cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Performance of Statistical Models in Forecasting Monthly Total Dissolved Solids in the Rio Grande1

Abudu, S., J.P. King, Z. Sheng, 2011. Comparison of the Performance of Statistical Models in Forecasting Monthly Total Dissolved Solids in the Rio Grande. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 10-23. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00587.x Abstract: This paper presents the application of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), transfer function-noise (TFN), and artificial neural networks (ANNs) modeling approaches in forecasting monthly total dissolved solids (TDS) of water in the Rio Grande at El Paso, Texas. Predictability analysis was performed between the precipitation, temperature, streamflow rates at the site, releases from upstream reservoirs, and monthly TDS using cross-correlation statistical tests. The chi-square test results indicated that the average monthly temperature and precipitation did not show significant predictability on monthly TDS series. The performances of one- to three-month-ahead model forecasts for the testing period of 1984-1994 showed that the TFN model that incorporated the streamflow rates at the site and Caballo Reservoir release improved monthly TDS forecasts slightly better than the ARIMA models. Except for one-month-ahead forecasts, the ANN models using the streamflow rates at the site as inputs resulted in no significant improvements over the TFN models at two-month-ahead and three-month-ahead forecasts. For three-month-ahead forecasts, the simple ARIMA showed similar performance compared to all other models. The results of this study suggested that simple deseasonalized ARIMA models could be used in one- to three-month-ahead TDS forecasting at the study site with a simple, explicit model structure and similar model performance as the TFN and ANN models for better water management in the Basin.
Portrait of the expansin superfamily in Physcomitrella patens: comparisons with angiosperm expansins.

Background and Aims Expansins are plant cell wall loosening proteins important in a variety of physiological processes. They comprise a large superfamily of genes consisting of four families (EXPA, EXPB, EXLA and EXLB) whose evolutionary relationships have been well characterized in angiosperms, but not in basal land plants. This work attempts to connect the expansin superfamily in bryophytes with the evolutionary history of this superfamily in angiosperms.
Positive symmetric solutions of a second-order difference equation

Using an extension of the Leggett‐Williams fixed-point theorem due to Avery, Henderson, and Anderson, we prove the existence of solutions for a class of second-order difference equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions, and discuss a specific example.
Source Separation with a Sensor Array using Graphical Models and Subband Filtering

Source separation is an important problem at the intersection of several fields, including machine learning, signal processing, and speech technology. Here we describe new separation algorithms which are based on probabilistic graphical models with latent variables. In contrast with existing methods, these algorithms exploit detailed models to describe source properties. They also use subband filtering ideas to model the reverberant environment, and employ an explicit model for background and sensor noise. We leverage variational techniques to keep the computational complexity per EM iteration linear in the number of frames.
A low-cost atomic commit protocol

The proposed coordinator log transaction execution protocol centralizes logging on a per-transaction basis and exploits piggybacking to provide the semantics of a distributed atomic commit without the associated costs. This protocol eliminates two rounds of messages (one phase) from the presumed commit protocol and dramatically reduces the number of log forces needed for distributed atomic commit. The authors compare the coordinator log transaction execution protocol with existing protocols, describe when it is desirable, and discuss how it affects the write-ahead log protocol and the database crash recovery algorithm. >
Interactivity and Design of Case Materials

Case materials offer a high potential for the learner to interact with content because they are problem-and process-oriented. Details of a case may help learners transfer both process and content outcomes to new situations. Support for using casescomes from many schools of thought although the exact nature of mental interaction are difficult to define. A macro model for the design of case materials is provided that includes: (a) objectives, (b) entry skills, (c) content, (c) questions, and (e) boundaries. Preparing effective questions is particularly critical. New models of design for interactive media such as hypermedia hold promise. Current interactive video systems are seldom used for high-level objectives such as evaluating and judging which is the strength of using case materials and can not be recommended based on cost/ benefit. Case problem-vignettes can be excerpted from other material. Other delivery systems and methods such as print material and role play are highly effective and seem to yield the best return for most education and training needs at the present time.
Anterior septal reconstruction: outcomes after a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique.

Objective: To describe a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique and measure its efficacy with a validated quality-of-life instrument. Design: A prospective observational outcomes study of pa...
Hydrography, nutrients and chlorophyll during El Nino and La Nina 1997-99 winters in the Gulf of the Farallones, California

Nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations were measured in January 1997, 1998 and 1999 in the Gulf of the Farallones, CA at locations stretching north/south from Point Reyes to Half Moon Bay, and seaward from the Golden Gate to the Farallon Islands. The cruises were all carried out during periods of high river flow, but under different climatological conditions with 1997 conditions described as relatively typical or 'neutral/normal', compared to the El Nino warmer water temperatures in 1998, and the cooler La Nina conditions in 1999. Near-shore sea-surface temperatures ranged from cold (9.5-10.5°C) during La Nina 1999, to average (11-13°C) during 1997 to warm (13.5-15°C) during El Nino 1998. Nutrients are supplied to the Gulf of the Farallones both from San Francisco Bay (SFB) and from oceanic sources, e.g. coastal upwelling near Point Reyes. Nutrient supplies are strongly influenced by the seasonal cycle of fall calms, with storms (commencing in January), and the spring transition to high pressure and northerly upwelling favorable winds. The major effect of El Nino and La Nina climatic conditions was to modulate the relative contribution of SFB to nutrient concentrations in the coastal waters of the Gulf of the Farallones; this was intensified during the El Nino winter and reduced during La Nina. During January 1998 (El Nino) the oceanic water was warm and had low or undetectable nitrate, that did not reach the coast. Instead, SFB dominated the supply of nutrients to the coastal waters. Additionally, these data indicate that silicate may be a good tracker of SFB water. In January, delta outflow into SFB produces low salinity, high silicate, high nitrate water that exits the bay at the Golden Gate and is advected northward along the coast. This occurred in both 1997 and 1998. However during January 1999, a La Nina, this SFB feature was reduced and the near-shore water was more characteristic of high salinity oceanic water penetrated all the way to the coast and was cold (10°C) and nutrient rich (16 µ MN O 3 ,3 0µM Si(OH)4). January chlorophyll concentrations ranged from 1-1.5 µ gl 1 in all years with the highest values measured in 1999 (2.5-3 µ gl 1 ) as a result of elevated nutrients in the area. The impact of climatic conditions on chlorophyll concentrations was not as pronounced as might be expected from the high temperatures and low nutrient concentrations measured offshore during El Nino due to the sustained supply of nutrients from the Bay supporting continued primary production.  2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Heterogeneity of Joy in Infancy

We examined 7-month-old infants' responses to 6 joy-eliciting episodes. Three episodes included and 3 did not include a major social-interactive component. Confirmatory factor analysis of infants' joy reactions in these episodes revealed that a 2-factor model significantly improved the fit over a single-factor solution. Those 2 factors represented infants' social versus nonsocial joy reactions. Different correlates of those factors supported their external validity. Only social joy was associated with the infants' positive emotional tone observed during naturalistic interactions with their mothers and fathers, and with the parents' ratings of the child's positive affect during social interactions in their daily lives. Social joy may be an early antecedent of future positive emotionality traits related to communal and interpersonal aspects of experience.
Analysis and comparative evaluation of techniques for multichannel blind deconvolution

Deterministic multichannel blind deconvolution is an important problem arising in numerous areas of engineering. Two different approaches to solving this problem, maximum likelihood techniques (like IQML) and subspace techniques (like EVAM), have been proposed previously. These methods are theoretically elegant and computationally efficient, and questions arise as to what the properties of these estimators are. We attempt to answer some of these questions. We show that the subspace based EVAM estimator is a coarse approximation of the lQML estimator. We present a new iterative scheme to compute the ML estimator; and Cramer-Rao bounds for the channel and input estimates. In addition, we present a Monte-Carlo comparison study of the two estimators and establish the superiority of ML based techniques.
Scanning electron microscopy of uncoated human metaphase chromosomes.

SUMMARY Human metaphase chromosomes were processed with a 3% glutaraldehyde-tannic acid technique and examined in a scanning electron microscope at 20 kV either without added metal coating or with 2 nm of sputtered gold coating. Several substrates—aluminium foil, silver mirror deposit and sputtered gold—provided good conductive backgrounds for chromosomal spreads. Silver mirror deposit was the best conductive substrate tested. This method should prove to be a useful tool for monitoring the three-dimensional morphology of mitotic chromosomes with the possibility of studying various banding techniques, chromosomal uncoiling and secondary constrictions currently being examined in chromosomal studies.
A Health System-Based Critical Care Program with a Novel Tele-ICU: Implementation, Cost, and Structure Details

Background Improving the efficiency of critical care service is needed as the shortfall of intensivists is increasing. Standardizing clinical practice, telemedicine, and organizing critical care service at a health system level improves outcomes. We developed a health system Critical Care Program based at an academic medical center. The main feature of our program is an intensivist who shares on-site and telemedicine clinical responsibilities. Tele-ICU facilitates the standardization of high-quality critical care across the system. A common electronic medical record made the communications among the ICUs feasible. Combining faculty from medical and surgical critical care divisions increased the productivity of intensivists. Study Design We retrospectively reviewed the administrative database data from 2011 and 2012, including mean census, number of transfers, age, sex, case mix index, mortality, readmissions, and financial data. Results The Critical Care program has 106 adult ICU beds; 54 of those beds can be managed remotely using tele-ICU based at the main University hospital. The mean midnight census of the system for 2012 was 69.44 and total patient-days were 34,406. The capital cost of the tele-ICU was $1,186,220. The annual operational cost is $1,250,112 or $23,150 per monitored ICU-bed. Unadjusted mortality was 6.5% before and 4.9% after implementation (p Conclusions We describe a novel health system level ICU program built using "off the shelf" technology based on a large University medical center and a tele-ICU with a full degree of treatment authority across the system.
Statistical and Probabilistic Path Planning for Aircraft with Performance Uncertainties

