cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations among parental feeding styles and children's food intake in families with limited incomes.

Background Although general parenting styles and restrictive parental feeding practices have been associated with children's weight status, few studies have examined the association between feeding styles and proximal outcomes such as children's food intake, especially in multi-ethnic families with limited incomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of parental feeding styles and young children's evening food intake in a multiethnic sample of families in Head Start.
PLA-based regular structures and their synthesis

Two regular circuit structures based on the programmable logic array (PLA) are proposed. They provide alternatives to the widely used standard-cell structure and have better predictability and simpler design methodologies. A whirlpool PLA is a cyclic four-level structure, which has a compact layout. Doppio-ESPRESSO, a four-level logic minimization algorithm, is developed for the synthesis of Whirlpool PLAs. A river PLA is a stack of multiple output PLAs, which uses river routing for the interconnections of the adjacent PLAs. A synthesis algorithm for river PLAs uses multilevel logic synthesis, simulated-annealing, and ESPRESSO targeting a combination of minimal area and delay.
Iterative Methods for the Solution of Systems Ax = b

The general idea here is to guess an answer x(0), the nearer to x the better, and to use some iterative process which gets cheaply from any x(r) a presumably better x(r+1) and, at any rate, we are to have $$x^{\left( r \right)} \to x.$$
Synaptic Transmission Dynamically Modulates Interstitial Fluid Amyloid-β Levels

Aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ)within the extracellular space of the brain into soluble and insoluble forms is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ is produced in neurons by cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) subsequent to release into the brain interstitial fluid (ISF). While a substantial amount is known about APP processing, the mechanisms that regulateAβ release and thatmodulate soluble ISFAβ levels are less clear. Several studies have suggested that postsynaptic receptor activation can alter APP processing. In vitro studies have demonstrated that synaptic activity can modulate Aβ levels in themedia of cultured neurons as well. We used in vivo microdialysis to assess ISF Aβ levels in awake, behaving mice while altering hippocampal synaptic activity both pharmacologically and electrically. Electrical stimulation increased neuronal activity and rapidly increased ISF Aβ levels. In contrast, when hippocampal synaptic activity was inhibited with agents such as TTX and tetanus toxin, ISF Aβ levels were significantly reduced within hours of treatment. Using acute brain slices, we demonstrate that synaptic vesicle cycling alone, in the absence of presynaptic or postsynaptic depolarization, drives the release ofAβ fromneurons. BecauseAβ is not localizedwithin synaptic vesicles, it is likely that an event closely associated with vesicle fusion and exocytosis is the key link between synaptic transmission and Aβ release.We propose that synaptic vesicle membrane endocytosis results in more APP endocytosis, thereby increasing Aβ generation and subsequent Aβ release into the extracellular space. These data have important implications for understanding the relationship between synaptic activity and Aβ levels. This relationship will likely also inform our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Intermittent Water Supply: Prevalence, Practice, and Microbial Water Quality

Intermittent water supplies (IWS), in which water is provided through pipes for only limited durations, serve at least 300 million people around the world. However, providing water intermittently can compromise water quality in the distribution system. In IWS systems, the pipes do not supply water for periods of time, supply periods are shortened, and pipes experience regular flow restarting and draining. These unique behaviors affect distribution system water quality in ways that are different than during normal operations in continuous water supplies (CWS). A better understanding of the influence of IWS on mechanisms causing contamination can help lead to incremental steps that protect water quality and minimize health risks. This review examines the status and nature of IWS practices throughout the world, the evidence of the effect of IWS on water quality, and how the typical contexts in which IWS systems often exist—low-income countries with under-resourced utilities and inadequate sanitation infrastr...
Neurobehavioral Consequences of Fetal Exposure to Gestational Stress

Through intimate communications with the mother, the fetus receives information that is integrated into its neurodevelopmental program to prepare for life after birth. Because the fetal nervous system develops at rapid speed, at precise times and in a specific sequence from conception to birth, disruption in the timing or sequence of development results in tissue remodeling and altered function. Fetal exposures to maternal signals of psychobiological stress are associated with increased risk for behavioral disorders and alterations in brain structures. We have devoted nearly three decades exploring the effects of psychobiological stress in several large cohorts of mothers and their offspring. The focus of this chapter is on the persisting developmental plasticity induced by fetal exposure and adaptation to signals of stress and adversity. Specifically the emphasis is on the emotional, cognitive, and neurological consequences for the newborn, infant, toddler, and child, exposed as fetuses to maternal stress. We review evidence that maternal psychological states and experiences during pregnancy, including stress exposures, mood, fears, and concerns about the course of her pregnancy as well as the level of biological stress signals, exert programming influences on the developing fetus.
The B(2Σ+) → X(2Σ+) transition (4050–4500 Å) in Hgl

Abstract The B → X band system (4050–4500 A) of HgI is photographed and vibrationally analyzed for the isotopically pure species 200 Hg 127 I and 200 Hg 129 I. The assigned bands span v ″ levels 5–26 and v ′ levels 0–13. The least-squares analysis indicates that the previously accepted v ″ numbering for this system is one unit too high. Band-profile simulations and Franck-Condon calculations indicate that the internuclear separation ( R ′ e - R ″ e ) is 0.49 A. The ground-state dissociation energy ( D e ) is estimated to be 2750 ± 80 cm −1 . Spin splitting is found to contribute significantly to the band structure.
Abstract 4922: Overexpression of p62/IMP2 in breast cancer promotes cell migration.

