cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of complementary and alternative medicine among United States adults: the influences of personality, coping strategies, and social support

Background. Although patterns of utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the community have begun to be described, few studies have addressed the relationships between dispositional psychological factors and the use of CAM. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between CAM use and personality, coping strategies, and perceived social support in a representative sample of adults in the United States. Methods. Data were drawn from the Midlife Development in the United States Survey (MIDUS), a representative sample of 3,032 adults aged 25–74 in the US population. We analyzed use of acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, energy healing, exercise/movement therapy, herbal medicine, high-dose megavitamins, homeopathy, hypnosis, imagery techniques, massage, prayer/spiritual practice, relaxation/ mediation, and special diet within the last year. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of personality, dispositional coping strategies (primary and secondary control), and perceived social support and strain with CAM use, controlling for sociodemographic factors, medical care access, and physical and mental disorders. Results. Openness was positively associated with the use of all types of CAM except manipulative body-based methods. Extroversion was inversely correlated with the use of mind–body therapies. Primary control was inversely and secondary control directly correlated with the use of CAM. Perceived friend support was positively associated with the use of mind–body therapies, manipulative body-based methods, and alternative medical systems. Perceived partner strain was positively associated with the use of biologically based therapies, and family strain increased the odds of manipulative body-based methods. Conclusions. This study is the first to document a significant association between specific domains of personality, coping strategies, and social support, and the use of CAM among adults in the general population. Understanding the relationships between psychological factors and CAM use may help researchers and health care providers to address patients’ needs more effectively and to achieve better adherence to treatment recommendations.
Quantifying hurricane destructive power, wind speed, and air‐sea material exchange with natural undersea sound

[1] Passive ocean acoustic measurements may provide a safe and inexpensive means of accurately quantifying the destructive power of a hurricane. This is demonstrated by correlating the underwater sound intensity of Hurricane Gert with meteorological data acquired by aircraft transects and satellite surveillance. The intensity of low frequency underwater sound measured directly below the hurricane is found to be approximately proportional to the cube of the local wind speed, or the wind power. It is shown that passive underwater acoustic intensity measurements may be used to estimate wind speed and quantify the destructive power of a hurricane with an accuracy similar to that of aircraft measurements. The empirical relationship between wind speed and noise intensity may also be used to quantify sea-salt and gas exchange rates between the ocean and atmosphere, and the impact of underwater ambient noise on marine life and sonar system performance.
A novel Bayesian imaging method for probabilistic delamination detection of composite materials

A probabilistic framework for location and size determination for delamination in carbon?carbon composites is proposed in this paper. A probability image of delaminated area using Lamb wave-based damage detection features is constructed with the Bayesian updating technique. First, the algorithm for the probabilistic delamination detection framework using the proposed Bayesian imaging method (BIM) is presented. Next, a fatigue testing setup for carbon?carbon composite coupons is described. The Lamb wave-based diagnostic signal is then interpreted and processed. Next, the obtained signal features are incorporated in the Bayesian imaging method for delamination size and location detection, as well as the corresponding uncertainty bounds prediction. The damage detection results using the proposed methodology are compared with x-ray images for verification and validation. Finally, some conclusions are drawn and suggestions made for future works based on the study presented in this paper.
All‐sky imaging of meteor trails at 55.25 MHz with the first station of the Long Wavelength Array

A new capability for high-sensitivity, all-sky monitoring of VHF meteor trail reflections with the first station of the Long Wavelength Array, or “LWA1,” is described. LWA1 is a ∼100 m diameter HF/VHF array of 256 crossed-dipole antennas with a unique transient buffer mode that allows it to monitor for meteor trails via all-sky imaging with the same sensitivity as a single-dish antenna ≳40m in diameter. To demonstrate this capability, we have used a 2 h observing run conducted in August 2012 aimed at detecting and characterizing meteor trail reflections of analog TV transmissions at 55.25 MHz. The analysis techniques described here allowed for a detection rate of ∼9500 trails per hour, including the detection of two meteor streams with radiants in the Aries/Perseus and Aquila/Hercules regions that were not previously reported in the literature. In addition, we have found a population of relatively long-duration (∼1 to a few minutes), typically faint trails. These trails have implied horizontal speeds of 15–130 m s−1, with a typical speed of ∼30 m s−1. We have also used high-resolution time series of the brightest trails to characterize decay times over a relatively large geographical area (10°×7° in longitude and latitude) and on short (∼5 min) time scales. Potential enhancements that could be enabled by the addition of more LWA stations are discussed.
Lost in Translation: Forgetful Semantic Anchoring