An in-flight path planner is developed. Developments include a path building algorithm and predictions of path safety using probabilistic methods. Algorithms focus on computational speed. A path plan with predicted safety is ultimately provided to the cockpit, and provided quickly.
Growth of GaN on Thin SI {111} Layers Bonded to SI {100} Substrates

We have demonstrated the ability to bond thin layers of Si {111} onto either silicon dioxide or silicon nitride coated Si {100}. This was achieved using a “Smart-Cut” process. The integration of SiN required chemical mechanical polishing. The growth of GaN on a thin Si {111} on oxide on Si {100} stack was demonstrated.
Some Sporangial Variations in Saprolegnia Ferax

It is probably because generic distinctions within the Saprolegniaceae are based largely on sporangial characters that attention has been directed toward morphological variations in these structures. Horn (3) induced the production of both terminal and intercalary sporangia with lateral openings in Achlya polyandra by the use of high temperatures and dilute solutions of metallic salts. Lechmere (4) states: "As the result of keeping a species of Saprolegnia under observation for a period of five months it has been possible to obtain on the same mycelium the methods of asexual reproduction which are characteristic of six different genera." Similar results were obtained with an undetermined species of Saprolegnia by Collins (2), who regards her fungus as being probably identical with S. Thureti deBary (S. ferax (Gruith.) Thuret). Coker (1) points out, however, that such resemblances to other genera are merely superficial, and do not imply, as Lechmere maintained, that the accepted classification of the group is invalid. Coker also enumerates the sporangial variations which have been reported for a considerable number of species. The occurrence of two sporangia, one below the other, terminating the hyphal tips of S. ferax was described by Lechmere (5) in 1911, but has apparently not been mentioned by subsequent authors. This rather rare abnormality was recently observed in hempseed cultures of two strains of S. ferax, one isolated on corn grains from tanks in the greenhouse of the Biology Building, University of Wisconsin, on January 15, 1936, and the other collected at the Limnological Laboratory at Trout Lake, Wis., on July 22, 1936. Although the majority of the sporangia produced were of the primary type described as being typical of this species, in about 10 per cent of the cases secondary sporangia were formed
DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD: OBJECTIVE FINDINGS, SUBJECTIVE ASSUMPTIONS, OR SELECTIVE AMPLIFICATION?

As the integrative research reviews in the previous three chapters showed, the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) has been investigated for over three decades. A meta-analysis (see Chapter 4) shows that the average corrected correlation between CSP and CFP is positive (Orlitzky, Schmidt & Rynes, 2003). However, what previous research reviews failed to examine in depth is the considerable amount of cross-study variability (Ullmann, 1985; Wood & Jones, 1995). In other words, researchers have not conclusively determined why some studies might find economic benefits from CSP while others do not.
Vignettes of the Presidents of the Entomological Society of America, 1889–1989

In our 100th Year we rejoice! We rejoice and are proud that we belong to an organization that has contributed so much to science, to society, and to our nation. Let us look not at the broad history of our society, but at some the people who over the years have greatly helped make our organization what it is; I speak of our presidents.
Epigraph projections for fast general convex programming

This paper develops an approach for efficiently solving general convex optimization problems specified as disciplined convex programs (DCP), a common general-purpose modeling framework. Specifically we develop an algorithm based upon fast epigraph projections, projections onto the epigraph of a convex function, an approach closely linked to proximal operator methods. We show that by using these operators, we can solve any disciplined convex program without transforming the problem to a standard cone form, as is done by current DCP libraries. We then develop a large library of efficient epigraph projection operators, mirroring and extending work on fast proximal algorithms, for many common convex functions. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the algorithm, and show it often achieves order of magnitude speedups over existing general-purpose optimization solvers.
KetoABNO/NOx Cocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Aldehydes to Carboxylic Acids and Access to α-Chiral Carboxylic Acids via Sequential Asymmetric Hydroformylation/Oxidation

A method for aerobic oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids has been developed using organic nitroxyl and NOx cocatalysts. KetoABNO (9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-one N-oxyl) and NaNO2 were identified as the optimal nitroxyl and NOx sources, respectively. The mildness of the reaction conditions enables sequential asymmetric hydroformylation of alkenes/aerobic aldehyde oxidation to access α-chiral carboxylic acids without racemization. The scope, utility, and limitations of the oxidation method are further evaluated with a series of achiral aldehydes bearing diverse functional groups.
A response to “Word choice matters: Comment on Stoutenborough et al., 2016, ‘Is “fracking” a new dirty word?’”

