cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-based comparisons of moments estimators using historical and paleoflood data

Abstract This paper presents the first systematic comparison, using historical and paleoflood data, of moments-based flood frequency methods. Peak flow estimates were compiled from streamflow-gaging stations with historical and/or paleoflood data at 36 sites located in the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom and China, covering a diverse range of hydrologic conditions. The Expected Moments Algorithm (EMA) and the Bulletin 17B historical weighting procedure (B17H) were compared in terms of goodness of fit using 25 of the data sets. Results from this comparison indicate that EMA is a viable alternative to current B17H procedures from an operational perspective, and performed equal to or better than B17H for the data analyzed. We demonstrate satisfactory EMA performance for the remaining 11 sites with multiple thresholds and binomial censoring, which B17H cannot accommodate. It is shown that the EMA estimator readily incorporates these types of information and the LP-III distribution provided an adequate fit to the data in most cases. The results shown here are consistent with Monte Carlo simulation studies, and demonstrate that EMA is preferred overall to B17H. The Bulletin 17B document could be revised to include an option for EMA as an alternative to the existing historical weighting approach. These results are of practical relevance to hydrologists and water resources managers for applications in floodplain management, design of hydraulic structures, and risk analysis for dams.
Homocysteine and Arteriosclerosis Subclinical and Clinical Disease Associations

In 1969, the clinical observations of McCully1 first linked marked hyperhomocysteinemia (ie, equivalent to total homocysteine [tHcy] levels of 100 to 450 μmol/L by current assays) to precocious arteriosclerotic disease in autopsied children who died from distinct metabolic forms of homocystinuria. Intermittent reports of severe thrombotic outcomes specifically involving the extracranial carotid arteries in homocystinuric patients have been reported dating back at least 20 years.2 3 4 Excepting 2 small but notable studies,5 6 overall a rather consistent body of published data has emerged linking plasma tHcy levels to extracranial carotid artery wall thickening in young adults homozygous7 or heterozygous8 for cystathionine synthase deficiency, among young heterozygotes for familial hypercholesterolemia,9 and in general population samples of middle-aged, asymptomatic individuals free of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).10 11 12 13 In addition, tHcy levels have also been associated with more advanced extracranial carotid artery arteriosclerosis (ie, percentage of luminal stenosis) in elderly subjects14 15 16 17 and those with prevalent cerebrovascular disease.18 Thirty years after McCully’s initial report,1 a burgeoning amount of clinical evidence has accumulated that indicates that mild to moderate fasting, nonfasting, or post–methionine loading (PML) hyperhomocysteinemia (ie, tHcy levels ≥12 to ≤100 μmol/L fasting or nonfasting or ≥50 to ≤140 μmol/L 6 hours PML) is an independent risk factor for hard, arteriosclerotic outcomes. A recent series of pooled observational studies examining the relationship …
Thrombotic Complications in Patients Infected with HIV in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Case Series

Background Recent reports suggest that patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may have an increased risk of developing thrombosis, but the etiology, risk factors, and clinical course remain largely undefined, with few descriptive case series. Methods We identified 30 patients from an HIV outpatient clinic (treatment population, 650 persons) who had had a total of 43 venous or arterial thromboses during 1996-2002. Data pertaining to demographic characteristics, medical history, thrombosis presentation, and clinical outcomes were abstracted from patient medical records. Results The median patient age at the time of thrombosis was 43 years. Although the presence of persistent antibody to phospholipids was the most common abnormal finding in the laboratory, evaluation of thrombophilia, cases of low levels of proteins C and S and antithrombin III, and elevated levels of factor VIII and homocysteine were also identified. Seventy-seven percent of the patients smoked cigarettes, 57% had dyslipidemia, and 43% had a malignancy (most commonly Kaposi sarcoma). Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification for 16 patients (53%) was C3, most showed evidence of immune reconstitution (median CD4 cell count, 290 cells/ mu L) and control of the virus (median HIV load, 2290 copies/mL). Lower extremity, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli accounted for 66% of all thrombotic events. The median time to diagnosis of thrombosis was 1 day (range, 3 h to 3 weeks). Conclusions Patients in this series were characterized by a relatively young age at the time of thrombosis, a predominance of elevated levels of lipids, a history of malignancy, and an advanced CDC HIV classification but not by a low CD4 cell count or an elevated HIV load.
CUR matrix decompositions for improved data analysis

