cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insensitivity of visual assessment of hippocampal atrophy in familial Alzheimer’s disease

Medial temporal atrophy is a well-established marker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, due to normal variation in the size of medial temporal structures and variability in how radiologists interpret images, the use of clinical reads in establishing the presence of pathological atrophy is imprecise. A limitation of studies of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures in AD is diagnostic uncertainty as it can be unknown if pre- or early-symptomatic subjects go on to develop AD and most subjects do not undergo autopsy verification of the diagnosis. In persons with or at-risk for AD due to fully-penetrant autosomal dominant mutations in the PSEN1 and APP genes, the diagnosis or future development of AD can be predicted with essentially 100% accuracy. We used this predictability to assess the ability of radiologists to detect hippocampal atrophy (HA) in persons destined to develop AD. Coronal T1-weighted MRI scans of 39 persons demented from (n = 4) or at-risk for inheriting (n = 35) PSEN1 or APP mutations were independently assessed by two radiologists and the presence or absence of HA determined. Of the 39 subjects, 26 were FAD mutation carriers. Fifteen of 28 asymptomatic at-risk persons were FAD mutation carriers and four of these were rated as having atrophy for a sensitivity of 27% and a specificity of 85%. Among seven mildly affected yet non-demented subjects, atrophy was detected in three and in the four demented subjects HA was identified in two. Our results suggest that radiologists’ ability to detect HA in persons in whom the diagnosis of incipient AD is certain is sub-optimal and quantitative MRI techniques or other biological markers of the disease are needed.
Meta-analysis for Surrogacy: Accelerated Failure Time Models and Semicompeting Risks Modeling

Summary There has been great recent interest in the medical and statistical literature in the assessment and validation of surrogate endpoints as proxies for clinical endpoints in medical studies. More recently, authors have focused on using metaanalytical methods for quantification of surrogacy. In this article, we extend existing procedures for analysis based on the accelerated failure time model to this setting. An advantage of this approach relative to proportional hazards model is that it allows for analysis in the semicompeting risks setting, where we model the region where the surrogate endpoint occurs before the true endpoint. Several estimation methods and attendant inferential procedures are presented. In addition, between- and within-trial methods for evaluating surrogacy are developed; a novel principal components procedure is developed for quantifying trial-level surrogacy. The methods are illustrated by application to data from several studies in colorectal cancer.
Density Compensation in Island Faunas

This paper analyzes factors determining the extent of density compensation on islands: i.e., is the summed population density of individuals of all species on islands equal to the summed mainland density as a result of niche expansions and higher abundances of island species compensating for the absence of many mainland species? In addition, a method is described for estimating bird population densities based on analysis of the time dependence or mist—netting yields. Puercos Island in the Pearl Archipelago off Panama has less than one—third as many resident birds species as comparable mainland habitats. Analysis of the Pearl avifauna suggests that about one—quarter of the island species may be relicts of the Pleistocene land bridge and that the remainder are subsequent over—water colonists. The successful colonists are a highly nonrandom sample of the mainland avifauna in such respects as family composition, social structure, and second—growth habitat origin. Song—based censuses and analysis of mist—netting show that Puercos has a slightly density of individuals than the mainland. Niche shifts between islands and mainland, or among different islands, include habitat expansions, wider ranges of vertical foraging strata, abundance increases checkerboard distribution patterns, and decreased morphological variability. Comparison of the present study with other studies shows that summed population densities on islands may be higher than, comparable to, or less than mainland levels, depending upon the particular island, habitat, and group of animals studied. Among factors affecting the extent of density colonists less appropriate to the vacated habitat, tending to lower island densities; and underrepresentation of large species on islands, tending to increase island population densities for a given biomass.
Observations concerning the validity of the ventricular gradient concept.

Abstract The QRS, ST-T, and combined QRS-T area in multiple bipolar chest leads was measured during normal and abnormal activation in a patient with intermittent left bundle branch block. QRS and ST-T areas were plotted as functions of angular lead axis and compared with sine waves which would be the expected form of such plots with a single central dipole in a circular homogeneous conducting medium. Total QRS-T areas during normal and abnormal activation were most nearly alike in leads in which QRS and ST-T areas during both activation states corresponded to sine waves. These results suggest that the gradient concept of QRS-T area independent of activation order is applicable to electrocardiographic leads only when these are equally sensitive to activation and recovery patterns and that it is applicable to single leads.
Reproductive success and habitat characteristics of Golden-winged Warblers in high-elevation pasturelands

