cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Variable Selection with Joint Modeling of Categorical and Survival Outcomes: An Application to Individualizing Chemotherapy Treatment in Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, with more than 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed each year. Clinical studies have shown that genetic alterations lead to different responses to the same treatment, despite the morphologic similarities of tumors. A molecular test prior to treatment could help in determining an optimal treatment for a patient with regard to both toxicity and efficacy. This article introduces a statistical method appropriate for predicting and comparing multiple endpoints given different treatment options and molecular profiles of an individual. A latent variable-based multivariate regression model with structured variance covariance matrix is considered here. The latent variables account for the correlated nature of multiple endpoints and accommodate the fact that some clinical endpoints are categorical variables and others are censored variables. The mixture normal hierarchical structure admits a natural variable selection rule. Inference was conducted using the posterior distribution sampling Markov chain Monte Carlo method. We analyzed the finite-sample properties of the proposed method using simulation studies. The application to the advanced colorectal cancer study revealed associations between multiple endpoints and particular biomarkers, demonstrating the potential of individualizing treatment based on genetic profiles.
Formal security analysis of basic network-attached storage

We study formal security properties of network-attached storage (NAS) in an applied pi calculus. We model NAS as an implementation of a specification based on traditional centralized storage. We show the correctness of the implementation by proving that it is fully abstract with respect to the specification. Our result can be viewed as a strong guarantee of security for a basic network-attached storage design.
Addressing Academic and Opportunity Gaps Impacting Gifted Black Males: Implications for School Counselors.

To date, counseling is far behind many other helping professions in terms of producing scholarly literature highlighting and informing gifted Black male students’ needs and how to meet them. In par...
Comparison of the unstructured clinician estimate of pretest probability for pulmonary embolism to the Canadian score and the Charlotte rule: a prospective observational study.

Objectives: Clinical decision rules have been validated for estimation of pretest probability in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). However, many clinicians prefer to use clinical gestalt for this purpose. The authors compared the unstructured clinical estimate of pretest probability for PE with two clinical decision rules. Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted from October 2001 to July 2004 at an urban academic emergency department with an annual census of 105,000. A total of 2,603 patients were enrolled; mean age (± SD) was 45 (± 16) years, and 70% were female. All patients were evaluated for PE using a previously published protocol, including D-dimer and alveolar dead space measurements, and selected use of pulmonary vascular imaging. All had 45-day follow-up. Interobserver agreement for each pretest probability estimation method was measured in a separate group of 154 patients. Results: The overall prevalence of PE was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.9% to 6.8%). Most were deemed low risk for PE, including 69% by the unstructured estimate < 15%, 73% by the Canadian score < 2, and 88% by the Charlotte rule “safe.” The corresponding prevalence of disease in each of these low-risk groups was 2.6%, 3.0%, and 4.2%. Weighted Cohen's κ values were 0.60 (95% CI = 0.46 to 0.74) for the unstructured clinical estimate < 15%, 0.47 (95% CI = 0.33 to 0.61) for the Canadian score < 2, and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.69 to 1.0) for the Charlotte rule “safe.”Conclusions: The unstructured clinical estimate of low pretest probability for PE compares favorably with the Canadian score and the Charlotte rule. Interobserver agreement for the unstructured estimate is moderate.
Nation-State Science: Lappology and Sweden's Ethnoracial Purity

This paper introduces the concept of “nation-state science” to describe the scientific work of ethnoracial classification that made possible the ideal of the homogenous nation-state. Swedish scientists implicitly defined their nation for Continental Europeans when they explicitly created knowledge about the “Lapps” (today's Sami/Saami). Nation was coupled to state through such ethnoracial categories, the content of which were redefined as Sweden's geopolitical power rose and fell. These shifts sparked methodological innovations to redefine the Lapp, making it a durable category whose content was plastic enough to survive paradigm shifts in political and scientific thought. Idiosyncratic Swedish concerns thus became universalized through the scientific diffusion of empirical knowledge about Lapps and generalizable anthropometric techniques to distinguish among populations. What Sweden lost during the nineteenth century in terms of geopolitical power, it gained in terms of biopower: the knowledge and control of internal populations made possible by its widely adopted anthropometric innovations. Nation-state science helps unpack the interrelationships between state-building, nation-making, and scientific labor.
An Archival Exploration of Homicide—Suicide and Mass Murder in the Context of 19th-Century American Parricides:

There has been little attempt to integrate contemporary studies of suicide and mass murder to homicide—suicides. The current research attempts to do so in the context of 19th-century parricides in America. This project uses archival records from The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, 1851-1899, resulting in a total of 231 incidents. Our results indicate that parricides, mass murders, and suicides tended to originate as spontaneous acts, usually during the course of an argument, gathering momentum as the interaction unfolded. We contend that suicide is one way of alleviating threats to offender’s loss of self-identity.
All-optical up-conversion for 30×7.5Gb/s WDM signals in a 60GHz ROF System

