cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictive Models for Normal Fetal Cardiac Structures.

Background Clinicians rely on age- and size-specific measures of cardiac structures to diagnose cardiac disease. No universally accepted normative data exist for fetal cardiac structures, and most fetal cardiac centers do not use the same standards. The aim of this study was to derive predictive models for Z scores for 13 commonly evaluated fetal cardiac structures using a large heterogeneous population of fetuses without structural cardiac defects. Methods The study used archived normal fetal echocardiograms in representative fetuses aged 12 to 39 weeks. Thirteen cardiac dimensions were remeasured by a blinded echocardiographer from digitally stored clips. Studies with inadequate imaging views were excluded. Regression models were developed to relate each dimension to estimated gestational age (EGA) by dates, biparietal diameter, femur length, and estimated fetal weight by the Hadlock formula. Dimension outcomes were transformed (e.g., using the logarithm or square root) as necessary to meet the normality assumption. Higher order terms, quadratic or cubic, were added as needed to improve model fit. Information criteria and adjusted R 2 values were used to guide final model selection. Results Each Z -score equation is based on measurements derived from 296 to 414 unique fetuses. EGA yielded the best predictive model for the majority of dimensions; adjusted R 2 values ranged from 0.72 to 0.893. However, each of the other highly correlated ( r > 0.94) biometric parameters was an acceptable surrogate for EGA. In most cases, the best fitting model included squared and cubic terms to introduce curvilinearity. Conclusions For each dimension, models based on EGA provided the best fit for determining normal measurements of fetal cardiac structures. Nevertheless, other biometric parameters, including femur length, biparietal diameter, and estimated fetal weight provided results that were nearly as good. Comprehensive Z -score results are available on the basis of highly predictive models derived from gestational age or other biometrics as preferable for clinical reasons. These results supplant current equations and will provide a foundation for future multicenter collaborations.
Using GWAS to identify novel therapeutic targets for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common, increasingly prevalent, global health burden characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fracture. Despite its significant impact on human health, there is currently a lack of highly effective treatments free of side effects for osteoporosis. Therefore, a major goal in the field is to identify new drug targets. Genetic discovery has been shown to be effective in the unbiased identification of novel drug targets and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have begun to provide insight into genetic basis of osteoporosis. Over the last decade, GWASs have led to the identification of ∼100 loci associated with BMD and other bone traits related to risk of fracture. However, there have been limited efforts to identify the causal genes underlying the GWAS loci or the mechanisms by which GWAS loci alter bone physiology. In this review, we summarize the current state of the field and discuss strategies for causal gene discovery and the evidence that the novel genes underlying GWAS loci are likely to be a new source of drug targets.
An optimized method for enumerating CNS derived memory B cells during viral-induced inflammation.

Abstract Background CNS inflammation resulting from infection, injury, or neurodegeneration leads to accumulation of diverse B cell subsets. Although antibody secreting cells (ASC) within the inflamed CNS have been extensively examined, memory B cell (Bmem) characterization has been limited as they do not secrete antibody without stimulation. Moreover, unlike human Bmem, reliable surface markers for murine Bmem remain elusive. New method Using a viral encephalomyelitis model we developed a modified limiting dilution in vitro stimulation assay to convert CNS-derived virus specific Bmem into ASC. Comparison with existing methods Stimulation methods established for lymphoid tissue cells using prolonged stimulation with viral lysate resulted in substantial ASC loss and minimal Bmem to ASC conversion of CNS-derived cells. By varying stimulation duration, TLR activators, and culture supplements, we achieved optimal conversion by culturing cells with TLR7/8 agonist R848 in the presence of feeder cells for 2 days. Results Flow cytometry markers CD38 and CD73 characterizing murine Bmem from lymphoid tissue showed more diverse expression patterns on corresponding CNS-derived B cell subsets. Using the optimized TLR7/8 stimulation protocol, we compared virus-specific IgG Bmem versus pre-existing ASC within the brain and spinal cord. Increasing Bmem frequencies during chronic infection mirrored kinetics of ASC. However, despite initially similar Bmem and ASC accumulation, Bmem prevailed in the brain, but were lower than ASC in the spinal cord during persistence. Conclusion Simultaneous enumeration of antigen-specific Bmem and ASC using the Bmem assay optimized for CNS-derived cells enables characterization of temporal changes during microbial or auto-antigen induced neuroinflammation.
Active Surveillance for Low and Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer: Opinions of North American Genitourinary Oncology Expert Radiation Oncologists.

