cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Elderly Patients: Prognosis Determined By Disease Risk Index

Survival of elderly patients with hematological malignancies remains suboptimal despite many older adults receiving reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We studied the impact of disease risk index (DRI) on clinical outcomes of 196 elderly patients (≥60 years old) with hematological malignancies receiving RIC alloHCT between 2000-2013. Median age at transplant was 64.8 years (range, 60-75; 53% age 60-64 and 47% age ≥65). More comorbidities (HCT-CI ≥3) were present in 70 patients (35.7%) and Karnofsky performance score (KPS) was p =.40), whereas platelet engraftment at 6 months was significantly lower for HR/VHR (76% vs. 58%, p =.08). Treatment related mortality (TRM) at 2 years was similar in LR/IR and HR/VHR (28% vs. 34%, p =.12). Overall relapse incidence was 30% in the entire cohort and increased in HR/VHR (26% for LR/IR vs. 44% for HR/VHR; p p p p =.32) and the incidence of chronic GVHD was similar (35% and 31% at 2-years, p =.07). GVHD and relapse free survival (GFRS) at 2-years was significantly worse for HR/VHR DRI group (25% for LR/IR vs. 0% for HR/VHR; p p =.02), while neutrophil engraftment was not influenced by DRI. HR/VHR DRI was a risk factor for increased risk of relapse after alloHCT (HR=2.05; 95% CI 1.14-3.69; p =.02). After adjusting for graft source, KPS and year of HCT, treatment failure (inverse of DFS; HR=1.83; 95% CI 1.16-2.87; p =.02) and overall mortality (HR=1.87; 95% CI 1.16-3.02; p =.01) were significantly increased for HR/VHR DRI group. Although DRI did not affect the risk of acute or chronic GVHD, GRFS was significantly worse for patients with HR/VHR DRI (HR=2.13; 95% CI 1.46-3.11; p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Lax eyelid syndrome (LES), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and ocular surface inflammation

Abstract Purpose Lax eyelid syndrome (LES) is defined as the association of distensible “floppy” eyelids and chronic papillary conjunctivitis. LES is also found in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have systemic elevation of inflammatory markers, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Locally elevated MMP levels have also been demonstrated co-localized with elastin loss in eyelids of patients with LES, accounting for their “floppiness.” The purpose of this study was to investigate tear film MMP levels and determine their association with eyelid laxity and OSA. We also evaluated 3 previous grading systems to determine the severity of lid laxity and introduced a new “laxometer” device. Methods Thirty-seven subjects underwent bilateral eyelid laxity assessments prior to polysomnography testing. OSA severity was graded using the apnea hypopnea index (AHI). The degree of eyelid laxity was determined using three published methods and a newly proposed “laxometer” method. Commercially available InflammaDry® kits were used to determine the presence of MMP-9 in the tear film. Results There was a significant elevation in tear MMP-9 levels in patients with LES compared to controls (p 5). In this sample, there was no meaningful association between OSA and MMP-9 (p = .12). Although there were positive associations between OSA severity, laxometer measurements, and previously established grading methods, none achieved statistical significance (all p > .05). Conclusions There was an elevation of MMP-9 in tears of patients with LES. Elevated tear MMP-9 was also not associated with OSA. Although there is some evidence to support the association of eyelid laxity and OSA, the most accurate and reliable method for grading eyelid laxity remains unclear.
Staphylococcus aureus viewed from the perspective of 40,000+genomes

Low-cost Illumina sequencing of clinically-important bacterial pathogens has generated thousands of publicly available genomic datasets. Analyzing these genomes and extracting relevant information for each pathogen and the associated clinical phenotypes requires not only resources and bioinformatic skills but organism-specific knowledge. In light of these issues, we created Staphopia, an analysis pipeline, database and application programming interface, focused on Staphylococcus aureus, a common colonizer of humans and a major antibiotic-resistant pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of hospital and community-associated infections. Written in Python, Staphopia's analysis pipeline consists of submodules running open-source tools. It accepts raw FASTQ reads as an input, which undergo quality control filtration, error correction and reduction to a maximum of approximately 100× chromosome coverage. This reduction significantly reduces total runtime without detrimentally affecting the results. The pipeline performs de novo assembly-based and mapping-based analysis. Automated gene calling and annotation is performed on the assembled contigs. Read-mapping is used to call variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletions) against a reference S. aureus chromosome (N315, ST5). We ran the analysis pipeline on more than 43,000 S. aureus shotgun Illumina genome projects in the public European Nucleotide Archive database in November 2017. We found that only a quarter of known multi-locus sequence types (STs) were represented but the top 10 STs made up 70% of all genomes. methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were 64% of all genomes. Using the Staphopia database we selected 380 high quality genomes deposited with good metadata, each from a different multi-locus ST, as a non-redundant diversity set for studying S. aureus evolution. In addition to answering basic science questions, Staphopia could serve as a potential platform for rapid clinical diagnostics of S. aureus isolates in the future. The system could also be adapted as a template for other organism-specific databases.
Sleep-disordered breathing and self-reported general health status in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study

