cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium–calmodulin and pH regulate protein tyrosine phosphorylation in stallion sperm

The mechanisms leading to capacitation in stallion sperm are poorly understood. The objective of our study was to define factors associated with regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in stallion sperm. Stallion sperm were incubated for 4 h in modified Whitten's media with or without bicarbonate, calcium, or BSA. When sperm were incubated in air at 30×10⁶/ml at initial pH 7.25, protein tyrosine phosphorylation was detected only in medium containing 25 mM bicarbonate alone; calcium and BSA inhibited phosphorylation. Surprisingly, this inhibition did not occur when sperm were incubated at 10×10⁶/ml. The final pH values after incubation at 30×10⁶ and 10×10⁶ sperm/ml were 7.43 ± 0.04 and 7.83 ± 0.07 (mean ± s.e.m.) respectively. Sperm were then incubated at initial pH values of 7.25, 7.90, or 8.50 in either air or 5% CO₂. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation increased with increasing final medium pH, regardless of the addition of bicarbonate or BSA. An increase in environmental pH was observed when raw semen was instilled into the uteri of estrous mares and retrieved after 30 min (from 7.47 ± 0.10 to 7.85 ± 0.08), demonstrating a potential physiological role for pH regulation of capacitation. Sperm incubated in the presence of the calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor W-7 exhibited a dose-dependent increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of calcium was CaM mediated. These results show for the first time a major regulatory role of external pH, calcium, and CaM in stallion sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation.
Id1 Deficiency Protects against Tumor Formation in ApcMin/+ Mice but Not in a Mouse Model of Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer

Different mechanisms contribute to the development of sporadic, hereditary and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation (Id) proteins act as dominant-negative antagonists of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. Id1 is a promising target for cancer therapy but little is known about its role in the development of colon cancer. We used immunohistochemistry to demonstrate that Id1 is overexpressed in human colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, whether sporadic or syndromic. Furthermore, elevated Id1 levels were found in dysplasia and colon cancer arising in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Because levels of PGE2 are also elevated in both colitis and colorectal neoplasia, we determined whether PGE2 could induce Id1. PGE2 via EP4 stimulated protein kinase A activity resulting in enhanced pCREB-mediated Id1 transcription in human colonocytes. To determine the role of Id1 in carcinogenesis, two mouse models were used. Consistent with the findings in humans, Id1 was overexpressed in tumors arising in both ApcMin/+ mice, a model of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, and in experimental colitis-associated colorectal neoplasia. Id1 deficiency led to significant decrease in the number of intestinal tumors in ApcMin/+ mice and prolonged survival. In contrast, Id1 deficiency did not affect the number or size of tumors in the model of colitis-associated colorectal neoplasia, likely due to exacerbation of colitis associated with Id1 loss. Collectively, these results suggest that Id1 plays a role in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Our findings also highlight the need for different strategies to reduce the risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer compared with sporadic or hereditary colorectal cancer.
Limiting factors of join performance on parallel processors

The effectiveness of parallel processing of relational join operations is examined. The skew in the distribution of join attribute values and the stochastic nature of the task processing times are identified as the major factors that can affect the effective utilization of parallelism. When many small processors are used in the parallel architecture, the skew can result in some processors becoming sources of bottleneck while other processors are being under utilized. Even in the absence of skew, the variations in the processing times of the parallel tasks belonging to a query can lead to high task synchronization delay and impact the maximum speedup achievable through parallel execution. Analytic expressions for join execution time are developed for different task time distributions with or without skew. >
Modifications to Therapy for Multiple Myeloma: Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Combination With Vincristine, Reduced-Dose Dexamethasone, and Thalidomide

The combination of vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone is an effective treatment for multiple myeloma that produces a more rapid response than other regimens, probably a function of the high-dose, intense steroid schedule. However, vincristine/doxorubicin/dexamethasone administration requires a 96-hour continuous infusion delivered via a central venous catheter, which necessitates hospitalization in a large number of patients and may increase the risk for infection. Moreover, the high dosages of corticosteroids required with this regimen can cause substantial toxicity. Therefore, a number of modifications to the regimen have been evaluated in an effort to improve its tolerability and efficacy. These include replacing doxorubicin with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and using a reduced frequency of dexamethasone, and, later, the addition of thalidomide. The results of an ongoing study demonstrated that this latest regimen (including thalidomide) is associated with an improved response rate and a higher quality of response compared with previous regimens in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This modified regimen is well tolerated when prophylactic and supportive measures are incorporated. Although additional follow-up is required to determine the effect on survival, this modified regimen has significant potential in the management of advanced myeloma.
Influence of carbohydrate status on immune responses before and after endurance exercise

