cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring temporal and spatial variability in sandeel (Ammodytes hexapterus) abundance with pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) diets

We evaluated pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) as monitors of nearshore fish abundance and community composition during 1995-1999 at Kachemak Bay, Alaska. We studied the composition of chick diets at 10 colonies and simultaneously measured fish abundance around colonies with beach seines and bottom trawls. Sandeels (Ammodytes hexapterus) formed the majority of the diet at one group of colonies. Temporal variability in sandeel abundance explained 74% of inter-annual variability in diet composition at these colonies and 93% of seasonal variability. Diets at other colonies were dominated by demersal fish. Among these colonies, 81% of the variability in the proportion of sandeels in diets was explained by spatial differences in sandeel abundance. Pigeon guillemots exhibited a non-linear functional response to sandeel abundance in the area where these fish were most abundant. Temporal and spatial variability in demersal fish abundance was not consistently reflected in diets. Spatial differences in the proportion of different demersal fishes in the diet may have been driven by differences in guillemot prey preference. Prey specialization by individual pigeon guillemots was common, and may operate at the colony level. Inter-annual variability in sandeel abundance may have been tracked more accurately because the magnitude of change (11-fold) was greater than that of demersal fish (three-fold).
An analytical model for the upper bound on temperature differences on a chip

The main contribution of this work is an analytical model for finding the upper bound on the temperature difference among various locations on the die. The proposed model can be used in many applications, such as estimation of maximum temperature variations on the die and estimating the maximum placement error in temperature sensor placement algorithms. The model also identifies the conditions under which these maximum temperature variations might happen, which is very helpful for generating test data for thermal stress tests and for augmenting different benchmarks. Experiments show that maximum temperature differences can be underestimated as much as 9°C. Based on this model, a temperature sensor placement algorithm is also proposed which is able to guaranty a maximum temperature error due to placement of the sensor. The ability of the proposed model to estimate point to point maximum temperature difference can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the sensor placement technique so that we can reduce the number of thermal sensors needed by about 16% on average.
General optimization framework for surface gateway deployment problem in underwater sensor networks

The performance of underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) is greatly limited by the low bandwidth and high propagation delay of acoustic communications. Deploying multiple surface-level radio-capable gateways can enhance UWSN performance metrics, reducing end-to-end delays and distributing traffic loads for energy reduction. In this paper, we study the problem of gateway placement for maximizing the cost-benefit of this UWSN architecture. We develop a mixed integer programming (MIP) gateway deployment optimization framework. We analyze the tradeoff between the number of surface gateways and the expected delay and energy consumption of the surface gateway architecture in the optimal case. We used an MIP solver to solve the developed optimization problem and integrated the optimal results to serve as an input for our simulations to evaluate the benefits of surface gateway optimization framework. We investigated the effect of acoustic channel capacity and the underwater sensor node deployment pattern on our solution. Our results show the significant advantages of surface gateway optimization and provide useful guidelines for real network deployment.
Split-Row: A Reduced Complexity, High Throughput LDPC Decoder Architecture

A reduced complexity LDPC decoding method is presented that dramatically reduces wire interconnect complexity, which is a major issue in LDPC decoders. The proposed split-row method makes column processing parallelism easier to exploit, doubles available row processor parallelism, and significantly simplifies row processors - which results in smaller area, higher speeds, and lower energy dissipation. Simulation results over an additive white Gaussian channel show that the error performance of high row-weight codes with split-row decoding is within 0.3-0.6 dB of the min-sum and sum-product decoding algorithms. A full parallel decoder for a (3,6) LDPC code with a code length of 1536 bits is implemented in a 0.18 mum CMOS technology twice: once using the split-row method, and once using the min-sum algorithm for comparison. The split-row decoder operates at 53 MHz and delivers a throughput of 5.4 Gbps with 15 decoding iterations per block. The split-row decoder is about 1.3 times smaller, has an average wire length 1.5 times shorter, and has a throughput 1.6 times higher than the min-sum decoder.
Prevention of lead poisoning in construction workers: a new public health approach.

Background In 1990, Yale University, the Connecticut Departments of Health Services and of Transportation, the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, and the state's construction trade unions created the Connecticut Road Industry Surveillance Project (CRISP). Methods Data from 90 bridge projects from 1991 to 1995 and approximately 2,000 workers were evaluated. The distribution of peak lead concentrations in the blood for CRISP workers classified into five groups were compared to that from workers outside of Connecticut. Results This demonstration project was instrumental in lowering bridge worker blood lead levels. After 1992, only the painting contract employees experienced peak blood lead levels with ≤2% exceeding 50 μg/dl. Compared to similar workers in other states, Connecticut workers had significantly lower peak blood lead levels. Conclusions Two thousand workers and over 120 contractors benefited directly from CRISP. Two key features of the CRISP model differed from the 1993 OSHA standard: a contract-specified lead health protection program and a centralized system of medical monitoring. These differences may account for the improved protection observed between the CRISP and non-Connecticut cohorts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:243–253, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Chronic cigarette smoking is associated with diminished folate status, altered folate form distribution, and increased genetic damage in the buccal mucosa of healthy adults

