cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal β-Hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngeal Exposure and Colonization in Pregnancy

Objectives. To report the pharyngeal colonization rate of β-hemolytic streptococci and changes in the value of antistreptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B serology titers during pregnancy. Methods. Healthy pregnant women were recruited and blood was drawn in each trimester. The upper limit of normal (ULN) values for ASO and anti-DNase B was calculated for each trimester. Throat swabs were collected for culture and positive cultures were further assessed for the identification of serogroup of the isolated β-hemolytic streptococcus. Results. Out of a total of 126 pregnant women, 34.1% had positive throat cultures. Group C and group G strains were isolated in 18.2% of throat cultures while group F was detected in 13.5% of cases. The rate of colonization with GAS was 1.6%. There was an overall drop in ASO titer during pregnancy while anti-DNase B titers remained relatively unchanged. ULN values of 164IU, 157IU, and 156IU were calculated for ASO at the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Based on the ULN values, 28.6% of patients had recent streptococcal exposure. Conclusions. These results show that pregnant women act as a reservoir for spreading potentially immunogenic (groups C and G) and disease producing (group F) virulent strains of streptococci.
A note on the rate of heat or mass transfer from a small particle freely suspended in a linear shear field

It is shown that for a small sphere freely suspended in a linear shear flow at small Reynolds numbers, the Nusselt number N is given by , where P is the Peclet number. For any given type of shear flow, the numerical value of the constant α can be obtained from a general expression derived by Batchelor (1979). The corresponding result for a particle of arbitrary shape is N/N0 = {1 − αN0P½ + O(P3/2)}−1, where N0 is the Nusselt number for pure conduction.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction After ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Local or Global Phenomenon?

Variable degrees of coronary microvascular dysfunction occur at the time of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) correlating with infarct size and long-term prognosis. Angiographic methods for assessing microvascular dysfunction in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the time of STEMI include thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion grade.1 More recently, coronary wire-based methods measuring Doppler-derived parameters, such as the coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), or measuring thermodilution-derived parameters, such as the index of microcirculatory resistance, have been shown to be more powerful predictors of acute left ventricular dysfunction, myocardial viability, and subsequent adverse outcomes.2,3 Article see p 207 Although it is widely accepted that the degree of microvascular dysfunction occurring in the myocardium subtended by the infarct-related vessel correlates with infarct size and prognosis, there has been some debate on whether more global microvascular dysfunction, involving myocardial regions not supplied by the infarct-related vessel, is present at the time of STEMI. For example, Uren et al4 performed positron emission tomography imaging in 13 patients with STEMI and found a decreased coronary flow reserve in the noninfarct-related vessel, which improved at 6-month follow-up. However, Ntalianis et al5 measured fractional flow reserve in a nonculprit vessel at the time of STEMI in 75 patients and again 1 month later and found no significant difference in fractional flow reserve or in index of microcirculatory resistance, which was measured in a subgroup, suggesting that the microvascular dysfunction resulting from STEMI is limited to the territory supplied by the infarct-related artery. In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions , van de Hoef et al6 report long-term follow-up in 100 patients presenting with STEMI, in whom they measured Doppler wire-derived CFVR, diastolic deceleration time, and systolic flow reversal …
Light level and duration of exposure determine the impact of self-luminous tablets on melatonin suppression.

Exposure to light from self-luminous displays may be linked to increased risk for sleep disorders because these devices emit optical radiation at short wavelengths, close to the peak sensitivity of melatonin suppression. Thirteen participants experienced three experimental conditions in a within-subjects design to investigate the impact of self-luminous tablet displays on nocturnal melatonin suppression: 1) tablets-only set to the highest brightness, 2) tablets viewed through clear-lens goggles equipped with blue light-emitting diodes that provided 40 lux of 470-nm light at the cornea, and 3) tablets viewed through orange-tinted glasses (dark control; optical radiation <525 nm ≈ 0). Melatonin suppressions after 1-h and 2-h exposures to tablets viewed with the blue light were significantly greater than zero. Suppression levels after 1-h exposure to the tablets-only were not statistically different than zero; however, this difference reached significance after 2 h. Based on these results, display manufacturers can determine how their products will affect melatonin levels and use model predictions to tune the spectral power distribution of self-luminous devices to increase or to decrease stimulation to the circadian system.
Exact solution of crew scheduling problems using the set partitioning model: Recent successful applications

The set partitioning model of the crew rotation problem has been well known for many years. This paper focuses on recent developments that have made this model more attractive and have resulted in several successful implementations. These developments include improved problem conceptualizations and decompositions, as well as new solution techniques employing Lagrangian relaxation and subgradient optimization. Experience is reported from The Flying Tiger Line, Pacific Southwest Airways, Continental Airlines, and Helsinki City Transport. A case is made for work on heuristic decomposition methods to break large problems into moderate sized pieces that can be solved exactly.
Defacements/Effacements: Anti-Asian (American) Sentiment in Sport