Abstract Introduction The ProtecT trial has provided level 1 evidence supporting active surveillance for prostate cancer patients with low-risk and intermediate-risk disease. The effect of these findings on the opinions of North American genitourinary (GU) experts regarding the role of active surveillance for these patients has not been previously examined. Materials and Methods A survey was distributed to 88 practicing North American GU physicians serving on decision-making committees of cooperative group research organizations. Questions pertained to appropriateness of active surveillance in patients with low-risk and intermediate-risk (Gleason 3+4) disease. Opinions regarding active surveillance were correlated with practice patterns using Fisher exact test. Results Forty-two radiation oncologists completed the survey. Forty percent had been in practice for more than 20 years; 90% practice at an academic center. Forty-five percent see ≥ 20 patients per month in consultation. More than 95% (40 of 42) recommended active surveillance for Gleason 6 disease, whereas only 17% recommended active surveillance for Gleason 3+4 disease. There were no demographic differences between supporters or opponents regarding active surveillance with regard to monthly patient volume, practice type, likelihood of self-identifying as an expert brachytherapist, belief in advanced imaging techniques, or preferred default external beam radiation therapy dose/fractionation for either low-risk or intermediate-risk disease. However, there was a trend toward greater support of active surveillance for Gleason 3+4 disease among experts having practiced Conclusion Active surveillance is almost universally supported by North American GU expert radiation oncologists for low-risk prostate cancer. However, there is very weak support for this strategy in Gleason 3+4 disease despite the ProtecT trial providing level 1 evidentiary support in both risk groups. There were no significant differences between experts supporting versus opposing active surveillance for either low-risk or intermediate-risk disease. These preferences might affect the design of future clinical studies, influencing the adoption of active surveillance in North American clinical practice.
Investor reaction to disclosure of past performance and future plans

ABSTRACT I examine how and why current-period performance shapes investors' evaluations of future-oriented disclosures. Three experiments provide evidence that a firm's current-period performance s...
Terrestrial Evolution of Polymerization of Amino Acids: Heat to ATP

Sets of amino acids containing sufficient trifunctional monomer are thermally polymerized at temperatures such as 65°; the amino acids order themselves. Various polymers have diverse catalytic activities. The polymers aggregate, in aqueous solution, to cell-like structures having those activities plus emergent properties, e.g. proliferatability. Polyamino acids containing sufficient lysine catalyze conversion of free amino acids, by ATP, to small peptides and a high molecular weight fraction. The lysinerich proteinoid is active in solution, within suspensions of cell-like particles, or in other particles composed of lysinerich proteinoid and homopolyribonucleotide. Selectivities are observed. An archaic polyamino acid prelude to coded protein synthesis is indicated.
Genital HPV infections in children and adolescents

Major differences in estrogen and progesterone levels and in vaginal/cervical cell types exist among children, adolescents, and adults, which may help explain the observed differences in the prevalence of HPV among these groups. Although sexual transmission occurs in both children and adolescents, the persistence of genital HPV in the neonate from maternal transmission is highly questionable. The discordances in HPV types between neonatal transmission studies and the studies in older children have yet to be explained. Neonatal infections seem to be predominantly types 16 and 18 and persist for short periods in the genital area. The majority of condylomatous lesions in children are HPV types 6 and 11. Acquisition of HPV during childhood and adolescence is not an immediate cause of severe morbidity. However, significant evidence suggests that early exposure not only hastens the development of anogenital cancers but may also increase the actual risk of cancer. Future studies should include large-scale longitudinal designs to test and follow neonates with careful attention to sexual abuse issues during the prospective period so that we may confidently diagnose and appropriately treat children with HPV infections. The role of age and immunity remains confusing, supporting the need for studies to examine cervical immunity more closely.
CANINE TRANSFER FACTOR

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the canine transfer factor (TF). Three dogs were used in the first set of experiments. The first TF donor dog, immunized with C. immitis in FCA, exhibited a typical positive delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to coccidioidin after skin testing 9 days post injection. TF prepared from 200 ml of blood obtained from this dog 1 day later was inoculated into a recipient dog, whose skin was tested with coccidiodin daily for 6 days. No skin reaction was observed and a blood sample then was taken for the LST. The results before and after TF injection indicate transfer of sensitivity to C. immitis but not to PPD. TF also increased response to PHA. Second donor dog was similarly immunized with C. immitis in FCA, but skin tests with coccidioidin exhibited only an equivocal DTH. TF was prepared 9 days post-immunization. The recipient of TF from the second dog exhibited a transient sensitivity to PPD but a sustained sensitivity to C. immitis, with a peak activity at 17 days. This dog also had an increased reactivity to PHA with a peak at 10 days and declining thereafter.
Well-Being and the Democratic State: How the Public Sector Promotes Human Happiness

While a growing literature within the study of subjective well-being demonstrates the impact of socio-political factors on subjective well-being, scholars have conspicuously failed to consider the role of the size and scope of government as determinants of well-being. In this study, we examine the size of the public sector as a determinant of cross-national variation in life satisfaction across the industrial democracies. At the individual-level, we find that public employees are happier and exhibit greater life satisfaction than otherwise similar others. At the aggregate level, the data strongly suggest that the subjective well-being varies positively with the size of the public sector. The implications for the study of life satisfaction are discussed.
MO-B-207B-01: Harmonization & Robustness in Radiomics

