cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catecholaminergic Control of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Paraventricular Neuroendocrine Neurons In Vivo and In Vitro: A Proposed Role during Glycemic Challenges

Paraventricular hypothalamic (PVH) corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neuroendocrine neurons mount neurosecretory and transcriptional responses to glycemic challenges [intravenous 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) or insulin]. Although these responses require signals from intact afferents originating from hindbrain CA (catecholaminergic) neurons, the identity of these signals and the mechanisms by which they are transduced by PVH neurons during glycemic challenge remain unclear. Here, we tested whether the prototypical catecholamine, norepinephrine (NE), can reproduce PVH neuroendocrine responses to glycemic challenge. Because these responses include phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases [extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)], we also determined whether NE activates ERK1/2 in PVH neurons and, if so, by what mechanism. We show that systemic insulin and 2-DG, and PVH-targeted NE microinjections, rapidly elevated PVH phospho-ERK1/2 levels. NE increased Crh and c- fos expression, together with circulating ACTH/corticosterone. However, because injections also increased c-Fos mRNA in other brain regions, we used hypothalamic slices maintained in vitro to clarify whether NE activates PVH neurons without contribution of inputs from distal regions. In slices, bath-applied NE triggered robust phospho-ERK1/2 immunoreactivity in PVH (including CRH) neurons, which attenuated markedly in the presence of the α 1 adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin, or the MAP kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, U0126 (1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-aminophenylthio]butadiene). Therefore, at a systems level, local PVH delivery of NE is sufficient to account for hindbrain activation of CRH neuroendocrine neurons during glycemic challenge. At a cellular level, these data provide the first demonstration that MAP kinase signaling cascades (MEK→ERK) are intracellular transducers of noradrenergic signals in CRH neurons, and implicate this transduction mechanism as an important component of central neuroendocrine responses during glycemic challenge.
3D Multiwavelet-based Motion Residual Compression for Neurosurgical Monitoring Videos

Neurophysical interoperative monitoring (OIM) video is an important tool in biomedical applications and telemedicine and it is essential to maintain high fidelity of the frames even in low bit-rate environment. Toward this end, we studied a spatio-temporal 3D multiwavelet-based OIM video compression system that is capable of high quality output even under the demands of high compression ratios
Optimization of Peano-Gosper fractal arrays for broadband performance using genetic algorithms to eliminate grating lobes during scanning

A genetic algorithm technique is introduced for the purpose of optimizing a broadband Peano-Gosper fractile array to eliminate grating lobes during scanning. It has been shown that when the element spacing of a Peano-Gosper fractile array is increased to one wavelength, no grating lobes occur in the entire visible region for broadside operation. However, when the minimum element spacing is one wavelength or greater and the main beam is scanned away from broadside, grating lobes occur in the far-filed radiation pattern of the array. It is shown that a genetic algorithm technique can be used to perturb the element locations in an optimal way on the interior of the Peano-Gosper fractile array to eliminate the grating lobes and provide acceptable sidelobe levels during scanning. The genetically optimized stage 1 Peano-Gosper fractile array with perturbed element locations can be used to create higher order stages through an efficient iterative procedure while, at each stage, the array maintains its broadband characteristics within a specified scan volume
The long-term stability of the visible F corona at heights of 3-6 R⊙

Context. CMEs can effect the distribution of dust grains in the corona. The brightness of the visible F corona is expected therefore to change as the frequency of CMEs varies with solar cycle. Aims. We search for a variation in the F corona by comparing LASCO C2 observations from solar minimum and maximum. Methods. An established inversion method is used to calculate the visible F corona brightness from LASCO C2 solar minimum observations made during 1996/10. Good agreement is found with the F corona brightness calculated from Skylab observations during 1973/05–1974/02 for heights of 3–6 R� . The unpolarized brightness, which is dominated by the unpolarized F corona brightness at these heights, is obtained by subtracting many pairs of polarized brightness images from total brightness images and averaging over a solar rotation. We calculate the unpolarized brightness for both solar activity minimum and maximum. Results. The unpolarized brightness, and therefore the F corona, remain virtually unchanged between solar minimum and maximum at heights above 2.6 R� , despite the large change in the shape and activity of the corona. Using a simple density model, it is shown
Labour and Politics in Egypt, 1919–1939

The aim of this essay is to analyse the rise and development of a new labour movement in Egypt between 1919 and 1939, the crucial interwar period. As the history of the movement was inextricably linked to the Wafd as well as to the competing political forces in Egypt at the time, I examine the extent to which the various political parties and personalities were able to hamper the development of an independent trade union movement during those years. I also discuss the factors which assisted or hindered, at times, the promulgation of labour laws, and view the achievements of the trade union movement (in different sub-periods) in terms of its success in satisfying the demands of workers, which were being opposed by those of the predominantly foreign local bourgeoisie.
Application of a Bioenergetics Model for Hatchery Production: Largemouth Bass Fed Commercial Feeds