This article experiments with performative and dialogic techniques to trace the contours of anti-Asian American sentiments in sport. It suggests that jokes and joking behaviors are one the key things that binds Asian Americans to sport in the popular imaginary. Moreover, it outlines the ways that sporting humor works to efface and deface Asians and Asian Americans. Well-known utterances by Fuzzy Zoeller, directed at Tiger Woods, and Shaquille O’Neal, directed toward Yao Ming, center much of the discussion.
A randomized controlled trial of amoxicillin plus clavulanate compared with cefaclor for treatment of acute otitis media.

We performed a randomized controlled trial of amoxicillin plus clavulanate versus cefaclor for treatment of acute otitis media. Total daily doses given in three divided doses were 40 mg/kg amoxicillin plus 10 mg/kg clavulanate, and 40 mg/kg cefaclor. Pathogens were eradicated from the middle ear exudate after 3 to 6 days of therapy in 35 (97%) of 36 patients given amoxicillin-clavulanate compared with 24 (75%) of 32 given cefaclor (P=0.028). When analysis was restricted to patients with positive urine or serum drug assays during therapy, pathogens were eliminated in 33 (97%) of 34 patients given amoxicillin-clavulanate compared with 21 (75%) of 28 given cefaclor (P=0.026). Bacterial isolates associated with bacteriologic failure of cefaclor therapy were Streptococcus pneumoniae (two patients), β-lactamase-negative Haemophilus influenzae (four), and β-lactamase-positive Branhamella catarrhalis (two). The single failure with amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy was associated with non-β-lactamase-producing H. influenzae isolated from the middle ear exudate. We conclude that cefaclor is less efficacious than amoxicillin-clavulanate for the treatment of acute otitis media.
Spectral analysis of ultrasound backscatter for characterization of HIFU lesions in cardiac tissue high-frequency imaging

Conventional methods of tissue ablation for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia have their limitations, including the requirement for tissue contact and limited ability to create transmural lesions with minimal collateral damage. As part of a larger effort to create an efficient therapeutic ultrasound (US) system for cardiac ablation, this pilot study employed high-frequency US imaging to characterize the temporal evolution of high-intensity focused US (HIFU) lesion formation by rapid M-mode imaging and the spatial extent of lesions by spectral analysis of US backscatter from B-mode images. M-mode imaging was found to be able to detect changes in the tissue due to cavitation. 3D B-mode imaging provided detailed images of lesions as small as 1 mm wide and 3 mm long. The spectral analysis showed that the midband fit and intercept of the linear regression to the calibrated spectra increased after lesion formation, while slope decreased. Together these methods indicate that high-frequency imaging can be an effective tool for HIFU lesion characterization.
Patient education at 25 years; where we have been and where we are going

In the past 25 years the theory and research base for patient education has become considerably richer. Definition of a core of educative functions has now been accomplished for most major disease entities or health problems, and standards of practice developed for a few. In the United States, there is very inadequate information about the degree to which patient education is delivered, and institutional supports for it seem to have varied with fiscal conditions. The reimbursement system for health care has not explicitly supported patient education or the outcomes it could achieve. While there has been growth in instructional approaches, it would be charitable to say that there is a broad and well-informed view of potential approaches or an organized research and development function to get these approaches on line. If predictions of patient focus for business and ethical reasons are realized, a major shift in environment could occur, supportive of patient education. Clearly, there is little evidence that patient education represents a mature technology or that it is delivered at acceptable standards to all those who need it. Patient education content in key nursing textbooks published between 1988 and 1992 is analysed to examine the degree and character of conceptual penetration.
A Logic Diagnosis Methodology for Improved Localization and Extraction of Accurate Defect Behavior

DIAGNOSIX is a comprehensive fault diagnosis methodology for characterizing failures in digital ICs. Using limited layout information, DIAGNOSIX automatically extracts a fault model for a failing IC by analyzing the behavior of the physical neighborhood surrounding suspect lines. Results from several simulated and over 800 failing ICs reveal a significant improvement in localization. More importantly, the output of DIAGNOSIX is an accurate model of the logic-level defect behavior that provides useful insight into the actual defect mechanism. Experiment results for the failing chips with successful physical failure analysis reveal that the extracted faults accurately describe the actual defects.
Emotional and sexual concerns in women undergoing pelvic surgery and associated treatment for gynecologic cancer