Invasion and metastasis are complex processes that are primarily responsible for most cancer-related deaths throughout the world, and which involve several different biological processes. The IMPs (IGF2 mRNA-binding Proteins) are a family of oncofoetal proteins that includes the members IMP1, p62/IMP2, and IMP3. These proteins are expressed during embryogenesis, and after birth their expression is lost in almost all tissues. Re-expression of IMPs is however evident in a number of adult malignancies. Indeed, p62/IMP2 was initially identified as an autoantigen with serum from a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). p62/IMP2 is therefore a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of HCC as well as of other cancers. Nonetheless, its function is largely unknown. To begin to understand the biology of p62/IMP2, we evaluated its expression in breast cancer by carrying out immunohistochemical analysis of 118 human sections from normal and malignant breast tissue samples. We observed a statistically significant (p Citation Format: Yang Li, Bo Peng, Ningjing Lei, Giulio Francia, Jianying Zhang. Overexpression of p62/IMP2 in breast cancer promotes cell migration. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4922. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4922
Computer Security Tools and Concepts for Lawyers

Computer security can be full of jargon and difficult to understand, but protecting client data is part of the core ethical duties of any lawyer. This paper defines some core computer security concepts with an eye towards helping lawyers make better decisions about their own personal choices for security, and provides some basic advice to help lawyers implement the practices that security professionals recommend.
Mechanism Design for Replica Placement in Peer-Assisted Content Delivery Networks with Heterogeneous Behavior Models

Replica placement (RP) is an important technology in content delivery systems to achieve efficient and effective content delivery. Peer-assisted content delivery network (PCDN) has been proposed for simultaneously obtaining the scalability advantage of peer-to-peer networks and the reliability and manageability advantages of content delivery networks. However, the benefits of peer assistance can be severely affected by the self-interested or malicious behaviors of peers. In this research, we utilize mechanism design theory to design robust algorithms for RP in PCDN with the coexistence of altruistic, self-interested, and malicious seeders. Our preliminary results show that RP algorithms that consider peer contributions have better performance in PCDN, in addition, our mechanism incentivizes the contribution of self-interested seeders and further improves the performance of RP in PCDN. We also quantify the impact of malicious behavior on the performance of the mechanism and extend the mechanism to tolerate malicious behaviors.
A broadband ML-FMA for 2-D periodic lattices

An integral equation-based method for solving scattering by a 2-D lattice in 3-D using ML-FMA is proposed. The method utilizes fast evaluation of periodic Green's function in factorized form. The lattice summation approach is used to account for periodicity. The evaluation of the lattice constants is accelerated using Ewald summation. To compute the total field, image cells are separated into two categories (near and far lattice cells), where only far lattice cells make use of Ewald summation and near lattice cells are computed using conventional ML-FMA. This results in an O(N log N) method which can be easily implemented by extending existing ML-FMA codes.
Characterization of active inductors with modified determinant expansion analysis

Finding node admittances with a modified determinant expansion analysis that does not utilize nullators and norators is introduced in this paper. First, all dependent sources in a circuit are transformed to voltage controlled current sources. Second, the circuit determinant is recursively expanded using passive circuit elements. Third, the contributions of nested cross coupled sources (if any exist) are added. The dual of this method can also be used to extract node impedances of any circuit. A four-node active inductor is analyzed in this paper and results are compared with those obtained from Spice simulation to verify the effectiveness of the suggested method.
A two-tier energy management system for smart electric vehicle charging in UCLA: A Solar-To-Vehicle (S2V) case study

Integration of Electric Vehicles (EV) and Renewable Energy Sources (RES) with Energy Management System (EMS) in microgrid has been widely discussed. In this paper, we present a two-tier EMS system currently in operation on campus of University of California, Los Angeles. The upper level system, called Super Control Center (SCC), processes grid-wide energy coordination while the lower level systems manage local EV charging and other micro-scale services. We use the concept of Solar-to-Vehicle (S2V) to demonstrate the combined function of the EMS system. For lower level system, we present two queuing algorithms with user priority calculated from user's Solar-Friendliness Index (SFI), i.e., solar composition of user's energy consumption profile. The algorithms have shown capabilities to increase RES utilization, while actively encouraging users to change consumption behavior and promoting higher RES utilization. Simulation results have shown that SCC can reduce up to 73% of the EV load. The lower level EV coordination algorithms are able to increase the RES utilization from 0.504 to 1.
Measurement of excess functions of binary gas mixtures adsorbed in zeolites by adsorption calorimetry