Principal components analysis and, more generally, the Singular Value Decomposition are fundamental data analysis tools that express a data matrix in terms of a sequence of orthogonal or uncorrelated vectors of decreasing importance. Unfortunately, being linear combinations of up to all the data points, these vectors are notoriously difficult to interpret in terms of the data and processes generating the data. In this article, we develop CUR matrix decompositions for improved data analysis. CUR decompositions are low-rank matrix decompositions that are explicitly expressed in terms of a small number of actual columns and/or actual rows of the data matrix. Because they are constructed from actual data elements, CUR decompositions are interpretable by practitioners of the field from which the data are drawn (to the extent that the original data are). We present an algorithm that preferentially chooses columns and rows that exhibit high “statistical leverage” and, thus, in a very precise statistical sense, exert a disproportionately large “influence” on the best low-rank fit of the data matrix. By selecting columns and rows in this manner, we obtain improved relative-error and constant-factor approximation guarantees in worst-case analysis, as opposed to the much coarser additive-error guarantees of prior work. In addition, since the construction involves computing quantities with a natural and widely studied statistical interpretation, we can leverage ideas from diagnostic regression analysis to employ these matrix decompositions for exploratory data analysis.
Organizational Determinants of Internally Perceived Website Effectiveness in State Health and Human Service Agencies

Government websites are presumed to confer numerous potential benefits and advocated for reasons such as improved information dissemination, transaction convenience, and coordination efficiency. Yet, little research exists measuring whether these presumed benefits are realized from an internal perspective. This paper examines possible predictors, associated with the general information technology and organizational theory literature, of perceived website effectiveness among employees of state health and human services agencies based on new data from the National Administrative Studies Project (NASP-II). Findings suggest website effectiveness is positively related to external political and business pressure, internal communication characteristics, innovative organization culture, and size. Effectiveness is negatively associated with red tape.
Electrically Active Magnetic Nanoparticles for Concentrating and Detecting Bacillus anthracis Spores in a Direct-Charge Transfer Biosensor

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is considered as one of the most important pathogens in the list of bioterrorism threats. This paper describes the synthesis of electrically active magnetic (EAM) nanoparticles and their application in a direct-charge transfer biosensor for detecting B. anthracis Sterne endospores. These EAM nanoparticles were synthesized from aniline monomer made electrically active by acid doping and gamma iron (III) oxide nanoparticles resulting in nanomaterials with diameters ranging from 50 to 200 nm. Room temperature hysteresis measurements of the synthesized nanomaterials using a quantum design MPMS SQUID magnetometer showed that their saturation magnetization values were between 61.1 and 33.5 emu/gm. The structural morphology of the nanomaterial was studied using transmission electron microscopy and the electronic diffraction patterns were observed to determine their crystalline nature. The EAM nanoparticles were coated with antibodies specific to B. anthracis Sterne endospores and used to capture the target antigen from varying spore concentrations ( to ) by applying a magnetic field. The immunomagnetically captured spores were then applied to a direct-charge transfer biosensor having a dimension of 5 mm 60 mm. The detection of the spores was based on the capillary flow of the captured spores aided by a direct-charge transfer of the EAM nanoparticle. The electric signal generated was recorded for 6 min in a reagentless process. The biosensor was able to detect the presence of B. anthracis spores at a concentration of 4.2. Specificity studies were also carried out to determine the biosensor responses in the presence of nontarget antigens. This study shows the novel application of EAM nanoparticles both as an immunomagnetic concentrator and a transducer in a portable, easy to use, biosensor that has the potential to be used as a rapid detection device for defense and biosecurity.
Grapefruit Juice and its Constituents Augment Colchicine Intestinal Absorption: Potential Hazardous Interaction and the Role of P-Glycoprotein

To investigate the potential interaction between grapefruit juice (GFJ) and the oral microtubule polymerization inhibitor colchicine, a P-gp and CYP3A4 substrate. Colchicine intestinal epithelial transport was investigated across Caco-2 cell monolayers in both AP–BL and BL–AP directions, in the absence/presence of known P-gp inhibitors (verapamil and quinidine). The concentration-dependent effects of GFJ and its major constituents (6′-7′-dihydroxybergamottin, naringin and naringenin) on colchicine Caco-2 mucosal secretion were examined. The effect of GFJ on colchicine intestinal-permeability was then investigated in-situ in the rat perfusion model, in both jejunum and ileum. Colchicine exhibited 20-fold higher BL–AP than AP–BL Caco-2 permeability, indicative of net mucosal secretion, which was reduced by verapamil/quinidine. Colchicine AP–BL permeability was increased and BL–AP was decreased by GFJ in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values of 0.75% and 0.46% respectively), suggesting inhibition of efflux transport, rather than metabolizing enzyme. Similar effects obtained following pre-experiment incubation with GFJ, even though the juice was not present throughout the transepithelial study. 6′-7′-Dihydroxybergamottin, naringin and naringenin displayed concentration-dependent inhibition on colchicine BL–AP secretion (IC50 values of 90, 592 and 11.6 μM respectively). Ten percent GFJ doubled colchicine rat in-situ ileal permeability, and increased 1.5-fold jejunal permeability. The data suggest that GFJ may augment colchicine oral bioavailability. Due to colchicine narrow therapeutic-index and severely toxic side-effects, awareness of this interaction is prudent.
A Computational Study of Complex Varus Instability of the Human Elbow Joint

