cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis to Assess Effect of Prepubertal Average Daily Gain of Holstein Heifers on First-Lactation Production*

Decreased mammary development has been observed as prepubertal average daily gain (ADG) is increased; however, responses in first-lactation milk production to alterations in prepubertal ADG have been inconsistent across several experiments. Due to the continuous nature of ADG, body weight at calving (BWC), milk production, and milk composition, designing an experiment that encompasses a large range of ADG while maintaining an adequate number of animals at each ADG becomes prohibitive. Therefore, the objective of the current analysis was to quantitatively and statistically assess effects of alterations in prepubertal ADG and BWC on first-lactation production of milk, fat-corrected milk, milk fat, and milk protein. Eight studies that included Holstein heifers and were published within the past 15 yr were included in this analysis. The mixed model procedure of SAS was used to assess effects of prepubertal ADG and BWC on milk production independent of genetic or management differences that were evident between trials. Linear and quadratic effects of prepubertal ADG and BWC and their combinations were modeled including a random classification variable for each trial. Milk yield responses were associated quadratically with increasing prepubertal ADG; first-lactation production increased as prepubertal gains increased up to 799 g/d, the point of maximal milk production, whereas further increases in prepubertal ADG were associated with lower milk production. Increasing BWC within the range of 477 to 550 kg tended to linearly increase first-lactation milk production, but BWC significantly affected milk production in a model that included the linear and quadratic effects of ADG as well as linear BWC. In that model, which accounted for differences in calving weight, milk production was maximal at prepubertal ADG of 836 g/d. Milk protein yield was quadratically affected by alterations in prepubertal ADG, and milk protein yield was maximized when prepubertal growth occurred at 836 g/d. This analysis also revealed that yield of milk fat remained relatively constant independent of alterations in prepubertal ADG, which occurred despite the significant quadratic effect on milk and milk protein yield.
WE-E-BRC-09: 4D CT Image Based Bifurcation Trajectory Tracking in the Lung

Purpose: Vessel and bronchial bifurcations are ubiquitous in the lungs and their motions caused by respiration are detectable in 4D CT and serve as valuable internal fiducial markers for studying and monitoring the respiratory motion patterns of the lungs.Bifurcations also serve as reliable landmarks for validation of deformable registration models. In this work, we report the first systematic investigation of motion patterns of a large collection of lungbifurcations. Methods: More than 500 bifurcations are identified automatically on a reference image. Each bifurcation is tracked separately. Trajectory of a bifurcation is defined by a B‐spline space curve with 5 control points with imposed cyclic constraints. A metric is defined as the combination of the correlation coefficients from all images with respect to the reference image. It is used to measure how well the image intensities on the trajectory match. Correlation coefficient is employed since it is bounded and straightforward to indicate the reliability of a tracked trajectory. Finally, an optimization strategy based on the L‐BFGS method is employed to optimize the metric parameterized by the coordinates of control points. Local extrema, if found, are suppressed by improving the initial conditions by random walks from pair‐wise optimizations. Results: We successfully tested our method in 5 cases. With automatically detected bifurcations, the tracked trajectories correspond to image intensities of high correlation coefficients. Non‐homogeneous and hysteretic motion is clearly observable in all cases. For validation, the tracking error is measured by computing the distance between the tracked and manual bifurcations. On average, the error is within the voxel size in all cases. Conclusions: We have shown that our approach can track the motion of the bifurcations in 4D CTimages of the lung accurately. It may substitute the invasive fiducial markers as noninvasive counterparts for future real‐time volumetric imaging guided radiation therapy.
The in vivo incorporation of tritiated thymidine into liver cell nuclear DNA in mice treated chronically with carbon tetrachloride or with diethylnitrosamine

Abstract The goal of these experiments was to determine the classes of cells labeled during a late stage of repair and transformation in CCl 4 and DEN intoxication. Mature male mice were treated over a period of 20 weeks with twice weekly oral administration of CCl 4 in corn oil or with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in the drinking water. Control mice were given corn oil twice a week. The mice were then given intraperitoneal injections of [ 3 H]TdR, [ 3 H]TdR + hydroxyurea (HU), or [ 3 H]TdR + HU + the nucleotide analogues (NA) 5-bromodeoxyuridine and 5-fluorouracil. The HU + NA additions purportedly depress labeling due to semiconservative DNA synthesis. Liver sections were taken for autoradiography and for estimations of liver nuclear DNA-specific radioactivity (SRA). Control liver labeled primarily sinusoidal lining cells, and this labeling was resistant to HU + NA addition. [ 3 H]TdR given to CCl 4 -treated mice resulted in extensive labeling of the nuclei of parenchymal cells and cells which appeared to be fibroblasts (together 77% of labeled nuclei) and to a lesser extent in Kupffer cells and bile duct epithelium. HU or HU + NA eliminated nuclear labeling of the fibroblast-like cells but a significant number of parenchymal cell nuclei remained heavily labeled (85%). A large fraction of liver nuclear DNA synthesis, reflected in DNA SRA, was resistant to HU or to HU + NA. [ 3 H]TdR given to DEN-treated mice labeled the nuclei of parenchymal cells, proliferating oval cells and bile duct epithelia, and the hyperplastic sinusoidal cells to a very different proportion than CCl 4 . HU + NA showed residual activity in the sinusoidal lining cells. Little DNA synthesis in the liver cells of these DEN-treated mice was resistant to HU or to HU + NA. These experiments point to different cell populations active in the presence of HU in the two injuries, pointing to the complexity of regeneration in general and the problems of carcinogenesis in particular.
High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Al-Co-Cr-Ni-(Fe or Si) Multicomponent High-Entropy Alloys