Abstract Darrick Evensen has responded to our recently published article, “Is ‘fracking’ a new dirty word? The influence of word choice on public views toward natural gas attitudes.” He has expressed concerns regarding our conclusions and has pointed out some omissions in our literature review. We appreciate the discussion on this topic and for pointing out the additional literature. We have carefully considered Dr. Evensen’s comments and reviewed the recommended articles, and we remain confident in our conclusions. Our results indicate that survey researchers can use the more familiar term “fracking” rather than “hydraulic fracturing” without biasing their results. Our research focused on this particular issue and the associated rhetorical debate. In that regard, we believe our work differs from that referenced by Dr. Evensen, which seems to focus on the terms to correctly describe the technical process of natural gas extraction. And, it is this important difference that likely led to what may appear to be contradictory conclusions.
Niche dynamics of shorebirds in Delaware Bay: Foraging behavior, habitat choice and migration timing

Abstract Niche differentiation through resource partitioning is seen as one of the most important mechanisms of diversity maintenance contributing to stable coexistence of different species within communities. In this study, I examined whether four species of migrating shorebirds, dunlins (Calidris alpina), semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla), least sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) and short-billed dowitchers (Limnodromus griseus), segregate by time of passage, habitat use and foraging behavior at their major stopover in Delaware Bay during spring migration. I tested the prediction that most of the separation between morphologically similar species will be achieved by differential migration timing. Despite the high level of overlap along observed niche dimensions, this study demonstrates a certain level of ecological separation between migrating shorebirds. The results of analyses suggest that differential timing of spring migration might be the most important dimension along which shorebird species segregate while at stopover in Delaware Bay. Besides differences in time of passage, species exhibited differences in habitat use, particularly least sandpipers that foraged in vegetated areas of tidal marshes more frequently than other species, as well as short-billed dowitchers that foraged in deeper water more often than small sandpipers did. Partitioning along foraging techniques was less prominent than segregation along temporal or microhabitat dimensions. Such ranking of niche dimensions emphasizes significance of temporal segregation of migratory species – separation of species by time of passage may reduce the opportunity for interspecific aggressive encounters, which in turn can have positive effects on birds' time and energy budget during stopover period.
Scepticism and the “Nature” of Naturalized Epistemology

We have been operating under the provisional assumption that the Hume-as-sceptic interpretation is antithetical to the Hume-as-naturalist one. As we have seen, many operate under this assumption.1 If Loeb is correct that a naturalistic project such as Hume’s presupposes that induction produces justified beliefs (Loeb 2006, 321), then it is easy to see why this assumption is so prevalent. After all, when Hume pursues his naturalistic project, on this construal he is assuming that the results of the project are inductively justified and thus have epistemic merit. So although he never explicitly claims “I am not a sceptic”, the whole tenor of his project defeats whatever he appears to assert when he discusses sceptical arguments. The time is ripe, then, to challenge the idea that naturalism and scepticism are incompatible in this way.
Mechanics of Machining

In the study of machining mechanics, the basic chip formation process by the removal of material from a workpiece by the action of a wedge-shaped cutting edge of the tool is considered. The objective of this study is to provide an analytical basis which relates cutting forces, tool stresses, and temperature, etc., to the cutting conditions such as the cutting speed, size of cut, cutting tool geometry, and the material properties of the workpiece and the tool. It would be then possible to determine such practically important factors as the cutting power from the forces, dynamic stability from the tool–work interface condition, and the effective life of the tool from the tool temperatures and stresses. There has been a lot of work devoted into the use of empirical relations derived based on experimental measurements for this purpose. Unfortunately, experimental measurements are quite time consuming and costly, especially in view of the constant introduction of new workpiece and tool materials. In addition, a small deviation from the nominal composition of a workpiece material can cause large changes in its machining characteristics. To reduce the experimental work, it is clear that more fundamental relationships than purely empirical ones are needed. The goal of this chapter on the mechanics of machining is to provide these.
Aneurysms with persistent patency after treatment with the pipeline embolization device

The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) was approved for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms from the petrous to the superior hypophyseal segment of the internal carotid artery. However, since its approval, its use for treatment of intracranial aneurysms in other locations and non-sidewall aneurysms has grown tremendously. The authors report on a cohort of 15 patients with 16 cerebral aneurysms that incorporated an end vessel with no significant distal collaterals, which were treated with the PED. The cohort includes 7 posterior communicating artery aneurysms, 5 ophthalmic artery aneurysms, 1 superior cerebellar artery aneurysm, 1 anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm, and 2 middle cerebral artery aneurysms. None of the aneurysms achieved significant occlusion at the last follow-up evaluation (mean 24 months). Based on these observations, the authors do not recommend the use of flow diverters for the treatment of this subset of cerebral aneurysms.
Interview With Michèle Artigue

