cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Oat-Containing Hypocaloric Diet Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure and Improves Lipid Profile beyond Effects of Weight Loss in Men and Women

Hypertension, dyslipidemia and overweight contribute substantially to cardiovascular disease risk. One of the most effective methods for improving high blood pressure and lipid profiles is loss of excess weight. Other recommendations for reducing cardiovascular risk include changes in dietary micronutrient, macronutrient and fiber intakes. To better define a diet for reduction in cardiovascular risk, 43 adults (body mass index 26.4 +/- 3.3, range 20.5-33.9 kg/m(2)) participated in an 8-wk study to determine the effects of two diets on weight, blood pressure, lipids and insulin sensitivity. For 2 wk, weight was maintained and all subjects consumed a control diet. For the next 6 wk, subjects consumed one of two hypocaloric diets (maintenance energy minus 4.2 MJ/d): the control diet (n = 21) or a diet containing oats [45 g/(4.2 MJ dietary energy. d), n = 22]. There was no significant difference between groups in changes in weight loss (control -4.0 +/- 1.1 kg, oats -3.9 +/- 1.6 kg, P = 0.8). The oats diet resulted in greater decreases in mean systolic blood pressure (oats -6 +/- 7 mm Hg, control -1 +/- 10 mm Hg, P = 0.026), whereas diastolic blood pressure change did not differ between the two groups (oats -4 +/- 6 mm Hg, control -3 +/- 5 mm Hg, P = 0.8). The oat diet resulted in significantly greater decreases in total cholesterol (oats -0.87 +/- 0.47 mmol/L, control -0.34 +/- 0.5 mmol/L, P = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (oats -0.6 +/- 0.41 mmol/L, control -0.2 +/- 0.41mmol/L, P = 0.008). In summary, a hypocaloric diet containing oats consumed over 6 wk resulted in greater improvements in systolic blood pressure and lipid profile than did a hypocaloric diet without oats.
RIAM Regulates the Cytoskeletal Distribution and Activation of PLC-γ1 in T Cells

Rap1-guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-interacting adaptor molecule (RIAM) plays a critical role in actin reorganization and inside-out activation of integrins in lymphocytes and platelets. We investigated the role of RIAM in T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling. Although phosphorylation of the kinase ZAP-70 and formation of a signalosome recruited to the adaptor protein LAT were unaffected, elimination of endogenous RIAM by short hairpin RNA impaired generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, mobilization of intracellular calcium ions (Ca(2+)), and translocation of the transcription factor NFAT to the nucleus. The activation of Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein 1 was also impaired, which led to the diminished expression of the gene encoding interleukin-2. These events were associated with the impaired translocation of phosphorylated phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) to the actin cytoskeleton, which was required to bring PLC-gamma1 close to its substrate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, and were reversed by reconstitution of cells with RIAM. Thus, by regulating the localization of PLC-gamma1, RIAM plays a central role in TCR signaling and the transcription of target genes.
Changes in micturition after spinal cord injury in conscious rats

Objectives. To determine the feasibility of urodynamic monitoring of voiding function in conscious, female spinal cord-injured (SCI) rats and to compare the voiding function in SCI rats and those with normal spinal cord (NSC). Methods. Cystometrograms were performed on conscious, female Sprague-Dawley rats. Parameters measured included voided volume, residual volume, volume threshold for inducing micturition, voiding efficiency, micturition pressure, pressure threshold for inducing micturition, and bladder contraction duration. SCI animals were studied 2 to 3 weeks after T8-T10 spinal cord transection. Results. Approximately one half of SCI rats exhibited uninhibited bladder contractions before voiding. These contractions were not observed in NSC rats. Compared with NSC rats, SCI rats had larger volume thresholds (1.43 versus 0.34 mL, P <0.001) and voided volumes (0.72 versus 0.31 mL, P <0.01). Although SCI rats had larger micturition pressures (65 versus 35 cm H2O, P <0.001), residual volumes were increased (0.71 versus 0.03 mL, P <0.001) and voiding efficiency was decreased (50% versus 92%, P <0.001) compared with the measurements in NSC rats. The micturition pressure threshold was slightly lower (23%, P <0.05) and the bladder contraction duration was longer (33%, P <0.05) in SCI rats than in NSC rats. Conclusions. Cystometric studies in conscious female SCI and NSC rats revealed significant changes in the activity of the lower urinary tract after spinal cord transection. Fifty-five percent of SCI rats exhibited detrusor hyperreflexia during bladder filling and decreased voiding efficiency compared with NSC animals. This method of cystometric evaluation in the conscious animal is likely to be useful for evaluating new pharmacologic treatments for neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
The roles of abiotic factors, dispersal, and species interactions in structuring stream assemblages of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Background The patterns and drivers of species assemblages represent the core of community ecology. We focus on the assemblages of a single family of ubiquitous lotic insects, the Simuliidae (black flies), of which the larvae play a critical role in resource turnover in steams. We use Mantel tests and null models to tease out the potential influence of abiotic stream conditions, species interactions, and dispersal on the assemblage patterns of larval black flies over two spatial scales (within and across ecoregions) and two seasons (spring and summer).
Correlates of poor glycemic control among patients with diabetes initiating hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease

Maintaining tight glycemic control is important for prevention of diabetes-related outcomes in end-stage renal disease patients with diabetes, especially in light of their poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine factors associated with poor glycemic control among U.S. patients with diabetes mellitus initiating hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease. Using data from the U.S. Renal Data System, electronic health records of a large national dialysis provider, and U.S. Census data, we performed a cross-sectional multivariable Poisson regression analysis to characterize risk factors associated with poor glycemic control, defined as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7 vs. ≤7 %, in adult patients with diabetes who initiated hemodialysis at an outpatient facility between 2006 and 2011. Of 16,297 patients with diabetes, 21.2 % had HbA1c >7 %. In multivariable analysis, younger patients, patients of Native American race, and those of Hispanic ethnicity had higher prevalence of poor glycemic control. Independent correlates of poor glycemic control further included higher platelet count, white blood cell count, and ferritin; higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations; lower HDL and albumin concentrations; lower normalized protein catabolic rate; and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate at initiation of dialysis (all P 7.5 % and >8 %. In this cohort of incident end-stage renal disease patients with diabetes, poor glycemic control was independently associated with younger age, Native American race, Hispanic ethnicity, higher body mass index, and clinical risk factors including atherogenic lipoprotein profile, hypertension, inflammation, and markers indicative of malnutrition and a more serious systemic disease.
Calibration weighting in survey sampling

Calibration weighting was introduced as a tool for reducing the standard errors of many, if not most, finite-population estimates produced from a survey sample by mildly adjusting the sample's inverse-probability weights. Calibration weighting does this by forcing the weighted sums of certain 'calibration' variables to equal their known or better-estimated population totals. In the absence of unit element-level nonresponse, the weight-adjustment function produces an adjustment factor for each inverse-probability weight that tends to unity in large samples. When there is unit nonresponse in a survey, however, the weight-adjustment factor in calibration weighting need no longer be near unity. Instead, it can implicitly estimate the inverse of each unit's probability of response under an assumed response model. As a result, calibration weighting can remove, or at least greatly reduce, the potential for nonresponse bias in the resulting estimates. Moreover, if the survey variable of interest is assumed to be random variable with an expectation linear in the calibration variables and unaffected by whether or not the unit responds when selected, then calibration weighting produces an unbiased estimator for the survey-variable's population total whether or not the selection model implied by the weight-adjustment function holds. When the response model contains variables with values known only for respondents, the situation is a bit more complicated. WIREs Comput Stat 2016, 8:39-53. doi: 10.1002/wics.1374
Oxygen Saturation Targeting by Automatic Control of Inspired Oxygen in Premature Infants

Maintenance of oxygen saturation targets and avoidance of extreme high and low levels of oxygenation in premature infants are difficult because of their respiratory instability and staff time limitations. Automated control of inspired oxygen is being proposed as a strategy to improve oxygenation targeting in these infants. This article presents the factors that affect oxygenation targeting, describes the systems for closed-loop control of oxygen, and discusses the evidence on their efficacy and limitations.
Job insecurity and compensation evaluations: the role of overall justice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relations of job insecurity with pay and incentive satisfaction and the role of overall justice in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – The authors surveyed employees of an industrial equipment sales firm located in the Southeastern USA. Surveys were completed by 151 employees using instruments assessing job insecurity, overall justice, pay satisfaction, and incentive satisfaction. Findings – The study results indicated job insecurity is negatively related to both pay and incentive satisfaction. Further, the study found that overall justice mediated the job insecurity to pay satisfaction relationship, but not the job insecurity to incentive satisfaction relationship. Research limitations/implications – Because overall justice only explained the job insecurity-pay satisfaction relationship, future research should examine other potential mediators to better understand these disparate effects when compared with incentive satisfaction. Future...
Measuring Spatial Displacement of Blattella germanica (Blattaria: Blattellidae) Populations Pressured by Repellent-Treated Harborages

