cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution, species composition and morphology of algal mats in Antarctic dry valley lakes

Algal mats comprised primarily of the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) Phormidium frigidum and Lyngbya martensiana, several species of pennate diatoms and heterotrophic bacteria occur abundantly th...
Continuous hemoglobin monitoring during massive blood transfusion in a multivisceral pediatric transplant patient

A 10 year old, 25 kg girl, who was formerly a conjoined twin at the heart, diaphragm, liver, duodenum, bile ducts, and intestine, was admitted for a repeat liver, small bowel, pancreas, and kidney multivisceral transplant after having intestinal and liver failure. Intraoperatively, the patient had excessive bleeding, coagulopathy, and acidosis. Pulse co-oximetry was used for continuous monitoring of hemoglobin (Hb) during the procedure. Although noninvasive Hb appeared to follow a trend that correlated with arterial Hb concentration, it did not show accurate agreement with measured values from intermittent blood gas analysis. It may not be reliable during cases with abnormal physiology, rapid blood loss, and massive transfusion.
Sedimentology and taphonomy of the upper Karoo-equivalent Mpandi Formation in the Tuli Basin of Zimbabwe, with a new 40Ar/39Ar age for the Tuli basalts

Abstract Karoo-equivalent rocks in the Tuli Basin of Zimbabwe are described, with a focus on the dinosaur-bearing Mpandi Formation, which correlates with the Elliot Formation (Late Triassic–Early Jurassic) in the main Karoo Basin. Isolated exposures of the Mpandi Formation along the banks of the Limpopo River consist of red silty claystones and siltstones that preserve root traces, small carbonate nodules, and hematite-coated prosauropod bones. These fine-grained facies accumulated on an ancient semi-arid floodplain. Widespread exposures of quartz-rich sandstone and siltstone representing the upper Mpandi Formation crop out on Sentinel Ranch. These strata preserve carbonate concretions and silicified root casts, and exhibit cross-bedding indicative of deposition via traction currents, presumably in stream channels. Prosauropod fossils are also preserved in the Sentinel Ranch exposures, with one particularly noteworthy site characterized by a nearly complete and articulated Massospondylus individual. An unconformity caps the Mpandi Formation in the study area, and this stratigraphically significant surface rests on a laterally-continuous zone of pervasive silicification interpreted as a silcrete. Morphologic, petrographic, and geochemical data indicate that the Mpandi silcrete formed by intensive leaching near the ground surface during prolonged hiatus. Chert clasts eroded from the silcrete are intercalated at the base of the overlying Samkoto Formation (equivalent to the Clarens Formation in the main Karoo Basin), which in turn is overlain by the Tuli basalts. These basalts, which are part of the Karoo Igneous Province, yield a new 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau age of 186.3 ± 1.2 Ma.
Potassium Channel Antagonists Influence Porcine Granulosa Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Apoptosis

This investigation determined the effects of K(+) channel antagonists on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells. The drugs screened for functional effects included the class III antiarrhythmic agents MK-499 and clofilium, the chromanol I(Ks) antagonist 293B, the benzodiazepine I(Ks) antagonists L-735,821 and L-768,673, and the peptidyl toxins charybdotoxin (CTX) and margatoxin (MTX). Granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation were assessed by serial measurements of cell number and progesterone accumulation in the culture media, respectively. Granulosa cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Additional information about drug effects was obtained by immunoblotting to detect expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p27(kip1) and the caspase-3 substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. The ERG channel antagonist MK-499 had no functional effects on cultured granulosa cells. However, the broad spectrum K(+) channel antagonist clofilium decreased, in a concentration-dependent fashion, the number of viable granulosa cells cultured, and these effects were associated with induction of apoptosis. All three I(Ks) antagonists (293B, L-735,821, and L-768,673) increased basal, but not FSH-enhanced progesterone accumulation on Day 1 after treatment without affecting the number of viable cells in culture, an effect that was blocked by pimozide. In contrast, CTX and MTX increased the number of viable cells in FSH-stimulated cultures on Day 3 after treatment without affecting progesterone output per cell. These data demonstrate that selective antagonism of granulosa cell K(+) channels with distinct molecular correlates, electrophysiological properties, and expression patterns can influence differential granulosa cell proliferation, steroidogenic capability, and apoptosis. Thus, K(+) channels may represent pharmacological targets for affecting Granulosa cell function and oocyte maturation, in vivo or in vitro.
Synthesis of a Low-Carbonate High-Charge Hydrotalcite-like Compound at Ambient Pressure and Atmosphere

