cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Herd Management Practices and Their Association with Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count on United States Dairy Operations

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) and herd management practices using data collected in the National Animal Health Monitoring System Dairy 2002 study. Twenty-six percent and 17.8% of 1,013 operations reported a BTSCC 400,000 cells/mL, respectively. Univariate analysis identified associations between management variables and BTSCC. The use of mattresses, sand, and newspaper as bedding were all associated with a lower BTSCC. Primary lactating cow housing facility, outside maternity housing area, flooring type cows walk or stand on, and use of automatic take-offs were also associated with BTSCC. Multivariate associations between management variables and BTSCC were determined by backward elimination ordinal logistic regression. The odds of an operation from the West, Midwest, and Northeast having a high BTSCC were lower than those from the Southeast. The odds of a higher BTSCC were 2 times greater for operations with a rolling herd average milk production <9,090 kg/cow per year compared with those with ≥9,090 kg/cow per year. Operations using composted manure were 2.9 times more likely to have a higher BTSCC than those not using composted manure. Finally, operations that reported not using a coliform mastitis vaccine were 1.7 times more likely to have a higher BTSCC than those using one. Future studies of the association between management practices and BTSCC should include an evaluation of the quality of management practice application and herd prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens. Significant variables identified in this study dealt with housing, use of composted manure for bedding, and coliform mastitis vaccine use, suggesting the effect of environmental mastitis pathogens may be more influential on BTSCC than previously thought.
Modifying and Pilot Testing the Pap Smear Belief Questionnaire

1. Kelly Ackerson[1][1] 2. Lisa Stines Doane[2][2] 3. Robert McNutt[1][1] 4. Yuanyuan Shao[1][1] 1. 1Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, USA 2. 2Cleveland State University, OH, USA 1. Kelly Ackerson, Associate Professor, Bronson School of Nursing, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5345, USA. Email: kelly.ackerson{at}wmich.edu This study is a report on modifications and pilot testing of a measurement tool to predict Pap testing based on the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior. Women have been found to avoid routine cervical cancer screening (CCS) due to personal influencing factors. For this study, the Pap Smear Belief Questionnaire (PSBQ) was modified by adding items and evaluated through content validity index (CVI = .89) and cognitive interviews (think-aloud protocol), resulting in a 31-item instrument with four subscales (Benefits, Barriers, Vulnerability, Experiences). Pilot testing the modified PSBQ was conducted at a local agency. Fifty-three women completed and returned the PSBQ, which had good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .81 (Benefits α = .51; Barriers α = .85; Vulnerability α = .78; Experiences α = .87). Test–retest reliability of the 31-item PSBQ was also good (.878). Univariate logistic regression indicated that the only significant predictor of seeking/avoiding routine screening by women’s background characteristics was social influence ( p = .04). Subscales found to be significant predictors in Pap testing were Barriers ( p = .003) and Gynecological Exam Experiences ( p = .04). The refined 31-item PSBQ has good psychometric data supporting its use in predicting CCS. However, this research should be replicated in a larger sample enabling further validity and reliability testing of the PSBQ. Understanding women’s attitudes toward CCS will help health care providers, who deal with gynecological health, develop more effective screening programs and interventions facilitating better experiences for women contributing to an increase in routine screening. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #aff-2
Optimal location of advance warning for mandatory lane change near a two-lane highway off-ramp

Improper mandatory lane change (MLC) maneuvers in the vicinity of highway off-ramp will jeopardize traffic efficiency and safety. Providing an advance warning for lane change necessity is one of the efficient methods to perform systematic lane change management, which encourages smooth MLC maneuvers occurring at proper locations to mitigate the negative effects of MLC maneuvers on traffic flow nearby off-ramp. However, the state of the art indicates the lack of rigorous methods to optimally locate this advance warning so that the maximum benefit can be obtained. This research is motivated to address this gap. Specifically, the proposed approach considers that the area downstream of the advance warning includes two zones: (i) the green zone whose traffic ensures safe and smooth lane changes without speed deceleration (S-MLC); the start point of the green zone corresponding to the location of the advance warning; (ii) the yellow zone whose traffic leads to rush lane change maneuvers with speed deceleration (D-MLC). An optimization model is proposed to search for the optimal green and yellow zones. Traffic flow theory such as Greenshield model and shock wave analysis are used to analyze the impacts of the S-MLC and D-MLC maneuvers on the traffic delay. A grid search algorithm is applied to solve the optimization model. Numerical experiments conducted on the simulation model developed in Paramics 6.9.3 indicate that the proposed optimization model can identify the optimal location to set the advance MLC warning nearby an off-ramp so that the traffic delay resulting from lane change maneuvers is minimized, and the corresponding capacity drop and traffic oscillation can be efficiently mitigated. Moreover, the experiments validated the consistency of the green and yellow zones obtained in the simulation traffic flow and from the optimization model for a given optimally located MLC advance warning under various traffic regimes. The proposed approach can be implemented by roadside mobile warning facility or on-board GPS for human-driven vehicles, or embedded into lane change aid systems to serve connected and automated vehicles. Thus it will greatly contribute to both literature and engineering practice in lane change management.
Situational theory of leadership