Background: Smoking causes genetic damage in buccal cells and increases the risk of oral cancer. Because folate is instrumental in DNA synthesis and repair, it is a determinant of genetic stability and therefore might attenuate the genotoxic effects of smoking. Objective: Our aim was to compare the presence of folate metabolites and select indicators of genetic damage in the mouths of chronic smokers and nonsmokers. Design: Dietary, biochemical, and molecular correlates of folate status were measured in healthy smoker (n = 35) and nonsmoker (n = 21) groups of comparable age, sex, and body mass indexes. Results: After correction for dietary intake, the smokers displayed lower plasma, erythrocyte, and buccal mucosal cell (BMC) folate (20%, 32%, and 50% lower, respectively; P < 0.05) and lower plasma vitamin B-12 and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P < 0.05) than did nonsmokers. Folate in the BMCs of smokers comprised significantly greater proportions of pteroylmonoglutamate, formyltetrahydrofolate, and 5,10-methenyltetrahyrofolate than did folate in the BMCs of nonsmokers. Although the degree of genomic methylation and uracil incorporation in the buccal cells of the 2 groups were not significantly different, the BMC micronucleus index, a cytologic indicator of genetic damage, in the smokers was 2-fold that of the nonsmokers (9.57 compared with 4.44 micronuclei/1000 cells; P < 0.0001). Neither systemic nor oral folate status was an independent predictor of micronuclei. Conclusions: Chronic smoking is associated with a lower systemic status of several B vitamins, reduced oral folate, and changes in folate form distribution in the mouth. However, the cytologic damage that is evident in the mouths of smokers does not correlate with oral folate status.
Collaborative classifier agents: studying the impact of learning in distributed document classification

We developed a multi-agent framework where agents had limited/distributed knowledge for document classification and collaborated with each other to overcome the knowledge distribution. Each agent was equipped with a certain learning algorithm for predicting potential collaborators, or helping agents. We conducted experimental research on a standard news corpus to examine the impact of two learning algorithms: Pursuit Learning and Nearest Centroid Learning. For a fundamental retrieval operation, namely classification, both algorithms achieved competitive classification effectiveness and efficiency. Subsequently, the impact of the learning exploration rate and the maximum collaboration range on classification effectiveness and efficiency were examined. Close investigation of agent learning dynamics revealed increasing and stabilizing patterns that were enhanced by the learning algorithms.
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell numbers and migration are regulated by the zebrafish orthologs of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is the most commonly inherited human cancer predisposition syndrome. Neurofibromin (NF1) gene mutations lead to increased risk of neurofibromas, schwannomas, low grade, pilocytic optic pathway gliomas, as well as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and glioblastomas. Despite the evidence for NF1 tumor suppressor function in glial cell tumors, the mechanisms underlying transformation remain poorly understood. In this report, we used morpholinos to knockdown the two nf1 orthologs in zebrafish and show that oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) numbers are increased in the developing spinal cord, whereas neurons are unaffected. The increased OPC numbers in nf1 morphants resulted from increased proliferation, as detected by increased BrdU labeling, whereas TUNEL staining for apoptotic cells was unaffected. This phenotype could be rescued by the forced expression of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-related domain of human NF1. In addition, the in vivo analysis of OPC migration following nf1 loss using time-lapse microscopy demonstrated that olig2-EGFP+ OPCs exhibit enhanced cell migration within the developing spinal cord. OPCs pause intermittently as they migrate, and in nf1 knockdown animals, they covered greater distances due to a decrease in average pause duration, rather than an increase in velocity while in motion. Interestingly, nf1 knockdown also leads to an increase in ERK signaling, principally in the neurons of the spinal cord. Together, these results show that negative regulation of the Ras pathway through the GAP activity of NF1 limits OPC proliferation and motility during development, providing insight into the oncogenic mechanisms through which NF1 loss contributes to human glial tumors.
Homeomorphic decomposition of the 6th order non-linear model of human movement

The sixth-order nonlinear model of human movement originally put forward by G. Cook and L. Stark (1968) has a long history of illuminating control problems associated with agonist-antagonist-based movement. It consists of muscle models of the agonist and antagonist which feature a nonlinear viscous element which stimulates A.V. Hill's force-velocity property, and a linear second-order system representing the load of 'plant' being driven, such as the eyeball, head, or arm. A new state-space formulation of the model combines homeomorphism (the property of isomorphism to physiology and anatomy) with mathematical elegance. The model is applied to the problem of control of fast voluntary human movements driven by a triphasic control signal. >
Modeling Probabilistic Categorization Data: Exemplar Memory and Connectionist Nets

