA). The primary areas of weakness in U.S. TTA programs are at the producer-level and in the area of providing consumers quality assurance regarding inputs used in producing pork products. We conclude that the U.S. pork industry may diminish its competitive advantage in world pork markets if it fails to enhance its TTA programs.
An Experiential Theory of Spiritual Care in Nursing Practice

Spiritual care has been recognized as integral to nursing care for centuries, as described by Florence Nightingale, and has been studied in both medicine and sociology. Health care institutions, particularly faith-based health systems, also have recognized the importance of spiritual care. Both qualitative and quantitative research support the importance of spirituality in patient health. Although the profession, health care institutions, and research support spiritual care, there is no empirically derived theoretical framework to guide research in spiritual assessment and spiritual care. We used focus group data from registered nurses who care for the chronically ill (n = 25) in a large Midwestern academic health center to generate a grounded theory of spiritual care in nursing practice. What emerged from this study was a beginning theoretical framework to guide future spiritual care research.
Spectral synthesis of diagonal operators and representing systems for the space of entire functions

Abstract In this paper, we study continuous linear operators on spaces of functions analytic on disks in the complex plane having as eigenvectors the monomials z n whose associated eigenvalues λ n are distinct. In particular, we show that under mild conditions, such a diagonal operator has non-spectral invariant subspaces (that is, closed invariant subspaces which are not the closed linear span of collections of monomials) if and only if every entire function of a particular growth rate is representable as a generalized Dirichlet series ∑ n = 0 ∞ b n e λ n z .
Planetary ageostrophic instability leads to superrotation

We demonstrate the existence of a global-scale, linear instability in the atmospheres of slowly rotating and/or small planets that spontaneously emerges and produces momentum convergence at the equator, thus supporting the development of planetary superrotation. We identify the instability as being barotropic, ageostrophic in nature, coupling an equatorial Kelvin wave with midlatitude or high-latitude Rossby waves. This coupling requires a frequency matching of the Doppler-shifted wave components and moderate spatial overlap between them, which are determined by two nondimensional parameters, the Rossby and Froude numbers. By diagnosing these parameters, we find that this instability is an essential and necessary process to obtain superrotation in dry atmospheric, general circulation models with axisymmetric forcing. The Rossby and Froude numbers for Solar System bodies are consistent with the presence or absence of superrotation, which suggests that they provide useful diagnostics for predicting the emergence of superrotation in the atmospheres of terrestrial planets.
Diffraction by band-limited fractal screens

The concept of band-limited fractals is introduced and used to describe the diffraction of electromagnetic and optical waves by irregular structures. This concept is demonstrated through the example of plane-wave diffraction by a fractal phase screen of finite extent. The effect of the fractal phase screen is noted on the evolution of an incident wave with the fractal dimension and other descriptors used as parameters. Of particular interest is the result that, for random fractal phase screens, the diffraction pattern from a single realization of the model phase screen can be identical to the pattern averaged over an ensemble of screens. In these cases an orderly pattern emerges from a chaotic one. This problem of fractal diffraction is of intrinsic interest because of the variety of problems found to be described by fractal, as opposed to Euclidean, geometry. The results have potential applications to the propagation of waves through random media, the reflection of waves from rough surfaces, and the characterization of these processes through remote means.
The recession may increase potential conflicts of interest in science: A comment on '''A delicate diplomatic situation': Tobacco industry efforts to gain control of the Framingham study

The present global economic recession has created a budget crisis in many sectors within higher education with long-term consequences [1]. Academic scientists of all stripes may be facing a climate of limited resources and financial constraints. Even before the recession, private entrepreneurship and financial ties to the private sector were increasing [2]. The current budget situation may encourage scientists to seek even more financial support for their work from the corporate sector. But scientists should carefully consider the implications of establishing financial ties and/or receiving research support. The story of the Framingham Heart Study investigators, as reported in this issue by Cataldo, Bero, and Malone, is a cautionary tale of what may result when seeking research funding. The Framingham Heart Study was promised federal funding for about 20 years beginning in 1948, when cardiology was in infancy [3]. Under the Nixon administration, policy priorities changed and all budgets were scrutinized because the postwar economic boom began to stumble. The National Institutes of Health decided in 1969 to drastically cut research grant support of the Framingham Heart Institute study by summer 1970. In response, the lead investigator ‘‘Roy’’ Dawber became affiliated with Boston University and began fundraising. According to a 2005 book by the current Framingham study director Daniel Levy, Dr. Dawber approached insurance, drug, and tobacco companies for funding [3]. He also kept copies of all the data. The government overseer admits in the book that he did not track all the thirdparty funding support and developing ties. As explained in the Cataldo article in this issue, the relationship between Dr. Dawber and the tobacco industry became difficult for Dawber to manage; the industry wanted to obtain the raw data, and none of the collaborators could agree on a publishable article. An original plan for 10 years of tobacco
Nuclear receptors as therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation and extensive deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) in the parenchyma of the brain. This accumulation of amyloid is associated with perturbations in synaptic function, impairments in energy metabolism and induction of a chronic inflammatory response which acts to promote neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. Areas covered: Currently, there are no drugs that target the underlying mechanisms of AD. Here, we propose a class of nuclear receptors as novel and promising new therapeutic targets for AD. This review summarizes the literature on nuclear receptors and their effects on AD-related pathophysiology. Expert opinion: Nuclear receptors are attractive targets for the treatment of AD due to their ability to facilitate degradation of Aβ, affect microglial activation and suppress the inflammatory milieu of the brain. Liver X receptor agonists have proven difficult to move into clinical trials as long-term treatment results in hepatic steatosi...
Consistency and Cost of Home Wound Management by Contract Nurses