Assigning behavioral semantics to domain-specific languages (DSLs) opens the door for the application of formal methods, yet is largely an unresolved problem. Previously proposed solutions include semantic anchoring, in which a transformation from the DSL to an external framework that can supply both behavioral semantics and apply formal methods is constructed. The drawback of this approach is that it loses the structural constraints of the original DSL along with the details of the transformation, which can lead to erroneous results when formal methods are applied. We demonstrate this problem of “forgetful” semantic anchoring using existing approaches through a translation from dataflow systems to interface automata. We then describe our modeling tool FORMULA and apply it to the same example, showing how forgetful semantic anchoring can be avoided.
A risk-based methodology for modeling, assessing, and managing risks to the Hampton roads bridge tunnels

This project seeks to address the need of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify and manage the increasing number of interdependencies within the highway system. It incorporates risk assessment and risk management methodologies in the analysis of a terrorist attack or natural disaster for three major bridge-tunnels in Southeast Virginia. The results of this study provide insight into how to manage the cascading effects of interdependency risks to the individual case studies, and to the state of Virginia as a whole. Management policies were developed to unlock the transportation system interdependencies and to reduce the impacts to them following a transportation disruption.
Incorporating tumor immunohistochemical markers in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carrier prediction.

Recent studies have demonstrated that histopathologic features of inherited breast cancers due to BRCA1 gene mutations often differ from those of sporadic breast cancer and from breast cancers caused by germline BRCA2 mutations. Invasive breast carcinomas in individuals with germline BRCA1 gene mutations tend to be of higher grade, either basal-type or basal-like, estrogen receptor (ER) negative, progesterone receptor (PR) negative, HER2-Neu (ERBB-2) negative, cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) positive, CK14 positive. Incorporating this information into our Mendelian risk prediction model, BRCAPRO may allow for improved estimation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 carrier risk.
Exposure to Retinoic Acid in the Neonatal but Not Adult Mouse Results in Synchronous Spermatogenesis

Retinoic acid (RA) is required for germ cell differentiation, the regulation of which gives rise to a constant production of mature sperm. In testes from 3-day postpartum (dpp) RARE-hsplacZ mice, periodic regions positive for beta-galactosidase activity were observed along the length of the seminiferous tubules. Periodicity was abolished by treatment of neonates with exogenous RA at 2 dpp. To assess the consequences, 2-dpp mice were treated with RA, and the long- and short-term effects were assessed. Long-term effects of neonatal RA exposure included a delay in the appearance of advanced germ cells and the absence of a spermatogenic wave (synchronous spermatogenesis) in the adult. In contrast, RA exposure in vitamin A-sufficient adults did not result in synchronous spermatogenesis but rather induced apoptosis in a subset of spermatogonia. Shortly after (24 h) neonates were exposed, altered expression of known germ cell differentiation and the (Stra8, Kit, Sycp3, and Rec8) meiosis markers and an increase in the number of STRA8 and SYCP3 immunopositive cells were observed relative to those of vehicle controls. However, 48 and 72 h after exposure, a significant reduction in the number of STRA8 and SYCP3 immunopositive cells occurred. Immunohistochemical analysis of a marker for apoptosis demonstrated neonatal exposure resulted in increased germ cell apoptosis, as observed in the adult. Additionally, RA exposure resulted in increased Cyp26a1 expression of the RA-degrading enzyme. Thus, while RA treatment of neonatal and adult mice resulted in apoptosis of spermatogonia, synchronous spermatogenesis occurred only after neonatal RA exposure.
Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer: Effect of Prior Transrectal Biopsy on Endorectal MRI and MR Spectroscopic Imaging

Objective Our aim was to determine the effect of prior transrectal biopsy on endorectal MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging findings in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer. Materials and methods Endorectal MRI and MR spectroscopic imaging were performed in 43 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy confirming organ-confined disease. For each sextant, two independent reviewers scored the degree of hemorrhage on a scale from 1 to 5 and recorded the presence or absence of capsular irregularity. A spectroscopist recorded the number of spectrally degraded voxels in the peripheral zone. The outcome variables of capsular irregularity and spectral degradation were correlated with the predictor variables of time from biopsy and degree of hemorrhage after biopsy. Results Capsular irregularity was unrelated to time from biopsy or to degree of hemorrhage. Spectral degradation was inversely related to time from biopsy (p Conclusion In organ-confined prostate cancer, capsular irregularity can be seen at any time after biopsy and is independent of the degree of hemorrhage, whereas spectral degradation is seen predominantly in the first 8 weeks after biopsy. MRI staging criteria and guidelines for scheduling studies after biopsy may require appropriate modification.
The CHRNA3 rs578776 variant is associated with an intrinsic reward sensitivity deficit in smokers