In probabilistic categorization tasks, the correct category is determined only probabilistically by the stimulus pattern Data from such experiments have been successfully accounted for by a simple network model, but have posed difficulties for exemplar models In the present article, we consider an exemplar model, CLEM (concept learning by exemplar memorization), which differs from previously tested exemplar models in that exemplar traces are assumed to be stored only when the subject has guessed or made a classification error Fits of CLEM to both learning and test data were comparable to those of the network model, and better than those obtained for a version of CLEM in which encoding was independent of the subject's response The implications of these results for the processes underlying classification decisions are discussed
Using linked household-level datasets to explain consumer response to BSE in Canada

Household-level Canadian meat purchases from 2002-2008 and the Food Opinion Survey conducted in 2008 were used to explore consumer responses to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) at the national level in Canada. Three measures of beef purchased were used to understand consumers‟ reaction under food risk. A random effects Logit model was applied to test whether any beef was purchased during a given month. Consumption in terms of unit purchases was measured with a random effects Negative Binomial model and consumption in terms of beef expenditure was measured with a standard random effects model. In this study, household heterogeneity in actual meat purchases was partially explained using data from a self-reported food opinions survey. Of special interest was the hypothesis that consumers responded consistently to BSE in a one-time survey and in actual meat purchase behavior spanning years. Regional differences appeared in the study, with consumers in eastern Canada reacting most negatively to BSE. Consumers were less likely to reduce beef purchases during BSE events when they believed food system decision makers were honest, as opposed to knowledgeable, about food safety.
Association of elevated protein kinase CK2 activity with aggressive behavior of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Protein kinase CK2 (also known as casein kinase 2) is a messenger-independent protein serine/threonine kinase ubiquitously distributed in eukaryotes. CK2 has been found to phosphorylate a wide variety of cytosolic and nuclear substrates which are intimately involved in regulation of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and differentiation. We therefore addressed the hypothesis that malignant transformation of upper aero-digestive tract mucosa to squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) might be associated with altered CK2 activity. To this end, we subjected surgical specimens of SCCHN tumors and of normal oropharyngeal mucosa to subcellular fractionation. We then quantitated CK2 activity in cytosol and nuclei of these specimens using a CK2-specific peptide substrate (Arg-Arg-Arg-Glu-Glu-Glu-Thr-Glu-Glu-Glu). We found that CK2 activity was significantly elevated in both nuclear (p < 0.0005) and cytosolic (p < 0.0034) compartments of SCCHN tumors, relative to normal oropharyngeal mucosa. Moreover, CK2 activity in the cellular cytosolic fraction of SCCHN tumors was associated with less differentiated histologic grade (p < 0.037), positive nodal metastatic status (p < 0.056), and a poor clinical outcome (p < 0.028). Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival analysis revealed greatly reduced survival in the high-CK2 activity patient group, with high statistical significance (p < 0.023). These preliminary data reveal that malignant transformation of the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa is associated with altered CK2 activity. The results further suggest that dysregulation of this protein kinase may play a significant role in the pathobiology of SCCHN, and that CK2 activity may be a prognostic indicator in this malignancy.
Tilted Magnetic Levitation Enables Measurement of the Complete Range of Densities of Materials with Low Magnetic Permeability

Magnetic levitation (MagLev) of diamagnetic or weakly paramagnetic materials suspended in a paramagnetic solution in a magnetic field gradient provides a simple method to measure the density of small samples of solids or liquids. One major limitation of this method, thus far, has been an inability to measure or manipulate materials outside of a narrow range of densities (0.8 g/cm3 < ρ < 2.3 g/cm3) that are close in density to the suspending, aqueous medium. This paper explores a simple method—“tilted MagLev”—to increase the range of densities that can be levitated magnetically. Tilting the MagLev device relative to the gravitational vector enables the magnetic force to be decreased (relative to the magnetic force) along the axis of measurement. This approach enables many practical measurements over the entire range of densities observed in matter at ambient conditions—from air bubbles (ρ ≈ 0) to osmium and iridium (ρ ≈ 23 g/cm3). The ability to levitate, simultaneously, objects with a broad range of diffe...
Escape from Cellular Quiescence

Quiescent: From Latin quies, referring to a state of being at rest, dormant, inactive, quiet, still (Merriam-Webster, 2009, Online Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiescent). This term refers to a state of dormancy as opposed to a proliferative state. However, quiescent cells are in any other regard metabolically active. In many tissues with relative fast cell renewal rates the primary function of a small group of undifferentiated cells is limited to self-renewal (stem cells). These cells remain quiescent most of the time dividing only occasionally. In other tissues, key cell types perform fundamental tissue functions while remaining quiescent. Both stem cells and cells from tissues that renew via simple duplication can remain quiescent for long periods of time while retaining the capacity to re-enter the cell cycle. This chapter will discuss the mechanisms emerging as responsible for the maintenance of quiescence as well as those pathways that mediate quiescence entry and exit. We will also review signaling pathways deregulated during infection by Simian Virus 40 (SV40) and oncogenic transformation, which result in unscheduled exit from quiescence into the cell cycle, with focus on SV40 small t antigen.
A Model Of Competitive Delivered Spatial Pricing