The purposes of this descriptive study were to determine the consistency of wound care provided by home health care nurses with the physician's order and the agency's written wound protocol; and the type and cost of wound-management products and nursing services associated with home care. Eleven registered nurses were observed providing wound care in 117 home visits to 31 patients. In addition to the observational component, data were also collected by chart review to facilitate comparison of observed vs. documented care. There were statistically significant differences between observed care given and that which was documented in patients' records. Consistency of care for individual patients was high when care was delivered by the same nurse, but lower when different nurses were involved. The mean dollar value of supplies used for all visits was $9.40, and the average nursing charge per visit was $89.
Effect of Structural Relaxation on Mechanical Behavior of a Zr-Based Bulk-Metallic Glass

The Zr52:5Cu17:9Ni14:6Al10:0Ti5:0 BMG (Vitreloy 105) was prepared by arc-melting a mixture of the constituent elements in a purified argon atmosphere. In order to obtain the homogeneity, the alloy ingots were remelted several times before cast into a water-cooled copper mold using an in-situ suction-casting facility. The resulting cylindrical BMG rods have a dimension of 3 mm in diameter and 30 mm in length. The specimens for the relaxation annealing were sealed in a quartz tube under vacuum. The annealing treatment was performed at 583 K for 30 min., which is lower than the glasstransition temperature (Tg). The amorphous structure of the as-cast and the relaxed specimens was examined by x-ray
Environmental enrichment influences on pig behavior, performance and meat quality

Abstract The influence of environmental enrichment and genotype were evaluated for effects on performance, behavior and carcass characteristics in 320 pigs from weaning to slaughter at over 110 kg. Ten treatments were evaluated including two genotypes and five levels of enrichment, arranged factorially. Genotypes were PIC C-15×405 cross (C-15) which is a commonly employed commercial hybrid in the US swine industry and PIC EXP-94×405 cross (EXP-94; one-eighth Meishan). The herd was positive for Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome virus which contributed to a high rate of mortality (6–40% death rate within treatments). The five environmental treatments were isolation (NEG), weekly normal handling (NOR), daily normal handling plus the addition of environmental enrichment devices (TOYS), daily normal handling plus 2-min pleasant handling bouts with humans 5 days/week (HUM), and the same as HUM plus TOYS ( T + H ). Averaged over genotypes, growth and efficiency measures were not effected by the range of environmental treatments performed. Enrichment treatments and genotypes tended to interact ( P =0.07) for average daily gain and Feed:Gain ratio. C-15 pigs showed similar ADG and F:G ratio in the five enrichment treatments. However, EXP-94 pigs exposed to the TOYS had improved ADG and F:G ratio ( P T + H and NEG treatments. Pigs in the NEG had less backfat opposite the last rib and last lumbar vertebrae ( P P
Healthy Pokes: After-School Education and Mentoring to Enhance Child Health.