The surgical management of gynecologic cancer can cause short- and long-term effects on sexuality, emotional well being, reproductive function, and overall quality of life (QoL). Fortunately, innovative approaches developed over the past several decades have improved oncologic outcomes and reduced treatment sequelae; however, these side effects of treatment are still prevalent. In this article, we provide an overview of the various standard-of-care pelvic surgeries and multimodality cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) by anatomic site and highlight the potential emotional and sexual consequences that can influence cancer survivorship and QoL. Potential screening tools that can be used in clinical practice to identify some of these concerns and treatment side effects and possible solutions are also provided. These screening tools include brief assessments that can be used in the clinical care setting to assist in the identification of problematic issues throughout the continuum of care. This optimizes quality of care, and ultimately, QoL in these women. Prospective clinical trials with gynecologic oncology populations should include patient-reported outcomes to identify subgroups at risk for difficulties during and following treatment for early intervention.
A new time-frequency approach to estimate single joint upper limb impedance

This paper proposes a new technique to estimate single joint impedance during postural tasks. The method is based on a reassigned spectrogram and can track the frequency modulation of biomechanical system after perturbations. Compared to the existing techniques, this procedure successfully estimated rapidly time varying impedance parameters in a faster and equally accurate way. For this reason it can be an optimum tool to easily estimate limb impedance of stroke patients, before, during, and after robot therapy sessions, without interfering with the delivered treatment.
A Study of Data Exchange Protocols for the Grid Computing Environment

Efficiently using grid systems faces many challenges. One of them is the efficient exchange of data between distant components exacerbated by the diversity of existing protocols for communicating participants. Some protocols support communications efficiently but require pre-distributing some application-specific information to the participants. This increases the complexity of application development and deployment, and the process becomes cumbersome for large grids with significant diversity of components. Some other protocols can deal well with diversity but suffer from extremely high overheads. We propose a communication protocol based on XML messages that combines the advantages of both kinds of protocols. It explores the self-contain property of XML to satisfy the requirement of easily integrating diverse participants while it uses compressed formats to encode numeric data in an effort to reduce overheads.
Stationary Planetary Waves, Blocking, and Interannual Variability

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the various aspects of stationary planetary waves, blocking, and interannual variability. The trends in the study of large-scale planetary waves and their anomalies are presented. The intensity of activity on the topic stems from the belief that the anomalies can be unusually long lived and may represent particularly predictable features of weather. It is found that while the bulk of planetary-wave anomalies are not persistent in a physically meaningful way, there is in fact some significant interannual variability in stationary waves. The existence of resonance is crucially dependent on the mean zonal wind. It is found that in each model, stresses due to the resonant stationary wave play a major role in determining the mean flow. Resonances arise from the repeated reflection of waves from such surfaces where incident and reflected waves are in phase so that amplification may take place. In idealized models the reflecting surface is perfectly horizontal and the necessary constructive interference is readily achieved. The linearized response to stationary forcing is also elaborated.
Relationship Between Fecal Pellet Counts and Snowshoe Hare Density in Western Wyoming

Abstract Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are an important prey species for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and are considered critical for lynx population persistence. Determination of snowshoe hare distribution and abundance is needed by land management agencies for lynx conservation. An accepted approach for estimating snowshoe hare abundance is the use of fecal-pellet plot counts. Locally derived regression equations are preferred for accurate calibration of pellet counts to snowshoe hare density due to local differences in pellet deposition and decomposition. We used linear regression to examine correlations between snowshoe hare density, as determined by mark–recapture estimates, and pellet plot counts on both uncleared plots and annually cleared plots on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, western Wyoming, USA. We found significant correlations between snowshoe hare density estimates and fecal pellet counts for both uncleared and annually cleared pellet counts; however, the relationship was stronger ...
Le conte populaire. Approche socio-anthropologique

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Michel Valiere Year: 2006 Pages: 199 Publisher: Armand Colin ISBN: 2-200-26627-8 (soft cover). Prices: €16.50(soft cover).
Political Ecology: Nonequilibrium Science and Nature‐Society Research

Political ecology has emerged as an interdisciplinary space where concepts from the physical and social sciences are utilized to understand nature-society relationships. In this paper, we explore how political ecologists have used concepts from nonequilibrium ecology to address concerns over the interactions between land management and livelihood practices. We begin by demystifying how equilibrium and nonequilibrium have been used in ecology, demonstrating the dialectical relationship between these divergent frameworks and how each impacts understandings of living systems. Then, we review how political ecologists employ these concepts to examine environmental knowledge production, as well as the role of livelihoods and anthropogenic disturbances in conservation and restoration. We also discuss how nonequilibrium ecology has shaped our own research trajectories and finish the paper by offering some reflections on the possibilities and pitfalls for political ecology’s use of nonequilibrium ecology to bridge the physical-human divide in geography.
Supporting remote synchronous communication between parents and young children