This paper studies price and production competition between spatially distributed firms. Firms compete by choosing delivered prices, a pricing regime which is often observed for goods with high transportation costs. The model is a very general one: customers have price elastic demand and firms have increasing marginal production and transportation costs. To study this competitive situation, a non-cooperative game is proposed. Existence and general properties of the Nash price and production equilibrium are shown and sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of a unique price-production-transportation equilibrium are presented. It is shown that the only pricing patterns that can result from equilibrium are basing point, monopoly or mill pricing. A convergent algorithm is shown and demonstrated with an example.
Pyridoxine and Pyridoxine-5′-β-D-Glucoside Exert Different Effects on Tissue B-6 Vitamers but Similar Effects on β-Glucosidase Activity in Rats

Pyridoxine glucoside is a partially available form of vitamin B-6 present in plant-derived foods. In this set of three studies, rats were fed diets containing different concentrations of either pyridoxine or pyridoxine glucoside in the presence or absence of a fixed concentration of pyridoxine for 2 wk. The distribution of B-6 vitamers and beta-glucosidase activity in tissues was examined to determine the metabolic effects of chronic consumption of pyridoxine glucoside. Rats fed pyridoxine glucoside either with or without pyridoxine exhibited a significant increase in the amount of hepatic pyridoxine 5'-phosphate (not detected in rats fed pyridoxine alone), whereas hepatic pyridoxal 5'-phosphate was decreased with increasing dietary pyridoxine glucoside. The activity of cytosolic beta-glucosidases in small intestine and kidney was affected by the dietary concentration of both pyridoxine and pyridoxine glucoside. Enzymatic activity capable of hydrolyzing pyridoxine glucoside was found in mucosal and intraluminal fractions of small intestine and in the kidney. Other tissues examined, including liver, spleen and stomach, did not hydrolyze pyridoxine glucoside in detectable quantities. These findings indicate that microbial and mucosal enzymes can participate in the intestinal hydrolysis of pyridoxine glucoside and that the kidney may contribute to postabsorptive hydrolysis. These findings further support the observations that dietary pyridoxine glucoside influences vitamin B-6 metabolism.
The age-regulating protein klotho is vital to sustain retinal function.

Purpose. To determine whether the age-regulating protein klotho was expressed in the retina and determine whether the absence of klotho affected retinal function.
Sequential Sampling Cotton Squares Damaged by Boll Weevils or Heliothis Spp. in the Coastal Bend of Texas123

Sequential sampling plans based on the binomial distribution were developed for sampling squares (floral buds) damaged by the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, or the bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and the budworm, H. virescens (F.). These plans were compared to a fixed-sample-size (100 squares) method of sampling damaged squares. Field trials indicated that the use of sequential sampling plans provided ca. 50% savings in time over the fixed-sample-size method. The treatment decisions were similar for both methods.
Bibliography of Sequential Sampling Plans for Insects

Sequential sampling, in which the number of samples required to classify an insect population level is determined as sampling progresses, was developed during World War II. Because of its value, sequential sampling was classified as restricted and was not made available for wider use until after World War II (Wald 1945, 1947, Statistical Research Group 1946). Forest entomologists were among the first to use sequential sampling in estimating insect populations (Stark 1952, Ives 1954, Morris 1954 and Waters 1955). The 1st applications of sequential sampling in agricultural entomology were reported later by Sylvester and Cox (1961), Wolfenbarger and Darroch (1965), and Harcourt (1966). Although sequential sampling plans have been developed for other uses such as quality control and the estimation of organisms other than insects, this review is devoted primarily to sequential sampling plans developed for estimating insect populations. Furthermore, the references cited herein include only those sequential sampling plans which can be used to classify populations into broad population levels.
Integration and Specialization in Academic Research

The effects of integration and interdisciplinary characteristics on seven performance measures are examined over time for academic research projects in agreement that outputs are important goals of...
Effect of Tourniquet-Induced Stasis on Blood Determinations