To determine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) status on immune responses after long-duration exercise, on two occasions, 10 men completed a glycogen-depleting bout of cycle ergometry followed by 48...
Towards a Sustainable Social Model: Implications for the Post-2015 Agenda

Implementation of the Agenda 21 bifurcated into two tracks. While the economic and social development agenda gelled into the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the environmental protection agenda moved along a different track, represented by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), etc. This bifurcation also led to very different “domain configurations.” While there were some advantages of this bifurcation, it led to a conflict between the human development and the environmental goals. This paper presents a framework for bringing environment and development together in the UN post-2015 agenda.
Effect of loading rates on pullout behavior of high strength steel fibers embedded in ultra-high performance concrete

Abstract In this paper single fiber pull-out performance of high strength steel fibers embedded in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is investigated. The research emphasis is placed on the experimental performance at various pullout rates to better understand the dynamic tensile behavior of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC). Based on the knowledge that crack formation is strain rate sensitive, it is hypothesized that the formation of micro-splitting cracks and the damage of cement-based matrix in the fiber tunnel are mainly attributing to the rate sensitivity. Hereby, different pull-out mechanisms of straight and mechanically bonded fibers will be examined more closely. The experimental investigation considers four types of high strength steel fibers as follows: straight smooth brass-coated with a diameter of 0.2 mm and 0.38 mm, half end hooked with a diameter of 0.38 mm and twisted fibers with an equivalent diameter of 0.3 mm. Four different pull out loading rates were applied ranging from 0.025 mm/s to 25 mm/s. The loading rate effects on maximum fiber tensile stress, use of material, pullout energy, equivalent bond strength, and average bond strength are characterized and analyzed. The test results indicate that half-hooked fibers exhibit highest loading rate sensitivity of all fibers used in this research, which might be attributed to potential matrix split cracking. Furthermore, the effect of fiber embedment angles on the loading rate sensitivity of fiber pullout behavior is investigated. Three fiber embedment angles, 0°, 20°, and 45°, are considered. The results reveal that there is a correlation between fiber embedment angle and loading rate sensitivity of fiber pullout behavior.
Continuous Weight and Height Gain Among At-Risk Children Discharged From a Supplementary Feeding Center in Kabul, Afghanistan:

Feeding in emergencies has been based on anthropometric measurements that mostly depend on weight measures and tend to focus on short-term weight gain as its goal. One of the new trends in emergency feeding is to provide feeding therapy at the community where patients are rather than keeping them as inpatients. A community-based feeding program has made the feeding program more sustainable, which is particularly important in the era of protracted emergencies and civil war. Little is known, however, about the impact of nutritional support on long-term neurocognitive development in chronic emergencies. KinderBerg International, eV, has implemented a long-term supplementary feeding program for 6 months after children were discharged from our feeding center. After establishing mother–child bonding before discharge, the children were followed-up for 6 months through monthly visits with anthropometric measurements and neurocognitive assessments. We report our initial findings, which indicate that there are sign...
Building a Solid Foundation for our Majors with the Introductory Psychology Course

To envision the introductory psychology course as a foundational part of the major curriculum, priority should be placed on its relevance to the subsequent coursework in the major and its responsiveness to evolving regional, national, and global standards. In this article the authors describe their own strategy for gathering information from multiple sources to explore the foundational potential of the introductory psychology course taught in their department at a medium-sized public university in the USA. They administered surveys to their psychology faculty and students, considered department characteristics and resources, and reviewed national and international professional standards. They conclude that their strategy may be useful for psychology departments at other institutions interested in considering the role their introductory course plays within the context of their undergraduate major curriculum.
Enhancing the Accuracy of Customers' Product Usability Judgments: Lessons from Blind Evaluators

Are the naive usability judgments of blind consumers more accurate than those of consumers without such impairments? Forty-one legally blind participants evaluated three user-product interfaces for three different products. The interface designs varied in terms of stimulus-response (s-r) compatibility and were associated with empirically-determined differences in accuracy, learnability, or response speed. Compared to the naive judgments collected by Payne (1995) from sighted participants, blind judges were reliably more accurate in their predictions of the relative performance efficiency of the various designs. We speculate that the superior judgments of blind participants may be due to their use of haptic and auditory evaluation strategies. In a follow-up study, normally-sighted participants were asked to evaluate the same products using either visual or nonvisual strategies. Judgments were most accurate, and similar to that of blind judges, when sighted judges performed the task nonvisually.
Bioassay of Field-Treated Soils to Determine Bioactivity and Movement of Insecticides