Spatial statistical analysis was used to compare and quantify the distribution of German cockroaches among harborages before and after application of a repellent solution to those encompassing at least 85% of the cumulative distribution. Trials consisted of 16 yellow laminated Plexiglas harborages (7.5 by 7.5 cm) in (1.2 by 1.2 m) arenas, and concurrent studies involving 49 harborages in a room 6 by 8 m. Results in arena and room trials were similar. In rooms under a photoperiod or continuous lighting conditions, harborages cumulatively encompassing 89–95% of the population (18 or 19 of 49 harborages) each were treated with a formulation containing 2% n-methyl neodecanamide (MNDA) repellent. All other harborages received an equal volume of water. Subsequent spatial analysis revealed a dramatic shift of 96–98% of the reintroduced cockroach populations to nonrepellent treated harborages; patterns persisted for the duration of the study (28 d (12:12) and 20 days (continuous)). Spatial analysis also was used to quantify the areas of emigration and immigration in experimental rooms resulting from the repellent; 89% of the population was redistributed into harborages occupying 16.7 m2 of the room, leaving 11% of the population in harborages within the remaining 28.5 m2. Only 2–4% of the population remained in the 16.1 m2 that originally contained 89% of the cockroach population. This approach allows researchers to quantify the impact of an intervention that changes distribution rather than survivorship. These studies indicated that this formulation clearly precluded populations from re-establishing in previously inhabited harborages under either lighting condition. Implications of these spatial measuring procedures, and the repellent, to a reduced-risk integrated management strategy are discussed, including the concept of herding cockroaches toward areas strategically baited with toxicants.
Sulfur isotope systematics of a euxinic, low-sulfate lake: Evaluating the importance of the reservoir effect in modern and ancient oceans

The sulfur (S) isotope difference between sedimentary sulfate and sulfide phases preserved in sedimentary rocks (Δ 34 S) has been utilized to reconstruct marine sulfate concentrations and inferentially the redox evolution of Earth’s surface. These interpretations are largely based on experimental studies that indicate that microbial sulfate reduction is accompanied by a substantial kinetic isotope effect (up to 66‰), but only at sulfate concentrations >~200 μM. In this study, we examine S isotope systematics in a modern, low-sulfate euxinic lake (~100–350 μM) and find that the calculated kinetic isotope effect associated with microbial sulfate reduction (e 34 S) is relatively large (~23.5‰), but preserved Δ 34 S values are considerably smaller (4.7‰–9.9‰). Δ 34 S values in this system are controlled by the fraction of the sulfate reservoir that is consumed during sulfate reduction and the location of pyrite formation. This reservoir effect strongly influences the S isotope composition of sulfide preserved in the rock record such that Δ 34 S values increase as a function of sulfate levels, even when sulfate concentrations are >200 μM and the kinetic isotope effect is expressed. These findings have important implications for reconstructing the chemical evolution of the ocean-atmosphere system throughout Earth history—not just for the Precambrian.
Three-year survey of abundance, prevalence and genetic diversity of chlorovirus populations in a small urban lake

Inland water environments cover about 2.5 percent of our planet and harbor huge numbers of known and still unknown microorganisms. In this report, we examined water samples for the abundance, prevalence, and genetic diversity of a group of infectious viruses (chloroviruses) that infect symbiotic chlorella-like green algae. Samples were collected on a weekly basis for a period of 24 to 36 months from a recreational freshwater lake in Lincoln, Nebraska, and assayed for infectious viruses by plaque assay. The numbers of infectious virus particles were both host- and site-dependent. The consistent fluctuations in numbers of viruses suggest their impact as key factors in shaping microbial community structures in the water surface. Even in low-viral-abundance months, infectious chlorovirus populations were maintained, suggesting either that the viruses are very stable or that there is ongoing viral production in natural hosts.
Clinical Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis: A Difficult Task

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ involvement was already mentioned as a typical manifestation in the original publication by Sir Frederic Still1. Depending on the methods used, a rate of up to 93% of JIA patients with early inflammatory signs on TMJ imaging have been reported2,3,4,5. The rates reported for TMJ deformation and important mandibular growth disturbance are only slightly lower with 41–78%6,7,8,9,10. Thus, early diagnosis and timely treatment of TMJ arthritis is important in efforts to prevent such irreversible damage. A number of factors contribute to the difficulties connected to the diagnosis of TMJ arthritis: Severity of consequences. The TMJ is a rather small joint and therefore may be regarded of minor importance. However, it has some unique features: movements in the TMJ are of high complexity, and the mechanical load during chewing and biting is higher than in any other joint of the body. Another peculiarity is that the growth of the mandible during childhood originates from a thin layer of growth cartilage cells located just beneath the joint surface11. Therefore, TMJ arthritis in children can not only lead to deformity and destruction of the mandibular head but can also severely affect the growth and development of the whole mandible. Especially in cases with early onset of TMJ arthritis, the resulting growth failure of the mandible will lead to hypognathism and retrognathism and may have important esthetic and functional consequences, the most severe form being a … Address correspondence to Dr. Saurenmann; E-mail: traudel.saurenmann{at}ksw.ch
Decay of the 2 S 1 3 State in Heliumlike Chlorine