Parents and children increasingly spend time living apart due to marital separation and work travel. I investigated parent-child separation in both of these contexts to find that current technologies frequently do not meet the needs of families. The telephone is easy-to-use and ubiquitous but does not provide an engaging way of interacting with children. Videochat is more emotionally expressive and has a greater potential for engagement but is difficult to set up and cannot be used by a child without the help of an adult. Both telephone and videochat fail to meet the needs of remote parenting because they focus on conversation rather than care and play activities which are the mechanism by which parents and children build closeness. I also saw that in both types of separation the motivation to connect at times conflicted with desire to reduce disruption of the remote household. To address some of these issues, I designed a system called the ShareTable, which provides easy-to-initiate videochat with a shared tabletop activity space. After an initial lab-based evaluation confirmed the promise of this approach, I deployed the ShareTable to four households (two divorced families). I collected data about the families' remote interactions before and during the deployment. Remote communication more than doubled for each of these families while using the ShareTable and I saw a marked increase in the number of communication sessions initiated by the child. The ShareTable provided benefits over previous communication systems and supported activities that are impossible with other currently-available technologies. One of the biggest successes of the system was in providing an overlapped video space that families appropriated to communicate metaphorical touch and a sense of closeness. However, the ShareTable also introduced a new source of conflict for parents and challenged the families as they tried to develop practices of using the system that would be acceptable to all involved. The families' approach to these challenges as well as explicit feedback about the system informs future directions for synchronous communication systems for separated families.
Bidder Returns on Acquisition Announcements: The Case of Instantly Completed Deals

Previous research on acquisitions has found announcement returns for acquirers to be affected by a number of factors; most prominent being the size of the acquirer, the method of payment and type of ownership of the target. Acquisitions by small acquirers, cash deals and deals for private targets yield better returns than large acquirers, equity deals, and public targets respectively. However, these studies are based on announcements returns where there is still uncertainty as to whether the transaction will be completed. Therefore those returns may have been attenuated by market perception of the likelihood of completion of the deals. To remove the effects of uncertainty surrounding the completion, we use the subset of deals that are announced and completed on the same day. We find that the small firm effect persists, but that the effects of method of payment and type of ownership of the target disappear. These results are consistent with the conjecture that the market does not necessarily perceive cash deals and deals for private targets to be better than their equity and public target counterparts, but rather that they are more likely to be completed.
Influence of the uncertainties of occupant behavior on computer-based optimization processes

Abstract Optimization algorithms like the genetic algorithm (GA) have been used for computer-based building design decision support methods in the last decade. However, the robustness and reliability of the results of these optimization processes have not been quantified. Furthermore, the influence of input parameters with uncertainties, like the occupant behavior on the results of a building optimization process, has not been evaluated. In this study, the genetic algorithm is run repeatedly and is combined with the Latin Hypercube sampling method to evaluate the results of a building optimization problem with varying input variables of the internal heat gains, occupant density and user schedules. The objective is to (1) clarify the influence of the occupant behavior on the outcome of a computer-based building optimization process, and (2) propose a method to define the uncertainties of a building optimization process. Rsesults illustrate a clear tendency toward an optimal solution of the optimization process with varying input variables. All results are described as robust or relatively robust, which shows that the evaluation of the robustness depends on the nature of the parameter to be optimized.
Sustainable power sources based on high efficiency thermopower wave devices

There is a pressing need to find alternatives to conventional batteries such as Li-ion, which contain toxic metals, present recycling difficulties due to harmful inorganic components, and rely on elements in finite global supply. Thermopower wave (TPW) devices, which convert chemical to electrical energy by means of self-propagating reaction waves guided along nanostructured thermal conduits, have the potential to address this demand. Herein, we demonstrate orders of magnitude higher chemical-to-electrical conversion efficiency of thermopower wave devices, in excess of 1%, with sustainable fuels such as sucrose and NaN3 for the first time, that produce energy densities on par with Li-ion batteries operating at 80% efficiency (0.2 MJ L−1versus 0.8 MJ L−1). We show that efficiency can be increased significantly by selecting fuels such as sodium azide or sucrose with potassium nitrate to offset the inherent penalty in chemical potential imposed by strongly p-doping fuels, a validation of the predictions of Excess Thermopower theory. Such TPW devices can be scaled to lengths greater than 10 cm and durations longer than 10 s, an over 5-fold improvement over the highest reported values, and they are capable of powering a commercial LED device. Lastly, a mathematical model of wave propagation, coupling thermal and electron transport with energy losses, is presented to describe the dynamics of power generation, explaining why both unipolar and bipolar waveforms can be observed. These results represent a significant advancement toward realizing TPW devices as new portable, high power density energy sources that are metal-free.
Weather-Dependent Foraging Behavior of Some Birds Wintering in a Deciduous Woodland