Objective: To determine the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and self-reported general health status. Design: Cross sectional, population-based study of general health status, satisfaction with life, and sleep-disordered breathing status assessed by overnight in-laboratory polysomnography. Setting: General Community Subjects: Employed men (n=421) and women (n=316), ages 30-60 years, enrolled in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study Interventions: None Outcome Measure: Self-reported general health profile and life satisfaction measured by the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 and obtained by interview. Results: Sleep-disordered breathing was associated with lower general health status before and after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol usage, and a history of cardiovascular conditions. Even mild sleep-disordered breathing (apnea-hypopnea index = 5) was associated with decrements in the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 Survey health constructs comparable to the magnitude of decrements linked to other chronic conditions such as arthritis, angina, hypertension, diabetes, and back problems. Conclusions: Sleep-disordered breathing is independently related to lower general health status, and this relationship is of clinical significance. Given the growing emphasis of the importance of patients' perceptions of health, these findings are relevant to estimating the overall impact of sleep-disordered breathing.
Skin Immunization with Influenza Vaccines

Problems with existing influenza vaccines include the strain specificity of the immune response, resulting in the need for frequent reformulation in response to viral antigenic drift. Even in years when the same influenza strains are prevalent, the duration of immunity is limited, and results in the need for annual revaccination. The immunogenicity of the present split or subunit vaccines is also lower than that observed with whole inactivated virus, and the vaccines are not very effective in high risk groups such as the young or the elderly. Vaccine coverage is incomplete, due in part to concerns about the use of hypodermic needles for delivery. Alternative approaches for vaccination are being developed which address many of these concerns. Here we review new approaches which focus on skin immunization, including the development of needle-free delivery systems which use stable dry formulations and induce stronger and longer-lasting immune responses.
The Status of African Regional Trade Agreements

This chapter comprehensively introduces all eight African Regional Trade Agreements, (RTA), that are slated to eventually combine to form the African Economic Community. For each RTA, the chapter begins with an overview that includes its founding date, purposes and members as well as the sequence contemplated to be followed in the integration plan. Each of these integration schemes, free market, customs market, common market, monetary union and where there is planned political union is examined in turn. For each RTA, a section evaluating progress made in the integration agenda concludes the discussion. This chapter is therefore about the state of play in African RTAs about which there is often little written about.
Beyond Mitigation: Adaptation of Agricultural Strategies to Overcome Projected Climate Change

Global climate change (GCC) will impose several human, economic, and environmental costs that are country or region specific. The approach of an asset portfolio is proposed to allow “adaptation resources” to be considered for a range of scales depending upon need. These resources can be adapted and modified to address anticipated climate change conditions for each region or country. Asset portfolio items important to adaptation include: land, water, energy, infrastructure, genetic resources, research and technology capacity, information technology, human resources, political institutions, and access to markets and trade. Successful adaptation to GCC may require recognition of all of these assets.
Effects of Protease Inhibitors and Vitamin E in the Prevention of Cancer

Protease inhibitors and Vitamin E have been the most effective of the potential human cancer chemopreventive agents we have studied in the ability to suppress radiation-induced malignant transformation i in vitro. Although neither of these agents affect malignant cells, they appear to be working by different mechanisms to suppress the conversion of a cell to the malignant state, as their in vitro effects are markedly different. The effects of Vitamin E are reversible; if the compound is removed from cultures destined to produce transformed foci, transformed cells arise. The effects of protease inhibitors are irreversible in that these agents need to be present in cultures for only short periods of time to reverse the carcinogenic process (1). Protease inhibitors have their suppressive effect on carcinogenesis when present while cells are actively proliferating (1); vitamin E is effective when cells are in the confluent, stationary phase of growth (2). Relatively large concentrations of vitamin E (at nearly toxic levels) are necessary to inhibit transformation in vitro, while very low concentrations of protease inhibitor (nanomolar-picomolar ranges) are capable of suppressing the transformation process (1,2).
Assessment of Anxiety Disorders: Categorical and Dimensional Perspectives

This chapter provides an overview of evidence-based instruments for the assessment of pediatric anxiety disorders from both categorical and dimensional perspectives. The chapter begins with a brief discussion of a categorical perspective to pediatric anxiety assessment and how interview schedules best capture this perspective. This is followed by a summary of the most widely used interview schedules to assess pediatric anxiety, including the evidence base for accomplishing specific assessment goals (i.e., diagnosis and treatment evaluation). The chapter follows with a brief discussion on a dimensional perspective and how rating scales best capture this perspective. This is followed by a summary of the most widely used rating scales for assessing pediatric anxiety, including research support for their use across contexts (i.e., identifying and quantifying anxiety, screening, and treatment evaluation). Next is a brief summary of objective measures of pediatric anxiety. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future research directions.
On Myopic Strategies For Resource Constrained Informative Sampling