Polarization-insensitive all-optical up-conversion based on co-polarized pump fourwave mixing (FWM) in highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) for 30 × 7.5 Gb/s WDM channels in 60 GHz ROF systems has been demonstrated for the first time.
Distributed energy efficient spectrum access in cognitive radio wireless ad hoc networks

In this paper, energy efficient spectrum access is considered for a wireless cognitive radio ad hoc network, where each node is equipped with cognitive radio, has limited energy, and the network is an OFDMA system operating on time slots. In each slot, the users with new traffic demand will sense the spectrum and locate the available subcarrier set. Given the data rate requirement and maximal power limit, a constrained optimization problem is formulated for each individual user to minimize the energy consumption per bit over all selected subcarriers, while avoid introducing harmful interference to the existing users. Because of the multi-dimensional and non-convex nature of the problem, a fully distributed subcarrier selection and power allocation algorithm is proposed by combining an unconstrained optimization method with a constrained partitioning procedure. Due to the non-cooperative behavior among new users, they will execute distributed power control to manage the co-channel interference when needed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme performs tightly to the global optimal solution. In addition, the comparison between the proposed energy efficient allocation scheme and the well established rate or power efficient allocation algorithms is carried out to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed scheme in terms of network lifetime.
Experimental evaluation of a prototype cylindrical section ultrasound hyperthermia phased-array applicator

A prototype 64-element, 75 degrees cylindrical-section ultrasonic phased-array hyperthermia applicator has been designed and constructed. The ability of this applicator to focus ultrasonic energy at its geometric focus is verified in a water medium. The array is then driven by excitation vectors obtained using the pseudoinverse pattern synthesis method to generate shifted-focus and multiple-focus field patterns. Experimental results of single and multiple-focus patterns at 500 kHz are given and are in good agreement with theory. The results indicate that the main beam in single-focus patterns is generally insensitive to errors in the phases and amplitudes of the particle velocities of the array elements. The effect of such errors is largely exhibited in the sidelobes which, for all practical purposes, remain at levels acceptable for hyperthermia. This is true for both the geometric focus and shifted foci. >
CCR2 and CCR6, but Not Endothelial Selectins, Mediate the Accumulation of Immature Dendritic Cells within the Lungs of Mice in Response to Particulate Antigen

Dendritic cells (DC) migrate from sites of inflammation to lymph nodes to initiate primary immune responses, but the molecular mechanisms by which DC are replenished in the lungs during ongoing pulmonary inflammation are unknown. To address this question, we analyzed the secondary pulmonary immune response of Ag-primed mice to intratracheal challenge with the particulate T cell-dependent Ag sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). We studied wild-type C57BL/6 mice and syngeneic gene-targeted mice lacking either both endothelial selectins (CD62E and CD62P), or the chemokine receptors CCR2 or CCR6. DC, defined as non-autofluorescent, MHC class II+CD11cmod cells, were detected in blood, enzyme-digested minced lung, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using flow cytometry and immunohistology. Compared with control mice, Ag challenge increased the frequency and absolute numbers of DC, peaking at day 1 in peripheral blood (6.5-fold increase in frequency), day 3 in lung mince (20-fold increase in total DC), and day 4 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (55-fold increase in total DC). Most lung DC expressed CD11c, CD11b, and low levels of MHC class II, CD40, CD80, and CD86, consistent with an immature myeloid phenotype. DC accumulation depended in part upon CCR2 and CCR6, but not endothelial selectins. Thus, during lung inflammation, immature myeloid DC from the bloodstream replace emigrating immature DC and transiently increase total intrapulmonary APC numbers. Early DC recruitment depends in part on CCR2 to traverse vascular endothelium, plus CCR6 to traverse alveolar epithelium. The recruitment of circulating immature DC represents a potential therapeutic step at which to modulate immunological lung diseases.
Esophageal Columnar Epithelial β-Galactosidase and β-Glucuronidase

We have compared the activity of the lysosomal enzymes, β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase, in esophageal columnar, gastric fundic, and small intestinal epithelia. β-Galactosidase activity in esophageal columnar epithelium was less than that in intestinal tissue. β-Glucuronidase activity in the esophageal columnar epithelium was greater than that in gastric fundic tissue. Thus, this unique epithelium has enzyme characteristics which are dissimilar to both intestinal and gastric fundic tissue. This tends to support previous findings that suggested a metaplastic derivation.
17-OR: IS RACE A RISK FACTOR FOR POOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SURVIVAL?