Granular aldrin, diazinon, heptachlor, parathion (Niran®) and phorate were applied at 1, 2, and 4 lb actual toxicant/acre as a 7-in. band treatment at planting time. Soil samples taken at various depths both in the treated row and adjacent to the row were bioassayed with house crickets, Acheta domesticus (L.), to determine bioactivity as well as vertical and lateral movement of insecticides. Bioactivity in the field varied with soil type and moisture. Aldrin and heptachlor performed similarly and more consistently than did diazinon, parathion and phorate. Based on the bioassay of all 1 lb per acre treatments from all field plots, diazinon, parathion and phorate bioactivity ranged from 10-70% mortality 4 weeks following treatment to less than 20% after 6 weeks; aldrin and heptachlor produced 80-100% mortality at 8 weeks. Horizontal and vertical movement of insecticides varied with the soil type and moisture. Organophosphorus insecticides exhibited less movement than aldrin and heptachlor. Analysis of variance indicated a 4-factor interaction with significance at the 5% level of probability. The response of an insecticide in the soil is a complex one varying with soil type, insecticide, pounds of actual toxicant per acre, and posttreatment data or interval of sampling. All of these factors are interdependent upon one another.
MR IMAGING OF THE PEDIATRIC PELVIS

A brief description of normal MR anatomy is presented, followed by a discussion of the main indications for MR imaging of the pelvis in children. The evaluation of congenital anomalies of the genital tract in boys and girls, including ectopic testes, abnormalities of the uterus and vagina, and of the anorectal region, are reviewed. A discussion of the role of MR imaging in evaluating the internal characteristics and extent of benign and malignant pelvic masses is included. The main indications for MR of the pelvis in children are discussed, after a brief description of normal anatomy.
Urinary tract infection in older adults in long-term care facilities.

There are several approaches to diagnosing urinary tract infection in older adults, with certain common elements in diagnostic criteria. The accepted criteria are two clinical symptoms (from the following list: temperature > 38°C, urinary urgency or frequency, acute dysuria, hypogastric pain,
Demonstration of Mars crosslink occultation measurements for future small spacecraft constellations

Future planetary atmospheric profiling via radio occultations (RO) benefits significantly from increased received signal-to-noise ratio as well as geometrical coverage of links between two or more spacecraft in orbit around a target planet. These can be small spacecraft, possibly dedicated to quality radio-metrics with precision clock reference. Motivated by long-term research investigating the optimum SNR for the science performance, the optimum reference clock stability, the number and combination of wavelengths driving the number of transmitters and antennas, the optimum number and orbital spacecraft configuration, and design modifications to existing radio communication systems that would allow these new science objectives on future missions, three crosslink occultation experiments have been acquired between the Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft to probe the Martian atmosphere. While crosslink occultations between Earth orbiting satellites have long been used to profile the Earth's atmosphere, this represents the first demonstration of crosslink occultation measurements at another planet. These measurements leverage the proximity link telecommunication payloads on each orbiter, which were designed to provide relay communication and navigation services to Mars landers and rovers. Analysis of the observed Doppler shift on each crosslink measurement reveals a clear signature of the Martian atmosphere, primarily the ionosphere. Inversion of the observed Doppler data yields vertical profiles of the Martian refractivity and electron density. The electron density profiles show the presence of two layers with peak densities and peak heights that are consistent with empirical models.
Altered mitochondrial metabolism in circulatory shock.

Studies of mitochondrial function after circulatory shock, hemorrhagic or endotoxic, have revealed defective oxidative metabolism in several organs, such as the liver, kidney, and the brain (1,2,3). In this comment I would like to emphasize certain important aspects of these findings.
Role of band states and trap states in the charge transport properties of organic semiconductors (Conference Presentation)

In this contribution, we examine the main factors that define charge transport in organic semiconductors. We consider both crystals based on a single molecule building block, such as oligoacenes, and two-component donor-acceptor crystals in which one component acts as an electron donor and the other as an acceptor. We will first discuss the state-of-the-art methodologies used in the derivation of the microscopic parameters (electron-vibration couplings, transfer integrals, band gaps, bandwidths, and effective masses) describing charge transport. In particular, we will discuss the impact that the amount of nonlocal Hartree-Fock exchange included in a hybrid density functional has on these parameters. In order to understand the role of disorder we use a combination of electronic-structure calculations and molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics simulations complemented by ensemble and time average approaches to separate the static and dynamic disorder components. The temperature dependence of the charge carrier mobility is studied by treating the electron-phonon interaction as a perturbation (Boltzmann theory), in the static approximation (Kubo formalism) and in the framework of mixed quantum/classical dynamics. Finally, based on the results of the kinetic Monte Carlo simulations we will compare the merits of a hopping model and a mobility edge model in the description of the effect of charge-carrier concentration on the electrical conductivity, carrier mobility, and Fermi energy of organic semiconductors.
In vivo Quantitative Imaging of Light Triggered Doxorubicin Release