Adsorption equilibria and heats of adsorption were measured for mixtures of ethylene and ethane on NaX at 298 K. The pure-component isosteric heat of adsorption of ethane increases with loading due to gas-gas interactions; the heat of adsorption of ethylene is approximately constant with loading because of a balance between cooperative interactions and gas-solid energetic heterogeneity. This mixture, which is nearly ideal on carbon, exhibits moderate negative deviations from ideality on NaX. The nonideality is explained by a difference in the polarities of the molecules: ethylene has a quadrupole moment but ethane is nonpolar. The infinite-dilution activity coefficients are unity in the Henry's law region and decrease exponentially to a value of 0.56 at high loading. Regular-solution theory fails to agree with experiment. All three excess functions (free energy, enthalpy, and entropy) are negative; thus, activity coefficients are less than unity and the enthalpy of mixing in the adsorbed phase is exothermic. These results are consistent with an adsorbed solution in which the molecules are segregated into regions of different composition.
Exploring from creators’ perspectives issues and solutions about knowledge, difficulties, and disposal in making smart clothing designs

ABSTRACTThis study, from smart clothing creators’ perspectives, empirically investigated issues and solutions about knowledge, difficulties, and disposal in making smart clothing designs. Fifteen creators participated in in-depth interviews. The results indicated that even though participants’ educational backgrounds related to smart clothing development, none of the creators had all the necessary knowledge to make smart clothing. To overcome missing knowledge issues, participants have tried various methods: sharing knowledge, self-teaching, learning from existing smart clothing, and working in a team. However, they still meet a lot of difficulties. In addition, lack of knowledge led to limited concerns and solutions for disposal issues. Therefore, a need to cultivate smart clothing creators’ knowledge was suggested: educational programmes should be tailored as multidisciplinary courses, including but not limited to material/fibre science, electronic engineering, computer science, apparel design, function...
CAR T therapy targeting ICAM-1 eliminates advanced human thyroid tumors

Purpose: Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) are rare yet lethal malignancies with limited treatment options. Many malignant tumors, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and ATC, are associated with increased expression of ICAM-1, providing a rationale for utilizing ICAM-1-targeting agents for the treatment of aggressive cancer. We developed a third-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting ICAM-1 to leverage adoptive T-cell therapy as a new treatment modality.Experimental Design: ICAM-1 CAR T cells were applied to multiple malignant and nonmalignant target cells to investigate specific target cell death and "off-tumor" toxicity in vitroIn vivo therapeutic efficacy of ICAM-1 CAR T cells was examined in ATC mouse models established from a cell line and patient-derived tumors that rapidly develop systemic metastases.Results: ICAM-1 CAR T cells demonstrated robust and specific killing of PTC and ATC cell lines in vitro Interestingly, although certain ATC cell lines showed heterogeneous levels of ICAM-1 expression, addition of cytotoxic CAR T cells induced increased ICAM-1 expression such that all cell lines became targetable. In mice with systemic ATC, a single administration of ICAM-1 CAR T cells mediated profound tumor killing that resulted in long-term remission and significantly improved survival. Patient-derived ATC cells overexpressed ICAM-1 and were largely eliminated by autologous ICAM-1 CAR T cells in vitro and in animal models.Conclusions: Our findings are the first demonstration of CAR T therapy against both a metastatic, thyroid cancer cell line and advanced ATC patient-derived tumors that exhibit dramatic therapeutic efficacy and survival benefit in animal studies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(24); 7569-83. ©2017 AACR.
The Intrinsic Value of the Right to Vote

We conducted a mixed lab and field experiment during a naturally occurring election. We offered subjects the opportunity to relinquish their voting rights for money. Significantly more participants refused to sell their rights than later participated in the election. Subjects were more willing to accept money for abstention from voting, than for giving up the right to vote itself. In a second experiment we gave subjects an incentive to submit a vote. Before and after the election we measured participants 'knowledge about the parties' and their positions. Even though they would not have voted without the incentive, the participants improved their knowledge suggesting that they valued their vote. Our findings show that people derive strong utility from their democratic rights and status as a voter independently of participation in the election. Based on our results we develop a new concept of rights utility and conclude that low turnout does not translate into democratic apathy and should not be used to justify quorum rules and restrict direct participatory rights.
Using high-throughput computing for dynamic simulation of bipedal walking

Simulation of human bipedal walking through muscle actuation presents an optimization problem with a substantial number of parameters. Calculation of the cost function for this optimization problem, which can be non-differentiable, necessitates significant computational power and resources. In addition, because of the redundant nature of the human musculoskeletal system, the problem is highly prone to getting stuck in local minima. We have developed a routine using Open Science Grid (OSG), an open source high-throughput computing (HTC) resource, to solve this optimization problem effectively. The developed routine utilizes the computation power of the high-throughput computational resources provided by the OSG to have a powerful optimizer, which reduces the problem of getting stuck in local minima.
Implications of New High Blood Pressure Guidelines for Stroke Primary and Secondary Prevention.