Abstract Fish bioenergetics models based on natural prey items have been widely used to address research and management questions. However, few attempts have been made to evaluate and apply bioenergetics models to hatchery-reared fish receiving commercial feeds that contain substantially higher energy densities than natural prey. In this study, we evaluated a bioenergetics model for age-0 largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides reared on four commercial feeds. Largemouth bass (n ≈ 3,504) were reared for 70 d at 25°C in sixteen 833-L circular tanks connected in parallel to a recirculation system. Model performance was evaluated using error components (mean, slope, and random) derived from decomposition of the mean square error obtained from regression of observed on predicted values. Mean predicted consumption was only 8.9% lower than mean observed consumption and was similar to error rates observed for largemouth bass consuming natural prey. Model evaluation showed that the 97.5% joint confidence region inc...
Measurements of temperature and spring constant in magneto-optical trap

We have measured the low-density characteristics of a magneto-optical trap for both isotopes of rubidium. Trapped-atom temperatures are measured by the time-of-flight technique and are similar to temperatures in optical molasses. They are below the Doppler limit in most cases and increase linearly with the ratio of laser intensity to laser detuning. A slight difference between the two isotopes is observed. The data agree well with three-dimensional, multistate, semiclassical simulations. Spring constants of the trap are inferred from careful measurements of the size of the trapped-atom cloud. The spring constant is seen to increase with intensity at low intensity, becoming independent of intensity at high intensity. This trend is consistent with sub-Doppler cooling mechanisms.
Fertilizer Use by Crop at the Country Level (1990-2010)

We compute the fertilizer use in corn, cotton, soybeans, and rapeseed in the period from 1990 to 2010 for a set of selected countries. In each case, we present the consumption of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash by crop and by year, reporting both the fertilizer application rates (in kilograms per hectare) and the fertilizer consumption (in thousand metric tonnes). We allocate a country's total nutrient consumption in a given year among competing crops based on publicly available statistics. The resulting allocation of fertilizer among crops is a function of the country's nutrients total use, the country's cropped areas, crop world prices, and crop- and country-specific fertilizer application rates for some years. In this report we show results on fertilizer consumption by crop for the top fertilizer consuming countries, and a downloadable MS Excel file "FertilizerDemandByCropData.xls" shows the complete set of results.
The volcanic dome of Santa Maria, Guatemala

A historical review, of the development of the dome of Santa Maria was presented. Dome-building began in 1922 and continued actively for a period of three years. The dome attained during this time a height of approximately 2500 feet. Since 1925 its height has remained fairly constant but its diameter is increasing by accretions brought about by intermittent activity in various parts of the edifice. This activity is occasionally accompanied by eruptions.
Street Amphetamine Quality and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970

(1978). Street Amphetamine Quality and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 10, Stimulant Use, Misuse and Abuse: A Ten Year Follow-Up, pp. 303-317.
2005 BRAC Attribute Analysis

In 2005, the Department of Defense completed its fifth round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). This process involved analytically determining the military value (MV) of an installation and then ranking all installations based on MV scores. These rankings were used to determine which installations would be closed or realigned, subject to meeting minimum Army requirements for maintaining certain functions. In 2005, the MV score for an installation was derived as a weighted sum of the installation's score over a set of forty attributes. This paper describes the methods we used in analyzing these attributes, our goal being to identify the attributes that had the greatest impact on the installation rankings. From our analysis, we developed recommendations on which attributes should be kept for future BRAC proceedings, as well as those that could be considered for revision.
Underestimation of Children’s Weight Status: Views of Parents in an Urban Community

Objective. To examine the relationship between parents’ underestimation of their child’s weight status and concerns about their child’s weight and health. Methods. We conducted interviews with parents in an urban pediatric clinic (January through June 2006). Children’s height and weight were measured at the visit using standard techniques. Results. 193 children were included (response rate 87%, 18 months-9 years, 70% black); 31% of parents underestimated their child’s weight status (46% of overweight children, 24% of normal weight). Parents of normal-weight children who underestimated were more likely to be concerned about their child’s weight (39% vs 2.9%, P < .001) than those who did not underestimate. Parents of overweight children who underestimated were less likely to be concerned about their child’s weight (7.7% vs 59%, P < .001) than those who recognized their children as overweight. Conclusions. Many parents continue to underestimate their child’s weight status. These perceptions may present a bar...
Creating infrastructure supportive of evidence-based nursing practice: leadership strategies.