Abstract The Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) is one of the most rapidly declining vertebrate species in the Appalachian Mountains. It is the subject of extensive range-wide research and conservation action. However, little is known about this species' breeding ecology in high-elevation pasturelands, a breeding habitat with conservation potential considering the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service's Working Lands for Wildlife program targeting private lands in the Appalachian Mountains. We located 100 nests of Golden-winged Warblers in pastures in and around the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia during 2008–2012. Daily nest survival rate (mean ± SE = 0.962 ± 0.006), clutch size (4.5 ± 0.1), and number of young fledged per nest attempt (2.0 ± 0.2) and successful nest (4.0 ± 0.1) fell within the range of values reported in other parts of the species' range and were not significantly affected by year or the presence/absence of cattle grazing. Classification tree analysis reve...
Aerodynamic Flow Control Using Shape Adaptive Surfaces

The present paper discusses results of experiments on flow control using an adaptive circular arc airfoil. A modified THUNDER actuator (piezoceramic bonded with a metallic substrate) serves as an adaptive airfoil that allows leading edge displacements of approximately 1 cm. The airfoil’s radius of curvature Rc is varied by altering the voltage applied across the upper and lower surfaces. The maximum input voltage varies Rc 2% resulting in a variation in the lift coefficient Cl of approximately 7% at a frequency up to 25 Hz. Results of wake mitigation and flutter control tests are briefly discussed.
148-P: THE NEXT GENERATION FOR GENETIC STUDIES AND DIAGNOSTICS OF HLA

Aim The dominant and varied influences of HLA polymorphism on the incidence of disease and its treatment necessitate determination of complete, accurate sequences of entire HLA haplotypes, encompassing all HLA class I and II genes and representing human populations worldwide. Methods To this end we developed a high-throughput and versatile method to sequence complete 4.8Mb HLA haplotypes from genomic DNA. Oligonucleotide probes were designed to capture genomic DNA fragments originating from the targeted HLA region. The fragments obtained by this selection were sequenced to high depth (>500x) and haplotype coverage (>99%) using Illumina paired-end technology. Results In the process of validating this new method on the HLA haplotypes studied with conventional techniques by the MHC Haplotype Consortium, the sequences of all eight haplotypes were completed. The method was then applied to the haplotypes of 96 additional HLA-homozygous IHWC cells, which defined the location and structure of the genomic block containing the enigmatic HLA-Y pseudogene. Informing this work were the coordinates of homozygous tracts defined by high-resolution genome-wide SNP array (Omni1Quad). This analysis, which examined 13,000 SNPs in the HLA region, also estimated the size and location of further structural variants that track with particular HLA class I and II alleles. Haplotype assembly, phasing and annotation all required new methods that were tailored specifically to the data-collection methods and the unusual properties of the HLA genomic region. New statistical methods are being developed to incorporate the scale and complexity of the haplotype sequence data to the analysis of disease-associations. Currently under study is a panel of family trios representing West-African HLA diversity. Conclusions In summary, these data mark significant progress towards understanding the evolution of HLA haplotypes, their co-evolution with infectious diseases, and their contribution to autoimmune disease and disordered pregnancy.
Abstract W P177: The Frequency and Directionality of the Effect of Sex in Prediction Models for Stroke

Introduction: There are apparent sex differences in stroke, with women having a higher lifetime risk and worse outcomes. However, there remain critical gaps in our understanding of sex differences in risk, treatment response and outcomes following stroke. We conducted the first systematic summary of the role of sex on stroke-related conditions using a registry of clinical prediction models (CPMs). Methods: The Tufts PACE CPM Registry is based on a systematic review of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular CPMs published in English-language articles from 1/1990-5/2012, and includes 585 unique CPMs extracted from 506 articles. All included CPMs permit calculation of outcome probabilities from information provided in the form of an equation, point score or nomogram. We calculated the proportion of models with coefficients for the effect of sex on stroke incidence or prognosis, and summarized the directionality (harmful vs. protective) of the coefficients for sex. Results: Out of 75 CPMs with stroke as either an index condition or outcome, 23 (31%) contained a coefficient for sex or presented sex-stratified models. Only 8/48 (17%) models of stroke prognosis included sex or presented sex-specific models, as compared to 14/24 (58%) of models predicting stroke incidence. In models categorized by unique index-outcome pairs, sex was most commonly included in models predicting stroke among a general population (67%). Female sex was associated with reduced risk of mortality after ischemic stroke and a higher risk of stroke from arrhythmias or CABG/PCI. In a general population, women typically had a lower risk of stroke, although stratified models suggest this depends on the presence or absence of other risk factors. Conclusions: Sex is an important prognostic factor in CVD but is inconsistently included in stroke CPMs. Sex is more frequently included in models of stroke incidence than models of prognosis. Being female seems protective for some outcomes, but harmful for others.
A General Profile of the Vertebrate Brain, with Sidelights on the Ancestry of Cerebral Cortex

The most elementary tenet of the theory of evolution is that animal specification followed a temporal sequence such that one order of species developed from another, and in time gave rise to one or more further orders. The reconstruction of the “tree of evolution,” one of the most constantly pursued goals of biology, is attended by numerous difficulties, foremost among which is the circumstance that existing forms of life represent little more than “leaves on the ends of branches” of a tree, the trunk and limbs of which have long been extinct. Virtually all extant animals appear to be specialized forms that have diverged in greater or lesser degree from any of the identified or presumed mainlines of evolution. The identification of such “mainlines,” furthermore, is often highly uncertain, the more so because several vertebrate classes appear to have evolved not from one, but from several ancestors. Modern amphibians, for example, are suspected of representing several developmental lines originating from various piscine forms.
Adult Heart Transplantation Following Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Early and Late Outcomes.