The intact human elbow joint is one of the most inherently stable joints of the body with stability conferred through a complex interplay between highly congruous osseous constraints, capsuloligamentous constraints, and active muscle contractions. [1, 2] Deficits in any of these structures can create instabilities that impede normal joint function.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Physical models for measurement of blood velocity and flow from diagnostic images

The authors present preliminary results and new technical developments in measurement of cross-sectional blood velocities and flow from a time-sequence of arteriograms. They apply the conservation of mass principle to flowing blood and the injected contrast medium in a vessel in order to obtain mathematical constraints on cross sectional velocities from a sequence of contrast-injected images. The previously employed optical flow constraint discussed by Mongrain et al. (Computers in Cardiology, 1991) and other authors is found to be a special case of this constraint. The proposed framework is also particularly efficient. The numerical methods compute a stream function (a single image) from a window of images in a time-sequence, and in a post-processing step, the cross-sectional velocity field is determined simply by application, of a gradient operator to the stream function. >
40Gb/s Ge-on-SOI waveguide photodetectors by selective Ge growth

Ge waveguide photodetectors with dimension of 7.4 μm × 50 μm and 4.4 μm × 100 μm demonstrated optical bandwidth of 31.3 GHz and 29.4 GHz, responsivity of 0.89 A/W and 1.16 A/W at 1550 nm, and 40 Gb/s open eye diagrams at -2V.
Does febrile neutropenia in adult oncology patients predispose to urinary tract infections or urosepsis

To the Editor, Febrile neutropenia is an expected result of cancer chemotherapy assessed by absolute neutrophil count (ANC); the lower the ANC count, the greater the risk of infection. Approximatel...
Properties of small molecular drug loading and diffusion in a fluorinated PEG hydrogel studied by 1H molecular diffusion NMR and 19F spin diffusion NMR

Rf-PEG (fluoroalkyl double-ended poly(ethylene glycol)) hydrogel is potentially useful as a drug delivery depot due to its advanced properties of sol–gel two-phase coexistence and low surface erosion. In this study, 1H molecular diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 19F spin diffusion NMR were used to probe the drug loading and diffusion properties of the Rf-PEG hydrogel for small anticancer drugs, 5-fluorouracil (FU) and its hydrophobic analog, 1,3-dimethyl-5-fluorouracil (DMFU). It was found that FU has a larger apparent diffusion coefficient than that of DMFU, and the diffusion of the latter was more hindered. The result of 19F spin diffusion NMR for the corresponding freeze-dried samples indicates that a larger portion of DMFU resided in the Rf core/IPDU intermediate-layer region (where IPDU refers to isophorone diurethane, as a linker to interconnect the Rf group and the PEG chain) than that of FU while the opposite is true in the PEG–water phase. To understand the experimental data, a diffusion model was proposed to include: (1) hindered diffusion of the drug molecules in the Rf core/IPDU-intermediate-layer region; (2) relatively free diffusion of the drug molecules in the PEG-water phase (or region); and (3) diffusive exchange of the probe molecules between the above two regions. This study also shows that molecular diffusion NMR combined with spin diffusion NMR is useful in studying the drug loading and diffusion properties in hydrogels for the purpose of drug delivery applications.
Construction of High Rate Super-Orthogonal Space-Time Block Codes

It is standard practice to integrate outer trellis codes with inner space-time block codes to increase coding gain, but the drawback is a decrease in rate. Jafarkhani and Seshadri [1] have introduced an alternative method of combining multiple inner othogonal space-time codes with outer trellis codes that both preserves rate and increases coding gain. However their work is limited to orthogonal codes, for which the achievable rate is typically low. This paper presents a method of achieving higher transmission rates by integrating higher rate non-orthogonal space with outer trellis codes, and new methods are introduced to avoid catastrophic codes. The method is presented with reference to the particular example of the Silver Code, but it applies to all multiplexed orthogonal designs and to more general codes.
Transforming growth factor-β as a target for treatment in diabetic nephropathy