A compromised brain reward system has been postulated as a key feature of drug dependence. We examined whether several polymorphisms of genes found to regulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and dopamine (DA) expression were related to an intrinsic reward sensitivity (IRS) deficit we previously identified among a subgroup of smokers using event-related potentials (ERPs). We examined genetic polymorphisms within the CHRNA5-A3-B4 gene cluster (CHRNA3 rs578776, CHRNA5 rs16969968, LOC123688 rs8034191, and CHRNA3 rs1051730), the ANKK1 gene (rs1800497), and the D2 receptor gene (DRD2 rs1079597, DRD2 rs1799732) from 104 smokers of European ancestry in a smoking cessation trial. Prior to treatment, we recorded ERPs evoked by emotional (both pleasant and unpleasant), neutral, and cigarette-related pictures. Smokers were assigned to two groups (IRS+/IRS-) based on the amplitude of the late positive potential (LPP) component to the pictures, a neural marker of motivational salience. Smokers (n = 42) with blunted brain responses to intrinsically rewarding (pleasant) pictures and enhanced responses to cigarette pictures were assigned to the IRS- group, while smokers (n = 62) with the opposite pattern of LPP responding were assigned to the IRS+ group. Carriers of the protective minor T allele (T/T, C/T) of the CHRNA3 rs578776 were less likely to be members of the IRS- group than those homozygous for the at-risk C allele (C/C). The CHRNA3 rs578776 polymorphism did not differ on questionnaires of nicotine dependence, depressed mood, or trait affective disposition and did not predict abstinence at 6 months after the quit date. These results suggest that polymorphisms of genes influencing nAChR expression are related to an endophenotype of reward sensitivity in smokers.
Prematurity, Birth Weight, and Socioeconomic Status Are Linked to Atypical Diurnal Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Activity in Young Adults

In a prospective, case-controlled longitudinal design, 180 preterm and fullterm infants who had been enrolled at birth participated in a comprehensive assessment battery at age 23. Of these, 149 young adults, 34 formerly full-term and 115 formerly preterm (22 healthy preterm, 48 with medical complications, 21 with neurological complications, and 24 small for gestational age) donated five saliva samples from a single day that were assayed for cortisol to assess diurnal variation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Analyses were conducted to determine whether prematurity category, birth weight, and socioeconomic status were associated with differences in HPA axis function. Pre- and perinatal circumstances associated with prematurity influenced the activity of this environmentally sensitive physiological system. Results are consistent with the theory of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease and highlight a possible mechanism for the link between prematurity and health disparities later in life.
Anomalies Arising in Analysis and Computational Procedures for the Prediction of Optimal Shape

Methods presently available for the treatment of shape optimal design problems fail to perform adequately in certain applications. Cases where difficulties may be identified with limitations inherent in the discretization models are examined. Other anomalies that sometimes arise in connection with shape optimization are examined as well.
Tumor Fluorescence with Hematoporphyrin Derivative

Hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) is one of several photodynamically active dyes that accumulate in tumor cells and can be used to differentiate neoplastic from normal tissue by violet light activat...
Kinematics of iterative interferometry in a passive seismic experiment

We study a novel approach to seismic interferometry; iterative interferometry. To utilize secondary Huygens sources that illuminate the medium from regions where primary sources are absent, we correlate the coda of correlations. We identify the leading terms in the second round of correlations and study their kinematics using correlation gathers. We discuss how iterative interferometry can improve the Green’s function estimation with respect to conventional interferometry.
Effect of age on hyperphagia in the genetically obese Zucker rat.

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted to determine if and when hyper-phagia occurs in the genetically obese Zucker rat. In Experiment 1, lean and obese rats were offered food ad libitum from 7 to 19 weeks of age. Obese rats consumed significantly more total food than lean rats throughout the experiment. However, when food intake (FI) was expressed per unit of body weight (FI/BW) to compensate for the large differences in body weight between lean and obese rats, hyperphagia in the obese rats was only evident from 7 to 10 weeks of age. Thereafter, FI/BW became similar and at 19 weeks of age, FI/BW was significantly lower for obese rats compared to leans. Experiment 2 studied younger rats (3 to 11 weeks of age) and produced similar results. However, the increased FI/BW in obese rats was more pronounced at the early age and was evident from 3 to 7 weeks of age. It is concluded that obese rats were hyperphagic compared to lean rats, but only at an early age.
Sensitive Detection of Clonal Antigen Receptor Gene Rearrangements in Non-Hodgkin’s Malignant Lymphoma With an Anchored Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Strategy

The identification of minimal residual disease (MRD) in non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma is of immediate clinical relevance. Although several polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategies are currently available, they all share serious technical or theoretic limitations with respect to their ability to detect the broad spectrum of mature B-cell neoplasia. We report a new strategy based on anchored PCR that does not rely on a particular chromosomal translocation or VH consensus sequence. It can yield the complete DNA sequence of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VHDJH). The assay is capable of detecting one neoplastic cell among 10(3)-10(4) normal cells with high specificity and has the potential to greatly expand the variety of B-cell malignant neoplasms that can be studied.
Analysis on 167 injury cases of empty nest elderly in Qingyuan City