In this work, we investigate data-driven sensor scheduling policies under resource constraints. We consider a scenario in which data is being generated by n discrete-time dynamical processes. At each instant, $m \gt ;n$ measurements can be collected. Based on an auto-regressive (AR) prediction model, we define two loss functions, namely, the prediction error and the measurement error associated with the missing measurements. The problem of choosing the measurements at each step is formulated as an optimization problem over the two loss functions. For $n=2$ and $m= 1$, we explicitly derive the optimal measurement policy, and present an analytical expression for the decision rule. We extend the technique adopted in the aforementioned problem to derive an algorithmic procedure to address the case when m and n are arbitrary. We present simulations to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, and compare it to the case when the parameters of the AR predictor are updated at each step based on the measurements.
The effect of CO2-induced dissolution on flow properties in Indiana Limestone: An in situ synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography study

Abstract The injection of CO2-rich fluids in carbonate rocks results in an evolution of the pore space, with consequent changes in the hydraulic properties of the reservoir; how these properties evolve, particularly for parameters relevant to multiphase flow e.g. Pc(s), remains a topic of active research despite several decades of study. We have carried out an in situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography experiment to monitor pore structure evolution during dissolution of an Indiana Limestone core; the experiment involved flowing CO2-saturated water through the core for 36 h and resulted in 10 volumes corresponding to different temporal stages of the dissolution process. The injection parameters corresponded to the flow velocities expected near the well-bore region of a shallow aqueous CO2 injection; fast flow rates with high reactant availability. Analysis of the tomographic data shows flow-enhanced dissolution i.e. channeling, and provides a time-resolved map of pore space alteration. Using the resulting 4D pore space volume, we modeled the evolution of capillary-pressure curves; this exercise demonstrates how pore structure evolution could impact the invasion and remobilization of non-wetting fluids, dramatically decreasing the entry pressure and the PC in some parts of the sample. The modeling of permeability, using a Stokes solver approach, quantified the relationship of porosity vs. permeability; we found that a modest increase in porosity, especially when the channeling system is more developed, greatly affects permeability. These results demonstrate how movement of CO2 saturated brine near injected plumes might alter drainage dynamics near the plume boundary, thus leading to mobilization across subtle capillary barriers.
TCF21 and AP-1 interact through epigenetic modifications to regulate coronary artery disease gene expression

Genome-wide association studies have identified over 160 loci that are associated with coronary artery disease. As with other complex human diseases, risk in coronary disease loci is determined primarily by altered expression of the causal gene, due to variation in binding of transcription factors and chromatin-modifying proteins that directly regulate the transcriptional apparatus. We have previously identified a coronary disease network downstream of the disease-associated transcription factor TCF21, and in work reported here extends these studies to investigate the mechanisms by which it interacts with the AP-1 transcription complex to regulate local epigenetic effects in these downstream coronary disease loci. Genomic studies, including chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA sequencing, and protein-protein interaction studies, were performed in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. We show here that TCF21 and JUN regulate expression of two presumptive causal coronary disease genes, SMAD3 and CDKN2B-AS1, in part by interactions with histone deacetylases and acetyltransferases. Genome-wide TCF21 and JUN binding is jointly localized and particularly enriched in coronary disease loci where they broadly modulate H3K27Ac and chromatin state changes linked to disease-related processes in vascular cells. Heterozygosity at coronary disease causal variation, or genome editing of these variants, is associated with decreased binding of both JUN and TCF21 and loss of expression in cis, supporting a transcriptional mechanism for disease risk. These data show that the known chromatin remodeling and pioneer functions of AP-1 are a pervasive aspect of epigenetic control of transcription, and thus, the risk in coronary disease-associated loci, and that interaction of AP-1 with TCF21 to control epigenetic features, contributes to the genetic risk in loci where they co-localize.
Interference Robust Detector-First Near-Zero Power Wake-Up Receiver

This paper presents the development of a wake-up receiver (WuRX) at nanowatt power levels for event-driven applications. This paper improves the state of the art, obtaining higher sensitivity than previous work in the 151.8- and 433-bands, low-power operation, and robustness to interference due to an integrated offset compensation algorithm operating without any external calibration. Simultaneous low-power operation and high sensitivity are achieved through a passive detector design based upon a terminal impedance boundary condition-based optimization of the detector dictated by the terminal impedances of the detector. This paper is implemented in a 130-nm CMOS process and obtains −76 dBm at the 151.8-MHz multi-use radio service (MURS) band and −71 dBm at the 433-MHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band with a total dc power draw of just 7.6 nW from 1.0- and 0.6-V supplies.
Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a Southern Academic Obstetrical Clinic.