DIABETES IS NOW the principal cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Greater than 40% of approximately 350,000 patients with ESRD in the United States have diabetes as their primary disease (1997 data).1 The rate of incidence for diabetic ESRD is greater than twice that of nondiabetic ESRD (1992-1996).1 Based on these data, one can predict an epidemic of ESRD comprising mostly diabetic patients in the near future. Because of graft limitations for renal transplant, dialysis remains the primary treatment regimen. Research efforts have been directed toward attenuating the progression of chronic renal failure by targeting the selfperpetuating fibrotic process in the kidney. Diabetic nephropathy with renal insufficiency is characterized by scarring in the glomeruli and the tubulointerstitium. It generally is well accepted that there are common and convergent pathways that are activated in the glomerular, tubular, and interstitial cells in diabetes that promote fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-b represents perhaps the most central player in the fibrogenic process because of its activity in increasing extracellular matrix production and inhibiting its degradation.2 Interest in TGF-b as a mediator of kidney disease spawns primarily from the groundbreaking work of Border et al,3,4 which showed that blockade of TGF-b inhibited fibrotic deposition in the glomeruli of rats treated with anti-Thy 1.1 antibodies. Since the publication of those studies, TGF-b activity, expression, or both have been evaluated in nearly all renal disease models characterized by scarring in the glomerulus or tubulointerstitium.2 Primary among these are models of diabetic nephropathy. Ziyadeh et al, whose article is the subject of this Journal Club,5 have been at the forefront of many major discoveries regarding the potential pathologic role of TGF-b in the setting of diabetic nephropathy. They and others have shown that animal models of type 1 and 2 diabetes are associated with elevated renal expression of TGFb.6,7 These investigators have measured the increased production of TGF-b by the kidneys of patients with type 2 diabetes.8 Mechanistically, they have shown that elevated glucose concentration stimulates the production of TGF-b in cultured renal mesangial and tubular cells in vitro.9-11 Despite complicated renal anatomy and a diversity of renal responses to hyperglycemia, a relatively straightforward hypothesis can be proposed: Elevated plasma glucose or glycated proteins elicit renal fibrosis by stimulating the local production of TGF-b. The exact mechanism by which TGF-b activity is enhanced in the diabetic state is not yet clear. Work from this group and others suggests, however, that increased TGF-b activity results in part from increased transcriptional activity.12,13 Multiple signaling pathways, including DAG/ PKC-b, inositol triphosphate, cyclooxygenase, and PLA2, have been implicated.2,14 A putative
The Efficacy of a Brief Nature Sound Intervention on Muscle Tension, Pulse Rate, and Self-Reported Stress: Nature Contact Micro-Break in an Office or Waiting Room.

Background:There is a growing recognition that environmental design impacts health and well-being. Nature contact is a design feature or exposure that is especially important in public health and h...
Implementation and Evaluation of a High-Dose Cytarabine Neurologic Assessment Tool

Patients receiving high-dose cytarabine as part of their chemotherapy regimen have a chance of experiencing neurotoxicities. Prompt identification of signs and symptoms can greatly reduce the chance of patients sustaining permanent neurologic damage. This article describes the development and successful implementation of an evidence-based, standardized neurologic assessment and documentation tool that was evaluated using a clinical utility questionnaire and an adherence audit.
A population of atypical CD56(-)CD16(+) natural killer cells is expanded in PTSD and is associated with symptom severity

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with immune disturbances, including a higher incidence of infections and autoimmune diseases as well as a net pro-inflammatory state. Natural killer (NK) cells, a key component of the innate immune system, have been less well-studied in PTSD despite their importance in immunity.METHODS: We studied two independent samples of combat-exposed male war veterans with or without PTSD, the first ("Discovery Sample") to generate hypotheses, and the second ("Validation Sample") to replicate the findings. The Discovery Sample was comprised of 42 PTSD subjects and 42 controls. The Validation Sample was comprised of 25 PTSD subjects and 30 controls. Participants had fasting, morning blood samples collected for examination of the frequency of NK cell subsets, determined by flow cytometry. The current and lifetime Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was used to assess symptom severity. Statistical analyses were adjusted for age and BMI.RESULTS: PTSD subjects compared to controls had (i) a significantly higher relative frequency of atypical CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells in the Discovery Sample (p=0.027), which was replicated in the Validation Sample (p=0.004) and the combined sample (p<0.001), and (ii) a non-significantly lower relative frequency of CD56(bright)CD16(-) NK cells in the two samples (p=0.082; p=0.118), which became statistically significant in the combined sample (p=0.020). Further, within subjects with PTSD of both samples, the relative frequency of atypical CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells was near significantly positively correlated with lifetime PTSD severity (p=0.074).DISCUSSION: This study is the first to characterize NK cell subsets in individuals with PTSD. The results suggest that combat-exposed men with PTSD exhibit an aberrant profile of NK cells with significantly higher frequencies of an atypical population of CD56(-)CD16(+) cells and possibly lower frequencies of the functional CD56(bright)CD16(-) NK cell subsets. Higher proportions of dysfunctional CD56(-)CD16(+) cells have been reported in certain chronic viral infections and in senescent individuals. It is possible that this could contribute to immune dysfunctions and prematurely senescent phenotypes seen in PTSD. (Less)
STORMWATER QUALITY DESCRIPTIONS USING THE THREE PARAMETER LOGNORMAL DISTRIBUTION.