Childhood obesity and related health consequences are currently considered some of the most important health challenges in our nation today. Early intervention programs designed to teach healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors are imperative to addressing this issue. Evidence suggests that intervention programs offered at an earlier age may reduce the various problems that affect at-risk youth, such as poor academic performance, decreased physical health and issues relating to behavioral health. This article describes an after-school program developed to address the physical activity and health needs of at-risk youth in Laramie, WY. It discusses (1 the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing child health, (2) the Healthy Pokes program components, (3) weekly club sessions, and (4) the value of community partners.
Quantification of the Relative z-Polarized Electromagnetic Field Contribution and Associated Investigation of Asymmetric Shape of Layer Breathing Mode from Au Nanoparticle–Graphene–Au Thin Film Junctions

Simultaneous utilization of both in-plane and out-of-plane phonon vibration of graphene sandwiched between a Au nanoparticle (NP) and Au TF junction can have a significant role in quantifying the z-polarized electromagnetic (EM) field contribution. The layer breathing mode (LBM), which involves the relative displacement of the individual graphene layers in the graphene sheet in the normal directions, can be exclusively observed at Au NP–Au TF junctions. By employing the ILBM/I2D value at each junction, the author can show that a nearly 50–70-times stronger z-polarized EM contribution is present at Au NP–Au TF junctions. Additionally, the author can also determine that a Au NP with a truncated shape shows a relatively ∼1.3-times higher z-polarized EM contribution than a Au NP with a spherical shape because of the higher density of the pointed part from the truncated Au NP. Furthermore, the author reveals the evolution of the asymmetric shape of the LBM peak with increasing z-polarized EM strength. The incr...
Dual Catalysis Strategies in Photochemical Synthesis

The interaction between an electronically excited photocatalyst and an organic molecule can result in the genertion of a diverse array of reactive intermediates that can be manipulated in a variety of ways to result in synthetically useful bond constructions. This Review summarizes dual-catalyst strategies that have been applied to synthetic photochemistry. Mechanistically distinct modes of photocatalysis are discussed, including photoinduced electron transfer, hydrogen atom transfer, and energy transfer. We focus upon the cooperative interactions of photocatalysts with redox mediators, Lewis and Bronsted acids, organocatalysts, enzymes, and transition metal complexes.
Peptide model of a highly conserved, N-terminal domain of apolipoprotein E is able to modulate lipoprotein binding to a member of the class A scavenger receptor family.

Apolipoprotein E plays a critical role in plasma li- poprotein clearance. Peptide models of a highly conserved, N-terminal domain of this protein have been shown to in- crease the binding of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to fi- broblast cell surfaces independently of the low density lipo- protein receptor. Here we provide data to show that these peptides not only increase the binding of LDL, but also of high density lipoprotein, though not acetylated LDL. We also have data suggesting that this novel activity is mediated, at least in part, by a member of the scavenger receptor fam- ily, SR-AI. Furthermore, we show that this activity is also prominent in macrophages, a cell relevant to atherogenesis. In addition, this current paper provides evidence suggest- ing that this complex binding activity is initiated by a peptide-receptor interaction, and that our peptides are able to induce activity at physiologically relevant concentra- tions. This study provides evidence for a possible novel re- ceptor interaction and further anti-atherogenic properties of apolipoprotein E and raises the possibility of a therapeu- tic potential of our peptide models.— Dominguez, S. R., H. Miller-Auer, C. A. Reardon, and S. C. Meredith. Peptide model of a highly conserved, N-terminal domain of apo- lipoprotein E is able to modulate lipoprotein binding to a member of the class A scavenger receptor family. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 753-763.
Monoclonal antibodies in cancer immunotherapy.

This article delineates the current status of monoclonal antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. Emphasis is placed on different mechanisms of action by which monoclonal antibodies directed against antigens associated with human melanoma and neuroblastoma may influence the development of novel immunotherapy modalities for cancer. This discussion includes a listing of what is expected of these monoclonal antibodies and a description of some of the problems that must be resolved before these expectations can be realized.
Priapism Induced by Chlorpromazine and Trazodone: Mechanism of Action

Abstract To investigate the mechanism of drug-induced priapism, we gave the antipsychotic agent chlorpromazine and the antidepressant trazodone to 14 dogs by intravenous and intracorporeal injection. Bilateral intracorporeal pressure, blood flow within the internal pudendal artery, and systemic blood pressure were monitored. Venous outflow restriction was evaluated by continuous saline infusion of the corpus cavernosum with the infrarenal aorta clamped. When delivered by intracorporeal injection, both drugs induced erection in a manner similar to that of intracorporeal injection of papaverine. Internal pudendal arterial flow increased slightly at the beginning of tumescence, and excellent venous restriction occurred. Intravenous injection, however, could neither induce an erection nor facilitate an erection after sub-threshold neurostimulation. We believe that the alpha-adrenergic antagonist properties of chlorpromazine and trazodone probably cause priapism by local action.
Computational intelligent for reservoir management