The following interview with Michele Artigue was conducted in October 2013. Michele Artigue obtained her degrees in mathematics from the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris 1 and Universite Paris 7. Her subsequent teaching and scholarly work were likewise connected with Universite Paris 7, where she taught and in 1985-1988 was the director of IREM.
Multiple ion beam irradiation for the study of radiation damage in materials

Abstract The effects of transmutation produced helium and hydrogen must be included in ion irradiation experiments to emulate the microstructure of reactor irradiated materials. Descriptions of the criteria and systems necessary for multiple ion beam irradiation are presented and validated experimentally. A calculation methodology was developed to quantify the spatial distribution, implantation depth and amount of energy-degraded and implanted light ions when using a thin foil rotating energy degrader during multi-ion beam irradiation. A dual ion implantation using 1.34 MeV Fe + ions and energy-degraded D + ions was conducted on single crystal silicon to benchmark the dosimetry used for multi-ion beam irradiations. Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) analysis showed good agreement with calculations of the peak implantation depth and the total amount of iron and deuterium implanted. The results establish the capability to quantify the ion fluence from both heavy ion beams and energy-degraded light ion beams for the purpose of using multi-ion beam irradiations to emulate reactor irradiated microstructures.
An Integrative Framework for Responsible Leadership Practice

Responsible leadership theory is a relatively newer addition to the field of leadership studies. It promises to strengthen the knowledge and practice of leadership by bringing more integration to the existing leadership conceptions and to enhance leadership’s accountability toward stakeholders and outcomes. The existing work around responsible leadership is contested and emergent in nature. Specifically, a few different conceptions of responsible leadership have been offered and most are grounded in the for-profit, private sector context. These existing approaches to responsible leadership do not fully attend to the values and ethics considerations relevant across multiple sectors. In this chapter, I outline and discuss a framework of responsible leadership, with an integral values-driven focus. The framework, unlike its predecessors, is intended to be applicable to multiple sectors and contexts.
Logistical Violence, Logistical Vulnerabilities

In this ground-breaking work, Deborah Cowen makes the first book-length critical intervention into the field of business logistics. Tracing the social, spatial and political transformations wrought by the ‘logistics revolution’, Cowen argues that logistical systems have blurred the boundaries between production and circulation, civilian and military life, and geopolitics and geo-economics, constructing an architecture of the supply chain animated by both the art of war and the science of business. This review considers the political stakes of Cowen’s argument that logistics has reconfigured capitalist social relations of production, especially in relation to the securitisation of spatial mobility and the restructuring of the labour process. In particular, Cowen’s wager that logistical supply-chains are characterised by their vulnerability – and that attendant possibilities for building solidarity emerge out of movements that disrupt such flows – is interrogated in order to question whether such interruptions effectively produce challenges to value-in-motion, or actually become integral to processes of value production.
Jorge Semprún: memory’s long voyage

Jorge Semprun (1923–2011) once said, rather tauntingly, that defining his work would be the task of professional literary scholars in the future. He himself was not interested in the problem himsel...
Urbanization drives contemporary evolution in stream fish.

Human activities reduce biodiversity but may also drive diversification by modifying selection. Urbanization alters stream hydrology by increasing peak water velocities, which should in turn alter selection on the body morphology of aquatic species. Here, we show how urbanization can generate evolutionary divergence in the body morphology of two species of stream fish, western blacknose dace (Rhinichthys obtusus) and creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus). We predicted that fish should evolve more streamlined body shapes within urbanized streams. We found that in urban streams, dace consistently exhibited more streamlined bodies while chub consistently showed deeper bodies. Comparing modern creek chub populations with historical museum collections spanning 50 years, we found that creek chub (1) rapidly became deeper bodied in streams that experienced increasing urbanization over time, (2) had already achieved deepened bodies 50 years ago in streams that were then already urban (and showed no additional deepening over time), and (3) remained relatively shallow bodied in streams that stayed rural over time. By raising creek chub from five populations under common conditions in the laboratory, we found that morphological differences largely reflected genetically based differences, not velocity-induced phenotypic plasticity. We suggest that urbanization can drive rapid, adaptive evolutionary responses to disturbance, and that these responses may vary unpredictably in different species.
Total Eradication of Bacterial Infection in Root Canal Treatment: An Electrochemical Approach

According to the American Association of Endodontists, currently 22.3 million endodontic procedures are being performed annually with the success rate of 70–95% and the average survival rate of the root canal procedure is approximately 67% after 5 years and 56% after 8 years. One of the major reason for the failure is relapse of infection. Hence, it is imperative to develop an assistive or alternative method to eradicate the bacterial infection effectively without affecting patient compliance. The application of electrochemistry has been used previously to disinfect catheters and implant disinfection. Hence, the aim of this study is to utilize the principles of electrochemistry to develop a microelectronic device to eradicate bacterial infection for root canal treatment. The electrochemical protocol includes open circuit potential (60 s) and potentiostatic scan at varying voltage (−9 to +2 V) at a different time duration (1–5 min). Enterococcus faecalis in the form of planktonic and biofilm was used in th...
Conditioned behavioral and physiological changes associated with injections of a narcotic antagonist in morphine-dependent monkeys.

