cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dependence functions and frailties

This note considers association between nonnegative random variables in which the two observed survival times depend on an unobservable random variable via the proportional hazard model. When the random variables are subject to censoring, the conditional hazard functions provides a reasonable means of describing the association between the two variables. A numerical example demonstrating association in disease incidence in ordered pairs of individuals is analysed. Also, examples of distributions satisfying the notions of dependence considered are provided.
Implementation of a "learner-driven" curriculum: an screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) interdisciplinary primary care model.

ABSTRACT Although screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) has been a popular model to address potential substance abuse issues in primary care, there is a need for innovative approaches for training providers and staff on SBIRT protocols. An interdisciplinary approach to SBIRT training, named ICARE, was implemented at 3 different medical settings. The ICARE team trained 85 employees at an academic family medicine residency center and 37 employees across 2 rural community health care clinics. Using an innovative “learner-driven” approach, the authors implemented a combination of didactic and interactive training strategies that included on-site coaching, patient simulation exercises, as well as large- and small-group learning.
Oswaldocruzia pipiens (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) from the Eastern American Toad, Bufo americanus americanus (Salienta: Bufonidae), in West Virginia, U.S.A.

Oswaldocruzia pipiens was recovered from the small intestines of Bufo americanus americanus in southwestern West Virginia. Toads were collected from 2 different sites during the April breeding seasons of 1994 and 1995 (Cabell County), and 1993, 1995, and 2000 (Wayne County). Prevalences were 60.0% (15 of 25) and 29.2% (14 of 48) for females and males, respectively, from Cabell County. Prevalences in Wayne County toads were 47.8% for females (11 of 23) and 46.7% for males (36 of 77). Mean intensities (at 1.9) were lowest in male toads from both sites and highest (at 3.6) for females in Wayne County. A total of 167 O. pipiens was collected: 59 from the 29 infected Cabell County hosts and 108 from the 47 infected Wayne County hosts. The 167 nematodes comprised 79 females and 88 males.
Teaching with Simulation

The role of simulation in medical education continues to expand. It is used across the spectrum of medical education, including in medical school curricula, residency education and fellowship programs, and can be used in all health care disciplines. Applying and integrating our working knowledge of pedagogy, medical education, and medical simulation is important to both the educational and patient care missions of medical schools. Used effectively, simulation provides an environment for experiential learning toward enhancing the learner’s critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills. It provides opportunities to assimilate the basic and clinical sciences and to apply that knowledge in realistic, yet low risk situations. It can also improve teamwork skills and reflection.
Introducing Computers: Concepts, Systems, and Applications, 1995/96 Edition

From the Publisher: This annual edition offers up-to-the-minute information on technological innovation and change along with a built-in study guide. Outlines the essential skills needed to achieve computer literacy including key concepts, systems and applications. Accessible, yet technically accurate, each major concept is supported by an application and illustration. Numerous software exercises provide projects for students to practice on the computer.
Edvard Munch: Mysterious Skies in Norway

Edvard Munch, Norway’s most famous painter, created canvases depicting twilights and night skies with enigmatic features that generate lively discussion and debate among art historians.
Proper Names in Translational Contexts

Rendering of proper names in translational contexts may be a simple and automatic procedure that only involves minor sound adjustments. However, translators take, and sometimes have to adopt, all kinds of strategies with proper names, especially in fictional texts, where names almost always carry auctorial meanings that implicitly support the theme of the story. Names, in fact, bear a variety of connotative meanings and also serve as cultural identifiers of texts. Accordingly, rendering of names in translational contexts often has to deal with many issues such as their phonological, orthographical, morpho-semantic, and pragmatic idiosyncrasies, their accessibility to the target language readers, and their socio-political implications. Following the framework of descriptive translation studies, this paper first examines some English translations of Japanese literary texts from primary and secondary sources, and then provides a qualitative analysis of English translations of a novel by Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933), Ginga Tetsudō no Yoru (Night of the Milky Way Railway), focusing on proper names. The latter novel is filled with fictional and non-fictional names whose cultural identities are deliberately made unclear or paradoxical to support the theme of the novel. The analysis provided in this paper empirically shows that translation of proper names plays a pivotal role for sustaining the cultural orientation of the text and the theme of the story.
“Taking Risks” with Literacy Acoustics

This article is a May 28, 2015, National Writing Project (NWP) interview with Newbery Award-winning author Kwame Alexander about contributions he made to yearlong professional development collaboration between K-8 teachers at Hill Central in New Haven, Connecticut, and Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University. The interview, A Talk With Kwame Alexander , is available in its entirety via BlogTalkRadio.
Conflict in Roles: Lying to the In-Group Versus the Out-Group in Negotiations