The use of a tourniquet and the resulting stasis of blood have long been cited as causes of misleading and erroneous laboratory values. Since the beginning of studies in laboratory medicine, we have been cautioned to remove the tourniquet before drawing a sample of blood for determination of carbon dioxide content. Recently, several papers have been published that lead one to believe that the stasis induced by a tourniquet during a period of several minutes is sufficient to elevate the serum cholesterol, as much as 91 mg. per 100 ml., and the total protein, as much as 1.89 Gm. per 100 ml. One author found that the serum potassium rose as much as 2.7 mEq. per 1. with stasis and gentle forearm exercise, and another author found a maximal rise of 1.51 mEq. per 1. under similar conditions. Farber and associates found a mean elevation of potassium of 0.7 mEq. per 1. after 2 min. of hand exercise without stasis, when the blood was drawn from the cephalic vein. When it was drawn from the basilic vein, there was no change. Practicing physicians have become concerned because of such reports and refer to them to explain real and significant fluctuations in cholesterol and potassium. The authors' purpose in the study described in this paper was to demonstrate whether or not the variations in blood determinations encountered with stasis and exercise and occurring in routine collection of blood have any practical significance.
Potassic Igneous Rocks and Associated Gold-Copper Mineralization, Fourth Edition (D. Müller and D.I. Groves)

Potassic Igneous Rocks and Associated Gold-Copper Mineralization, Fourth Edition. Daniel Muller, David I. Groves. 2016. Springer International Publishing, Pp. 311. ISBN 978-3-319-23051-1. Price: ebook, $139; hardcover, $179. The fourth edition of this comprehensive textbook, which succeeds those published in 1995, 1997, and 2000, very nicely summarizes the geochemical and petrological characteristics of potassic igneous rock complexes and the different tectonic settings in which they occur. The authors provide an overview and a classification of these rocks and they outline the geochemical differences between barren and mineralized potassic igneous complexes. Owing to the common association of potassic igneous rocks with many gold- and copper-rich ore deposits, this book will be of interest not only to research scientists but also to those exploring for major deposits in young and ancient terranes. In fact, there was a clear attempt by the authors to provide a good mix of theoretical discussions based on experimental work, with case studies that illustrate field and applied research. This newly updated and enlarged edition was clearly an opportunity to improve the “look” because compared to the earlier black-and-white version, it’s bigger (8- × 10-inch pages). In addition, it has a two-column layout and contains numerous new color photographs of gold and copper ores from major deposits hosted by potassic igneous rocks. Whereas the previous versions included all references compiled in one section at the end of the …
Small thermal fatigue crack propagation behavior of sprayed Al-Si/SiC_p composite for brake disc

The thermal fatigue(TF) crack propagation behaviors of sprayed Al-Si/SiCp was studied in the temperature range of 450 ℃ to room temperature using V-notch plate specimens.Optical microscopy(OM) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were used to examine the damage mechanism of thermal fatigue.The results show that almost all the primary fatigue cracks at elevated temperatures initiate at V-notch.The crack in test sample before heat-treatment prefers to occur and the crack propagation rate is larger than that of the test sample after heat-treatment.The propagation cracking around Si particles and through Si particles are the principle mechanisms of interaction between Si particles and crack.The SiC particles play an important role in thermal fatigue cracking.Also, improving the shape and distribution of Si particles and strengthening the Al/SiC interface can improve the resistance of thermal fatigue crack of composites.
Mutual relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and levels of RhoA/ROK mRNA expression in IMA, RA and GSV

AIM To compare the different levels of radial artery(RA), internal mammary artery(IMA) and great saphenous vein(GSV) mRNA expression and to explore the relationship between expression of RhoA/ROK and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODSMatched segments of radial artery, internal mammary artery and saphenous vein that would otherwise be discarded were obtained from patients(n=14) undergoing CABG. mRNAs of RhoA, ROK and eNOS was detected by PCR. The relationship between RhoA/ROK and cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed. RESULTS①RTPCR results: no significant difference was observed between the level of RhoA, ROK mRNA expression in IMA and that in GSV. But the levels of RhoA/ROK mRNA expression in RA were higher than those in IMA. ②The mRNA expression of RhoA, ROK in SGV was positively correlated with serum glycosylated hemoglobin(r=0.642, r=0.692, P0.05). In GSV, RA and IMA, no significant correlations were found between the levels of RhoA, ROK mRNA expression and age, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, apoA1, apoB, CRP, insulin, insulin resistance, and body mass index. CONCLUSION①The levels of RhoA, ROK mRNA expression in RA, IMA and GSV are significantly different and the levels in RA are higher than those in IMA. ②The higher level of RhoA/ROK mRNA expression in GSV is positively correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin.
Surgical repair of congenital tracheal stenosis in an infant.

Congenital tracheal stenosis is a rare but treatable form of infant respiratory distress. Successful resection of approximately 50% of the tracheal length in a 4-month-old infant is described.
Implementing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Collection in Emergency Departments: Patient and Staff Perspectives

Abstract Purpose: To identify patient and provider perspectives concerning collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SO&GI) information in emergency departments (EDs). Methods: Semistru...
A brief randomized controlled intervention targeting parents improves grades during middle school.