Since the report of the Society of Actuaries in the 1920s,1 the excess disease risks of high blood pressure has been extensively studied, recognized, and documented. The linear relationship of blood pressure level and risk of stroke is evident among all adults regardless of age, sex, and race, leading to hypertension as the major global risk factor targeted for intervention.2–4 The early clinical trials in the 1970s provided evidence that hypertension treatment and blood pressure reduction were associated with reduced stroke risks.5 Epidemiology studies produced stroke risk estimates that were used in models to predict the impact of blood pressure reduction in the populations.6.7 These estimates projected that specific reduction in blood pressures would correspond …
Native state of complement protein C3d analysed via hydrogen exchange and conformational sampling

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange detected by mass spectrometry (HDXMS) provides valuable information on protein structure and dynamics. Although HDX-MS data is often interpreted using crystal structures, it was suggested that conformational ensembles produced by molecular dynamics simulations yield more accurate interpretations. In this paper, we analyse the complement protein C3d by performing an HDX-MS experiment, and evaluate several interpretation methodologies using an existing prediction model to derive HDX-MS data from protein structure. To interpret and refine C3d's HDX-MS data, we look for a conformation (or conformational ensemble) of C3d that allows computationally replicating this data. We confirm that crystal structures are not a good choice and suggest that conformational ensembles produced by molecular dynamics simulations might not always be satisfactory either. Finally, we show that coarse-grained conformational sampling of C3d produces a conformation from which its HDX-MS data can be replicated and refined.
A MULTIVARIATE GRAPHIC DISPLAY FOR REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary As the mass of data generated to understand urban and regional problems increases both in terms of variety and complexity, better methods are needed to display, communicate, and analyze such information. The use of graphic displays represents an important and underutilized medium of transmitting information and for exploratory data analysis. Such displays may evoke impressions of underlying relationships that might not easily be detected be mathematical techniques. Therefore, graphic displays serve as methodological aids to hypothesis discovery. The use of computer graphics makes it possible to transform data into a number of different types of geometrical forms. This chapter presents a method of converting multivariate data into faces. The method was originally developed by Chernoff and consists of representing a point in k-dimensional space as a cartoon of a face.
Optimal Stopping Meets Combinatorial Optimization

Optimal stopping theory considers the design of online algorithms for stopping a random sequence subject to an optimization criterion. For example, the famous secretary problem asks to identify a stopping rule that maximizes the probability of selecting the maximum element in a sequence presented in uniformly random order. In a similar vein, the prophet inequality of Krengel, Sucheston, and Garling establishes the existence of an online algorithm for selecting one element from a sequence of independent random numbers, such that the expected value of the chosen element is at least half the expectation of the maximum.
Locally Linear Embedding

In this chapter, locally linear embedding (LLE) method for dimensionality reduction is introduced. The method is based on simple geometric intuitions: If a data set is sampled from a smooth manifold, then neighbors of each point remain nearby and are similarly co-located in the low-dimensional space. In LLE, each point in the data set is linearly embedded into a locally linear patch of the manifold. Then low-dimensional data is constructed such that the locally linear relations of the original data are preserved. The chapter is organized as follows. In Section 10.1, we geometrically describe LLE method and its algorithm. The experiments of LLE are presented in Section 10.2 and some applications are introduced in Section 10.3. The mathematical justification of LLE is given in Section 10.4.
Statistical reasoning: a foundation for semantic web reasoning

There has been considerable debate as to the merits and the applicability of probabilistic or statistical reasoning to Semantic Web. Much of this debate seems to have centered on the applicability of statistical methods in a supposedly deterministic setting. In this paper, we argue that statistical reasoning ("reasoning with uncertainty") need not be a substitute for traditional Description Logic (DL) / First-Order Logic (FOL) reasoning, instead statistical methods can serve as a complement to logicbased reasoning systems in two ways: (i) Offer a meta-reasoning (or audit) mechanism to validate logical reasoning, and (ii) Act as a "filler" where Ontological information either does not exist, or is insufficient to reason conclusively.
Introduction: Twenty-First-Century British Fiction and the City