The situational theory of leadership and the LEAD instruments for determining leadership style are explained, and the application of the situational leadership theory to the process of planning for and implementing organizational change is described. Early studies of leadership style identified two basic leadership styles: the task-oriented autocratic style and the relationship-oriented democratic style. Subsequent research found that most leaders exhibited one of four combinations of task and relationship behaviors. The situational leadership theory holds that the difference between the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the four leadership styles is the appropriateness of the leader's behavior to the particular situation in which it is used. The task maturity of the individual or group being led must also be accounted for; follower readiness is defined in terms of the capacity to set high but attainable goals, willingness or ability to accept responsibility, and possession of the necessary education or experience for a specific task. A person's leadership style, range, and adaptability can be determined from the LEADSelf and LEADOther questionnaires. By applying the principles of the situational leadership theory and adapting their managerial styles to specific tasks and levels of follower maturity, the authors were successful in implementing 24-hour pharmacokinetic dosing services provided by staff pharmacists with little previous experience in clinical services. The situational leadership model enables a leader to identify a task, set goals, determine the task maturity of the individual or group, select an appropriate leadership style, and modify the style as change occurs. Pharmacy managers can use this model when implementing clinical pharmacy services.
The serological differentiation of mumps complement-fixation antigens.

SummaryStudy of the complement-fixation antigens obtained from chick embryos infected with mumps virus revealed 2 anti-genically distinct components separable by high speed centrifugation. One antigen is closely linked with the virus and found predominantly in the allantoic and amniotic fluids; the other component is smaller and present mainly in the allantoic and amniotic membranes. The 2 antigens can be differentiated by serum absorption technic. Some human sera contain antibodies to the 2 antigens (early convalescent sera) whereas others may show antibodies only to the virus-bound antigen but not to the soluble material (long past infection).
Analysis on Surveillance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis in LongYan

Objective To know about the surveillance status of acute flaccid paralysis(AFP) in LongYan City,provide scientific basis of preventing poliomyelitis.Methods Analyzed by descriptive epidemiology.Result There were 28 cases of AFP.The incidence rates of the children under 15 years old was 1.9/100 000,1.95/100 000 and 1.57/100 000 respectively from 2006 to 2008.Some one county had no case reported or reported untimely.One case of typeⅠvaccine-like virus,one case of type II vaccine-like virus,one case of mixed virus and 3 cases of non-polio enterovirus were found.Conclusions All the surveillance index of AFP in LongYan meet the requirements of the Ministry of Health in China.High level of immunization coverage is still necessary to further improve the sensitivity and timeliness of AFP surveillance system and keep non-AFP status.
Anti-allergic effects of Fulvotomentoside on ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice

AIM: To investigate the anti-allergic effects of Fulvotomentoside(Ful) on ovalbulmin(OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice,and to provide pharmalogical basis for its clinical application in the treatment of food allergy.METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups.Four groups were sensitized with OVA intraperitoneally and then challenged intragastrically.Group H,M and L were treated respectively with high,medium and low concentration of Ful.Group Se were used as positive controls and group NS were used as negative controls.Histological examinations were performed by HE and toluidine blue staining.The levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum and OVA-specific IgA and total IgA in the intestinal mucus were measured by ELISA.The footpad swelling reactions were assessed for the OVA-induced delayed hypersensitivity.RESULTS: The mice in Se,L and M groups had acute diarrhea after they were challenged 3-4 times with OVA.High concentration of Ful decreased diarrhea occurrence,reduced the accumulated and degranulated mast cells in jejunum and mesentery and the levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum,inhibited the footpad swelling reactions and the inflammatory reactions in jejunum.CONCLUSION: High concentration of Ful may be of potential research value in the treatment of both IgE and non-IgE mediated food allergy.
Analysis of the related factors of hearing loss in preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia

Objective:To explore the relationship among the hearing loss,birth weight,and conceptus age in preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia.Method:Twenty-eight preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia with different birth weight and conceptus age were included in this study and tested by auditory brainstem response(ABR).Infants with intracranical hemorrhage,hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or nervous system diseases were ruled out from this study.Infants were devided into three groups: preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia group,preterm infants without hyperbilirubinemia group and normal infants group.The degree of hearing loss were estimated from the ABR threshold of waveⅤ,the latency of wavesⅠ,Ⅲ and Ⅴ and wave periods.Result:The rate of occurrence of hearing loss in preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia,preterm infants without hyperbilirubinemia,normal infants were 55.4%,43.5%,19.6%(P0.01) respectively.In the preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia group,the infants with lighter birth weight had more frequent and severe hearing loss and the infants with lower conceptus age had more severe hearing loss except for those whose conceptus age ≤30 weeks or ≤34 weeks.However,the degree of hearing loss of them had no significant difference(P0.05).The ABR threshold of wave Ⅴ of preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia are higher than that of normal infants(P0.01).However,there was no significant difference between the preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia and those without hyperbilirubinemia.The latency of wave Ⅴ and wave periods of the preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia were longer than that of the preterm infants without hyperbilirubinemia and the normal infants.(P0.01).Furthermore,the latency of waveⅠof the preterm infants were longer than that of the normal infants(P0.01).Conclusion:Preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia have high risk to hearing loss.The hearing loss has negative correlation to birth weight and conceptus age.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Shanghai

[Objective] To estimate the incidence of community acquired pneumonia in Shanghai and associated risk factors.[Methods]A 1 : 1 matched community-based case-control study was conducted among patients with confirmed community acquired pneumonia and healthy individuals who were in the same community to determine the risk factors.Four communities in Shanghai were randomly selected to perform household survey and estimate incident of community acquired pneumonia each year.[Results]Retired residents aged above 50 years accounted for the majority of community acquired pneumonia.The common symptoms were fever(body temperature≥38℃),cough and expectoration.The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that smoking(OR=2.051),asthma(OR=6.152) and chronic diseases(OR=2.230) were risk factors of community acquired pneumonia.It was estimated that 26997 incidents of community acquired pneumonia each year in Shanghai.[Conclusion]The incidence of community acquired pneumonia is estimated at a higher level.Controls of smoking,asthma and chronic diseases are key to preventing community acquired pneumonia,which should be integrated into further disease surveillance and health education.
A functional metasurface platform with unique building blocks: light manipulation and beam shaping

This paper presents an engineered metasurface which can serve functionalities such as anomalous bending, focusing, and beam shaping over the circularly polarized (CP) incident beam. The building block is a bilayer double split-loop resonators (DSLRs) where it can fully transmit the impinging light and control phase only by rotation of unit-cell and not by changing the structural parameters which can greatly facilitate the fabrication process. The mechanism behind this fascinating feature can be described as the conversion of an impinging CP incident beam into the opposite handedness and obtaining a geometrical phase shift equal to twice the rotating angle of DSLRs. It is illustrated that full transmission with 2π phase shift can be achieved with the proposed metasurface. Unique designs with helicity dependency to realize anomalous bending, bifunctional convergence/divergence, and flat-top beam creation with applying lossless beam shaping approach are presented.
A report on the workshop on the economics of cloud computing

This is a report on the first Workshop on the Economics of Cloud Computing, which was held in conjunction with the ACM conference on Economics and Computation (EC).
Combustion plasma electrical conductivity model development for oxy-fuel MHD applications

Abstract Oxy-combustion can enable efficient CO2 capture from fossil fuel power plants in combined cycle systems; however, air separation is expensive. In order to directly utilize the high gas temperatures associated with oxy-combustion and offset any oxygen separation penalties, a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator has been proposed as a plant topping cycle. Accurately predicting the electrical conductivity of combustion products with the addition of potassium “seed” compound is necessary to evaluate the performance of this modern approach to MHD. In order to make these predictions, improved species collisional cross-section data (momentum transfer cross-section, MTCS) are needed at relevant conditions. A gas electrical conductivity model for use in open-cycle MHD power generation applications is presented, which makes use of updated MTCS data not represented in previous legacy publications. Based on the results of a detailed review and analysis of currently available MTCS data relevant to open-cycle MHD combustion systems, recommendations have been provided for relevant species and a gas temperature range of 1500–3500 K (∼0.13–0.3 eV electron energy). Model predictions utilizing updated MTCS data are validated against limited experimental data found in literature for oxy-combustion with potassium seed compound. Model results are presented from a parametric study, which show the effect of combustion conditions and seeding on ionization processes and gas electrical conductivity, highlighting differences between modern oxy-combustion MHD systems and legacy approaches implementing air-fired combustion and high levels of preheat.
Concurrent driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (p) on targeted therapy uncovered by comprehensive molecular profiling.