Objectives The opioid epidemic has resulted in rising rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in women of childbearing age. With this changing epidemiology in mind, the Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines were updated in 2018 to recommend screening all pregnant women for HCV infection, irrespective of risk factors. Because HCV infection can affect maternal-fetal health and result in vertical transmission, presentation for pregnancy-related medical care represents an opportunity to diagnose and manage HCV infection, as well as prepare for treatment postpartum. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review spanning 2007-2016 to examine the epidemiology of HCV infection and opioid use disorder in a southern academic obstetrical clinic and to explore the impact of new screening guidelines if implemented. Composite data from the electronic health record and individual chart review were used to determine rates of HCV infection and opioid use disorder in obstetrics, explore patient demographics, and examine perinatal outcomes. Results Rates of both opioid use disorder and chronic HCV infection increased significantly during the 10-year period of analysis. Patients diagnosed as having chronic HCV infection were primarily white (95%) and there was no observed impact of HCV on perinatal outcomes. HCV testing in pregnancy, even when patients had documented opioid use disorder, was infrequent (0.7% of all pregnancies). Documented follow-up for HCV postpartum for both mothers and infants was incomplete, with only one-third of identified HCV-exposed infants referred and only 9% receiving HCV testing at our institution. Conclusions HCV prevalence increased between 2007 and 2016, but screening and treatment of HCV in this southern obstetrical cohort was infrequent. The implementation of universal screening in pregnancy will likely identify additional cases, and an improved cascade of care will be necessary to address the HCV epidemic.
Contraceptive methods of privately insured US women with congenital heart defects

Background The American Heart Association recommends women with congenital heart defects (CHD) receive contraceptive counseling early in their reproductive years, but little is known about contraceptive method use among women with CHD. We describe recent female sterilization and reversible prescription contraceptive method use by presence of CHD and CHD severity in 2014. Methods Using IBM MarketScan Commercial Databases, we included women aged 15 to 44 years with prescription drug coverage in 2014 who were enrolled ≥11 months annually in employer-sponsored health plans between 2011 and 2014. CHD, CHD severity, contraceptive methods, and obstetrics-gynecology and cardiology provider encounters were identified using billing codes. We used log-binomial regression to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare contraceptive method use overall and by effectiveness tier by CHD presence and, for women with CHD, severity. Results Recent sterilization or current reversible prescription contraceptive method use varied slightly among women with (39.2%) and without (37.3%) CHD, aPR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.01-1.07]. Women with CHD were more likely to use any Tier I method (12.9%) than women without CHD (9.3%), aPR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.33-1.50]. Women with severe, compared to non-severe, CHD were less likely to use any method, aPR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.78-0.92], or Tier I method, aPR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.70-0.99]. Approximately 60% of women with obstetrics-gynecology and Conclusions There may be missed opportunities for providers to improve uptake of safe, effective contraceptive methods for women with CHD who wish to avoid pregnancy.
Assessing Microbial Communities Related to Mercury Transformations in Contaminated Streambank Soils

In nature, the bioaccumulative potent neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is produced from inorganic mercury (Hg) predominantly by anaerobic microorganisms. Hg-contaminated soils are a potential source of MeHg due to microbial activity. We examine streambank soils collected from the contaminated East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) in Tennessee, USA, where seasonal variations in MeHg levels have been observed throughout the year, suggesting active microbial Hg methylation. In this study, we characterized the microbial community in contaminated bank soil samples collected from two locations over a period of one year and compared the results to soil samples from an uncontaminated reference site with similar geochemistry (n = 12). Microbial community composition and diversity were assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Furthermore, to isolate potential methylators from soils, enrichment cultures were prepared using selective media. A set of three clade-specific primers targeting the gene hgcA were used to detect Hg methylators among the δ-Proteobacteria in EFPC bank soils across all seasons. Two families among the δ-Proteobacteria that have been previously associated with Hg methylation, Geobacteraceae and Syntrophobacteraceae, were found to be predominant with relative abundances of 0.13% and 4.0%, respectively. However, in soil enrichment cultures, Firmicutes were predominant among families associated with Hg methylation. Specifically, Clostridiaceae and Peptococcaceae and their genera Clostridium and Desulfosporosinus were among the ten most abundant genera with relative abundances of 2.6% and 1.7%, respectively. These results offer insights into the role of microbial communities on Hg transformation processes in contaminated bank soils in EFPC. Identifying the biogeochemical drivers of MeHg production is critical for future remediation efforts.
Development of an L-band resonator optimized for fast scan EPR imaging of the mouse head.