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of alloys that are being considered for a number of applications. In the present study, the microstructures and 1050°C oxidation behaviors of two HEAs, Al10Cr22.5Co22.5Ni22.5Fe22.5 (at.%) and Al20Cr25Co25Ni25Si5 have been investigated along with Al15Cr10Co35Ni35Si5, which is a high-temperature shape-memory alloy. Oxide formation occurred via selective oxidation in a manner that was consistent with the oxide formation model devised by Giggins and Pettit for model Ni-Cr-Al alloys. The lower Al content alloy formed an external Cr2O3 scale and an internal subscale consisting of Al2O3 and AlN precipitates. The higher Al content alloys exhibited smaller mass gains and formed external Al2O3 scales without any internal oxidation of the alloys.
A new fistulectomy method for the second pharyngeal arch remnants.

Abstract Purpose We present a new fistulectomy method for the second pharyngeal arch remnants. Materials and Methods Between 1991 and 2003, 4 patients have been treated with a new fistulectomy method. Surgical Procedure Under general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation, the neck and mouth are prepared as one operative field. A nylon thread is inserted into the cervical opening. On the oral site of the nylon thread, a small gauze ball is tied and gently pulled from the neck site. At both opening sites of the fistula, a very small incision around the nylon thread is performed. Using the nylon thread as a guide, a fistulectomy is carried out. Results In all 4 patients, no complications have occurred during and after the fistulectomy. No recurrences were seen during 15 months to 9 years. Conclusions This is a simple and useful procedure for the treatment of second pharyngeal arch remnants. It produces an excellent cosmetic result compared with the standard method because only one small incision is necessary.
Radar Calibration Test Satellite

A satellite has been designed for application to radar calibration. Electromagnetic and mechanical characteristics of the satellite and their influence on the selection of shape and other parameters are discussed. Theoretical and experimental scattering data are included.
Differential neuroprotective effects of carnosine, anserine, and N-acetyl carnosine against permanent focal ischemia

Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) has been shown to exhibit neuroprotection in rodent models of cerebral ischemia. In the present study, we further characterized the effects of carnosine treatment in a mouse model of permanent focal cerebral ischemia and compared them with its related peptides anserine and N-acetylated carnosine. We also evaluated the efficacy of bestatin, a carnosinase inhibitor, in ameliorating ischemic brain damage. Permanent focal cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (pMCAO). Mice were subsequently randomly assigned to receive an intraperitoneal injection of vehicle (0.9% saline), carnosine, N-acetyl carnosine, anserine, bestatin alone, or bestatin with carnosine. Infarct size was examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining 1, 3, and 7 days following pMCAO, and neurological function was evaluated using an 18-point-based scale. Brain levels of carnosine were measured in treated mice using high-performance liquid chromatography 1 day following pMCAO. We demonstrated that treatment with carnosine, but not its analogues, was able to significantly reduce infarct volume and improve neurological function compared with those in vehicle-treated mice. These beneficial effects were maintained for 7 days post-pMCAO. In contrast, compared with the vehicle-treated group, bestatin-treated mice displayed an increase in the severity of ischemic lesion, which was prevented by the addition of carnosine. These new data further characterize the neuroprotective effects of carnosine and suggest that carnosine may be an attractive candidate for testing as a stroke therapy.
Impact of the More-Potent Antibiotics Quinupristin-Dalfopristin and Linezolid on Outcome Measure of Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Bacteremia

Background. The impact of antibiotic resistance on the clinical outcome of patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia remains unclear. There are limited data comparing patient outcomes during the early era of vancomycin resistance with the period of more-potent antibiotic availability. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted of 113 patients with VRE bacteremia at a single institution from August 1993 to September 2005. Patients were assigned to a group on the basis of initial antibiotic choice for treatment of VRE (linezolid, quinupristin-dalfopristin, or combinations of other agents, before newer options were available). Outcome measurements were examined for the initial episode of VRE bacteremia, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to compare group outcomes. Results. Overall mortality was 37.2% (42 of 113 patients). VRE bacteremia caused or significantly contributed to death in 29 (69%) of 42 patients. Seventy-one patients were initially treated with linezolid, 20 with quinupristindalfopristin, and 22 with combinations of other agents. Univariate analysis indicated significantly more deaths in the quinupristin-dalfopristin group (odds ratio, 5.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.89‐15.9) and in the other-agents group (odds ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.09‐7.94) than in the linezolid group. However, after adjustment for severity of illness, treatment group was not a significant independent factor. Conclusion. Despite the development of antimicrobial agents with greater potency against VRE, a significant change in clinical outcome was not observed. This suggests that vancomycin resistance does not significantly influence mortality and points to the continued need for prospective, randomized clinical trials.
Defect Engineering in Nanoscale Semiconductors through Surface Chemistry