Abstract Despite a growing number of brief, psychosocial interventions that improve academic achievement, little research investigates how to leverage parents during such efforts. We designed and tested a randomized controlled intervention targeting parents to influence important discussions about the future and responses to academic difficulty experienced by their adolescent during eighth grade in the United States. We recruited experienced parents to convey the main messages of the intervention in a parent panel format. As expected, current parents who were randomly assigned to observe the parent panel subsequently planned to talk with their adolescents sooner about future opportunities and to respond more positively to experiences of academic difficulty than parents who were randomly assigned to a control group. The intervention also led to a significant increase in student grades, which was mediated by parents’ responses to academic difficulty. We suggest an increase in experimental research that utilizes parents to influence student achievement.
Abstract A27: Evaluation of two HPV vaccination educational interventions for Hispanic parents

Background: We examined effectiveness of two lay health worker-delivered educational interventions for parents to increase HPV vaccination among Hispanic girls. Methods: Twenty-nine clinics were randomized to standard care or one of two interventions: a print fotonovela or an tailored interactive multimedia intervention (TIMI). Lay health workers delivered the interventions to parents. Data collectors completed follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months. We assessed vaccine initiation at first follow-up and series completion by end of the study. Data were analyze using hierarchical logistic regression. Results: Among all participants recruited at baseline (576= fotonovela intervention group; 389=TIMI intervention group; 433=control group) intent-to-treat analysis indicated significant differences in vaccine initiation between TIMI and control at 6-month follow-up (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.13-2.35, p=0.01), and between fotonovela and control (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.20-2.32, p=0.002). Per protocol analyses (including only parents who completed follow-up surveys or whose daughter9s vaccination status was ascertained through medical records) showed significant differences in initiation at 6 month follow-up: between TIMI and control (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.21-2.70, p=0.004) and between fotonovela and control (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.17-2.34, p=0.004). There were no statistically significant differences between TIMI and fotonovela (OR: 1.08 CI: 0.76-1.55, p=0.66). Conclusion: Hispanic parents receiving education - either the fotonovela or the TIMI - were more likely to initiate HPV vaccination within 6 months than parents in the comparison group. We will determine education effectiveness on completion of the 3-dose HPV series at 12-month follow-up. Citation Format: Maria E. Fernandez, Lara Savas, Roncancio Angelica, Myrna Khan, Natalie Fernandez-Espada, Serena Rodriguez, Sally Vernon. Evaluation of two HPV vaccination educational interventions for Hispanic parents. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A27.
Renal Functional Alterations Induced by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Heart Failure:

ObjectiveTo review the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on renal pathophysiology and the compensatory mechanisms involved in heart failure. A clinical application of the use of these agents in the setting of concomitant heart failure and renal insufficiency also is presented.Data SourcesA MEDLINE search was conducted using the terms heart failure, congestive; renal insufficiency; and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.Study SelectionAll applicable animal and human trials were reviewed.Data SynthesisAdvances in the management of heart failure have led to new insights into the complex pathophysiology of this condition, particularly the favorable clinical effects noted with the ACE inhibitors. The net effect of ACE inhibitors on the renin-angiotensin system in patients with heart failure is to augment renal blood flow to a greater extent than cardiac output. Glomerular filtration rate is either unchanged or decreased by ACE inhibition. Sodium excretion is augmented primarily by...
Aerodynamic Optimization of Microspoiler Actuators for Guided Projectiles

Microspoiler actuators have been established as a viable control mechanism for gun-launched guided projectiles. Although the geometric configuration of the microspoilers is known to have a large im...
Estimation fusion with data-driven communication

This paper deals with the problem of estimating the state of a discrete-time stochastic linear system based on data collected from multiple sensors with limited communication resources. For the cases of transmitting measurements and local state estimates, respectively, we design data-driven communication schemes based on a normalized innovation vector and corresponding fusion rules in the (approximate) minimum mean square error (MMSE) sense. These communication schemes can achieve a trade-off between communication costs and estimation performance. These fusion rules can allow the estimator to improve its estimate based on the fact that no transmission of data indicates a small innovation. A simulation example is provided to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed strategies.
Carol A. Chapelle, Teaching Culture in Introductory Foreign Language Textbooks

Chapelle kills two birds with one stone with her latest book, Teaching Culture in Introductory Foreign Language Textbooks. She presents her copious research on French textbooks that have been used ...
Infectious disease surveillance in the 21st century: an integrated web-based surveillance and case management system.

The Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network (MAVEN) was deployed in 2006 by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease to serve as an integrated, Web-based disease surveillance and case management system. MAVEN replaced program-specific, siloed databases, which were inaccessible to local public health and unable to integrate electronic reporting. Disease events are automatically created without human intervention when a case or laboratory report is received and triaged in real time to state and local public health personnel. Events move through workflows for initial notification, case investigation, and case management. Initial develop ment was completed within 12 months and recent state regulations mandate the use of MAVEN by all 351 jurisdictions. More than 300 local boards of health are using MAVEN, there are approximately one million events, and 70 laboratories report electronically. MAVEN has demonstrated responsiveness and flexibility to emerging diseases while also streamlining routine surveillance processes and improving timeliness of notifications and data completeness, although the long-term resource requirements are significant.
Analysis of the immune infiltrate in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the extremity and trunk in response to radiotherapy: Rationale for combination neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition and radiotherapy.