For optimal drug delivery to the target sites, local drug concentration is needs to be assessed, preferably with respect to time. Here we show in vivo light-triggered release kinetics of Dox by using spatial frequency domain imaging.
Planning in-home activities in the ADAPTS activity-based model: a joint model of activity type and duration

ABSTRACTThe role of in-home activities in the process of planning and scheduling of individuals’ daily activities has been traditionally ignored because of two reasons: (i) in-home activities are not directly involved with trips; and (ii) scarcity of data sources that provide required details on planning and scheduling of these activities. However, considering the interchangeable nature of out-of-home and in-home activities, and the significant effects that they have on each other, we argue that failing to incorporate in-home activities may result in overestimating frequency and duration of out-of-home activities, which may lead to inconsistent and unrealistic activity schedules. Recently, we have upgraded the ADAPTS activity-based model to account for planning and scheduling of both in-home and out-of-home activities. This paper aims to enhance the in-home activity planning module by modelling the type and duration of the in-home activities in a joint structure. To achieve this goal, using the American T...
Control of oxygen tension recapitulates zone-specific functions in human liver microphysiology systems

This article describes our next generation human Liver Acinus MicroPhysiology System (LAMPS). The key demonstration of this study was that Zone 1 and Zone 3 microenvironments can be established by controlling the oxygen tension in individual devices over the range of ca. 3 to 13%. The oxygen tension was computationally modeled using input on the microfluidic device dimensions, numbers of cells, oxygen consumption rates of hepatocytes, the diffusion coefficients of oxygen in different materials and the flow rate of media in the MicroPhysiology System (MPS). In addition, the oxygen tension was measured using a ratiometric imaging method with the oxygen sensitive dye, Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) dichlororuthenium(II) hexahydrate (RTDP) and the oxygen insensitive dye, Alexa 488. The Zone 1 biased functions of oxidative phosphorylation, albumin and urea secretion and Zone 3 biased functions of glycolysis, α1AT secretion, Cyp2E1 expression and acetaminophen toxicity were demonstrated in the respective Zone 1 and Zone ...
Modernity’s ear: listening to race and gender in world music, by Roshanak Kheshti

Kheshti opens her book with an autobiographical moment. While interning at a world music record company, she arrives at an interpretive breakthrough: her investigation of the company’s consumer dat...
Mirror, Mirror: Guided Storytelling and Team Reflexivity’s Influence on Team Mental Models:

Because substantial evidence supports team mental model similarity as a positive predictor of team performance, it is important that we help team members to develop a shared understanding of releva...
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous quantitation of 5 azole antifungals and 1 active metabolite.

Abstract Background Azole antifungal medications are often administered to prevent or treat invasive fungal infections. These infections are deadly in the immunocompromised population. Therapeutic drug monitoring of the azole antifungal medications may potentially decrease morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing azole treatment. Methods To assist with azole therapeutic drug monitoring, a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for 6 azole analytes: fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, and its active metabolite hydroxyitraconazole. Results The validated method solely required a protein precipitation step before subsequent dilution and injection onto the LC-MS/MS system. Furthermore, the analysis time was Conclusions This method enables measurement of all 6 of these analytes into a single LC-MS/MS assay.
The Future of Work. Edited by Fred Best

(1974). The Future of Work. Edited by Fred Best. Journal of Leisure Research: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 261-262.
Application of assisted-history-matching workflow using proxy-based MCMC on a shale oil field case

Abstract History matching is a crucial step for reservoir simulation and for decision-making process in field development under uncertainty. The history-matching task is well known to be technically and computationally challenging. Several algorithms have been studied for more than a decade to assist history matching. One of the algorithms used is Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), which is capable of providing accurate posterior probability density (PPD) of the history-matched realizations. While several researchers have applied and studied MCMC for assisted history matching (AHM) in many conventional reservoirs, only few studies have been performed on unconventional reservoirs. Since the difference in physics of the two reservoir types are important, it is worthwhile investigating the performance of AHM in unconventional reservoirs. For this purpose, we apply an AHM workflow using proxy-based MCMC on a shale oil well in Vaca Muerta formation to demonstrate application of the workflow and highlight the lessons learnt. The direct MCMC is also performed on the same field case to compare accuracy and efficiency of the first method. In this study, design of experiment (DOE) is used for selecting the most influential uncertain parameters before performing either of the two MCMC methods. It is found that the direct MCMC cannot find enough solutions to construct the statistically meaningful PPD in an efficient manner. By contrast, the proxy-based MCMC is less computationally demanding than the direct MCMC and efficient enough to construct the PPD. The tested workflow was then used to probabilistically forecast the cumulative oil and water production as well as the oil recovery factor for the Vaca Muerta well.
Optimization of wavelength selection for multispectral image acquisition: a case study of atrial ablation lesions

