cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of Opportunities and Magnitude of Migration: An Investigation of Stouffer's Theory

This research investigates Stouffer's theory of intervening opportunities applied to disaggregated migration flows. Flows and opportunities are classified into functional categories composed of industrial types. Analysis of 1970 Public Use Sample data indicates that the theory of intervening opportunities does not represent all migration flows. The spatial distribution of opportunities influences more those migrant populations in the later stage of the production sequence, drawn to dense distributions of opportunities. The model's ineffectiveness for migrants engaged in functions more immediately dependent upon resource extraction possibly reflects the failure to consider nonfunctional opportunities and suggests the need for a more meaningful method of operationalizing the opportunities concepts.
Interacting Active Rectangles for Estimation of Intervertebral Disk Orientation

This paper presents a fast and efficient method to determine intervertebral disk orientation in a magnetic resonance (MR) image of the spine. The algorithm originates from active contour theory and enforces a shape constraint to avoid leaks through weak or non-existent boundaries. The method represents a vertebra as a rectangle, modeled as a semi-affine transformation applied to the unit square. A regional flow integrated along the rectangles perimeter updates the rectangles transformation to achieve the segmentation. Further constraints are added so that adjacent rectangles have similar orientation and scale. The orientation of a disk is then inferred from its adjacent vertebrae. Experiments show that the method is fast and effective in detecting the correct intervertebral disk orientation, which is used for transverse image planning.
Impulsivity and smoking relapse

Previous research has shown that elevated trait-impulsivity heightens the risk for initiating tobacco use and indicates that nicotine may be disproportionately rewarding for more impulsive persons. However, the influence of impulsivity on the ability to maintain nicotine abstinence has not been studied. The present study tested the hypothesis that a higher level of trait-impulsivity would predict a more rapid relapse to smoking following 48 hr of nicotine abstinence. Participants were euthymic, regular smokers (N=45), with a history of at least one major depressive episode, who participated in a paid smoking cessation study with biological challenge (tryptophan depletion). Treatment involved a 1-day skills training workshop followed by 48 hr of bioverified abstinence and weekly follow-up for 1 month. Regression analyses indicated that elevated impulsivity predicted shorter time to relapse following the workshop after controlling for treatment condition, baseline nicotine dependence, and age (beta=-.39, R(2) change=.147, p=.011). Greater impulsivity predicted more rapid relapse to smoking, which mediational analyses indicated could not be explained by positive affect, negative affect, or craving. Findings suggest a need to identify alternative mechanisms to explain impulsive smokers' increased difficulty in maintaining abstinence and to develop targeted treatments that address the special needs of smokers high in impulsivity.
High-resolution proton and carbon-13 NMR of membranes: why sonicate?

The authors have obtained high-field (11.7-T) proton and carbon-13 Fourier transform (FT) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of egg lecithin and egg lecithin-chloresterol (1:1) multibilayers, using magic-angle sample spinning (MASS) techniques, and sonicated egg lecithin and egg lecithin-cholesterol (1:1) vesicles, using conventional FT NMR methods. Resolution of the proton and carbon-13 MASS NMR spectra of the pure egg lecithin samples is essentially identical with that of sonicated samples, but spectra of the unsonicated lipid, using MASS, can be obtained very much faster than with the more dilute, sonicated systems. With the 1:1 lecithin-cholesterol system, proton MASS NMR spectra are virtually identical with conventional FT spectra of sonicated samples, while the /sup 13/C NMR, the authors demonstrate that most /sup 13/C nuclei in the cholesterol moiety can be monitored, even though these same nuclei are essentially invisible, i.e., are severely broadened, in the corresponding sonicated systems. In addition, /sup 13/C MASS NMR spectra can again be recorded much faster than with sonicated samples, due to concentration effects. Taken together, these results strongly suggest there will seldom be need in the future to resort to ultransonic disruption of lipid bilayer membranes in order to obtain high-resolution proton or carbon-13 NMR spectra.
Preoperative Phone Calls