The cumulative probability distribution used to describe the variability of stormwater pollutant concentrations has been a matter of interest in recent years. …
Chemical valence in SF4 and SF4O

A qualitative molecular orbital treatment is used to correlate the electronic structure with the observed molecular structures of SF4 and SF4O.
Opening the debate on closure and schooling outcomes: Comment on Morgan and Sørensen

M organ and Sorensen (1999, henceforward M&S) provide an interesting and creative examination of Coleman's theory of intergenerational closure. In a previous study (Carbonaro 1998), I used the same data to examine the same issues that M&S examine, and I came to different conclusions. In this comment, I discuss three main issues that shed further light on the concept and effects of intergenerational closure: (1) How does closure work at the individual and the school levels? (2) Why do M&S and I have discrepant findings? (3) Are the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS) data adequate for testing Coleman's theory, and how might better data further our knowledge on this topic?
RARE-22MIXED GLIONEURONAL TUMORS WITH DNET AND RGNT FEATURES: CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: Case report and literature review of mixed glioneuronal tumors with rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) and dysplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) histology. METHODS/RESULTS: A 35 y/o male presented with a third ventricular mass. The mass was sub-totally resected with residual tumor in the thalamus. Pathologic features of a RGNT and DNET were present. The tumor was BRAF V600E wild-type and a PIK3CA mutation (E545K, c.1633G > A) was found. Searching the English literature we found 4 other cases of mixed glioneuronal tumors with RGNT/DNET features; PIK3CA mutations were not assessed in these cases. There are 6 cases of pure RGNTs in the literature with PIK3CA mutations. CONCLUSIONS: A rare sub-set of glioneuronal tumors have mixed RGNT/DNET features. PIK3CA mutations are present in some pure RGNTs, and our case suggests this mutation may be present in cases with mixed DNET/RGNT histology. This finding may have implications for defining tumor biology and pursuing targeted therapy in select cases.
Particles in Boxes

Because of the mathematical complexity, many systems that contain multiple particles must be described by wave equations that cannot be solved in an exact manner. Among the simple models that can be solved in an exact manner are those that describe particles in one-dimensional and three-dimensional boxes. This chapter illustrates the solution of equations for these models, and in order to reduce the mathematical complexity of the three-dimensional model, the separation of variables technique is applied to the differential equation. An electron in a site normally occupied by an anion behaves as a particle in a three-dimensional box. The result is the difference between allowed energy levels that correspond to the energy of visible light (producing an F -center). This leads to the absorbance of light so that the crystal appears colored. A similar situation exists for an electron that is contained in a solvent “cage.” These models are discussed as if the systems are particles in boxes.
Duration of New-Onset Seizures

Seizure duration was determined in a prospective study of 407 children with a first unprovoked seizure treated at the Epilepsy Management Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY.
6.22 – Hormone Replacement

Hypogonadism resulting in testosterone deficiency can be caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testes, and can occur at various ages. Testosterone replacement therapy should be administered to males with hypogonadism with evidence of distinctly serum testosterone concentrations. The main goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to restore the serum testosterone concentration to the mid normal reference interval for this age. Several satisfactory preparations are available to achieve satisfactorily testosterone replacement therapy. Oral preparation with derivative of testosterone are generally not recommended because of potential adverse biological effects and inability to monitor serum concentrations. An understanding of the pharmacokinetics of various native testosterone preparations is required. Injections of testosterone esters provide effective biological actions but have the disadvantage of an injection and fluctuations in blood concentrations of testosterone after administration. Patch and gel formulation have the advantage of steady delivery of testosterone and stable serum concentrations of testosterone. Both formulations require daily administrations, and the patch has a higher of fertility and elevation of serum testosterone. Monitoring of adverse effects such as the occurrence prostate cancer, erythrocytois, and sleep apnea are required with any of the testosterone replacement therapies.
Biomechanical Considerations of Animal Models of Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm is a focal enlargement of the aorta developing over years and carrying the risk of rupture and death. As aneurysms are a chronic disease, animal models have come to be used in both determining the underlying mechanisms that cause aneurysm formation and in designing new treatments for the disease. These models include mechanically and chemically induced methods used for both refining surgical techniques and stent graft device characterization. The latter are typically implemented in large animals (dog, pig, and sheep). Other models employ methods that rely on genetic manipulation, often with the addition of chemical induction, to induce aneurysm formation in small animals, predominantly mice. Recent efforts have also aimed at determining both the biomechanical alterations that occur with aneurysm formation and the potential for rupture. However, many animal models for aortic aneurysm do not exhibit some of the native characteristics of the disease and as such are not suitable for investigating disease initiation and progression. The current review summarizes the various approaches of animal models for aortic aneurysm in the context of their appropriateness for biomechanical investigation.
Infectious Diseases Consultation Reduces 30-Day and 1-Year All-Cause Mortality for Multidrug-Resistant Organism Infections