The lifetime of a long-lived $K$ x-ray emitter produced in foil excitation of chlorine beams between 40.3 and 57.5 MeV has been measured to be 280\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}25 nsec. The measured photon energy of the transition indicates that it arises from the $1^{1}S_{0}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}2^{3}S_{1}$ decay in heliumlike chlorine. The observed lifetime is shorter than the theoretical $M1$ lifetime of 381 nsec predicted for this transition.
Cortical Abnormalities in ADHD

Grey-matter abnormalities at the cortical surface and regional brain size were mapped by high-resolution MRI and surface-based, computational image analytical techniques in a group of 27 children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 46 controls, matched by age and sex, at the University of California at Los Angeles.
Assessing Greater Sage-Grouse Selection of Brood-Rearing Habitat Using Remotely-Sensed Imagery: Can Readily Available High-Resolution Imagery Be Used to Identify Brood-Rearing Habitat Across a Broad Landscape?

Greater sage-grouse populations have decreased steadily since European settlement in western North America. Reduced availability of brood-rearing habitat has been identified as a limiting factor for many populations. We used radio-telemetry to acquire locations of sage-grouse broods from 1998 to 2012 in Strawberry Valley, Utah. Using these locations and remotely-sensed NAIP (National Agricultural Imagery Program) imagery, we 1) determined which characteristics of brood-rearing habitat could be used in widely available, high resolution imagery 2) assessed the spatial extent at which sage-grouse selected brood-rearing habitat, and 3) created a predictive habitat model to identify areas of preferred brood-rearing habitat. We used AIC model selection to evaluate support for a list of variables derived from remotely-sensed imagery. We examined the relationship of these explanatory variables at three spatial extents (45, 200, and 795 meter radii). Our top model included 10 variables (percent shrub, percent grass, percent tree, percent paved road, percent riparian, meters of sage/tree edge, meters of riparian/tree edge, distance to tree, distance to transmission lines, and distance to permanent structures). Variables from each spatial extent were represented in our top model with the majority being associated with the larger (795 meter) spatial extent. When applied to our study area, our top model predicted 75% of naive brood locations suggesting reasonable success using this method and widely available NAIP imagery. We encourage application of our methodology to other sage-grouse populations and species of conservation concern.
N-Acetyl Cysteine May Support Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's Disease: Preliminary Clinical and Cell Line Data.

Backgound The purpose of this study was to assess the biological and clinical effects of n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods The overarching goal of this pilot study was to generate additional data about potentially protective properties of NAC in PD, using an in vitro and in vivo approach. In preparation for the clinical study we performed a cell tissue culture study with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons that were treated with rotenone as a model for PD. The primary outcome in the cell tissue cultures was the number of cells that survived the insult with the neurotoxin rotenone. In the clinical study, patients continued their standard of care and were randomized to receive either daily NAC or were a waitlist control. Patients were evaluated before and after 3 months of receiving the NAC with DaTscan to measure dopamine transporter (DAT) binding and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) to measure clinical symptoms. Results The cell line study showed that NAC exposure resulted in significantly more mDA neurons surviving after exposure to rotenone compared to no NAC, consistent with the protective effects of NAC previously observed. The clinical study showed significantly increased DAT binding in the caudate and putamen (mean increase ranging from 4.4% to 7.8%; p<0.05 for all values) in the PD group treated with NAC, and no measurable changes in the control group. UPDRS scores were also significantly improved in the NAC group (mean improvement of 12.9%, p = 0.01). Conclusions The results of this preliminary study demonstrate for the first time a potential direct effect of NAC on the dopamine system in PD patients, and this observation may be associated with positive clinical effects. A large-scale clinical trial to test the therapeutic efficacy of NAC in this population and to better elucidate the mechanism of action is warranted. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02445651
Becoming an Emergency Services Leader for Greater Good

This chapter presents the concept of the emergency services leader being one who is a steward for the greater good. The steward is one willing to cultivate the organization, being a champion for its people and progress. They see the organization as a system, understanding that the system has to work in order for the organization to be successful. The steward works for the greater good by being in service to something bigger than self. They make meaning out of building a positive community of responders. They subscribe to the idea the followers have to be mentored so that one-day they are ready to be servant leaders themselves.
Balancing gender equity for women prisoners