Feature extraction for radiomics studies typically comprises the following stages: Imaging, segmentation, image processing, and feature extraction. Each of these stages has associated uncertainties that can affect the quality of a radiomics model created using the resulting image features. For example, the imaging device manufacturer and model have been shown to impact the values of image features, as have pixel size and imaging protocol parameters. Image processing, such as low-pass filtering to reduce noise, also changes calculated image features and should be designed to optimize the information content of the resulting features. The details of certain feature algorithms, such as co-occurrence matrix bin sizes, are also important, and should be optimized for specific radiomics tasks. The volume of the region of interest should be considered as image features can be related to volume and can give unanticipated results when the volumes are too small. In this session we will describe approaches to quantify the variabilities in radiomics studies, including the most recent results quantifying these variabilities for CT, MRI and PET imaging. We will discuss methods to optimize image processing and feature extraction in order to maximize the information content of the image features. Finally, we will describe work to harmonize imaging protocols and feature calculations to help minimize uncertainties in radiomics studies. Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1.Identify the sources of uncertainty in radiomics studies (CT, PET, and MRI imaging) 2.Describe methods for quantifying the magnitude of uncertainties 3.Describe approaches for mitigating the effects of the uncertainties on radiomics models Funding from NIH, CPRIT, Varian, Elekta; L. Court, NCI, CPRIT, Varian, Elekta
The roles of identity and emotion in media events’ social integration mechanism: a case study of the 2017 U.S. presidential inauguration

Using a national sample of the audience of various media during the media event of the 2017 U.S. Presidential Inauguration (N= 420), we conducted a survey to examine the roles of valence and arousa...
Reactions of amino alcohols in superacid: the direct observation of dicationic intermediates and their application in synthesis.

The chemistry of amino alcohols has been studied in superacidic media, and these compounds have been found to ionize cleanly to the dication intermediates. Several dicationic species have been directly observed by low-temperature 13C NMR, including those from epinephrine (adrenaline) and synephrine. Amino alcohols react (70−99% yields) with C6H6 in triflic acid (CF3SO3H) by electrophilic aromatic substitution.
The Pauline Principle and the Just Political State

In this chapter, I explore whether the Pauline Principle and the analogy of an ideally just and powerful political state are compatible with God’s widespread permission of significant and especially horrendous consequences of wrongful actions.
Application of Machine Learning and Emotional Fluctuation System in Game Quality Evaluation and Prospective Players Prediction

Previous studies revealed that the players' emotional fluctuation is associated with and may be used to evaluate the quality of the game. This study aims at determining how the changes in a variety of emotional factors would reflect the quality of the game. Galvanic Skin Response GSR, an emotional-aware UI, was used to gain data from volunteers while they were playing games. The linear regression model was used to predict the prospective players in the game series. Results suggested that some emotion factors like fluent frequency have positive influence of the game quality while more emotion factors such as biggest wave and interval have negative influences.
Diverse functional roles of myosin VI in human prostate cancer

1350 Myosin VI is a unique actin motor that moves to the minus end of the polarized actin filament, a direction opposite to all other characterized myosins. Our previous expression microarray analysis in clinical cancer specimens demonstrated consistent cancer-specific overexpression of myosin VI most prominently in human breast and prostate cancers. In addition, expression levels of myosin VI in a panel of human prostate cancer cell lines positively correlated with the presence of androgen receptor. In light of the diverse biological functions of myosin VI implicated in other model systems, our current study focused on potentially distinctive roles of myosin VI in relation to varying levels of androgen sensitivity in prostate cancer cells. First, through immunohistochemical analysis, we observed well-defined perinuclear staining pattern that is consistently with Golgi localization and suggestive of a secretory function of myosin VI. This Golgi staining pattern is universal and independent of intra-tumor heterogeneity in a subset of cancer specimens but completely absent in other specimens, which demonstrated characteristic diffuse cytoplasmic staining. Next, we conducted immunofluorescent analysis in cell lines with varying levels of androgen receptor. Nearly all the androgen receptor negative PC-3 cells have one or two myosin VI positive foci co-localized with the Golgi apparatus. The androgen receptor positive CWR22Rv1 cells expressed more myosin VI when compared with PC-3 cells and were characterized by intensive staining at the leading edge of the cytoplasm which suggested a role in cell migration. The LNCaP and VCaP cells demonstrated the most abundant androgen receptor expression and concomitantly the most intense diffuse myosin VI staining. Last, we observed a dramatically decreased expression of prostate specific antigen in LNCaP cells following stable knock-down of myosin VI using small hairpin RNA. However, preliminarily, the expression and nuclear localization of androgen receptor did not appear to be perturbed in the absence of myosin VI. These results, while mostly observational, suggest that myosin VI may engage different cellular components in different stages of prostate cancer progression, and that its role in androgen signaling warrants further study.
Black Arabs and African migrants: between slavery and racism in North Africa