In vivo autofluorescence hyperspectral imaging of moving objects can be challenging due to motion artifacts and to the limited amount of acquired photons. To address both limitations, we selectively reduced the number of spectral bands while maintaining accurate target identification. Several downsampling approaches were applied to data obtained from the atrial tissue of adult pigs with sites of radiofrequency ablation lesions. Standard image qualifiers such as the mean square error, the peak signal-to-noise ratio, the structural similarity index map, and an accuracy index of lesion component images were used to quantify the effects of spectral binning, an increased spectral distance between individual bands, as well as random combinations of spectral bands. Results point to several quantitative strategies for deriving combinations of a small number of spectral bands that can successfully detect target tissue. Insights from our studies can be applied to a wide range of applications.
Finding Clusters of Different Sizes, Shapes, and Densities in Noisy, High Dimensional Data.

Finding clusters in data, especially high dimensional data, is challenging when the clusters are of widely diering shapes, sizes, and densities, and when the data contains noise and outliers. We present a novel clustering technique that addresses these issues. Our algorithm rst nds the nearest neighbors of each data point and then redenes the similarity between pairs of points in terms of how many nearest neighbors the two points share. Using this denition of similarity, our algorithm identies core points and then builds clusters around the core points. The use of a shared nearest neighbor denition of similarity alleviates problems with varying densities and high dimensionality, while the use of core points handles problems with shape and size. While our algorithm can nd the \dense" clusters that other clustering algorithms nd, it also nds clusters that these approaches overlook, i.e., clusters of low or medium density which represent relatively uniform regions \surrounded" by non-uniform or higher density areas. We experimentally show that our algorithm performs better than traditional methods (e.g., K-means, DBSCAN, CURE) on a variety of data sets: KDD Cup '99 network intrusion data, NASA Earth science time series data, two-dimensional point sets, and documents. The run-time complexity of our technique is O(n 2 ) if the similarity matrix has to be constructed. However, we discuss a number of optimizations that allow the algorithm to handle large data sets ecien tly.
Age-related Aspects of Experience Effects upon Brain Structure

Because this chapter appears in a book oriented primarily toward researchers in human development, we should point out that many of its major points would be considered speculative by neuroscientists. Interpretations placed on the data described below are not invariably those of the authors of the original papers.
High-Performance Digital-to-Analog Converters for Wireless Infrastructure

This chapter discusses the practical application of RF digital-to-analog converters (RF DACs) to communication systems such as cable distribution, wireless communications infrastructure (WIFR) base stations, wireless backhaul, and other such systems. The key specifications that are driving the development of RF DAC technology are reviewed, as are some common radio architectures used to implement those systems. Challenges associated with the design of RF DACs are described, and some trade-offs and possible solutions are discussed. Design considerations of the package and the printed circuit board (PCB) design are reviewed. Measured results of an RF DAC suitable for cable head-end transmitters are presented. The features and performance of RF DACs provide an enabling solution for “Software Defined Radio” (SDR) systems targeted toward multi-carrier, multi-band, multi-standard radio transmitters.
Loss of renal peritubular capillaries in hypertensive patients is detectable by urinary endothelial microparticle levels

Hypertension, an important cause of chronic kidney disease, is characterized by peritubular capillary (PTC) loss. Circulating levels of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) reflect systemic endothelial injury. We hypothesized that systemic and urinary PTC-EMPs levels would reflect renal microvascular injury in hypertensive patients. We prospectively measured by flow cytometry renal vein, inferior vena cava, and urinary levels of EMPs in essential (n=14) and renovascular (RVH; n=24) hypertensive patients and compared them with peripheral blood and urinary levels in healthy volunteers (n=14). PTC-EMPs were identified as urinary exosomes positive for the PTC marker plasmalemmal-vesicle-associated protein. In 7 RVH patients, PTC and fibrosis were also quantified in renal biopsy, and in 18 RVH patients, PTC-EMPs were measured again 3 months after continued medical therapy with or without stenting (n=9 each). Renal vein and systemic PTC-EMPs levels were not different among the groups, whereas their urinary levels were elevated in both RVH and essential hypertension versus healthy volunteers (56.8%±12.7% and 62.8%±10.7% versus 34.0%±17.8%; both P≤0.001). Urinary PTC-EMPs levels correlated directly with blood pressure and inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, in RVH, urinary PTC-EMPs levels correlated directly with stenotic kidney hypoxia, histological PTC count, and fibrosis and inversely with cortical perfusion. Three months after treatment, the change in urinary PTC-EMPs levels correlated inversely with a change in renal function ( r=-0.582; P=0.011). Therefore, urinary PTC-EMPs levels are increased in hypertensive patients and may reflect renal microcirculation injury, whereas systemic PTC-EMPs levels are unchanged. Urinary PTC-EMPs may be useful as novel biomarkers of intrarenal capillary loss.
Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated With Acquisition of Daptomycin and Linezolid-Nonsusceptible Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus.