The implementation of preoperative phone calls provided a teaching and learning experience and enhanced the quality of care. Patients and families seemed more relaxed and better informed.
Evaluation of trade-offs in transformer design for very-low-voltage power supply with very high efficiency and power density

Design methodology and trade-offs have been presented for a transformer in low-voltage (1.5-5 V) power supplies intended to meet 95% efficiency and 100 W/in/sup 3/ power density. The design is based on the pot core geometry, which has low core loss, and the planar toroidal winding geometry, whose mechanical and electrical parameters are highly controllable and reproducible by modern fabrication processes. To achieve high power density in the presence of skin and proximity effects, the primary and secondary winding layers are interleaved to increase the effective thickness. Leakage inductance is reduced, and winding capacitance is increased as a result. The design equations have been coded into a computer program that selects the transformer with the lowest volume over specified ranges of optimizing parameters, such as power loss and flux density. >
Effect of Wheat Straw Treated with Alkali on Ruminal Function and Lactational Performance of Dairy Cows

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of wheat straw treated with alkali on ruminal function and lactational performance of dairy cows. In Experiment 1, four ruminally fistulated Holsteins cows ( X ¯ = 57 d of lactation) were fed four diets that contained 0, 20, 30, or 40% (dry basis) wheat straw treated with 3% NaOH plus 3% Ca(OH) 2 in a 4 × 4 Latin square. The diets contained 60, 40, 30, and 20% (dry basis) prebloom alfalfa haylage to result in a 60: 40 ratio of forage to concentrate. In Experiment 2, 12 ( X ¯ = 149 d of lactation) midlactation Holstein cows were fed diets containing 0 or 20% treated wheat straw to measure lactational performance during a 12-wk period. In Experiment 1, no effect of diet was observed on ruminal pH, osmolality, digestion of neutral detergent fiber of straw, or 4% fat-corrected milk. However, the dry matter intake of cows fed diets containing the two highest concentrations of treated straw was depressed and was associated with a significant body weight loss. The ruminal rate of passage of treated straw was not affected by diet; however, rate of passage of alfalfa haylage decreased when straw was included in the diet. In Experiment 2, no effect on cow performance was observed when straw treated with alkali was included at 20% of the diet. Inclusion of up to 20% wheat straw treated with 3% NaOH plus 3% Ca(OH) 2 in diets of lactating cows resulted in ruminal function and performance that were similar to those of cows fed diets that contained alfalfa haylage only.
To Be, or Not to Be, Linear: An expanded representation of personality and its relationship to leadership performance

In this study, we tested for a set of complex, nonlinear relationships between derailing/dark side personality composites and leadership performance using two independent samples of managers/leaders (N=1306 and N=290 for Study 1 and 2, respectively). Based on the structure and characteristics of the derailing/dark side trait composites, we expected the relationship between these composites and leadership performance would best be described with an inverted U function. In Study 1, we found evidence of a nonlinear relationship between the derailing composite, as measured by the Global Personality Inventory©, and behaviorally based, structured ratings of leadership performance in an assessment center. Similarly, Study 2 found evidence for a nonlinear relationship between dark side composites, as measured by the Hogan Development Survey©, and supervisory/other ratings of leadership performance. We discuss the implications of these complex, nonlinear findings with respect to the continued use of personality for the selection and promotion of future leaders. Limitations of the current study and directions for future research are noted.
Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Incident Lyme Disease in California

To identify risk factors for incident Lyme disease in California during the period June 1, 1991 to December 31, 1992, the authors compared the activities of 101 cases of physician-diagnosed erythema migrans ascertained via both active and passive surveillance with those of 107 controls matched on sex, age, and neighborhood. Questions asked by telephone pertained to location of home, presence of wildlife around the house, hours of outdoor work and outdoor leisure activities, pet ownership, precautionary measures to avoid tick bites, tick removal methods, and knowledge about Lyme disease. For cases, activities pertained to the month prior to the onset of erythema migrans ; controls were interviewed about the same activities during the same one-month period. The observation of deer and lizards around the home and a history of exposure to ticks were associated with Lyme disease (deer, odds ratio (OR) = 2.53, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.25-5.15 ; lizards, OR = 2.14, 95% Cl 1.14-4.04). However, the only activity associated with Lyme disease was the use for more than 5 hours per week of wide maintained trails (OR = 11.33, 95% Cl 1.33-123.5) ; this association occurred only in persons with other outdoor leisure activities. No other behaviors or activities were identified as risk factors for acquisition of Lyme disease in California.
Statement of Cash Flows: Time for Change!