Terrestrial organisms are surrounded by a microclimate composed of four independent variables: humidity, radiation, wind velocity, and air temperature (Porter and Gates 1969). The metabolic responses of animals to some of these climatic variables have been studied in the laboratory. For instance, below the lower critical temperature (about 250C; Helms 1968) metabolic rates of birds are inversely correlated with ambient temperature (Kendeigh 1949, 1969, Steen 1958, Brooks 1968, Helms 1968, Kontogiannis 1968), but the metabolic cost of low temperature is moderated by artificial insolation (Lustick 1969, Lustick et al. 1970). Porter and Gates (1969) added air movement and derived theoretical "climate
Design and wear simulation of the grinding wheel used in super-high speed point grinding

In the paper,the application status and applied scope of the grinding wheel used in super-high speed point(SHSP) grinding is introduced in details. Through designing the base and the cBN layer of the new wheel,the designing principle is inferred according to the specific shape.the grinding productivity is analyzed in the course grinding zone and the finished grinding zone,introducing the angle of course grinding field,which affects the grinding parameters in SHSP grinding,the value of the angle is designed to be suited to the point grinding,and manufacturing the wheel,introducing the changed state of chip flowing grinding used in the new wheel,the micro-surface of the wheel is observed through microscope,whose the ratio of air hole and the layer of CBN are analyzed,simulating the wear trend of the new wheel,the conclusions about super hard abrasives and wearing are drawn at last,the application of SHSP grinding is related to designing and manufacturing of the wheel,which provides the equipment for realizing high precision and productivity processing and offers the referred basis for the theoretical research.
Surgical Management of Inherited MTC: Therapeutic Thyroidectomy

Inherited medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) comprises up to 25 % of all MTC cases and is caused by germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. Although screening of at-risk family members can identify those who may benefit from prophylactic thyroidectomy, patients with de novo mutations or who have deferred screening can still present with clinically or biochemically evident MTC. Therapeutic total thyroidectomy with central compartment lymph node dissection is the optimal initial surgical procedure with a treatment goal of resecting all gross disease while minimizing operative morbidity. The need and extent of initial lateral lymphadenectomy can be safely guided by preoperative ultrasound imaging and basal calcitonin levels.
Effects of current clamp on chick retinal pigment epithelium.

The basal membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the origin of two components of the electroretinogram, the fast oscillation and the light peak. Both of these responses originate from changes in basal membrane potential (Vba), and both are associated with changes in basal membrane resistance (Rba). In addition, many experimental manipulations that alter Vba also produce apparent changes in Rba. These findings raise the possibility that the basal membrane contains a voltage-sensitive conductance that operates in the physiologic range and is involved causally in light-evoked and other responses. We report the results of current clamp experiments on the isolated retina-RPE-choroid of chick that were designed to test for the presence of such a voltage-sensitive conductance in the basal membrane. Depolarizing Vba by 15 mV with retina-to-choroid current had essentially no effect on either the ratio of membrane resistances (RaP/Rba) or the transtissue resistance (RTotoi), indicating no alteration in Rba. In contrast, hyperpolarizing Vba by 15 mV with choroid-to-retina current caused a gradual decrease in RTota, and increase in RaP/Rba. Analysis of accompanying changes in membrane voltages and changes in intracellular c-wave amplitude suggested that the most likely cause of the decrease in RTotai ' s a decrease in paracellular resistance. Voltage-sensitive conductances of the basal membrane appear to play little or no role in the resistance changes that accompany changes in Vba in the physiologic range. The conductance changes underlying the fast oscillation and light peak probably result from either the modulation of channels by second messengers or changes in intracellular ion concentration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 32:2047-2057,1991 Illumination of the dark-adapted retina evokes a series of voltage changes that can be recorded noninvasively in the direct-current electroretinogram (DC ERG). Three components of the DC ERG originate from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE): the c
From Action Learning to Learning from Action: Implementing the After Action Review

Change is a forgone conclusion. Technology innovation, the speed of information flow, shifts in demographics, globalization. etc. are all combining to make a crazy world. In fact, to start a discussion or article referring to the extensiveness and pace of change is becoming a cliche. The question is not whether change is happening, but how we respond. Can we learn fast enough to keep up? Can we adapt and respond in new ways rather than rely on old habits? Will our skills shift quickly enough to allow us to perform? Much of what we do in human resource management, leadership development and change management is designed to help people adapt to the new reality and it is good work, but often not fast enough. By the time skills are developed, culture modified, programs implemented or structure redesigned, the world has changed again. We have skills, culture and organizations perfectly designed to meet the needs of the past, but we never catch up with the future. Gordon Sullivan, recently retired Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army refers to this as making the past perfect. We are always behind and always responding to yesterday's problems. The critical issue is how we can learn and adapt fast enough to keep up with and stay ahead of the pace of change.
Abstract 4325: High-fat diet enhances and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 deficiency reduces bone loss in mice with pulmonary metastases of Lewis lung carcinoma