Abstract Purpose The impact of prior implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) on short- and long-term postoperative outcomes of adult heart transplantation (HTx) was investigated. Methods Of the 359 adults with prior cardiac surgery who underwent HTx from December 1988 to June 2012 at our institution, 90 had prior VAD and 269 had other (non-VAD) prior cardiac surgery. Results The VAD group had a lower 60-day survival when compared with the Non-VAD group (91.1% ± 3.0% vs 96.6% ± 1.1%; P = .03). However, the VAD and Non-VAD groups had similar survivals at 1 year (87.4% ± 3.6% vs 90.5% ± 1.8%; P = .33), 2 years (83.2% ± 4.2% vs 88.1% ± 2.0%; P = .21), 5 years (75.7% ± 5.6% vs 74.6% ± 2.9%; P = .63), 10 years (38.5% ± 10.8% vs 47.6% ± 3.9%; P = .33), and 12 years (28.9% ± 11.6% vs 39.0% ± 4.0%; P = .36). The VAD group had longer pump time and more intraoperative blood use when compared with the Non-VAD group (P 48-hour ventilation and in-hospital infections (P = .0007 and .002, respectively). In addition, more VAD patients had sternal wound infections when compared with Non-VAD patients (8/90 [8.9%] vs 5/269 [1.9%]; P = .005). Both groups had similar lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays and no differences in the frequencies of reoperation for chest bleeding, dialysis, and postdischarge infections (P = .19, .70, .34, .67, and .21, respectively). Postoperative creatinine levels at peak and at discharge did not differ between the 2 groups (P = .51 and P = .098, respectively). In a Cox model, only preoperative creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL (P = .006) and intraoperative pump time ≥210 minutes (P = .022) were individually considered as significant predictors of mortality within 12 years post-HTx. Adjusting for both, pre-HTx VAD implantation was not a predictor of mortality within 12 years post-HTx (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–1.97; P = .38). However, pre-HTx VAD implantation was a risk factor for 60-day mortality (HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.07–7.62; P = .036) along with preoperative creatinine level ≥2 mg/dL (P = .0006). Conclusions HTx patients with prior VAD had lower 60-day survival, higher intraoperative blood use, and greater frequency of postoperative in-hospital infections when compared with HTx patients with prior Non-VAD cardiac surgery. VAD implantation prior to HTx did not have an additional negative impact on long-term morbidity and survival following HTx. Long-term (1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, and 12-year) survival did not differ significantly in HTx patients with prior VAD or non-VAD cardiac surgery.
Activity Related Market Response and Self-Organized Criticality: Evidence from the Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper investigates the nature of stock price changes in response to activity level adjustments at an individual firm level using a methodology based on the theory of "self-organized criticality" [SOC], adapted from the physical sciences. The motivation to investigate activity level arises from its documented ability to describe and explain a firm?s behavior. Activity is modeled as a self-organized critical variable, which is expected to vary directly with performance and stock prices below the critical level (called the sub-critical activity), and vary indirectly above this level (called the supra-critical activity). The critical activity level is called the "attractor" of a firm's dynamics because, ceteris paribus, changes in activity level from the sub-critical or supra-critical levels take the firm towards the critical activity level. Our study extends prior research using SOC. Market evaluations of such changes imply that activity is a fundamental economic triggering process that can explain variations in stock prices. The results, based on the analysis of 40-quarter data, generally support the hypothesized expectations that stock price directly associates with adjustments in activity level, and that stock prices fall (rise) when the firm operates in supra (sub) critical activity levels. These findings also suggest the usefulness of activity data from the stakeholders' standpoint.
Quantitation of metabolic change in serial FDG-PET brain scans of pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury

The aim of this research was to develop a method to quantitate the changes in regional brain metabolism on serial FDG-PET scans in children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in order to determine their response to treatment with psycho stimulant medication. Methods: A Fusion-Based Image Subtraction (FBIS) technique was developed in order to calculate the differences in metabolism between baseline and follow-up scans. The FDG-PET brain images were count normalized to account for differences in the injected activity. Image registration was then performed using a 3D normalized mutual information algorithm and subsequently the fused images were subtracted on a pixel by pixel basis. FBIS extracted areas of increased or decreased metabolism were then compared to a database of normal subjects using NeuroQ (Syntermed, Inc.) and analyzed for statistical significance in cluster areas defined by a standard brain template. Results: Validation of the technique was performed using images from 15 pediatric cases with severe TBI who had baseline (pre-treatment) and follow-up (post-treatment) scans. The FBIS technique was found to be accurate in detecting and localizing the statistically significant changes in regional cerebral metabolism and provided useful data that could be applied clinically. Conclusions: The developed FBIS method identified and quantified areas of regional brain metabolic change thus providing a way to evaluate the effects of pharmacologic treatment in children with TBI. This quantitative technique could be used as an adjunct tool to enhance the interpretation of FDG-PET brain images and aid the referring clinician to assess the response to pharmacologic treatment.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy Of Si/ZnS/Si(100) Heterostructures For Silicon-Based Quantum Devices

Special methods were developed to grow Si/ZnS/Si heterostructures for the purpose of developing silicon-based quantum devices. An arsenic passivation technique was used on silicon surfaces for the growth of ZnS. The effectiveness of this surface passivation was demonstrated by the improved crystal quality and decreased heterostructural interface-state density. A two-step growth method was developed for the epitaxial growth of silicon on ZnS surfaces. In this method the normal silicon epitaxial growth was preceded by a solid phase epitaxy process. Single crystal films of silicon were successfully grown on ZnS surfaces. Our discussion addresses two key issues: crystal defects and the density of interface states. The results of RHEED (reflection high energy electron diffraction), C-V (capacitance voltage), and SIMS (secondary ion mass spectroscopy) measurements are presented.
Statistical Mechanics of Phase Coarsening

Phase coarsening, also termed Ostwald ripening, is generally thought to be a slow, diffusion-controlled process which occurs subsequent to phase separation under extremely small under- or over-saturation levels. The theory due to Lifshitz, Slyzov, and Wagner (LSW), which predicts the coarsening kinetics and the particle distribution function is applicable to dilute systems only, in which particle-particle interactions are unimportant. Most practical systems, however, have large enough volume fractions of the dispersed phase to violate the essential assumptions of LSW theory. Recent progress will be described on simulating Ostwald ripening in randomly dispersed, high volume fraction systems. A fast algorithm for solving the multiparticle diffusion problem (MDP) will be described, permitting simulation of coarsening dynamics by cyclic time-stepping and updating the diffusion solution for large random particle arrays. The rate constants, controlling the growth of the average particle, and the particle distribution functions were obtained by numerical simulations up to a volume fraction of 0.55. A new statistical mechanics theory has now been developed which reproduces the MDP simulation data accurately, and finally makes clear how the linear mean-field approximations employed by LSW theory must be modified to describe real systems. The new theory provides a comprehensive approach to understanding microstructural coarsening in two-phase systems.
Nutrient intake, nutritional status, and cognitive function with aging

With the demographic aging of populations worldwide, diseases associated with aging are becoming more prevalent and costly to individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Among aging-related impairments, a decline in cognitive function is of particular concern, as it erodes memory and processing abilities and eventually leads to the need for institutionalized care. Accumulating evidence suggests that nutritional status is a key factor in the loss of cognitive abilities with aging. This is of tremendous importance, as dietary intake is a modifiable risk factor that can be improved to help reduce the burden of cognitive impairment. With respect to nutrients, there is evidence to support the critical role of several B vitamins in particular, but also of vitamin D, antioxidant vitamins (including vitamin E), and omega-3 fatty acids, which are preferentially taken up by brain tissue. On the other hand, high intakes of nutrients that contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and poor glycemic control may have negative effects on cognition through these conditions. Collectively, the evidence suggests that considerable slowing and reduction of cognitive decline may be achieved by following a healthy dietary pattern, which limits intake of added sugars, while maximizing intakes of fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
292 ARE INJURIES THAT OCCUR ON HOME PLAYROUNDS MORE SERIOUS THAN THOSE THAT OCCUR ON PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS

Purpose Greater than 200,000 children per year are evaluated in US emergency departments because of playground injuries. A minority of these visits (23%) occur on home playgrounds, whereas 70% of playground deaths occur at home. Few data exist to further describe injuries occurring on home and public playgrounds that are not life-threatening. In this study, we sought to determine if more serious injuries occur on home playgrounds compared with public playgrounds. Methods An injury surveillance form was developed in our emergency department 2 years ago to identify several major types of injuries and to describe the circumstances leading to injury occurrence. These forms are included with every chart for children presenting to the emergency department with complaints of any type of injury. An assistant separated these forms by method of injury: sports, falls, bicycle, vehicle, playground, or burn. Epidemiologic data were extracted from each playground injury form and was then entered into Epistat® and a z-test of proportions was used for statistical analysis. Results Between March and August 2006, 106 children were identified as having playground injuries. Of these, 56% were male and ages ranged from 2 to 15 years old, with a median age of 6. Most injuries occurred on public playgrounds (70%). The types of injuries sustained include fractures (48%), lacerations (19%), and closed head traumas (18%). The remaining 15% of injuries were relatively minor: sprains, strains, abrasions, and isolated pain. Admission was necessary for 9% of our population. When comparing injuries that occurred at home versus those that occurred at a public playground, there was no statistical difference in rate of admission (z = −0.23, p = .82 [−0.13, 0.11]). Between these two groups, we also found no statistical difference in numbers of fractures (z = 1.11, p = 0.27 [−0.35, 0.07]), in numbers of closed head traumas (z = 0.77, p = .44 [−0.08, 0.25]), or in numbers of lacerations (z = −0.16, p = .87 [−0.16, 0.17]). Conclusion This information shows that in our population, the types of injuries that occur on home playgrounds are not more serious than those that occur on public playgrounds. Significant injuries do occur on both home and public playgrounds; 85% of the injuries children sustained in this study were fractures, closed head traumas, and lacerations. Increased effort should be applied to making playgrounds safer for children in both types of environments.
Loudness-dependent behavioral responses and habituation to sound by the longfin squid ( Doryteuthis pealeii )

Sound is an abundant cue in the marine environment, yet we know little regarding the frequency range and levels which induce behavioral responses in ecologically key marine invertebrates. Here we address the range of sounds that elicit unconditioned behavioral responses in squid Doryteuthis pealeii, the types of responses generated, and how responses change over multiple sound exposures. A variety of response types were evoked, from inking and jetting to body pattern changes and fin movements. Squid responded to sounds from 80 to 1000 Hz, with response rates diminishing at the higher and lower ends of this frequency range. Animals responded to the lowest sound levels in the 200-400 Hz range. Inking, an escape response, was confined to the lower frequencies and highest sound levels; jetting was more widespread. Response latencies were variable but typically occurred after 0.36 s (mean) for jetting and 0.14 s for body pattern changes; pattern changes occurred significantly faster. These results demonstrate that squid can exhibit a range of behavioral responses to sound include fleeing, deimatic and protean behaviors, all of which are associated with predator evasion. Response types were frequency and sound level dependent, reflecting a relative loudness concept to sound perception in squid.
Sustaining Millennials in Careers: A Comparison of Entering and Veteran Teacher’s Views

Staffing secondary schools has become difficult in the past 10 years in conjunction with a changing and challenging economy for Millennials. Secondary school leaders are having problems finding, employing, and retaining content specialists each school year due to the lack of trained teachers to fill positions left by large numbers of retirees. The problem is there is a need for content specialists in secondary schools and only a limited number of new teachers, which is insufficient in replacing retirees, leaving educational leaders scrambling to fill positions each year. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that are deterring Millennials in their first few years of teaching from remaining in their positions as educators and how those differ from veteran teachers who have taught for 10 or more years. A review of the literature revealed that a changing economy, coming into adulthood during a recession, lack of financial incentive, and lack of support are major deterrents for many teachers. This is a qualitative study that uses responses to surveys to gather information to explain the challenges new teachers face and the causes of the current teacher shortage. Research Theoretical Rational: Motivation Theory-Haslow (1943) Humans are driven by a set of five goals or “basic needs” Historical Perspective: Teaching shortages have existed for years in specific content and geographical areas. With the changes in the profession and hiring needs caused by the 2008 recession, teaching has become a less desirable career option. (Yaffe 2016) Millennials: Millennials are considered to be the generation of people born roughly between 1980 and 2000. Millennial teachers have different needs, such as increased collaboration and strengths, such as openness to diversity and increased diversity among themselves. (Rodriguez & Hallman 2013) Retention: Approximately 50% of new teachers leave the profession in the first five years of teaching. Turnover is expensive for school districts and detrimental to student achievement. (Synar & Maiden 2012) Motivation: Motivations for entering the teaching profession vary but they include a combination of intrinsic, extrinsic, altruistic, and pragmatic reasons. Intrinsic and altruistic are the most common among teachers who stay. (Thomson 2011) Teacher Shortage: Teacher shortages vary by state but they are widespread across the United States. Math, Science, Special Education and Urban and Rural areas are especially hard hit. (Yaffe 2016) Acknowledgments I would like to thank my graduate advisor, Madalienne Peters, Ed.D for her support of my research during this semester. I look forward to working with her through the completion of my research. She has been a wonderful guide as I identified and developed my thesis. I am very passionate about this work and she has been extremely supportive of my time and energy. Michelle LeMieux Department of Education, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, California
Xylem conductivity of petioles and primary stem tissues at stem terminals of herbaceous plant species1