Britain’s experiences with industrialization, colonialism, postcolonialism, global capitalism, and the European Union (EU) have had a marked influence on British ideas about and British literature’s depiction of the city and urban contexts. Recent British fiction focuses in particular on cities as intertwined with globalization and global capitalism (including the proliferation of media) and with issues of immigration and migration. Indeed, decolonization has brought large numbers of people from former colonies to Britain, thus making British cities ever more diverse. Such mixing of peoples in urban areas has led to both racist fears and possibilities of cosmopolitan coexistence. This book’s chapters offer incisive and nuanced analyses of and insights into the state of British cities and urban environments in the twenty-first-century.
A Framework for Auto-Parallelization and Code Generation: An Integrative Case Study with Legacy FORTRAN Codes

GLAF, short for Grid-based Language and Auto-parallelization Framework, is a programming framework that seeks to democratize parallel programming by facilitating better productivity in parallel computing via an intuitive graphical programming interface (GPI) that automatically parallelizes and generates code in many languages. Originally, GLAF addressed program development from scratch via the GPI; but this unduly restricted GLAF's utility to creating new codes only. Thus, this paper extends GLAF by enabling program development from pre-existing kernels of interest, which can then be easily and transparently integrated into existing legacy codes. Specifically, we address the theoretical and practical limitations of integration and interoperability of auto-generated parallel code within existing FORTRAN codes; enhance GLAF to overcome these limitations; and present an integrative case study and evaluation of the enhanced GLAF via the implementation of important kernels in two NASA codes: (1) the Synoptic Surface & Atmospheric Radiation Budget (SARB), part of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES), and (2) the Fully Unstructured Navier-Stokes (FUN3D) suite for computational fluid dynamics.
Compression and Shear Response of 3D Printed Foam Pads

Polymeric porous materials have a wide range of applications. An important one in structural engineering is to use foams for cushioning or absorbing the kinetic energy from impact. Conventional foaming processes produce polymeric foams with disordered three-dimensional networks, which are dispersion in cell shape, size, etc. Since mechanical properties depend on the shape and structure of the cell, these foams are difficult to characterize and predict due to complexity and variation of cells. The new 3D printing fabrication method can now prepare components of foams with perfect regular array of cells. The printed foams potentially could be tuned or designed for application. In this study, foam pads of various porosities were printed using the same polymer. They all have a Body Centered Cubic (BCC) cell structured but with different span sizes. Experiments were conducted to characterize these foam pads in compression and shear, including off-axis loadings. The property of printing polymer was also characterized for analyzing the behaviors of these foam pads. Results are compared.
Prototype foamy virus intasome aggregation is mediated by outer protein domains and prevented by protocatechuic acid

The integrase (IN) enzyme of retrovirus prototype foamy virus (PFV) consists of four domains: amino terminal extension (NED), amino terminus (NTD), catalytic core (CCD), and carboxyl terminus domains (CTD). A tetramer of PFV IN with two viral DNA ends forms the functional intasome. Two inner monomers are catalytically active while the CCDs of the two outer monomers appear to play only structural roles. The NED, NTD, and CTD of the outer monomers are disordered in intasome structures. Truncation mutants reveal that integration to a supercoiled plasmid increases without the outer monomer CTDs present. Deletion of the outer CTDs enhances the lifetime of the intasome compared to full length (FL) IN or deletion of the outer monomer NTDs. High ionic strength buffer or several additives, particularly protocatechuic acid (PCA), enhance the integration of FL intasomes by preventing aggregation. These data confirm previous studies suggesting the disordered outer domains of PFV intasomes are not required for intasome assembly or integration. Instead, the outer CTDs contribute to aggregation of PFV intasomes which may be inhibited by high ionic strength buffer or the small molecule PCA.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin to Prevent Stroke and Embolic Events in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and CKD.

Direct oral anticoagulants are as likely as warfarin to prevent all strokes and systemic embolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation and CKD stage 3. They do not increase the risk of major bleeding events. The evidence remains insufficient to make recommendations for the use of direct oral anticoagulants in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation and CKD stage 4 or 5.
Studying Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear Response of Soft Materials.

We investigate the sequence of physical processes exhibited during large amplitude oscillatory shearing (LAOS) of polyethylene oxide (PEO) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and xanthan gum in water — two concentrated polymer solutions used as viscosifiers in foods, enhanced oil recovery, and soil remediation. Understanding the nonlinear rheological behavior of soft materials is important in the design and controlled manufacturing of many consumer products. It is shown how the response to LAOS of these polymer solutions can be interpreted in terms of a clear transition from linear viscoelasticity to viscoplastic deformation and back again during a period. The LAOS results are analyzed via the fully quantitative Sequence of Physical Processes (SPP) technique, using free MATLAB-based software. A detailed protocol of performing a LAOS measurement with a commercial rheometer, analyzing nonlinear stress responses with the freeware, and interpreting physical processes under LAOS is presented. It is further shown that, within the SPP framework, a LAOS response contains information regarding the linear viscoelasticity, the transient flow curves, and the critical strain responsible for the onset of nonlinearity.
Division orientation: disentangling shape and mechanical forces.