[Objective]To understand the main reasons of injuries among empty nest elderly people in Qingyuan City,provide the basis for the prevention and control of injuries among empty nest elderly people. [Methods]The data of injury cases of empty nest elderly were collected from 6 sentinel hospitals of 2 counties(districts) in Qingyuan City in 2013,input by the unified injury monitoring software,and the SPSS 13.0 software was applied in statistical analysis. [Results]A total of 167 injury cases of empty nest elderly were collected,including 96 females and 71 males. The patients aged 60-69 years old accounted for 48.50%(81/167),followed by 70-79 year-old age group,accounting for 28.14%(47/167). The top three injury reasons were drop/fall,traffic accident and animal bites,which respectively accounted for 28.14%,21.56% and 17.96%. The main places where the injuries occurred were road/street and home,which accounted for 28.14% and 21.56% respectively. The injuries occurred throughout the whole year,while most of cases happened in the autumn,and reached the peak in September(14.97%). The high risk periods of a day were 10:00-12:00 and 20:00-22:00. The accidental injury cases accounted for 88.62%(148/167),and people died of self-injury accounted for 66.67%.[Conclusion]It is necessary to carry out the multi-sector cooperation,strengthen the protection measures against injury of empty nest elderly,and enhance their health protection consciousness,to reduce the injury of empty nest elderly.
Analysis on Wenzhou citizens′ hyperuricemia and the influence factor

Objective:To learn the prevalence status of hyperuicemia among Wenzhou citizens,the relationship between major risk factor and relevant diseases,in a move to formulate rational prevention measures.Methods: The paper used multi-stage random cluster sampling,picked 3478 permanent household registration residents who are above 35 years old to carry out questionnaire survey,physical examination(height,weight,waist circumference,blood pressure measures) and laboratory test(blood uric acid,cholesterol total,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol,blood sugar),then the paper implemented statistical analysis.Results: The prevalence rate of hyperuricemia is 7.48%,where 4.93% for female and 10.79% for male;for the classification based on central obesity for male(normal,obesity),the rate is respectively 6.27% and 15.85%;for the classification based on central obesity for female(normal or thin,overweight,obesity),the rate is separately 3.34%,6.23% and 12.06%;the prevalence rate for the group over 65 years old is higher than other groups,with the advance of age,female′s prevalence rate shows a rapid surge trend.Drinking alcohol is the risk factor for male hyperuricemia patients,eating meat and eggs are the protective factor for females.Among the hyperuricemia patients,the gout prevalence rate is 2.69.Dyslipidemia(OR=1.721) and cerebrovascular disorder(OR=2.880)for male,and hypertension(OR=2.135)and dyslipidemia(OR=2.996)for female are related to hyperuricemia.Conclusion:The hyperuricemia prevalence rate is relatively low for Wenzhou citizens.Drinking alcohol is a risk factor for males to get hyperuricemia,eating meat and eggs is a protective factor for females.The central obesity,dyslipidemia and cerebrovascular disorder for male,and hypertension,dyslipidemia and obesity are relevant to hyperuricemia.Losing weight,controlling diet,keeping blood-fat level normal can effectively prevent hyperuricemia.
Inspection Technology and Application Prospect in Modern Auto Manufacture Industry

The state of the art and application prospect of the inspection technology in modern auto manufacture industry are discussed.Many typical instances indicate the importance that applying advanced inspection technology is important to promote manufacture industry informalization.
The teenager with pubertal delay.

SUMMARY All adolescents are concerned about their pubertal growth and development. As defined medically, perhaps as many as 2 to 3 per cent of teenagers have a delay in pubertal maturation. The majority of these individuals have constitutional delay of puberty. Constitutional delay of puberty is characterized by good general health, a normal physical examination except for delayed secondary sexual development for chronologic age, and a yearly rate of linear growth of at least 3.75 cm per year, with a height usually between the 3rd and 25th percentiles for age. The bone age is delayed behind chronologic age by 1.5 to 4.0 years. Laboratory parameters are normal for age. The therapy of choice for these youngsters is watchful waiting along with the provision of informative counselling and psychological support. For males who have major psychosocial adjustment problems related to their immaturity, a 4 to 6 month course of depot testosterone is appropriate. Any teenager with concerns about his or her pubertal development, regardless of whether the medical criteria for delayed puberty are met, should be carefully evaluated and thoughtfully managed.
Time course of changes in growth factor mRNA levels in muscle of steroid-implanted and nonimplanted steers.