Abstract Shoot apical meristems produce stem tissues, produce leaves, and produce flowers. Cell proliferation characteristics of meristems are dependent upon cell maturation processes and the functions of newly formed cells. Cells of stem terminals depend upon water availability from other plant portions. Inadequate moisture availability to stem terminals reduces shoot growth rates and leaf production rates. Xylem conductivity measurements of terminal shoot meristems and small leaves were approximated using the Hagen-Poiseuille equation to determine relationships between xylem contributions to leaves versus xylem conductivity within stems. Analyses of petiole and stem xylem conductivities for the 23 herbaceous plant species were confined to stem terminals that only had primary xylem cells in stems and only five leaves or leaf pairs. Among stem segments (10 mm to 64 mm in length) among species, the largest leaf areas ranged from 2.34 cm2 to 54 cm2, stem diameters ranged from 0.82 mm to 3.83 mm, and maximum...
Kindergarten readiness for low-income and ethnically diverse children attending publicly funded preschool programs in Miami

Abstract Using data from the Miami School Readiness Project (MSRP), we examine the kindergarten readiness of five cohorts (2002–2007) of children from low-income, ethnically, and linguistically diverse families (n = 16,176) in Miami, Florida who experienced three types of publicly funded preschool programs the year before kindergarten: public school-based pre-K, center-based care, or family childcare. Black and Latino children in public school-based pre-K programs consistently demonstrated greater kindergarten readiness when compared with their classmates in center-based and family childcare, controlling for demographic variables and cognitive skills at preschool entry. In most cases, low-income children enrolled in center-based care also exhibited greater kindergarten skills than their classmates who had attended family childcare. Results were the same across ethnic and language groups. Thus, for all groups of children, those who attended public school-based pre-K began kindergarten with a stronger start than their classmates who attended center-based care and family childcare, and they continued to do better at the end of the kindergarten year.
Smoking and quality of life among elderly survivors of non-smoking related cancers in a prospective cohort study.

9600 Background: Although the effect of smoking on quality of life (QOL) has been examined among survivors of lung or head and neck cancers, little is known about how smoking affects QOL among elde...
Connecting e-hailing to mass transit platform: Analysis of relative spatial position

Abstract This paper analyzes and compares two different relative spatial position (RSP) designs in an integrated e-hailing/fixed-route transit system: a zone-based design that operates e-hailing vehicles within a zone, and a line-based design that operates e-hailing vehicles along a fixed-route transit line and with a stable headway. To conduct a meaningful comparison, the optimal design problems for both systems are formulated using a same analytical framework based on the continuous approximation approach. A comprehensive numerical experiment is performed to compare various cost components corresponding to the optimal designs, and a discrete-event simulation model is developed to validate the analysis. The analytical and simulation results agree with each other well, with a discrepancy in the total system cost less than 5% in most test scenarios. These results also suggest that the line-based system consistently outperforms the zone-based system in terms of both agency and user costs, for all scenarios tested. Compared to the zone-based design, the line-based design features a sparser fixed-route network (resulting in larger stop spacing) but a higher dispatching frequency. It is concluded that the higher efficiency of the line-based design is likely derived from the strategy of operating e-hailing vehicles with a more regular route/headway structure and allowing ride-sharing.
Seismic constraints on the architecture of the Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon fault: Implications for the length and magnitude of future earthquake ruptures

The Newport-Inglewood/Rose Canyon fault zone (NIRC) is an active strike-slip fault system within the Pacific-North American plate boundary in Southern California, located in close proximity to populated regions of San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Prior to this study, the NIRC fault zone's continuity and geometry were not well constrained. Nested marine seismic reflection data with different vertical resolutions are employed to characterize the offshore fault architecture. Four main fault strands are identified offshore, separated by three main stepovers along strike, all of which are 2 kilometers or less in width. Empirical studies of historical ruptures worldwide show that earthquakes have ruptured through stepovers with this offset. Models of Coulomb stress change along the fault zone are presented to examine the potential extent of future earthquake ruptures on the fault zone, which appear to be dependent on the location of rupture initiation and fault geometry at the stepover. These modeling results show that the southernmost stepover between the La Jolla and Torrey Pines fault strands may act as an inhibitor to through-going rupture due to the stepover width and change in fault geometry across the stepover; however, these results still suggest that rupture along the entire fault zone is possible.
Trust Calibration through Reliability Displays in Automated Vehicles

Automated driving is a growing trend in commercially available vehicles. These technologies have the potential to improve safety, but only if drivers understand how they work and when they may fail. Displays that dynamically show automation reliability (and likelihood of failure) have been suggested to improve performance, especially when the driver needs to take back control of the car. There remain many open questions about how best to design such displays. The proposed work investigates metric type, level of information, and modality of presentation to determine how best to improve driver outcomes of situation awareness, trust, reliance and compliance, and overall driving performance.
Association of baseline steroid use with long-term rates of infection and sepsis in the REGARDS cohort