In the same way that gases react with surfaces from above, bulk point defects such as interstitial atoms and vacancies can react from below. Little attention has been paid to this form of surface chemistry, although it is very important for nanoscale semiconductor devices where all regions are in close proximity to a surface or interface. Recent solid-state diffusion measurements and modeling in our laboratory have shown that reactions between defects and semiconductor surfaces can play the dominant role in regulating defect concentrations. Furthermore, the rates of these reactions can be controlled through submonolayer gas adsorption. There are two separate mechanisms for using the surface to control bulk defect concentrations. The first mechanism involves reflecting charged defects from the surface due to electrically active surface defects that set up a repulsive electric field. The second mechanism involves the exchange of defects with surface dangling bonds. Taken together, these observations point to entirely new possibilities for controlling and manipulating defects in semiconductor nanostructure fabrication.
Pink Or Blue: Gender-Stereotypic Perceptions of Infants as Conveyed by Birth Congratulations Cards

To examine societal gender stereotypes of infants, this unobtrusive study examined the visual images and verbal messages present in birth congratulations cards. The sample consisted of 61 girl and 61 boy cards selected from 18 establishments in four municipalities, which differ in size, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A content analysis revealed several differences between girl and boy cards. Visual images indicative of physical activity, such as action toys and active babies, were more prominent on boy than girl cards. Verbal messages of expressiveness, including sweetness and sharing, appeared on more girl than boy cards. In addition, more boy than girl birth cards presented a message of happiness for the parents and/or the baby. The findings are discussed in the context of gender stereotypes.
Fifth disease after immunoglobulin administration in an aids patient with parvovirus-induced red cell aplasia

H uman parvovirus B19 infection causes a number of clinical illnesses. Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) and B19 arthropathy are felt to be immune-mediated phenomena, ’ whereas transient aplastic crisis and nonimmune fetal hydrops are due to viral destruction of erythroid precursors.’ In patients with impaired antibody response, such as those with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), parvovirus infection can lead to persistent anemia through chronic destruction of erythroid precursors.” We present a case of a patient with AIDS and chronic parvovirus infection in whom extrinsic immunoglobulin administration appears to have precipitated an illness consistent with fifth disease and severe B19 arthropathy.
Three-particle cumulant study of conical emission

We discuss the sensitivity of the three-particle azimuthal cumulant method for a search and study of conical emission in central relativistic $A+A$ collisions. Our study is based on a multicomponent Monte Carlo model that includes flow background, Gaussian monojets, jet flow, and Gaussian conical signals. We find the observation of conical emission is hindered by the presence of flow harmonics of fourth order (${v}_{4}$) but remains feasible even in the presence of a substantial background. We consider the use of probability cumulants for the suppression of second-order flow harmonics. We find that although probability cumulant significantly reduce ${v}_{2}^{2}$ contributions, they also complicate the cumulant of jets and conical emission. The use of probability cumulants is therefore not particularly advantageous in searches for conical emission. We find the sensitivity of the (density) cumulant method depends inextricably on strengths of ${v}_{2}$, ${v}_{4}$, background, and non-Poisson character of particle production. It thus cannot be expressed in a simple form and without specific assumptions about the values of these parameters.
Economic Aspects of Human Resource Development (abstract)

SUBTOPICS discussed in this paper are: (1) relating human resource development to other development topics; (2) criticisms of past effort; (3) is there a policy for human resource development? (4) elements of the human resource development problem; and (5) research approaches needed. Human resource development is seen to be one of several interdependent elements of the "rural development process." Other elements of this process are community development, economic resource development, and natural resource development (in special cases). A narrow definition of human resource development would include peoples' training and skills, values, attitudes, and their goals for their families and communities. Because of the inter-
Studies with the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, as a Chironomid control.