Reservoir characterization plays a crucial role in modern reservoir management. It helps to make sound reservoir decisions and improves the asset value of the oil and gas companies. It maximizes integration of multidisciplinary data and knowledge and improves the reliability of the reservoir predictions. The ultimate product is a reservoir model with realistic tolerance for imprecision and uncertainty. Soft computing aims to exploit such a tolerance for solving practical problems. In reservoir characterization, these intelligent techniques can be used for uncertainty analysis, risk assessment, data fusion and data mining which are applicable to feature extraction from seismic attributes, well logging, reservoir mapping and engineering. The main goal is to integrate soft data such as geological data with hard data such as 3D seismic and production data to build a reservoir and stratigraphic model. While some individual methodologies (esp. neurocomputing) have gained much popularity during the past few years, the true benefit of soft computing lies on the integration of its constituent methodologies rather than use in isolation.
Reporting of Race Among Hispanics: Analysis of ACS Data

The Census Bureau collects information concerning race and Hispanic origin using two separate questions. Hispanics may report any race or combination of races. The majority select a specific race, however a substantial minority report a nationality, a group or a general category as their “race.” Many researchers choose to ignore the reported race among Hispanics, treating Hispanic origin as a category equivalent to race, the justification often being that “race is not a meaningful concepts among Hispanics.” This paper examines the reporting of race among Hispanics. It looks at how reported race relates to specific Hispanic origin, nativity and other predictors. It analyzes whether including race adds additional power to explain social outcomes among Hispanics. It also looks at two small but significant groups. One groups is Hispanics who report both a specific race and an additional response. The other group is Black Hispanics. The analysis is based on the 2008–2012 “Five Year” American Community Survey files. By examining race within national group, it allows a better understanding of the separate contribution of race to social analysis. It shows that race is a meaningful variable, but interpretation may be complex.
Multicellular Tumor Spheroids Combined with Mass Spectrometric Histone Analysis To Evaluate Epigenetic Drugs

Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are valuable in vitro tumor models frequently used to evaluate the penetration and efficacy of therapeutics. In this study, we evaluated potential differences in epigenetic markers, i.e., histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), in the layers of the HCT116 colon carcinoma MCTS. Cells were grown in agarose-coated 96 well plates, forming reproducible 1-mm-diameter MCTS. The MCTS were fractionated into three radially concentric portions, generating samples containing cells from the core, the mid and the external layers. Using mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and EpiProfile, we quantified hundreds of histone peptides in different modified forms; by combining the results of all experiments, we quantified the abundance of 258 differently modified peptides, finding significant differences in their relative abundance across layers. Among these differences, we detected higher amounts of the repressive mark H3K27me3 in the external layers, compared to the core. We...
Dicer protein levels elevated by mild hyperthermia promote a pro-survival phenotype.

// Anand S. Devasthanam 1 and Thomas B. Tomasi 1, 2, 3 1 Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA 2 Department of Medicine, State University of New York, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA 3 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA Correspondence to: Thomas B. Tomasi, email: thomas.tomasi@roswellpark.org Keywords: hyperthermia, dicer, ER stress, eIF2α, thermotolerance Received: October 07, 2016 Accepted: March 31, 2017 Published: April 26, 2017 ABSTRACT Cellular exposure to mild stress (39.5°C - 41.5°C) induces thermotolerance, rendering cells resistant to a subsequent heat shock (>42°C) insult. We found that mild hyperthermia at 39.5°C leads to elevations in dicer, a protein well-known for its role in microRNA processing and for its role in cellular stress responses. However, whether elevated dicer protein levels play a role in sustaining a thermotolerant phenotype has, to our knowledge, not been reported. Here we demonstrate that elevated dicer protein is linked to a thermotolerant phenotype in the cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa and in murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF), and demonstrate that dicer plays a role in mediating PKR and eIF2α phosphorylation. These findings suggest that dicer’s role in thermotolerance may be to relay signals to key ER stress pathway components. Moreover, utilizing a MEF cell line defective in microRNA processing, we suggest that dicer’s influence on PKR and eIF2α phosphorylation is likely distinct from its microRNA processing role. ATF4 and CHOP are well characterized stress response factors proximal to eIF2α. Evidence is presented that elevated dicer protein in thermotolerant cells differentially modulates ATF4 and CHOP levels to promote a pro-survival phenotype. This work contributes new information on dicer’s role in cellular stress responses by defining a pro-survival phenotype in heat stress resistant cells which is sustained, at least in part, by elevated dicer protein levels. Our results suggest an ancillary role for dicer in the cellular stress pathways activated by mild hyperthermia that is likely distinct from its role in microRNA processing.
Sexual diversity in the United States: Results from a nationally representative probability sample of adult women and men