Oriented cell divisions are essential for the generation of cell diversity and for tissue shaping during morphogenesis. Cells in tissues are mechanically linked to their neighbors, upon which they ...
Preparation of fused 1,3‐oxazine‐2,4‐diones as potential antitumor agents

A series of indole, thiophene and pyrrole-fused 1,3-oxazine-2,4-diones, 2-methyl-1,3-oxazin-4-ones and 2-dimethylamino-1,3-oxazin-4-ones were synthesized and evaluated as antitumor agents.
Exposure of Nail Salon Workers to Phthalates, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Terephthalate, and Organophosphate Esters: A Pilot Study

Relatively little is known about the exposure of nail technicians to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in nail salons. We collected preshift and postshift urine samples and silicone wrist bands (SWBs) worn on lapels and wrists from 10 female nail technicians in the Boston area in 2016-17. We analyzed samples for phthalates, phthalate alternatives, and organophosphate esters (OPEs) or their metabolites. Postshift urine concentrations were generally higher than preshift concentrations for SVOC metabolites; the greatest change was for a metabolite of the phthalate alternative di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP): mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) terephthalate (MECPTP) more than tripled from 11.7 to 36.6 μg/g creatinine. DEHTP biomarkers were higher in our study participants' postshift urine compared to 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey females. Urinary MECPTP and another DEHTP metabolite were moderately correlated (r = 0.37-0.60) with DEHTP on the SWBs, suggesting occupation as a source of exposure. Our results suggest that nail technicians are occupationally exposed to certain phthalates, phthalate alternatives, and OPEs, with metabolites of DEHTP showing the largest increase across a work day. The detection of several of these SVOCs on SWBs suggests that they can be used as a tool for examining potential occupational exposures to SVOCs among nail salon workers.
Microwave and Millimeter Wave Sensors for Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation

Microwave nondestructive testing and the sensors required to affect the testing are less well known than other electromagnetic methods such as eddy currents techniques. Nevertheless, they occupy a critical role in testing as well as imaging of conditions and flaws in primarily nonmetallic structures including plastics, polymers, and ceramics as well as wood structures, various composites and concrete. It has also found uses in conductors for surface testing and for evaluations of coatings. The methods and sensors range from microscopy to industrial scale testing and from simple open-ended waveguides to complex radars. The frequency range covers the whole microwave range and down to mm waves. The present work discusses the use of microwave testing, its place in a nondestructive testing regime, and a sampling of sensors that are representative of the art and its present state, with emphasis on emerging methods.
Exploring Cold Case Homicide Survivors' Perceptions of and Relationships With Law Enforcement.

Given the nature of unsolved homicide, a complicated dynamic exists between survivors of cold case homicides and law enforcement personnel. The current study utilizes interviews with 24 survivors t...
Informatics Training for Pathology Practice and Research in the Digital Era

Pathology informatics is a relatively new field with limited structured training programs for pathologists, especially for computer programming. Here, we describe our efforts to develop and implement a training program in the department of pathology at the University of Florida to meet these additional needs of current students as well as faculty and staff. Three one-credit courses were created using a flipped classroom design. Each course was assessed with a novel survey instrument, and the impact of the program was further measured 6 months after program completion with interviews of 6 participants and thematic analysis. Course objectives were met but with room for improvement. Major factors that had a positive impact included collaborative learning and real-world practice problems. Also, it improved communication with informatics colleagues as well as job task efficiency and effectiveness. Overall, the program raised awareness of informatics professional development and career path opportunities within pathology.
Design optimization of semiconductor piezoresistors with Schottky diode contacts

Abstract A modeling theory is developed to predict the performance of piezoresistors which incorporate Schottky diode electrical contacts. This new theory allows the design of high performance gauges which can be fabricated using Non-Lithographically-Based Microfabrication (NLBM) techniques. These semiconductor piezoresistors can be designed in customizable sizes and fabricated in parallel in order to integrate position sensing into MEMS flexural positioners. Customizable sensing for nanopositioning platforms will enable advances in a range of nano-scale fabrication and metrology applications. A semiconductor piezoresistor with Schottky diode contacts was fabricated and attached to a titanium flexure. This device is shown to match predicted electrical performance within about 8% and to show a gauge factor of 116, within 2% of the predicted value. Optimized performance limits for Schottky diode semiconductor piezoresistors are identified to be about 127 dB full noise dynamic range for a quarter bridge over a 10 kHz sensor bandwidth on a 600 μm width titanium flexure, making them ideal for sensing on meso-/micro-scale flexural positioners. Methods are suggested for achieving the performance limits indicated above and the impact of these methods on the sensor dynamic range are studied.
Abstract TMP52: The Hidden Burden of Ischemic Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack, and Atrial Fibrillation Hospitalizations Among Elderly Women