Background: Nursing leadership is the cornerstone of successful evidence-based practice (EBP) programs within health care organizations. The key to success is a strategic approach to building an EBP infrastructure, with allocation of appropriate human and material resources. Purpose: This article indicates the organizational infrastructure that enables evidence-based nursing practice and strategies for leaders to enhance evidence-based practice using “the conceptual model for considering the determinants of diffusion, dissemination, and implementation of innovations in health service delivery and organization.” Discussion: Enabling EBP within organizations is important for promoting positive outcomes for nurses and patients. Fostering EBP is not a static or immediate outcome, but a long-term developmental process within organizations. Implementation requires multiple strategies to cultivate a culture of inquiry where nurses generate and answer important questions to guide practice. Implications: Organizations that can enable the culture and build infrastructure to help nurses develop EBP competencies will produce a professional environment that will result in both personal growth for their staff and improvements in quality that would not otherwise be possible.
Mountain beaver home ranges, habitat use, and population dynamics in Washington

The mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa (Rafinesque, 1817)), endemic to western North America, is the only ex- tant member of the family Aplodontidae. Limited information on movements and habitat use throughout the species' range is available. We radio-collared 41 mountain beavers to determine home ranges, dispersal, habitat use, and population den- sities on two managed forest sites in coastal Washington. Both sites were recently harvested for timber. The Donovan site (16.6 ha) was treated with herbicide before seedling planting and the Sylvia site (8.9 ha) was not treated. Mountain beaver home ranges (Donovan: 4.18 ± 0.81 ha; Sylvia: 1.39 ± 0.4 ha) were greater than previously reported in the literature (0.02-0.2 ha). Home ranges (P = 0.009) and core use areas (P = 0.05) on the herbicide-treated Donovan site were larger than those observed on the untreated Sylvia site. Mountain beaver population density declined from 2002 (n = 16) to 2003 (n = 8) on the Donovan site, and reinvasion onto the site after removal trapping was low (n = 7). Population density more than doubled on the Sylvia site from 2002 (n = 21) to 2003 (n = 55), and reinvasion was greater (n = 27) than observed at Donovan. In addition, we documented habitat characteristics centered at 9 Donovan and 10 Sylvia nest locations. Sites were similar in most habitat characteristics, but the Sylvia site had more herbaceous forbs, stumps, and woody debris. Our findings suggest that mountain beaver populations and home ranges are affected by availability of forage, such as herba- ceous forbs, after herbicide treatment, as well as by availability of woody cover.
The Nature of the Surface of a Metal-Metalloid Metallic Glass

The surface of a metallic glass has been characterized at the atomic and microstructural levels. On the atomic scale, the glassy surface hal been previously characterized via a model which allows the calculation of surface coordination numbers and the fractal dimension. Catalytic experiments and LEIS measurements appear to confirm the model’s prediction of surface roughness on the atomic scale. In this work, the glassy surface has been characterized on the microstructural level via RHEED patterns. In addition, the fresh glassy surface produced by comminution of Fe-B glass has been characterized with respect to the relative stability of the comminuted glass as compared to as-quenched glass.
Effects of Additives and Storage Temperature on Staling Properties of Bagels

ABSTRACT The effects of xanthan gum, Novamyl (a type II α-amylase), Instant Tender-Jel C starch (a modified starch), and GMS-90-SSK (a hydrated monoglyceride) on the staling properties of bagels stored at 4 and 22°C from 0–7 days were studied. Texture analysis and moisture determination were conducted on the bagels before lyophilization. Analysis of percent soluble starch, crumb pasting (Rapid Visco Analyser) and degree of amylopectin recrystallization (differential scanning calorimeter) were conducted on lyophilized bagel crumb. Novamyl-treated bagels appeared to be the most resistant to staling over time at both storage temperatures in relation to the enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH). Bagels containing xanthan gum, Instant Tender-Jel C starch, and GMS-90-SSK showed some improvements over the control bagels, although the effects of the additives on the characteristics of the bagels varied. Bagels made with xanthan gum or monoglyceride retained slightly higher crumb moisture percentages over most days of s...
Radiographic and Clinical Predictors of Cardiac Dysfunction Following Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction:Although cardiac dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been described, there is little data regarding the association of radiographic severity and particular lesions of TB...
The Legal Boundaries of the Employer, Precarious Workers, and Labour Protection

This paper focuses on how and where the legal boundaries of the employer are drawn for the purposes of ascribing responsibility for employment-related obligations owed to precarious workers, and does so from two perspectives. The first is conceptual and general and the second is empirical and specific, and it is designed to illustrate the failure of adjudicators, especially courts, to grapple with the conceptual problems of attributing responsibility for employment-related obligations in integrated enterprises. The first part examines the conceptual framework for attributing responsibility for employment-related obligations, focusing on the conception of the employment relationship as a personal and bilateral contract and the equation of the employer with the corporate form. It explores how economic and legal models of the firm reinforce a conception of the employer that bears little resemblance to how employing functions are organised, and emphasises the practical consequences of this conceptual framework by showing how firms are able to externalise the responsibility for, and risks of, employing workers' services in their enterprises. The second part illustrates why the boundaries of the employer are so difficult to draw in practice, using Canada to illustrate the complexity of the legal terrain. It then focuses on how the legal boundaries of the employer are drawn in situations involving subcontracting. How responsibility for employment-related obligations is attributed in subcontracting situations is crucial for determining the scope of labour protection. Reflecting upon the Canadian example, the paper assesses the capacity of the courts to adopt a functional approach to identifying the employer for employment-related obligations, and offers some suggestions about how the boundaries might be redrawn.
Identification of changes in tumor secretome upon OV therapy