The popular uprisings for democracy, socio-economic justice, and dignity commonly referred to as the Arab Spring encompassed mobilisation against oppression by groups that have long experienced dis...
Arabidopsis PIP5K2 Is Involved in Root Gravitropism Through Regulation of Polar Auxin Transport

Root gravitropism is a well-documented process regulated by auxin, especially polar auxin transport, which is mediated by membrane localized auxin influx and efflux carriers. The impact of PIP5K2 deficiency on root gravitropism was tested, which revealed a positive role of PIP5K2 in root gravity response. This is considered not caused by reduced auxin accumulation since exogenous auxin cannot rescue the reduced gravity response phenotype in pip5k2. Altered sensitivity to auxin transport inhibitor NPA confirmed the involvement of polar auxin transport. Analysis by using membrane selective dye FM4-64 and vesicle trafficking inhibitor, BFA reveals that vesicle trafficking is decelerated in pip5k2. Recovery of vesicle trafficking by exogenous PtdIns(4,5)P2 highlights the importance of PtdIns(4,5)P2. PIN2, a well-characterized auxin efflux facilitator, mediates basipetal auxin transport and is crucial for gravitropic response. PIN2 cycling between the plasma membrane and endosomal compartments depends on the clathrin machinery and vesicle trafficking. Decelerated PIN2 recycling and suppressed auxin redistribution in root tip under gravistimulation was observed under pip5k2 background which suggests a critical role of PIP5K2 in root gravity response through regulating PIN2 cycling and polar auxin transport.
Retrograde labeling illuminates distinct topographical organization of D1 and D2 receptor-positive neurons in the prefrontal cortex of mice.

The cortex plays an important role in regulating motivation and cognition, and does so by regulating multiple subcortical brain circuits. Glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are topographically organized in different subregions such as the prelimbic, infralimbic and orbitofrontal, and project to topographically-organized subcortical target regions. Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are expressed on glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the PFC. However, it is unclear whether D1 and D2 receptor-expressing pyramidal neurons in the PFC are also topographically organized. We used a retrograde adeno-associated virus (AAVRG)-based approach to illuminate the topographical organization of D1 and D2 receptor-expressing neurons, projecting to distinct striatal and midbrain subregions. Our experiments reveal that AAVRG injection in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) or dorsal striatum (dSTR) of D1Cre mice labeled distinct neuronal subpopulations in medial orbitofrontal or prelimbic PFC, respectively. However, AAVRG injection in NAcc or dSTR of D2Cre mice labeled medial orbitofrontal, but not medial prelimbic PFC, respectively. Additionally, D2R+ but not D1R+ PFC neurons were labeled upon injection of AAVRG in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Thus, our data are the first to highlight a unique dopamine receptor-specific topographical pattern in the PFC, which could have profound implications for cortico-striatal signaling in the basal ganglia.
Recurrent ventricular tachycardia after cardiac sympathetic denervation: Prolonged cycle length with improved hemodynamic tolerance and ablation outcomes.

Introduction Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is utilized for the management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structural heart disease when refractory to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or when patient/VT characteristics are not conducive to RFA. Methods We studied consecutive patients who underwent CSD at our institution from 2009 to 2018 with VT requiring repeat RFA post-CSD. Patient demographics, VT/procedural characteristics, and outcomes were assessed. Results Ninety-six patients had CSD, 16 patients underwent RFA for VT post-CSD. There were 15 male and 1 female patients with mean age of 54.2 ± 13.2 years. Fourteen patients had nonischemic cardiomyopathy. A mean of 2.0 ± 0.8 RFAs for VT was unsuccessful before the patient undergoing CSD. The median time between CSD and RFA was 104 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 15-241). The clinical VT cycle length was significantly increased after CSD both spontaneously on ECG and/or ICD interrogation (355 ± 73 ms pre-CSD vs. 422 ± 94 ms post-CSD, p = .001) and intraprocedurally (406 ± 86 ms pre-CSD vs. 457 ± 88 ms post-CSD, p = .03). Two patients had polymorphic and 14 had monomorphic VT (MMVT) pre-CSD, and all patients had MMVT post-CSD. The proportion of mappable, hemodynamically stable VTs increased from 35% during pre-CSD RFA to 58% during post-CSD RFA (p = .038). At median follow-up of 413 days (IQR = 43-1840) after RFA, eight patients had no further VT. Conclusion RFA for recurrent MMVT post-CSD is a reasonable treatment option with intermediate-term clinical success in 50% of patients. Clinical VT cycle length was significantly increased after CSD with associated improvement in mappable, hemodynamically tolerated VT during RFA.
The Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual disorders are common findings among female athletes. Female athletes have been shown to have higher rates of a range of disorders from luteal phase defects to primary and secondary amenorrhea. Additionally, female athletes have later menarche when compared to non-athletes. Aesthetic, endurance, and weight class-based sports, in addition to higher training volumes and lower body weights, seem to place athletes at greater risk for menstrual disorders. Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis suppression, often referred to as hypothalamic amenorrhea, is thought to be the most frequent etiology of the underlying dysfunction in athletes. HPO suppression appears to be secondary to a negative energy balance resulting from insufficient caloric intake for the degree of energy expenditure. More recently, the hormone leptin has been identified as a possible link between energy status and hormonal functioning, although multiple other factors may also be involved. In the evaluation of menstrual disorders, a thorough history and physical examination is warranted. Serum and radiologic tests are often indicated to fully evaluate any underlying pathology. If hypothalamic amenorrhea is determined to be the issue, then restoring an appropriate energy balance is critical for restoring menstrual function.
Does Auditor Independence Matter? Evidence from SEC Sanctions against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for Prohibited Non-Audit Services