This empirical study examines how group membership affects the likelihood of lies occurring in a two-person negotiation setting involving an experimental design with a repeated ultimatum bargaining. To better understand the reasoning of the negotiator in in-group and out-group bargaining exercises, the authors also examined perceptions of fairness in relation to offers for the in-group and out-group. The authors find that when negotiating, individuals tell lies of greater magnitude to out-group members than to in-group members. In both situations, the magnitude of the initial lie predicts the likelihood that a concealment lie (i.e., another lie to conceal the initial lie) will be told. The study also finds that in negotiations with in-group members, the relationship between the initial lie and the concealment lie is moderated by the negotiator’s perceptions of unfair treatment toward the in-group bargaining partner. The authors assert that concealment lies with in-group members allow the individual to app...
Survivorship and Age-Specific Fertility of Toxorhynchites Brevipalpis Females (Diptera: Culicidae)

Data on life-table phenomena such as survivorship and fertility schedules, net reproductive rate and oviposition behavior were obtained for Toxorhynchites brevipalpis females. The material for laboratory experiments originated from pupal collections from discarded automobile tires at an automobile dump in a Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) suburb. The survivorship schedule showed that maximum survival of Tx. brevipalpis females was 140 days. Close to 50% of the females survived for 84 days. The survivorship curve for females dying accidentally had the shape of a negative exponential decay. For females dying naturally the curve was negatively skewed, resembling the curves for K strategists. Female fertility changed during the reproductive period from 20 eggs per wk to 4 eggs per wk. The average female fecundity was 233 eggs and the maximum fecundity was 364 eggs. At any time during the reproductive period, more than 50% of the females were laying eggs. The post reproductive period was 4.3 ± 1.6 days.
Evaluation of two commercial tests for human immunodeficiency virus antigens in culture supernatant fluid.

Two commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (EIAs) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens were evaluated for sensitivity and reproducibility by use of supernatant fluid from cell cultures of peripheral mononuclear cells of 18 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and 12 asymptomatic HIV antibody-positive patients. Both commercial assays detected HIV antigen in all cultures by day 21; however, the Abbott® HIV antigen EIA (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL) detected HIV antigen three to seven days earlier in 15 of 48 cultures (31%), on the same day in 32 cultures (67%), and three days later in 1 culture (2%) when compared with the DuPont® HIV antigen EIA (DuPont Laboratories, Wilmington, DE). In serial twofold dilution experiments, the Abbott HIV Ag EIA was found to have at least a twofold to eightfold increased sensitivity over the DuPont assay. Repeat testing of 15 initially positive supernatant fluids by both assays revealed that 13 of 15 and 12 of 15 were consistently positive by the Abbott and DuPont assays, respectively. The authors conclude that the Abbott EIA demonstrated better performance in this study than the DuPont EIA for detection of HIV in cell culture because of its shorter time-to-positivity and greater sensitivity.
A Geometric Paradox

(1923). A Geometric Paradox. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 193-195.
Lassoing saddle splay and the geometrical control of topological defects

Systems with holes, such as colloidal handlebodies and toroidal droplets, have been studied in the nematic liquid crystal (NLC) 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl (5CB): Both point and ring topological defects can occur within each hole and around the system while conserving the system’s overall topological charge. However, what has not been fully appreciated is the ability to manipulate the hole geometry with homeotropic (perpendicular) anchoring conditions to induce complex, saddle-like deformations. We exploit this by creating an array of holes suspended in an NLC cell with oriented planar (parallel) anchoring at the cell boundaries. We study both 5CB and a binary mixture of bicyclohexane derivatives (CCN-47 and CCN-55). Through simulations and experiments, we study how the bulk saddle deformations of each hole interact to create defect structures, including an array of disclination lines, reminiscent of those found in liquid-crystal blue phases. The line locations are tunable via the NLC elastic constants, the cell geometry, and the size and spacing of holes in the array. This research lays the groundwork for the control of complex elastic deformations of varying length scales via geometrical cues in materials that are renowned in the display industry for their stability and easy manipulability.
The Role of Image-guided Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Anorectal Cancer Using Prone Belly-board Positioning.

Aim To evaluate Radiation Therapy Oncology Group planning target volume margins of 7-10 mm for radiation therapy in anorectal cancer using prone belly-board positioning without image guidance. Patients and methods 375 kV cone beam computed tomography image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) images from 20 patients treated for anorectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed for setup shifts. We calculated the total translational shift for each patient and the frequency with which setup shifts exceeded 7 mm and 10 mm. Results A total of 42.7% of treatments required shifts >7 mm and 20.8% >10 mm. The mean translational shift was 7.1 mm. 70% of patients experienced shifts ≥7 mm in 20% or more of their treatments and 25% of ≥10 mm in 20% or more of their treatments; 15% experienced shifts ≥10 mm in over half of their treatments. van Herk calculations suggest margins of 12.8 mm are necessary for accuracy without IGRT. Conclusion IGRT using a prone belly board and 7-10 mm margins requires daily image-guidance to prevent planning target volume misses and ensure optimal dose delivery.
Remarks on the attainable distributions of controlled-diffusion processes of distributed systems