Aim Published studies have suggested that African Americans (AA) have reduced long term kidney transplant (KT) survival compared to non AA. OPTN/SRTR registry data (1998 – 2007) indicate that 10 year deceased donor (DD) KT survival is significantly less for AA, 34.6%, compared to Caucasians, 45.8%. In this 10 year single center study of DD KT we examined factors that might account for significant differences in transplant outcomes among racial groups. Methods The study population consisted of 426 (307 AA, 119 non AA) consecutive recipients that received DD KT at our center from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2007. All recipients had negative T cell CDCXMs (Amos). FCXMs with the pre transplant CDCXM negative sera were performed within 48 hrs of transplantation. Immunosuppression: Induction with Thymoglobulin, maintenance therapy, Tacrolimus, MMF, prednisone. End point: Graft failure with return to dialysis. Results DD KT survival in T- B- FCXM AA recipients was 84.4% (n = 237) which was similar to non AA, 86.2% (n = 87). The latter outcomes were significantly better (p = 0.001) then AA and non AA with T- B+ FCXMs, 44.4% (n = 27) and 50.0% (n = 12), respectively. However, there was a difference in graft survival for AA with T+ B+ FCXMs, 55.8% (n = 43) compared to non AA 80% (n = 20). Multivariate analyses (COX HR) of the study population (n = 426) indicated that DD age but not race was a risk factor for DD KT survival as there was a significant difference in the age (42.8) of DD to AA compared to the age (38.3) of DD to non AA. Conclusions In contrast to registry data, our 10 year study indicated that DD KT survival in AA was slightly less but not significantly different then KT survival in non AA though a difference was detected, respectively, in T+ B+ FCXM groups. Differences in transplant outcomes among racial groups may be observed if the following factors are not considered: presence of low levels of donor specific antibody (by FCXM and/or SAB), donor age and use of induction therapy. Norin: Immucor - Lifecodes: Speakers Bureau.
Evaluation of a Noninvasive Hemoglobin Measurement Device to Screen for Anemia in Infancy

Objective Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide and a common medical condition in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended universal screening for iron deficiency anemia in infants at approximately 1 year of age. This screening involves invasive venous blood sampling which increases the clinic visit time and may cause significant stress to the patient and family members. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and utility of a non-invasive hemoglobin measurement device compared to standard laboratory hemoglobin measurement from venipuncture. Methods One hundred ten children were enrolled in the study following a well-child examination at San Antonio Military Medical Center from June 2012 to June 2014. Each child had a hemoglobin measurement obtained with the Masimo Pronto with Rainbow® R20L disposable sensor followed by venipuncture that was sent to the clinical laboratory for hemoglobin measurement. Paired hemoglobin results from the non-invasive device and the clinical laboratory were compared. Results Ninety-seven children successfully had hemoglobin measured by the Masimo Pronto device. Hemoglobin values obtained with the Masimo Pronto were significantly correlated with venous hemoglobin levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.48. A hemoglobin level less than 11.5 gm/dL on the Masimo Pronto had a sensitivity of 82 % and a negative predictive value of 95 % when compared to venous hemoglobin level less than 11 gm/dL. Conclusions for Practice Non-invasive hemoglobin testing with the Masimo Pronto device may be a useful screening tool for anemia in infants that avoids invasive testing.
Ozonation of Butyl Rubber to Estimate Unsaturation

Abstract A method has been developed for the estimation of the unsaturation of butyl rubber by ozonation in selected solvents. Under a given set of conditions the ozonation method is reproducible to within 7 per cent and conceivably could be improved by further refinement. The unsaturation of a butyl rubber can be estimated in about 10 minutes when using ozonated oxygen and in about 15 minutes when using ozonated air.
Review of communication technologies for smart homes/building applications

A customer premises network (CPN) is a critical element to support messaging exchange among smart meters, an energy management unit, load controllers, smart appliances and electric vehicles in a smart home/building environment. Smart grid applications in a CPN generally are driven by the need for Home/Building Energy Management Systems (HEM/BEM). Design of an effective energy management system requires the selection of a proper communication technology. The objective of this paper is to compare commonly used wired and wireless communication technologies for smart grid applications in a premises area network in terms of their standard/protocol, maximum data rate, coverage range, and adaptation rate. These communication technologies include both wired solutions (e.g., Ethernet, ITU-T G.hn, Power Line Communication (PLC), Serial, HomePNA, MoCA) and wireless solutions (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZigBee, ZWave, Bluetooth, 6LoWPAN, IEEE 802.15.3a, Enocean, Wave2M, RFID, ONE-NET).
“Binders of Bayonets for Big Bird” Analysis of Political Cartoon Images of the 2012 Presidential Debates

Consistent with other media covering the 2012 presidential campaign, political cartoons attended to the events surrounding the three presidential debates between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. While political cartoons offer a humorous visual commentary, they are part of the campaign media narrative, and are perhaps more memorable than many stories or columns themselves. This analysis discusses the attention to and portrayal of particular candidate performance in the 2012 presidential debates, and how particular statements or behavior was visually demonstrated in political cartoons, and also discusses the implication of such portrayals and attention in cartoons.
A distinctive perivenular hepatic lesion associated with heart failure.