To our knowledge, only one report of low-CO{sub 3} HTLCs having a layer charge {ge}0.33 has been published, and these samples had between 15 and 33% of the interlayer sites occupied by CO{sub 3}{sup 2-}. In this communication, we report a new synthetic route under ambient pressure and atmosphere leading to a high-charge HTLC nearly free of inorganic C. This HTLC, which we synthesized with an x value of 0.45, consists of Mg{sup 2+} and Al{sup 3+} as the structural cations and the terephthalate dianion [C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(COO{sup -}){sub 2} or TA] as the compensating anion. 16 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
The Zeroing Issue: a critical analysis of Softwood V

This paper addresses the issues that came before the Appellate Body in the Softwood V dispute, concerning an affirmative antidumping determination by the US Department of Commerce. The paper addresses both the original Appellate Body opinion in the dispute, and the later opinion reviewing the compliance panel findings. We focus primarily on the ‘zeroing’ issue in ‘transaction-to-transaction (T–T)’ calculations of dumping, and briefly on two other cost-allocation issues. In general, we are ambivalent about the Appellate Body's approach to the zeroing issue. On the one hand, zeroing inflates dumping margins without any sound economic rationale for doing so. On the other hand, zeroing has been a standard administrative practice for many years and the ADA does not clearly prohibit it. The Appellate Body's legal analysis of the matter in T–T cases, in particular, rests on shaky premises. We also consider the wisdom of addressing the zeroing issue in piecemeal fashion through what has proven to be a lengthy sequence of narrow decisions.
Algorithms for project scheduling with resource constraints

Abstract This paper presents heuristic algorithms for project scheduling and resource constraints. ROT, ROT-ACTIM, and ROT-ACTRES are three different criteria which are utilized in finding the minimum project duration under resource constraints. Comparisons of the project durations using the above criteria with those of GENRES, ACTIM, ACTRES, and TIMRES show that ROT-ACTIM and GENRES prove to be superior to other criteria.
Comparison of the performance of Cu-CeO2-YSZ and Ni-YSZ composite SOFC anodes with H2, CO, and syngas

Abstract In this study the performance of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with Cu–CeO2–yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was compared to an SOFC with Ni–YSZ anode while operating on H2, CO, and syngas fuels. Cells with Cu–CeO2–YSZ anodes exhibited similar performance when operating on H2 or CO fuels, while cells with Ni–YSZ anodes exhibited substantially lower performance when operating on CO compared with H2. Enhancing the catalytic activity of the Cu–CeO2–YSZ anodes by adding Co was shown to produce cells that exhibited higher performance when operating on CO compared to H2 at 973 K. The effect of fuel concentration and dilution on cell performance was also investigated and it was found that the kinetics of the oxidation of H2 are positive order in P H 2 for Cu–CeO2–YSZ anodes and nearly zero order in P H 2 for Ni–YSZ anodes. The oxidation of CO on Cu–CeO2–YSZ anodes was also found to exhibit positive order in PCO. It was also demonstrated that dilution of H2 by H2O had little effect on the kinetics of H2 oxidation on both the Cu–CeO2–YSZ and Ni–YSZ anodes.
Aerobic biodegradation of a silver‐bearing photoprocessing wastewater

Aerobic biodegradation of a photoprocessing wastewater (with a silver level attained after silver recovery) was assessed using fill-and-draw activated sludge reactors. The extractability of silver from the resulting waste activated sludge was also determined. Simulated, fixer-derived wastewater was fed to the activated sludge reactors at a volumetric loading level of 40% along with an organic mixture. The biodegradation of the organic mixture was not affected by the photoprocessing wastewater. Thiosulfate was completely oxidized to sulfate. Complete conversion of ammonia to nitrite was observed, but much lower levels of nitrate were detected in the fixer and fixer-plus-silver-amended reactors, as compared to the control reactor (fed only the organic mixture). Silver at an influent total silver concentration of 1.85 mg/L did not result in any adverse effects on the activated sludge process. Filtered (through a 0.2-μm membrane filter) effluent silver concentrations were below the detection limit of 0.01 mg/L. Practically, all silver was associated with the sludge solids and the mean steady-state silver content of the sludge was 1.84 mg Ag/g mixed liquor suspended solids. When fresh sludge and aerobically digested sludge solids were subjected to the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure, the resulting silver concentration was at least 40 times lower than the regulatory limit of 5 mg Ag/L.
Surgical Approaches to Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Complete resection is the only curative therapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Due to the slow rate of growth of PNETs and relatively high long-term survival rate, many patients with systemic disease still benefit from surgical resection. Cytoreductive surgery and/or interventional ablative techniques for metastatic disease can significantly palliate symptoms and improve overall survival in certain subtypes. The optimal surgical approach for PNETs is dictated by tumor subtype, disease stage, and whether the patient possesses multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 or von Hippel-Lindau gene mutations.
Validation and evaluation of model-based cross-talk compensation method in simultaneous /sup 99m/Tc stress and /sup 201/Tl rest myocardial perfusion SPECT