The statement of cash flows is one of the three basic financial statements required under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Recent financial reporting scandals have shown that this basic financial statement is in need of reform. The presentation of operating cash flow using the indirect method is confusing to many readers, including financial analysts. The terminology used in the statement is unclear and unhelpful. The misclassification of specific cash flows in the operating, financing, or investing sections can result in overstatement of operating cash flow. The direct method for reporting cash flow from operations is recommended, together with an improved reconciliation of operating cash flow to net income. Moreover, companies need better guidance on classifying individual cash flows; the statement itself needs improved descriptions and straightforward terminology.
Crime, cash, and limited options: Explaining the prison boom*

Research Summary An analysis of a state panel of prison populations from 1977 to 2005 shows that the best predictors of prison populations are crime, sentencing policy, prison crowding, and state spending. Prison populations grew at roughly the same rate and during the same periods as spending on education, welfare, health and hospitals, highways, parks, and natural resources. Current and lagged values of state spending on prison construction also accounted for a substantial amount of variation in subsequent prison populations. Public opinion, partisan politics, the electoral cycle, and social threats seem to have had little effect on the number of prisoners. Policy Implications The availability of publicly acceptable alternatives to incarceration may not be sufficient to reverse course. Federal funding of alternatives—but not prisons—would provide states with the financial incentive to reduce prison populations.
Topics of Conflict in Emerging Adults’ Romantic Relationships:

This article presents reliability and validity evidence, from two separate studies, for a measure designed to assess topics of conflict within emerging adults’ romantic relationships (Topics of Conflict Scale [TCS]). In Study 1, college students in a current romantic relationship (N = 293) completed an initial 79-item form of the TCS. Exploratory factor analyses found that 22 items adequately loaded onto three factors (money, trust, and sex) with good internal consistency for each factor. Evidence of convergent validity was found with conflict management strategies. In Study 2 (N = 174 college students in a current romantic relationship), confirmatory factor analyses of the same 22 items from the initial 79-item TCS supported the same three factors (money, trust, and sex). In addition, acceptable test–retest reliability was found for each of the three subscales, and convergent validity evidence for the three subscales was found with conflict tactics. Overall, the TCS appears to be a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing three forms of conflict in romantic relationships among emerging adults. Language: en
Comparison of full- and half-dose gadolinium-DTPA : MR imaging of the normal sella

PURPOSE This study compares sellar intensities in 17 patients without sellar pathology using half (0.05 mmol/kg, nine patients) and full-dose (0.1 mmol/kg, eight patients) gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA). METHODS Sellar MR studies of eight patients who received full and nine patients who received half-dose Gd-DTPA were compared, retrospectively. Sequences included pre-, immediate, and delayed postcontrast T1-weighted coronal images (1.5 T). Intensity measurements were obtained by two observers using a uniform region of interest. RESULTS Comparison of normalized intensities revealed no significant difference between intensities obtained from immediate half- and full-dose techniques for any of the tissues examined (Student9s t test, P CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that a 50% reduction in dosage of Gd-DTPA for sellar MR at 1.5 T results in no significant diminution in intensity of enhancement of the pituitary gland or adjacent tissues.
Nanometer-Scale Electronics and Storage