Background Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) causes substantial health care-associated infection with increasing reports of resistance to daptomycin or linezolid. We conducted a case-control study reporting 81 cases of daptomycin and linezolid-nonsusceptible VRE (DLVRE), a resistance pattern not previously reported. Methods We reviewed VRE isolates from June 2010 through June 2015 for nonsusceptibility to both daptomycin (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] > 4) and linezolid (MIC ≥ 4). We matched cases by year to control patients with VRE susceptible to both daptomycin and linezolid and performed retrospective chart review to gather risk factor and outcome data. Results We identified 81 DLVRE cases. Resistance to both daptomycin and linezolid was more common than resistance to either agent individually. Compared with susceptible VRE, DLVRE was more likely to present as bacteremia without focus (P < 0.01), with DLVRE patients more likely to be immune suppressed (P = .04), to be neutropenic (P = .03), or to have had an invasive procedure in the prior 30 days (P = .04). Any antibiotic exposure over the prior 30 days conferred a 4-fold increased risk for DLVRE (odds ratio [OR], 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-12.63; P = .01); multivariate analysis implicated daptomycin days of therapy (DOT) over the past year as a specific risk factor (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19; P = .03). DLVRE cases had longer hospitalizations (P = .04) but no increased risk for in-hospital death. Conclusions DLVRE is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen associated with immune suppression, neutropenia, and recent invasive procedure. Prior antibiotic exposure, specifically daptomycin exposure, confers risk for acquisition of DLVRE.
Thickness and freeboard statistics of Arctic Multi-year Ice in late summer: Three, recent drilling campaigns

Abstract This paper targets three, diverse audiences: persons calculating ice loads on structures, persons navigating ice-covered waters, and persons using remotely sensed data to estimate ice thickness. The most extensive set of drilling measurements to have been made on thick multi-year ice since the 1980s is presented based upon 22 floes sampled in some of the most remote regions in the world from years 2007 to 2011. Thickness and freeboard measurements from more than 600 drill-holes indicated that mean thicknesses and standard deviations of floes in Nares Strait, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) and the Beaufort Sea ranged from 3.4 ± 1.3 m to 14.7 ± 3.8 m. Approximately 23% of the floes had an average thickness of 10 m or more, making them comparable to the 8 to 12 m thick hummock that caused the highest loads ever measured on the offshore structure Molikpaq. The continued presence of thick multi-year ice shows that, although the modal thickness of thermodynamically grown old ice has decreased, driving forces continue to create deformed multi-year ice. The overall thickness distribution of thermodynamically grown and mechanically deformed multi-year ice is lognormally distributed in all of the examined geographic regions. Probability of exceedance curves were used to address underestimated probabilities in the tail. Assessment of first order autocorrelation coefficients showed that drill hole measurements were statistically independent for ~85% of the 100 to 200 m long transects. Linear regressions of freeboard versus thickness had less predictive skill at the point-scale (R2 of 0.57, 10 m spacing) than averages at the transect-scale (R2 of 0.78, ~100 m) and floe-scale (R2 of 0.88, up to ~1 km). The anomalously high freeboard of some drill holes, transects and floes has a number of plausible explanations including loose ice blocks on the underside of relatively level floes, ice blocks in the keel of deformed floes, elevated blocks on the top surface of relatively level ice without a keel, and/or the low density of the elevated and submerged portions of multi-year ice.
Ohio Community Pharmacist Provision of Clinical Preventive Services