Prior studies associate steroid use with infection risk but were limited to select populations and short follow-up periods. The association of steroid use with long-term risk of community-acquired infections is unknown. We sought to determine the association of steroid risk with long-term risks of community- acquired infections and sepsis. We used data on 30,239 adults aged ≥ 45 years old from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. The primary exposure was oral or injectable steroid use, determined from medication inventory obtained at baseline in-home visit. The primary outcome was time to first infection event during 2003–2012, determined through adjudicated review of hospital records. We determined associations between baseline steroid use and first infection hospitalization events using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for demographics, health behaviors, chronic medical conditions, and medication adherence. Among the first infection hospitalization events, we also determined the association between baseline steroid use and sepsis. Steroid use was reported in 2.24% (n = 677) of the study population. There were 2593 incident infection events during the 10-year follow-up period. Infection incidence rates were higher for steroid than non-steroid users (37.99 vs. 13.79 per 1000 person-years). Steroid use was independently associated with increased risk of infection (adjusted HR 2.10, 95% CI: 1.73–2.56). Among first-infection events, steroid use was associated with increased odds of sepsis (adjusted OR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.33–3.36). The associations persisted in propensity matched analyses as well as models stratified by propensity score and medication adherence. In this population-based cohort study, baseline steroid use was associated with increased long-term risks of community-acquired infections and sepsis.
Becoming lesbian: Monique Wittig's queer-trans-feminism

ABSTRACTInspired by Lynne Huffer's queer feminist genealogy, this article explores queer-trans-feminism as a project that would bring together queer, feminist, and transgender theory and politics into a shared critical lineage. I suggest that Monique Wittig is a neglected thinker who could re-enliven connections and debates within queer, feminist, and trans theory and politics. Utilizing recent historiographies of queer and feminist theory, I imagine what it would mean to hold on to the figure of the lesbian as a figure for queer-trans-feminist politics rather than render the lesbian anachronistic. I then explore the implications of Wittig's notion that “lesbians are not women” for a queer-trans-feminism. I argue that Wittig's critique of the language of the social sciences offers queer-trans-feminist scholars a source for contemporary self-critique and coalition.
Accelerated analysis of Boolean gene regulatory networks

In Systems Biology, Boolean models are gaining popularity in modeling and analysis of qualitative dynamics of gene regulatory mechanisms. With the development of advanced high-throughput technologies, the availability of experimental data on gene-gene, gene-protein interactions is ever increasing. Consequently, modern Boolean models are increasing in size and complexity. Software simulation of Boolean models does not scale for such state-of-the-art complex Boolean models. We propose Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for emulation of Boolean models, exploiting the highly parallel nature of FPGAs. Our emulation framework consists of converting a Boolean model to Verilog, connecting it to an execution core, which runs on an FPGA coherently attached to a POWER8 processor. We report an order of magnitude speed up over a multi-threaded software simulation tool running on the same processor.
Crewman's associate advanced technology demonstration

Data-fused panoramic displays are currently being developed to provide decision support to military pilots in air-to-air combat environments. This paper reports the findings from a series of studies conducted using simulated data-fused explanatory displays. The displays provided explanations, rather than advice, in an endeavour to keep the pilot in the decision 1oop while improving the accuracy and/or speed of his mission-critical decisions. In addition to the basic display of the threat type, speed and direction (the control condition), three forms of explanatory displays were presented: text only, graphics only, and text aidgraphics (redundant). These displays provided information regarding the hostile aircraft's missile engagement zones and success envelopes. For effective human-system interaction, an appropriate level of operator trust is required. A critical determinant of trust is the transparency of the system interface, which should allow the operator to assess the system's accuracy. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the issues of trust and transparency of the different display formats used in the decision support system. Participants were asked to identify the highest threat posed by three hostile aircraft in an air combat scenario in the first experiment, and to assess whether explanations generated for a single hostile aircraft were correct or incorrect in the second. The scenarios, which were designed to present real-world decision tasks, were developed through discussions with RAF aircrew. Low trust was found to have a negative impact on decision-making and situational awareness, with subjects in the low trust condition making fewer correct decisions and reporting lower levels of subjective situational awareness than subjects in the high trust condition. Decision-making with low trust was particularly impaired in the text only condition. Poorer memory for hostile aircraft was observed where explanations were provided, compared to the control condition, in which no explanations were provided. The inability of subjects to identify erroneous textual explanations suggested a lack of transparency in the textual explanations. These results are discussed with regard to the implications of the different display formats for decision-making and situational awareness with data-fused cockpit displays.
Exercise as a Countermeasure to Declining Central Nervous System Function in Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract Purpose The decline of central nervous system (CNS) function is a hallmark characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can manifest as cognitive impairment. We believe that exercise represents a potential behavioral approach for counteracting the declines in CNS structure and associated function among persons with MS (ie, exercise as a countermeasure of CNS decline). This theory is important because disease-modifying drugs represent a first-line approach for modifying the immune system and its effects on the CNS, but these drugs do not generally demonstrate robust improvements in cognitive performance. Methods To the best of our knowledge, this article presents the first argument positioning exercise as a countermeasure for CNS decline in MS. Finding The reviewed research indicates a proliferating body of evidence describing physical fitness, physical activity, and exercise effects on cognitive performance and neuroimaging outcomes (ie, CNS functioning) in MS, with the consistent and strong association between cognitive performance and neuroimaging outcomes in this population as a backdrop. Implications We further present a framework and future research directions for better positioning exercise as a possible neuroprotective behavior against declining CNS function in MS.
Comparison of measured electron energy spectra for six matched, radiotherapy accelerators