Simultaneous acquisition of /sup 99m/Tc stress and /sup 201/Tl rest myocardial perfusion SPECT has several potential advantages, but the image quality is degraded by crosstalk between the Tc and Tl data. We have previously developed a crosstalk model that includes estimates of the downscatter and Pb X-ray for use in crosstalk compensation. In this work, we validated the model by comparing the crosstalk from /sup 99m/Tc to the Tl window calculated using a combination of the SimSET-MCNP Monte Carlo simulation codes. We also evaluated the model-based crosstalk compensation method using both simulated data from the 3-D MCAT phantom and experimental data from a physical phantom with a myocardial defect. In these studies, the Tl distributions were reconstructed from crosstalk contaminated data without crosstalk compensation, with compensation using the model-based crosstalk estimate, and with compensation using the known true crosstalk, and were compared with the Tl distribution reconstructed from uncontaminated Tl data. Results show that the model gave good estimates of both the downscatter photons and Pb X-rays in the simultaneous dual-isotopes myocardial perfusion SPECT. The model-based compensation method provided image quality that was significantly improved as compared to no compensation and was very close to that from the separate acquisition.
Evidence for neural sites of action of phenobarbital and progesterone on LH release in the hamster.

To determine the acute effect of phenobarbital and progesterone on luteinizing hormone (LH) release and the pituitary adult female hamsters were injected with phenobarbital to block the proestrous release of LH and simultaneously injected with progesterone. After LH-RH administration blood samples were taken for LH study by radioimmunoassay. Partial hypothalamic deafferentation was then performed followed by a 1-mg injection of progesterone just before the proestrous critical period. 1 day later laparotomy was performed and the ovaries examined. A second group of hamsters were ovariectomized and then injected with estrogen and progestagen half of them also receiving phenobarbital and the other half untreated. LH-RH was again administered and blood samples taken. The laboratory tests revealed that phenobarbital did not alter pituitary responsiveness to exogenous LH-RH in either group of animals. The progesterone injection did not change the pituitary sensitivity to the LH-RH in the phenobarbital-treated hamsters indicating that progesterone which normally counteracts a phenobarbital blockade must operate at a neural site. The hypothalamic surgery and subsequent progesterone treatment repeatedly failed to overcome the phenobarbital block. It is concluded that the phenobarbital and progesterone exert their reciprocal actions on the pituitary either outside the hypothalamus or on the synaptic thresholds within the hypothalamus.
The Treatment of Herpetic Eye Infections with Trifluridine and Other Anti-Virals

In the treatment of epithelial herpes, trifluridine seems approximately as effective as any of the thymidine kinase selective drugs, such as acyclovir and bromovinyldeoxyuridine. The toxicity of trifluridine might seem to be avoidable by the use of truly thymidine kinase selective agents. In fact, perhaps because treatment is of such short duration, there is no good evidence to date that the thymidine kinase selective agents are less toxic for topical use than trifluridine. At this time, the treatment of choice for disciform edema is long-term corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation and prevent neovascularization and scarring, with concurrent antiviral coverage (trifluridine) to antagonize the corticosteroid effect and minimize the severity of epithelial recurrences. During long-term treatment combined with corticosteroids, trifluridine is usually used only two or at most three times a day, and toxicity is rarely seen with this reduced frequency.
Classification of graph algebras: A selective survey

This survey reports on current progress of programs to classify graph C∗-algebras and Leavitt path algebras up to Morita equivalence using K-theory. Beginning with an overview and some history, we trace the development of the classification of simple and nonsimple graph C∗-algebras and state theorems summarizing the current status of these efforts. We then discuss the much more nascent efforts to classify Leavitt path algebras, and we describe the current status of these efforts as well as outline current impediments that must be solved for this classification program to progress. In particular, we give two specific open problems that must be addressed in order to identify the correct K-theoretic invariant for classification of simple Leavitt path algebras, and we discuss the significance of various possible outcomes to these open problems.
Overview of niacin formulations: differences in pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety

The pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of niacin and its various formulations are discussed. Niacin has been used for decades for the treatment of dyslipidemia because of its favorable effects on all lipoprotein parameters. Niacin significantly increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) more than any other available agent and reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein (a), and triglycerides. Niacin is currently available in immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (ER) formulations that differ in their dissolution, pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety profiles. Important drawbacks to niacin therapy such as cutaneous flushing, associated with IR niacin, and hepatotoxicity, associated with SR niacin, have historically limited its use. The adverse effect profiles of the different niacin formulations can be explained by differences in their dissolution and absorption rates and metabolic disposition, which result in production of metabolites associated with the respective adverse effects. The ER niacin formulation, with an intermediate dissolution rate between the dissolution rates of IR and SR niacin, demonstrates reduced rates of cutaneous flushing compared with IR niacin and hepatotoxic effects compared with SR niacin. Pharmacists need to be familiar with the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of available niacin formulations so that they can optimally educate both patients and health care providers on the differences among niacin formulations, counsel on the proper selection of a niacin product, and provide strategies for improving tolerance and adherence to therapy.
Enzymatic Desymmetrization Route to Ethyl [3-(2-Amino-2-methylpropyl)phenyl]acetate