Hepatic morphologic changes in seven patients in heart failure who were initially thought to have hepatitis are reported. In each instance, percutaneous liver biopsy or post mortem tissue examination disclosed a striking lesion involving all perivenular areas, with replacement of hepatocytes by erythrocytes. Four patients were in pure left-heart failure, while three were in biventricular failure. Upon treatment of the heart failure, the conditions of all patients improved clinically, and liver-function tests returned to normal or near normal. In two patients who later had refractory heart failure and died, there was no evidence of hepatic-vein thrombosis or occlusion postmortem. A hypothesis is offered for the pathogenesis of this lesion, and its clinico-pathologic differential is discussed.
Effects of early-season loss of flower buds on yield, quality, and maturity of cotton in South Carolina

The effect of early-season flower bud damage on yield, quality, and maturity of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., was determined at Florence and Blackville, SC, from 1989 to 1994. From 1989 to 1991, yields from insecticide-treated plots for Heliothis virescens (F.) during June were compared with plots left untreated during June. In all cases from 1989 to 1991, no significant differences in yield were observed between treated and untreated plots. From 1992 to 1994, H. virescens damage was simulated by hand-removal of flower buds. In 1992, no significant differences were observed in yield, maturity, or lint quality following removals as high as 100% for 4 consecutive weeks. In 1993, a 1-wk delay in maturity was observed in 'DES 119' and 'Deltapine 90' at both locations following removals of 100% for 3 and 4 wk, and in 1994 at Blackville following removals of 100% for 3 wk. From 1992 to 1994, there were no significant yield effects following any flower bud removal level or duration, but in 1993 at Blackville, there were significant removal X planting date and removal X planting date X cultivar interactions. In this instance, DES 119 planted late (28 May) and grown under irrigated and dryland conditions experienced yield reductions of 30-45% after 100% removal for 3 or 4 wk that extended into mid-July. No other significant interactions with removal occurred, and no differences in lint quality were observed. Our data indicate that cotton compensates adequately for flower bud loss in June in South Carolina, and that insecticides for H. virescens seldom are needed early in the season. Opportunities to ameliorate traditional insecticide approaches for cotton insect management are discussed by considering our data in conjunction with the expansion of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program and the deployment of cotton cultivars that contain genes for expression of the delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis in other areas of the Cotton Belt.
Reducing Iron Deficiency in 18–36-months-old US Children: Is the Solution Less Calcium?

Objectives National surveys consistently identify iron deficiency (ID) in US children between 1 and 3 years of age, when the brain is rapidly developing and vulnerable to the effects of ID. However, controversy remains as to how best to recognize and prevent ID in young children, in part because of the multiple potential etiologies. The objective of this project was to assess ID in children and identify potential individual dietary predictors of status. Methods We examined three biomarkers of ID [soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and serum ferritin (SF), and body iron (calculated from sTfR and SF)] against parent-provided dietary calcium and iron intake for eight-three 18-36 month old children from middle class families. Results Using literature-based cutoffs, fourteen children (16.9 %) had at least one indicator of ID: low SF( 8.4 μg/ml, 13.2 %). All children consumed more than the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) Estimated Average Requirement of 3 mg/d iron. The mean iron intake of children identified with ID approximated the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 7 mg/d. Most children (81 %) consumed above the DRI Adequate Intake of 500 mg/d of calcium. Calcium intakes were generally high and predicted lower body iron (p = 0.0005), lower SF (p = 0.0086) and higher sTfR (p = 0.0176). Conclusions for Practice We found rates of ID similar to US national averages. Dietary calcium intake predicted lower iron status more than deficits in iron intake. Teaching parents to balance calcium and iron intake in toddlers could be a strategy to prevent ID.
Integrated application of GIS Ultra High Frequency and Ultrasonic Partial Discharge detecting technology

The principle of GIS Ultra High Frequency(UHF) and Ultrasonic Partial Discharge(PD) detecting technology is introduced,and the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods are compared.The comprehensive testing method of using UHF detection for qualitative analysis and ultrasonic detection for positioning detection is proposed.Through the integrated application of two detecting methods,the characteristics of GIS PD in 110kV substation of Yinchuan are analyzed to diagnose the discharge type and positioning the discharge source.The in-site experience shows that the integrated application can achieve the detection and positioning of partial discharge of GIS equipment fast and accurately.
How do you feel about your friends? Understanding situational envy in online social networks

Abstract Online social networks (OSNs) offer a stream of information that readily provides comparison opportunities, often resulting in feelings of envy. Two factors that drive OSN-situational envy (OSN-SE) are a user’s personality and needs. Leveraging the five-factor model of personality and uses and gratifications theory, we explore how personality traits and OSN use affect OSN-SE. Data from 625 survey responses indicate that Facebook users experience greater OSN-SE when they exhibit neuroticism and use Facebook to gratify needs to gather information, seek attention, or pass time, suggesting that envy-prone users should use OSN for specific purposes and avoid passive pursuits.
Shared solar-powered EV charging stations: Feasibility and benefits

