cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting Cultural Competence, Health Behaviors, and Professional Practice in Undergraduate Education through Peer Learning

Cultural competence (CC) has been identified as an important skill for all healthcare and public health professionals, and it must be integrated into all aspects of health practice. However, few university and college health education programs in North America have included CC education in their curriculums. This article describes an organizational model that can be used in a health behavior promotion class for undergraduate health science majors to promote students' CC, as well as professional skills and health behaviors. The article also provides suggestions and a checklist for those who are interested in implementing similar programs in higher education settings.
Dual and Unilateral Commitment Among Stewards and Rank-and-File Union Members

This study investigated commitment patterns among stewards and among rank-and-file union members. Stewards had a higher frequency of both dual and unilateral union commitment than did the rank and ...
In-situ measurement of the height of condensed water in steam pipes with dynamic flow

A method based on the use of enhanced filtered Hilbert envelope of the wave signal was developed in order to monitor the height of condensed water through the wall of steam pipes having dynamic flow conditions. A prototype testbed was designed and fabricated in this study to simulate the dynamic flow conditions including the air stream flowing above the water and bubble induced disturbance. A dual-transducer was used to perform the test as a basis for the multiple transducers system to facilitate the detectability and reliability for long term monitoring of the condensed water height in dynamic conditions. The results demonstrated that the method of measuring the water height using multiple-transducer system employing the developed novel signal processing technique is an efficient and accurate tool for practical applications.
A Global Potential Energy Surface Describing the N(2D) + H2O Reaction and a Quasiclassical Trajectory Study of the Reaction to NH + OH

We report a global potential energy surface (PES) for the N((2)D) + H2O reaction based on fitting roughly 312 000 UCCSD(T)-F12/aug-cc-pVTZ electronic energies. The surface is a linear least-squares fit using a permutationally invariant basis with Morse-type variables. Quasiclassical trajectory calculations of the N((2)D) + H2O(D2O) reaction with focus on the NH(D) + OH(D) exit channel are performed. An analysis of the internal-state distributions shows that the NH(D) fragment has more internal energy, both rotational and vibrational than the OH(D) fragment, in good agreement with experiment. This difference is traced to nonstatistical dynamics.
The Optimized Design of the Block Rib based on CAE Analysis

In order to improve performance of block and suspension and decrease the failure probability of block ribs,analyzed the root cause of block ribs failure;Calculated intensity of block ribs and brought the optimized proposes using the finite element method,the optimized design ribs was analyzed and compared using CAE tool,and good practicable performance shown in the work condition.
Optimal temporal placement of the call in beach volleyball

AbstractThe call is a tactical component in beach volleyball attacks. Through the call, the setter indicates to his or her teammate an open spot in the opponent’s court. In two experimental conditions, we investigated the interval between the call and the ball-hand contact (“call shot interval”, CSI) of top-level athletes. We show that the probability that a given call is followed is dependent on the duration of the CSI and the number of call options. Longer CSIs result in an increased probability that the given call will be followed, whilst increasing the call options results in a decrease in probability. On average, there is a 50% probability that the call will be followed if the call precedes the shot by 460 ms and if a single call option (“line”) is expected. If the attacker has to choose between three call options (“line”, “cut”, “no-one”) a 50% probability that the call will be followed is observed at an CSI of 542 ms. It did not appear that gender influenced the ability to follow a call. We recomme...
Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells for the treatment of solid tumors: Defining the challenges and next steps

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown promise in CD19 expressing hematologic malignancies, but how to translate this success to solid malignancies remains elusive. Effective translation of CAR T cells to solid tumors will require an understanding of potential therapeutic barriers, including factors that regulate CAR T cells expansion, persistence, trafficking, and fate within tumors. Herein, we describe the current state of CAR T cells in solid tumors; define key barriers to CAR T cell efficacy and mechanisms underlying these barriers, outline potential avenues for overcoming these therapeutic obstacles, and discuss the future of translating CAR T cells for the treatment of patients with solid malignancies.
True ileal digestibility of amino acids in sow's milk for 17-day-old pigs.