Environmental stimuli which are repeatedly associated with the nalorphine-induced withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent monkeys acquire the ability to produce a variety of conditioned behavioral and physiological responses. Morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys were studied under a fixed-ratio schedule where every tenth lever press produced a food pellet. After several pairings of a stimulus (light or tone) with intravenous injection of a dose of nalorphine which produced an immediate and severe withdrawal syndrome, onset of the stimulus alone produced conditioned suppression of lever pressing, heartrate decrease, vomiting and salivation. Conditioned suppression of responding and conditioned heart-rate changes persisted in post-dependent monkeys for one to four months after termination of chronic morphine treatment. No conditioned electrocardiogram, respiration or temperature changes were ever seen. A second group of morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys was studied under a schedule where every lever press produced an intravenous injection of morphine. After 10 pairings of a light with the intravenous injection of a dose of nalorphine which produced marked withdrawal signs and increased responding for morphine, presentation of the light and injection of sahne produced conditioned increases in responding for morphine. A third group of morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys was studied under a schedule where every nth lever press (n = 1 to 10) terminated a stimulus light associated with periodic injections of nalorphine or naloxone; lever-press responding was engendered and subsequently maintained. Thus, stimuli associated with the nalorphineor naloxone-induced withdrawal syndrome can either suppress, enhance or maintain behavior depending on the schedule conditions.
Protein kinetics in callipyge lambs.

The objectives for this experiment were to determine the effect of the callipyge phenotype on protein kinetics. We studied callipyge and normal lambs (n = 37) at 5, 8, and 11 wk of age (n = 4 to 7/ group) to determine how protein kinetics are altered by this trait. Total protein, DNA, and RNA and calpastatin activity were measured in five skeletal muscles and in the heart, kidneys, and liver, and protein accretion rates were calculated. At 8 wk, the fractional synthesis rates of proteins in these tissues were measured in vivo using a primed, continuous 8-h infusion of [ 2 H 5 ]-phenylalanine. Fractional rates of protein degradation were estimated by differences. At 5 wk of age, muscle weights, protein mass, protein:DNA, RNA:DNA, and calpastatin activity were higher (P <.05) for callipyge, and protein mass differences continued to increase through 11 wk. At 8 wk, fractional rates of protein synthesis and degradation were lower (P <.05) in callipyge than in normal lambs. The organs of callipyge lambs exhibited reduced growth at 11 wk. Thus, enhanced muscle growth seems to be maintained in callipyge lambs by reduced protein degradation rather than increased protein synthesis. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that the initial onset of the callipyge condition may be caused by an increase in the fractional rate of protein synthesis.
Excavating the Quiet History of a Providence Plantation

In November 2010, 78% of Rhode Islanders elected not to eliminate the second half of the state’s official name, “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” The debate over removing “Providence Plantations” suggests the selective historical memory of both civic leaders and citizens, who have forgotten the impacts and legacy of colonization in the 17th century. During the early settlement of Rhode Island, planting and plantations were explicit tools of European colonization involving many forms of oppression. Evidence from the 17th-century Old House site at Greene Farm, a former plantation in Warwick, Rhode Island, depicts a multicultural landscape and community increasingly dominated by the Greenes, an influential English family. An examination of changes in the documentary record, material culture, and lived environment related to Greene Farm between 1642 and 1711 maps the aggressive use of plantations by English settlers to permanently colonize a place and its original inhabitants, and considers how these acts of “planting” served to reinforce the development and maintenance of their New English identity.
Hydrogen Breath Testing Predicts Bowel Preparation Quality Prior to Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review.

Background This systematic review aims to assess the accuracy of hydrogen breath testing as a predictor of bowel preparation. Methods Studies were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov. Two investigators evaluated abstracts for inclusion criteria - report of correlation between hydrogen breath levels and bowel preparation quality, prospective design and non-emergent colonoscopy in adults. Included studies underwent duplicate data extraction using a standardized approach. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool assessed quality of the studies. Results One hundred fifty-nine publications were identified, and six unique studies met inclusion criteria. The number of patients analyzed ranged from 61 to 127. Three studies were performed in the USA, one in Japan and two in Italy. Three studies used a prebiotic in addition to a purgative, with the intention of enhancing the discriminating ability of hydrogen breath levels. Three studies assessed baseline hydrogen levels. In five of the six studies, hydrogen breath levels were predictive of inadequate bowel preparation. Suggested absolute hydrogen levels to distinguish adequate from inadequate bowel preparation ranged from 3 to 10 parts per million. Depending on the cutoff value, sensitivity ranged from 71% to 100% and specificity from 87% to 100%. There was significant heterogeneity among studies in breath testing protocol and breath analyzer used. Full-text studies had low risk of bias in most assessed domains. Conclusion Hydrogen breath levels predict bowel preparation adequacy but existing studies have significant limitations. Further studies should use standardized methods and consider the real-world practicality of self-administered home breath testing.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We Negotiate!