Electric vehicles (EV) are growing in popularity as a credible alternative to gas-powered vehicles. These vehicles require their batteries to be “fueled up” for operation. While EV charging has traditionally been grid-based, use of solar powered chargers has emerged as an interesting opportunity. These chargers provide clean electricity to electric-powered cars that are themselves pollution free resulting in positive environmental effects. In this paper, we design a solar-powered EV charging station in a parking lot of a car-share service. In such a car-share service rental pick up and drop off times are known. We formulate a Linear Programming approach to charge EVs that maximize the utilization of solar energy while maintaining similar battery levels for all cars. We evaluate the performance of our algorithm on a real-world and synthetically derived datasets to show that it fairly distributes the available electric charge among candidate EVs across seasons with variable demand profiles. Further, we reduce the disparity in the battery charge levels by 60% compared to best effort charging policy. Moreover, we show that 80th percentile of EVs have at least 75% battery level at the end of their charging session. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of our charging station and show that a solar installation proportional to the size of a parking lot adequately apportions available solar energy generated to the EVs serviced.
Assessing bouts of activity using modeled clinically validated physical activity on commodity hardware

Human activity can be measured through identification of bouts of activity. The Freedson cut point method used by ActiGraph has become one very common and well accepted standard for estimating times of continuous moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, such methods do not directly apply to other data sources such as the Fitbit Flex, a wrist worn wireless pedometer. In previous research by the authors, a model was presented to improve the estimates of physical activity (PA) level in the Fitbit devices. This paper considers the estimates of activity bouts, building on the modeled PA level from the Fitbit Flex as compared to the results from the ActiGraph GT3X. The purpose of this paper is to compare the “gold standard” ActiGraph to modeled Fitbit Freedson methods and to establish normative values of expected errors in bout detection between the two devices and methods, both of which are proxy methods aimed at measuring actual physical activity levels. Here we compare bout identification using three measures, the ActiGraph Freedson method, Fitbit Intensity Score, and the modeled Fitbit Freedson using three different outcomes. First, we compare a baseline of per subject per day number and duration of bouts from an ActiGraph GT3X to the results found from using the same methods on the Intensity Score reported by Fitbit and the modeled Fitbit Freedson method. Next, we compare the difference in duration of bouts identified in each data source matched according to similar start and end times. Finally, we compare the bouts found from the three methods to bouts identified in a self report diary.
Patent Litigation Data from US District Court Electronic Records (1963-2015)

Economists, legal scholars and policy makers are concerned about the impact of patent litigation on the rate and direction of US innovation and on the functioning of the US intellectual property system. At this time, however, there is no reliable, comprehensive, free and publicly accessible source of patent litigation data. As a first step towards overcoming this limitation, the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, in collaboration with the National Technical Information Service, undertook a patent litigation data pilot. This paper describes two patent litigation databases from which OCE generated comprehensive patent litigation datasets as a result of the pilot and is releasing for public use. First, we obtained the docket reports on the universe of patent litigation cases in PACER and RECAP and created a dataset for the period 1963-2015. Second, we captured the metadata for these cases, which includes information on the case identifier, parties involved, filing date, and district court location. We hope that free access to comprehensive data will help advance research on the evolving patent litigation landscape and its economic impact.
Back to the Bench? MEK and ERK Inhibitors for the Treatment of KRAS Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Background Lung cancer accounts for one in five cancer deaths worldwide and mutations in the gene encoding for the Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) oncoprotein define the largest molecular subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These tumors are characterized by activated MAPK signaling, however, no targeted inhibitors of mutant KRAS or of downstream signaling molecules have yet been approved for routine clinical use. Objective The primary objective of this review is to critically summarize the current developmental state of MEK and ERK inhibitors in pre-clinical models and in human clinical trials for KRAS mutant lung cancer particularly in light of the newly emerging concept of immune checkpoint blockade. Method We performed a Pubmed-based literature search and considered publications from the fields of basic and translational biomedicinal and biochemistry research, as well as from past and ongoing human clinical trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov). Results and conclusions MAPK pathway targeting agents are efficacious in pre-clinical models but their benefit is limited for patients with KRAS mutant NSCLC due to the lack of predictive factors, toxicity and the adaptive dynamic kinome reprogramming within the tumor. Overall, MEK inhibitors have advanced further in clinical development compared to ERK inhibitors. New treatment strategies as e.g. immune checkpoint blockade are currently revolutionizing the treatment paradigms and future clinical trials need to show if they replace MAPK targeting strategies or are used as add-on.
Experimental Approaches to Hormones and Behavior: Invertebrates