PURPOSE To develop a novel resonator for high-quality fast scan electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and EPR/NMR co-imaging of the head and brain of mice at 1.25 GHz. METHODS Resonator dimensions were scaled to fit the mouse head with maximum filling factor. A single-loop 6-gap resonator of 20 mm diameter and 20 mm length was constructed. High resonator stability was achieved utilizing a fixed position double coupling loop. Symmetrical mutually inverted connections rendered it insensitive to field modulation and fast scan. Coupling adjustment was provided by a parallel-connected variable capacitor located at the feeding line at λ/4 distance. To minimize radiation loss, the shield around the resonator was supplemented with a planar conductive disc that focuses return magnetic flux. RESULTS Coupling of the resonator loaded with the mouse head was efficient and easy. This resonator enabled high-quality in vivo 3D EPR imaging of the mouse head following intravenous infusion of nitroxide probes. With this resonator and rapid scan EPR system, 4 ms scans were acquired in forward and reverse directions so that images with 2-scan 3,136 projections were acquired in 25 s. Head images were achieved with resolutions of 0.4 mm, enabling visualization of probe localization and uptake across the blood-brain barrier. CONCLUSIONS This resonator design provides good sensitivity, high stability, and B1 field homogeneity for in vivo fast scan EPR of the mouse head and brain, enabling faster measurements and higher resolution imaging of probe uptake, localization, and metabolism than previously possible.
An evaluation of assumptions underlying respondent‐driven sampling and the social contexts of sexual and gender minority youth participating in HIV clinical trials in the United States

Introduction Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) has been an effective sampling strategy for HIV research in many settings, but has had limited success among some youth in the United States. We evaluated a modified RDS approach for sampling Black and Latinx sexual and gender minority youth (BLSGMY) and explored how lived experiences and social contexts of BLSGMY youth may impact traditional RDS assumptions. Methods RDS was implemented in three US cities, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington DC, to engage BLSGMY aged 15 to 24 years in HIV prevention or care intervention trials. RDS was modified to include targeted seed recruitment from venues, Internet and health clinics, and provided options for electronic or paper coupons. Qualitative interviews were conducted among a sub-sample of RDS participants to explore their experiences with RDS. Interviews were coded using RDS assumptions as an analytic framework. Results Between August 2017 and October 2019, 405 participants were enrolled, 1670 coupons were distributed, with 133 returned, yielding a 0.079 return rate. The maximum recruitment depth was four waves among seeds that propagated. Self-reported median network size was 5 (IQR 2 to 10) and reduced to 3 (IQR 1 to 5) when asked how many peers were seen in the past 30 days. Qualitative interviews (n = 27) revealed that small social networks, peer trust and targeted referral of peers with certain characteristics challenged network, random recruitment, and reciprocity assumptions of RDS. HIV stigma and research hesitancy were barriers to participation and peer referral. Other situational factors, such as phone ownership and access to reliable transportation, reportedly created challenges for referred peers to participate in research. Conclusions Small social networks and varying relationships with peers among BLSGMY challenge assumptions that underlie traditional RDS. Modified RDS approaches, including those that incorporate social media, may support recruitment for community-based research but may challenge assumptions of reciprocal relationships. Research hesitancy and situational barriers are relevant and must be addressed across any sampling method and study design that includes BLSGMY in the United States.
The Use of Socio-Technical Probabilistic Risk Assessment at AHRQ and NASA

Government research agencies can play an important role in helping to shape a research agenda through the research methods and techniques that they fund through grants and contracts. While the use of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) has often been an accepted safety research tool in studying risk in technical systems, it has had limited use in predominately human systems in which human limitations and failure represent substantial risks. There is a need to apply PRA to more human based systems where the role of human behavior can represent a substantial portion of probable risk Two U.S. federal governmental research agencies are now using socio-technical probabilistic risk assessment as an important research tool to meet program objectives as part of their overall safety research efforts. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the federal agency designated to lead the research effort in the area of medical error and patient safety while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has responsibility in research in aviation and space safety management. Both AHRQ and NASA are advancing the use of probabilistic safety assessment through active research programs which are described.
Avionics fiber-optic and photonics network preliminary technology readiness assessment

Fiber-optic technology deployment on military platforms is driving the need to re-assess fiber optics and photonics technology readiness for next generation avionics systems. The AEROLAN initiative unveiled at the 22nd DASC and subsequently kicked off at the IEEE LEOS avionics fiber-optics and Photonics Workshop (AVFOP 2004), provides the impetus for a technology readiness assessment (TRA) of the Naval aviation fiber-optics and photonics technology infrastructure. TRA is a valuable methodology for defining technology maturity and making technology investment decisions. Technology readiness levels (TRLs) combined with product assessment scales (PAs) are useful elements for assessing readiness prior to formulating research, development, and test and evaluation (RDT&E) objectives, and subsequent technology transition planning. This paper provides the reader insight into NAVAIR's preliminary readiness assessment of avionics fiber optics and photonics technology for the next generation.
Classification of rocky headlands in California with relevance to littoral cell boundary delineation