In this paper, we consider a controlled-diffusion process pertaining to a chain of distributed systems with random perturbations that satisfies a weak Hormander type condition. In particular, we consider a stochastic control problem with the following objectives. The first one being of a reachability-type that consists of determining a set of attainable distributions at a given time starting from an initial distribution; while the second one involves minimizing the relative entropy subject to the initial and desired final attainable distributions. Using the stochastic control arguments from Fleming, we provide a sufficient condition on the existence of an optimal admissible control for such a stochastic control problem which is amounted to changing the drift by a certain perturbation suggested by Jamison in the context of reciprocal processes. Moreover, such a perturbation coincides with a minimum energy control among all admissible controls forcing the controlled-diffusion process to the desired final attainable distribution starting from the initial distribution. Finally, we briefly remark on the invariance property of the path-space measure for such a diffusion process pertaining to the chain of distributed systems.
Detection of cyber attacks with access to partial data in power system using spy nodes

Cyber-security in power systems has become a hot topic in recent years. Injection of malicious data into the system data by cyber attackers may lead to a change in states of the system causing potential problems such as power outages on the grid. Commonly used forms of malicious data detection in cyber-attacks on the grid can be floored when the cyber attacker cleverly computes the contamination vectors using information of the system gained from the system data intercepted. This paper presents a further stage of validation to our earlier proposed approach using a situation in which the data available to the cyber-attacker is limited due to the encryption method. The main idea in the proposed approach entailed altering information on system topology transmitted through communication channels by the insertion of virtual buses to the network topology visible from the attacker's point of view. The attacker is misled by the existence of the virtual buses referred to as “spy nodes” in the network and therefore unable to obtain the exact topology of the power grid. These spy nodes compute data along with the actual data in the power network and are able to change the perceived topology of the network on which the attacker depends. The applicability of the proposed method was verified by simulating the IEEE 9-bus standard system when the attacker had access to limited data and had a partial attack on the system. On the other hand, the conventional methods could detect the manipulation of the partial data because of the norms being different before and after the smart attack.
Imaging performance measurements of SiliSPECT

SiliSPECT, a multi-pinhole, multi-detector SPECT system, was designed to image targeted-regions of rodents at sub-300 μm resolution with motionless data acquisition and a special reconstruction method. High spatial resolution is achieved with thick silicon double-sided strip detectors (DSSDs) and 250 μm pinhole apertures. Each of the two heads contains two stacked DSSDs, which improves total detection efficiency. The stacked detector, multi-pinhole aperture configuration also permits experimental validation of simulated synthetic collimator image reconstruction. SiliSPECT was assembled and operates stably with forced air cooling. Performance measurements, including intrinsic detection efficiency, sensitivity, and dead time were made. To reconstruct tomographic images with a calculated system matrix requires accurate estimation of geometric calibration parameters. We present details of our approach for determining these parameters.
Tornado Warning Response and Perceptions among Undergraduates in Nebraska

AbstractFew studies show how university students perceive and respond to tornado warnings. Lacking in the literature are investigations of what influences perceptions of tornado risk among this population and how these perceptions may influence actions. Through an online survey of 640 undergraduates enrolled at a large university in Nebraska, significant relationships were found between student demographics, perceptions, and response actions. Tornado mythology relevant to the local city influenced perceptions so that students felt the city was less at risk than surrounding rural land. Confirming risk before sheltering remained popular, with some students choosing to never seek shelter during a warning. International students were more likely to initially seek shelter during a warning but had difficulty interpreting warning polygons or accurately choosing the best safety actions. Tornado-related education resulted in international students being more likely to have safety plans and shelter in more appropri...
The taxonomic status of Long-tailed shrews (Mammalia: genus Sorex ) from Nuclear Central America.

We examined 256 specimens of long-tailed shrews (Sorex) from 53 localities throughout the highlands of Nuclear Central America. We evaluate the efficacy of using three qualitative characteristics to identify populations of Sorex from Nuclear Central America: 1) the presence or the absence of a postmandibular foramen and canal; 2) relative size of U3 compared to U4; and, 3) the presence or absence of a pigmented ridge on the lingual side of each unicuspid tooth. In our data, the first character is invariable for the specimens we examined. Two species groups can be recognized based on the presence (S. salvini species group) or the absence of a postmandibular foramen and canal (S. veraepacis species group). The other two characteristics were useful, but not diagnostic. Based upon Principal Component Analysis we recognize nine species of Sorex in Nuclear Central America. Five species belong to the S. salvini species group: S. cristobalensis, S. salvini, S. sclateri, S. stizodon, and a new species from Honduras. Four species belong to the S. veraepacis species group: S. chiapensis, S. ibarrai, S. veraepacis, and a new species from western Guatemala. We also present evidence that the type locality (Coban, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala) for S. veraepacis is not correct.
Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up: Addressing the Needs of Infants and Toddlers Exposed to Inadequate or Problematic Caregiving.