We used a muscle biopsy technique in conjunction with real-time PCR analysis to examine the time course of changes in muscle IGF-I, IGFBP-3, myostatin, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA in the longissimus muscles of Revalor-S-implanted and nonimplanted steers on d 0, 7, 12, and 26 after implantation (nine steers/treatment group). Administration of a Revalor-S implant increased (P 0.15) between nonimplanted and implanted steers. Steers receiving the Revalor-S implant had increased (P < 0.001) circulating IGF-I concentrations compared with nonimplanted steers. The longissimus muscles of steers receiving the Revalor-S implant contained increased (P < 0.001) IGF-I mRNA levels compared with longissimus muscles of nonimplanted steers over the 26-d duration of the study. Longissimus muscle IGF-I mRNA levels in implanted steers were increased (P < 0.003) relative to d-0 concentrations on d 7 and 12 (101% and 128%, respectively), and byd 26, longissimus muscle mRNA levels were more than three times (P < 0.0001) those in the longissimus muscles of the same steers on d 0. There was no treatment effect on the level of IGFBP-3, myostatin, or HGF mRNA in the longissimus muscle at any time point; however, levels of IGFBP-3, myostatin, and HGF mRNA increased with time on feed. Based on current and previous studies, we hypothesize that the increased IGF-I level in muscle of implanted steers by d 7 of implantation stimulates satellite cell proliferation and maintains a high number of proliferating satellite cells at a point in the growth curve where satellite cell numbers and activity are normally dropping off. This would prolong the period of rapid muscle growth, resulting in the observed increased rate and efficiency of muscle deposition in implanted steers.
Group III Pulmonary Hypertension : Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Lung Disease: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatments

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with chronic lung disease (WHO group 3) is the second leading cause of PH and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) is usually moderate and correlates with severity of lung disease. In a small minority, PAP may approach that seen in WHO group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Current medications for treating PAH have not shown benefit in controlled trials of group 3 PH and their routine use is discouraged. Patients with severe group 3 PH should be considered for referral to expert centers or entry into clinical trials.
Fault Tolerance in Hypercubes

This paper describes different schemes for tolerating faults in hypercube multiprocessors. A study of hypercube algorithms reveals that in many cases, the computations that require local communication are mapped onto topologies such as meshes or rings and the hypercube topology is used for global data communication. Therefore, a faulty hypercube needs to be reconfigured to perform both local and global communication as required by the algorithm, effectively and with minimal performance degradation. Two general approaches can be identified. The first approach looks into ways of utilizing the healthy processors and links of a hypercube with faulty nodes/links, for embedding topologies such as lower dimensional hypercubes, rings, meshes and trees for performing communication. The second approach makes use of hardware redundancy in the form of spare nodes and/or links and usually requires modifications in the communication hardware. Augmented hypercubes and spare allocation schemes are described.
Due diligence: revisiting the heat–aggression association hypothesis

Previous research has asserted that individuals hold cognitive associations between the constructs of hot temperatures and aggression. However, subsequent studies have cast doubt on whether these p...
Nafta and the future of Mexico-U.S. border environmental management

Con el anuncio reciente de que los gobiernos de Canada, Mexico y Estados Unidos habian llegado a un consenso sobre los acuerdos suplementarios al TLC sobre el medio ambiente, se hizo evidente que el TLC formara parte de un regimen trinacional para el manejo del medio ambiente. Ya que el congreso estadounidense esta en proceso de implementar el TLC, nos conviene preguntar, ?que implica el TLC para el futuro del manejo del medio ambiente en la frontera mexico-estadounidense? Aunque la respuesta puede ser especulativa, esta puede buscarse en el texto del mismo TLC, incluyendo sus acuerdos suplementarios: ?como se puede adaptar al regimen existente en el medio ambiente fronterizo, y que capacidad tiene este regimen para acomodar tendencias ambientales ya presentes en la region? El articulo analiza como cada uno de estos elementos contribuye a las interrogantes planteadas anteriormente. ABSTRACT With the recent announcement of agreement on supplemental environmental accords by the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, it now appears NAFTA may indeed become part of the trinational environmental management regime. As the United States Congress moves to authorize NAFTA's implementation, it is fruitful to ask what it means for the future of environmental management along the Mexico-United States border. While speculative, the answer may be sought in the text of the NAFTA agreement, including the supplemental accords, its fit to the extant environmental regime for the border area, and the capacity of that regime to accommodate environmental trends now in place in the region. The remainder of this essay analyzes each of these elements as they shape an answer to the stated question.
Vaginal estrogen and mammogram results: case series and review of literature on treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in breast cancer survivors.

Objective To examine mammographic density before and after at least 1 year of vaginal estrogen use in a small cohort of healthy postmenopausal women and women with a personal history of breast cancer. Methods We extracted data via chart review of patients from a single practitioner's menopause specialty clinic in Baltimore, MD. Mammographic change was primarily determined via the Bi-RADS scoring system, including the Bi-RADS density score. In addition, we conduct a narrative review of the current literature on the usage of local estrogen therapy, and systemic and local alternatives in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in breast cancer survivors. Results Twenty healthy postmenopausal women and three breast cancer survivors fit our inclusion criteria. Amongst these two groups, we did not find an increase in mammographic density after at least 1 year and up to 18 years of local vaginal estrogen. Ospemifene use in one patient did not appear to be associated with any change in Bi-RADS score. Our narrative review found little data on the effects of vaginal estrogen therapy or newer alternative systemic therapies such as ospemifene on mammographic density. Conclusions Low-dose vaginal estrogen use for 1 or more years in a small cohort of women with GSM did not appear to be associated with any changes in breast density or Bi-RADS breast cancer risk scores in the majority of study participants, including three breast cancer survivors. Larger long-term controlled clinical trials should be conducted to examine the effects of low-dose vaginal estrogen on mammographic density in women with and without a personal history of breast cancer. Furthermore, relative efficacy and risk of vaginal estrogen compared with other forms of treatment for GSM should also be studied in long-term trials.
Evolution of GAPDH as a druggable target of tumor glycolysis