The ability to control the placement of molecules is essential for the patterning and fabrication of nanoscale electronic devices. We apply selective chemistry and self-assembly in combination with conventional nanolithographic techniques to reach higher resolution, greater precision, and chemical versatility in the nanostructures that we create. We illustrate three successful approaches: (1) phase separation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) by terminal and internal functionalization, (2) phase separation of SAMs induced by post-adsorption processing and (3) control of molecular placement by insertion into a self-assembled monolayer. These methods demonstrate the possibilities of patterning films by exploiting the intrinsic properties of the molecules. We then employ these self-assembled monolayers as a means to isolate molecules with electronic function to determine the mechanisms of function, and the relationships between molecular structure, environment, connection, coupling, and function. Using self-assembly techniques in combination with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) we are able to study candidate molecular switches individually and in small bundles. Alkanethiolate SAMs on gold are used as a host two-dimensional matrix to isolate and to insulate electrically the molecular switches. We then individually address and electronically probeeach moleculeusing STM. The conjugated molecules exhibit reversible conductance switching, manifested as a change in the topographic height in the STM images. The origins of switching and the relevant aspects of the molecular structure and environment required will be discussed.
Utilizing factor analysis to inform the development of institutionally contrived experiences to increase STEM engagement

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine what institutionally contrived experiences would engage community college students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) study, regardless of their major. During the 2013–2014 academic year, 373 students at two California community colleges were surveyed, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on the questions involving STEM experiences. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on an additional survey sample of 343 students collected during the fall 2014 semester. A 4-factor model for the survey items pertaining to STEM experiences was confirmed through CFA. It suggested that the following latent constructs could be used to develop a program to increase STEM engagement: general support, career skills, academic support, and career guidance. Similarly, a bifactor model with a general latent construct of STEM experiences was another good fitting model. These findings suggest that the general factor (i.e., STEM ...
Cannabinoid receptor 1 ligands revisited: Pharmacological assessment in the ACTOne system.

Abstract In vitro cannabinoid pharmacology has evolved over time from simple receptor binding to include [ 35 S]GTPγ, β-arrestin, and cAMP assays. Each assay has benefits and drawbacks; however, no single functional system has been used for high-throughput evaluation of compounds from binding to pharmacological functionality and antagonist assessment in a well-characterized human cell line. In this study, we evaluated and validated one system—ACTOne human embryonic kidney cells transfected with a cyclic nucleotide gated channel and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1)—and compared human CB1 affinity, functional, and antagonistic effects on cAMP with previously published results. The study was conducted on a diverse group of CB1 ligands, including endocannabinoids and related compounds, 2-AG, AEA, MAEA, and ACEA, the phytocannabinoid Δ 9 THC, and synthetic cannabinoids CP 55,940, WIN 55,212-2, SR 141716A, CP 945,598, and WIN 55,212-3. Our results were compared with literature values where human CB1 was used for affinity determination and cAMP was used as a functional readout. Here we report the first detailed evaluation of the ACTOne assay for the pharmacological evaluation of CB1 ligands. The results from the study reveal some interesting deviations from previously reported functional activities of the aforementioned ligands.
A conceptual model of oceanic heat transport in the Snowball Earth scenario

Abstract. Geologic evidence suggests that the Earth may have been completely covered in ice in the distant past, a state known as Snowball Earth. This is still the subject of controversy, and has been the focus of modeling work from low-dimensional models up to state-of-the-art general circulation models. In our present global climate, the ocean plays a large role in redistributing heat from the equatorial regions to high latitudes, and as an important part of the global heat budget, its role in the initiation a Snowball Earth, and the subsequent climate, is of great interest. To better understand the role of oceanic heat transport in the initiation of Snowball Earth, and the resulting global ice covered climate state, the goal of this inquiry is twofold: we wish to propose the least complex model that can capture the Snowball Earth scenario as well as the present-day climate with partial ice cover, and we want to determine the relative importance of oceanic heat transport. To do this, we develop a simple model, incorporating thermohaline dynamics from traditional box ocean models, a radiative balance from energy balance models, and the more contemporary "sea glacier" model to account for viscous flow effects of extremely thick sea ice. The resulting model, consisting of dynamic ocean and ice components, is able to reproduce both Snowball Earth and present-day conditions through reasonable changes in forcing parameters. We find that including or neglecting oceanic heat transport may lead to vastly different global climate states, and also that the parameterization of under-ice heat transfer in the ice–ocean coupling plays a key role in the resulting global climate state, demonstrating the regulatory effect of dynamic ocean heat transport.
Disorders of the Innate Host Defenses