Abstract Despite extensive studies of hydrodynamics and sediment flux along beaches, there is little information on the processes, pathways and timing of water and sediment transport around rocky headlands. In this study, headlands along the California coast are classified to advance understanding of headland dynamics and littoral cell boundaries in support of improved coastal management decisions. Geomorphological parameters for 78 headlands were quantified from geological maps, remote-sensing imagery, navigational charts, and shoreline geospatial databases. K-means cluster analysis grouped the headlands into eight distinct classes based on headland perimeter, bathymetric slope ratio, and the headland apex angle. Wave data were used to investigate the potential for sediment transport around the headland types and determine the efficacy of the headland as a littoral cell boundary. Four classes of headland appear to function well as littoral cell boundaries, with headland size (e.g., perimeter or area) and a marked change in nearshore bathymetry across the headland being relevant attributes. About half of the traditional California littoral cell boundaries align with headland classes that are expected to perform poorly in blocking alongshore sediment transport, calling into question these boundaries. Better definition of these littoral cell boundaries is important for regional sediment management decisions.
Health and the Urban Environment

The effect of each of several pollutants on the health of urban families on the lower East Side of Hew York city has been assessed. Prevalence of certain symptoms on one day of the week (Monday) was assessed according to level of each pollutant (low, medium, or high). Prevalence was treated as a binomial variable (number of “yes” responses/number of “yes” and “no” respouses) whereas pollutant level was a continueous variable (but ordered, by thirds), according to the method of Armitage. In summer, in children under 8 years of age, prevalence of respiratory symptoms was directly related to increasing levels of particulate matter and of carbon monoxide. In heavy smokers, prevalence of eye irritation and headache was directly related to increasing levels of carbon monoxide.
Hypercellularity Components of Glioblastoma Identified by High b-Value Diffusion-Weighted Imaging

Purpose Use of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for target definition may expose glioblastomas (GB) to inadequate radiation dose coverage of the nonenhanced hypercellular subvolume. This study aimed to develop a technique to identify the hypercellular components of GB by using high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and to investigate its relationship with the prescribed 95% isodose volume (PDV) and progression-free survival (PFS). Methods and Materials Twenty-one patients with GB underwent chemoradiation therapy post-resection and biopsy. Radiation therapy (RT) treatment planning was based upon conventional MRI. Pre-RT DWIs were acquired in 3 orthogonal directions with b-values of 0, 1000, and 3000 s/mm 2 . Hypercellularity volume (HCV) was defined on the high b-value (3000 s/mm 2 ) DWI by a threshold method. Nonenhanced signified regions not covered by the Gd-enhanced gross tumor volume (GTV-Gd) on T1-weighted images. The PDV was used to evaluate spatial coverage of the HCV by the dose plan. Association between HCV and PFS or other clinical covariates were assessed using univariate proportional hazards regression models. Results HCVs and nonenhanced HCVs varied from 0.58 to 67 cm 3 (median: 9.8 cm 3 ) and 0.15 to 60 cm 3 (median: 2.5 cm 3 ), respectively. Fourteen patients had incomplete dose coverage of the HCV, 6 of whom had >1 cm 3 HCV missed by the 95% PDV (range: 1.01-25.4 cm 3 ). Of the 15 patients who progressed, 5 progressed earlier, within 6 months post-RT, and 10 patients afterward. Pre-RT HCVs within recurrent GTVs-Gd were 78% (range: 65%-89%) for the 5 earliest progressions but lower, 53% (range: 0%-85%), for the later progressions. HCV and nonenhanced HCV were significant negative prognostic indicators for PFS ( P P P Conclusions High b-value DWI identifies the hypercellular components of GB and could aid in RT target volume definition. Future studies will allow us to investigate the role of high b-value DWI in identifying radiation boost volumes and diagnosing progression.
Pathological motivations for exercise and eating disorder specific health‐related quality of life