In 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional, Internet-based, U.S. nationally representative probability survey of 2,021 adults (975 men, 1,046 women) focused on a broad range of sexual behaviors. Individuals invited to participate were from the GfK KnowledgePanel®. The survey was titled the 2015 Sexual Exploration in America Study and survey completion took about 12 to 15 minutes. The survey was confidential and the researchers never had access to respondents' identifiers. Respondents reported on demographic items, lifetime and recent sexual behaviors, and the appeal of 50+ sexual behaviors. Most (>80%) reported lifetime masturbation, vaginal sex, and oral sex. Lifetime anal sex was reported by 43% of men (insertive) and 37% of women (receptive). Common lifetime sexual behaviors included wearing sexy lingerie/underwear (75% women, 26% men), sending/receiving digital nude/semi-nude photos (54% women, 65% men), reading erotic stories (57% of participants), public sex (≥43%), role-playing (≥22%), tying/being tied up (≥20%), spanking (≥30%), and watching sexually explicit videos/DVDs (60% women, 82% men). Having engaged in threesomes (10% women, 18% men) and playful whipping (≥13%) were less common. Lifetime group sex, sex parties, taking a sexuality class/workshop, and going to BDSM parties were uncommon (each <8%). More Americans identified behaviors as "appealing" than had engaged in them. Romantic/affectionate behaviors were among those most commonly identified as appealing for both men and women. The appeal of particular behaviors was associated with greater odds that the individual had ever engaged in the behavior. This study contributes to our understanding of more diverse adult sexual behaviors than has previously been captured in U.S. nationally representative probability surveys. Implications for sexuality educators, clinicians, and individuals in the general population are discussed.
Altered Redox Balance in the Development of Chronic Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Hypertension.

Normally, the pulmonary circulation is maintained in a low-pressure, low-resistance state with little resting tone. Pulmonary arteries are thin-walled and rely heavily on pulmonary arterial distension and recruitment for reducing pulmonary vascular resistance when cardiac output is elevated. Under pathophysiological conditions, however, active vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling lead to enhanced pulmonary vascular resistance and subsequent pulmonary hypertension (PH). Chronic hypoxia is a critical pathological factor associated with the development of PH resulting from airway obstruction (COPD, sleep apnea), diffusion impairment (interstitial lung disease), developmental lung abnormalities, or high altitude exposure (World Health Organization [WHO]; Group III). The rise in pulmonary vascular resistance increases right heart afterload causing right ventricular hypertrophy that can ultimately lead to right heart failure in patients with chronic lung disease. PH is typically characterized by diminished paracrine release of vasodilators, antimitogenic factors, and antithrombotic factors (e.g., nitric oxide and protacyclin) and enhanced production of vasoconstrictors and mitogenic factors (e.g., reactive oxygen species and endothelin-1) from the endothelium and lung parenchyma. In addition, phenotypic changes to pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC), including alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis, Ca2+ sensitivity, and activation of transcription factors are thought to play prominent roles in the development of both vasoconstrictor and arterial remodeling components of hypoxia-associated PH. These changes in PASMC function are briefly reviewed in Sect. 1 and the influence of altered reactive oxygen species homeostasis on PASMC function discussed in Sects. 2–4.
MARXS: A Modular Software to Ray-trace X-Ray Instrumentation

To obtain the best possible scientific result, astronomers must understand the properties of the available instrumentation well. This is important both when designing new instruments and when using existing instruments close to the limits of their specified capabilities or beyond. Ray-tracing is a technique for numerical simulations where the path of many light rays is followed through the system to understand how individual system components influence the observed properties, such as the shape of the point-spread-function (PSF). In instrument design, such simulations can be used to optimize the performance. For observations with existing instruments this helps to discern instrumental artifacts from a true signal. Here, we describe MARXS, a new python package designed to simulate X-ray instruments on satellites and sounding rockets. MARXS uses probability tracking of photons and has polarimetric capabilities.
Parent knowledge of disease management in cystic fibrosis: Assessing behavioral treatment management