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess whether Ohio community pharmacists currently provide certain evidence-based clinical preventive services. Secondary objectives were to explore whether there were any differences in provision of services based on respondent education, position, employment status, location, practice setting, or years in practice and to gather information on how pharmacists provide specific services, barriers to providing specific services, pharmacists’ perceptions on specific services needed in their patient population, and pharmacists’ interests in providing services if not already doing so. Methods: A random sample of 500 community pharmacists licensed in Ohio received a Qualtrics survey via email assessing current practices and perspectives regarding clinical preventive services. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) “A” and “B” recommended services that can be provided in a community pharmacy served as the framework for the survey questions. Reminders were sent every 3-4 days; data collection continued for a month. The study was IRB-approved. Results: Ninety-three responses were included in the final analysis (18.9% response rate). Approximately 63% of respondents were female; 51.6% held a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Only 21.5% of respondents were familiar with the USPSTF. However, many respondents were providing clinical preventive services in their pharmacy; the most common were blood pressure screening (51.6%), tobacco use screening or counseling (43%), and diet and/or physical activity counseling (22.6%). These services were provided in varied ways including patient counseling, medication therapy management sessions, screening events, and health fairs. Those who are not currently providing services showed interest in developing them. Pharmacists reported barriers such as lack of time, staff, and reimbursement by patients or third-party payers. Conclusion: Many surveyed community pharmacists in Ohio reported providing clinical preventive services in a variety of ways. Many pharmacists who did not provide these services indicated an interest developing such services. Staffing concerns, time constraints, and a lack of reimbursement by patients and third-party payers were reported as barriers by community pharmacists in providing these services. As many respondents reported being unfamiliar with USPSTF recommendations, the opportunity to educate pharmacist on these recommendations and potentially increase their activity in these prevention activities exists. Article Type: Original Research
Preventive Health Screening Disparities Among Immigrants: Exploring Barriers to Care

Immigrant health research has highlighted the relevance of socioeconomic, health services, and immigration-related factors in explaining disparities in health screening rates between native- and foreign-born individuals. This study advances knowledge in this area by investigating the explanatory strength of such factors for cardiovascular risk screening across eight immigrant groups. Using nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey, we test the hypothesis that known correlates of preventive healthcare seeking differ in their ability to predict screening behavior depending on region of origin. Results show that health service factors (lack of insurance and no place for care) are fairly consistent predictors of preventive screening while socioeconomic and immigration-related factors are less so. These findings surface the complex processes underlying observed differentials in health-seeking behaviors and illuminate potential targets for public health and clinical intervention.
Who Decides Who Rides: Examining Amusement Ride Access Policies and Title III

Have you ever visited an amusement park and watched a park employee instruct a guest that he or she may not experience a ride because of a certain physical attribute? Have you ever wondered how these policies are created? A trio of Title III wrongful discrimination claims filed against amusement park owners in 2012 and 2013 illuminated the tension that exists between Title III ADA regulations, Access Board guidelines, state regulatory schemes for amusement rides, and individual rider access policies on amusement rides. Circumstances did not require the courts to analyze the creation, implementation, and regulation of amusement ride access policies, so the issue of whether these access policies violate Title III was not fully discussed. This article does just that. Manufacturers and owners of modern amusement rides adhere to practice standards that regulate the design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance of amusement rides. These standards, created by ASTM Committee F-24, provide the framework for the creation and implementation of rider access policies on modern amusement rides. Evidence suggests that owners of amusement rides likely adhere to Title III’s selection criteria exceptions when they restrict access to individual guests based on manufacturer-created rider access policies created in accordance with ASTM standards. Despite arguments that rider access policies are over-reaching and duplicitous, owners and manufacturers strive for transparency and inclusivity, increasing potential rider access by working together to create new devices that increase experiences for disabled riders on the newest, most thrilling amusement rides.
Computer Integration by Vocational Teacher Educators

Vocational educators today face the challenge of utilizing and integrating computers and related technologies into their instruction in a manner that enhances student learning and achievement. Modeling appropriate uses of these resources by teacher educators in the preservice classroom can help equip future vocational teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to use these tools effectively in their classrooms. A nationwide survey of vocational teacher educators from all major program areas revealed that the traditional computer tools, especially word processing, are receiving regular use in the preservice classroom. On the other hand, newer technologies such as authoring software and multimedia applications, are not yet integrated into the preservice curriculum on a regular basis. Vocational teacher educators are challenged to explore these new technologies, develop appropriate uses within their specific discipline, and share these new tools with the tomorrow's vocational educators.
Age As an Independent Clinical Predictor for Vitamin D Deficiency in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Although little is known about the risk factors for VDD in SCD, it has been shown that VDD is associated with chronic pain, bone fragility, and pulmonary function in SCD. In this study we investigated the potential clinical predictors for VDD in patients with SCD. Method: In a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis, a total of 167 adults with SCD treated at the University of Illinois Medical Center with a baseline 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) measurement were screened. Clinical variables were recorded from a clinic visit at least four weeks from a vaso-occlusive pain episode or red blood cell transfusion. Statistical association between 25-OHD and other clinical parameters were investigated. Results: After stratifying the patients based on 25-OHD levels, we observed the median age was significantly younger in patients with lower 25-OHD levels (Table 1). When analyzing different age groups by Kruskal Wallis analysis, 25-OHD levels were significantly elevated in patients ≥ 40 years old ( Figure 1 ). When using Spearman correlation analysis, the 25-OHD levels as a continuous variable positively correlated with increasing age (p Summary: Lower 25-OHD levels were associated with younger age in patients with SCD, especially patients younger than 40 years old. One possible explanation is that lower 25-OHD levels may be linked to higher mortality in SCD, but future research is needed to clarify the association between VDD and mortality in SCD. Download : Download high-res image (75KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (86KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (170KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Differences in Intensive Parenting Attitudes and Gender Norms Among U.S. Mothers