Innate host defenses provide the initial defense against invading pathogens. Defects in these defenses result in recurrent infections with pathogens or with opportunistic microorganisms. Both acquired and congenital deficiencies occur. Acquired defects in the innate defense mechanisms may occur in patients of any age following trauma including surgery, after exposure to radiation or chemotherapeutic drugs, or secondary to other disease processes such as autoimmune disease or cancer. Congenital defects are usually observed early in life and are characterized by reduced numbers or function of white blood cells as well as decreased synthesis of defense-related mediators such as cytokines and chemokines or secretion of immunologically nonspecific reactants including components of the complement system. Patients with these deficits have mutations in one or more genes crucial to the normal functioning of the system.
Role Stress Revisited: One or Two Constructs?

This paper extends previous efforts examining the construct validity of role stress. While some see it as comprised of separate role conflict and role ambiguity factors, others argue that it is a unidimensional construct. The authors use recent advancements in measurement theory to test the two competing theories. The results support the two-factor model rather conclusively. Implications for theory and practice are suggested.
Generation of maximal coherence in a two-level system via breaking adiabaticity

We study population transfer and the generation of quantum coherence in a two-level system interacting with a strong off-resonance ultra-short laser pulse. We derive analytical solutions for an ultra-short pulse of arbitrary shape.
Psychosocial factors related to non-persistence with adjuvant endocrine therapy among women with breast cancer: the Breast Cancer Quality of Care Study (BQUAL).

Non-adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for breast cancer (BC) is common. Our goal was to determine the associations between psychosocial factors and ET non-persistence. We recruited women with BC receiving care in an integrated healthcare system between 2006 and 2010. Using a subset of patients treated with ET, we investigated factors related to ET non-persistence (discontinuation) based on pharmacy records (≥90 days gap). Serial interviews were conducted at baseline and every 6 months. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), Medical Outcomes Survey, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQM), Impact of Events Scale (IES), Interpersonal Processes of Care measure, and Decision-making beliefs and concerns were measured. Multivariate models assessed factors associated with non-persistence. Of the 523 women in our final cohort who initiated ET and had a subsequent evaluation, 94 (18 %) were non-persistent over a 2-year follow-up. The cohort was primarily white (74.4 %), stage 1 (60.6 %), and on an aromatase inhibitor (68.1 %). Women in the highest income category had a lower odds of being non-persistent (OR 0.43, 95 % CI 0.23–0.81). Quality of life and attitudes toward ET at baseline were associated with non-persistence. At follow-up, the FACT, TSQM, and IES were associated with non-persistence (p < 0.001). Most women continued ET. Women who reported a better attitude toward ET, better quality of life, and more treatment satisfaction, were less likely to be non-persistent and those who reported intrusive/avoidant thoughts were more likely to be non-persistent. Interventions to enhance the psychosocial well-being of patients should be evaluated to increase adherence.
Parameters Optimization of Data Acquisition Techniques in Diffusion Tensor Imaging

To study and optimize diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)acquisition techniquesi,n a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner,single-shot DTI images were acquired by using three protocols with different numbers of diffusion-encoding gradient directions(NDGD.) DTI indices,including diffusivity(〈 D〉,) fractional anisotropy(FA) and diffusion tensor eigenvalues,were calculated and compared with regions of interest(ROI) level and voxel-level methods for three protocols in six locations.In addition,DTI images were acquired with different diffusion sensitized factors b.The relationships between signal-to-noise ratio,apparent diffusion coefficient and b were analyzed.At the ROI level,no significant differences were found for 〈 D〉and FA among protocols,however,not for eigenvalues.At the voxel level,the correlation coefficient between 21-NDGD and 31-NDGD protocols was higher in most locations.Signal-to-noise ratio reduced with increased b.Apparent diffusion coefficient and its standard deviation had different change in a certain range of b.It is concluded that the selection of NDGD should depend on the different diffusion tensor imaging applications to ROI or voxel-level analyses and different diffusion tensor imaging indices,and b in the range of 400—1 300 s/mm2 is better.
Cancer incidence and mortality in registration areas in Jiangsu Province,2010