The digestibility of amino acids in sow's milk consumed by young pigs is currently unknown because of difficulties associated with collecting an adequate quantity of milk, and also problems in cannulating suckling pigs. A total of 14 kg of sow's milk was collected, two soluble indigestible markers (Co-EDTA and YbC13) were added, and the milk was fed to four pigs at 17 d of age that were fitted with a simple T-cannula at the terminal ileum. Another four cannulated pigs were offered a similar amount of a 20% DM liquid diet based on enzymatically hydrolyzed casein and lactose to assess endogenous amino acid losses. All pigs were fed about 875 g of each diet per day in 10 hourly meals from 0700 to 1700. Following 2 d of adaptation, ileal digesta were collected from 0800 to 1800 for 2 d. Diets and digesta were analyzed for amino acids using appropriate hydrolysis and preoxidation procedures. Average nitrogen true digestibility was 88%, whereas amino acid true digestibilities ranged from 84% (cystine and threonine) to 100% (methionine, histidine, and glutamic acid); the average for all amino acids was 92 +/- 4%. Based on average values, true digestibility of essential amino acids was not different from that of nonessential amino acids (P > 0.10). In whole milk, amino acids found in abundance in whey proteins (i.e., cystine, glycine, and threonine) were less (P < 0.05) digestible than amino acids predominating in casein proteins (i.e., glutamic acid, proline, and methionine). When true ileal digestible amino acid concentrations in sow's milk were expressed as ratios to digestible lysine, it appeared that threonine, tryptophan, and arginine were lower than what might be considered optimal. In conclusion, amino acids in sow's milk were highly digestible, but most of the amino acids had true ileal digestibility values significantly less than 100%.
Fear and Victimization: Exposure to Television and Perceptions of Crime and Fear

(1984). Fear and Victimization: Exposure to Television and Perceptions of Crime and Fear. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 8, Communication Yearbook 8, pp. 492-513.
The Molecular Landscape of Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Cancers: Insights From a Precision Oncology Sequencing Platform.

Importance Recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer is usually incurable. Implementation of precision oncology for these patients has been limited by incomplete understanding of the molecular alterations underlying advanced disease. At the same time, the molecular profiles of many rare head and neck cancer types are unknown. These significant gaps in knowledge need to be addressed to rationally devise new therapies. Objective To illuminate the distinct biology of recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers and review implementation of precision oncology for patients with advanced disease. Design, setting, and participants After exclusions, 151 patients with advanced, treatment-resistant head and neck tumors, including squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and other salivary and cutaneous cancers, whose tumors were sequenced between January 2014 and July 2015 at Memorial Sloan Kettering were recruited. Next-generation sequencing of tumors as part of clinical care included high-depth (median 600×) exonic coverage of 410 cancer genes and whole-genome copy number analysis. Interventions Next-generation sequencing of tumors and matched normal DNA. Main outcomes and measures Feasibility, the frequency of actionable molecular alterations, the effect on decision making, and identification of alterations associated with recurrent and metastatic disease. Results Overall, 151 patients (95 men and 56 women; mean [range] age, 61.8 [17-100] years) were included in the study. Next-generation sequencing ultimately guided therapy in 21 of 151 patients (14%) (13 of 53 [25%] of patients with HNSCC) by refining diagnoses and matching patients to specific therapies, in some cases with dramatic responses on basket studies. Molecular alterations were potentially actionable in 28 of 135 patients (21%). The genetic profiles of recurrent and metastatic tumors were often distinct from primary tumors. Compared to primary human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumors, many recurrent and metastatic HPV-positive tumors exhibited a molecular profile more similar to HPV-negative tumors, including enriched frequencies of TP53 mutation (3 of 20 tumors [15%]), whole genome duplication (5 of 20 tumors [25%]), and 3p deletion (11 of 20 tumors [55%]). There were high rates of TERT promoter mutation in recurrent and metastatic HPV-negative HNSCC (13 of 30 tumors [43%]), cutaneous SCC (11 of 21 tumors [52%]), basal cell carcinoma (3 of 4 tumors [75%]), and ACC (5 of 36 tumors [14%]). Activating NOTCH1 mutations were enriched in metastatic ACCs (8 of 36 tumors [22%]). Conclusions and relevance These findings reveal the molecular landscape of advanced disease and rare cancer subtypes, both predominant challenges in head and neck oncology. To understand the repertoire of targetable alterations in advanced cancers, it is necessary to sequence recurrent and metastatic tumors. These data are important first steps toward implementation of precision head and neck oncology.
Outcome of Status Epilepticus

Treatment practice and outcome of generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GC-SE) in The Netherlands were studied at the Dr Hans Berger Clinic, Breda and University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Definition of effective area shape and guide for superdirective antenna design using poynting streamlines analysis

A receiving antenna can be considered as a electromagnetic energy concentration device that the field around the antenna either terminated by the antenna load or pass by the antenna. In this paper, streamlines of the Poynting density vector are used to understand the field energy flow near the linear antenna, aperture antenna and superdirective antenna. Poynting streamline method gives a way to intuitively describe the physical nature of receiving antennas. By calculating the locus of streamlines terminated on the antenna load, the geometrical shape of effective area for any type antennas is achieved, which can be consider a supplementary to the IEEE standard definition of the effective area based on the mathematical results. The streamline method is used to guide the design of a superdirective horn antenna with almost 200% aperture efficiency.
Worst-Case Bias for Proton and 10-keV X-Ray Irradiation of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