It isn't the demands for sex for me anymore. After twenty years in prison, it's about losing the last thing I have, my private body self. It's the male guards watching my naked body, openly, and as I get older the comments change to making fun of it, mocking me, my aging woman. It's the commonness of them calling us "hos" and bitches. It's being yelled at for needing more toilet paper, for asking for an extra sanitary napkin. -G.W., witness, Everson v. MDOC
Promoting Professional Socialization Within the Experiential Curriculum: Implementation of a High-stakes Professionalism Rubric

Objectives. To describe the implementation of a high-stakes rubric to assess student professionalism in introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs and APPEs) to promote the professional socialization of students in the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program at Western New England University (WNE). Findings. A professionalism rubric was adapted from the literature to assess the professional behavior of students enrolled in experiential courses based on evaluation of the following criteria: appropriate communication skills with patients and providers, appearance and dress code, timeliness, and initiative. The rubric was implemented in the fall semester of 2013 as a high-stakes component of the assessment within all experiential courses. Students were required to meet expectations for each of the four criteria in order to pass the practice experience, independent of their performance in other course components. Students were assessed by their preceptors at the midpoint and end of each practice experience using the appropriate evaluation tool. Each of the IPPE and APPE evaluation tools included the professionalism rubric as a requirement for assessment. Use of the Professionalism Rubric as a high-stakes assessment tool highlighted professionalism as an important component of the program, making expectations explicit to students and providing leverage to preceptors for holding students accountable. Summary. The Office of Experiential Affairs at WNE has raised awareness of the importance of professionalism and promoted the professional socialization of PharmD students with the use of a high-stakes professionalism rubric.
Abstract P6-09-37: Ductal carcinoma in situ: Patient outcomes and association with hormone receptors

Background Local recurrence is a major concern in patients (pts) diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Therefore, the need to identify pts at risk for DCIS recurrence is a significant priority. In invasive breast cancers, ER+/PR- subtype is considered a more aggressive tumor phenotype with poorer prognosis as compared to ER+/PR+ tumors. It is unclear whether this molecular subtype holds the same significance in pts with DCIS. Methods We designed an analysis to determine if a significant difference exists in the recurrence rates in pts with ER+/PR- DCIS when compared to ER+/PR+ tumors. Six hundred and ninety three pts diagnosed and treated for DCIS at Froedtert & MCW Clinical Cancer Center from Feb 2002-March 2015 were included in our study. Recurrence was defined as either non-invasive or invasive ipsilateral, contralateral or distant disease. Probabilities of recurrences were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimator. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of prognostic factors on DCIS recurrence. Results Median follow up was 5.2 years. Five year recurrence free survival (RFS) was 91% (95% CI 88.2-93.3) while estimated 7 year RFS was 86% (95% CI 81.9-89.2). Patient characteristics are shown in table below. Seventy five pts were found to have a recurrence during their follow-up. Most of the grade 1 tumors were ER+/PR+ whereas almost all of the ER-/PR- subtype were high grade tumors. ER+/PR- tumors were mainly intermediate and high grade (p Conclusion ER+/PR- subtype was not a significant predictor of recurrence in DCIS patients. This finding is in contrast to the risk of recurrence and tumor aggressiveness seen in invasive breast cancers. Mastectomy and post lumpectomy radiation were associated with improved outcomes as was adjuvant endocrine therapy. Citation Format: Chaudhary LN, Jawa Z, Hanif A, Szabo A, Chitambar CR. Ductal carcinoma in situ: Patient outcomes and association with hormone receptors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-37.
Designing for the iPad: Magic Fiddle

This paper describes the origin, design, and implementation of Smule's Magic Fiddle, an expressive musical instrument for the iPad. Magic Fiddle takes advantage of the physical aspects of the device to integrate game-like and pedagogical elements. We describe the origin of Magic Fiddle, chronicle its design process, discuss its integrated music education system, and evaluate the overall experience.
Investigating Approaches to Achieve Modularity Benefits in the Acquisition Ecosystem

The US Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition strategy includes the encouraged adoption of modular and open systems architecture solutions, through its modular open systems approach (MOSA) initiative. The initiative is intended to enable rapid development, deployment, and evolution of military capabilities while reducing end costs. However, current high-level guidance lacks sufficient insights on reconciling the technical (associated with modularity) and business (associated with openness) components in the defense acquisition life cycle. Furthermore, the complex interdependencies between these components, involvement of multiple stakeholders, and complex incentive structures across the acquisition ecosystem make it difficult to pursue benefits associated with modularity and openness. This paper documents nascent research funded by the US DoD Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) on investigating approaches that facilitate adoption of modular and open strategies in pursuit of improved programmatic outcomes. Our research involves a combination of a multipronged knowledge acquisition strategies, to extract best practices, perceived risks, key enablers, systemic barriers, and other such practical knowledge artifacts associated with modularity and openness in the defense application. We then seek to translate these knowledge artifacts to a decision support framework that aims to better inform acquisition stakeholders on the impact that various MOSA-related decisions can have when pursuing intended benefits. We provide a discussion of MOSA and its vision, current approach insights, and future directions of this ongoing research effort.
A cost efficiency analysis of school districts: is larger more efficient?