An efficient process to ethyl [3-(2-amino-2-methylpropyl)phenyl]acetate 6 has been developed. Key steps include a novel enzymatic desymmetrization of diester 2 and a Ritter reaction between alcohol...
The Use of Linear Logit Models in Marketing Research

The author discusses the use of the linear logit model in marketing research. A brief review of the linear logit model focuses on model formulation, estimation, evaluation, and inference procedures...
Growth and Characterization of Hg1−xCdxTe on CdTe Substrates, Prepared by Organometallic Epitaxy

Hg1−xCdxTe layers have been grown on CdTe substrates using dimethylcadmium, diethyltelluride and mercury in a horizontal reactor. Details of conditions for growth of these layers are presented in this paper. Specular surfaces of Hg1−xCdxTe with x ≥ 0.15 were obtained on (100) 3°, → (110) oriented CdTe substrates. Both n-type and p-type layers could be obtained. The mobility of these layers was measured over the temperature range of 10 K to 300 K. The mobility of n-type Hg.81Cd.19Te layers, measured at 2.1 kG, was 3.0 × 105 cm2/V-sec at 60 K, falling to 2 × 105 cm2/V-sec at 10 K. P-type layers were also grown, and are described in this paper.
Experience with the Belt-fuqua Hypospadias Repair

From 1977 through 1979, 30 patients underwent complete repair of hypospadias using a modification of the Belt-Fuqua technique. Only those patients with distal and mid shaft hypospadias and chordee were included in this series. Three patients had undergone previous attempts at repair by other methods. The mean age at the time of repair was 6.4 years, with a range of 1 to 18 years. The over-all complication rate was 10 per cent (3 of 30), with 2 fistulas (6.6 per cent) and 1 distal stricture (3 per cent). All patients had an excellent functional result. The absence of midline scars and the glandular meatus resulted in a superior cosmetic appearance. The reliability of this technique, as well as the functional and cosmetic results, warrant consideration in the selection of a procedure for hypospadias repair.
Prenatal screening costs at a large military treatment facility.

Objective: Prenatal screening with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) offers improved detection of Down syndrome (T21) compared to conventional screening. These tests are expensive and have fewer detectable ano...
Probabilistic three-pass SAR Coherent Change Detection

Coherent Change Detection (CCD) is a powerful technique for detecting fine scene changes between two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images taken at different times. SAR CCD imagery can detect ground disturbances caused by vehicles or other activities that are invisible in optical or traditional SAR imagery [1]. One problem with the extreme sensitivity of CCD is the presence of false alarms (clutter) introduced by phenomena such as low SNR (esp. radar shadows) and vegetation [2]. This paper proposes a method for combining two CCD images, generated from three SAR passes of the same area, to cancel out false alarm regions and show only changes from man-made activities of interest, such as vehicle tracks.
Interaction Forces between Lipid Rafts

Cellular membranes containing sphingolipids and cholesterol have been shown to self-organize into lipid rafts-specialized domains that host integral membrane proteins and modulate the bioactivity of cells. In this work, force-distance profiles between raft membranes in the liquid-ordered phase consisting of singly unsaturated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), a complex mixture of brain sphingomyelin (BSM), and cholesterol were measured using the surface force apparatus (SFA). Two distinct force profiles were detected corresponding to uniform raft membranes and raft membranes with a higher level of topological membrane defects (heterogeneous) as corroborated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans. In all cases a weak, long-range electrostatic repulsion was observed with some variation in the surface charge density. The variation in electrostatic repulsion was attributed to charged lipid species primarily from the constituent lipids in the BSM mixture. The adhesion between the uniform raft membranes was comparable to our previous work with pure component, liquid-ordered POPC-DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine)-cholesterol membranes. Raft membranes with more topological defects adhered more strongly owing to hydrophobic attraction between exposed acyl chains. Even though the rafts were in the liquid-ordered phase and membrane defects were present in the contact region, the raft membranes were stable, and no structural rearrangement was observed throughout the measurements. Our findings demonstrate that liquid-ordered membranes are stable to mechanical loading and not particularly sensitive to compositional variation.
User demand prediction and cloud-based smart mobile interface for electric vehicle charging

With recent years' fast growing penetration of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV), the energy source under demand is gradually transferring from gasoline to electricity. It would be of significant interest to the utility and energy service community to predict charging demand on users' side. In this paper, we find and propose a practical PEV user demand prediction algorithm through user-based charging session data. The analysis is completed with the data collected from the charging stations installed on campus of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). We also present a mobile interface for PEV users to interact with the charging system. Initial investigations recommend to use the median value of each individual user's charging history as a personal energy demand value. The SMAPE accuracy of this approach is 0.55 for users with small and large sample sizes.
Library of Congress Subject Headings in Jewish Studies: Recent Changes (1992-1994)