Responses to 1.8 MeV proton irradiation and 10-keV X-ray irradiation under typical bias conditions are investigated for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs fabricated with different types of process technologies. We find that, in contrast to previous generations of process technologies, total ionizing dose effects can be significant in these devices. For proton irradiation, worst-case bias for transconductance degradation for GaN-on-SiC substrate devices is ON bias, and for devices built on free-standing GaN substrates, the worst-case bias condition is semi-ON bias. Low-frequency noise measurements demonstrate that these differences result from differences in defect types and energy distributions for the different types of devices, both before and after irradiation. These results emphasize the need to test devices under a wide range of conditions during characterization and qualification testing.
Sedentary behavior, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on leukocyte telomere length

Background: Emerging work is starting to investigate the cumulative effects of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness on health. The objective of this study was to examine the cumulative and independent associations of MVPA, sedentary behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness on leukocyte telomere length (LTL). Methods: Data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (N = 1868 adults 20+ years); analyzed in 2016. Sedentary behavior and MVPA were subjectively assessed with cardiorespiratory fitness determined from a submaximal treadmill-based test; participants were classified as above or below the median values for each of these three parameters. A blood sample was obtained from each participant to assess LTL via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, with participants grouped into LTL tertiles. Results: Participants who engaged in higher MVPA, sat less and had higher cardiorespiratory fitness had an increased odds (ranging from 85% to 105%) of being in LTL tertile 3 (vs. 1). In an extended adjusted multinomial logistic regression model, only MVPA was positively associated with LTL (odds ration [OR] = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.99-1.90; P = 0.05). Conclusion: All three behavior characteristics, but particularly MVPA, may be important in preserving LTLs.
Storm time empirical model of O+ and O6+ distributions in the magnetosphere

Recent studies have utilized different charge states of oxygen ions as a tracer for the origins of plasma populations in the magnetosphere of Earth, using O+ as an indicator of ionospheric-originating plasma and O6+ as an indicator of solar wind-originating plasma. These studies have correlated enhancements in O6+ to various solar wind and geomagnetic conditions to characterize the dominant solar wind injection mechanisms into the magnetosphere, but did not include analysis of the temporal evolution of these ions. A 6th-order Fourier expansion model based empirically on a superposed epoch analysis of geomagnetic storms observed by Polar is presented in this study to provide insight into the evolution of both ionospheric-originating and solar wind-originating plasma throughout geomagnetic storms. At high energies (~200 keV) the flux of O+ and O6+ are seen to become comparable in the outer magnetosphere. Moreover, while the density of O+ is far higher than O6+, the two charge states have comparable pressures in the outer magnetosphere. The temperature of O6+ is generally higher than that of O+, because the O6+ is injected from pre-heated magnetosheath populations before undergoing further heating once in the magnetosphere. A comparison between the model results with O+ observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and the Van Allen Probes provides a validation of the model. In general, this empirical model agrees qualitatively well with the trends seen in both datasets. Quantitatively, the modeled density, pressure, and temperature almost always agree within a factor of at most 10, 5, and 2, respectively.
Simultaneous forward and backward digital holography of microparticles

This work explores several techniques in digital holography to image 10–300 μm sized particles and provide information useful for their morphological characterization. In particular, digital holograms are formed with both forward and backward-scattered light from samples fixed to a glass stage. Images of these particles are then rendered from the holograms demonstrating that front and back perspectives of a particle can be acquired simultaneously. In addition, holography's large depth of field is used to investigate the potential for stand-off interrogation of particles of different types.
Privacy Policies for Apps Targeted Toward Youth: Descriptive Analysis of Readability.

Background: Due to the growing availability of consumer information, the protection of personal data is of increasing concern. Objective: We assessed readability metrics of privacy policies for apps that are either available to or targeted toward youth to inform strategies to educate and protect youth from unintentional sharing of personal data. Methods: We reviewed the 1200 highest ranked apps from the Apple and Google Play Stores and systematically selected apps geared toward youth. After applying exclusion criteria, 99 highly ranked apps geared toward minors remained, 64 of which had a privacy policy. We obtained and analyzed these privacy policies using reading grade level (RGL) as a metric. Policies were further compared as a function of app category (free vs paid; entertainment vs social networking vs utility). Results: Analysis of privacy policies for these 64 apps revealed an average RGL of 12.78, which is well above the average reading level (8.0) of adults in the United States. There was also a small but statistically significant difference in word count as a function of app category (entertainment: 2546 words, social networking: 3493 words, and utility: 1038 words; P=.02). Conclusions: Although users must agree to privacy policies to access digital tools and products, readability analyses suggest that these agreements are not comprehensible to most adults, let alone youth. We propose that stakeholders, including pediatricians and other health care professionals, play a role in educating youth and their guardians about the use of Web-based services and potential privacy risks, including the unintentional sharing of personal data. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018;6(1):e3]
Preliminaries of Analytical Tools