A134 Oncolytic viral therapy, which relies on tumor-specific replication and lytic destruction of tumors, is a promising new biologic treatment under evaluation for toxicity and efficacy in clinical trials for several different tumors. Although several clinical trials have emphasized the safety of this approach, evaluation of clinical and biological responses has been complicated by the absence of a reliable biomarker to predict oncolytic virus efficacy. We have used a syngeneic rat glioma model to evaluate changes in tumor “secretome” upon OV therapy. Here we describe significant induction of CYR61 mRNA upon OV infection of brain tumors in vivo. CYR61 gene expression was increased in animals transiently immune suppressed by Cyclophosphamide (CPA) pretreatment indicating its induction was independent of host immune responses elicited upon infection. Quantitative Real time PCR verification further revealed a significant linear correlation (Pearsons coefficients, p
Aerosol jet printing for 3-D multilayer passive microwave circuitry

Aerosol jet printed 3-D coplanar waveguides up to 50 GHz are demonstrated in this paper for the first time featuring a multilayer aerosol jet deposition process. The aerosol jet printing utilized in this paper is the first aerosol jet process to demonstrate multilayer deposition with bi-materials and is host substrate independent. The paper provides an insight into the fabrication process, the technology assessment and the characterization of the polyimide as well as the nano silver particles. The printed polyimide could achieve a thickness of 60 μm. The three-dimensional printed transmission lines demonstrated losses of 0.5 dB/mm at 50 GHz. Keywords— 3-D printing, aerosol jet printing, conducting ink, coplanar waveguide, multilayers, RF, silver nano-particle.
Controlling Chaotic Motions of a Nonlinear Aeroelastic System Using Adaptive Control Augmented with Time Delay

In this paper the application of an adaptive reference-free feedback controller to a nonlinear aeroelastic system subjected to steady aerodynamic loads is examined. The numerical simulations show that when using the angle-of-attack as a feedback signal, the system chaotic motion and LCOs can be suppressed by properly selecting the adaptive filter cut-off frequency and the feedback gain. In addition the controller is augmented with a time delay parameter; it has been determined that it is possible to obtain the regions of instability due to time delay in a nonlinear aeroelastic system under adaptive closed loop control.
Supply Considerations and Shopper Convenience

How many stores does it take to supply consumers with convenience in shopping? What does the size of store have to do with an optimum retail structure?This article argues that there is a direct rel...
Abundance of Deer Mice in Tuscola County, Michigan, in 1854

The diaries of O. H. Perry (hunting expeditions op Oliver hazard perry op Cleveland, privately distributed, Cleveland, 1899) contains some interesting information on the great number of deer mice ( Peromyscus ) in Tuscola County, Michigan, where he hunted in the fall of 1854. Various entries in his diaries read: October 1, 1854 (pp. 211–212). “I am so overrun with deer mice that …
The Massachusetts State Texas Committee: A Last Stand Against the Annexation of Texas

X\/HEN on March 1, 1845, President John Tyler signed the joint resolution for annexation, most Americans assumed that the bitter controversy over the acquisition of Texas had ended. Some opponents of annexation, however, refused to consider the matter closed since the joint resolution provided for the admission of Texas only when the people of Texas had drawn up a constitution acceptable to Congress.' A group of anti-annexationists in Massachusetts organized the Massachusetts State Texas Committee to continue opposition in the hope that they would be able to persuade the northern majority in the House of Representatives to reject the proslavery Texas constitution and to defeat the Texas admission bill. The establishment and activities of this committee are significant in the social and political history of Massachusetts and in the political antislavery movement before the Civil War. Massachusetts had been one of the centers of the anti-annexation movement, and within that state the Whig party had led the opposition. But the Whigs were composed of two wings, each of which opposed annexation for fundamentally different reasons. The conservatives in the party, primarily merchants and cotton manufacturers, were led by Nathan Appleton and Abbott Lawrence. These Whigs opposed annexation for political and economic reasons: an increase of two or more southern Democratic votes in the Senate would jeopardize their economic program. Once majorities in both houses of Congress had approved annexation, however, the conservatives retreated. Throughout the Texas controversy they had been careful not to antagonize unduly the southern Whigs, and after
Estimating a nonparametric triangular model with binary endogenous regressors

We consider identification and estimation in a nonparametric triangular system with a binary endogenous regressor and nonseparable errors. For identification, we take a control function approach utilizing the Dynkin system idea. We articulate various trade‐offs, including continuity, monotonicity and differentiability. For estimation, we use the idea of local instruments under smoothness assumptions, but we do not assume additive separability in latent variables. Our estimator uses nonparametric kernel regression techniques and its statistical properties are derived using the functional delta method. We establish that it is n 2 / 7 ‐consistent and has a limiting normal distribution. We apply the method to estimate the returns on a college education. Unlike existing work, we find that returns on a college education are consistently positive. Moreover, the returns curves we estimate are inconsistent with the shape restrictions imposed in those papers.
Revision of the Scale of Undergraduate's Attitudes toward People with Disabilities