During July and August 1963 and 1964, mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis Baird and Girard) were studied for their influence on chironomid midge populations in various stages of development. During most of each study all stages of Chironomidae were available to all ages of G. affinis . Although G. affinis fed on both chironomid larvae and adults, no reduction in chironomid populations occurred even when G. affinis reached densities of more than 250 lb per acre. Other foods eaten by G. affinis included mosquito larvae ( Culex peus Speiser), snails, diatoms, and filamentous algae. Only mosquito larvae were appreciably reduced by Gambusia .
Recent Trends in Theory Use and Application within the Project Management Discipline

The following paper highlights the theories used to further project management (PM) research spanning the 15 year time period of 1999-2013. The analysis examined 273 articles drawn from seven widely recognized PM journals with the aim of uncovering the most utilized theories in the discipline's academic investigations. The review found these theories to be: Stakeholder Theory (ST), Fuzzy Sets Theory (FST), Utility Theory (UT), Theory of Constraints (TOC), and Actor-Network Theory (ANT). This collection of theories represents a diverse group of thought constituting a large portion of the PM literature's theoretical foundations. Both UT and TOC have diminished in popularity while ANT and ST have improved in favor; FST has remained consistent in its use. The appendix to this manuscript includes a ＂ready reference＂ of all the theories utilized in PM research found within the reviewed journal outlets from the 15 year review period.
Dietary intake of vitamin A and its changing trends in urban and rural residents aged 18-65 years in Guangxi

Objective To analyze dietary vitamin A intake and its changing trends among urban and rural residents aged 18-65 years in Guangxi from 1989 to 2011. Methods Urban and rural residents aged 18- 65 years in Guangxi were enrolled in the study. The analysis used individual level,consecutive 3 d dietary recall data from 9 rounds of the China Health and Nutrition Surveys in 1989- 2011. The average daily dietary intakes of vitamin A,carotene and retinol were selected as the evaluation indexes. The status of dietary vitamin A intake,retinol proportion,ratio of population who had achieved the recommended nutrient intake( RNI) and the changing trends in the residents were analyzed. Results Dietary intakes of total vitamin A,carotene and retinol of the residents in Guangxi showed an increasing tendency from 1989 to 2011. The total dietary vitamin A went up to 1, 306. 57 μgRE / d in 2011 from 789. 07 μgRE / d in 1989. The proportion of retinol intake in total vitamin A had a turning point in 2006. It increased from 1989 to 2006,but decreased after 2006,and the disparities between urban and rural areas were gradually narrowing. The proportion of population with dietary vitamin A intake which was ≥ 90% RNI went up to 70. 0% in 2011 from 40. 9% in 1989. The proportions of populations with dietary vitamin A intakes up to 80% RNI,60% RNI and below 60% RNI decreased from 6. 6%,15. 1%,and 30. 4% in 1989 to 5. 1%,8. 3%,and 15. 2% in 2011,respectively. Conclusions The intakes of dietary vitamin A,carotene and retinol show an increasing trend in urban and rural residents in Guangxi in the 23 years between 1989 and 2011. The intake disparities between urban and rural areas are narrowing; however,the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in rural population is higher than that in urban population. It is necessary to develop target intervention measures based on the situation of vitamin A intake in urban and rural areas.
OOK-driven dynamic error measurement of smart energy meter

A mathematical model of OOK(On-Off-Key) dynamic load current is built,a mathematical model of dynamic load energy sequence is proposed and three dynamic load power modes are defined :transient,short-term and long-term,based on which,an algorithm for measuring the dynamic error of smart energy meter is proposed. A lab system is set and three kinds of smart energy meter are tested. Results indicate that,the dynamic error of energy meter is closely related to the dynamic load power mode of driving and the characteristics of dynamic error are quite different among different energy meter kinds.
MR IMAGING OF ARTHRITIDES AFFECTING THE SHOULDER

MR imaging has had a limited role in the evaluation of arthritis involving the shoulder, despite studies that have shown this technique to be more sensitive than radiography in the evaluation of osseous erosions and cartilage loss. Factors responsible for limiting the use of MR imaging are its relatively high cost, as well as its insensitivity to diminished osseous mineralization and subtle areas of calcification or hyperostosis. MR imaging findings of some arthropathies, however--such as synovial osteochondromatosis, PVNS, and amyloid arthropath--are highly characteristic, and help in determining both diagnosis and treatment. Physicians also should be aware that MR imaging is highly effective at diagnosing numerous "secondary" conditions common in patients with shoulder arthropathies, including rotator cuff rupture, synovial cyst formation, and osteonecrosis.
A physically-based Mie–Grüneisen equation of state to determine hot spot temperature distributions

A physically-based form of the Mie–Gruneisen equation of state (EOS) is derived for calculating 1d planar shock temperatures, as well as hot spot temperature distributions from heterogeneous impact simulations. This form utilises a multi-term Einstein oscillator model for specific heat, and is completely algebraic in terms of temperature, volume, an integrating factor, and the cold curve energy. Moreover, any empirical relation for the reference pressure and energy may be substituted into the equations via the use of a generalised reference function. The complete EOS is then applied to calculations of the Hugoniot temperature and simulation of hydrodynamic pore collapse using data for the secondary explosive, hexanitrostilbene (HNS). From these results, it is shown that the choice of EOS is even more significant for determining hot spot temperature distributions than planar shock states. The complete EOS is also compared to an alternative derivation assuming that specific heat is a function of temperature...
Optimal design of a new kinetic strategy for extracting FDG transport and uptake information in microfluidic multi-chamber cell culture chip coupled with PSAPD camera