The following subject headings of interest to Judaica and Hebraica librarians were culled from Library of Congress Weekly Lists nos. 21–51 (1992) (May 20, 1992–December 16, 1992), 1–51 (1993) (December 30, 1992–December 15, 1993), and 1–5 (1994) (January 5, 1994–February 2, 1994). This list continues my earlier one, published in Judaica Librarianship, vol. 7, no. 1–2 (Spring 1992–Winter 1993), pp. 72–78. This list is also an update of my 4th edition of Library of Congress Subject Headings in Jewish Studies (New York: Association of Jewish Libraries, 1993). The term "Jewish Studies" is defined broadly and includes Old and New Testament studies, rabbinical literature , Hebrew and other Jewish languages, Hebrew and other Jewish literatures, Jewish history (including history of the Jews in the Diaspora), Israeli history (including current events in the Land of Israel), geography of the Land of Israel, history of the early Near East (Assyria, Babylonia, etc.), and more. The list also includes headings that may be subdivided with the Religious aspects-Judaism subdivision and with the Religious aspects subdivision that may not be subdivided further.
Glutamate-induced Hyperactivity of NMDA ion channel in Postmortem Alzheimer’s Disease Brains

411 Objectives The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor may be adversely affected in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) brains due to neurodegeneration. We report 3H-MK801 autoradiographic studies in postmortem AD brains of the NMDA receptor ion-channel activity using glutamate (GLU), glycine (GLY), GLY site agonist serine (SER) and partial agonist 1-amino cyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC). Methods Human postmortem frontal cortex (FC) brain sections (AD, n=6, age 82-90, SP Stage C and controls (CL), n=6; age 85-88 SP Stage 0-A ) were obtained from Banner Health and sliced (10 mm) using a Leica cryotome. Adjacent brain slices were incubated in 10 mM GLU, GLY, ACC, or SER, or GLU combinations thereof in 5mM Tris/pH 7.4 buffer and 3H-MK801 (0.017mCi/cc) at 37°C for 2 hr. Non-specific binding was measured using standard MK-801 (10 mM). Using the Optiquant program, regions of interest were drawn and digital light units/mm2 (DLU/mm2) were used to quantify the percentage change in 3H-MK801. Results At baseline, AD FC was 1.7 times higher than CL. Added GLU showed a 1.4 fold increase in CL while AD FC showed a 2.3-fold increase compared to baseline. Thus, in the presence of GLU, AD FC increased significantly (3.5 fold) compared to CL. In the presence of GLY and SER, CL showed a greater increase in binding (>2 fold) compared to AD. However, this difference in GLY and SER was suppressed in the added presence of GLU. ACC had similar effects as GLU (2.6 fold compared to CL). These results indicate a significant increase in GLU-induced 3H-MK801 binding in AD brains, while little effect was seen in the presence of GLY, suggesting an anomalous GLY site in AD. Conclusions Our preliminary results indicate that NMDA receptor activity is increased significantly in AD brains in the presence of GLU. Although NMDA ion-channel blocker, memantine, is used therapeutically in advanced AD, our findings suggest that diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of the ion-channel, GLU site, and GLY site may be appropriate in further refining diagnosis and treatment of mild to severe AD. Research Support NIH AG 029479
Biomarker study of early death in patients with intermediate and favorable risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

530Background: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether severe systemic inflammation (SSI) could serve as a biomarker for terminal disease progression and early death in patients with intermediate and favorable risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods: Retrospective chart reviews of patients treated with targeted therapy for mRCC were conducted at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (WCIEU) and the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center (AVAMC) after obtaining institutional authorizations. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) was used to quantify intensity of systemic inflammation (ISI) at baseline and at least two additional time points that were at least 10 days apart. Early death was defined as death within two years of Day 0, the first day ISI was quantified. Descriptive statistics were employed along with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: ISI was quantified 2,428 times in 135 patients at the WCIEU with a median of 16 per patient and ...
Family history of atrial fibrillation as a predictor of atrial substrate and arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Aims A commonly held notion is that patients with a family history of atrial fibrillation (AF) have worse atrial substrate and higher rates of arrhythmia recurrence following ablation. We sought to examine differences in atrial substrate and catheter ablation outcomes in patients with a 1st degree family member with paroxysmal or persistent AF (PeAF) compared to those without. Methods and results A total of 256 consecutive patients undergoing their 1st ablation for AF (123 paroxysmal, 133 persistent) with >1 year follow up were included. The presence of one 1st-degree family relative was defined as a 'positive family history'. Clinical characteristics, electroanatomic map findings, ablation characteristics and outcomes were compared in patients with and without a positive family history of AF. Patients with paroxysmal fibrillation with a positive family history (n = 57; 46%) had similar clinical characteristics and arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation as those without. Of those that recurred, patients with a positive family history were more likely to have progressed to PeAF (P = 0.05). Patients with PeAF with a positive family history (n = 75; 56%) had similar clinical characteristics, electroanatomic mapping findings and ablation characteristics, but worse long term arrhythmia free survival (P = 0.04). Conclusion The presence of a 1st-degree family member with AF does not impact the clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF. However, a positive family history is associated with worse arrhythmia free survival in patients with PeAF. This finding is not explained by differences in clinical characteristics, atrial substrate assessed by voltage maps or ablation characteristics.
Bisphosphonates in renal cell carcinoma: Palliation versus antitumor effects