The extreme diversity of this large group of animals not only poses challenges in that the physiology of most invertebrate species is unknown, but also offers opportunities in the form of narrow and broad comparative studies. Research has focused on insects, in reflection of their economic importance. Most classic and molecular techniques developed for studies of hormone–behavior relationships in vertebrates can be adapted for use in insects, although the small size of many species limits determination of the temporal profile of hormone secretion. The sequencing and annotation of invertebrate genomes has led to the recognition that many invertebrate endocrine signals (such as the insulin-like peptides) and their receptors are homologs of signals and receptors found in vertebrates.
Abstract P147: Impact of Quality Improvement Initiatives on Core Measures Performance and Short-Term Mortality in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Impact of compliance with process of care measures on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) outcomes is ambiguous. Baylor Health Care System, Dallas, TX (BHCS) invested substantial resources in measuring and improving performance on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Core Measures, and sought to determine the changes in both compliance and short-term mortality over a 6-year period. Methods: CMS AMI core measure compliance and mortality were assessed in consecutive encounters eligible for at least one measure from July 2002 to June 2008 at 8 BHCS hospitals (n= 6,826). Adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital and 30-day post-admission mortality and rate ratios for core measure compliance were calculated using marginal structural models to assess differences over time. Results: Core measures compliance improved significantly. Adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] revealed significant decreases in in-hospital mortality in cohorts eligible for: aspirin at arrival (Year 5 versus baseline: 0.46 [0.27, 0.78]; Year 6 versus baseline: 0.37 [0.22, 0.65]), beta-blockers at arrival (Year 5 versus baseline: 0.38 [0.19, 0.74]; Year 6 versus baseline: 0.24 [0.11, 0.52]) and a bundle measure comprising aspirin at arrival, beta-blockers at arrival and timely reperfusion (Year 5 versus baseline: 0.46 [0.28, 0.78]; Year 6 versus baseline: 0.41 [0.24, 0.69]). Significant decreases in 30-day post-admission mortality followed the same pattern. Conclusion: AMI Core Measures compliance improved significantly and short-term mortality decreased significantly in patients eligible for 3 of the admission measures. Further research is needed to elucidate any causal relationship between the improved compliance and short-term survival.
Review of Patricia Illingworth and Wendy Parmet, The Health of Newcomers1

According 1. New York, NY: New York University Press, 2017. $45.00, 320 pp., Hardcover. to the International Organization for Migration, there are currently more international immigrants now than a...
Practical Applications of Landscape Geochemistry

Part III describes different ways in which the discipline of landscape geochemistry may be applied in environmental science. Chapter 18 involves the application of individual concepts and principles of landscape geochemistry to specific problems in environmental geochemistry. From one point of view this application is already a reality, because most studies of environmental geochemistry include the concept of element abundance in one form or another. However, it is the other six basics of the discipline, and their applications in different kinds of fundamental and practical environmental geochemistry, which are the subject of this chapter. In Chapter 19, suggestions are made regarding the application of the discipline of landscape geochemistry as a totality to the study and solution of five classes of environmental problems—one of which involves the dissemination of geological information to nonscientists involved in the political decision-making process about the environment.
.NET Contracts: Attaching Specifications to Components

We use AsmL to specify classes and interfaces for.NET components. The AsinL description characterizes precisely the structure and possible behavior of a component. It enables a client to effectively use it without access to the source code. AsmL specifications can also be used to perform the runtime verification of.NET components. Runtime verification dynamically monitors the behavior of a component to ensure that it conforms to its specification. Initial work with a Microsoft product team to integrate AsmL technology is under way.
CHAPTER 30 – Animal Scale-Up

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses allometry, physiological pharmacokinetics (PK), and the use of in vitro systems to predict drug metabolism in experimental animals and human study participants. Allometric principles are used to answer a variety of questions relevant to the application of preclinical PK data to the design of dose regimens for humans. Allometric scaling to predict distribution volume from studies in three animal species—rat, dog, and monkey—has been found to be reasonably satisfactory. The distribution and disposition of a drug in the body result from a complex set of physiological processes and biochemical interactions. A physiological PK model was developed to predict the deamination of cytosine arabinoside in humans from enzyme parameters determined from homogenates of human tissue. Interpretation is required for extrapolating in vitro results to the pharmacokinetically relevant rate of metabolism by the liver in the body. Issues such as drug binding in the culture medium and in plasma, distribution between plasma and red blood cells, and penetration into liver slices must be considered. The prediction of in vivo intrinsic clearance of cytochrome P450 (CYP) substrates in the rat from studies using microsomal preparations and isolated hepatocytes is elaborated in the chapter.
Epigenetic Mechanisms of Colon Cancer Prevention: What Can Nutrition Do?