Information on the transport and phosphorylation rate constants (k1,k2,k3,k4,Ki) of a tracer reflects the biological state of cells. A microfluidic cell culture chip coupled with PSAPD camera (MF-PSAPD) has been developed to give continuous measurements of radioactivity in individual wells. However, constant infusion (CI) of PET tracers through the chambers would give high background activity due to the relatively large volume space of the infusing medium in the wells of cultured cells that compromise the ability of the setup to estimate the k values. New strategies of controlling the infusion and tracer level are needed to provide reliable estimates of the parameters. A switching strategy (SS) was conceived that consists of multiple medium-infusion cycles, each of which has a tracer incubation (TI) period followed by a background-removed (BR) period (tracer-free medium). In this paper, equally switching strategy (ESS) with 12 cycles of constant TI and BR periods (5 min each) was evaluated by computer simulation and by experiments on MF-PSAPD using the tracer fluorodeoxy-glucose (FDG) and the four parameter FDG model. The SS was further optimized by using a simulated annealing algorithm and D-optimal criterion to obtain optimal switching strategy (OSS). Simulations showed that the 12-cycle ESS did not perform as well (i.e., with larger estimated variability of the model parameters) as a 5-cycle OSS that also has multiple practical advantages. Patterns of OSS were found to be insensitive to the variation of cell number and k values, and all tended to have longer TI at the beginning but longer BR at later times. Estimated k values with SS have large reduction in %CV compared to those of CI, with the largest reduction for Ki--from 762% down to 26% under the same count rate conditions. The new optimized strategy of tracer incubation/measurement is able to provide reliable estimates of FDG k's in MF-PSAPD.
Abstract 429: Novel role of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in obesity-induced prostate cancer progression in HiMyc mice

Obesity has been shown to increase prostate cancer (PCa) progression and disease severity in men. In previous studies, we showed that diet-induced obesity (DIO, 60 kcal% fat) increased the incidence and severity of invasive adenocarcinomas in HiMyc transgenic mice compared to mice on a control diet (10 kcal% fat) whereas calorie restriction (30% CR) completely prevented the formation of adenocarcinomas. Increased tumor progression was associated with changes in expression of a large number of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors suggesting that altered growth factor and inflammatory signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment may be key targets for preventing and controlling PCa progression and especially obesity-related PCa progression. Therefore, in this study we investigated the role of white adipose tissue (WAT)-derived factors on obesity-driven PCa progression in HiMyc mice. We first isolated RNA from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of the periprostatic WAT from HiMyc mice maintained on DIO and control diet. qPCR analyses showed a dramatic increase in expression of various chemokines, cytokines, growth and angiogenesis factors in the SVF of obese HiMyc mice. Among them, both CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7, were significantly upregulated in SVF from obese HiMyc mice. Recently, we developed a PCa cell line from the ventral prostate of HiMyc mice (HMVP2 cells) and a normal cell line from FVB/N mice (NMVP cells). Two additional cell lines (HMVP2A1 and HMVP2A2) were isolated from the original HMVP2 cells after subsequent tumor formation in FVB/N mice and growth in culture. HMVP2 and the derivative cell lines have characteristics of cancer stem cells and produce tumors in syngeneic mice. Western blot analyses showed expression of both CXCR4 and CXCR7 in the following order HMVP2A2 >HMVP2A1> HMVP2>NMVP cells, which followed their ability to produce tumors in vivo. Furthermore, CXCL12 treatment stimulated migration and invasion of HMVP2 cells (but not NMVP cells), which was inhibited by the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100. CXCL12 treatment also led to rapid activation of Akt, Stat3 and NFκB signaling in HMVP2 but not in NMVP cells. These data suggest that CXCL12 has differential effects on PCa cells from HiMyc mice compared to normal prostate cells that may play a role in driving tumor progression. In addition, these data suggest that targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis could lead to novel approaches for offset the effects of obesity on PCa progression, thereby reducing PCa mortality. Citation Format: Achinto Saha, Jorge Blando, John DiGiovanni. Novel role of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in obesity-induced prostate cancer progression in HiMyc mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 429. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-429
Constrained stochastic hybrid system modeling to road map - GPS integration for vehicle positioning

This paper considers the vehicle positioning problem of an automobile on-board navigation system which is mainly supported by Global Positioning System (GPS). To complement GPS, the existing navigation techniques incorporate additional vehicle sensors, together with the map data to match the positioning solution with the road map. We propose an advanced map-matching algorithm that integrates the additional map data with GPS and vehicle sensor measurements. Specifically, the detailed road map data, where individual road segments are subdivided into lanes, can impose further restriction on the vehicle as it is likely to move along the center of each lane and is rarely at boundary. Such a tendency can be mathematically interpreted as a statistical constraint in our map-matching algorithm. In addition, the lane change behavior of the vehicle can be accounted for by the discrete modes assigned to the individual road lanes. Then, the overall positioning process can be posed as a constrained stochastic hybrid system framework. The proposed map-matching algorithm provides more reliable vehicle positioning (continuous state estimate) and lane discrimination (discrete mode estimate) without needing costly sensor resources.
Fukuoka and AGA Criteria Have Superior Diagnostic Accuracy for Advanced Cystic Neoplasms than Sendai Criteria.