Saby George is Assistant Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA. He received his medical degree from Kottayam Medical College, India, internal medicine training from Wright State University, OH, USA, experimental therapeutics training from Cleveland Clinic, OH, USA and medical oncology training from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA. His area of research and expertise includes clinical trials and translational studies in kidney and prostate cancers.
Vehicle Motion Controls

The term vehicle motion refers to the translation along and rotation about all three axes (i.e., longitudinal, lateral, and vertical) for a vehicle. By the term longitudinal axis, we mean the axis that is parallel to the ground (vehicle at rest) on a horizontal plane along the length of the car. The lateral axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and is also parallel to the ground (vehicle at rest). The vertical axis is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and lateral axes.
A computer-assisted management information system for nutrition services

A computer-assisted management information system was created to facilitate effective management of clinical nutrition services and labor resources in a 330-bed teaching and research hospital. Standards were developed for the quality and quantity of nutrition care, time required to provide nutrition care, and utilization of dietitians' time. Computer software was developed to report the volume of services provided, the need for services, and the utilization of labor hours. Data were evaluated to determine whether services were consistent with standards and to calculate a recommended number of clinical dietitian full-time equivalents for the hospital. Furthermore, the management information system was instrumental in developing a fee-for-service structure, for evenly distributing work loads among dietitians, and for monitoring adherence to standards of care.
A new technique for determining the effects of soil moisture on insecticide efficacy against lesser cornstalk borer larvae.

A new technique was developed for field testing the efficacy of insecticides against Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) larvae under different soil moisture conditions. Laboratory-reared larvae were used to infest field microplots containing soybean seed covered with insecticidally-treated soil. Water was differentially added to experimental units to activate insecticides. Clear polyethylene covers were then placed over the units to exclude rainfall. Larvae were exposed to insecticides for 5 or 6 days prior to inspection of units to determine percent larval survival and seed damage. The advantage of this technique is that it permits comparison of many different insecticides at various moisture levels under field conditions with the convenience of using laboratory-reared larvae.
Risk factors for tick exposure in suburban settings in the Northeastern United States.

Abstract Prevention of tick-borne diseases requires an understanding of when and where exposure to ticks is most likely. We used an epidemiologic approach to define these parameters for residents of a Lyme-endemic region. Two persons in each of 500 Connecticut households were asked to complete a log each night for one week during June, 2013. Participants recorded their whereabouts in 15 min increments (indoors, outdoors in their yard, outdoors on others’ private property, or outdoors in public spaces) and noted each day whether they found a tick on themselves. Demographic and household information was also collected. Logs were completed for 934 participants in 471 households yielding 51,895 time-place observations. Median participant age was 49 years (range 2–91 years); 52% were female. Ninety-one participants (9.8%) reported finding a tick during the week, with slightly higher rates among females and minors. Household factors positively associated with finding a tick included having indoor/outdoor pets (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.9), the presence of a bird feeder in the yard (OR = 1.9; CI:1.2–3.2), and presence of an outdoor dining area (OR = 2.2; CI:1.1–4.3). Individual factors associated with finding a tick on a given day were bathing or showering (OR = 3.7; CI:1.3–10.3) and hours spent in one’s own yard (OR = 1.2, CI:1.1–1.3). Nineteen participants found ticks on multiple days, more than expected assuming independence (p
Historical Accounts of the Drought and Hurricane Season of 1860

Spatial patterns of the drought and hurricane tracks were reconstructed for 1860. These reveal a typical La Nina pattern over the conterminous United States that would be analogous to an active Atlantic hurricane season. Precipitation frequency for April through October 1860 was calculated for the conterminous United States from 252 instrumental stations and transformed into percentiles relative to the modern record. These data were supplemented with instrumental and documentary accounts from diarists, newspapers, and ship logbooks, which allow for the rigorous reconstruction and reanalysis of the drought and hurricane season and their impacts on society. Widespread deficits in precipitation were observed in 1860 across a large portion of the central and southern Plains and the southeastern US. A total of nine tropical cyclones were detected in this new analysis, and up to three of those nine were previously unknown. The drought parched many crops from Plains into the southeastern US, but the landfall of three hurricanes within 120 km of New Orleans, Louisiana brought beneficial rainfall to the southeastern US. However, this rainfall came too late in the growing season for crops to recover, and also came with an intense storm surge, inland flooding, and wind damage. Synoptic-scale patterns indicate that high pressure systems centered over the central Plains and northeastern Gulf of Mexico steered the three land-falling US hurricanes into Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Literature of Song: Kantai and Wainaina’s “Joka” as Syncretic Multi-Text