Background Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections are associated with high mortality and readmission rates. Infectious diseases (ID) consultation improves clinical outcomes for drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. Our goal was to determine the association between ID consultation and mortality following various MDRO infections. Methods This study was conducted with a retrospective cohort (January 1, 2006-October 1, 2015) at an academic tertiary referral center. We identified patients with MDROs in a sterile site or bronchoalveolar lavage/bronchial wash culture. Mortality and readmissions within 1 year of index culture were identified, and the association of ID consultation with these outcomes was determined using Cox proportional hazards models with inverse weighting by the propensity score for ID consultation. Results A total of 4214 patients with MDRO infections were identified. ID consultation was significantly associated with reductions in 30-day and 1-year mortality for resistant S. aureus (hazard ratio [HR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.63; and HR, 0.73, 95% CI, 0.61-0.86) and Enterobacteriaceae (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27-0.64; and HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.94), and 30-day mortality for polymicrobial infections (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31-0.86) but not Acinetobacter or Pseudomonas. For resistant Enterococcus, ID consultation was marginally associated with decreased 30-day mortality (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62-1.06). ID consultation was associated with reduced 30-day readmission for resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusions ID consultation was associated with significant reductions in 30-day and 1-year mortality for resistant S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae, and 30-day mortality for polymicrobial infections. There was no association between ID consultation and mortality for patients with resistant Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, or Enterococcus, possibly due to small sample sizes. Our results suggest that ID consultation may be beneficial for patients with some MDRO infections.
Vitamin D-content of the Eggs of the Panther Chameleon Furcifer pardalis: its Relationship to UVB Exposure/vitamin D-condition of Mother, Incubation and Hatching Success

ABSTRACT We have previously documented that chronic UVB exposure of female panther chameleons within a specified dose range is critical for hatching success of their eggs. We have also documented that the mechanism of this effect includes the enhancement of vitamin D3 production in the skin. Here we report that the mechanism for this effect includes enhancement of egg vitamin D3 content. Hatch success in this species can be predicted not only by UVB dose of the mother but by egg vitamin D levels above 65 ng/g at the beginning of incubation, although lower levels can sometimes be associated with hatch success. Vitamin D status of the mother (circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3; calcidiol) may also be useful to predict hatching success but our sample size was too small to determine a predictive linear or threshold effect. Finally, we document that egg vitamin D3 content is steadily reduced during the prolonged 260 d incubation period, so one must assay at the beginning of incubation or state when vitamin D3 is...
Affirmative Action Programs (United States): Cultural Concerns

Since the 1960s, the United States has implemented ‘affirmative action’ programs in higher education, employment, and public contracting. The ideal of ‘color-blind’ public policy that was central to the civil rights movement and written into law in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was abandoned. Instead, racial double standards have been employed in an effort to bring about something approaching proportional representation of disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups in major institutions. These policies have not achieved their intended results, and have had unanticipated negative consequences. They are nonetheless likely to be continued far into the future.
Security Considerations for Peer-to-Peer Distributed Hash Tables

Recent peer-to-peer research has focused on providing efficient hash lookup systems that can be used to build more complex systems. These systems have good properties when their algorithms are executed correctly but have not generally considered how to handle misbehaving nodes. This paper looks at what sorts of security problems are inherent in large peer-to-peer systems based on distributed hash lookup systems. We examine the types of problems that such systems might face, drawing examples from existing systems, and propose some design principles for detecting and preventing these problems.
Electron Transfer in Coals

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses electron transfer in coals. Most coals containing tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) at a level of one TCNQ per aromatic unit in the coal are bright blue. Coals containing similar amounts of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) are bronze colored. The only exceptions discovered are low-volatile bituminous coals and anthracites. The chapter presents evidence that these striking and unusual colors are because of the formation of valence bands in coals resulting from the addition of these two good electron acceptors. A significant amount of electron density is transferred to TCNQ and TCNE in coals. Both of these materials are good organic oxidants. It has been demonstrated that there is a linear relationship between the amount of electron density transferred from a donor to TCNQ and the shift in the TCNQ CN infrared stretching frequency that occurs upon electron transfer. Electrons added to the TCNQ must enter its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital.
(Unintended) Consequences of initiating an alcohol sales policy at college football stadiums: A case study

University officials are increasingly considering selling alcoholic beverages at campus football stadiums. To inform this decision, we report on offenses occurring at a campus football stadium and ...
Vipulanandan models to predict the electrical resistivity, rheological properties and compressive stress-strain behavior of oil well cement modified with silica nanoparticles

Abstract In this study, the effect of silica nanoparticles (NS) and temperature on the rheological properties with ultimate shear stress and weight loss of the oil well cement (class H) modified with NS were investigated. The NS content was varied up to 1% by the weight of the cement. The total weight loss at 800 °C for the oil well cement decreased from 6.10% to 1.05%, a 83% reduction when the cement was mixed with 1% of NS. The results also showed that 1% of NS increased the rheological properties of the cement slurry. The NS modification increased the yield stress (τo) and by 5% to 65% based on the NS content and the temperature of the cement slurry. The addition of 0.5% and 1% NanoSiO2 increased the initial electrical resistivity of the cement by 17% and 35% respectively. The shear thinning behavior of the cement slurry with and without NS has been quantified using the Vipulanandan rheological model and compared with the Herschel-Bulkley model. Based on the Vipulanandan rheological model the maximum shear stress produced by the cement slurry modified with 0% and 1% of NS at the temperature of 25 °C were 148 Pa and 179 Pa respectively hence an increase of 21% in the ultimate shear stress due to the addition of NS. The addition of 1% of NS increased the compressive strength of the cement by 14% and 42% after 1 day and 28 days of curing respectively. Effects of NS content and the temperature on the model parameters have been quantified using a nonlinear model (NLM). The NLM quantified the effect of NS treatment on all the model parameters.
Stacked PZT Discs Generate Necessary Power for Bone Healing through Electrical Stimulation in a Composite Spinal Fusion Implant