The aim of this study was to compare the American Gastroenterological Association guidelines (AGA criteria), the 2012 (Fukuoka criteria), and 2006 (Sendai criteria) International Consensus Guidelines for the diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cystic neoplasms. All patients who underwent surgical resection of a pancreatic cyst from August 2007 through January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed at a single tertiary academic center. Relevant clinical and imaging variables along with pathology results were collected to determine appropriate classification for each guideline. Advanced pancreatic cystic neoplasms were defined by the presence of either high-grade dysplasia or cystic adenocarcinoma. Diagnostic accuracy was measured by ROC analysis. A total of 209 patients were included. Both the AGA and Fukuoka criteria had a higher diagnostic accuracy for advanced neoplastic cysts than the Sendai criteria: AGA ROC 0.76 (95% CI 0.69–0.81), Fukuoka ROC 0.78 (95% CI 0.74–0.82), and Sendai ROC 0.65 (95% CI 0.61–0.69) (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between the Fukuoka and the AGA criteria. While the sensitivity was higher in the Fukuoka criteria compared to the AGA criteria (97.7 vs. 88.6%), the specificity was higher in the AGA criteria compared to the Fukuoka criteria (62.4 vs. 58.2%). In a surgical series of patients with pancreatic cysts, the AGA and Fukuoka criteria had superior diagnostic accuracy for advanced neoplastic cysts compared to the original Sendai criteria.
Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Is an Underestimated Complication of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis.

Background & Aims Nonrelaxing pelvic floor dysfunction (N-RPFD), or dyssynergic defecation, is the paradoxical contraction and/or impaired relaxation of pelvic floor and anal muscles during defecation. Few studies have evaluated this disorder in patients with an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA). We investigated the frequency of N-RPFD in patients with and without chronic pouchitis following IPAA and the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy within this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients with an IPAA who underwent anorectal manometry between January 2000 and March 2015 (n = 111). N-RPFD was diagnosed in patients with symptoms consistent with a pouch evacuation disorder and 1 or more of the following abnormal tests: anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, barium or magnetic resonance defecography, or external anal sphincter electromyography. Patients who completed biofeedback therapy were identified and assessed to determine symptomatic response. Results Of the 111 patients evaluated, 83 (74.8%) met criteria for N-RPFD. A significantly higher proportion of patients with chronic pouchitis were diagnosed with N-RPFD than patients without chronic pouchitis (83.3% vs 62.2%, respectively; P = .012). Most patients diagnosed with N-RPFD had abnormal results from the balloon expulsion test (78.3%); 53.0% of patients diagnosed with N-RPFD had abnormal findings from external anal sphincter electromyography, 25.3% had abnormal defecography findings, and 20.5% had abnormal findings from anorectal manometry. Twenty-two patients completed biofeedback therapy: 15 patients (68.2%) had mild–moderate improvement and 5 patients (22.7%) had significant improvement of symptoms. Conclusions N-RPFD occurs in almost 75% of patients with an IPAA, especially in patients with chronic pouchitis. Biofeedback seems to be an effective therapy for patients with an IPAA and N-RPFD, but further studies are needed for validation.
Introducing Reputation Systems to the Economics of Outsourcing Computations to Rational Workers

Outsourcing computation to remote parties (“workers”) is an increasingly common practice, owing in part to the growth of cloud computing. However, outsourcing raises concerns that outsourced tasks may be completed incorrectly, whether by accident or because workers cheat to minimize their cost and optimize their gain. The goal of this paper is to explore, using game theory, the conditions under which the incentives for all parties can be configured to efficiently disincentivize worker misbehavior, either inadvertent or deliberate. By formalizing multiple scenarios with game theory, we establish conditions to discourage worker cheating that take into account the dynamics of multiple workers, workers with limited capacity, and changing levels of trust. A key novelty of our work is modeling the use of a reputation system to decide how computation tasks are allocated to workers based on their reliability, and we provide insights on strategies for using a reputation system to increase the expected quality of results. Overall, our results contribute to make outsourcing computation more reliable, consistent, and predictable.
UNESCO’s Tangled Web of Preservation: Community, Heritage and Development in China

In the past two decades the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has broadened its focus on heritage from tangible sites to intangible cultural practices. It h...
Keynote speakers: "Transformative power of precision medicine — moving from data to diagnosis"