This chapter mainly focuses on reviewing some of the important analytic tools used in existing literature for adversary detection in CR networks. Particularly, in the first part of the chapter, two widely employed statistical inference tools, sequential hypothesis testing, and belief propagation are reviewed. In the second part of this chapter, some important machine learning methods are reviewed, including non-parametric Bayesian classification, artificial neural network, and affinity propagation. Throughout the discussions of this chapter, we will focus on introducing the relevant concepts and models, algorithmic procedure as well as important properties of these analytic tools, whereas their applications in adversary detection will be postponed to the next chapter.
Placental abruption after amnioreduction for polyhydramnios caused by chorioangioma

Placental chorioangioma is the most common type of a benign placental tumour that occurs in 1% of pregnancies. A large chorioangioma is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We present a case of placental abruption necessitating preterm delivery after multiple amnioreductions for polyhydramnios caused by a large chorioangioma. If antenatal diagnosis of a significant chorioangioma is made as the cause of polyhydramnios, caution should be taken when performing rapid amnioreductions.
Reactions of Fe+ and FeO+ with C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6: temperature-dependent kinetics.

We present the first temperature-dependent rate constants and branching ratios for the reactions of Fe+ and FeO+ with C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6 from 170 to 700 K. Fe+ is observed to react only by association with the three hydrocarbons, with temperature dependencies of T–2 to T–3. FeO+ reacts with C2H2 and C2H4 at the collision rate over the temperature range, and their respective product branchings show similar temperature dependences. In contrast, the reaction with ethane is collisional at 170 K but varies as T–0.5, while the product branching remains essentially flat with temperature. These variations in reactivity are discussed in terms of the published reactive potential surfaces. The effectiveness of Fe+ as an oxygen-transfer catalyst toward the three hydrocarbons is also discussed.
Yoga as adjunct therapy for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: A pilot clinical trial.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether utilizing yoga as an adjunctive therapy to the medical standard of care for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is: (1) feasible and acceptable, (2) effective in reducing disease severity, intestinal inflammation and improving wellness. Design Prospective, non-randomized, 8-week pilot study for adolescents with a diagnosis of IBD. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were assessed weekly and post-intervention via surveys and a focus group (week 8). Disease severity, intestinal inflammation, and wellness measures were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (week 8). Intervention Over the 8-week study period, patients were assigned three 60-minute, in-person yoga classes at weeks 1, 3 and 8, and three 30-minute, online yoga videos per week. Main outcome measures Primary outcome measures were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcome measures assessed preliminary clinical efficacy by examining pre- and post-intervention change in disease severity (PUCAI), intestinal inflammation (fecal calprotectin), and six wellness measures (PROMIS-37). Results Nine adolescents with IBD participated. Eight participated in one or more yoga videos per week and all nine attended at least two in-person yoga classes. Focus group themes revealed that the intervention was well liked, with all participants reporting reduced stress, improved emotional self-awareness, and increased ability to identify and manage the physical symptoms of IBD. Participants had difficulty, however, completing the yoga videos due to time limitations and competing priorities. We lacked power to detect any statistically significant changes in PUCAI, calprotectin, or any of the six PROMIS-37 domains. Conclusions A combination of in-person instructor led yoga with video-based yoga is a feasible and acceptable adjunct therapy for adolescents with IBD. Participants reported reduced stress and improved ability to identify and manage physical symptoms. A larger, randomized controlled trial is necessary to determine if the yoga protocol results in clinically and statistically significant improvements in inflammatory biomarkers and patient reported outcomes.
The effects of electroadhesive clutch design parameters on performance characteristics

Actuators that employ clutches can exhibit mechanical impedance tuning and improved energy efficiency. However, these integrated designs have been difficult to achieve in practice because tradition...
In response to "Botulism in pregnancy - a clinical approach to diagnosis and management" published on 25 March issue.