Bone is adversely affected by metastasis and metastasis-associated complications. Obesity is a risk factor for both bone and cancer. Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that produces pro-inflammatory adipokines, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), that contribute to obesity and obesity-related diseases. This study (2×2 factorial design) investigated the effects of a high-fat diet (45% of energy from corn oil) and MCP-1 deficiency on bone micro-structural changes, analyzed by micro-computed tomography, in male C57BL/6 mice bearing lung metastases of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Subcutaneous injection of LLC cells resulted in lung metastasis which was significantly enhanced by the high-fat diet and attenuated by MCP-1 deficiency. Micro-computed tomographic measurement showed significant reductions in bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N) and bone mineral density (BMD) in right femurs and vertebrae of LLC-bearing mice compared to non-tumor-bearing controls. In LLC-bearing mice, compared to the low-fat diet (16% of energy from corn oil), the high-fat diet significantly reduced BV/TV, Tb.N and BMD in femurs but not in vertebrae. Furthermore, compared to wild-type mice, MCP-1 deficiency significantly increased BV/TV and Tb.N in both femurs and vertebrae and BMD in vertebrae in LLC-bearing mice. These results demonstrate that metastasis causes bone loss which is enhanced by the high-fat diet and attenuated by MCP-1 deficiency. Overall, it indicates that the high-fat diet and MCP-1 contribute positively to metastasis-associated bone deterioration. Citation Format: Sneha Sundaram, Lin Yan. High-fat diet enhances and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 deficiency reduces bone loss in mice with pulmonary metastases of Lewis lung carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4325.
Multi-species Identification of Polymorphic Peptide Variants via Propagation in Spectral Networks

Peptide and protein identification remains challenging in organisms with poorly annotated or rapidly evolving genomes, as are commonly encountered in environmental or biofuels research. Such limitations render tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) database search algorithms ineffective as they lack corresponding sequences required for peptide-spectrum matching. We address this challenge with the spectral networks approach to (1) match spectra of orthologous peptides across multiple related species and then (2) propagate peptide annotations from identified to unidentified spectra. We here present algorithms to assess the statistical significance of spectral alignments (Align-GF), reduce the impurity in spectral networks, and accurately estimate the error rate in propagated identifications. Analyzing three related Cyanothece species, a model organism for biohydrogen production, spectral networks identified peptides from highly divergent sequences from networks with dozens of variant peptides, including thousands of peptides in species lacking a sequenced genome. Our analysis further detected the presence of many novel putative peptides even in genomically characterized species, thus suggesting the possibility of gaps in our understanding of their proteomic and genomic expression. A web-based pipeline for spectral networks analysis is available at http://proteomics.ucsd.edu/software.
Wet cough in paediatric severe therapy resistant asthma (STRA)

Introduction: Children with STRA suffer significant morbidity and increased health care utilization. Although mucus hypersecretion is described in adult asthmatics, its role in paediatric STRA is not known. We hypothesized that asthmatic children with wet cough have severe disease compared to those without wet cough. Methods: Observational retrospective analysis of children with STRA.Data from 22 age matched STRA patients with wet cough aged 6-16 years were compared with those without wet cough (n=23). All STRA patients with wet cough had additional investigations including CT chest, sweat test and immunology work up. Spirometry, total IgE, allergen specific IgE, steroid and antibiotic use, infective and asthma exacerbation were analysed. Results: Children with wet cough had significantly higher serum eosinophil counts (0.75 vs 0.45, p=0.01) ( Fig1 ), higher infective episodes requiring antibiotics (1 vs 0, p=0.001). 3/20 (15%) children had bronchiectasis and 7/20 (35%) had bronchial wall dilatation on the CT scan. Patients with wet cough had lower lung function, higher total IgE and higher dose of maintenance oral steroids (parameters did not reach statistical significance) Conclusion: We report a subgroup of STRA children with wet cough who have more severe disease. Further prospective studies are needed to understand the underlying immune pathology so that phenotype specific novel therapies can be developed.
Animals in the Classical World: Ethical Perspectives from Greek and Roman Texts

(2015). Animals in the Classical World: Ethical Perspectives from Greek and Roman Texts. Anthrozoos: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 524-526.
Predictors of Patterns of Alcohol-Related Blackouts Over Time in Youth From the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism: The Roles of Genetics and Cannabis.