Personalized medicine powered by data-driven insights is a monumental shift that delivers better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at a fraction of the time and cost. We will look at some of the global disruptions that are driving the need for change and the technologies that are emerging to propel the market forward. This represents a significant opportunity for EMBS to partner with HIMSS to help steer the innovations, establish standards, and help drive this transformation.
Effects of ICRF2 on the TRF, CRF, and EOP

The ICRF2 became official on Jan 1, 2010. It includes positions of 3414 compact radio astronomical sources observed with VLBI, a fivefold increase over the first ICRF. ICRF2 was aligned with the ICRS using 138 stable sources common to both ICRF2 and ICRF-Ext2. Maintenance of ICRF2 is to be made using 295 defining sources chosen for their historical positional stability, minimal source structure, and sky distribution. The switchover to ICRF2 has had some small effects on the terrestrial reference frame (TRF), celestial reference frame (CRF) and Earth orientation parameter (EOP) solutions from VLBI. A CRF based on ICRF2 shows a relative rotation of ~40μas with respect to ICRF, mostly about the Y-axis. Small shifts are also seen in the EOP, the largest being ~11μas in Xpole. Some small but insignificant differences are also seen in the TRF.
The aim of psychotherapeutic intervention in cancer patients.

Two main groups of goals in psychotherapeutic interventions in cancer patients are identified. First, process goals, which include the provision of information and instrumental support, assistance in expressing emotions, dealing with the the meaning of the disease, increasing patients' sense of coherence, enhancing personal resources, improving comunication, gaining control and improving the ability to cope. Second, primary goals, which are aimed at decreasing somatic symptoms and psychosocial sequelae of cancer and its treatment, and enhancing adjustment, acceptance, and quality of life.
Enhancement or inhibition of antimicrobial activity in serum by metabolic alterations in disease

Protein binding is an important determinant of antimicrobial activity in serum. Disease states can alter the binding of antimicrobials and thereby affect their biologic activity. Uremia is associated with a reduction in the binding of dicloxacillin, penicillin G, cefamandole and cefalothin with a resulting enhancement in antimicrobial activity as measured by agar diffusion zones of inhibition or minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. The greatest change is observed with the more avidly bound dicloxacillin. Free fatty acids (FFA) decrease the binding of dicloxacillin and cefamandole, but enhance the binding of penicillin G and cefalothin. These contrasting effects of FFA on protein binding are also reflected by changes in antimicrobial activity in serum. These metabolic alterations of protein binding in disease may also affect antimicrobial activity in vivo.
Reply to Abat et al.: Improved policies necessary to ensure an effective future for antibiotics

Antibiotics, particularly penicillins, have been instrumental in lowering mortality associated with pneumococcal pneumonia since they were introduced in the 1950s (1). As we recently reported (2), since 2000, global antibiotic use has increased significantly, driven largely by increases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given this association, we read with interest the letter from Abat et al. (3), based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (4, 5), that noted a correlation between the increase in antibiotic use we reported and reductions in mortality from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), particularly due to streptococcal and Haemophilus influenza type B infections. However, while these diseases remain treatable by first-line antibiotics in many parts of the world, there are two reasons why the cause of the decrease in mortality may not be due to increases in … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: klein{at}cddep.org. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Rapid Data Analytics to Relate Sugarcane Aphid [(Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner)] Population and Damage on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Sugarcane aphid [(Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner)] emerged in the United States in 2013 as a new pest infesting sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Aphid population and plant damage are assessed by field scouting with mean comparison tests or repeated regression analysis. Because of inherently large replication errors from the field and interactions between treatments, new data analytics are needed to rapidly visualize the pest emergence trend and its impact on plant damage. This study utilized variable importance in the projection (VIP) and regression vector statistics of partial least squares (PLS) modeling to deduce directional relationships between aphid population and leaf damage from biweekly field monitoring (independent variable) and chemical composition (dependent variable) of 24 sweet sorghum cultivars. Regardless of environment, aphid population increase preceded the maximum damage rating. Greater damage rating at earlier growth stage in 2015 than 2016 led to an overall higher damage rating in 2015 than 2016. This trend in damage coincided with higher concentrations of trans-aconitic acid and polyphenolic secondary products in stem juice in 2016 than 2015, at the expense of primary sugar production. Developed rapid data analytics could be extended to link phenotypes to perturbation parameters (e.g., cultivar and growth stage), enabling integrated pest management.
Quantized Consensus by the ADMM: Probabilistic Versus Deterministic Quantizers