Dear Editor,Rimawi, in Botulism in Pregnancy – A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Management (25 March issue) [1] states that botulism may be confused with pregnancy-associated conditions and tha...
Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) tool

Abstract Background Ergonomics researchers and practitioners use many techniques to assess risk. The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) is a common tool used to facilitate the measurement and evaluation of the risks associated with working postures as a part of ergonomic workload. However, little work has been reported regarding the reliability of REBA reporting. Objective This study assesses the reliability of this commonly used tool for research and practice. Methods The study was conducted as part of the larger Safe Workload Ergonomic Exposure Project (SWEEP), which is a University of Minnesota research initiative for custodians. For this effort, a secondary data analysis was conducted on data collected during a study of custodians’ exposures to risks of musculoskeletal disorders. Eight observers used the REBA tool to sequentially evaluate tasks performed two times in succession by the same individual. Results This study reports high intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.925) for REBA raw scores and moderate inter-rater reliability (IRR) (Fleiss kappa = 0.54) for a categorical scoring of REBA. Conclusion A moderate amount of IRR was found, and a standardized training and calibration protocol is proposed as a potential means to improve intra- and inter-rater reliability.
K(8)Tl(10)Zn: A Zintl Phase Containing the Zinc-Centered Thallium Polyanion Tl(10)Zn(8)(-).

Addition of a small amount of zinc to the potassium−thallium system leads to the formation of a cluster with Zn centering an approximately D4h bicapped square antiprismatic thallium polyhedron. These are well separated by potassium, as shown. Molecular orbital calculations and magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm the Zintl phase classification.
Electroencephalographic features of discontinuous activity in anesthetized infants and children

Background Discontinuous electroencephalographic activity in children is thought to reflect brain inactivation. Discontinuity has been observed in states of pathology, where it is predictive of adverse neurological outcome, as well as under general anesthesia. Though in preterm-infants discontinuity reflects normal brain development, less is known regarding its role in term children, particularly in the setting of general anesthesia. Here, we conduct a post-hoc exploratory analysis to investigate the spectral features of discontinuous activity in children under general anesthesia. Methods We previously recorded electroencephalography in children less than forty months of age under general anesthesia (n = 65). We characterized the relationship between age, anesthetic depth, and discontinuous activity, and used multitaper spectral methods to compare the power spectra of subjects with (n = 35) and without (n = 30) discontinuous activity. In the subjects with discontinuous activity, we examined the amplitude and power spectra associated with the discontinuities and analyzed how these variables varied with age. Results Cumulative time of discontinuity was associated with increased anesthetic depth and younger age. In particular, age-matched children with discontinuity received higher doses of propofol during induction as compared with children without discontinuity. In the tens of seconds preceding the onset of discontinuous activity, there was a decrease in high-frequency power in children four months and older that could be visually observed with spectrograms. During discontinuous activity, there were distinctive patterns of amplitude, spectral edge, and power in canonical frequency bands that varied with age. Notably, there was a decline in spectral edge in the seconds immediately following each discontinuity. Conclusion Discontinuous activity in children reflects a state of a younger or more deeply anesthetized brain, and characteristic features of discontinuous activity evolve with age and may reflect neurodevelopment.
An Ultra-Wideband Edge-Fed Octagonal Four-Arm Archimedean Spiral Antenna

This paper presents an octagonal dual polarized four-arm Archimedean spiral antenna integrated with edge-fed impedance transformers covering mm-Wave frequencies. Compared to a conventional center-fed antenna with coaxial feed, this compact planar proof-of-concept design mimics an on-chip implementation and demonstrates edge-feeding and a geometry that is amenable to multi-feed on-antenna power combining, while maintaining desired spiral antenna characteristics such as broad bandwidth and dual polarization. The simulated results of the proposed antenna show return loss > 10dB, isolation > 60dB, and half power beamwidth (HPBW) > 45°, covering nearly 7:1 bandwidth ratio from 11–75GHz.
How do influencers mention brands in social media?: sponsorship prediction of Instagram posts

Brand mentioning is a type of word-of-mouth advertising method where a brand name is disclosed by social media users in posts. Recently, brand mentioning by influencers has raised great attention because of the strong viral effects on the huge fan base of influencers. In this paper, we study the brand mentioning practice of influencers. More specifically, we analyze a brand mentioning social network built on 18,523 Instagram influencers and 804,397 brand mentioning posts. As a result, we found four inspiring findings: (i) most influencers mention only a few brands in their posts; (ii) popular influencers tend to mention only popular brands while micro-influencers do not have a preference on brand popularity; (iii) audience have highly similar reactions to sponsored and non-sponsored posts; and (iv) compared to non-sponsored posts, sponsored brand mentioning posts favor fewer usertags and more hashtags with longer captions to exclusively promote the specific products. Moreover, we propose a neural network-based model to classify the sponsorship of posts utilizing network embedding and social media features. The experimental results show that our model achieves 80% accuracy and significantly outperforms baseline methods.
Prostate cancer risk group is associated with other-cause mortality in men with localized prostate cancer.