Colon cancer is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Colon cancer occurs as a consequence of the accumulation of abnormal DNA methylation and the disruption of the histone code. The present review summarizes etiology and risk factors of colon cancer and the potential of nutrition to counteract these cancer-related epigenetic alterations. Unlike the genome, epigenetic structure can be reshaped, which has the potential to offer access for the prevention and treatment of cancer by any compounds that directly target the epigenome by influencing the activity or expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone modifying enzymes. Epigenetic processes are detailed thoroughly and the molecular details of carcinogenesis and colon cancer prevention are reviewed comprehensively. The review also includes specific dietary components, including chromatin modifiers and anti-inflammatory agents, that can directly influence cancer cell growth. Overall, information is still mainly derived from in vitro investigations, and data from animal models or human intervention studies that demonstrate the functional relevance of epigenetic mechanisms for health promoting or cancer preventive efficacy are limited. With the emergence of novel technologies, future research exploring epigenomics will help to better understand the importance of epigenetic mechanisms for nutrition in cancer prevention.
CHAPTER FOUR – WORD PROBLEMS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents methods to solve word problems, which develops the ability to analyze words and to heighten confidence in solving word problems. It presents procedures for converting words to algebra and applying these procedures to some problems. The following are the typical steps used in solving word problems: (1) reading the problem for understanding what is required; (2) Isolating what is known and what is to be found; (3) in many problems, the unknown quantity answers questions such as how much or how many; (4) representing other quantities in the problem in terms of x; (5) finding the relationship in the problem that lets you write an equation (or an inequality); (6) checking the answer to see that it satisfies the original question and the equation (or inequality). The chapter also highlights some types of word problems that require special attention.
Experiences of coping with injury in Division I athletes from low-to-middle socioeconomic status backgrounds

EXPERIENCES OF COPING WITH INJURY IN DIVISION I ATHLETES FROM LOW-TO-MIDDLE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS BACKGROUNDS by Matthew P. Bejar Injuries inevitably occur in any sport at any level. The integrated sport injury model is one of the most extensive frameworks to address the psychological responses to athletic injury. While this model posits that socioeconomic status (SES) influences how an athlete cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally responds to an injury, no research has substantiated this claim. Low SES individuals experience an exceptional amount of stress, which may complicate how they cope with a negative event. The coping strategies employed by an athlete can have major implications on rehabilitation adherence, recovery time, and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the experiences of low-to-middle SES athletes coping with injury. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes who had sustained recent injuries that lasted at least four weeks. A thematic data analysis produced 73 raw data themes and 16 higher-order themes, which were organized into five general dimensions: cognitive appraisals, emotional reactions, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidance coping. While many participants initially reacted with catastrophizing thoughts and negatively toned emotions, they employed mostly adaptive forms of coping, such as positive reframing and perseverance. Generally, coaches, athletic trainers, sport psychology professionals, and other individuals should be more cognizant of SES and other related identities when collaborating with injured athletes.
Kinesiology’s Tower of Babel: Advancing the Field with Consistent Nomenclature

ABSTRACTThe knowledge base of kinesiology can be compared to the construction of a fragmented, diffuse tower. Much of the lack of identity and progress of kinesiology as the leader in the study of ...
Multi-Robot Enhanced MANET Intelligent Routing at Uncertain and Vulnerable Tactical Edge