Objective To study the incidence and mortality of cancer in registration areas in 2010 in Jiangsu Province.Methods Data from 27 cancer registries in 2010 in Jiangsu Province were collected;incidence and mortality were analyzed by area and gender.Results In 2010,the crude incidence of cancer in cancer registries of Jiangsu was 264.22/105,age-standardized incidence by Chinese population was 137.27/105 and by world population was 181.15/105,cumulative incidence rate(0~74age years old)was 21.32%.The crude mortality was 183.08/105,age-standardized mortality by Chinese population was88.58/105 and by world population was 120.92/105,cumulative mortality rate(0~74age years old)was 13.62%.Lung cancer,gastric cancer,liver cancer,esophageal cancer,colorectal cancer and female breast cancer were the most common cancers and major causes of death caused by cancer in Jiangsu Province.Conclusion Gastric cancer,liver cancer and esophageal cancer were common cancers threatening the health of residents in Jiangsu Province;the burden of lung cancer,colorectal cancer and female breast cancer was rising.Strengthened prevention and control measures should be taken.
Using Health Information Technology to Foster Engagement: Patients’ Experiences with an Active Patient Health Record

ABSTRACTPersonal health records (PHRs) typically employ “passive” communication strategies, such as non-personalized medical text, rather than direct patient engagement in care. Currently there is a call for more active PHRs that directly engage patients in an effort to improve their health by offering elements such as personalized medical information, health coaches, and secure messaging with primary care providers. As part of a randomized clinical trial comparing “passive” with “active” PHRs, we explore patients’ experiences with using an “active” PHR known as HealthTrak. The “passive” elements of this PHR included problem lists, medication lists, information about patient allergies and immunizations, medical and surgical histories, lab test results, health reminders, and secure messaging. The active arm included all of these elements and added personalized alerts delivered through the secure messaging platform to patients for services coming due based on various demographic features (including age and ...
Can we eradicate rheumatic fever in the 21st century

In the latter half of the 20th century, the clinical importance of variation in the virulence of strains of GAS has been clearly demonstrated. Although still obscure, the pathogenesis of ARF requires immunologically significant infection of the throat by virulent GAS strains. These strains contain large hyaluronate capsules and large M-protein molecules. The latter contain epitopes cross-reactive with host tissues, and also contain superantigenic toxic moieties. In areas where ARF has become rare, GAS pharyngitis continues to be common but is caused predominantly by GAS strains of relatively low virulence. These, however, may colonize the throat avidly and stubbornly. Molecularly distinct pyoderma strains may cause acute glomerulonephritis, but they are not rheumatogenic even though they may secondarily infect the throat. In developing countries with a very high incidence of rheumatic heart disease, identification of the prevalent rheumatogenic GAS strains and development of a multivalent vaccine against them is currently an interesting strategy. Pending vaccine development, intense primary and secondary penicillin prophylaxis should continue to be sharply focused on populations with the highest prevalence of RHD as such measures may often succeed in driving away the most virulent rheumatogenic clones of GAS from their midst.
Real‐time automated clinical deterioration alerts predict thirty‐day hospital readmission