We examine stock market effects related to news of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) sanctions against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) in 2019. PWC provided prohibited non-audit services (NAS) to audit clients and mischaracterized the nature of the services to the audit committees by telling audit committees the prohibited services were audit services when they were not. The sanctions against PWC provide a rare opportunity to explore whether investors believe that the provision of certain prohibited NAS to audit clients violates an audit firm’s independence, thus reducing investors’ confidence in the audited financial statements. Univariate and Schipper-Thompson (1983) results show that, overall, stock prices for PWC clients reacted significantly negatively to news of the SEC sanctions while prices for non-PWC clients did not. We also find that the reaction is more negative for PWC clients that have higher abnormal fees and smaller audit committees. The examination of earnings response coefficients provides evidence that investors in PWC clients value unexpected earnings less in the quarter after the disclosure of sanctions than in the quarter before suggesting a reduction in investor confidence related to the disclosure of independence violations by PWC.
Functional genomics study of Pseudomonas putida to determine traits associated with avoidance of a myxobacterial predator.

Predation contributes to the structure and diversity of microbial communities. Predatory myxobacteria are ubiquitous to a variety of microbial habitats and capably consume a broad diversity of microbial prey. Predator–prey experiments utilizing myxobacteria have provided details into predatory mechanisms and features that facilitate consumption of prey. However, prey resistance to myxobacterial predation remains underexplored, and prey resistances have been observed exclusively from predator–prey experiments that included the model myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus. Utilizing a predator–prey pairing that instead included the myxobacterium, Cystobacter ferrugineus, with Pseudomonas putida as prey, we observed surviving phenotypes capable of eluding predation. Comparative transcriptomics between P. putida unexposed to C. ferrugineus and the survivor phenotype suggested that increased expression of efflux pumps, genes associated with mucoid conversion, and various membrane features contribute to predator avoidance. Unique features observed from the survivor phenotype when compared to the parent P. putida include small colony variation, efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid production, and increased mucoid conversion. These results demonstrate the utility of myxobacterial predator–prey models and provide insight into prey resistances in response to predatory stress that might contribute to the phenotypic diversity and structure of bacterial communities.
Alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells: The art of living together

In this issue of JEM, Gschwend et al. (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210745) reveal the indispensable role of alveolar epithelial cells type 2 in controlling the density of alveolar macrophages. This study highlights the intricate crosstalk that lung stroma and macrophages undergo to maintain homeostasis.
Frequency and Characteristics of Patients Prescribed Antibiotics on Admission to Hospice Care.

Background: Little is known about antibiotic prescribing on hospice admission despite known risks and limited evidence for potential benefits. Objective: To describe the frequency and characteristics of patients prescribed antibiotics on hospice admission. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects: Adult (age ≥18 years) decedents of a national, for-profit hospice chain across 19 U.S. states who died between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. Measures: The primary outcome was having an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Patient characteristics of interest were demographics, hospice referral location, hospice care location, census region, primary diagnosis, and infectious diagnoses on admission. We used multivariable logistic regression to quantify associations between study variables. Results: Among 66,006 hospice decedents, 6080 (9.2%) had an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Fluoroquinolones (22%) were the most frequently prescribed antibiotic class. Patients more likely to have an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission included those referred to hospice care from the hospital (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.29) compared with an assisted living facility, those receiving hospice care in a private home (aOR 3.85, 95% CI 3.50-4.24), nursing home (aOR 3.65, 95% CI 3.24-4.11), assisted living facility (aOR 4.04, 95% CI 3.51-4.64), or hospital (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 2.18-2.71) compared with inpatient hospice, and those with a primary diagnosis of liver disease (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.82-2.74) or human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (aOR 3.89, 95% CI 2.27-6.66) compared with those without these diagnoses. Conclusions: Approximately 9% of hospice patients had an antibiotic prescription on hospice admission. Patients referred to hospice from a hospital, those receiving care in a noninpatient hospice facility, and those with liver disease or HIV/AIDS were more likely to have an antibiotic prescription. These results may inform future antimicrobial stewardship interventions among patients transitioning to hospice care.
Assessment of transition readiness skills and adherence in pediatric liver transplant recipients