Deregulation of energy metabolism, also known as the metabolic reprogramming is a frequently witnessed biochemical phenotype of many solid malignancies, and has recently been recognized as one of t...
Graphene Stress Transducer-Based Thermo-Mechanically Fractured Micro Valve

This paper presents the design, analysis, and testing of a single-shot thermo-mechanically triggered micromachined micro-valve with graphene on a silicon nitride (Si x N y ) membrane. The graphene serves as a 2-D resistive heater for producing thermo-mechanical stress, to fracture the bilayer formed between nitride and the nickel used to make electrodes. It is demonstrated that the ability of graphene to carry much higher current density per unit than metal heaters enables high thermo-mechanical stress to be generated. The valve is demonstrated as an enabling component of polymer substrate-based vaporizable electronics. It is used for sealing rubidium (Rb) in polymer chambers, and then triggering and exposing it to ambient air to produce heat by exothermic oxidation. This heat energy is used to vaporize the polymers. The nominal valve tested in this work is a $750\,\,\mu \text{m}\,\,\times 750\,\,\mu \text{m}$ membrane of Si x N y . An analytical and finite-element model are presented for the valve, which agree with measured membrane peak-to-peak deflection of $4.1~\mu \text{m}$ just before fracturing, and a peak fracture stress of 395 MPa. The pulsed-power for triggering the valve is nominally 142.1 ± 13.5 mW with a trigger time of 15.4 ± 3.9 ms, resulting in a very low input trigger energy of 2.2 mJ. This trigger energy is $100\times $ lower compared with that of previously reported single-use valves in the literature. [2017–0317]
The mechanics of bolt drilling and theoretical analysis of drilling parameter effects on respirable dust generation

The respirable dust generated during bolt-hole drilling can present serious health problems to the miners involved in roof drilling operations. A proactive dust control approach, different from the...
Chemoselectivity for Alkene Cleavage by Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Diazo Group Transfer from Azide to Alkene

Alkenes can be cleaved by means of the (3+2) cycloaddition and subsequent cycloreversion of 1,3-dipoles, classically ozone (O3 ), but the azide (R-N3 ) variant is rare. Chemoselectivity for these azide to alkene diazo group transfers (DGT) is typically disfavored, thus limiting their synthetic utility. Herein, this work discloses a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular azide to alkene DGT, which grants chemoselectivity over competing aziridination. The data support a catalytic cycloreversion mechanism distinct from other known metal-catalyzed azide/alkene reactions: nitrenoid/metalloradical and (3+2) cycloadditions. Kinetics experiments reveal an unusual mechanistic profile in which the catalyst is not operative during the rate-controlling step, rather, it is active during the product-determining step. Catalytic DGT was used to synthesize N-heterocyclic quinazolinones, a medicinally relevant structural core. We also report on the competing aziridination and subsequent ring expansion to another N-heterocyclic core structure of interest, benzodiazepinones.
Experiments and simulations on solidification microstructure for Inconel 718 in powder bed fusion electron beam additive manufacturing

Abstract Previous research on the powder bed fusion electron beam additive manufacturing of Inconel 718 has established a definite correlation between the processing conditions and the solidification microstructure of components. However, the direct role of physical phenomena such as fluid flow and vaporization on determining the solidification morphology have not been investigated quantitatively. Here we investigate the transient and spatial evolution of the fusion zone geometry, temperature gradients, and solidification growth rates during pulsed electron beam melting of the powder bed with a focus on the role of key physical phenomena. The effect of spot density during pulsing, which relates to the amount of heating of the build area during processing, on the columnar-to-equiaxed transition of the solidification structure was studied both experimentally and theoretically. Predictions and the evaluation of the role of heat transfer and fluid flow were established using existing solidification theories combined with transient, three-dimensional numerical heat transfer and fluid flow modeling. Metallurgical characteristics of the alloy’s solidification are extracted from the transient temperature fields, and microstructure is predicted and validated using optical images and electron backscattered diffraction data from the experimental results. Simulations show that the pure liquid region solidified quickly, creating a large two-phase, mushy region that exists during the majority of solidification. While conductive heat transfer dominates in the mushy region, both the pool geometry and the solidification parameters are affected by convective heat transfer. Finally, increased spot density during processing is shown to increase the time of solidification, lowering temperature gradients and increasing the probability of equiaxed grain formation.
On the numerical solution of second order ordinary differential equations in the high-frequency regime

Abstract We describe an algorithm for the numerical solution of second order linear ordinary differential equations in the high-frequency regime. It is based on the recent observation that solutions of equations of this type can be accurately represented using nonoscillatory phase functions. Unlike standard solvers for ordinary differential equations, the running time of our algorithm is independent of the frequency of oscillation of the solutions. We illustrate this and other properties of the method with several numerical experiments.
Adversarial Active Learning in the Presence of Weak and Malicious Oracles.