11004 Background: NSCLC p with EGFR mutations respond initially to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) but invariably develop acquired EGFR TKI resistance. Prior studies identified the EGFR T790...
A modified dose-response model that describes the relationship between haemagglutination inhibition titre and protection against influenza infection.

Aims Develop a model for quantifying the risk of an adverse human response to influenza virus infection as a function of exposure dose and pre-exposure antibody titer level. Methods and Results We evaluated the relationship between hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer (as a measure of specific antibody response) and protection against influenza infection and modeled this relationship by incorporating HI titer as a variable into dose-response models. Using a Maximum Likelihood Estimation approach, the resulting model was capable of providing statistically acceptable fits to most available data. Conclusions The incorporated HI titer dependency in the model quantifies the protective effect of antibody titer. The modeling can be used to predict the protection effectiveness associated with elevated HI titer levels post vaccination to different levels of exposures. Significance and Impact of the Study The study incorporates HI titer level as a variable into a dose–response model for influenza infection. The approaches developed in this study could be used to evaluate other factors associated with the predictability of HI titer or other surrogate endpoints for influenza vaccines. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Promise and Perils of Population Research on Same-Sex Families

As a follow-up to our 2016 study, this article presents new findings examining the relationship between same-sex family structure and child health using the 2008-2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). After discussing NIHS data problems, we examine the relationship between family structure and a broad range of child well-being outcomes, including school days lost, behavior, parent-rated health, emotional difficulties, and activity limitations. We find both similarities (school days lost, behavior, parent-rated health) and differences (emotional difficulties and activity limitations) across our two studies using different survey years, but our overall conclusions are robust. We further discuss the implications of our findings for future research on this topic, including how to account for biological relatedness in a study on child health in same-sex families.
Federally qualified health centers reduce the primary care provider gap in health professional shortage counties

Abstract Background Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) were designed to provide care in medically underserved areas. Substantial and sustained federal funding has accelerated FQHC growth. Purpose To examine temporal trends in primary care provider supply and whether FQHCs have been successful in reducing the gap in provider supply in primary care health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Methods Retrospective cohort study design using national county-level data from 2009 to 2013. Primary care providers included physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Findings Partial-county HPSAs had the highest average provider supply and the greatest increase, followed by non-HPSA counties and whole-county HPSAs. The provider gap was larger in whole-county HPSAs compared with partial-county HPSAs. Counties with one or more FQHC sites had a smaller provider gap than those without FQHC sites. An increase of one FQHC site was statistically significantly associated with a reduction in the annual provider gap. Discussion FQHCs reduced the gap in primary care provider supply in shortage counties and mitigated uneven distribution of the primary care workforce.
Clinical Efficacy of Jump Training Augmented With Body Weight Support After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial:

Background Limited knee flexion and increased muscle co-contraction during jump landing are believed to diminish outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The efficacy of jump training to improve patients' mechanical and neuromuscular deficits is understudied. Hypothesis Jump training will improve functional, mechanical, and neuromuscular outcomes and higher repetition training augmented by body weight support will result in better retention of gains. Study design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Thirty athletes (18 months after surgery) were screened, and 19 with mechanical deficits and limited clinical outcomes were enrolled in the trial. Testing included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, leg landing mechanics via motion analysis, knee joint effusion using a stroke test, and a surface electromyography-generated co-contraction index during a single-legged landing. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: jump training with normal body weight (JTBW) and high-repetition jump training with body weight support (JTBWS). Knee effusion grading throughout training was used to assess joint tolerance. Changes in outcomes over time were analyzed with mixed-effects modeling. Immediate outcomes were compared with retention testing at 8 weeks after training by use of 2-way analyses of variance with effects of time and group. Results Significant effects of time were found during the training phase for all outcome measures, but no effects of group or sex were found. IKDC score (pooled; mean ± SD) increased from 76 ± 12 to 87 ± 8 ( P Conclusion Jump training mitigated some risk factors for second injury and osteoarthritis in patients after ACL reconstruction. Training made lasting improvements in physical function measures as well as mechanical and neuromuscular coordination deficits. Higher repetitions used with body weight support did not improve retention but substantially reduced risk for effusion. Clinical relevance Jump training is an efficacious intervention for athletes with poor outcomes after ACL reconstruction, and training with body weight support lessens the risk for excessive joint stress during practice. Registration: NCT02148172 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Concerning neuroprotective therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Studying potential neuroprotective therapy for Parkinson’s disease is conceptually problematic because of the heterogenous nature of the Parkinson’s syndrome and complexities in operational definitions for neuroprotection. The current literature concerning neuroprotection provides no convincing evidence of any treatment as definitively neuroprotective in Parkinson’s disease. Recent clinical trials and novel trial designs are reviewed that may identify meaningful therapy, resulting in maintenance of neurological function and quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s disease.
Organizational influences and quality-of-life issues during the professional socialization of certified athletic trainers working in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I setting.