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening, burdensome disease requiring complex knowledge to manage the disease. Significant gaps in knowledge have been documented for parents, which may lead to unintentionally poor adherence and insufficient transfer of treatment responsibility from parents to adolescents. There are no current, validated measures of parent knowledge for this population and there are no measures that assess the knowledge required for day-to-day behavioral management of CF. We assessed the psychometric properties of the parent version of the Knowledge of Disease Management-Cystic Fibrosis measure (KDM-CF-P) using data from iCARE (I Change Adherence and Raise Expectations), a randomized control adherence intervention trial. Methods A total of 196 parents in the iCARE standard care/control arm completed 35 items assessing their knowledge of disease management at their 12-month study visit, prior to beginning the intervention. Items were eliminated from the measure if they met the threshold for ceiling effects, were deemed clinically irrelevant, or did not correlate well with their intended scale. Item-to-total correlations, confirmatory factor analysis, discriminant function, reliability, and convergent validity were calculated. Results The KDM-CF-P (19 items) demonstrated internal consistency of KR20 = 0.60 on each scale and a two-scale structure. Convergent validity for knowledge scores was found with maternal education, family income, and type of medical insurance. Parents correctly answered approximately 85% of items on the KDM-CF-P. Conclusions The KDM-CF-P psychometrics support a two-scale measure with clinical utility. It is useful for assessing gaps in knowledge that can be remediated through individualized, tailored interventions.
The Role of Research in the Development of New Generation Automotive Catalysts

The development of new generation three-way catalysts (TWCs) is based on a broad, fundamental understanding acquired over a number of years. The efforts at Ford Motor Company have been mainly concerned with supported base metal and noble metal catalysts operating under oxidizing conditions at high-temperatures where the extent of the interactions or their absence does have a profound effect with an immediate bearing on the practical use. Use of ZrO 2 , ∞ Al 2 O 3 etc., as a support for Rh offers an opportunity to formulate a durable catalyst in which the thermal stability of Rh can be significantly enhanced and thereby it can remain active at temperatures >600°C in an oxidizing environment. Other work was aimed at the understanding of whether lead originating from the combustion of Pb-containing fuel associates preferentially with the noble metal sites supported on the much larger areas of inert-support materials. Direct association of lead compounds with noble metal sputtered onto ZrO 2 , TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 wafer supports was noted for Pt, Pd and Rh. However, there are major differences in the interaction of Pb compounds with different noble metal surfaces which explain the long-known fact that Pd and Rh are more sensitive to Pb poisoning than Pt. Model reactions were employed as chemical probes to check whether the desired surface modifications have been achieved and also for determining modes of deactivation in used catalysts. For an optimum catalyst each precious metal has a specific function to perform and must be carried on a specific support material to maximize activity and durability.
Experience of associative stigma in parents of adolescents at risk for psychosis.

Aim This qualitative study examined the lived experience of associative stigma for parents of adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis. A central goal was to empower families to tell their stories and to use the themes that emerge from this narrative data to make recommendations that might support families coping with a loved one being diagnosed with risk for psychosis. Methods Twelve parents of adolescents diagnosed with the clinical high risk for psychosis syndrome were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. The qualitative study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to focus on experiences of associative stigma and the way parents make sense of these experiences. Results From these interviews, the researcher identified themes and subthemes categorized into major domains that represent topics particularly relevant to these 12 parents. Two main domains emerged as particularly salient to parents' experiences with associative stigma: perceptions of stigma and coping with stigma. Conclusions Participants' insights demonstrated increased experience of stigma associated with psychotic-like symptoms as compared to other psychiatric symptoms, attempts to balance fighting against stigma with the privacy needs of adolescents, and participation in research as less stigmatizing than non-specialty care. Stigma impacted treatment-seeking and participation in family groups that were seen as both potentially supportive and threatening. The interviews provided an opportunity for these families to voice their unique experiences, which expands the literature on the topic of caregivers of adolescents at risk for psychosis as treatment programs for the clinical high risk syndrome expand across the United States.
Treatment of Sexual Disorders Following Cancer Treatments

Sexual dysfunction following cancer treatment is highly prevalent, though often overlooked by healthcare providers. Cancer-related changes in sexual function are associated with worsened mental health for men and women including increased distress, depression, and anxiety. The research in male sexual medicine is more advanced than female sexual medicine. The treatments for men focus primarily on erectile function and include a number of approved pharmacological treatments, whereas treatments for women are primarily behavioral in nature and generally target dyspareunia or vaginismus. Interventions for both genders work best when they include both medical and psychological modalities to address the myriad of factors that may affect sexuality and intimacy in cancer survivors. Educational and psychosocial interventions and support resources may be used in conjunction with medical strategies to facilitate sexual recovery and promote satisfying sexual experiences for patients. It is strongly encouraged that interventions address sexual dysfunction from an individual and relational standpoint when a partner is involved or with consideration to patients’ perspectives on future partners.
Estimation of Estradiol-17β by Gas-Liquid Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection

Over the past three years our laboratory has been interested in steroid biosynthesis in vivo by the canine ovary (1–4). Information on pathways of steroid biotransformation in this organ has been obtained by infusing labeled steroids via the ovarian artery and determining radioactive steroids in venous blood of the infused organ. Much knowledge could be gained from such experiments if the specific activity of the radioactive metabolites could be determined rather than only the amounts of isotope accumulated in isolated compounds (5). Methods are available for the estimation of small amounts of steroids in blood and urine. Most micro techniques, however, use isotopes of different energy spectra — one isotope being used for correcting losses of steroids occurring during processing of the sample, the other one serving as a reagent to quantitate the steroid to be measured (6). Such techniques cannot be applied to the estimation of steroids in biological specimens already containing these isotopes (7).
The Toxoplasma gondii Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane: A Multifunctional Organelle in the Infected Cell

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that lives within its host cells within a membrane-bound vacuole. The parasitophorous vacuole membrane is host-derived, yet extensively modified by the parasite to facilitate nutrient acquisition and avoid host defenses. Formation of the vacuole also is accompanied by extensive host cell cytoskeletal rearrangement and organellar recruitment to the vacuole. This chapter reviews recent experimental insights into the biology and composition of this critical and dynamic host-parasite interface.
Granite: an effective tool to explore the concepts of high-performance data intensive scientific computation in java

Scientific computation on parallel architectures is a performance-oriented field with large multidimensional input datasets. Granite is a scientific database model developed to provide efficient I/O support for data intensive scientific applications by hiding or reducing disk and network latencies. Granite provides students with an easy-to-use toolkit for spatial computation, and a better understanding of how efficiency is achieved through different I/O optimization techniques. Knowledge of concepts that students learn from classes would be strengthened and extended. Also, student will be exposed to the performance issues in Java programming through live examples.
Sex bias in basic science and translational otolaryngology research.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Recent studies revealed sex bias in surgical research. Although many diseases exhibit sex-based clinically relevant differences, otolaryngology research has not been evaluated for sex reporting and sex-based analysis. We postulate that a similar bias is prevalent in otolaryngology literature. STUDY DESIGN Literature review. METHODS Articles published from 2016 to 2017 in The Laryngoscope, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery were reviewed. Articles with animal subjects, human subject cells, or commercial cell lines were included. Data collected included study type, cell/animal sex, and sex-based data analysis. RESULTS One hundred forty-four basic/translational research articles were identified. Sixty-nine (47.9%) of those lacked sex reporting. Of 75 studies that reported sex, 22 (29.3%) included both sexes, and 11 (14.7%) analyzed data by sex. One hundred five (72.9%) used animal subjects, of which 54 (51.9%) lacked sex breakdown. Among animal studies, 48/105 included only one sex, and three articles analyzed data by sex. Fifty-four studies used commercial cell lines (N = 23) or human/animal subject cells (N = 31). Among cell groups, 28/54 (51.9%) were of unknown sex, and seven were single sex. Eight (14.8%) studies included data analysis by sex. Domestic studies exhibited a lower rate of sex reporting in both animal and cell studies, and a lower rate of sex-based analysis in cell studies. CONCLUSIONS Sex may influence outcomes significantly but is underreported and underanalyzed in basic/translational otolaryngology research. Because this research frequently lays the groundwork for clinical trials and standards of care, future research must address these sex-based discrepancies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 129:613-618, 2019.
Intrinsic Disorder in Nuclear Receptor Amino Termini: From Investigational Challenge to Therapeutic Opportunity

Epidermal keratinocytes form an effective renewable barrier to surface assaults and desiccation of underlying tissues through a tightly controlled program of regeneration and terminal differentiation which is significantly impacted by the activity of several members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily. As such, there is significant interest in physiological and pharmacological control of select NRs. NRs are usually considered quintessential examples of constrained structure-function relationships among protein families because of amino acid identity and sequence subserving physical requirements inherent to a relatively centrally-located DNA-binding domain and carboxyl-terminal ligand-recognition domain which together lead to agonist-activated gene expression. Nevertheless, across the superfamily the amino terminus of many NR is an often-critical contributor in degree of receptor-dependent transcriptional activity despite little in apparent sequence similarity that might be instructive in understanding this ability. By looking beyond shared strict amino acid sequence identity, a number of investigations are revealing the “unstructured"-function consequences of this disparity. Significant correlations between in silico and in vitro biophysical assessments are highlighting the shared trait of the unstructured nature or intrinsic disorder (ID) of NR amino termini and related functional consequences. Rather than the limited protein sequence variation-on-a-theme seen for zinc fingers (DNA binding) or a hydrophobic pocket (ligand binding), these amino-termini show sequence order diversity but often strikingly shared amino acid composition profiles not supporting a one-sequence–one-structure conformation. In this review, we look to integrate amino-termini ID reported in the literature, or predicted here, for select keratinocyte-expressed NR. As evidenced by success in drug targeting the amino-terminus of the androgen receptor, increased appreciation of amino-termini structure - or unstructure - might provide better understanding of NR function in general and possible future investigations on pharmacologic control over keratinocyte regeneration and/or differentiation.
Human races are not like dog breeds: refuting a racist analogy