This paper develops efficient algorithms for distributed average consensus with quantized communication using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). We first study the effects of probabilistic and deterministic quantizations on a distributed ADMM algorithm. With probabilistic quantization, this algorithm yields linear convergence to the desired average in the mean sense with a bounded variance. When deterministic quantization is employed, the distributed ADMM converges to a consensus within $3+\lceil\log_{1+\delta}\Omega\rceil$ iterations where $\delta>0$ depends on the network topology and $\Omega$ is a polynomial fraction depending on the quantization resolution, the agents’ data, and the network topology. A tight upper bound on the consensus error is also obtained, which depends only on the quantization resolution and the average degree of the graph. This bound is much preferred in large scale networks over existing algorithms whose consensus errors are increasing in the range of agents’ data, the quantization resolution, and the number of agents. We finally propose our algorithm which combines both probabilistic and deterministic quantizations. Simulations show that the consensus error of our algorithm is typically less than one quantization resolution for all connected networks where agents’ data can be of arbitrary magnitudes.
Impact of co-curricular involvement on academic success of pharmacy students.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in co-curricular activities and academic performance of pharmacy students enrolled in a traditional PharmD program. Methods Pharmacy students self-reported their activities in an online portfolio, allowing calculation of equivalent hours spent in co-curricular pursuits in a given academic year for each student during the six year period. Inferential statistics were used to elucidate the differences in co-curricular engagement by student rank, progression status, and leadership experience as well as differences in grade point average (GPA) by level of co-curricular participation and leadership experience. Results Participation in co-curricular activities was less for students earning a deficiency than students with satisfactory academic performance. Students who were very engaged in co-curricular activities earned higher GPAs on average and were more likely to hold a leadership position. Leaders earned higher GPAs, were less likely to incur academic deficiencies, and were more involved in all types of co-curricular activities than students who did not hold a leadership position. Conclusions The results of this study offer evidence in support of the importance of co-curricular involvement to the development of the whole pharmacy student, including academic success. The provision of co-curricular opportunities by pharmacy programs provides personal and professional development opportunities to students and supports deep learning associated with improved academic performance and overall success.
Country Spotlight: India

India is the second most populous country in the world with over 1.25 billion people. It is geographically diverse, from the hills near Palampur (the home of the Dalai Lama) in the foothills of the Himalayas to the Southern near tip where the land is flat. As the terrain differs, so does the weather and language. The weather varies from that at the northern border near Nepal where there are four seasons to the South as in the Tirunelveli District where the seasons are hot, hotter, and hottest. Likewise, there are distinct rainy seasons that differ depending upon the location. Therefore, before you venture out, make sure that you are aware of the climate and possibility of rain and extremely hot weather. There are 29 states with 22 official languages. Each state also has its own dialect(s) which may be distinct and difficult for someone in a neighboring state to understand.
Moisture Detection in Transformer Oil Impregnated Paper Using High-Frequency Depolarization Current Measurements

Moisture in transformer paper insulation is one of the most important parameters to be monitored in order to assess the useful life of the transformer. Time domain spectroscopy based on polarization and depolarization current measurements is one of the methods that can be used for detection of moisture content in the transformer paper insulation. However, these measurements could be influenced by thermal transient during the application of voltage, which may lead to an inaccurate interpretation of the insulation condition. In this paper, a novel method is proposed in order to avoid this thermal transient effect by using the high frequency component of the of depolarization current acquired during the measurement. Preliminary results show a correlation between the high frequency component of the depolarization current waveform and the moisture content in the paper insulation within a moisture content range of about 3 %. At higher moisture content, a resistive leakage current seems to have a negative effect on the measured depolarization current.
Soft Triangles for Expert Aggregation.

We consider the problem of eliciting expert assessments of an uncertain parameter. The context is risk control, where there are, in fact, three uncertain parameters to be estimates. Two of these are probabilities, requiring the that the experts be guided in the concept of "uncertainty about uncertainty." We propose a novel formulation for expert estimates, which relies on the range and the median, rather than the variance and the mean. We discuss the process of elicitation, and provide precise formulas for these new distributions.
NGOs and the Development of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Understanding Large-Scale Interorganizational Systems

Relief efforts resulting from the $5 billion Priority Reconstruction Program, launched as part of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement, attracted nearly 500 nonprofit organizations to the small, newly independent nation of Bosnia. Donor resources and recipient needs changed over time forcing constant adjustment in this environment, at times resulting in service overlap, inefficiency, and waste. However, the inter-relatedness of tasks in this war-torn country continually reminded players of the need for cooperative, coordinated action. Within a short time, intricate webs of interorganizational relationships emerged among donors, NGO implementers, and host nation players, at both ground and global levels. The research reported here is based on extensive interview material with a diverse range of informants.
IgGs drive COVID-19 myeloid hyperinflammation.

Hoepel, W. et al. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG from severely ill COVID-19 patients promotes macrophage hyper-inflammatory responses. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.13.190140 (2020) Article Google Scholar Download references Sinai Immunology Review Project, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA Matthew D. Park You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Correspondence to Matthew D. Park. The author declares no competing interests. Reprints and Permissions Park, M.D. IgGs drive COVID-19 myeloid hyperinflammation. Nat Rev Immunol (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-00415-9 Download citation Published: 31 July 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-00415-9