INTRODUCTION Clinical deterioration alerts (CDAs) are increasingly employed to identify deteriorating patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective study to determine whether CDAs predict 30-day readmission. Patients admitted to 8 general medicine units were assessed for all-cause 30-day readmission. RESULTS Among 3015 patients, 567 (18.8%) were readmitted within 30 days. Patients triggering a CDA (n = 1141; 34.4%) were more likely to have a 30-day readmission (23.6% vs 15.9%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression identified triggering of a CDA to be independently associated with 30-day readmission (odds ratio [OR]: 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-1.55; P = 0.001). Other predictors were: an emergency department visit in the previous 6 months (OR: 1.23; 95% CI:, 1.20-1.26; P < 0.001), increasing age (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02; P = 0.003), presence of connective tissue disease (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.34-1.98; P = 0.012), diabetes mellitus with end-organ complications (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.13-1.33; P = 0.010), chronic renal disease (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.08-1.24; P = 0.034), cirrhosis (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.17-1.33; P < 0.001), and metastatic cancer (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.08-1.17; P = 0.002). Addition of the CDA to the other predictors added only modest incremental value for the prediction of hospital readmission. CONCLUSIONS Readily identifiable clinical variables can be identified that predict 30-day readmission. It may be important to include these variables in existing prediction tools if pay for performance and across-institution comparisons are to be “fair” to institutions that care for more seriously ill patients. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:768–772. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Electrooptically tuned harmonic generation for large aperture switching of multipass laser systems

A transparent plasma electrode formed in low-pressure ionized gas has been demonstrated to act as a conductive coating to allow the uniform charging of the optical faces of an electrooptic material.1 In this manner, large electric fields can be applied, to large aperture, high-aspect ratio Pockels cells and other optical switches which require axial electric fields.2 A new type of electrooptic switch with potential application in highpower laser systems is based on electrooptically tuned second harmonic generation.3
Evaluation of efficiency and trapping capacity of restricted access media trap columns for the online trapping of small molecules

Restricted access media are generally composed from multi-modal particles that combine a size excluding outer surface and an inner-pore retention mechanism for small molecules. Such materials can be used for either online isolation and pre-concentration of target small molecules or removal of small molecule interferences from large macromolecules, such as proteins in complex biological matrices. Thus, they are considered as enhanced online solid-phase extraction materials. We evaluated the efficiency and trapping capacity of different semi-permeable surface restricted access media columns (C18 , C8 , and C4 inner pores) for four model small molecule compounds (dopamine hydrochloride, acetaminophen, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and diethyl phthalate) having variable physicochemical properties. We further studied the effect of mobile phase flow rate (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mL/min) and pH, using 98:2 0.5% acetic acid in water/ methanol (pH 2.88) and 5 mM ammonium acetate in 98:2 water/methanol (pH 6.61) as mobile phases. Breakthrough curves generated using frontal analysis were analyzed to determine important chromatographic parameters specific for each of the studied compounds. Experimental determination of these parameters allowed selection of the most efficient trap column and the best loading mobile phase conditions for maximal solute enrichment and pre-concentration on restricted access media trap columns.
Do cats serve as good sentinels for Bartonella species infection risk in people and animals

Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae are emerging pathogens and infections are quite common in feline populations across the globe. The bacteria are known to cause infection and disease in numerous species, including people (Chomel and others 2006). Fleas spread the infection, although other vectors such as ticks have been implicated in transmission (Cotte and others 2008). Bartonella infection is considered zoonotic, so the identification of animal reservoirs aids in developing public health measures to minimise exposures. Due to its impact in veterinary and human medicine (Table 1), research involving Bartonella species has increased significantly in the past few decades. View this table: TABLE 1: Bartonella species associated and potentially associated with human disease, their distribution and vectors (Lamas and others 2008) Infection with Bartonella species can be diagnosed with serological techniques (Wolf and others 2014), namely immunofluorescence antibody tests. However, the utility of this method is limited since it only implies exposure to the bacteria. Therefore, molecular methods such as PCR and isolation in culture are more definitive and not only suggest infection, but also the presence of carrier and reservoir states (Maggi and others 2005, Pennisi and others 2010). One of the most advanced of the culture isolation methods is the Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment step, followed by …
Sensitivity of global greenhouse gas budgets to tropospheric ozone pollution mediated by the biosphere