In 1956, evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane posed a question to anthropologists: “Are the biological differences between human groups comparable with those between groups of domestic animals such as greyhounds and bulldogs…?” It reads as if it were posted on social media today. The analogy comparing human races to dog breeds is not only widespread in history and pop culture, but also sounds like scientific justification for eschewing the social construction of race, or for holding racist beliefs about human nature. Here we answer Haldane’s question in an effort to improve the public understanding of human biological variation and “race”—two phenomena that are not synonymous. Speaking to everyone without expert levels of familiarity with this material, we investigate whether the dog breed analogy for human race stands up to biology. It does not. Groups of humans that are culturally labeled as “races” differ in population structure, genotype–phenotype relationships, and phenotypic diversity from breeds of dogs in unsurprising ways, given how artificial selection has shaped the evolution of dogs, not humans. Our demonstration complements the vast body of existing knowledge about how human “races” differ in fundamental sociocultural, historical, and political ways from categories of nonhuman animals. By the end of this paper, readers will understand how the assumption that human races are the same as dog breeds is a racist strategy for justifying social, political, and economic inequality.
Clinically ascertained health outcomes, quality of life, and social attainment among adult survivors of neuroblastoma: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to characterize chronic disease, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), emotional distress, and social attainment among long-term survivors of neuroblastoma. METHODS Chronic health conditions among 136 ≥10-year neuroblastoma survivors (median age, 31.9 years; range, 20.2-54.6 years) and 272 community controls (median age, 34.7 years; range, 18.3-59.6 years) were graded with a modified version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03). HRQOL and emotional distress were assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. Log-binomial regression and logistic regression were used to compare the prevalence of chronic conditions and the frequency of reduced HRQOL, distress, and social attainment between survivors and controls. The cumulative burden approach was used to estimate multimorbidity. RESULTS By the age of 35 years, survivors had experienced, on average, 8.5 grade 1 to 5 conditions (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6-9.3), which was higher than the average for controls (3.3; 95% CI, 2.9-3.7). Compared with controls, survivors had a higher prevalence of any pulmonary (P = .003), auditory (P < .001), gastrointestinal (P < .001), neurological (P = .003), or renal condition (P < .001); were more likely to report poor physical HRQOL (P = .01) and symptoms of anxiety (P = .01) and somatization (P = .01); and were less likely to live independently (P = .01) or marry (P = .01). In analyses limited to survivors, those with 1 or more grade 3 to 5 conditions were more likely to report reduced general health (odds ratio [OR], 6.6; 95% CI, 1.6-26.9), greater bodily pain (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.0-17.0), and unemployment (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2-8.5). CONCLUSIONS Because of the high burden of chronic diseases and the associations of these morbidities with reduced HRQOL and social attainment, screening and interventions that provide opportunities to optimize health are important among neuroblastoma survivors.
Associations of Cannabis- and Tobacco-Related Problem Severity with Reward and Punishment Sensitivity and Impulsivity in Adolescent Daily Cigarette Smokers

Cannabis and tobacco use and related disorders have been separately associated with sensitivity to reward (SR), sensitivity to punishment (SP), and impulsivity. Given the frequent co-occurrence of cannabis and tobacco consumption in adolescents, it is important to understand how SR, SP, and impulsivity may relate to both cannabis use and tobacco use co-occurrences and problem severities. Presently, 65 adolescents (14–21 years, 65% male), including 36 adolescents with daily tobacco smoking and regular cannabis use and 29 non-smoking healthy controls (HCs), completed self-report questionnaires assessing substance use, addiction severity, SR, SP, and impulsivity. Adolescent smokers had decreased SP and increased impulsivity compared to HCs. SR and impulsivity were independent predictors of concurrent cannabis-related problem severity among smokers. These findings suggest that specific approach/avoidance motives and impulsivity warrant further investigation as potential treatment targets in adolescents who consume both tobacco and cannabis.
The Savvy Survey #5: The Process for Developing Survey Questions

A useful process for developing a high-quality questionnaire follows four steps. Brainstorm questions on a topic. Review the literature for concepts, questions, and indices. Collect ideas for questions and wording choices through focus groups or key informant interviews. And select questions linked to a program’s logic model. Each of these steps is discussed in this 3-page fact sheet written by Glenn D. Israel and Jessica L. Gouldthorpe and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pd065