Background: US women have a greater lifetime risk of stroke than men. Risk factors such as pregnancy and hormones influence sex differences in stroke at younger ages, but less is known about hospit...
Effects of magnetic field on porosity and solid deformation for radial fluid flow through deformable porous shells

Abstract In the present study, we explore mechanical response of a radially constrained elastic porous shell during the passage of charged fluid (electrically conducting fluid). A constant magnetic field is exposed on the binary mixture of fluid and solid. The governing dynamics involved in the motion of fluid as well as solid deformation was based on the rate of applied compression at the inner radius of the shell. A nonlinear diffusion equation applicable to planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometry was developed for the porosity along with informal integral boundary conditions on both the extremities. An equation for solid deformation is derived in the form of an integral equation for planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometry. The governing system of equations is solved numerically using the method of lines for the transient case whereas an exact solution is provided for the steady-state problem. In the case of linear permeability, an excellent agreement is noticed between both the solutions. The comparison of the fluid flow through the planar, cylindrical, and spherical shell is used to explore the process of fluid flow affected by the geometrical constraint. Graphical results highlight the influence of different physical parameters on the porosity and solid displacement. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the fluid flow through a thick and thin-walled porous shell is also presented.
Sexual Behavior Problems Among Sexually Abused Children: Associations With Co-Occurring Symptoms.

Sexual behavior problems (SBPs) and interpersonal SBPs (ISBPs) among sexually abused children often occur alongside a variety of other clinical difficulties, such as externalizing problems, attenti...
The Power of Peer Mentoring to Support Women Pharmacy Faculty Personally and Professionally.

Regardless of a faculty member’s career stage, effective mentoring is critical for successful professional development and a thriving academic career. Traditional mentor-mentee relationships can be effective but may present challenges for some faculty depending on their individual needs and institutional resources. The use of peer mentoring circles, where group members serve as both mentor and mentee, may provide additional resources and benefits to faculty at all career stages and appear especially beneficial for women faculty because of their focus on interconnectedness and collaboration. However, literature is scarce regarding effective mentoring strategies for women pharmacy faculty. As members of one women faculty-only peer mentoring circle, we describe our experiences using this mentoring strategy and offer recommendations for other faculty members considering this approach.
Trends and outcomes associated with gastrostomy tube placement in common neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract Introduction Dysphagia causing aspiration pneumonia is a common complication in the advanced stages of neurodegenerative disorders. Historically, physicians attempted to prevent this complication with gastrostomy tube (GT) placement. Its use is supported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), not supported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and without disease-specific guidelines in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Method The rate of GT placement in these three populations over two decades, from 1990 to 2010, was calculated using a binomial regression model with the data extracted using diagnosis and procedural codes from a national database. The median length-of-stay (LOS) and discharge destinations were compared. Results The rate of GT placement was 6.0% lower annually in AD, 3.4% in PD, and 0.2% in ALS (all p ≤ 0.007). The analysis of hospital LOS and discharge destination showed 3.2 to 5.5 days longer LOS with GT placement in all groups (all p ≤ 0.01), and three to four times lower odds of going home with GT placement in AD and PD groups (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14–0.55, and OR 0.22, CI 0.11–0.42 respectively), while unchanged in ALS group (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–1.9). Conclusion Despite the downward trend of GT placement over two decades, thousands of AD and PD patients still underwent GT placement annually, and this was associated with longer LOS in all groups and increased likelihood of being discharged to a nursing facility in AD and PD. Further research is necessary to understand the effects of GT on physician practices and patient expectations in advanced AD and PD.
Cost-benefit Analysis of the Coping and Promoting Strength Program.

This study sought to estimate the net benefits and return on investment (ROI, %) of the Coping and Promoting Strength (CAPS) program to families and insurers, respectively, using data from a multi-year follow up of 136 US families who had participated in a randomized efficacy trial of CAPS. CAPS is a brief parent-focused psychosocial intervention that was compared to information monitoring in the trial. Of the 136 original participants, 113 (83%) completed follow-up interviews 7.1 years, on average, after the CAPS study baseline (mean follow-up age: 15.8 years; range: 13.1 to 20.8 years). Parent-reported willingness-to-pay values and estimates of behavioral healthcare cost savings from delayed onset of anxiety were used to simulate the average net benefits of CAPS to families and insurance plans, respectively, assuming patients pay 20% coinsurance. Psychologists in private offices were expected to charge an average of approximately $195 per CAPS session or $1417 in total in 2020 dollars. The estimated family share of the total CAPS session cost was $283 per youth, while the insurer share was $1134 per youth. Given these costs, the CAPS intervention was estimated to result in average overall net benefits of $1033 per youth (95% CI: -$546 to $2611). Families gained $344 (95% CI: $232 to $455 per family) for an ROI of 121%. Insurance plans on average gained a net savings of $689 per youth (95% CI: -$778 to $2156 per youth) for an average ROI of 61%. In this multiyear follow-up of offspring of anxious parents, exposure to the CAPS pediatric anxiety prevention program was found to be more economically efficient than was waiting for an anxiety disorder to be diagnosed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00847561.
Cathode Surface Imaging and Electron Beam Emittance Measurement