(2007). The Literature of Song: Kantai and Wainaina’s “Joka” as Syncretic Multi-Text. Journal of the African Literature Association: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 108-128.
The Whitham Equation and Shocks in the Toda Lattice

In this paper we present some results on the Whitham equations for the Toda lattice. In particular we show how one can regularize solutions with step initial data by choosing an appropriate Riemann surface on which the equations are defined, and we compare these results with the standard results for the KdV equation.
Choosing Reading Passages for Vocabulary Learning by Topic to Increase Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation has been shown in previous research to lead to better learning. In order to increase intrinsic motivation, REAP, a tutoring system for ESL vocabulary was enhanced to prefer practice readings that match personal interests. In a randomized experiment, students receiving personalized readings indicated higher levels of interest in post-reading questionnaires. Additionally, overall post-test scores were higher (but not significantly) for students with interest-matched practice readings than for students using a previous version of REAP that did not match topics to student interests.
Physiological and behavioral response of the Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, to salinity: implications for estuarine distribution and invasion

The invasive Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, is ubiquitous in the rocky intertidal zone of the western North Atlantic. A likely contributor to this colonization is that H. sanguineus is able to handle a wide range of salinities, and is thus more likely to spread through a greater geographic area of estuaries. This study investigated the salinity effects on this animal by observing survival across a range of salinities, the maintenance of hemolymph osmolality under different salinities, and behavioral preference for and avoidance of salinities. H. sanguineus showed high survival across a broad range of salinities, had little change in hemolymph osmolality over a short-term salinity shock, and behaviorally distinguished between salinities when presented with a choice, under both acclimation salinities of 5 PSU or 35 PSU. Such results suggest H. sanguineus has a hardiness for the rapid changes in salinity that happen in the intertidal zone, yet is capable of physically moving to a more optimal salinity. This enhances their competitiveness as an invader, particularly surviving lower salinities that present challenges during high-precipitation events in rocky intertidal areas, and partially explains this species' dominance in this habitat type.
Perceptions of Alcohol Advertising Vary Based on Psychological Characteristics

Background: The alcohol industry recognizes children and pregnant women as population sub-groups vulnerable to the effects of alcohol marketing. Research indicates that heavy alcohol users are also...
Diet and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children. Is the Focus on Food Exaggerated

Almost all children (93%) who consult for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report food intolerances [...]
2437: Determinants of depression among women from a large community engagement project

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Depression is one of the leading causes of diseases and disability among women of all ages in the United States. Lack of resources to meet one’s daily needs, access to health care, job opportunities, and drug use significantly contribute to depression among women. This paper aimed to explore the determinants of depression among women from a large community-based sample. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: HealthStreet is a community engagement research initiative at the University of Florida that utilizes the community health worker (CHW) model to assess health concerns and conditions of community members and link them to available social and medical services and health research. From October 2011 through December 2016, CHWs assessed 8469 community members from various locations in the community such as grocery stores, bus stops, health fairs, laundromats, and others. Among these 8469 participants contacted and assessed by the CHWs, 4952 (58.5%) were women. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of the total 8469 participants, 4952 were women and 1839 (37.1%) reported ever having depression. Mean age of women who reported depression was 44.1 years (SD±14.4). Women who were current users of 3 or more drugs were 10 times more likely (95% CI: 5.73, 18.40; OR 10.27) to report depression compared with those who did not currently use any drugs. Those who were food insecure in the past 12 months (95% CI: 1.970, 2.576; OR 2.253) were twice more likely to report depression, while never married (95% CI: 0.576, 0.771; OR 0.666), and currently unemployed (95% CI: 0.535, 0.715; OR 0.619) women were less likely to report depression. Chronic health conditions such as hypertension (41.6% vs. 33.7%), diabetes (14% vs. 10.5%), and cancer (12.1% vs. 8.3%), and comorbid psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety (54.2% vs. 10.8%) and bipolar disorder (23.8% vs. 2.8%) were significantly higher (p<0.001) among women with depression compared with their counterparts. Significantly more women without a history of depression had medical insurance (68.8% vs. 64.3%) as compared with women with depression. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Depression was associated with food insecurity and drug use. The impact of drug use continues to be a major mental health concern among community-based women. Further, these findings emphasize the importance of community engagement programs such as HealthStreet, which utilizes the CHWs’ model to link community members to social and medical services within the community, in improving the mental health of women.
Change in Physical Activity and Cardiac Structure over 10 Years: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is inversely associated with risk of heart failure and cardiovascular disease (CVD), whereas increased left ventricular (LV) mass and mass to volume (m:v) ratio are unfavorable CVD risk factors. We assessed whether changes in leisure time PA were associated with longitudinal changes in cardiac structure in a community-based population. Methods We included 2779 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants, free of baseline CVD, who had available data on PA and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at examinations 1 (2000-2002) and 5 (2010-2012). Physical activity was measured by a Typical Week PA Survey and converted to MET-minutes per week of moderate+vigorous activity. We used linear mixed effect models to estimate the associations of baseline and change in PA with baseline and change in cardiac structure, adjusting for CVD risk factors and body size. Results At baseline, the mean age was 59 yr, 53% were women, and 58% of nonwhite race/ethnicity. During average 10-yr follow-up, and after accounting for baseline PA levels, the highest quintiles of PA increase were significantly associated with increases in LV mass (2.3 g; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-4.2), LV end-diastolic volume (4.7 mL; 95% CI, 2.4-7.0), and stroke volume (3.3 mL; 95% CI, 1.6-5.1), but lower M:V ratio (-2.9; 95% CI, -5.0 to -0.8) compared with the lowest quintiles. Increasing exercise PA was associated with increases in LV diameter and reductions in M:V ratio, whereas occupational PA was associated with increases in m:v ratio. Increasing PA over 10 yr was also associated with greater risk of eccentric dilated LV hypertrophy at examination 5. Conclusions After accounting for baseline PA, greater positive changes in leisure-time PA levels were associated with a more eccentric-type of LV remodeling pattern over 10 yr. The clinical implications of such findings remain to be determined.
A comprehensive model for the micro and meso-scale level olefin polymerization: framework and predictions