To examine transition readiness, adherence, and health out- comes in pediatric liver transplant recipients using a clinically admin- istered screening measure. Seventy-one pediatric liver transplant recipients (11-20 yr) and 58 parents completed a clinic-based TRS measuring perceived and demonstrated self-management skills, AoR for health-related tasks, regimen knowledge, and psychosocial adjustment. Adherence was measured using s.d. of immunosuppressants, proportion of immunosuppressant blood levels out of target range, and clinic attendance. Health outcomes included liver test panels, biopsies, rejec- tion episodes, and hospitalizations. Results indicate that all domains of transition readiness, with the exception of demonstrated skills, and non- adherence were positively correlated with age. Proportion of immuno- suppressant blood levels below target range was positively correlated with self-management skills and increased responsibility for medication tasks. Parent regimen knowledge was associated with clinic attendance. Health outcomes were significantly related to medication non-adher- ence, but not to transition readiness domains. Medication adherence is considered to be a key factor in the transition from pediatric to adult- centered transplant care. Non-adherence is associated with an increased risk for medical complications and is potentially modifiable. Interven- tions to promote self-management skills and adherence should be an essential component of transition planning.
The Ontological Treatment of the 'Event' Construct: Implications for System Analysis and Design

Information systems are integral to the management of business and organizational processes. They perform calculations and ascribe values to material and artificial things according to rules designed by the organization and activated when identified events occur. The ontological definition of an event as a state-transition results in the conceptualization of an information system as a state-tracking mechanism. It precludes the representation of events as entities at the conceptual level. Hence, the rules which are often central to the operations of the organization have no conceptual representation. A more substantive ontological definition of an event as an entity having identity and properties results in the conceptualization of an information system as an event-tracking mechanism, giving events and the rules that govern state-transitions the appropriate, central representation at the conceptual level.
Spectra and dynamics of monoclinic Eu2O3 and Eu3+:Y2O3 nanocrystals

Abstract This paper reports site-selective excitation and fluorescence spectroscopy of monoclinic Eu2O3 and Eu3+:Y2O3 nanocrystals, 14 and 23 nm average diameter, respectively. The nanocrystals were prepared by gas-phase condensation using CO2 laser heating of ceramic pellets. The nanocrystals form in the monoclinic phase, and the spectra show three sets of spectral lines due to the three cation sites in this crystal structure. Samples prepared from 0.1% Eu3+:Y2O3 starting material contained only Eu3+:Y2O3, and samples prepared from starting material of 0.7% or higher contained Eu3+:Y2O3 and Eu2O3 phases. In 0.1% Eu3+:Y2O3, energy transfer occurs from site A to sites B and C, but no interaction is observed between sites B and C. Energy transfer occurs between all sites for Eu3+ concentration of 0.7% and higher. The 5D0 fluorescence lifetimes for sites A, B, and C in 0.1% Eu3+:Y2O3 are 1.75, 1.23, and 1.32ms, respectively, as compared to a radiative lifetimes of the C2 site in cubic Eu3+:Y2O3 of 1.1 ms.
Photoacoustic energy conversion efficiency for a simplified absorber model

Electromagnetic energy that is carried by light is converted to thermodynamic and mechanical forms of energy, i.e., heat and kinetic energy, when light interacts with tissue. The conversion efficiency from the absorbed radiative energy by an object into the kinetic energy is an important issue in the study of laser-tissue interactions, because the kinetic energy is the source of acoustic signals. Based on the first law of thermodynamics and some simplified assumptions, an expression for the conversion efficiency of optical to kinetic energy has been derived for an isolated, uniformly absorbing sphere. If there is no phase transition, the rule of thumb is that the converted kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the total absorbed radiative energy per unit time, and the square of the linear thermal expansion coefficient; and, it is inversely proportional to the product of the density, radius and the square of the specific heat of the sphere. This result will be used to optimize a design for photo-acoustic measurement of the optical absorption properties of phantoms and biological tissues in vivo.
A stabilized mixed finite element method for finite elasticity.: Formulation for linear displacement and pressure interpolation

Abstract A stabilized mixed finite element method for finite elasticity is presented. The method circumvents the fulfillment of the Ladyzenskaya–Babuska–Brezzi condition by adding mesh-dependent terms, which are functions of the residuals of the Euler–Lagrange equations, to the usual Galerkin method. The weak form and the linearized weak form are presented in terms of the reference and current configuration. Numerical experiments using a tetrahedral element with linear shape functions for the displacements and for the pressure show that the method successfully yields a stabilized element.
Potential harmonic iumpact of microturbines on a commercial power distribution system

