Applications of the AVE-Sesame data sets to mesoscale studies

Data collected by the lightning data concentrator are available for research. The Mark 3 McIDAS capability provides greater flexibility for the Marshall user community and serves as a model of future UW McIDAS to remote computer links. Techniques were investigated for the display of dynamic 3-D data sets. To date the most promising display technology is a polarized two CRT perspective display which allows both dynamic 3-D images and graphics presentations with full color capability. Algorithms were for the preparation and display of conventional and satellite based weather data in 3-D. These include gridding, contouring, and streamlining processors which operate on both real time and case study data bases. An upper air trajectory model was implemented which creates a display of air parcel trajectories in perspective 3-D. A subsystem for the generation of 3-D solid surface display with shading and hidden surface display with shading and hidden surface removal was tested and its products are currently being evaluated. Motion parallax introduced by moving the point of observation during display is an important depth cue, which, when added to the perspective parallax creates a very realistic appearing display

Twisted topological structures related to M-branes

Studying the M-branes leads us naturally to new structures that we call Membrane-, Membrane^c-, String^K(Z,3)- and Fivebrane^K(Z,4)-structures, which we show can also have twisted counterparts. We study some of their basic properties, highlight analogies with structures associated with lower levels of the Whitehead tower of the orthogonal group, and demonstrate the relations to M-branes.Comment: 17 pages, title changed on referee's request, minor changes to improve presentation, typos correcte

Relationships between Health Behaviors and HPV Vaccine Receipt and Intentions among Undergraduate Women

poster abstractThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine represents an important step in reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality. In recent years, this vaccine has been routinely recommended for females under the age of 26; however, only one-third of adolescent females have initiated the 3-shot HPV vaccine series. Although a number of studies have identified predictors of HPV vaccination, few have examined its correlations with other health behaviors. Evidence suggests that health-enhancing behaviors (e.g., healthy diet, physical activity) tend to cluster together. In this study, we examined the relationships between health behaviors and HPV vaccine receipt and intentions among undergraduate women at IUPUI. Participants (N=286) completed an internet-based survey that included measures of health behaviors (e.g., diet and exercise, vaccination history, recent physical examination) as well as questions regarding HPV vaccine receipt and intentions (i.e., likelihood of being vaccinated). Participants were, on average, 19 years old (SD=1.9). The majority were Caucasian (75%), single (90%), sexually active (65%), and recipients of the HPV vaccine (58%). Results showed significant relationships between HPV vaccine receipt and the receipt of other medical care, including a flu shot in the past year (χ2(1, N=260)=3.88, p<.05), a Pap smear in the past three years (χ2(1, N=263)=6.49, p<.05), and a recent dental visit (r=.15, p<.05). Among those who had not received the HPV vaccine, increased HPV vaccine intentions were associated with the receipt of the flu shot in the past year (r=.19, p<.05) and the receipt of HIV testing (r=.19, p<.05). However, HPV vaccine receipt and intentions were not significantly related to engagement in any of the other health behaviors (e.g., diet and exercise). Findings suggest that HPV vaccine uptake and intentions to receive the vaccine are associated with the receipt of other preventative medical care among female undergraduates

Elevated atmospheric sulfur levels off the Peruvian coast

Elevated levels of non‐sea‐salt sulfate and SO2 in samples collected off the west coast of South America indicate that there is a major source of atmospheric sulfur in the region of southern Peru and northern Chile. During a 1983 cruise, observed concentrations of non‐sea‐salt sulfur, SO2, selenium, arsenic, and antimony were comparable to levels reported for moderately polluted urban air. In contrast, methanesulfonic acid levels were typical of coastal marine air. Clearly, the elevated atmospheric sulfur levels in this region cannot be ascribed to oceanic organosulfur emissions. The major inputs are tentatively attributed to the smelting of sulfide ores which is a major industry in this region. The transport of smelter derived aerosols to this region may have a number of consequences for the atmospheric and oceanic chemistry of the Peruvian upwelling area

A systematic review of psychosocial interventions for colorectal cancer patients

PURPOSE: A significant minority of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience clinically meaningful distress that may warrant intervention. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the impact of psychosocial interventions on quality-of-life and psychosocial outcomes for CRC patients. METHODS: A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES was undertaken to obtain relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through October 2016. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs of psychosocial interventions for CRC patients were identified. Only three of these RCTs showed significant intervention effects on multiple mental health outcomes. These interventions included written and verbal emotional expression, progressive muscle relaxation training, and a self-efficacy enhancing intervention. Eight of the 14 trials, testing a range of psychoeducational and supportive care interventions, produced little to no effects on study outcomes. An evaluation of RCT quality highlighted the need for greater rigor in study methods and reporting. CONCLUSION: A limited evidence base supports the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for CRC patients. Large-scale trials are needed before drawing definitive conclusions regarding intervention impact

Mental Health Outcomes during Colorectal Cancer Survivorship: A Review of the Literature

Objective This article reviews literature on adults’ mental health outcomes during acute and long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship. Methods We identified articles that included at least one measure of psychological symptoms or mental quality of life or well-being through a search of databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES). Articles were published between January 2004 and April 2015. Results A significant proportion of CRC survivors experience clinically meaningful levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms or reduced mental well-being across the trajectory of the illness. Demographic, medical, and psychosocial predictors of mental health outcomes were identified. However, few studies were theory-driven, and gaps remain in our understanding of risk and protective factors with respect to mental health outcomes, especially during long-term CRC survivorship. Conclusions Theory-driven longitudinal research with larger samples is required to identify subgroups of CRC survivors with different trajectories of psychological adjustment. Such research would assess adjustment as a function of internal resources (e.g., personality, coping) and external resources (e.g., finances, social support) to inform future interventions for CRC survivors

Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence among Male Veterans

poster abstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality. However, CRC risk can be decreased through regular CRC screening and removal of precancerous polyps during endoscopic screening tests. Indeed, it has been estimated that 75%-90% of CRC cases could be prevented through adherence to CRC screening guidelines. The CDC recommends CRC screening for average risk adults starting at age 50 with five test options including: (1) annual fecal occult blood test fecal (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT); (2) flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; (3) virtual colonoscopy every 5 years; (4) double-contrast barium enema every 5 years; or (5) colonoscopy every 10 years. In the U.S. population, demographic factors predict adherence to CRC screening guidelines such as completing high school, having a partner, and older age. Other predictors of CRC screening adherence in the general population include urban residency, White race, and having health insurance. However, few studies have examined predictors of CRC screening adherence among veterans. The present study focused on male veterans, as its primary aim was to examine masculinity beliefs as predictors of CRC screening. The proposed secondary analyses examine potential demographic and health correlates of adherence to CRC screening guidelines. In one prior study, increasing age was associated with decreased likelihood that male veterans were adherent to CRC screening guidelines. In the current study, 250 male veterans aged 51-75 at the Roudebush VA primary care clinic complete a survey on one occasion. Currently, 175 participants who are adherent to CRC screening and 64 non-adherent participants are enrolled. Participants’ CRC screening behaviors are collected via self-report and medical records. Correlations will be computed between demographic factors (e.g., age, race, education), BMI, and CRC screening guideline adherence. Findings will enhance our understanding of factors associated with veterans’ CRC screening behaviors

Ex vivo Platelet Deposition on Fibronectin-Preadsorbed Surfaces

Temporal platelet deposition profiles of canine plasma fibronectin (CPFN) adsorbed to different polymers ex vivo and the in vitro characteristics of CPFN adsorption were studied in an attempt to correlate the two. The maximum platelet deposition (pltmax) obtained at a protein preadsorption time of 30 min was greater than that obtained using an adsorption time of 120 min for all surfaces studied. At 30 min of preadsorption, pltmax was 520, 560 and 1230 platelets/1000 μm2 on Biomer, polyethylene (PE) and oxidized PE (OXPE), respectively. In contrast, the platelet deposition at 120 min. of fibronectin preadsorption was about 60-90 platelets/1000 μm2 on all polymers studied. The surface concentrations of adsorbed CPFN measured using 125I-CPFN, were in the order PE\u3e OXPE \u3e Biomer. The adsorbed protein concentration increased with increasing adsorption time. The surface distribution of adsorbed CPFN was visualized with antibody-labelled colloidal gold and scanning electron microscopy. The extent of staining was lowest on PE, greater on Biomer, and highest on OXPE, roughly similar to the order of platelet deposition. Platelet deposition ex vivo appears to correlate with the irnmunogold-stainable-adsorbed protein rather than with the total amount of adsorbed protein

Impact of oral meloxicam administered alone or in combination with gabapentin on experimentally induced lameness in beef calves

This study examined the pharmacokinetics and analgesic effect of oral meloxicam (MEL) administered alone or in combination with gabapentin (GABA) in an experimental bovine lameness model. Eighteen male British × Continental beef calves aged 4 to 6 mo and weighing 297 to 392 kg were randomly assigned to receive either 1) 0.5 mg/kg lactose monohydrate placebo (PLBO; n = 6), 2) 0.5 mg/kg MEL (n = 6), or 3) 0.5 mg/kg MEL combined with 15 mg/kg GABA (MEL-GABA; n = 6) once daily for 4 d. The first treatment was administered 4 h after a chemical synovitis/arthritis was induced with injection of 15 mg amphotericin B into the left hind lateral distal interphalangeal joint. Changes in activity were evaluated continuously with pedometers. Contact force, contact area, contact pressure, impulse, and stride length were recorded once daily with a pressure mat and visual lameness scores were determined by a masked observer using a 5-point scale. Cortisol and drug concentrations were determined daily by immunoassay and HPLC-mass spectrometry, respectively. Outcomes were compared statistically using a random effects mixed model and analysis of covariance. There was a positive association between lameness scores and serum cortisol concentrations (P = 0.02) and a negative association between lameness score and step count (P \u3c 0.0001), total force (P = 0.001), force applied to the lateral claw (P= 0.02), contact pressure (P = 0.005), and impulse of the lateral claw (P = 0.01). Step count was greater in MEL calves compared with PLBO (P = 0.008) and MEL-GABA (P = 0.04) calves. Impulse was greater in the MEL-GABA calves compared with the PLBO calves (P = 0.03). There was an inverse relationship between plasma MEL concentrations and lameness score (P = 0.02) and a positive association between MEL concentrations and force applied to the lateral claw (P = 0.03), total contact pressure (P = 0.03), and impulse on the lateral claw (P = 0.02). There was a tendency towards a positive association between GABA concentrations, total impulse, and impulse on the lateral claw (P = 0.08) and a negative associate between GABA concentrations and step count (P = 0.08). The results of this study suggest that MEL administered alone or in combination with GABA reduced the severity of lameness in calves following induction of lameness with amphotericin B. These findings have implications for developing analgesic protocols in lame calves that address both production and welfare concerns