A fundamental understanding of the heterogeneous olefin polymerization process is critical for imparting desired properties to the final polymer product. In this work, we have developed a comprehensive model integrating the meso-scale level intraparticle resistances to mass and heat transfer as well as the micro-scale level kinetics. The model formulation is based on the combination of the polymer flow model with the intrinsic kinetic model derived using the method of moments approach. The model is employed to study the effect of varying the mass transfer and kinetic parameters on the monomer concentration and temperature profiles inside the growing polymer macro-particle and the subsequent implications on the catalyst activity, polymer molecular weights and the polydispersity index (PDI). The simulation results showed that the steeper monomer concentration gradients in the polymer macro-particle arose on decrease of the bulk diffusivity (Db) and increase of the number of active sites. The model also predicted the interdependence between the radial monomer concentration and temperature profiles. Further, with appropriate choice of $$D_{\text{b}}$$ , the number of active catalyst sites, initial catalyst active site concentration and kinetic rate constants, the model predicted the catalyst activity exceeding 100 kg/g cat.hr and PDI values higher than 2. We showed that the model is capable of predicting the experimental reported polymer product properties for Ziegler–Natta, hybrid Ziegler–Natta/metallocene and supported metallocene catalyst systems.
Pulsed Reduced Dose Rate for Reirradiation of Recurrent Breast Cancer

Abstract Purpose Locoregionally recurrent breast cancer within a previously irradiated field requires weighing the benefits of reirradiation against the increased rates of toxicity. Here we evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with pulsed reduced dose rate (PRDR) radiation therapy with concurrent low-dose capecitabine as a method to increase the therapeutic ratio of re-treatment. Methods and Materials Patients treated from November 2000 to June 1, 2018 with PRDR radiation therapy at University of Wisconsin were identified. Patients were re-treated to a median dose of 54 Gy (range, 37.5-66 Gy) using PRDR radiation therapy, delivering radiation at an apparent dose rate of 6.67 cGy/min to allow for increased sublethal damage repair of normal tissues. The median cumulative dose was 109.8 Gy. Twenty-two patients were treated with concurrent capecitabine, most frequently at 500 mg twice per day. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis, and Cox regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Forty-three patients were identified who underwent reirradiation for locoregionally recurrent invasive breast cancer, with a median follow-up of 20.5 months. Twenty-four patients had gross disease. Nineteen patients had simultaneous metastatic disease. The complete response rate was 83.3% in treated patients with gross disease. Locoregional recurrence–free survival was 81.3% and 73.8% for all patients at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Overall survival for patients with localized disease was 95.7% at 1 year and 91.1% at 2 years. The rate of acute grade 3 radiation dermatitis was 25.6% with no other acute grade 3 toxicities. Grade 3 late toxicity occurred in 18.6% of patients. Conclusions PRDR radiation therapy with capecitabine was a well-tolerated and effective method for treating patients with recurrent breast cancer. Prospective studies are necessary to compare side effects and efficacy with conventional dose rate reirradiation and to evaluate the potential role for capecitabine in the recurrent setting.