Parental sensitivity is key to the development of brain architecture, self-regulatory capabilities, and secure, organized attachments for infants and young children. For a variety of reasons, many parents struggle providing sensitive, responsive care. Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) is a 10-session home visiting program developed to enhance parental sensitivity. ABC has been shown effective in enhancing parental sensitivity, and enhancing children’s attachment security and regulatory capabilities. A key feature of the intervention is providing parents practice and feedback in interacting sensitively with their children. Effectiveness in dissemination sites has been impressive, likely because treatment fidelity is defined well and monitored carefully.
Multichannel Immediate Multiple Access for Dedicated Short-Range Communications: IEEE 802.11p-Compatible Physical Layer

This paper describes two concepts for Multichannel Immediate Multiple Access (MIMA) radio architectures for Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC). Based upon an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) physical layer, MIMA allows receivers to listen to all seven channels allotted for DSRC in the 5.9 GHz band and allows transmitters to send messages in any subset of the seven DSRC channels. The multichannel accessibility of MIMA further provides higher data rate for various applications, such as In-Vehicle Infotainment. The MIMA architectures are also compatible with the IEEE 802.11p standard, that is, they can coexist with 802.11p transceivers. One MIMA concept can increase spectrum utilization by up to 21.4% beyond carrier aggregation alone by utilizing guard bands in between aggregated DSRC channels. Another MIMA concept is to separate synchronization from demodulation and decoding, allowing a receiver to operate synchronizers for multiple channels in parallel but demodulating and decoding only those channels that are active, and thereby significantly reduce the FPGA or digital chip resources in the receiver. A prototype of the MIMA architecture has been implemented using an advanced software defined radio (SDR) platform. Preliminary results from the prototypes demonstrate the multichannel accessibility of the physical layer.
Tracking Objects within the Solar System Using Only Doppler Measurements

In this paper, we assume that an artificial planetoid emits radiation, of reasonably stable frequency, which can be received by a tracking station on Earth. Using no information except the time dependence of the Doppler shift, we find that the orbital elements can be completely determined, with a precision of about five significant figures, during one-half day’s tracking from one station. Using realistic values for power available, noise level, etc., we expect that the effective range for Doppler tracking should be at least fifty million kilometers.
Corpora of Spoken Academic Discourse and Learner Talk: A Survey

This chapter lists and briefly discusses seminal and recently collected corpora of spoken academic discourse and learner oral language (in English). We also provide descriptions of the texts and types of student oral language in these collections and some examples of corpus-based studies that utilize the same. Most are publicly available (e.g., MICASE, VOICE, LINDSEI, ELFA) and some may be purchased online from their developers. Table 2.7, which lists specialized spoken texts from L2 learners collected by various research groups globally, suggests a growing interest in this area of corpus-based research in the classroom and the important merging of SLA and corpus-informed approaches.
Press Policy and the Early Neoabsolutist State: The Melding of Absolutism and Liberalism

With the defeat of the revolution, a new system, dubbed Neoabsolutism, developed, attempting to combine the prerogatives of the traditional imperial state with executive, legislative, and judicial authority all held in the hands of a new centralized administration but now functioning, for the first time, under the primacy of the rule of law. Far from being the death of independent journalism and despite its officials’ efforts to the contrary, Neoabsolutism’s focus on the rule of law opened an important opportunity for the survival of opposition expression in the periodical press and therein the continuation of a liberal public sphere.
Competency-Based Medical Education and the Ghost of Kuhn: Reflections on the Messy and Meaningful Work of Transformation.

The transition, if not transformation, to outcomes-based medical education likely represents a paradigm shift struggling to be realized. Paradigm shifts are messy and difficult but ultimately meaningful if done successfully. This struggle has engen dered tension and disagreements, with many of these
Effectiveness of Ice-Sheet Cooling Following Exertional Hyperthermia.

ABSTRACT Background: The procedure of wrapping a heat casualty in ice-water soaked bed sheets to reduce core temperature has received little investigation, despite the practice and recommendation for its use in some military settings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the cooling efficacy of ice-sheet cooling (ISC) following exertional hyperthermia. Methods: 13 (11 males, 2 females) participants (age = 23 ± 3 years, height = 176.5 ± 10.3 cm, mass = 78.6 ± 15.3 kg, body fat = 19.6 ± 8.6%, and body surface area = 1.95 ± 0.22 m2) volunteered to complete 2 randomized, crossover design trials on an outdoor recreation field (34.4 ± 1.4°C, 54.4 ± 4.1% relative humidity). Each trial consisted of exercise (self-paced 400-m warm-up, 1,609-m run, and 100-m sprints) followed by 15 minutes of either lying supine in the shade with no treatment (control [CON]) or being treated with ice-water soaked sheets wrapped around their body (ISC). Physiological (rectal temperature [Tre], heart rate, mean-weighted...
Escherichia Coli — Functional and Evolutionary Implications of Genome Scale Computer-Aided Protein Sequence Analysis