Objective: This article is to revise scale of undergraduate's attitudes toward people with disabilities.Methods:Using stratified sampling to get 535 undergraduates from Universities in Fuzhou, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used to develop and evaluate the intra-structure of the scale.Results:(1) Exploratory principle component analysis of the item identified that the scale had three main factors: behavior misunderstanding (with loading coefficients 0.417-0.749), Optimism-human right (0.400-0.665), Pessimism-hopeless (0.401-0.679); which three factors could explain 42.3% of the total variance.(2) CFA showed that the fit indexes for χ2/Df、RMSEA、GFI、AGFI、NFI、NNFI、CFI were 1.716、0.054、0.89、0.87、0.90、0.93、0.94; (3) Internal consistency analysis showed that Cronbach Alpha and split-half coefficients were 0.855 and 0.819 respectively for the total scale.Test-retest reliability was 0.833.(4) Female undergraduates' attitudes had lower score in pessimism-hopeless factor(13.6±7.1/15.1±5.4,u=26094, P0.05) and in total score than males (24.0±17.3/27.0±15.5,u=26681,P0.05).Those who had personal contacts with disabled had more positive attitude than those who had not (optimism-human right score: 9.2±5.0/8.1±4.6,u=18197,P0.05).Conclusion:The scale is proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating undergraduate's attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Hydrolysis of Sorghum Grain Starch by Rumen Microorganisms and Purified Porcine α-Amylase as Observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe endosperm structure and starch hydrolysis of three sorghum grain types (waxy, yellow endosperm, bird resistant). Split kernels were subjected to either rumen digestion for 75 min. to 8 hr. or hydrolysis by purified porcine α-amylase for 48 hours. Starch granules in soft endosperm of yellow and bird-resistant types were smooth and spherical; those in a waxy variety were irregular in shape. Split kernels immersed in rumen fluid for as little as 75 min. showed differential hydrolysis: point-surface attack on the starch from the waxy grain, linear track hydrolysis on that from the yellow endosperm, and minor point hydrolysis on that from the bird resistant type. Photomicrographs of split kernels suspended inside ruminally fistulated steers indicated different modes of starch attack. Surface attack on the waxy starch was mainly point hydrolysis with alternate layers digested inside the starch granule. Yellow endosperm starch was digested without structural resistance
Dynamics of 29 cm −1 Phonons in Ruby Using Optical Generation and Detection

In the past few years there have been several attempts to unerstand the decay of 29 an cm−1 phonons resonantly trapped in the E→2A excited state resonance of the Cr3+ ions in ruby. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the decay of the resonant phonons including spectral1–3 and spatial diffusion, 3,4 and anharmonic decay.3 We suggest here another process, resonant phonon assisted energy transfer, which we feel is active under conditions of strong resonant scattering in ruby. It is probable that all of these mechanisms are important under certain conditions.
Clinical, epidemiologic and molecular factors as predictors of time to biochemical failure among prostatectomy patients.

482 We have previously shown in a cohort of 526 prostate cancer (PC) patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) that shorter androgen receptor CAG repeat lengths and obesity at diagnosis (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) are predictors of biochemical failure (BF) measured by rising PSA. We are now investigating the role that these factors along with other clinico-pathologic and demographic variables play in modulating time to progression. Our hypothesis is that earlier biochemical failure (≤36 months following RP) is associated with different factors than later increases in PSA (> 36 months). Using Cox proportional hazards models, we evaluated potential predictors of outcome with respect to time of BF (≤36 months vs. > 36 months post-RP) relative to men whose PC did not progress. We found that among patients with earlier BF (N = 63), age as a continuous variable (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.96, P = 0.03), obesity (HR = 1.78, P = 0.03) and clinico-pathological variables (e.g., lymph node involvement (HR = 4.12, P = 0.002), seminal vesicle invasion (HR = 5.51, P
Application of optical tapers to receivers in free space/atmospheric optical links

An application of optical tapers to receivers in free-space or atmospheric optical links is discussed. These tapers are proposed for use in a simple optical receiver that has a high tolerance to angular misalignments and supports a high bit rate by using a photodiode with a small active area. The receiver works on the principle that the taper, functioning as a waveguide, increases the effective receiving area of the photodiode and thus increases the field of view of the receiver without raising the diode capacitance. Experimental results show that an optical taper can effectively improve the tolerance of a freespace/atmospheric optical receiver to angular misalignments and that the loss introduced by the taper can be easily reduced to below 1 dB by a properly shaped taper with a magnification factor of about six. >
Pertussis Response to Tdap (8 mcg/dose of the Pertussis Toxoid (PT) In Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants (Allo HSCT).