Background: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the extremity and trunk (ET-UPS) presents a unique therapeutic challenge. Although immunotherapy has recently been employed in advanced soft tissue sarcoma, there is limited data characterizing the immune infiltrate in ET-UPS. Radiotherapy (RT) has been shown in other tumor types to promote tumor antigen release and enhance tumor-specific targeting by the adaptive immune system. The aim of this study was to 1) characterize the baseline immune infiltrate and 2) evaluate the effect of preoperative RT on the histologic appearance of and the immune infiltrate in ET-UPS. Methods: We identified 17 matched ET-UPS samples before and after RT. Immunohistochemistry was performed with CD8, CD4, PD-L1, PD1, CD3, CD163 and FoxP3 positive cells identified in all samples. Changes in the immune infiltrate following RT were examined. Results: There was a trend towards increased density of tumor infiltrating immune cells in ET-UPS following RT, with increases in median number of CD3 (158 vs 219 cells/mm2, p = 0.06), CD4 (3 vs 13 cells/mm2, p = 0.01), CD8 (55 vs 111 cells/mm2, p = 0.17), and FOXP3 (14 vs 25 cells/mm2, p = 0.23) positive cells. Interestingly, although PD-L1 was not expressed in any ET-UPS tumor at baseline, positive PD-L1 expression was observed in 21% (3/14) of tumors after RT (p = 0.07). Conclusion: An immune infiltrate is present in ET-UPS at the time of diagnosis, with a trend towards increased density of immune infiltrate and PD-L1 expression after RT. These data support prospectively evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors with standard of care RT in the treatment of ET-UPS.
The ethics of caring for hospital-dependent patients

Hospital-dependent patients are individuals who are repeatedly readmitted to the hospital because their acute medical needs cannot be met elsewhere. Unlike the chronically critically ill, these patients do not have a continuous need for life-sustaining equipment and can experience periods of relative stability where they have a good quality of life. However, some end up spending months or even years in the hospital receiving resource-intensive care because they are unable to be safely discharged, despite an initial optimistic prognosis. It is hard to reliably identify these patients on admission and more research is needed to better understand the unique medical needs of this population. But the inability to safely discharge these patients to their home or to a skilled nursing facility without rapid readmissions also creates ethical implications for the physicians who care for them. The aim of this paper is to clarify some of the ethical considerations involved in caring for hospital-dependent patients. Among physicians, the care of hospital-dependent patients is likely to disproportionately affect hospitalists and intensivists, whose care is often evaluated in terms of reducing patient length of stay and readmissions. Because hospital-dependent patients’ medical needs thwart the traditional goal of safe discharge, both clinical ethics and physicians’ professional obligations are implicated by their care. The inability to reliably identify these patients early can complicate discussions about treatment goals and informed consent. Similarly, the tremendous dedication of limited resources to these patients without safe discharge back to the community may raise concerns about the just allocation of healthcare resources. Our current acute care hospitals are not designed to provide long-term care for hospital-dependent patients. Unfortunately, safe discharge options remain elusive for these patients. Further research and support of this population is needed to more reliably identify hospital-dependent patients on admission, better inform the discussions of short- and long-term treatment goals, and more wisely allocate resources both within our acute care hospitals and larger healthcare system.
The Impact of Synoptic Observing and Analysis Systems on Flow Pattern Forecasts

A linear dynamical prediction model is combined with a linear analysis scheme to give a formula for the expected squared forecast error, as a function of space and time, given a knowledge of observational error covariance and spectrum of the true field. The formula is applied with a two-layer geostrophic model to estimate the maximum impact of tropospheric temperatures derived from satellite radiances over oceanic areas on the accuracy of 500 mb forecasts over North America. The results show a positive impact if the observations are analyzed by an unrealistically efficient optimum interpolation method, but they show a negative impact at all but the smallest satellite error values if the observations are analyzed by a method that ignores observational errors. Eight conclusions are reached concerning routine numerical forecasts and the First GARP Global Experiment.
Pharmacokinetics of Continuous Infusion Beta-lactams in the Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations in Adult Patients With Cystic Fibrosis.