Disease specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a disease or condition’s impact on the overall and specific areas of an individual’s health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked as an outcome when examining the impact of psychiatric disorders. Recent research on eating disorders (ED) and HRQOL has shown that both clinical and subclinical ED individuals have lower levels of HRQOL than normal controls. [1] Furthermore, the HRQOL detriments observed in ED are on par with the HRQOL detriments observed in other serious disorders (e.g., somatoform disorders, alcohol abuse, diabetes, cancer, & pulmonary disorders). [1] If the ED is left untreated HRQOL detriments may persist [2]; however, HRQOL improves as a result of ED treatment. [3,4] Thus, identifying behaviors that may contribute to the detrimental impact on HRQOL may elucidate potential pathways that, if intervened upon, could improve HRQOL. Exercise is one behavior that is associated with earlier ED onset, more ED symptoms, and higher persistence of ED behavior. [5] Specifically, compulsions are one pathological motivation for exercise that has been associated with greater ED symptomatology (e.g., EDE global severity score, vomiting frequency, and depression). [6] Consequently, the distinction between exercise amount and pathological motivations is important in ED. [7,8]. One important limitation in synthesizing knowledge from studies that have examined pathological motivations for exercise is the use of multiple terms to describe problematic patterns of exercise. While compulsive exercise is the preferred term used in the ED literature [26], a recent literature review has concluded that terms such as exercise addiction, compulsion, and dependence all describe the same phenomenon. [27] Conceptualizing problematic exercise as exercise dependence addresses specific compulsive attitudes, motives, beliefs, and behaviors that are common to ED. Thus, recent research has shown that the detrimental effects of exercise on ED may be mediated by exercise dependence. [9,10] Moreover, exercise dependence is associated with detriments in psychological well-being and physical/cognitive well-being domains of ED-specific HRQOL. [11] A recent review of HRQOL in ED concluded that motivations for exercising (e.g., exercise dependence) appear to predict HRQOL. [1] Previous research has found significant relationships for exercise dependence and psychological aspects of HRQOL on ED symptoms, [11] but has failed to investigate the main effects and interaction effect of ED severity and exercise dependence on total HRQOL scores. Therefore, continued examination of the association between exercise dependence and ED-specific HRQOL is warranted. The purpose of this study was to examine the unique and interactive effects of self-reported ED severity and exercise dependence on ED specific HRQOL. We hypothesized that ED severity will be more strongly associated with reduced HRQOL in individuals with higher levels of exercise dependence. [11]
Entomopathogenic fungi (Hypocreales) for control of potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in an area endemic for zebra chip disease of potato

Abstract Potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli , is a serious pest of potato and other solanaceous vegetables in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and New Zealand and is responsible for transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum which causes a disease known as “zebra chip” (ZC). Entomopathogenic fungi could provide a viable component for an integrated pest management strategy for control of B. cockerelli and other potato pest insects. Three field trials of commercial formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae (F 52®, Novozymes Biologicals) and Isaria fumosorosea (Pfr 97®, Certis USA) and abamectin (Agri-Mek®, Syngenta, USA) were conducted in Weslaco, Texas. Rates are expressed in quantity of product delivered in 375–470 l of water/ha. F 52 applied at 0.51, 1.1, and 2.2 l/ha and Agri-Mek applied at 584 ml/ha produced reductions of B. cockerelli eggs and nymphs of 45%, 59%, 67%, and 63%, respectively. Only Agri-Mek significantly reduced plant damage. Pfr 97 at 1.1 kg/ha with and without 1% Trilogy® (neem oil, Certis, USA), and Agri-Mek at 584 ml/ha resulted in psyllid reductions of 78%, 76%, and 84%, respectively. Significantly decreased plant damage and ZC symptoms were observed for all treatments. Tuber yields for Pfr plus Trilogy and Agri-Mek were significantly higher than the control. F 52 applied at 1.1 and 2.2 l/ha and Pfr 97 at 1.1 and 2.2 kg/ha produced 62%, 62%, 66%, and 65% reduction, respectively. Tuber yield for both rates of Pfr and the high rate of F 52 were significantly higher than the control. All fungal treatments significantly reduced plant damage and ZC symptoms.
Correction to “Sequential Problems in Decentralized Detection With Communication” [Aug 11 5410-5435]

In the above titled paper (ibid., vol. 57. no. 8, pp. 5410-5435, Aug. 2011), a correction to the second sentence after equation (4) in Section II is necessary. The correction is presented here.
Quantum-mechanical approximation to the ground state of cerous magnesium nitrate

In this paper we perform a complete quantum-mechanical calculation of the ground-state energy of a system of spins 1/2 that are coupled by dipole-dipole forces. The only hypothesis used is the assumption that the ground state has two times the periodicity of the underlying magnetic lattice. This paper is the application to a specific crystal of results derived in a preceding paper. The Hamiltonian is decomposed in eight invariant pieces each with its own coupling constant. The basis wave functions are decomposed according to the eight one-dimensional representations of the permutation group that leaves the cluster invariant. The results are given in the form of tables applicable to any compound that has the spins situated on a Bravais lattice. The calculation is applied to cerous magnesium nitrate and we show that the results for the lowest state of each representation are leading to a spectrum that is different from the results obtained with the classical or Hartree method. Although the lowest state is still the same antiferromagnetic configuration, it turns out now that this state lies barely below the ferromagnetic state; the order in which the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic levels appear is different from the order obtained in a classical calculation.
Examining Differences in Kindergarteners’ Mathematics Learning: A Closer Look at Instruction, Socioeconomic Status, and Race