Complete sequencing of model genomes has recently become a reality. Hundreds of viral and more than 20 organellar genome sequences are currently available (Bork et al., 1994). The genomes of several bacteria, Archaea, and yeast are expected to be completed within 2–3 years. The ultimate value of genome projects is not to establish complete and accurate nucleotide sequences per se, but rather to use the sequence in order to deduce how the genome determines all cellular functions. Eventually, it should be possible to determine the whole pathway from the nucleotide sequence to the phenotype of an organism, which could be re-stated as the “first principles” of cellular structure and function. Numerous biochemical and genetic experiments will be indispensable for achieving this ambitious goal. Nonetheless, computer analysis of the amino acid sequences encoded in the genome is a necessary and complementary approach that allows one to systematically predict protein functions and derive possible evolutionary relationships. One cannot help but to note that computer-assisted sequences analysis, even though generally lacking the precision that is, at least in principle, achievable in laboratory experiments, is much less labor-consuming and costly. In fact, at this time, only computer methods allow one to analyze gene products encoded in a complete genome simultaneously and consistently and to obtain meaningful, readily comparable results for each of them in a relatively short time.
The Art of Writing Good Regulations

Chemists use precise tests to detect and identify the component elements of different substances. Physicists have methods to examine objects, both large and small. Biologists can discern much information about the basic building blocks of life from genetic material. Scientists have many techniques to answer fundamental questions about the world, but can those techniques enable them to distinguish a good government regulation from a bad one? Since arriving at the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) three years ago, I have often reviewed regulations, both old and new. Labeling some regulations “good” and others “bad” may seem simple, but what distinguishes one from the other? The three Articles that follow begin to answer that question. Simple tests can be constructed easily to identify some forms of bad regulations, such as regulations that have no basis in law. In assessing the basis for a given regulation, I have adopted a four-category “sliding scale” approach: (1) rules that the Commission is legally required to promulgate; (2) rules that the FCC is explicitly permitted by law to develop; (3) regulations that have no specific statutory basis, but rather rely on the Commission’s ancillary authority; and (4) regulatory actions barred by statute. Obviously, the Commission has no discretion in the first and fourth categories. Therefore, the assessment of “good” versus “bad” regulations largely plays out in categories two and three. It is does not follow, however, that any regulation that has a plausible interpretation consistent with statutory language is “good.” Sections 4(i) and 201 of the Communications Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”) give the FCC broad authority, but only as “necessary” to implement other statutory provisions. Some have argued that these sections give the Commission
The Problematics of the Production of Knowledge in Accounting

The production of accounting knowledge suffers from problems inherent in a contamination of the research process at the hands of academics and a distorted transformation of the accounting knowledge at the hands of the profession. Both problems are at the core of a crisis in the production and dissemination of accounting knowledge.
Remote collection of microorganisms at two depths in a freshwater lake using an unmanned surface vehicle (USV)

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in freshwater aquatic environments, but little is known about their abundance, diversity, and transport. We designed and deployed a remote-operated water-sampling system onboard an unmanned surface vehicle (USV, a remote-controlled boat) to collect and characterize microbes in a freshwater lake in Virginia, USA. The USV collected water samples simultaneously at 5 and 50 cm below the surface of the water at three separate locations over three days in October, 2016. These samples were plated on a non-selective medium (TSA) and on a medium selective for the genus Pseudomonas (KBC) to estimate concentrations of culturable bacteria in the lake. Mean concentrations ranged from 134 to 407 CFU/mL for microbes cultured on TSA, and from 2 to 8 CFU/mL for microbes cultured on KBC. There was a significant difference in the concentration of microbes cultured on KBC across three sampling locations in the lake (P = 0.027), suggesting an uneven distribution of Pseudomonas across the locations sampled. There was also a significant difference in concentrations of microbes cultured on TSA across the three sampling days (P = 0.038), demonstrating daily fluctuations in concentrations of culturable bacteria. There was no significant difference in concentrations of microbes cultured on TSA (P = 0.707) and KBC (P = 0.641) across the two depths sampled, suggesting microorganisms were well-mixed between 5 and 50 cm below the surface of the water. About 1 percent (7/720) of the colonies recovered across all four sampling missions were ice nucleation active (ice+) at temperatures warmer than -10 °C. Our work extends traditional manned observations of aquatic environments to unmanned systems, and highlights the potential for USVs to understand the distribution and diversity of microbes within and above freshwater aquatic environments.
Neighborhood Environmental Health and Premature Death From Cardiovascular Disease.