Context: Health professionals are exposed to critical influences and pressures when socialized into their work environments. Little is known about the organizational socialization of certified athletic trainers (ATs) in the collegiate context. Objective: To discuss the organizational influences and quality-of-life issues as each relates to the professional socialization of ATs working in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I setting. Design: A qualitative design of in-depth interviews and follow-up electronic interviews was used to examine the organizational socialization of ATs. Setting: Participants associated with Division I athletic programs from 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts volunteered for the study. Participants: A total of 11 men and 5 women participated in the study, consisting of 14 ATs and 2 athletic directors. Data Collection and Analysis: Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. A peer review, member checks, and data source triangulation were performed to establish trustworthiness. Results: Two categories emerged that provide insight into the experiences that affected the professional socialization of the ATs: organizational influences and quality-of-life issues. The data indicate that the participants in this study were heavily influenced by the bureaucratic tendencies of the Division I athletic organizations in which they worked. The participants were extremely concerned about the diminished quality of life that may result from being an AT in this context. They were, however, able to maintain a commitment to delivering quality care to the student-athletes despite these influences. High work volume and low administrative support were commonly cited as problems, thus creating concern about diminished quality of life and the fear of burnout. Conclusions: The AT's role appears not only rewarding but also challenging. The reward is working closely with patients and developing an interpersonal bond; the challenge is dealing with a bureaucratic structure and balancing one's professional and personal lives to prevent burnout. Thought should be given to using intervention strategies to mitigate the negative influences on the AT's role.
Direct Costing — Grenzkostenkalkulation der Artikel

Beim Direct Costing werden die Produkte nur mit den Kosten belastet, die direkt mit der Beschaftigung oder der Leistung variieren (leistungsabhangige oder proportionale Kosten). Nur die Kosten des Fertigungsmaterials, die Fertigungslohne und die proportionalen Fertigungsgemeinkosten dienen zur Bewertung der Bestande und Angebote. Die fixen Kosten betrachtet das Direct Costing nicht als Produktkosten. Alle fixen Fertigungsgemeinkosten wie Abschreibungen, Versicherungen oder Gebaudesteuern sind von der Kalkulation ausgeschlossen; in die Kostenzurechnung auf die Erzeugnisse werden weder fixe Gehalter der Verwaltung und Betriebsleiter noch die der Meister, Vorarbeiter und Buroangestellten einbezogen. Lohne bestimmter Fabrikarbeiter, z. B. der Reparaturarbeiter oder Wachter, konnen z. T. als zeitabhangig und z. T. als leistungsabhangig angesehen werden.
Estimation of the parameters of a second order nonlinear system

We have presented an approach to estimate the parameters of a memoryless quadratic transformation based on the third order cumulant sequence sample of noisy measurement. The derivations are valid for zero mean measurement noise which is symmetrically distributed and is independent of the nonlinear process. We exploit the property of third order cumulants that they are identically zero for symmetric distributions. What we have here are just preliminary results. Comparisons have to be made — both in terms of theory and experiments — with techniques such as the least squares and maximum likelihood estimators with different contaminating noise characteristics. Extensions to dynamic second order nonlinear systems need to be made. Work related to these problems is in progress.
Using the levenberg-marquardt method for the solution of inverse transport problems

The inverse transport problem of determining unknown interface locations in a multilayer radioactive source/shield system based on gamma-ray flux measurements was recently attacked using a novel solution method dubbed the Schwinger inverse method [1], which was also used to determine an unknown source composition [1], identify an unknown material in a radiation shield [2], and identify unknown mass densities in the source and/or shield [3]. The ability to solve for these types of unknowns is useful in characterizing many types of radioactive systems for environmental or homeland security applications. In this paper a standard, robust optimization algorithm, the Levenberg-Marquardt (or just Marquardt) method [4], is applied to these types of problems. The Marquardt method computes a set of unknown parameters using gradients of an error function with respect to each of the unknown parameters. The error function is typically taken to be the χ difference between a set of measured data and a set of model (calculated) data. In this paper, the data of interest are the unscattered leakages of a set of decay gamma-ray lines. The gradients are calculating using an adjoint-based method [5-7]. In this paper, the Marquardt method is applied to the problem of determining unknown interface locations in a source/shield system [1]. The two questions addressed are 1) How well are the gradients calculated using adjoint-based methods?, and 2) Given these adjoint-based gradients, how well does the Marquardt method work for these types of problems?
Changes in Physical Activity After Installation of a Fitness Zone in a Community Park.