Objective:Alcohol-related blackouts (ARBs) are anterograde amnesias related to heavy alcohol intake seen in about 50% of drinkers. Although a major determinant of ARBs relates to blood alcohol concentrations, additional contributions come from genetic vulnerabilities and possible impacts of cannabis use disorders (CUDs). We evaluated relationships of genetics and cannabis use to latent class trajectories of ARBs in 829 subjects from the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA).Method:The number of ARBs experienced every 2 years from subjects with average ages of 18 to 25 were entered into a latent class growth analysis in Mplus, and resulting class membership was evaluated in light of baseline characteristics, including CUDs. Correlations of number of ARBs across assessments were also compared for sibling pairs versus unrelated subjects.Results:Latent class growth analysis identified ARB-based Classes 1 (consistent low = 42.5%), 2 (moderate low = 28.3%), 3 (moderate high = 22.9%), and 4 (c...
Comparison of Motivation and Learning Outcome Achievement in Shortened, Online Summer Courses versus Their Full-Term Counterparts

This study examined student motivation and learning outcome achievement in shortened summer online courses when compared to their full-term online counterparts. Two courses were examined—a science course and a humanities course—each of which was taught as a full semester (15- week), fall term asynchronous online course and a shortened (5-week) summer term asynchronous online course. Both courses were designed with the assistance of an instructional designer and met design standards through an informal Quality Matters review. Further, both versions of each course were taught by the same professors who had both participated in online teacher training. The two versions of each course was identical in terms of content, assignments, layout, and rigor. In sum, this study held constant the variables of instructional design, instructor, and course content, and only course length was isolated as an independent variable. Student achievement of learning outcomes was measured by final course grades, single grades on a major project, and a post-course knowledge test. Motivation was measured using standard questions selected from the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. Results from 133 students in the full semester fall offerings and 66 students in the shortened summer offerings reveal that learning outcome achievement and motivation have no statistically significant difference when comparing course length or course term.
Differential Expression of c-Kit Identifies Hematopoietic Stem Cells with Variable Self-Renewal Potential.

Abstract 2325 Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can be identified on the basis of differential cell surface protein expression, such that 10 out of 13 purified HSC (Lin−c-Kit+Sca-1+CD150+CD34−FLK2−) exhibit long-term reconstitution potential in single-cell transplants. HSCs express c-Kit, and interactions between c-Kit and its ligand, stem cell factor, have been shown to be critical for HSC self-renewal; however, HSCs express a log-fold variation in c-Kit levels. We hypothesized that differing levels of c-Kit expression on HSCs may identify functionally distinct classes of HSCs. Thus, we measured the function and cellular characteristics of c-Kithi HSCs and c-Kitlo HSCs (defined as the top 30% and bottom 30% of c-Kit expressors, respectively), including colony formation, cell cycle status, lineage fates, and serial engraftment potential. In methylcellulose colony assays, c-Kithi HSCs formed 5-fold more colonies than c-Kitlo HSCs (P=0.01), as well as 4-fold more megakaryocyte colonies in vitro. c-Kithi HSC were 2.4-fold enriched for cycling cells (G2-S-M) in comparison to c-Kitlo HSC as assessed by flow cytometry in vivo (15.4% versus 6.4%, P=0.001). Lethally irradiated mice competitively transplanted with 400 c-Kitlo HSCs and 300,000 competitor bone marrow cells exhibited increasing levels of donor chimerism, peaking at a mean of 80% peripheral blood CD45 chimerism by 16 weeks post-transplantation, whereas mice transplanted with c-Kithi HSCs reached a mean of 20% chimerism (p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Decreases in self-reported sleep duration among U.S. adolescents 2009–2015 and association with new media screen time

Study objectives Insufficient sleep among adolescents carries significant health risks, making it important to determine social factors that change sleep duration. We sought to determine whether the self-reported sleep duration of U.S. adolescents changed between 2009 and 2015 and examine whether new media screen time (relative to other factors) might be responsible for changes in sleep. Methods We drew from yearly, nationally representative surveys of sleep duration and time use among adolescents conducted since 1991 (Monitoring the Future) and 2007 (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control; total N = 369,595). Results Compared to 2009, adolescents in 2015 were 16%-17% more likely to report sleeping less than 7 h a night on most nights, with an increase in short sleep duration after 2011-2013. New media screen time (electronic device use, social media, and reading news online) increased over this time period and was associated with increased odds of short sleep duration, with a clear exposure-response relationship for electronic devices after 2 or more hours of use per day. Other activities associated with short sleep duration, such as homework time, working for pay, and TV watching, were relatively stable or reduced over this time period, making it unlikely that these activities caused the sudden increase in short sleep duration. Conclusions Increased new media screen time may be involved in the recent increases (from 35% to 41% and from 37% to 43%) in short sleep among adolescents. Public health interventions should consider electronic device use as a target of intervention to improve adolescent health.
Residents' Insights and Ideas about Screen-Sharing in Primary Care Clinics.