ATP-EMTP Simulations of a 3-phase commercial power distribution system containing 250 kW, 480 V microturbines for distributed generation are described. The purpose of the simulations was to investigate the extent to which the nonlinear currents generated by the microturbines might cause line voltage distortion. The results showed that even at the most vulnerable lateral tap points in the system under worst-case conditions the voltage THD did not exceed the IEEE Standard 519 limitation for up to 40% saturation of commercial service entrances with microturbines.
Flow Control by Suction

A viscous fluid which is initially irrotational will acquire vorticity when an obstacle is passed through the fluid. This vorticity controls the nature and structure of the boundary layer flow. For an incompressible, two-dimensional, wall-bounded flow, the flux of spanwise vorticity at the wall, and hence whether the surface is a sink or a source of vorticity, is affected by the wall modon (e.g. in the case of a compliant coating), transpiration (suction or injection), pressure gradient in the ambient flow, wall curvature, and viscosity gradient near the wall (e.g., heating/cooling of the wall or introducing a shear-thinning additive into the boundary layer). These alterations separately or collectively control the shape of the mean velocity profile which in turn determines the skin friction at the wall, the boundary layer ability to resist transition and separation, and the intensity of turbulence and its structure. In the case of a turbulent flow, the situation is complicated in that modulations such as pressure gradient or suction can dramatically change the production of Reynolds stress in the wall region and hence the momentum transport in the boundary layer.
Intravenous iron: evaluation of the use of saccharated iron oxide in iron deficiency states in obstetrics and gynecology.

Saccharated iron oxide has been given to 23 patients in doses of 480 to 1,430 mg. Toxic symptoms were minimal. Hematologic response was good in 21 patients. Continued bleeding accounted for the poor response in 2 persons. Saccharated iron oxide is a safe preparation for clinical use. It is easy to administer. Further clinical evaluation is warranted. Excessive amounts of intravenous iron should not be given to any individual.
Benthic macrofauna–habitat associations in Willapa Bay, Washington, USA

Abstract Estuary-wide benthic macrofauna–habitat associations in Willapa Bay, Washington, United States, were determined for 4 habitats (eelgrass [Zostera marina], Atlantic cordgrass [Spartina alterniflora], mud shrimp [Upogebia pugettensis], ghost shrimp [Neotrypaea californiensis]) in 1996 and 7 habitats (eelgrass, Atlantic cordgrass, mud shrimp, ghost shrimp, oyster [Crassostrea gigas], bare mud/sand, subtidal) in 1998. Most benthic macrofaunal species inhabited multiple habitats; however, 2 dominants, a fanworm, Manayunkia aestuarina, in Spartina, and a sand dollar, Dendraster excentricus, in subtidal, were rare or absent in all other habitats. Benthic macrofaunal Bray–Curtis similarity varied among all habitats except eelgrass and oyster. There were significant differences among habitats within- and between-years on several of the following ecological indicators: mean number of species (S), abundance (A), biomass (B), abundance of deposit (AD), suspension (AS), and facultative (AF) feeders, Swartz's index (SI), Brillouin's index (H), and jackknife estimates of habitat species richness (HSR). In the 4 habitats sampled in both years, A was about 2.5× greater in 1996 (a La Nina year) than 1998 (a strong El Nino year) yet relative values of S, A, B, AD, AS, SI, and H among the habitats were not significantly different, indicating strong benthic macrofauna–habitat associations despite considerable climatic and environmental variability. In general, the rank order of habitats on indicators associated with high diversity and productivity (high S, A, B, SI, H, HSR) was eelgrass = oyster ≥ Atlantic cordgrass ≥ mud shrimp ≥ bare mud/sand ≥ ghost shrimp = subtidal. Vegetation, burrowing shrimp, and oyster density and sediment %silt + clay and %total organic carbon were generally poor, temporally inconsistent predictors of ecological indicator variability within habitats. The benthic macrofauna–habitat associations in this study can be used to help identify critical habitats, prioritize habitats for environmental protection, index habitat suitability, assess habitat equivalency, and as habitat value criteria in ecological risk assessments in Willapa Bay.
Developing Vehicular Data Cloud Services in the IoT Environment

The advances in cloud computing and internet of things (IoT) have provided a promising opportunity to resolve the challenges caused by the increasing transportation issues. We present a novel multilayered vehicular data cloud platform by using cloud computing and IoT technologies. Two innovative vehicular data cloud services, an intelligent parking cloud service and a vehicular data mining cloud service, for vehicle warranty analysis in the IoT environment are also presented. Two modified data mining models for the vehicular data mining cloud service, a Naive Bayes model and a Logistic Regression model, are presented in detail. Challenges and directions for future work are also provided.
Studies in histochemistry. XLV. Determination of hydroxyproline in microgram amounts of tissue.