ABSTRACTThe author examined whether mathematics instruction provided by kindergarten teachers is related to children's mathematics learning during the kindergarten year based on the children's socioeconomic status and race. Hierarchical linear modeling was employed using a large sample of kindergarten students to estimate relationships between the teacher's instructional approach (e.g., concrete-spatial, interpersonal, linguistic) and children's mathematics skills. Results showed that the teacher's instructional approach was selectively related to children's mathematics learning. Students in classrooms where teachers frequently employed a concrete-spatial instructional approach learned more during the kindergarten year. Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds benefitted more from teachers who often employed an interpersonal approach, and Black/African American students benefitted less from classrooms where teachers relied more on a linguistic approach. The findings suggest that kindergarten teachers...
Racial/ethnic differences in hip and diaphyseal femur fractures.

Contemporary femur fracture rates were examined in northern California women and compared by race/ethnicity. During 2006–2012, hip fracture rates declined, but diaphyseal fracture rates increased, especially in Asians. Women with diaphyseal fracture were younger and more likely to be bisphosphonate-treated. These disparities in femur fracture should be further examined. The epidemiology of diaphyseal femur fracture differs from proximal femur (hip) fracture, although few studies have examined demographic variations in the current era. This study examines contemporary differences in low-energy femur fracture by race/ethnicity in a large, diverse integrated health-care delivery system. The incidence of hip and diaphyseal fracture in northern California women aged ≥50 years old during 2006–2012 was examined. Hip (femoral neck and pertrochanteric) fractures were classified by hospital diagnosis codes, while diaphyseal (subtrochanteric and femoral shaft) fractures were further adjudicated based on radiologic findings. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from health plan databases. Fracture incidence was examined over time and by race/ethnicity. There were 10,648 (97.3 %) hip and 300 (2.7 %) diaphyseal fractures among 10,493 women. The age-adjusted incidence of hip fracture fell from 281 to 240 per 100,000 women and was highest for white women. However, diaphyseal fracture rates increased over time, with a significant upward trend in Asians (9 to 27 per 100,000) who also had the highest rate of diaphyseal fracture. Women with diaphyseal fracture were younger than women with hip fracture, more likely to be of Asian race and to have received bisphosphonate drugs. Women with longer bisphosphonate treatment duration were also more likely to have a diaphyseal fracture, especially younger Asian women. During 2006 to 2012, hip fracture rates declined, but diaphyseal fracture rates increased, particularly among Asian women. The association of diaphyseal fracture and bisphosphonate therapy should be further investigated with examination of fracture pattern.
Asymptotic and boundary integral formulae for the computational reconstruction of small conductivity imperfections

In this paper we investigate the electrostatic problem of determining conductivity profiles from the knowledge of boundary currents and voltages. We obtain an improved estimate for the voltage potential of a two-dimensional conductor having finitely many circular inclusions and piecewise constant conductivity profile. We derive an asymptotic expansion for the voltage potential in terms of the reference voltage potential and the location, size, and conductivity of the inhomogeneities. This representation is used to formulate the nonlinear least squares problem for estimating the location and size of the inhomogeneities. Required boundary data for the voltage potential are generated numerically by solving a system of integral equations. Computational experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of our identification procedure.
High-energy thermal synchrotron emission

It is shown how the thermal synchrotron emission spectrum is modified when the photon energy is greater than the mean energy of the radiating particles. The effect if applying this energy conservation constraint is to produce spectra which have less high-energy photon emission than had been previously estimated. The thermal synchrotron spectra provide satisfactory fits to recently observed very high energy gamma ray spectra of certain burst sources.
Borexino: a status report

Abstract We report on the status, technology, and physics reach of Borexino, which will directly measure the 862 keV 7 Be neutrinos from the sun. This will be a powerful probe of all currently allowed solar neutrino oscillation parameters, as well as an important test of our basic understanding of solar neutrino physics. The primary challenge of the experiment, which has dictated the design of the detector, is achieving an unprecedented low level of radioactivity. Filling and commissioning of the detector is expected to being in the summer of this year.
The absence of gastric urease in germ-free animals

Abstract 1. 1.Measurements were made of the urease (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) content of the gastric mucosae of conventional, germ free, and fetal animals to test whether gastric urease arises from micro-organisms or is constitutive. 2. 2.Homogenates of gastric mucosae of conventional sheep, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens; of germ-free rats, guinea pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and pigs; and of fetal dogs, cats, rats, sheep, and humans were prepared and analyzed for urease activity. 3. 3.There was no urease in the gastric mucosae of the germ-free or fetal animals, although enzymic activity was usually found in the same tissue from their conventional adult counterparts, which had a wide range of enzymatic activity.