Although food sharing during negotiation is a widely practiced phenomenon, little is known about how it influences the social dynamics and economic outcomes of a negotiation. Similarly, while emoti...
Importance of a Partnered Heart Failure Network to Increase Access to Advanced Heart Failure Therapies

Purpose Our hypothesis is that by improving access to advanced heart failure specialists (AHFS) through partnered outreach clinics, we can increase the number of patients benefitted by advanced heart failure (AHF) therapies delivered at our center. This partnered network approach can potentially overcome distance barriers, optimize referral timing, and expedite access to AHFS from the regional center of excellence. Methods Three AHFS from our center participated in 7 heart failure outreach clinics in cities up to 400 miles away from our center in partnership with local cardiology providers. Phase 1 (6/2014 - 6/2016) was prior to opening outreach clinics 2-6. Phase 2 (7/2016 - 9/2018) is after opening these outreach clinics, while outreach clinic 1 was closed. Clinics 4,5, and 7 were opened in the last 8 months of Phase 2. We compared total referral volume, number of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) implants, and number of heart transplants (HTX) between these periods. Results There was an overall 59% increase in AHF referrals after establishing local, partnered access to an AHFS. The change in referral volume drove a 48% increase in MCS implants as well as a 38% increase in transplant volumes, although the absolute numbers of transplants were fairly low. Several sites that were opened recently (4,5,7) showed rapid growth, suggesting an unmet need in those locations. At the one site where we withdrew an AHFS from, there was a 24% reduction in referrals seen, with no change in already low volumes of MCS or HTX. Conclusion The placement of an AHFS in a community in partnership with referring cardiologists drove growth in heart failure referrals, with a concomitant rise in MCS and HTX volumes. In our region, partnership of an AHFS with referring cardiology providers increased access to AHF therapies, specifically MCS and HTX. Additional studies to understand the best strategies to increase access to AHFS should be undertaken.
Overcoming Challenges in Multisite Trials.

Background Conducting multisite studies has many challenges, including determining the geographic distance between sites, ensuring effective communication, monitoring intervention and data integrity, handling institutional policy variations, seeking institutional review board approval with unique site needs or complex subcontracts, and planning for additional costs. Objectives This article discusses common challenges in conducting multisite studies and identifies strategies to overcome these challenges using real-world examples from the literature, the authors' research studies, and their personal experiences. Methods A summary of articles on multisite trials conducted within the past 10 years was explored to uncover common challenges in conducting multisite trials. To enrich the context, exemplars from authors' works are included. Based on literature and experience, strategies to combat challenges are summarized. Results Unique issues related to multisite studies include site selection, use of epicenters/coordinating centers, hiring/managing staff, fidelity monitoring, institutional review board approval, statistical considerations, and approaches to authorship. Conclusion Addressing challenges a priori can improve scientific rigor, reproducibility, and evidence from multisite studies. Given the benefits to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and design, findings from multisite studies are more likely to provide evidence to transform clinical practice and influence policy.
Predictors of survival in chemorefractory colorectal liver metastases treated with Y90 radioembolization.

e15044Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate molecular signatures and timing of yttrium-90 (Y90) as prognostic factors of survival following Y90 radioembolization (RE) in patients with ch...
Acute Transverse Myelitis in a 7-Month-Old Boy

AbstractAcute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an acute intramedullary spinal cord disease characterized by an abrupt onset of rapidly progressive weakness of the extremities accompanied by a loss of sensation and sphincter control. Although ATM has an important place in childhood spinal cord disorders, its occurrence remains extremely uncommon in the infant population (0 to 12 months old). This report of a 7 -month-old boy with ATM is followed by a discussion of the case and review of the literature regarding etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis for neurological recovery.
Media Effects and Marginalized Ideas: Relationships Among Media Consumption and Support for Black Lives Matter

Building on research analyses of Black Lives Matter media portrayals, this inquiry uses a two-wave panel survey to examine the effects news coverage has on the evaluation of the core ideas from the Black Lives Matter social movement agenda. Results show that conservative media use increases negative evaluations; models suggest this relationship works as a multidirectional feedback loop. Mainstream and liberal media consumptions do not lead to more positive views about Black Lives Matter’s core ideas.
Circulating B lymphocytes in multiple myeloma patients contain an autocrine IL-6 driven pre-myeloma cell population.