Abstract A colorimetric procedure, which is particularly adapted to quantitative histochemical studies on collagen in connective tissue, was described for the determination of millimicrogram quantities of hydroxyproline in microgram samples of tissue. A simplified procedure for the hydrolytic liberation of hydroxyproline from the tissue was given. Optimum conditions for the analysis were elaborated and the interference of tyrosine was shown to be negligible.
High-density plasma dry etch for DUV attenuated phase-shifting masks

Attenuated phase-shifting masks have gained wide acceptance in the manufacturing environment during the last few years. Etching attenuated films remains a challenging process step that affects several critical mask parameters including critical dimension (CD) and phase angle. This paper reports the result of etching MoSi attenuated phase-shifting materials using an inductively coupled plasma system. CD and phase-control performance is presented as well as a performance comparison between ICP and reactive ion etching. Attenuated PSMs have typically been used primarily for contact-type patterns. However, recent lithographic simulation result show significant benefits of attenuated PSM with off-axis illumination for gate-type patterns. Fabrication of gate-type attenuated PSMs introduces new challenges for the etch process. Initial etch performance result are also presented.
Stuck in a moment and you cannot get out of it: The lingering effects of ostracism on cognition and satisfaction of basic needs

Abstract Ostracism negatively affects fundamental needs and may impair some cognitive functions. The present study examined: (1) the duration of ostracism’s negative effects on fundamental needs, and (2) its associated effects on higher-order cognitive abilities. Participants were randomly assigned to be included or ostracized on Cyberball, and completed three assessments of fundamental needs over the course of 45–55 min, as well as measures of working memory, decision making, and task persistence. Results indicated significant decreases in fundamental needs immediately following ostracism and the persistence of these effects past the reflexive stage. Additionally, ostracism impaired working memory, decision making, and task persistence (but not basic attention). These results suggest that the negative effects of ostracism can last longer than a few minutes and affect executive functions, suggesting the need to examine downstream consequences of ostracism.
Evaluation of immediate adverse reactions to foods in adult patients: I. Correlation of demographic, laboratory, and prick skin test data with response to controlled oral food challenge

Forty-five adult patients, referred to here as the index population, with a history of immediate adverse reactions after food ingestion were evaluated by history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and skin testing. Fifty-six percent of these patients reported adverse reactions to only one food, whereas 84% of the patients reported up to three foods as being capable of eliciting reactions. The average age obtained by history at which adverse reactions began to occur was 19 4/5 yr. The occurrence of these reactions persisted over an average of 14 4/5 yr. Most reactions involved the gastrointestinal tract alone or in combination with the skin or respiratory tract. The most frequently involved foods were shellfish, peanuts, eggs, fish, tomatoes, and walnuts. Twenty-five of the patients participated in oral challenge with the suspected food. The food challenge was positive in 10 patients. Comparison of information obtained by history including personal or family history of any other allergic disease, age of onset of sensitivity, the length of time of suspected sensitivity in years, and the number of foods to which the sensitivity was believed to exist revealed no significant differences between food challenge-positive (FC+) and food challenge-negative (FC-) patients. However, a significant difference in the reaction patterns reported by history in the FC+ and FC- patients was noted in that FC+ patients more often described reactions in which a combination of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermatologic symptoms occurred. The complete blood count with differential, blood chemistries, and serum immunoglobulin levels were similar in both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Metrology of 50nm HP wire-grid polarizer: a SEM-scatterometry comparison

The capabilities and limitations of angular scatterometry for a structure pitch much less than the optical wavelength are experimentally investigated using a 100-nm pitch Al-wire grid polarizer on a SiO2 substrate. Three CW laser sources of wavelengths (244 nm, 405 nm and 633 nm) are used to measure the 0-order diffraction (reflection) across an incident angle range of 8° to 80°. The grating profile is defined by seven parameters (pitch, bottom linewidth, top linewidth, fused silica undercut, Al thickness, horizontal and vertical extent of top rounding). Rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) simulations show that the reflectivity versus angle results are sensitive to changes in all of these parameters. The simulations act as a baseline library for the scatterometry measurements. Fitting the experimental curves with the corresponding simulation parameters results in a determination of the grating profile. As expected the shorter wavelength measurements provide the most sensitivity, but good precision is obtained at all three wavelengths. The measurements are in good agreement with destructive cross section scanning electron microscopy measurements.
Computational simulation of polymer particle structures: vibrational normal modes using the time averaged normal coordinate analysis method

The structures composed of individual polymer nanoparticles are simulated using a molecular dynamics technique. Structures composed of model polyethylene particles consisting of between 3000 and 24,000 monomer units are paired into dimers in a molecular dynamics simulation. The vibrational motion of the polymer particle structures corresponding to the stretching vibration between particles is studied using the time averaged normal coordinate analysis method. The data are fit to an empirical formula based on the expected scaling of the force constants with the surface contact area, yielding a formula which could be extrapolated to large particle structures which can be experimentally generated.