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority groups. Healthy neighborhood conditions are associated with increased uptake of health behaviors that reduce CVD risk, but minority neighborhoods often have poor food access and poor walkability. This study tested the community-driven hypothesis that poor access to food at the neighborhood level and poor neighborhood walkability are associated with racial disparities in premature deaths from CVD. Methods We examined the relationship between neighborhood-level food access and walkability on premature CVD mortality rates at the census tract level for the city of Atlanta using multivariable logistic regression models. We produced maps to illustrate premature CVD mortality, food access, and walkability by census tract for the city. Results We found significant racial differences in premature CVD mortality rates and geographic disparities in food access and walkability among census tracts in Atlanta. Improved food access and walkability were associated with reduced overall premature CVD mortality in unadjusted models, but this association did not persist in models adjusted for census tract population composition and poverty. Census tracts with high concentrations of minority populations had higher levels of poor food access, poor walkability, and premature CVD mortality. Conclusion This study highlights disparities in premature CVD mortality and neighborhood food access and walkability at the census tract level in the city of Atlanta. Improving food access may have differential effects for subpopulations living in the same area. These results can be used to calibrate neighborhood-level interventions, and they highlight the need to examine race-specific health outcomes.
Dynamic mercury methylation and demethylation in oligotrophic marine water

Abstract. Mercury bioaccumulation in open-ocean food webs depends on the net rate of inorganic mercury conversion to monomethylmercury in the water column. We measured significant methylation rates across large gradients in oxygen utilization in the oligotrophic central Pacific Ocean. Overall, methylation rates over 24 h incubation periods were comparable to those previously published from Arctic and Mediterranean waters despite differences in productivity between these marine environments. In contrast to previous studies that have attributed Hg methylation to heterotrophic bacteria, we measured higher methylation rates in filtered water compared to unfiltered water. Furthermore, we observed enhanced demethylation of newly produced methylated mercury in incubations of unfiltered water relative to filtered water. The addition of station-specific bulk filtered particulate matter, a source of inorganic mercury substrate and other possibly influential compounds, did not stimulate sustained methylation, although transient enhancement of methylation occurred within 8 h of addition. The addition of dissolved inorganic cobalt also produced dramatic, if transient, increases in mercury methylation. Our results suggest important roles for noncellular or extracellular methylation mechanisms and demethylation in determining methylated mercury concentrations in marine oligotrophic waters. Methylation and demethylation occur dynamically in the open-ocean water column, even in regions with low accumulation of methylated mercury.
The geospatial and economic viability of CO2 storage in hydrocarbon depleted fractured shale formations

Abstract Hydrocarbon depleted fractured shale (HDFS) formations could be attractive for geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. Shale formations may be able to leverage existing infrastructure, have larger capacities, and be more secure than saline aquifers. We compared regional storage capacities and integrated CO2 capture, transport, and storage systems that use HDFS with those that use saline aquifers in a region of the United States with extensive shale development that overlies prospective saline aquifers. We estimated HDFS storage capacities with a production-based method and costs by adapting methods developed for saline aquifers and found that HDFS formations in this region might be able to store with less cost an estimated ∼14× more CO2 on average than saline aquifers at the same location. The potential for smaller Areas of Review and less investment in infrastructure accounted for up to 84% of the difference in estimated storage costs. We implemented an engineering-economic geospatial optimization model to determine and compare the viability of storage capacity for these two storage resources. Across the state-specific and regional scenarios we investigated, our results for this region suggest that integrated CCS systems using HDFS could be more centralized, require less pipelines, prioritize different routes for trunklines, and be 6.4–6.8% ($5-10/tCO2) cheaper than systems using saline aquifers. Overall, CO2 storage in HDFS could be technically and economically attractive and may lower barriers to large scale CO2 storage if they can be permitted.
Successful completion of total and partial salpingectomy at the time of cesarean delivery

Abstract Objective Evaluate completion of partial or total salpingectomy during Cesarean delivery based on intended procedure. Study design We conducted a retrospective study of women who had a permanent contraception procedure during Cesarean delivery at an urban, academic hospital from November 2015 through April 2017. We reviewed all charts of women who had a Cesarean delivery to identify those who underwent concomitant tubal surgery, including both completed and attempted procedures. We compared demographic, medical, and obstetric characteristics of participants by planned and completed method using univariate analysis. Results We identified 122 women who underwent Cesarean delivery with planned concurrent permanent contraception procedure. Thirty-two (26.2%) women preferred partial salpingectomy and 90 (73.8%) preferred total salpingectomy. All women who desired partial salpingectomy had the procedure performed. However, 17 (18.9%) women desiring total salpingectomy could not have the procedure performed bilaterally: nine underwent a mixed procedure and seven underwent bilateral partial salpingectomy because of adhesions, engorged vasculature, or unspecified reasons. One woman had significant adhesive disease preventing any procedure. Among women who planned a total salpingectomy, having ≥3 Cesarean deliveries was the only factor associated with needing an alternative procedure (P=.04). Conclusion As interest in total salpingectomy for permanent contraception increases, surgeons should counsel women who are interested in total salpingectomy at time of Cesarean delivery that adhesions and tubal proximity to adjacent vessels may preclude completion of bilateral tubal removal and discuss alternative options prior to surgery. Implications Interest in bilateral total salpingectomy for permanent contraception at the time of Cesarean delivery is increasing; accordingly, surgeons should counsel patients that adhesions and proximity to large vessels may preclude completion of bilateral total salpingectomy, especially in women who have had multiple prior Cesarean deliveries.
Effects of Supplemental Availa®Zn on Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Cattle Fed Diets With or Without Optaflexx