This study compares energy spectra of the multiple electron beams of individual radiotherapy machines, as well as the sets of spectra across multiple matched machines. Also, energy spectrum metrics are compared with central-axis percent depth-dose (PDD) metrics. Methods A lightweight, permanent magnet spectrometer was used to measure energy spectra for seven electron beams (7-20 MeV) on six matched Elekta Infinity accelerators with the MLCi2 treatment head. PDD measurements in the distal falloff region provided R50 and R80-20 metrics in Plastic Water® , which correlated with energy spectrum metrics, peak mean energy (PME) and full-width at half maximum (FWHM). Results Visual inspection of energy spectra and their metrics showed whether beams on single machines were properly tuned, i.e., FWHM is expected to increase and peak height decrease monotonically with increased PME. Also, PME spacings are expected to be approximately equal for 7-13 MeV beams (0.5-cm R90 spacing) and for 13-16 MeV beams (1.0-cm R90 spacing). Most machines failed these expectations, presumably due to tolerances for initial beam matching (0.05 cm in R90 ; 0.10 cm in R80-20 ) and ongoing quality assurance (0.2 cm in R50 ). Also, comparison of energy spectra or metrics for a single beam energy (six machines) showed outlying spectra. These variations in energy spectra provided ample data spread for correlating PME and FWHM with PDD metrics. Least-squares fits showed that R50 and R80-20 varied linearly and supralinearly with PME, respectively; however, both suggested a secondary dependence on FWHM. Hence, PME and FWHM could serve as surrogates for R50 and R80-20 for beam tuning by the accelerator engineer, possibly being more sensitive (e.g., 0.1 cm in R80-20 corresponded to 2.0 MeV in FWHM). Conclusions Results of this study suggest a lightweight, permanent magnet spectrometer could be a useful beam-tuning instrument for the accelerator engineer to (a) match electron beams prior to beam commissioning, (b) tune electron beams for the duration of their clinical use, and (c) provide estimates of PDD metrics following machine maintenance. However, a real-time version of the spectrometer is needed to be practical.
Casework with Japanese and Korean Wives of Americans

Relationships formed under conditions of misery and hope, needs and gratifications, led the persons to deny negative aspects of present or future realities
Discovering genomic islands in microbial genomes using a genetic algorithm

Genetic materials are exchanged very frequently across microbial organisms. In many cases, a cluster of adjacent genes, rather than individual genes, are transferred from one genome into another genome. The influx gene clusters in the recipient genome are also known as genomic islands (GIs). While various computational approaches have been employed to identify genomic islands, they are not universally applicable to predict any microbial genome. In this paper, we propose a genetic algorithm (GA) approach to search genomic islands for any genome. The GA evaluates candidate solutions in the population based on sequence composition based fitness value, and finds final solutions through crossover and mutation operations throughout the evolution. We applied our GA approach on four genomes. Experimental results have shown that our GA could not only find previously reported GIs, but also find some new GIs not reported before. We believe that our GA-based approach for GI finding should complement existing GI prediction tools.
User-State Sensing for Virtual Health Agents and TeleHealth Applications

Nonverbal behaviors play a crucial role in shaping outcomes in face-to-face clinical interactions. Experienced clinicians use nonverbals to foster rapport and "read" their clients to inform diagnoses. The rise of telemedicine and virtual health agents creates new opportunities, but it also strips away much of this nonverbal channel. Recent advances in low-cost computer vision and sensing technologies have the potential to address this challenge by learning to recognize nonverbal cues from large datasets of clinical interactions. These techniques can enhance both telemedicine and the emerging technology of virtual health agents. This article describes our current research in addressing these challenges in the domain of PTSD and depression screening for U.S. Veterans. We describe our general approach and report on our initial contribution: the creation of a large dataset of clinical interview data that facilitates the training of user-state sensing technology.