We present a robust active learning technique for situations where there are weak and adversarial oracles. Our work falls under the general umbrella of active learning in which training data is insufficient and oracles are queried to supply labels for the most informative samples to expand the training set. On top of that, we consider problems where a large percentage of oracles may be strategically lying, as in adversarial settings. We present an adversarial active learning technique that explores the duality between oracle modeling and data modeling. We demonstrate on real datasets that our adversarial active learning technique is superior to not only the heuristic majority-voting technique but one of the state-of-the-art adversarial crowdsourcing technique—Generative model of Labels, Abilities, and Difficulties (GLAD), when genuine oracles are outnumbered by weak oracles and malicious oracles, and even in the extreme cases where all the oracles are either weak or malicious. To put our technique under more rigorous tests, we compare our adversarial active learner to the ideal active learner that always receives correct labels. We demonstrate that our technique is as effective as the ideal active learner when only one third of the oracles are genuine.
Magnetic Phagocyte Quantification Framework for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

A novel framework to quantify the phagocytic ability of a septic patient’s immune system is proposed for Point-of-Care (PoC) diagnostic applications. The design utilizes biofunctionalized ferromagnetic particles to affect the flow rate of phagocytes passing through an impedimetric sensor. The electrical, microfluidic, and magnetic subsystems of the design are analyzed. Preliminary simulation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the system. Additionally, fabrication procedures and system calibrations are discussed, and a control assay is proposed.
Self-Management Ability is an Indirect Mediator of Quality of Life in Heart Transplant

Purpose We hypothesized that self-management ability predicts quality of life (QOL) in heart transplant. Methods A multi-center, longitudinal survey of waitlisted heart transplant candidates was conducted. Structural equation modeling explored relationships among pre-transplant self-management ability scale (SMAS-30), emotional health, and physical health and post-transplant QOL. Emotional health was measured with validated instruments to measure resilience, uncertainty of illness, affect, and mood. Pre-transplant physical health was measured with Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire subscales of physical limitation, symptom frequency, and symptom burden. We inspected the fit of the measurement model using guidelines indicative of desirable model fit: Comparative Fit Index (CFI)≥.95, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMSR) Results Participation rate was 48% (N=197). Median follow-up was 8 months (IQR 2.3 - 15.1) with 89 transplants, 22 deaths, and 24 delists. Post-transplant survey completion was 79%. Measurement model fit was excellent (CFI=.962; RMSEA=.057; SRMR=.06). Factor loadings were >.43 across factors. Pre-transplant self-management was highly correlated with emotional health (r=.81). Our hypothesized structural model had excellent fit (CFI=.962, RMSEA=.057; SRMR=.060). Self-management had a direct effect on emotional and physical health (r=.81 and r=.37, respectively). The direct path from self-management to QOL was not significant. However, indirect paths from self-management to post-transplant QOL with emotional or physical health as a mediator were significant (standardized coefficients=.29 and 0.10 with p=.015 and .005, respectively). Conclusion Increased self-management ability is associated with increased post-transplant QOL, mediated by pre-transplant emotional and pre-transplant physical health. Future attempts to improve QOL could target self-management ability.
Use of trabecular bone score for risk stratification of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Abstract Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a common finding in clinical practice. The risk for developing MGUS increases with aging in parallel with age-associated increases in fracture risk. Although there is good evidence that patients with MGUS suffer from increased fracture risk, no standardized guidelines exist for the evaluation and/or management of skeletal health in patients with MGUS. Trabecular bone score (TBS), a texture index derived from lumbar spine (LS) dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images, provides information about trabecular microarchitecture independent of bone mineral density (BMD). We retrospectively identified 155 adult patients diagnosed with MGUS between 2005 and 2018. This group was matched 1:1 to a control group for sex, age and BMI. TBS was performed retrospectively, and values categorized as low (≤1.23), intermediate (1.23–1.31) or normal (>1.31). Patients had a mean ± SD age of 69.6 ± 10.0. BMD was performed within a median of 28 months (IQR 1–78) of MGUS diagnosis. Cases had a non-statistically significant higher rate of fractures compared to control subjects (27 vs. 17, respectively, p = 0.1). Patients with MGUS had a significantly lower TBS (1.31 ± 0.13 vs. 1.34 ± 0.12, respectively, p Despite patients with MGUS having a significantly increased fracture risk compared to age-, sex- and BMI-matched control subjects, neither assessment of BMD nor TBS, obtained within two years of MGUS diagnosis, were able to accurately risk stratify MGUS patients. Unlike control subjects, patients with MGUS tend to fracture despite normal BMD and intermediate or normal TBS values, suggesting that deterioration of cortical rather than trabecular skeletal components may be more important for the increased fracture risk seen in MGUS.
Influence of Harvest Processes on Pork Loin and Ham Quality