Abstract 1282 In 2005, in an effort to reduce the increasing incidence of pertussis in adolescents and adults, two vaccines containing tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis toxoids (Tdap) were approved for this population. Although both vaccines contain similar amounts of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid, they vary in their pertussis toxoid(PT) content (2.5 vs 8 mcg/dose). In 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that all adolescents and adults receive a single dose of Tdap. In 2008, we reported at this meeting an evaluation of the Tdap containing 2.5 mcg/dose approved for individuals 11–64 years of age. Although response to tetanus was 71% when this vaccine was given as a booster, only 7 of 41 patients responded to PT, 6 of whom were children. This poor response was likely due in part to the low dose of PT and the limited numbers of pertussis specific memory T and B cells potentially transferred from the stem cell donor. At the end of 2008, the upper age limit for Tdap containing 8 mcg PT/dose was extended from 18 years of age to 64 years. We now report response to this vaccine in 64 alloHSCT recipients (20 children, 44 adults). Patients were transplanted for the treatment of acute (n=31) or chronic (n=6) leukemia, lymphoma (n=16), MDS (n=5), multiple myeloma (n=3), or other (n=3). Forty-four pts were > 18 yrs of age at time of transplant and 20 were 1 vaccine. Response was defined as seroconversion > 5 IU/mL or >2 fold rise in PT titer for seropositive patients. Of the 63 patients evaluable after a single Tdap, 9 of 20 children and 9 of 43 adults responded (p=0.04) Response was associated with younger age, receipt of an unmodified transplant, and non-myeloablative or reduced intensity conditioning. None of the 11 UCBT recipients responded to a single Tdap. Currently, 9 of 12 patients evaluable for response following a second or third Tdap responded, including 2 of 3 UCBT recipients. In the last decade, pertussis in adolescents and adults has steadily increased with an estimated incidence of 800,000 to 3.3 million cases/year. Our studies suggest that use of Tdap containing 8 mcg/dose is preferable in alloHCT recipients and that administration of >1 Tdap is safe and often necessary to elicit pertussis immunity in this vulnerable patient population. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Field scale hydraulic conductivity and compressibility of organic clays

Abstract This paper uses the results of an extensive subsurface investigation performed along the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal in New Orleans, Louisiana to identify the scale effect of soil hydraulic conductivity ( K ) and compressibility ( m v ) for geotechnical and geoenvironmental analyses. The magnitude and variability of soil hydraulic conductivity and compressibility parameters were obtained from laboratory 1-D consolidation and permeameter tests, CPTu dissipation tests, field piezometer slug tests, and multiple well pump tests. The geometric means of horizontal hydraulic conductivity ( K h ) measured by the laboratory permeameter, slug, and field pump tests are 2.5 × 10 − 7 , 1.6 × 10 − 6 , and 1.3 × 10 − 5 cm/s, respectively. This represents a scale effect of about 50 times when increasing the sample volume tested from the laboratory to field scale. The uncertainty in vertical hydraulic conductivity ( K v ), K h , and m v values was determined using a coefficient of variation, which ranges from 0.34 to 0.73. While K h is scale dependent, a comparison of m v evaluated from field pump and 1-D consolidation tests indicates that sample volume does not significantly impact measured values of m v , which signifies that laboratory consolidation tests can be used to predict field scale compressibility.
It's All About the Relationship: Cognitively Intact Mother-Daughter Care Dyads in Hospice at Home.

Purpose of the study Adult daughters providing care to aging, ill mothers comprise the most prevalent caregiving dyad. Little is known, however, regarding relationship quality and its impact on care in these dyads, particularly in the context of cognitively intact patients at end of life in hospice. This interpretive descriptive work privileges voices of terminally ill mothers and care-partnering daughters in the home hospice context. Specific aims were to describe and interpret how mothers and daughters: (a) perceive relationship quality and (b) perceive how relationships have developed over time through health, chronic illness, and hospice. Design and methods Semistructured interviews were used to explore interdependent perceptions of relationship quality in 10 terminally-ill mother-adult daughter care dyads. A novel method of qualitative dyadic analysis was developed to analyze dyads in close parallel at both individual/descriptive and dyadic/interpretive levels, staying true to qualitative rigor. Results A relationship quality spectrum emerged, from Close Friendship to Doing My Duty dyads. Women in Close Friendships revealed concordant narratives and emotionally satisfying relationships; women in neutral or troubled relationships revealed discordant relational stories. In these latter dyads, mothers reported more positive narratives; daughters spoke of relational problems. Implications This work suggests deeper exploration of mother-daughter dyads within the hospice context and interventions at both individual and dyadic levels to serve relational needs of the dying and their families. The qualitative dyadic approach also offers utility for relational investigations of any dyad.
Synergies and trade-offs in renewable energy landscapes: Balancing energy production with economics and ecosystem services