Background Several clinical trials have shown the efficacy of continuous infusion beta-lactam (BL) antibiotics in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, little is known about pharmacokinetic changes during the treatment of an acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE). Identifying and understanding these changes may assist in optimizing antibiotic dosing during APE treatment. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study of 162 adult patients with CF admitted to the University of Utah Hospital between January 1, 2008, and May 15, 2014, for treatment of an APE with both a continuous infusion BL and IV tobramycin. We extracted the administered doses of continuous infusion BLs and tobramycin along with serum drug concentrations and calculated medication clearance rates. The primary outcome was change in clearance rates of continuous infusion BLs between day 2 and day 7 of APE treatment. Results The BL clearance rate increased 20.7% (95% CI, 11.42 to 32.49; P Conclusions Clinicians should monitor BL levels along with aminoglycoside levels and make dose adjustments to maximize the chance of optimal antibiotic treatment. Continuous infusion BL and tobramycin clearance can change dramatically during the treatment of an APE, which may necessitate significant changes in dosing to achieve optimal antibiotic levels. Clearance rates of these antibiotics may change in opposite directions, requiring specific monitoring of each medication.
Cardiac Surgery and Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an established risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been estimated as high as 55% in the diabetic population. It has been shown that diabetes is a major independent risk factor for CVD after adjustment for risk factors such as age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and tobacco abuse (1). Patients with diabetes appear to develop more severe CAD with a greater tendancy toward adverse events. The relative risk of myocardial infarction (MI) is 50% greater in diabetic men and 150% greater in diabetic women (2). Approximately 20% of patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have DM (3). Thus, diabetic patients undergoing surgical coronary revascularization represent a large and complex patient population. In the past decade, advancements in both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), primarily the use of stents, and surgical techniques, such as off-pump CABG and the use of arterial grafts, have continued to improve methods of coronary revascularization. Although there is evidence to suggest these new techniques have improved outcomes in diabetic patients, the optimal treatment for multivessel CAD continues to evolve for the diabetic patient population, which despite improvements in revascularization still suffers from significantly worse outcomes when compared to the general population.
FDG uptake in the prostate gland on PET/CT: A worrisome sign for prostate cancer regardless of PSA level

518 Objectives: Prostate carcinoma is presently the most common neoplasm in men. It has been clearly established that, due to the prostate9s low glycolytic activity, FDG-PET is relatively insensitive for the diagnosis of this malignancy. In patients referred for FDG-PET for other malignancies, we aimed to determine the specificity of FDG uptake in the prostate for carcinoma and compare the degree of uptake with the PSA level. Methods: We reviewed the FDG-PET scans in 26 patients imaged between 12/02 and 10/04 who showed prostate hypermetabolism. The pattern of FDG uptake was recorded and the degree of hypermetabolism (SUV) was compared with the PSA level at the time of the FDG-PET. This activity was correlated with subsequent biopsy results or clinical/imaging follow-up. Results: Of the 26 patients included in this study, 7 patients did not have evaluation of the prostate hypermetabolism due to advanced metastatic cancer and one patient was lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 18 patients, the pattern of FDG uptake in the prostate was focal lobar in 16 and diffuse in two. Twelve of the remaining 18 patients received a prostate biopsy with the following results: Nine adenocarcinomas, 1 high grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasm, 1 tuberculus prostatitis (diffuse uptake) and one benign prostatic tissue. For these twelve biopsied cases the mean SUV(max) was 7.6 (range 3.5-11.5) and the mean PSA for these patients was 9.6 (range 1.6-45.8). There was no correlation between the SUV and PSA (r= -.60). Most importantly, five of the 10 biopsy proven prostate malignancies had a normal PSA at the time of the FDG-PET showing uptake in the prostate. The remaining six of 18 patients had clinical follow-up. In 3 of these patients, focal lobar prostate hypermetabolism was ignored following urology evaluation due to a normal PSA. One of these 3 patients had a PSA of 1.5 and focal left lobar uptake. He returned one year later with a palpable left prostate nodule and a PSA of 42.4. Biopsy revealed prostate carcinoma. In the fourth patient focal prostate uptake was ignored due to a normal PSA and a prostate US showing only BPH. The fifth patient did not have further work-up at his home institution due to prior negative prostate biopsies. Fourteen months after the FDG-PET his wife reported that he had bone metastatic prostate carcinoma. In the sixth and final patient a follow-up FDG-PET showed resolution of the prostate activity. Conclusions: Although insensitive, FDG-PET is highly specific for prostate carcinoma. Focal lobar activity or diffuse activity (without definite signs of prostatitis) should be further evaluated with prostate biopsy even in the setting of a normal PSA. The degree of metabolic activity as measured by the SUV has no correlation with the PSA level.
House of Lords: Relevant or Relic? An Analysis of the Political Relevance of Legislature Upper Houses

This purpose of this paper is to explore the political relevance of parliamentary upper houses. The paper attempts to give both a definitive definition of political relevance and to determine if upper chambers meet this definition. To do this the example of the British House of Lords, a hallmark example of weak upper chambers, is used as a case study. This article is available in The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research: http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/ur/vol14/iss1/5 House of Lords: Relevant or Relic? An Analysis of the Political Relevance of Legislature Upper Houses