Author(s): Sami, Mojgan; Smith, Megan; Ogunseitan, Oladele A | Abstract: IntroductionIncreases in physical activity can lead to decreases in the prevalence of chronic diseases. Parks provide an ideal setting for physical activity. We investigated the effect of a fitness equipment installation on the intensity of park users' physical activity at a community park.MethodsWe used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in a Community to record physical activity in Eastgate Park in Garden Grove, California, in August 2015 (preintervention [n = 1,650 person-periods]) and in February 2016 (postintervention [n = 1,776 person-periods]). We quantified physical activity in target areas of the park during 15-minute observation periods in 2 ways: 1) we categorized each user's activity level during the period (sedentary, walking, vigorous), and 2) we converted activity levels to numeric metabolic equivalent task (MET) scores and calculated the period-average score across users. We used mixed-effects regression models to assess 1) the proportional odds of higher activity level at postintervention and 2) the association between intervention status (pre vs post) and mean period-average MET scores.ResultsIn the immediate zone around the fitness equipment, the odds ratio for a higher activity level was 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.18; P = .006) and the mean period-average MET score was 0.33 (95% CI, -0.07 to 0.74; P = .11) units higher at postintervention. Across the park as a whole, the odds ratio for a higher activity level was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.21-1.63; P l .001), and the mean period-average MET score was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.12-0.56; P = .003) units higher at postintervention.ConclusionInstalling fitness zones appears to be an effective intervention for increasing physical activity of park users. Further studies need to be conducted to understand the sustained impact of fitness zones over time.
Neuromodulation by combined sensory and motor stimulation in the peripheral nerve: tendon organ afferent activity

Objective Neuromuscular stimulation is a therapeutic approach to treat impairments such as stroke or pain, although the resulting inputs to the nervous system due to the stimulation are not well quantified. Stimulation activates both afferents and efferents, and the resulting neural activity is a mix of the effects of both: the changes in afferent activity due to efferent physiological actions plus the alterations due to afferent stimulation. This study quantitatively describes the resulting Golgi tendon organ Ib afferent activity in response to mixed afferent and efferent stimulation. Approach Neural and stimulated action potentials interact by means of collision, neural resetting, and refractory block. We simulated the action potential patterns of Ib afferents in the human first dorsal interosseous during constant voluntary, stimulated, and combined contractions, varying both stimulation rate and location, and both with and without simultaneous Ib stimulation. Main results Efferent stimulation affects the firing rate versus force relationships of individual tendon organs, but the effects on the population mean are very small. In contrast, afferent stimulation changes the firing rate versus force relationship of individual afferents by increasing the firing rate, decreasing the force resolution, broadening the distribution of action potential rates, and temporally phase locking a portion of the action potentials. Force resolution is retained in the population mean. The effects of afferent stimulation change with the stimulation rate and location, and with receptor firing rates. Significance This is the first quantitative description of the changes in afferent feedback during combined efferent and afferent nerve stimulation. The small effects of efferent stimulation on the population response implies that tendon organs could provide accurate force feedback during stimulated contractions. The effects of afferent stimulation can be altered by choice of stimulus rate and site and are generalizable to other afferents.
Oxidative pathophysiology following volumetric muscle loss injury in a porcine model.

The natural injury sequela of volumetric muscle loss (VML) and associated pathophysiology of the remaining muscle is still incompletely understood. Herein we demonstrate a chronic muscle function d...
Naproxen for presymptomatic Alzheimer disease: Is this the end, or shall we try again?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been hypothesized to play a protective role in Alzheimer disease (AD). This hypothesis is supported by a large number of cohort studies; a recent meta-analysis of 16 studies demonstrated that current or former NSAID use was associated with a reduced relative risk (RR) of AD (RR 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.70–0.94).1 A role for NSAIDs in AD is consistent with the increasing evidence that inflammatory activity plays a crucial role in AD pathogenesis.2,3 In AD, protein complexes of β-amyloid and hyperphosporylated tau interact with microglia and astrocytes and result in the secretion of cytokines and chemokines, markers of inflammatory activation. Despite the observational epidemiologic data on the protective effect of NSAIDs and the evidence for a biologically plausible role of anti-inflammatory treatment, a large multiyear randomized placebo-controlled trial with naproxen and celecoxib (Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial [ADAPT]) failed to support the hypothesis that either drug could delay the onset of AD in adults with a family history of dementia.4 While these initial results were disappointing, there was a suggestion of an effect among 3 of the cognitive subtests in the naproxen arm of this study,5 which led the investigators to design a subsequent naproxen trial, using a more sensitive outcome measure.
Novel Excerpt: The Incubator