Electrical stimulation devices can be used as adjunct therapy to lumbar spinal fusion to promote bone healing, but their adoption has been hindered by the large battery packs necessary to provide power. Piezoelectric composite materials within a spinal interbody cage to produce power in response to physiological lumbar loads have recently been investigated. A piezoelectric macro-fiber composite spinal interbody generated sufficient power to stimulate bone growth in a pilot ovine study, despite fabrication challenges. The objective of the present study was to electromechanically evaluate three new piezoelectric disc composites, 15-disc insert, seven-disc insert, and seven-disc Compliant Layer Adaptive Composite Stack (CLACS) insert, within a spinal interbody, and validate their use for electrical stimulation and promoting bone growth. All implants were electromechanically assessed under cyclic loads of 1000 N at 2 Hz, representing physiological lumbar loading. All three configurations produced at least as much power as the piezoelectric macro-fiber composites, validating the use of piezoelectric discs for this application. Future work is needed to characterize the electromechanical performance of commercially manufactured piezoelectric stacks under physiological lumbar loads, and mechanically assess the composite implants according to FDA guidelines for lumbar interbody fusion devices.
Does the Time of Drug Administration Alter the Metabolic Risk of Aripiprazole

Antipsychotic drugs cause metabolic abnormalities through a mechanism that involves antagonism of D2 dopamine receptors (D2R). Under healthy conditions, insulin release follows a circadian rhythm and is low at night, and in pancreatic beta-cells, D2Rs negatively regulate insulin release. Since they are sedating, many antipsychotics are dosed at night. However, the resulting reduction in overnight D2R activity may disrupt 24 h rhythms in insulin release, potentially exacerbating metabolic dysfunction. We examined retrospective clinical data from patients treated over approximately 1 year with the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole (ARPZ), a D2R partial agonist. To identify effects of timing on metabolic risk, we found cases treated with ARPZ either in the morning (n = 90) or at bedtime (n = 53), and compared hemoglobin A1c, and six secondary metabolic parameters across the two groups. After controlling for demographic and clinical factors, patients treated with ARPZ at night had a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol, while in patients who took ARPZ in the morning had no change. There was a non-significant trend toward higher serum triglycerides in the patients treated with ARPZ at night vs. morning. There were no group differences in hemoglobin A1c, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or blood pressure. Patients taking APPZ at night developed a worse lipid profile, with lower HDL cholesterol and a trend toward higher triglycerides. These changes may pose additional metabolic risk factors compared to those who take ARPZ in the morning. Interventions based on drug timing may reduce some of the adverse metabolic consequences of antipsychotic drugs.
Electrotaxis of Glioblastoma and Medulloblastoma Spheroidal Aggregates

Treatment of neuroepithelial cancers remains a daunting clinical challenge, particularly due to an inability to address rampant invasion deep into eloquent regions of the brain. Given the lack of access, and the dispersed nature of brain tumor cells, we explore the possibility of electric fields inducing directed tumor cell migration. In this study we investigate the properties of populations of brain cancer undergoing electrotaxis, a phenomenon whereby cells are directed to migrate under control of an electrical field. We investigate two cell lines for glioblastoma and medulloblastoma (U87mg & DAOY, respectively), plated as spheroidal aggregates in Matrigel-filled electrotaxis channels, and report opposing electrotactic responses. To further understand electrotactic migration of tumor cells, we performed RNA-sequencing for pathway discovery to identify signaling that is differentially affected by the exposure of direct-current electrical fields. Further, using selective pharmacological inhibition assays, focused on the PI3K/mTOR/AKT signaling axis, we validate whether there is a causal relationship to electrotaxis and these mechanisms of action. We find that U87 mg electrotaxis is abolished under pharmacological inhibition of PI3Kγ, mTOR, AKT and ErbB2 signaling, whereas DAOY cell electrotaxis was not attenuated by these or other pathways evaluated.
Modelling effects of climate change on Michigan brown trout and rainbow trout: Precipitation and groundwater as key predictors