Abstract Sustainable design methods focus on reducing or minimizing the demand for ecosystem goods and services, quantified as natural resources and pollutant mitigation. However, the capacity of ecosystems to supply these demands is routinely ignored, leading to decisions that overburden ecological processes and cause environmental damage. This work develops a techno-ecological synergy (TES) design methodology that balances the ecosystem services that can be provided by nature with the ecosystem service demands created by human activities. The methodology includes the design of technological processes that require ecosystem services as well as the ecological processes that supply those services. The TES Design methodology is demonstrated by application to a renewable energy production system that includes both land use activities, such as agriculture and wind turbines, and biomass conversion activities such as corn ethanol and soybean biodiesel. Under TES Design, the system is optimized to balance the demand and supply of ecosystem services, within constraints imposed on energy production and system economics. The system is also optimized under a more conventional approach that reduces ecosystem service demand while neglecting ecosystem service supply and the relevant ecological processes. Results show that only the TES methodology produces system designs in which ecosystem service supply meets or exceeds the demand. TES system designs produce the same amount of energy as conventional designs, have similar system economics, and use land both for energy production and for ecosystem service supply. The additional supply enables the use of intensive agricultural practices with higher ecosystem service demands and higher biomass yields. These results encourage further efforts toward TES Design with additional ecosystem services.
P3.107 Rates of primary and secondary syphilis by state and race/ethnicity among men who have sex with men: united states, 2014

Introduction Men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 61.1% of reported primary and secondary (P and S) syphilis cases in the United States in 2014. Of P and S syphilis cases among MSM with known race/ethnicity, 94.7% were either White (40.3%), Black (32.2%), or Hispanic (22.2%). To examine rates of P and S syphilis among racial/ethnic categories of MSM, national and state-level estimates of the number of MSM of each race/ethnicity are needed. Methods We calculated race/ethnicity-specific rates of P and S syphilis among adult MSM (age ≥18) in 49 states that reported sex of partners and race/ethnicity for syphilis cases in 2014. Case counts of P and S syphilis were from national case report data, which are submitted from states to CDC. For rate denominators, we amended our previously published method to produce stratified estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for seven racial/ethnic groups: Hispanic MSM of any race and non-Hispanic MSM who were White; Black; American Indian; Asian; Pacific Islander; or multiple races. Results The rate of reported P and S syphilis among MSM in the US was 255.4 (95% CI: 229.1–284.7) per 1 00 000 in 2014. The rates of P and S syphilis per 1 00 000 among the three racial/ethnic groups most represented among MSM cases were 170.0 (151.1–191.0) for White MSM, 286.4 (250.1–329.5) for Hispanic MSM, and 604.3 (525.0–700.8) for Black MSM, the highest of all racial/ethnic groups. Asian MSM had the lowest rate at 106.9 (91.4–125.4) per 1 00 000. Comparing the 3 most-represented racial/ethnic groups, the rate was highest among Black MSM in 37 states, Hispanic MSM in 7 states, and White MSM in 5 states. Of states with ≥100 cases among Black MSM, South Carolina had the highest rate at 1,398.1 (941.6–2,119.0) per 1 00 000. Conclusion These are the first race/ethnicity-specific estimates of P and S syphilis rates among MSM for states with reported sexual behaviour of cases. Although more cases of P and S syphilis were reported among White MSM in 2014, the rate among Black MSM was higher than White or Hispanic MSM in most states and was over 3.5 times that of White MSM in the US.
0415 Working around the clock: an exposure response relationship between night work and incident hypertension

Night work, or work outside of 7am to 6pm, causes chronobiologic rhythm disruption which may cause an increase in hypertension risk. To study this question, we assessed the association between night work and incident hypertension using three exposure metrics. A cohort of 2941 new hires at 9 aluminium smelter and fabrication facilities were followed from 2003 through 2013 for incident hypertension defined by insurance claim’s ICD-9 codes. Night shifts were classified as shifts with ≥3 hours between 12am-5am using time-registry data. Night work exposure in the previous year was defined three ways; two binary metrics adapted from previous studies: 1) Ever/Never, 2) Working ≥ or The association between hypertension and each exposure metric was estimated in separate Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, sex, gender, facility, smoking history, annual BMI, annual health claims based risk score, and duration of past night work. The rate of incident hypertension among workers with night work in the previous year was 1.88 (95% CI [1.16–3.05]) and 1.40 (1.00–1.96) times the rate among workers with no recent night work using metric 1 and 2 respectively. Compared with workers with no recent night work exposure, the hazard ratio among workers with >0- Trend =0.004). Our results suggest recent degree of night shift exposure may be associated with higher rates of hypertension.
A National Portrait of Stepfamilies in Later Life.