Motherhood is a time of significant change for a woman. Once a woman enters motherhood, she must then navigate her mothering role within the societal expectation of intensive mothering. Intensive m...
Helmholtz’s Contributions on the Theoretical Limits to the Resolution of the Microscope

In this chapter I provide a detailed discussion of a seminal paper that independently formulated the equation for resolution in the light microscope. Although the publication of Helmholtz (1874) followed Abbe’s 1873 publication, it demonstrated Helmholtz’s independent discovery and derivation of the diffraction-limited resolution of the light microscope. Additionally, in the same publication (1874) Helmholtz independently derived his Sine Condition (identical with the 1873 Abbe Sine Condition) from photometric analysis (Born and Wolf, 1999). These two independent derivations by Helmholtz were based on different types of analysis than Abbe’s analysis; yet they produced the same final equations. In view of the importance of Helmholtz’s German publication I have translated it into English and provided my own commentary.
Standardization of near-infrared transmittance instruments

ix GENERAL INTRODUCTION I Preliminary work 3 Simulated spectra 3 Wiener and Second Order Volterra filters 3 Optical standardization compensating for wavelength and absorbance shift 4 Mantis standardization algorithm 4 Instrument design 5 Dissertation Organization 7 References 7 STANT>ARDIZATION OF NEAR-INFRARED TRANSMITTANCE INSTRUMENTS 9 Introduction 10 Objectives 15 Materials and methods 15 General description 15 Samples 16 Instruments 17 Instrument engineering parameters 17 Data Analysis 18
A predictive-modeling based screening tool for prolonged opioid use after surgical management of low back and lower extremity pain.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Outpatient postoperative pain management in spine patients, specifically involving the use of opioids, demonstrates significant variability. PURPOSE Using preoperative risk factors and 30-day postoperative opioid prescribing patterns, we developed models for predicting long-term opioid use in patients after elective spine surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This retrospective cohort study utilizes inpatient, outpatient, and pharmaceutical data from MarketScan databases (Truven Health). PATIENT SAMPLE In all, 19,317 patients who were newly diagnosed with low back or lower extremity pain (LBP or LEP) between 2008 and 2015 and underwent thoracic or lumbar surgery within 1 year after diagnosis were enrolled. Some patients initiated opioids after diagnosis but all patients were opioid-naive before the diagnosis. OUTCOME MEASURES Long-term opioid use was defined as filling ≥180 days of opioids within one year after surgery. METHODS Using demographic variables, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, preoperative opioid use, and 30-day postoperative opioid use, we generated seven models on 80% of the dataset and tested the models on the remaining 20%. We used three regression-based models (full logistic regression, stepwise logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), support vector machine, two tree-based models (random forest, stochastic gradient boosting), and time-varying convolutional neural network. Area under the curve (AUC), Brier index, sensitivity, and calibration curves were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the models. RESULTS We identified 903 (4.6%) of patients who met criteria for long-term opioid use. The regression-based models demonstrated the highest AUC, ranging from 0.835 to 0.847, and relatively high sensitivities, predicting between 74.9% and 76.5% of the long-term opioid use patients in the test dataset. The three strongest positive predictors of long-term opioid use were high preoperative opioid use (OR 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.27–3.22), number of days with active opioid prescription between postoperative days 15 to 30 (OR 1.10; 95%CI 1.07–1.12), and number of dosage increases between postoperative day 15 to 30 (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.41–2.08). The strongest negative predictors were number of dosage decreases in the 30-day postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS We evaluated several predictive models for postoperative long-term opioid use in a large cohort of patients with LBP or LEP who underwent surgery. A regression-based model with high sensitivity and AUC is provided online to screen patients for high risk of long-term opioid use based on preoperative risk factors and opioid prescription patterns in the first 30 days after surgery. It is hoped that this work will improve identification of patients at high risk of prolonged opioid use and enable early intervention and counseling.