Understanding how changes in stream temperature affect survival and growth of coldwater fishes, including brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), is important for conserving coldwater stream fisheries in a changing climate. However, some contemporary stream temperature models assume spatially uniform (i.e. unrealistic) air–stream temperature relationships or demand hydrometeorological predictors (e.g. solar radiation and convection) that are expensive and often impractical for fisheries managers to measure. As such, we produced a relatively cost‐effective, management‐relevant modelling approach for predicting effects of changes in air temperature, precipitation and groundwater inputs on stream temperature and, consequently, the survival and growth of brown trout and rainbow trout in Michigan, USA. We found that precipitation‐ and groundwater‐corrected stream temperature models (mean adjusted R² = .77, range = 0.65–0.88) performed better than linear air–stream temperature models (mean adjusted R² = .59, range = 0.21–0.80). Stream temperature was projected to increase by 0.07–3.88°C (1%–22%) with simulated changes in air temperature, precipitation and groundwater inputs. The greatest warming was predicted for surface runoff‐dominated sites with limited groundwater‐driven thermal buffering, where thermal habitat suitability for salmonid survival and growth declined 20%–40%. However, groundwater‐dominated sites may not be immune to temperature warming, especially if groundwater temperature increases or groundwater inputs decline in a changing climate. Our modelling approach provides a reliable, cost‐effective method for predicting effects of climate change on brown trout and rainbow trout survival and growth, allowing for strategic management actions to increase the thermal resilience and sustainability of salmonid populations (e.g. groundwater conservation and riparian/watershed rehabilitation).
Nuclear Command and Statutory Control

Almost 50 years after Congress voted on limiting the President’s power to initiate nuclear war, a half century after an intoxicated Commander in Chief reportedly called for nuclear strikes, and 30 years after the Cold War and its conversation about nuclear command and control ended, today the nation is again discussing nuclear launch authority. This article emphasizes that this interdisciplinary conversation is importantly legal, due in part to claims and assumptions that nuclear weapons are constitutionally special – unconstitutional, reserved only to the President, or usable only if Congress has formally declared war. This article recommends instead that Congress make nuclear weapons statutorily special. That is, Congress should recognize the nightmarish risks associated with unfettered Executive power over nuclear launch, acknowledge the importance of good process in decision-making, and write specially tailored rules informed by the covert action statute and other national security frameworks. This article moves the nuclear command and control conversation forward, analyzing developments over the past 30 years in military planning, international security, Supreme Court doctrine, and the national security statutory regime that have strengthened the case for Congress to craft guardrails to prevent abuse of the Commander in Chief power and foster careful inter-agency deliberation. To catalyze further discussion, this article includes the text of a model statute: a Nuclear Forces Control Act.
Network analysis reveals the associations of past quit experiences on current smoking behavior and motivation to quit.

Abstract Introduction Smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. While most smokers endorse a desire to quit, achieving abstinence is notoriously difficult. Network analysis is a method for understanding the complex relationships of factors that maintain smoking behavior and impact motivation to quit. Methods This study examined self-report prescreen data from treatment-seeking smokers (N = 3913). The number of prior quit attempts and withdrawal symptoms experienced, as well as current smoking behavior and motivation to quit were modeled as interconnected nodes in a network. Two key network metrics were examined: 1) edge weights, which quantify the strength and direction of the associations of interest, and 2) the sum of each node’s edge weights, which quantifies the expected influence of a node on the overall network. Results The withdrawal symptom of craving, r = 0.10, 95% CI [0.07, 0.13] and digestive problems, r = −0.06, 95% CI [−0.09, −0.03], had the strongest positive and negative association with daily cigarettes, respectively. The number of prior quit attempts, r = 0.17, 95% CI [0.14, 0.20], concentration problems, r = −0.04, 95% CI [−0.027, −0.01], showed the strongest positive and negative associations, respectively, with current motivation to quit. Nodes with significant links to current smoking and motivation to quit were also among the most influential in the overall network. Conclusions Findings suggest prior quit experiences and consequences associated with withdrawal symptoms may differentially relate to maintenance of smoking behavior and motivation to quit in treatment-seeking smokers. Interventions targeting key withdrawal symptoms may enhance motivation to quit.
Limits on the Unitary Executive: The Special Case of the Adjudicative Function

Recent Supreme Court cases embracing the unitary executive ideal have imperiled the independence of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), who as “Officers of the United States” help resolve disputes between the federal government and private parties. Although ALJs long have been protected from “at will” removal under the Administrative Procedure Act, the Court in a number of decisions has stressed the importance of close presidential control over all “Officers of the United States.” Many have attacked the Supreme Court’s embrace of the unitary executive theory as ahistorical, misguided, or both. My argument instead is that the functional underpinnings of the unitary executive formulation under Article II, as well as Supreme Court precedent, readily can be reconciled with independent judging within the executive branch. The Court has stressed that the President must stand accountable in the public eye for the executive branch’s exercise of authority delegated from Congress, but not for all authority. Indeed, the executive branch itself repeatedly has drawn a line between the exercise of economic, social, and political policymaking that the President under Article II must manage and professional authority that no matter how important can be exercised by individuals, whether employees or “Officers,” shielded from the President’s plenary removal authority. I use the examples of the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute to illustrate that distinction and conclude that, under any rubric, ALJ factfinding sets no new economic or social policy, but rather reflects professional judgment in applying previously set policy to the facts at hand.