The following is an excerpt from Linda Schlossberg’s dystopic novel The Incubator. It is introduced by an essay contextualizing the novel in relation to contemporary discourses and anxieties about ...
Intracellular Zn 2+ transients modulate global gene expression in dissociated rat hippocampal neurons

Zinc (Zn2+) is an integral component of many proteins and has been shown to act in a regulatory capacity in different mammalian systems, including as a neurotransmitter in neurons throughout the brain. While Zn2+ plays an important role in modulating neuronal potentiation and synaptic plasticity, little is known about the signaling mechanisms of this regulation. In dissociated rat hippocampal neuron cultures, we used fluorescent Zn2+ sensors to rigorously define resting Zn2+ levels and stimulation-dependent intracellular Zn2+ dynamics, and we performed RNA-Seq to characterize Zn2+-dependent transcriptional effects upon stimulation. We found that relatively small changes in cytosolic Zn2+ during stimulation altered expression levels of 931 genes, and these Zn2+ dynamics induced transcription of many genes implicated in neurite expansion and synaptic growth. Additionally, while we were unable to verify the presence of synaptic Zn2+ in these cultures, we did detect the synaptic vesicle Zn2+ transporter ZnT3 and found it to be substantially upregulated by cytosolic Zn2+ increases. These results provide the first global sequencing-based examination of Zn2+-dependent changes in transcription and identify genes that may mediate Zn2+-dependent processes and functions.
Correspondence Analysis and Principal Components Analysis as Methods for Integrating Archaeological Plant and Animal Remains

Multivariate analyses, such as correspondence analysis (CA) and principal ­components analysis (PCA), have gained prominence in archaeology over the past several decades, with applications to a variety of archaeological datasets, including subsistence data (Hollenbach 2005; VanDerwarker et al. 2007; Whitridge 2001, 2002; see also Hollenbach and Walker, this volume and Peres et al., this volume). These analytical techniques are especially useful in that they allow for the consideration of multiple cases (e.g., contexts, sites, periods) along with multiple variables, producing solutions that can “map” associations between the two. The implication of these techniques for integrating archaeological plant and animal datasets is the ability to consider how different plant and animal resources cluster together in relation to different contexts or time periods. Thus, we can imagine a single solution that differentiates between the diets of different periods (see below) or diets related to different social or spatial contexts (see Peres et al., this volume), just to name a few possibilities.
Microstructure, microrheology, and dynamics of laponite® and laponite®-poly(ethylene oxide) glasses and dispersions

We utilize dynamic light scattering (DLS)-based passive microrheology to probe the dynamics and structural evolution of laponite® and laponite®-polymer glasses and dispersions at the microscale. The results reveal an increase in the dynamic heterogeneity of laponite® dispersions with an increase of laponite® concentration and aging time. In neat laponite® dispersions, the degree of stiffness is enhanced and the dynamics are retarded at higher laponite® concentration due to the formation of a repulsive glass. In the presence of PEO with a moderate molecular weight of 20 kg/mol, the microviscoelastic properties of 2 wt% laponite® dispersions show non-monotonic effects with PEO concentration upon aging, which agrees with the results obtained previously from bulk rheology. However, the magnitudes of the viscoelastic moduli (G’ and G”) of dispersions beyond the gel point obtained from DLS-microrheology is lower than that obtained from conventional rheology. Our results suggest that the DLS-microrheology can be used to qualitatively study dynamic transitions and the microviscoelastic properties of gels and soft solids.
Study on the association of apoptosis-related molecule serum-soluble Fas with incomplete Kawasaki disease

Objective To compare the levels of sFas in the sera among Kawasaki disease (KD),incomplete Kawasaki disease (IKD),and normal control groups,and to analyze the relationship of sFas with IKD children.Methods A total of 32 cases of acute KD and acute IKD children,and 20 cases of the control children were selected,respectively.The levels of serum sFas among three groups were measured using ELISA kits.Each child among the three groups was examined by echocardiography.Results (1)The levels of serum sFas among the three groups were[ (0.54±0.20)ng/L in KD,(0.55±0.16)ng/L in IKD,and (0.24 ± 0.04) ng/L] in control group,respectively.The overall means of sFas in the KD and IKD groups were higher than the control group,and the differences were statistically significant( F=29.276,P＜0.05 ).(2)The levels of serum sFas among echocardiography abnormal and normal groups were[ (0.65±0.19) ng/L and (0.49±0.10)ng/L],respectively; and the difference between two groups were statistically significant ( t=3.139,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions The expression levels of sFas in the peripheral serum of IKD children were increased,and there was a close association of overexpression of sFas with the cardiovascular damage in IKD children. Key words: Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome/metabolism; Antigens,CD95/blood; Child
National Trends in Oral Antibiotic Prescribing in United States Physician Offices from 2009 to 2016