Can school districts become too large whereby their size exceeds their point of efficiency? To investigate this question, all K-12 school districts in New Jersey were divided into three groups based on student body size. In a comparison of six average cost measures, larger districts were found to be more efficient on only one of the six measures. A more optimum size for school districts appeared to be in moderate sized districts. The theoretical grounds for this investigation regarded the suggested effects of vertical and horizontal decentralization.
Reversible Lesions of the Corpus Callosum in Migraine with Aura: a Case Study and Review of the Literature (P3.096)

Objective: To describe a patient with migraine with aura who was found to have a reversible lesion of the corpus callosum, and to review the current literature regarding reversible lesions of the corpus callosum in patients with migraine with aura. Background: Reversible lesions of the splenium of the corpus callosum seen on MRI is a well-described neuroimaging phenomenon, seen in various clinical scenarios, including epilepsy and the use of anti-epileptic drugs, infections/encephalitis, demyelinating disorders, PRES, and other metabolic/systemic causes. When associated with encephalopathy, it has been called mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS). In the literature, there have been few case reports to date of reversible lesions of the splenium of the corpus callosum associated with migraine with aura (n=5, age range 10–51 years). Design/Methods A case report and review of the current literature regarding reversible lesions of the corpus callosum in migraine with aura. Results: A 41 year-old female with a history of migraine with aura presented with headache associated with left-sided sensorimotor deficits, changes in speech, and a transient episode of confusion. MRI revealed a large area of restricted diffusion (high DWI/low ADC signal) in the splenium of the corpus callosum (“boomerang sign”), and in addition, a smaller area of restricted diffusion in the genu of the corpus callosum. Routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. An EEG was also normal. The patient’s symptoms resolved after 2 days. A follow-up MRI 2 days after the onset of symptoms revealed resolution of the areas of restricted diffusion. The patient was diagnosed with migraine with prolonged aura. Conclusions: Migraine with aura may be associated with reversible lesions of the corpus callosum. In addition to involvement of the splenium, this case illustrates reversible changes may extend to the genu of the corpus callosum. Disclosure: Dr. Lewis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Monteith has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ruiz has nothing to disclose.
Controls on the solute geochemistry of subglacial discharge from the Russell Glacier, Greenland Ice Sheet determined by radiogenic and stable Sr isotope ratios

Abstract We used radiogenic and stable Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr and δ88/86Sr) to examine controls on solute acquisition in subglacial discharge from the Russell Glacier, a land-terminating lobe of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) located in western Greenland. The study focused on two melt seasons in 2014 and 2015. Subglacial discharge 87Sr/86Sr ratios are 13,000 ppm higher than those measured for bedload and suspended sediment digests, and are more similar to those of bedload sediment leachates. These results point to the preferential dissolution of minerals with high 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Analyses of mineral separates from bulk rocks demonstrate that biotite, chlorite, hornblende, and K-feldspar have relatively high 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Subglacial discharge δ88/86Sr values are ∼0.10‰ higher than those for bedload and suspended sediment digests. Isotope fractionation during secondary mineral formation and/or adsorption cannot account for the difference between subglacial discharge and bedrock δ88/86Sr values, as suspended and bedload sediment leachates and digests produced similar δ88/86Sr values and are within the range for bulk silicate Earth. Consistent with the interpretation of 87Sr/86Sr ratios, we attribute the difference to the preferential dissolution of minerals with high δ88/86Sr values. Mineral separates display a wide range of δ88/86Sr values (∼0.40‰). Those having high δ88/86Sr values include hornblende and K-feldspar, as well as apatite and titanite. Taken together, the preferential weathering of predominately silicate minerals explains the Sr isotope geochemistry of subglacial discharge. Subglacial discharge from the Russell Glacier feeds the proglacial Akuliarusiarsuup Kuua River (AKR). Along a 32 km transect of the AKR from the GrIS margin toward the coast, riverine 87Sr/86Sr ratios increase from ∼0.722 to ∼0.747 in an approximately step-wise pattern that corresponds to point-source inputs of additional subglacial discharge. Major cation concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr ratios minimally vary along lengths of the transect with no hydrological inputs. This suggests that proglacial chemical weathering is negligible and likely does not contribute significantly to GrIS solute fluxes. In general, this study supports the recent contention that silicate mineral weathering dominates the solute geochemistry of GrIS subglacial discharge in contrast to valley glaciers, which typically show substantial contributions from carbonate and sulfide weathering regardless of primary bedrock composition. Ice sheet subglacial chemical weathering may therefore have a greater impact on long-term atmospheric CO2 drawdown than previously realized.
Gender: Psychological Perspectives, Seventh Edition