Objectives Scholars have documented increases in the prevalence and complexity of stepfamilies earlier in the life course, but no one has systematically investigated U.S. stepfamily structure in later life. Guided by a family systems approach, we described the prevalence and composition of later-life stepfamilies. Method The analysis was based on 6,250 married and cohabiting couples participating in the 2012 Health and Retirement Study. We identified the prevalence of later-life stepfamilies, decomposed stepfamily structures, and compared the sociodemographic characteristics and relationship quality of the couples in stepfamilies with those in married families (with only joint children and no stepchildren), paying attention to differences between married and cohabiting stepfamilies. Results Roughly 40% of middle-aged and older couples with children were in stepfamilies. Of all stepfamilies, 86% were married couples and 14% were cohabiting couples. Cohabiting stepfamilies more often included children from both partners' previous relationships, but couples in married stepfamilies more often had joint children. Cohabiting stepfamilies appeared to be the most socially and economically disadvantaged, followed by married stepfamilies, and lastly married families. Despite these compositional differences, partner relationship quality was largely similar across married families, married stepfamilies, and cohabiting stepfamilies. Discussion This study underscores the high prevalence and complexity of later-life stepfamilies and foregrounds the urgency of additional research on this topic.
Diffusion in Ionic Solids

Ionic solids are one of the solid types where diffusion phenomena have been extensively studied to probe the structure of defects, their motion, defect-defect and defect-impurity interaction. This chapter aims to give an outline of the experimental techniques for the study of diffusion and the insight about the properties of point defects gained by such studies, taking alkali halides and silver halides as “simple” prototype materials.
Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Nipple-Areolar Complex: Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction

Reconstruction of the nipple-areolar complex has traditionally been performed in two stages, reconstruction of the nipple, followed by tattooing of the entire complex months later. This chapter discusses the emerging technique of performing the entire reconstruction in a single operation. In addition to the steps of the procedure, the text details elements of the operation that are improved upon with the single-stage technique. The chapter covers historical concerns and how those are addressed by current studies on the single-stage technique. The chapter provides a review of the available literature, discussing both variations in technique and clinical outcomes. Perhaps the most powerful determinant of clinical success in nipple-areolar complex reconstruction is patient satisfaction. This text demonstrates that the single-stage technique provides many advantages over the two-stage technique and may be the most effective method in achieving superior patient satisfaction.
Racial/ethnic disparities and incidence of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: results from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, 2000-2014.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare tumors, generally high-grade, and comprise ~ 5–10% of soft tissue sarcomas. Over two-thirds of MPNSTs metastasize, and upwards of 40% clinically recur. Etiologic risk factors for MPNSTs are historically understudied. There is evidence to suggest MPNST incidence differs across racial/ethnic groups in pediatric populations. Therefore, we sought to estimate differences in MPNST incidence by race/ethnicity among all ages in the United States. Incidence data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER-18) Program, 2000–2014. Race/ethnicity was categorized as: White; Black; Asian; Other; and Latino/a (“Spanish–Hispanic–Latino”). Latino/a included all races, while all other categories excluded those identified as Latino/a. Age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated in SEER-STAT (v8.3.4). We estimated incidence rates among all ages, and among those diagnosed < 25 and ≥ 25 years. MPNST cases were abstracted from SEER-18 (n = 1047). Among all age groups, Blacks experienced an elevated incidence of MPNSTs compared to Whites (IRRBlacks = 1.26, 95% CI 1.04–1.50). Asian and Latinos/as experienced lower incidences compared to Whites (IRRAsians = 0.78, 95% CI 0.61–0.99; IRRLatinos/as = 0.84, 95% CI 0.69–1.02). In subgroup analyses, no statistically significant associations with MPNSTs were identified among cases diagnosed < 25 years of age, whereas the associations observed among all age groups were prominent among those diagnosed ≥ 25 years of age. Incidence rates of MPNSTs were highest in Blacks compared to Whites and other minority groups. This study suggests specific patterns exist in terms of race/ethnicity and age at diagnosis of MPNSTs.
Review of humidity control technologies in buildings

Abstract This paper reviews the current research and advances in humidity control for residential and commercial buildings. Desiccant and hygroscopic buffering zones are summarized. System types, performances and challenges are presented to help the reader select the best cooling dehumidification system for his application or project. More emphasis is put on liquid and hybrid systems along with advances in desiccant membranes and energy conservation. The paper concludes that liquid and hybrid desiccant cooling dehumidification systems offer higher flexibility and control for moisture removal, lower heating and cooling requirements for the regenerator and absorber, respectively, compared with the same for solid desiccant systems. Mixtures of multiple liquid desiccants offer better dehumidification results compared with single desiccant solutions. Hygroscopic humidity buffer zones play a significant role in predicting and meeting the comfort levels for building occupants.
Good guys and bad guys

ECTJ, VOL. 34, NO. 1, PAGES 3-7 ISSN 0148-5806 I recently served as review editor on an article submitted to ECTJ by Richard Clark titled "Evidence for Confounding in Computer-Based Instruction Studies: Analyzing the Meta Analyses," (Clark, 1985). While I fussed over some aspects of the first draft, I thought Clark did a good job of highlighting some of the issues involved in comparing computer-based instruction (CBI) with "traditional" instruction (TI) (or, for that matter, comparing any instructional media and/or methods). In particular, Clark argued that the superiority of CBI over TI in comparison studies might have been either overestimated due to a failure to control