The influence of the timing and duration of slaughter processes on pork quality was evaluated.The results demonstrate that reducing the time to evisceration is less important than reducing the time to the initiation of carcass chilling. A shortened interval between stunning and cooling can be accomplished by decreasing time allowed for blood removal (dwell time) and scalding.A dwell time of 3 min should allow harvest facilities to maximize profits from blood yields and allow carcasses to enter the scalder at an earlier time postmortem.Lengthening the duration of scalding may result in a more rapid postmortem pH decline. It is recommended that each individual processing facility monitor scald times to determine the appropriate length of time needed to maximize hair removal and minimize time spent on the slaughter floor.
Asymmetric histone inheritance regulates stem cell fate in Drosophila midgut

Abstract A fundamental question in developmental biology is how distinct cell fates are established and maintained through epigenetic mechanisms in multicellular organisms. Here, we report that preexisting (old) and newly synthesized (new) histones H3 and H4 are asymmetrically inherited by the distinct daughter cells during asymmetric division of Drosophila intestinal stem cells (ISCs). By contrast, in symmetrically dividing ISCs that produce two self-renewed stem cells, old and new H3 and H4 show symmetric inheritance patterns. These results indicate that asymmetric histone inheritance is tightly associated with the distinct daughter cell fates. To further understand the biological significance of this asymmetry, we express a mutant histone that compromises asymmetric histone inheritance pattern. We find increased symmetric ISC division and ISC tumors during aging under this condition. Together, our results demonstrate that asymmetric histone inheritance is important for establishing distinct cell identities in a somatic stem cell lineage, consistent with previous findings in asymmetrically dividing male germline stem cells in Drosophila. Therefore, this work sheds light on the principles of histone inheritance in regulating stem cell fate in vivo.
Wireless And Portable Daily Soundscape Monitoring System For Auditory Profiling: Diagnostic Tool For Alzheimer’s Disease

The purpose of this paper is to develop an inexpensive, wearable, and portable monitoring system with wireless capabilities for signal acquisition of the user’s surrounding soundscape and electroencephalography (EEG). The end-goal of this device is to monitor high-risk populations that are developing into earlier stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Currently, the development of such device is still within preliminary phase and has only been tested in healthy individuals. Future applications of our monitoring system may be used as a non-invasive and inexpensive diagnostic tool for early detection of AD, potentially paving a new platform for therapeutic intervention. The system consists of low-weight bearing components, including an analog front-end and a single-board computer. The analog front-end contains three independent EEG, reference, bias, and auditory recording channels. The single-board computer timestamps and encrypts the incoming channels prior to local or "cloud" storage. Cloud storage provides ease-of-access and offline data analysis without the need to physically extract the data from the monitoring system. A portable/rechargeable battery provides power to the entire monitoring system for over 4 hours of operation. A graphical user-interface (GUI) was developed for secured remote access to data, parameter settings, and system configurations. The performance of the system was tested by measuring the frequency following response (FFR) in the captured EEG signals with respect to periodic auditory stimuli.
Comprehensive framework for quantitative performance assessment of signal control effectiveness using vehicle trajectories

Connected environments offer more information, improved data availability and quality which can lead to better decision making; new meaningful information adds new functionalities and opportunities...
The Dessert Flip: Consumer preference for desserts with a high proportion of fruit and nuts.

American adults consume excess added sugar and saturated fat, and not enough fruit. A possible solution is the "Dessert Flip," a shift in which the proportions of more sustainable plant-based garnishes, such as fruit and nuts, are increased, while the proportion of conventional dessert is reduced. We hypothesized that the pleasing properties of fruits and nuts-color, variety, flavor, and texture-would allow the Dessert Flip to be liked as well or better than a conventional dessert by college-aged students in a dining hall. In a sensory test, participants (n = 118) significantly preferred plated flipped desserts-those containing 80% by weight fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mangoes) and nuts with 20% cake-over the conventional versions of those desserts with 80% cake and 20% fruit and nuts. No significant differences were found in overall liking. In a second experiment, after eating an entree, participants (n = 150) chose pictures of multiple varieties of flipped cakes with 60% fruit and 40% cake significantly more than pictures of conventional 80% cake for dessert. Based on the U.S. average fruit prices, the Dessert Flip can be equal or lower in price per serving compared to an ungarnished typically sized cake. We conclude that the Dessert Flip offers a feasible option for increasing servings of fruits and nuts in desserts as well as reducing added sugar and saturated fat while maintaining sensory appeal. Future dietary guidelines could include this general strategy as a recommendation for helping adults include more fruits in their diets. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The Dessert Flip offers an appetizing way for foodservice to promote healthier eating by increasing servings of fruits and nuts in their desserts while reducing added sugar and saturated fat. Consumers can try this strategy at home by cutting a smaller piece of cake and adding fruit on the side.