Introduction: Informed decision-making in localized prostate cancer must consider the natural history of the disease, risks of treatment, and the competing risks from other causes. Other-cause mortality has often been associated with comorbidity or treatment-related side effects. We aimed to examine the association between prostate cancer aggressiveness and other-cause mortality. Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)18 registries, patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2004 and 2015 were identified. Patients were categorized into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups. Vital status, death due to prostate cancer, and death due to other causes were based on death certificate information. Survival analyses were performed to assess the association between prostate cancer risk group and mortality while adjusting for demographic variables, year of diagnosis, and initial therapy. Results: A total of 464 653 patients were identified with a median followup of 5.4 years. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of mortality during the study period. Compared to low-risk patients, intermediate- and high-risk patients had a higher risk of mortality from other cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other causes of death regardless of initial treatment. Men who underwent surgery as initial therapy had lower cumulative mortality rates compared to those with radiation as their initial therapy. Conclusions: Intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancers are associated with higher risk of other-cause mortality. This appears to be independent of treatment type and may not be solely explained by comorbidity status. Further studies controlling for comorbidity and treatment burden should be explored.
Generation and Oxidative Reactivity of a Ni(II) Superoxo Complex via Ligand-Based Redox Non-Innocence

Metal ligand cooperativity is a powerful strategy in transition metal chemistry. This type of mechanism for the activation of O2 is best exemplified by heme centers in biological systems. While aer...
CO2 Capture by 2‐(Methylamino)pyridine Ligated Aluminum Alkyl Complexes

A set of novel, easily synthesized aluminum complexes, Al[κ2-N,N-2-(methylamino)pyridine]2R (R = Et, iBu) are reported. When subjected to 1 atm of CO2 pressure, each hemilabile pyridine arm dissociates and facilitates cooperative activation of the CO2 substrate reminiscent of a Frustrated Lewis Pair. This reaction has limited precedent for Al/N based Lewis Pair systems, and this is the first system readily shown to sequester multiple equivalents of CO2 per aluminum center. The ethyl variant then reacts further, inserting a third equivalent of CO2 into the aluminum alkyl to generate an aluminum carboxylate. Examples of this type of reactivity are rare under thermal conditions. A joint experimental/computational study supports the proposed reaction mechanism.
Splice-Switching Antisense Oligonucleotides Reduce LRRK2 Kinase Activity in Human LRRK2 Transgenic Mice.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder estimated to affect 7–10 million people worldwide. There is no treatment available that cures or slows the progression of PD. Elevated leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) activity has been associated with genetic and sporadic forms of PD and, thus, reducing LRRK2 function is a promising therapeutic strategy. We have previously reported that an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that blocks splicing of LRRK2 exon 41, which encodes part of the kinase domain, reverses aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium levels and mitophagy defects in PD patient-derived cell lines harboring the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. In this study, we show that treating transgenic mice expressing human wild-type or G2019S LRRK2 with a single intracerebroventricular injection of ASO induces exon 41 skipping and results in a decrease in phosphorylation of the LRRK2 kinase substrate RAB10. Exon 41 skipping also reverses LRRK2 kinase-dependent changes in LC3B II/I ratios, a marker for the autophagic process. These results demonstrate the potential of LRRK2 exon 41 skipping as a possible therapeutic strategy to modulate pathogenic LRRK2 kinase activity associated with PD development.
Sleep and physical activity patterns in adults and children with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Overweight and obesity are common features of the rare disease Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS). Sleep and physical activity are behaviors that might impact overweight and obesity and thus may play a key role in the health and well-being of people with BBS. Objectively-measured sleep and physical activity patterns in people with BBS are not well known. We evaluated objectively-measured sleep and physical activity patterns in the largest cohort to date of people with BBS. Short sleep duration, assessed using wrist-worn accelerometers, was common in both children and adults with BBS. Only 7 (10%) of adults and 6 (8%) of children met age-specific sleep duration recommendations. Most adults 64 (90%) achieved recommended sleep efficiency. The majority of children 26 (67%) age 6–12 years achieved recommended sleep efficiency, but among children age 13–18, only 18 (47%). In both adults and children, sleep duration was significantly negatively correlated with duration of prolonged sedentary time. In children age 6–12 sleep duration was also significantly related to total activity score, children with lower sleep duration had lower total activity scores. Insufficient sleep duration is very common in people with BBS. Prolonged sedentary time and short sleep duration are both potentially important health-related behaviors to target for intervention in people with BBS.
Desert Tortoises in Zion National Park Represent a Natural Extension of Their Range

The northeastern extreme of the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) distribution near Zion National Park in Utah is contested as a natural range limit because of its suboptimal habitat and known anthropogenic movements of tortoises. In this study, we added microsatellite data from nine tortoises from the Zion area to a previously published population genetic analysis to determine the tortoises' likely origins. Our results suggest that both anthropogenic tortoise movements and descendants of local tortoises make up the individuals found near Zion.
Functional MRI analysis