BACKGROUND Prior studies have found that outpatient antibiotics are commonly prescribed for non-bacterial conditions. It is unclear if national prescribing has changed in recent years given recent public health and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. This study aimed to describe antibiotic prescribing in United States (U.S.) physician offices. MATERIALS/METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of all sampled patient visits in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2009 to 2016. Antibiotic use was defined as at least one oral antibiotic prescription during the visit as identified by Multum code(s). Patient visits were categorized by U.S. geographic region and season. ICD-9-CM and ICD-10 codes were used to assess diagnoses and categorize antibiotic use as appropriate, possibly appropriate, or inappropriate. RESULTS Seven billion visits were included for analysis, with 793,415,182 (11.3%) including an antibiotic. Prescribing rates were relatively stable over the study period (102.9-124.9 prescriptions per 1000 visits); however, 2016 had one of the lowest prescribing rates (107.7 per 1000 visits). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic class was macrolides (25 per 1000 visits). The South region and winter season had the highest antibiotic prescribing (118.2 and 129.7 per 1000 visits, respectively). Of patients who received an antibiotic, 55.9%, 35.7%, and 8.4% were classified as inappropriate, possibly appropriate, and appropriate, respectively. The most common conditions in which antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately included those with no indication in any of the predefined diagnosis codes (40.1%), other skin conditions (17.3%), and viral upper respiratory conditions (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS There was no significant reduction in outpatient antibiotic prescribing rates among U.S. outpatients from 2009 to 2016 and prescribing varied by region and season. These data suggest that more than half of antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately, with the majority of antibiotics prescribed with no indication. However, these findings need to be confirmed with robust prospective studies.
Semantic Enhanced Sketch Based Image Retrieval with Incomplete Multimodal Query

Sketch Based Image Retrieval (SBIR) is a challenging problem mainly due to a significant cross-domain gap between hand-drawn sketches and natural images. While extra semantic information (such as attribute details) can facilitate query-adaptive search, we still have to face two challenges: (1) an incomplete multimodal query; (2) lack of sketch-image paired training data. Toward this end, many existing multimodal sketch retrieval frameworks utilize text-based label information to augment the limited sketch query with more semantic details. However, that single word-level category information may not always reveal sufficient characteristics on the object specific fine-grained attributes. In this work, we propose a multimodal SBIR system that allows both sketch and text level attribute description for query. In order to bridge the cross-modal gaps among sketch, image, and texts, given a semantic in consideration, two mode-specific semantic networks provide layer-wise regularizer parameters to dynamically adopt the underlying semantic within the learned sketch feature representation and thereby transform the initial generic sketch into a more comprehensive Semantic Enhanced Joint Embedding (SEJE). Also the availability of the multimodal paired samples may not be always feasible; neither during training nor during test phases. Therefore, instead of relying on strict one-one cross modal correspondence, the learning of the joint sketch embedding SEJE relies on capturing the semantic relevant cross-modal correspondences between an averaged mode-specific semantic features (image and text) and the sketch feature, which facilitates SEJE’s improved generalization ability. Evaluation on two benchmark datasets: Sketchy and TU-Berlin clearly validates the superiority of the proposed method, compared to the state-of-the-art methods. In fact, by allowing a user to add text attributes to make a complete multimodal query, the proposed method improves the mAP scores by 5 – 7% on the challenging sketch-attribute composition test scenario.
Adipocyte-driven unfolded protein response is a shared transcriptomic signature of metastatic prostate carcinoma cells.

Abstract A critical unknown in the field of skeletal metastases is how cancer cells find a way to thrive under harsh conditions, as exemplified by metastatic colonization of adipocyte-rich bone marrow by prostate carcinoma cells. To begin understanding molecular processes that enable tumor cells to survive and progress in difficult microenvironments such as bone, we performed unbiased examination of the transcriptome of two different prostate cancer cell lines in the absence or presence of bone marrow adipocytes. Our RNAseq analyses and subsequent quantitative PCR and protein-based assays reveal that upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) genes is a shared signature between metastatic prostate carcinoma cell lines of different origin. Pathway analyses and pharmacological examinations highlight the ER chaperone BIP as an upstream coordinator of this transcriptomic signature. Additional patient-based data support our overall conclusion that ER stress and UPR induction are shared, important factors in the response and adaptation of metastatic tumor cells to their micro-environment. Our studies pave the way for additional mechanistic investigations and offer new clues towards effective therapeutic interventions in metastatic disease.