Emittance is an important figure of merit for electron beams which, coupled with overall current, determines a beam's utility in vacuum electronic devices (VEDs)1. As VEDs push into higher frequency and higher power regimes, low emittance, high current beams become critical2. Much theoretical work on understanding and predicting emittance has been presented, but little to no experimental results are available1,3,4, We report here the measurement of 2D emittance maps for a series of field emission fiber cathodes and their correlation to surface features, imaged using a field emission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. This work serves to further inform theoretical investigations into emittance and aid in the a priori selection of suitable cathodes for specific uses.
Experiences of Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Parents at End of Life: A Systematic Review.

Improvement in pediatric palliative and end-of-life care has been identified as an ongoing research priority. The child and parent experience provides valuable information to guide how health care professionals can improve the transition to end of life and the care provided to children and families during the vulnerable period. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the experience of pediatric oncology patients and their parents during end of life, and identify gaps to be addressed with interventions. A literature search was completed using multiple databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycInfo. A total of 43 articles were included in the review. The analysis of the evidence revealed 5 themes: symptom prevalence and symptom management, parent and child perspectives of care, patterns of care, decision making, and parent and child outcomes of care. Guidelines for quality end-of-life care are needed. More research is needed to address methodological gaps that include the pediatric patient ...
Population Interactions with Growth Rates Dependent on Weighted Densities

Differential and difference equation models of interacting populations are presented and analyzed. The per capita growth rates are functions of linear combinations of individual population densities. The asymptotic behavior of these systems is discussed, including the occurrence of strange attractors. For the two dimensional differential equation, a general formula for the stability coefficient of a Hopf bifurcation is derived.
Land Reform and Sharecropping

Through recorded history land has been the primary asset and arguments over the distribution of land can be traced for centuries, if not millennia. Indeed, one of the more important land reformers of the modern era, General Douglas MacArthur, was partly motivated by the Roman experience in pushing for land reform in Japan. Our direct interest, however, is in the post World War II era and a convenient document indicating the consensus is the monograph of the United Nations, significantly entitled Land Reform: Defects in Agrarian Structure as Obstacles to Economic Development (1951). The UN document of 1951 is as concerned with the inefficiency of tenancy as it is with the skewed distribution of landholdings. This section deals with land redistribution and the next with tenancy.1
Purification of a 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase of Human Placenta and Studies on Its Transhydrogenase Function

This paper describes methods for the extensive purification of a soluble 17@-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenasel of human placenta. This single enzyme appears to be responsible for the entire 17/3estradiol-mediated transfer of hydrogen between pyridine nucleotides in soluble extracts of this tissue. Experiments which were reported in 1958 (2, 3) showed that soluble enzyme preparations derived from human placenta promoted a reversible transhydrogenation between pyridine nucleotides in the presence of low concentrations of 17&hydroxyst,eroids or 17-ketosteroids, notably 17/I-estradiol or estrone. These enzyme preparations also contained an active 17/3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase which interconverts 17@estradiol and estrone, and reacts with diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) or triphosphopyridine nucleotide (TPN) (8, 9, 11). We suggested (2, 3) that the 17/3-estradiol-mediated transfer of hydro
The plant hormone zeatin riboside inhibits T lymphocyte activity via adenosine A2A receptor activation (IRM6P.710)

Cytokinins are plant hormones that play an integral role in multiple aspects of plant growth and development. The biological functions of cytokinins in mammalian systems are, however, largely uncharacterized. The naturally occurring cytokinin zeatin riboside has recently been demonstrated to activate the mammalian adenosine A 2A receptor, which is broadly expressed by various cell types including immune system cells, with the activation of the A 2A R playing a role in the regulation of cells involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. We show for the first time that zeatin riboside modulates mammalian immune system activity via an A 2A R-dependent mechanism. Specifically, zeatin riboside inhibits the production by CD3 + CD4 + T cells of IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-13, and the production by CD3 + CD8 + T cells of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α. Additionally, the upregulation of CD25, CD69 and CD40L by activated T lymphocytes is modulated by zeatin riboside. The immunomodulatory activities of zeatin riboside are blocked by co-treatment with the selective A 2A R antagonist ZM241385. These data suggest that zeatin riboside possesses therapeutic potential as a mammalian immunomodulatory agent.