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely recognized as a powerful non-invasive approach to study brain function by measuring brain activity over time. Such brain activity can result from task-induced cognitive or emotional state changes (task-evoked fMRI), or from unregulated processes (task-free or resting-state fMRI). In fMRI, the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal is utilized as a proxy of neural activity, which is captured in the time-series data. Due to a number of noise sources, careful denoising or data preprocessing steps are required to ensure data quality. Appropriate model specifications are also vital to address research questions effectively. In this chapter, we briefly introduce two types of fMRI studies, and discuss typical fMRI data preprocessing steps. Statistical analyses for task-evoked and resting-state fMRI are described, with example research questions separately. The chapter closes with suggestions for efficient communication about fMRI results.
A contextual sensor system for non-intrusive machine status and energy monitoring

Abstract Event-driven contexts in manufacturing occur pervasively as a result of interactions among involved entities such as machines, workers, materials, and environment. One of the primary tasks in smart manufacturing is to derive a context-aware system conveniently incorporating worker knowledge for generating timely actionable intelligence for workers on factory floor and supervisors to respond. In this paper, we propose to design a human-and-machine interaction recognition framework by using a causality concept to collect contextual data for classifications of normal and abnormal machine operations. The causes and effects are between workers and machines for this initial research. To apply the causality to recognize worker interactions, initially a reliable way to identify the states of machines is necessary. The proposed contextual sensor system, consisting of a power meter for measuring machine operation conditions, a visual camera for capturing worker and machine interactions via a finite state machine model, and an algorithm for determining power signatures of individual components via energy disaggregation is implemented on semiconductor fabrication machines (manual or PLC controlled) each with multiple components. The experiment results demonstrate its context extraction capability such as components states and their corresponding energy usage in real time as well as its ability to identify anomalous operation conditions.
Application integration environment for messaging/queueing model

The integration of a disparate set of applications in a enterprise is key for decision support functions. This has been a made feasible using a message bus as the basis of integration. The paper highlights the problems and solutions using the DAE software bus. >
A Rate-Based Execution Abstraction for Multimedia Computing

Process models for multimedia computing must allow applications to adapt their pattern of execution as resources become scarce or abundant. As processes adapt, it is natural to express their desired performance in terms of a processing rate of application-defined data units or events. We propose a process model wherein processes execute according to a general rate specification of x process executions every y time units. In addition, a separate parameter is used to specify the desired response time for the completion of each execution. In all cases the real-time performance of a rate-based process is predictable. The model is general enough to encompass or extend many of the existing models proposed for multimedia systems. Our model of rate-based execution is described along with an implementation that detects when processes should adapt their execution rate and minimizes latency in interprocess communication.
On Statistical Process Control Design

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.]A case is made for making the characterization of physical relationships among design variables, process parameters, and performance variables the focus of designing statistical process control systems. ..
Mortality among young immigrants to California: injury compared to disease deaths.

According to a variety of indicators, immigrants are in better health than the U.S.-born population. Little research, however, has investigated foreign- and U.S.-born differentials in mortality. We investigated adolescent and young adult immigrants' risk of death due to disease and injury, the leading cause of death of young persons in the United States. The death certificates of 15- to 34-year-old California residents who died from 1989 through 1993 comprised the study population. Disease and injury deaths were identified using ICD-9 codes on the California Master Mortality data files. Frequencies and gender-standardized rates and risk ratios were calculated by nativity (U.S., non-U.S.) and by ethnicity and nativity. Immigrants are represented appropriately in unintentional injury deaths but underrepresented in suicides and overrepresented in homicides among 15- to 34-year-old California residents. Hispanics appear to account for the foreign- and U.S.-born differences in suicide and homicide. By contrast, immigrants constitute a lower proportion of disease deaths than expected. Empirical data about health risks to immigrants are needed to develop informed policy. These data indicate that young immigrants, at least in terms of mortality, do not constitute a burden in that they are at lower or similar risk of death than U.S.-born youth. Homicide is the sole exception to this pattern.
Diurnal Phase Change of VLF Signals Propagated Over Long Paths

Diurnal phase changes of VLF signals propagated over long paths (d > 5000 km) are discussed. Assuming the model of single-mode propagation, the annual mean phase change corresponds to the value expected from the theory. The strong scatter of the individual values may possibly be explained by a nonnegligible second mode during nighttime propagation. In the interpretation of the diurnal phase changes of VLF signals propagated over arctic paths, the dependence of the ionization in the lower ionosphere on the solar zenith distance has to be considered.
Defining Signal Transduction by Inositol Phosphates