Among the unanswered questions in the development of multiple myeloma are the level of hematopoietic development of the myeloma stem cell,1 the tissue site of initiation (bone marrow? lymph node?) 2,3 and the role of IL-6 in myeloma development. 4-6 The involvement of B lymphocytes in the bone marrow and blood in myeloma has been suggested initially by identifying B cells displaying concordant isotype and idiotype, 7-9 followed by the demonstration of a circulating clonal B cell population with a concordant JH rearrangement.10 Abnormal B cells from the marrow of myeloma patients could be differentiated into the myeloma cells upon stimulation,11 the first functional demonstration of B cell involvement. Similarly, blood mononuclear cells from myeloma patients cultured with IL-3 and IL-612 or co-cultured with autologous bone marrow stromal cells13 differentiated into plasma cells containing the concordant monotypic immunoglobulin.
Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated Delivery of a TFPI Antibody Restores Hemostasis in Mouse Model of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a family of rare bleeding disorders characterized by inadequate levels of intrinsic coagulation factors, Factor VIII (FVIII) in hemophilia A and Factor IX (FIX) in hemophilia B. This leads to insufficient thrombin generation for the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin for development of a stable clot. Replacement factor therapies are provided as a prophylactic treatment to prevent bleeds or for on-demand treatment of an active bleed. Some patients develop inhibitory antibodies making them refractory to replacement therapies. Although hemophilic patients have defects in the intrinsic pathway, the extrinsic pathway remains intact. Augmenting the extrinsic tissue factor pathway is an attractive alternate approach to maintain hemostasis in hemophilic patients. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a Kunitz domain type inhibitor that negatively regulates thrombin generation within the extrinsic pathway of coagulation by rapidly inactivating protease functions of Factor Xa and Factor VIIa/Tissue Factor complex and as such, TFPI inhibition has been explored as an innovative option to restore thrombin generation. Previously, we demonstrated that antibody mediated TFPI inhibition restores hemostasis in mouse models of hemophilia (Jasuja et al, 2016). Here we investigated the impact of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressed anti-TFPI antibody in correcting bleeding disorders in hemophilic mice as a novel approach to restore hemostasis. An AAV vector expressing heavy and light chains of a neutralizing anti-TFPI monoclonal antibody was designed and constructed. In vitro evaluations confirmed that vector expressed antibody was functional using a dilute Prothrombin Time (dPT) assay. Next, male hemophilic A mice were systemically administered (intravenous) 1x1011 AAV vector genomes (vg) encoding anti-TFPI or control and had hemostasis evaluated 16 days post-treatment. Following recalcification of whole blood, thromboelastography (TEG) was used to measure clot formation times (R value), speed of clot formation (K value), as well as maximum amplitude. In hemophilia A mice treated with AAV-anti-TFPI, clot formation time (R value) was normalized to wild type levels, with a 10-fold reduction compared to hemophilia A mice administered a control Green fluorescent protein (GFP) encoding AAV vector. Mice administered the control AAV-GFP vector failed to correct additional parameters, including speed of clot formation (K value), angle and maximum amplitude, all of which remained similar to untreated hemophilia A mice. In contrast, for AAV-anti-TFPI dosed Hem A mice, all of these parameters were in the normal range similar to wild type mice. Our data demonstrate AAV mediated delivery of anti-TFPI antibody corrects coagulation abnormalities observed in a mouse model of Hemophilia A. Disclosures Rakhe: Pfizer Inc.: Employment. Jasuja: Pfizer Inc.: Employment. Shelke: Pfizer Inc.: Employment. Sawant: Pfizer Inc.: Employment. Somanathan: Pfizer Inc.: Employment. Murphy: Pfizer Inc.: Employment. Pittman: Pfizer Inc.: Employment.
Development and application of a noise‐hazard scheme for road maintainers

BACKGROUND Transportation road maintenance and repair workers, or "maintainers," are exposed to hazardous and variable noise levels and often rely on hearing protection devices (HPD) to reduce noise-exposure levels. We aimed to improve upon HPD use as part of the HearWell program that used a Total Worker Health, participatory approach to hearing conservation. METHODS Full-shift, personal noise sampling was performed during the routine task of brush cutting. Work activities and equipment were recorded and combined with 1-min noise measures to summarize personal noise-exposure levels by equipment. Using noise-monitoring results, HPD noise reduction ratings, and input from worker-based design teams, a noise-hazard scheme was developed and applied to the task and equipment used during brush cutting. RESULTS Average (standard deviation) and maximum Leq 1-minute, personal noise-exposure levels recorded during brush cutting included chainsaws at 92.1 (7.6) and max of 111 dBA, leaf blowers at 91.2 (7.5) and max 107 dBA, and wood chipper at 90.3 (7.3) and max of 104 dBA. The worker-designed noise-hazard scheme breaks down noise exposures into one of three color bands and exposure ranges: red (over 105 dBA), orange (90-105 dBA), or yellow (85-90 dBA). The scheme simplifies the identification of noise levels, assessment of noise-hazard, and choice of appropriate hearing protection for workers. CONCLUSION Combining noise-exposure assessment with intervention development using participatory methods, we characterized noise exposure and developed an intervention to educate and assist in protecting workers as they perform noisy tasks.