Gender: Psychological Perspectives synthesizes the latest research on gender to help students think critically about the differences between research findings and stereotypes, provoking them to examine and revise their own preconceptions. The text examines the behavioral, biological, and social context in which women and men express gendered behaviors. The text’s unique pedagogical program helps students understand the portrayal of gender in the media and the application of gender research in the real world. Headlines from the news open each chapter to engage the reader. Gendered Voices present true personal accounts of people's lives. According to the Media boxes highlight gender-related coverage in newspapers, magazines, books, TV, and movies, while According to the Research boxes offer the latest scientifically based research to help students analyze the accuracy and fairness of gender images presented in the media. Additionally, Considering Diversity sections emphasize the cross-cultural perspective of gender. This text is intended for undergraduate or graduate courses on the psychology of gender, psychology of sex, psychology of women or men, gender issues, sex roles, women in society, and women’s or men’s studies. It is also applicable to sociology and anthropology courses on diversity. Seventh Edition Highlights: 12 new headlines on topics ranging from gender and the Flynn effect to gender stereotyping that affects men Coverage of gender issues in aging adults and transgendered individuals Expanded coverage of diversity issues in the US and around the globe, including the latest research from China, Japan, and Europe More tables, figures, and photos to provide summaries of text in an easy-to-absorb format End-of-chapter summaries and glossary Suggested readings for further exploration of chapter topics Companion website at www.routledge.com/cw/Brannon containing both instructor and student resources
An empirical study of process policies and metrics to manage productivity and quality for maintenance of critical software systems at the jet propulsion laboratory

Context/ Background: The Mission Design and Navigation Software (MDN) Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) develops and continuously maintains software systems critical for NASA deep space missions. Given limited budgets, staffing resources, and a time critical need for repair or enhancement, there is an ever-present temptation to sacrifice quality for higher productivity or slip release target to ensure better quality. We have learned that poor management of this increases risk of mission failure. As a result, our process must be both highly productive and maintain high quality (e.g. reliability, maintainability, usability). Inspired by the "quality is free" paradigm, we have instituted a set of "Rapid Release" maintenance process policies and measures aimed to continually manage productivity and quality. Six Rapid Release polices were established from well-known engineering principles and best practices to address specific issues of concern encountered in the development phase. However, due to the critically of our systems, we must have objective assurance that our developers are following the six policies and that they are demonstratively effective in addressing the areas of concern.Goal: Investigate if Rapid Release as currently implemented is effective in achieving effects and impacts as expected from principles and best practice beliefs. Additionally, determine practical methods to assure compliance and performance to Rapid Release policies and determine if any adjustments to policy or practice is needed.Method: We have over 15 years of reliable and accurate quality and productivity process data for Monte, a critical system currently in continual operation and maintenance. Time series cross-correlation analyses on this data is used to compare process productivity and quality characteristics pre- and post-implementation of Rapid Release.Results: We find strong evidence, that for Monte: (1) there is continual risk due to productivity and quality tradeoffs, (2) the majority of the Rapid Release policies are being complied with, and (3) the policies have been effective in managing this risk.Conclusions: High productivity and high quality in maintenance of our critical systems requires more than implementing policy based on belief. The process must be monitored to assure that policies are adhered to and are effective in producing the results desired.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Acute Illness Educational Intervention in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Written Versus Application-Based Education.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the (1) feasibility, (2) demand, (3) acceptability, and (4) usefulness of a mobile health (mHealth) application (app) compared with a written intervention distributed in a pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial with parents of children 12 years or younger presenting to the ED for nonurgent complaints. Parents were randomized to receive a (1) low literacy pediatric health book with video, (2) pediatric mHealth app, (3) both 1 and 2, or (4) car-seat safety video and handout (control). Demand, acceptability, and usefulness were assessed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Modified intention-to-treat analysis was completed for proportional data. RESULTS Ninety-eight parents completed randomization (83% approached). One or more follow-up was completed for 80.6% of parents. Only 57.1% downloaded the app. Parents used the app less than the book (35.1% vs 73.0%, P < 0.01), found the app to be harder to understand (26.0% vs 94.6%, P < 0.001) and less useful (37.8% vs 70.3%, P < 0.01), and were less likely to recommend the app to others (48.7% vs 100%, P < 0.01). No parent who received both book and app would prefer to have only the app; 88.9% of parents wanted either the book or both. CONCLUSIONS There was low demand for an mHealth app with parents who prefer, accept, and use the book more. Giving written health information to vulnerable populations in a pediatric ED has the capacity to empower parents with knowledge to care for a child and potentially decrease future nonurgent ED use with translation into a larger study.
Selection of polymers with functional groups for daytime radiative cooling