Ins(1,4,5)P3 is a classical intracellular messenger: stimulus-dependent changes in its levels elicits biological effects through its release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. The Ins(1,4,5)P3 response is “switched off” by its metabolism to a range of additional inositol phosphates. These metabolites have themselves come to be collectively described as a signaling “family”. The validity of that latter definition is critically examined in this review. That is, we assess the strength of the hypothesis that Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolites are themselves “classical” signals. Put another way, what is the evidence that the biological function of a particular inositol phosphate depends upon stimulus dependent changes in its levels? In this assessment, examples of an inositol phosphate acting as a cofactor (i.e. its function is not stimulus-dependent) do not satisfy our signaling criteria. We conclude that Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 is, to date, the only Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolite that has been validated to act as a second messenger.
A Review of “Transportation and economic development challenges”

Transportation and Economic Development Challenges is an edited volume about the interactions between transportation provision and economic development. The chapters span a wide variety of topics, ...
Recycling Nicotinamide. The Transition-State Structure of Human Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase

Human nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) replenishes the NAD pool and controls the activities of sirtuins, mono- and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerases, and NAD nucleosidase. The nature of the enzymatic transition-state (TS) is central to understanding the function of NAMPT. We determined the TS structure for pyrophosphorolysis of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) from kinetic isotope effects (KIEs). With the natural substrates, NMN and pyrophosphate (PPi), the intrinsic KIEs of [1'-(14)C], [1-(15)N], [1'-(3)H], and [2'-(3)H] are 1.047, 1.029, 1.154, and 1.093, respectively. A unique quantum computational approach was used for TS analysis that included structural elements of the catalytic site. Without constraints (e.g., imposed torsion angles), the theoretical and experimental data are in good agreement. The quantum-mechanical calculations incorporated a crucial catalytic site residue (D313), two magnesium atoms, and coordinated water molecules. The TS model predicts primary (14)C, α-secondary (3)H, β-secondary (3)H, and primary (15)N KIEs close to the experimental values. The analysis reveals significant ribocation character at the TS. The attacking PPi nucleophile is weakly interacting (r(C-O) = 2.60 A), and the N-ribosidic C1'-N bond is highly elongated at the TS (r(C-N) = 2.35 A), consistent with an A(N)D(N) mechanism. Together with the crystal structure of the NMN·PPi·Mg2·enzyme complex, the reaction coordinate is defined. The enzyme holds the nucleophile and leaving group in relatively fixed positions to create a reaction coordinate with C1'-anomeric migration from NAM to the PPi. The TS is reached by a 0.85 A migration of C1'.
Quantitative Visualization of the Flow in a Centrifugal Pump With Diffuser Vanes—II: Addressing Passage-Averaged and Large-Eddy Simulation Modeling Issues in Turbomachinery Flows

This paper addresses two basic modeling problems of the flow in turbomachines. For simulation of flows within multistage turbomachinery, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) of an entire series of blade rows is typically impractical. On the other hand, when performing RANS of each blade row separately one is faced with major difficulties in matching boundary conditions. A popular remedy is the passage-averaged approach. Unsteady effects caused by neighboring rows are averaged out over all blade orientations, but are accounted for through deterministic stresses, which must be modeled. To experimentally study modeling issues for deterministic stresses we use particle image velocimetry data of the flow in a centrifugal pump with a vaned diffuser that includes the flow in the impeller, the gap between the impeller and diffuser, between the diffuser vanes and within the volute downstream. The data have been presented in part A of this paper. Deterministic stresses are obtained from the difference between the phase-averaged and passage-averaged data, whereas the Reynolds stresses are determined from the difference between the instantaneous and phase averaged data
The Cutaneous Microcirculation: Ultrastructure and Microanatomical Organization

The cutaneous microcirculation is organized as two horizontal plexuses. One is situated 1-1.5 mm below the skin surface, and the other is at the dermal-subcutaneous junction. Ascending arterioles and descending venules are paired as they connect the two plexuses. From the upper layer, arterial capillaries arise to form the dermal papillary loops that represent the nutritive component of the skin circulation. There are sphincter-like smooth muscle cells at the point where the ascending arterioles divide to form the arteriolar component of the upper horizontal plexus. At the dermal subcutaneous junction, there are collecting veins with 2-cusped valves that are oriented to prevent the retrograde flow of blood. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) has demonstrated vasomotion of red cell flux localized to the sites of ascending arterioles. The simultaneous recording by LDF of red cell flux and the concentration of moving red blood cells from individual sites allows one to construct by computer topographic maps of these two valves. The two maps, based on initial studies using correlative skin biopsy specimens, can define 1-mm3 volumes of skin that are predominantly arteriolar in composition, predominantly venular in composition, or essentially devoid of all microvascular elements. The electron and light microscopic features that define the microvascular segments, when coupled with the ability of LDF to define the predominant microvascular segments under the probe, will allow one to study both the mechanisms of normal physiological states and the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying pathological skin disorders in which the microvasculature plays a predominant role.