Supplementation of 60 ppm Zn from Availa®Zn improved performance during the initial 86 days of the 115 d finishing period. However, during the final 29 d, when Optaflexx (OPT) was included in the diet, increasing concentrations of Availa®Zn linearly increased growth of OPT-fed steers. During this period supplementing 90 ppm of Zn had the greatest additive effect on the response to OPT, suggesting that the addition of Zn to OPT diets may improve performance.
The Three-Variable Model: From Occam’s Razor to the Black Box

In Chapter 5, I noted that there are five research traditions that suggest that the potential for evaluation affects task performance (social loafing, goal setting, social facilitation, intrinsic motivation/creativity, and achievement goal theory), and that, for the most part, these traditions do not take into account the findings obtained within the other traditions, nor the processes hypothesized to produce these findings. I then made a first attempt at an integration, suggesting that the performance findings from each of these traditions could be encompassed by taking into account only three variables: whether or not there is the potential for evaluation by an external source; whether the participants are asked to do their best or to strive to achieve a stringent goal; and whether the task is simple or complex.
Synergistic effect of curcumin and doxorubicin in drug sensitive and resistant human pediatric leukemic cell lines

4786 Curcumin (diferuloyl methane), the yellow colored chemopreventive agent from turmeric has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The synergistic effect of curcumin and doxorubicin on cytotoxicity in leukemic cell lineswas investigated preclinically in vitro for their eventual use in combination therapy in pediatric patients. Curcumin is cytotoxic to both sensitive (CEM) and resistant (CEM/VLB) cell lines with an IC50 value of 12 μM. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) cell line (CEM/VLB) showed 36.4-fold doxorubicin resistance based on DOX IC50 values of 0.14 μM and 5.1 µM for CEM and CEM/VLB cell lines. Analysis of cytotoxicity data by CalcuSyn program showed that curcumin and doxorubicin combination treatments are synergistic with combination index values less than 1 at IC50 (CEM=0.82; CEM/VLB =0.81) and IC75 (CEM=0.60; CEM/VLB=0.83) levels. Curcumin and doxorubicin combination induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells and the apoptosis data correlated with cytotoxicity estimates in both sensitive and resistant cell lines. The combination index values on the percentage of apoptosis induced by curcumin and doxorubicin combination treatments were less than 1 indicating the synergistic effect of both these agents on apoptosis. Doxorubicin treatment up regulated NF-κB activity in both CEM and CEM/VLB cell lines, although the level of up regulation is higher in CEM (2-fold) than CEM/VLB (1.5-fold) cell lines. Curcumin, on the other hand, is anti-inflammatory because of its significant inhibitory effect on NF-κB activity. Curcumin inhibited 80% and 50% of NF-κB activity in CEM and CEM/VLB cell lines in 24 h. These results showed that curcumin can be used either as a single agent or as an adjuvant with doxorubicin because of the synergistic effects on apoptosis and cytotoxicity (Supported by Miami Children9s Hospital Foundation research funds).
A Multi-Cloud Cyber Infrastructure for Monitoring Global Proliferation of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms

Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) are a major water quality and public health issue in inland waters as they hamper recreational activities, degrade aquatic habitats, and potentially affect human health via toxic contamination. Despite the risks posed to environment, human and animal health, currently, there is lack of rapid monitoring program to periodically evaluate the spatial distribution of cyanobacteria in inland waters. This study integrated multiple clouds including community cloud (via social media data), sensor cloud (wireless hyperspectral sensor and satellite sensor) and computational cloud to design and implement techniques for early detection of CyanoHABs in inland waters. Social cloud data helped to identify the geographical locations frequently affected by CyanoHABs and sensor clouds helped in verifying those locations. This integrated monitoring system would be very useful for lake resource managements and state agencies by reducing their budget cost for rapid detection and frequent monitoring of CyanoHABs across inland waters.
Angiotensin-(1–12)/chymase axis modulates cardiomyocyte L-type calcium currents in rats expressing human angiotensinogen