Abstract The infrared ‘fingerprint’ of polymers that many functional groups/bonds such as C–F and C–O emit overlaps with the atmospheric transmittance window and is responsible for the radiative cooling property of polymers. In this work, we aim to select common polymers applicable to daytime radiative cooling by studying the emission/absorption peaks of functional groups in the atmospheric transmittance window. We demonstrate week-long subambient radiative cooling of water with two common polymers—polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films—by simply placing them on a silver mirror layer. Although both films have the same thickness of 50 μm, the PVDF film has lower solar absorptivity, higher atmospheric window emissivity, and slightly higher selectivity. Consequently, its daytime and nighttime cooling performances are both better than those of the PMMA film, with peak sun-hour subambient cooling degrees being 6 °C vs. 4 °C and peak nighttime subambient cooling degrees being 9 °C vs. 8 °C. If used in large-scale cooling systems, such a nuance in cooling performance of polymers could lead to a significant economic difference over the long term.
Relaxed GaP on Si with low threading dislocation density

We demonstrate a two-step procedure for the growth of relaxed GaP on pseudomorphic GaP/Si templates with a threading dislocation density (TDD) of 1.0–1.1 × 106 cm−2. In lattice-mismatched epitaxy, suppressed dislocation nucleation and unimpeded dislocation glide during relaxation are both critical to achieve a low TDD. Our two-step growth process realizes the former by initiating growth with a thin, low growth temperature (Tgrowth) layer and the latter with a subsequent high-Tgrowth layer. In optimizing the low-Tgrowth layer thickness, we find a trade-off where too little thickness does not suppress dislocation nucleation, while too much thickness takes away the advantage of higher dislocation velocity at high-Tgrowth. Dislocation pileups and trenches are identified as heterogeneous features with a very high local TDD that commonly arise during single-step growth of GaP on Si at high-Tgrowth, and two-step growth virtually eliminates their formation. Overall, this work shows that after initiation at low-Tgrowth, subsequent epitaxy can be performed at high-Tgrowth while avoiding rampant dislocation nucleation, as well as formation of trenches and dislocation pileups.
Pharmacy students' ability to identify fall risk-increasing drugs using an innovative assessment tool

Objective. To evaluate change in the ability of third-year pharmacy students to identify drugs that increase fall risk after training in and experience using the Medication Falls Risk Assessment Tool (MFRAT). Methods. An assessment was administered to students prior to MFRAT use and after MFRAT use. The assessment consisted of 10 medication regimens for various chronic conditions (50 distinct drug choices with 30 correct answers and 20 distractors), and students were to identify fall risk increasing drugs (FRIDs). Using a flipped-classroom approach, students viewed an online presentation on FRIDs and then participated in instructor guided, in-class application of the MFRAT using student-collected data from an actual patient case. Students completed medication therapy management (MTM) documentation. The assessment data for students who had previously used the MFRAT (experienced) were analyzed separately from first time users (inexperienced). Results. Three assessment scores were evaluated: number correct (maximum 30; higher score is better), number of distractors (maximum 20; lower score better), and a combined total score (maximum 50; higher score better). In inexperienced users (n=104), pre- and post-assessment means improved significantly for correct score (24.9 vs 29.5) and total score (39.4 vs 44.3). Among experienced users (n=10), pre- and post-assessment means improved significantly for correct responses (27.3 vs 29.7), distractors (7.0 vs 3.5), and total score (40.3 vs 46.2). Conclusion. The ability of both pharmacy students who had used the MFRAT previously and those who had not to correctly identify FRIDs increased on the post-assessment.
A Dual-Wavelength Widely Tunable C-Band SOA-Based Fiber Laser for Continuous Wave Terahertz Generation

There have been several breakthroughs in terahertz science and technology. Major recent advances have brought novel avenues for terahertz generation to the limelight. Research work pertaining to terahertz generation and its applications has expanded at an unprecedented rate. This encompassing review provides a detailed description of current means of terahertz generation with a special focus on optical sources. Finally, a specific recent development utilizing a novel dual-wavelength, C-band, SOA-based, fiber hybrid compound-ring resonator source is discussed. Boasting both single and dual-port operation, this source is utilized to excite a terahertz photo-mixer and achieves a difference wavelength tuning range of 20.42 nm (i.e., 2.51 THz) which corresponds to a terahertz radiation range of 0.8–2.51 THz at room temperature.