Background Previous studies described attending physicians’ perceptions of the benefits and downsides of having the electronic health record (EHR) in the room during a clinical encounter. The perspective of residents has received little attention. Objective The goal of this project was to solicit internal medicine residents’ perception of EHR use in primary care clinic visits. In this report, we focus on residents’ perception of screen-sharing. Methods We conducted qualitative, semistructured interviews of internal medicine residents. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, and anonymized. Using a deductive approach to data analysis, we coded the transcripts to identify themes of interest. Results We included 21 residents. We identified eight themes related to screen-sharing. We identified opportunities, facilitators and barriers, and outcomes related to screensharing. We conceptualized the outcomes, facilitators, and barriers as falling into four categories: structural, patient based, physician based, and interactional. Conclusion Wider dissemination and adoption of curricula designed to teach residents how to incorporate EHR into the clinical encounter is needed. In addition, our study demonstrates the need to focus this training, at least in part, on screen-sharing and management of sensitive information disclosure.
Alcoholic hepatitis versus non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Levels of expression of some proteins involved in tumorigenesis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and/or hypertriglyceridemia, while alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is associated with alcohol abuse. Both NASH and ASH patients can develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) if left untreated. However, the rate of tumorigenesis in NASH and ASH appears to be different. Individuals with NASH progress to HCC at a rate of 0.5% annually (Lindenmeyer and McCullough, 2018), when individuals with ASH progress to HCC at a rate of 3-10% annually (Schwartz and Reinus, 2012). Thus, the objective of our study is to determine if there are differences in NASH versus ASH in the levels of different proteins expressed involved in cancer development. The method used was measuring the proteins expressed in liver biopsied sections from NASH and ASH patients using immunohistochemical staining with fluorescent antibodies and then quantitating the fluorescence intensity morphometrically. The 20 proteins tested are parts of the Ingenuity Canonical Pathway of Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer and include: RAP2B, NAIP, FYN, PAK6, SUV39H1, GNAI1, BAX, E2F3, CKDN2B, BAK1, BCL2, DIABLO, RASGRF2, GNA15, PIK3CB, BRCA1, MAP2K1, BIRC3, CDK2, and ATM. In ASH, the proteins that showed upregulated levels of expression were SUV39H1, E2F3, BCL2, BAK1, BIRC3, and GNAI1. In NASH, the proteins that showed upregulated levels of expression were BAK1 and GNAI1 and the protein that showed downregulated level of expression was BCL2. Additionally, levels of expression for SUV39H1, E2F3, BCL2, BAK1, BIRC3, and GNAI1 were significant upregulated in ASH compared to NASH. These results showed significant differences in ASH compared to normal liver, and significant differences in ASH compared to NASH. Thus, we conclude that there are more proteins involved in tumorigenesis in ASH compared to NASH and in ASH compared to normal liver, which is consistent with the known tumor development rate in ASH and NASH.
Performance Limits With Additive Error Metrics in Noisy Multimeasurement Vector Problems

Real-world applications such as magnetic resonance imaging with multiple coils, multiuser communication, and diffuse optical tomography often assume a linear model, where several sparse signals sharing common sparse supports are acquired by several measurement matrices and then contaminated by noise. Multimeasurement vector (MMV) problems consider the estimation or reconstruction of such signals. In different applications, the estimation error that we want to minimize could be the mean squared error or other metrics, such as the mean absolute error and the support set error. Seeing that minimizing different error metrics is useful in MMV problems, we study information-theoretic performance limits for MMV signal estimation with arbitrary additive error metrics. We also propose a message passing algorithmic framework that achieves the optimal performance, and rigorously prove the optimality of our algorithm for a special case. We further conjecture the optimality of our algorithm for some general cases and back it up through numerical examples. As an application of our MMV algorithm, we propose a novel setup for active user detection in multiuser communication and demonstrate the promise of our proposed setup.
Chapter 6 A Rich Mosaic: Emerging Research on Asian Families of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract In this chapter, we review research on families of Asian descent who are caring for family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our review includes research conducted in Asia as well as research on Asian immigrants in the United States and United Kingdom. This pan-ethnic group is of particular importance because Asia is the largest continent in the world, and Asians represent one of the largest immigrant groups to the United States and Western Europe. We review research within a cross-cultural stress and coping model that includes unique environmental and cultural contexts. We also examine the process of acculturation and differing experiences of Asian immigrant families with respect to the stress and coping model. We identify areas in which future research is needed to flesh out our knowledge about stress and coping among Asian families. Overall, our findings reveal a rich cultural mosaic of Asian families and their experiences.
SALMONELLA | Detection by Classical Cultural Techniques

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by R. Miguel Amaguana, Wallace H. Andrews, volume 3, pp 1948–1952, © 1999, Elsevier Ltd.