This paper investigates the problem of intelligent resilient routing in a multi-autonomous robot enhanced network at uncertain and vulnerable tactical edge. To further increase the network interoperability, many emerging network protocols, such as opportunistic mobile network routing protocols, integrated social network into communication network through utilizing social mobility and opportunistic carry and forward routing algorithms. However, in practical harsh environment such as a battlefield, the uncertainty of social mobility and complexity of vulnerable environment due to unpredictable physical and cyber attacks from enemy, would seriously affect the effectiveness and practicality of these emerging network protocols. This paper proposes a GT-SaRE-MANET (Game Theoretic Situation-aware Robot Enhanced Mobile Ad-hoc Network)routing protocol that adopt the online game theoretic reinforcement learning technique to design the mobility of multi-robot as well as handle the uncertainty and potential physical and cyber attack at tactical edge. Firstly, a set of game theoretic mission oriented metrics has been introduced to describe the interrelation among network quality, multi-robot mobility as well as potential attacking activities. Then, a distributed multi-agent game theoretic reinforcement learning algorithm has been developed. It will not only optimize GT-SaRE-MANET routing protocol and the mobility of multi-robots online, but also effectively avoid the physical and/or cyber attacks from enemy by using the game theoretic mission oriented metrics. The effectiveness of proposed design has been demonstrated through computer aided simulation and hardware experiments.
SELF–HEALTH: ITS VALIDITY AND UTILITY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Introduction Self-rated health has been a widely used measure in gerontology. It has been used in a few investigations of older adults with schizophrenia (OAS). Self- health can potentially be as an important research tool for OAS for several reasons: It is a global measurement of the state of physical health, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life; it is easily obtained through one single question; it is an indicator significantly associated with the population's state of health and possibly with mortality; it can be used to guide healthcare needs; it can identify at-risk individuals; and It may be used by policy makers to tailor health services. Unfortunately, at this point, it is unclear if self-health is a valid measure for OAS. This study of self-health aims to: (1) Determine its validity by examining its correlations with various measures of physical, psychological, and social well-being in OAS; (2) Contrast these findings with a community comparison group; (3) Determine its impact on various outcome measures on 53-month follow-up. Methods The initial sample comprised 249 outpatients with schizophrenia(S) aged 55+ who developed the disorder prior to age 45 ( M = 61 years, 51% male, 55% white) and a normal community comparison(C) group (n=113). 104 of the S group were seen on follow-up ( M =53 months; range:12 to 116 months). The self-health item was rated on a 4 point scale from poor (1) to excellent (4). Results Self-health correlated significantly (p Conclusions 1. Consistent with the gerontological literature, we found self-health serves as a global indicator of physical, mental, and social well-being in OAS. 2. There was a strikingly similarity between the correlations of the schizophrenia and the comparison groups, although correlations for the latter were somewhat more robust for several physical health variables. 3. In OAS, baseline self-health did not predict any physical, mental, or social outcomes on 53 month follow-up. The findings strongly suggest that using self-health in OAS has comparable validity to its use in normal older adults in the community and can serve as a global indicator of contemporaneous well-being. However, its value as a long-term predictor of biopsychosocial outcomes was not demonstrated in this study. This research was funded by None.
A Telephone Based Brief Intervention Using Motivational Enhancement to Facilitate HIV Risk Reduction Among MSM: A Pilot Study

We conducted a randomized controlled pilot intervention to evaluate the efficacy of a telephone-based brief counseling intervention to reduce sexual risk taking among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Seattle, Washington. The study targeted individuals who were currently engaging in unsafe sex but were not committed to making changes toward safer behaviors. Counselors used motivational interviewing strategies in a single 90-min session to enhance readiness for change, promote greater intentions to use condoms, and to support safer sex practices. Results are based on 89 MSM randomly assigned to Immediate counseling or a Delayed counseling control condition. Among minority participants, Immediates were significantly less likely to have engaged in unprotected anal intercourse at follow-up, compared to Delays. Immediate participants reported significantly less ambivalence about practicing safer sex at follow-up, and tended to report greater increases in intentions to use condoms. These findings support the potential efficacy of a brief intervention based upon motivational enhancement principles for promoting safer sex practices among at-risk MSM.
Muller's Nobel Prize data: Getting the dose wrong and its significance

This paper evaluates the significant historical paper of Muller and Mott-Smith (1930), which successfully disputed the proposal of Olson and Lewis (1928) that background ionizing radiation is the driving mechanism of evolution. While the present analysis supports the general conclusion that background radiation is not a quantifiable factor affecting evolution, the paper reveals methodological errors and questionable conclusions in the Muller and Mott-Smith (1930) paper, which may have impacted the acceptance of the linear non-threshold (LNT) model. Most importantly, this paper reveals that in Muller's (1927) Nobel Prize research he used a treatment exposure (total dose) that was 95 million-fold greater than the average background exposure, a value far greater than the 200,000 fold reported by Muller and Mott-Smith (1930). Such a large exposure rate discrepancy may be historically important as it may have led to the over-reliance on Muller's research in support of the derivation and use of the LNT single-hit model.
“Fighting the Good Fight”: Why Do Public Defenders Remain on the Job?:

In this article, we ask why public defenders remain on the job despite a number of unique and testing work-related challenges. To answer this question, we analyze original data collected through 87...
Response rate and safety of standard-dose nivolumab with reduced-dose ipilimumab in metastatic melanoma.

140Background: Reduced-dose nivolumab in combination with standard-dose ipilimumab was shown to improve overall response rate (58%), progression free survival (11.5 months), and overall survival co...
Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)

SUMMARY Thromboangiitis obliterans is a progressive, often relentless and devastating, vasculitis causing significant loss of digits and limbs in a youthful population of tobacco users. Whereas the specific pathogenetic mechanism has not been defined, tobacco use is clearly a trigger for what appears to be an autoimmune mechanism in a given group of patients. Its cessation almost always prevents further tissue damage. Medical and surgical therapy palliate accrued damage, but only complete abstinence from tobacco use allows stabilization of the process. An appreciation of the characteristic clinical, angiographic, and histopathologic features allows specific diagnosis and differentiation from premature atherosclerosis and other mechanisms of distal and microcirculatory deficits. There is a pressing need for the evaluation of agents that might interrupt this process in the face of continued tobacco use; such an agent would be helpful in combating proliferative arterial change in other types of vasculitis.