Abstract Background Activation of the intracrine renin angiotensin systems (RAS) is increasingly recognized as contributing to human pathologies, yet non-canonical renin-independent mechanisms for angiotensin II (Ang II) biosynthesis remain controversial. Direct Ang II generation from angiotensin-(1–12) [Ang-(1–12)] by chymase is an essential intracrine source for regulation of cardiac function. Using a transgenic rat model that overexpresses the human angiotensinogen gene [TGR(hAGT)L1623] and displays increased cardiac Ang II levels, this study aimed to provide evidence for intracrine activation of L-type calcium currents (ICa-L) mediated by the Ang-(1–12)/chymase axis. Methods and results On patch clamp, ICa-L density was significantly higher in TGR(hAGT)L1623 (−6.4 ± 0.3 pA/pF) compared to Sprague Dawley (SD) cardiomyocytes (−4.8, ± 0.5 pA/pF). Intracellular administration of Ang II and Ang-(1–12) elicited a ICa-L increase in both SD and TGR(hAGT)L1623 cardiomyocytes, albeit blunted in transgenic cells. ICa-L activation by intracellular Ang II and Ang-(1–12) was abolished by the specific Ang II type 1 receptor blocker E−3174. Co-administration of a chymase inhibitor prevented activation of ICa-L by Ang-(1–12). Confocal micrographs revealed abundant chymase (mast cell protease 5) immunoreactive protein in SD and TGR(hAGT)L1623 cardiomyocytes. Conclusions Our data demonstrate the existence in cardiomyocytes of a calcium channel modulatory activity responsive to Ang II generated by the Ang-(1–12)/chymase axis that signals via intracellular receptors. Chronically elevated Ang II in TGR(hAGT)L1623 hearts leading to increased intracellular calcium through ICa-L suggests that activation of this Ang-(1–12)/chymase-governed cardiac intracrine RAS may contribute to the pathological phenotypes observed in the humanized model of chronic hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.
Measurement of the lifetimes of the 7 p 2 P 3 /2 and 7 p 2 P 1 /2 states of atomic cesium

We report time-correlated measurements of the lifetimes of the $7p{\phantom{\rule{0.222222em}{0ex}}}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ and $7p{\phantom{\rule{0.222222em}{0ex}}}^{2}{P}_{1/2}$ states of atomic cesium. The results of these measurements are ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{3/2}=137.54\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}(16)$ ns and ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{1/2}=165.21\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}(19)$ ns. We use these lifetimes, together with other previously determined electric dipole matrix elements of $^{133}\mathrm{Cs}$, to determine the matrix elements $\ensuremath{\langle}5d{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}{D}_{5/2}\ensuremath{\parallel}r\ensuremath{\parallel}7p{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}{P}_{3/2}\ensuremath{\rangle}, \ensuremath{\langle}5d{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}{D}_{3/2}\ensuremath{\parallel}r\ensuremath{\parallel}7p{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}{P}_{3/2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$, and $\ensuremath{\langle}5d{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}{D}_{3/2}\ensuremath{\parallel}r\ensuremath{\parallel}7p{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{2}{P}_{1/2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$. These matrix elements are in good agreement with, but of higher precision than, calculated values of these same matrix elements.
A Sample/Population Size Activity: Is it the sample size of the sample as a fraction of the population that matters?

Unless the sample encompasses a substantial portion of the population, the standard error of an estimator depends on the size of the sample, but not the size of the population. This is a crucial st...
Research Reproducibility and p-value Threshold

Research irreproducibility in published work has drawn increasing attention both in the research community and in the media.
Lead Extraction for Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infection in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to assess the utility of transvenous lead extraction for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Background The utility of transvenous lead extraction for the management CIED infection in patients with a durable LVAD has not been well described. Methods Clinical and outcomes data were collected retrospectively among patients who underwent lead extraction for CIED infection after LVAD implantation at Duke University Hospital. Results Overall, 27 patients (n = 6 HVAD; n = 15 HeartMate II; n = 6 Heartmate III) underwent lead extraction for infection. Median (interquartile range) time from LVAD implantation to infection was 6.1 (2.5, 14.9) months. Indications included endocarditis (n = 16), bacteremia (n = 9), and pocket infection (n = 2). Common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 10), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 7), and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3). Sixty-eight leads were removed, with a median lead implant time of 5.7 (3.6, 9.2) years. Laser sheaths were used in all procedures, with a median laser time of 35.0 (17.5, 85.5) s. Mechanical cutting tools were required in 11 (40.7%) and femoral snaring in 4 (14.8%). Complete procedural success was achieved in 25 (93.6%) patients and clinical success in 27 (100%). No procedural failures or major adverse events occurred. Twenty-one patients (77.8%) were alive without persistent endovascular infection 1 year after lead extraction. Most were treated with oral suppressive antibiotics after extraction (n = 23 [82.5%]). Persistent infection after extraction occurred in 4 patients and was associated with 50% 1-year mortality. Conclusions Transvenous lead extraction for LVAD-associated CIED infection can be performed safely with low rates of persistent infection and 1-year mortality.