Tropospheric ozone (O3), a harmful secondary air pollutant, can affect the climate via direct radiative forcing and by modifying the radiative forcing of aerosols through its role as an atmospheric oxidant. Moreover, O3 exerts a strong oxidative pressure on the biosphere and indirectly influences the climate by altering the materials and energy exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. However, the magnitude by which O3 affects the global budgets of greenhouse gases (GHGs: CO2, CH4, and N2O) through altering the land–atmosphere exchange is largely unknown. Here we assess the sensitivity of these budgets to tropospheric O3 pollution based on a meta-analysis of experimental studies on the effects of elevated O3 on GHG exchange between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. We show that across ecosystems, elevated O3 suppresses N2O emissions and both CH4 emissions and uptake, and has little impact on stimulation of soil CO2 emissions except at relatively high concentrations. Therefore, the soil system would be transformed from a sink into a source of GHGs with O3 levels increasing. The global atmospheric budget of GHGs is sensitive to O3 pollution largely because of the carbon dioxide accumulation resulting from suppressed vegetation carbon uptake; the negative contributions from suppressed CH4 and N2O emissions can offset only ~10% of CO2 emissions from the soil–vegetation system. Based on empirical data, this work, though with uncertainties, provides the first assessment of sensitivity of global budgets of GHGs to O3 pollution, representing a necessary step towards fully understanding and evaluating O3–climate feedbacks mediated by the biosphere.
The Role of Cancer-Derived Exosomes in Tumorigenicity & Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which epithelial cells lose their basement membrane interaction and acquire a more migratory, mesenchymal phenotype. EMT has been implicated in cancer cell progression, as cells transform and increase motility and invasiveness, induce angiogenesis, and metastasize. Exosomes are 30-100 nm membrane-bound vesicles that are formed and excreted by all cell types and released into the extracellular environment. Exosomal contents include DNA, mRNA, miRNA, as well as transmembrane- and membrane-bound proteins derived from their host cell contents. Exosomes are involved in intercellular signaling, both by membrane fusion to recipient cells with deposition of exosomal contents into the cytoplasm and by the binding of recipient cell membrane receptors. Recent work has implicated cancer-derived exosomes as an important mediator of intercellular signaling and EMT, with resultant transformation of cancer cells to a more aggressive phenotype, as well as the tropism of metastatic disease in specific cancer types with the establishment of the pre-metastatic niche.
Teologia naturalna, naturalizm metodologiczny i „żółwie do samego dołu”

Natural theology has not been held in particularly high regard during the past century and one half. However, recent developments both within science and within philosophy of science offer some new possibilities and resources. In what follows I explore some areas and structures within which natural theological potential might (in principle) emerge. I further argue that the current weapon of choice against substantive science/religion intertwining — methodological naturalism — not only fails as an inviolable norm, thus leaving the possibility of a genuine natural theology intact, but that it may even have unhappy theological consequences.
Placing modern droughts in historical context in the Ohio Valley using tree-rings

The temporal variability and severity of pre-instrument record summer droughts in the Ohio River Valley (Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, USA) are not well understood. This study attempts to help fill ...
What will it take to understand the ecology of symbiotic microorganisms

Many microbial taxa associated with healthy animals have both within-host and free-living populations, but little is known about the magnitude, persistence and dispersal of their populations in the external environment. Advances, particularly in our understanding of the population dynamics of free-living populations and microbial cycling between the external environment and hosts, can be achieved by the creative use of current technologies. In particular, there are opportunities to adapt methods, such as capture-mark-release techniques widely used in animal ecology, to the study of symbiotic microorganisms. Future technological advances are, however, required to monitor the location, proliferation and metabolic status at the scale of the single cell, especially under natural conditions. These advances will enable us to achieve precise quantification of host impacts on both micro-habitat suitability for microbial proliferation and microbial dispersal in the external environment. The resultant understanding of the fate of microorganisms shed from animal hosts is essential for the development of environmentally-safe and reliable microbial therapies for humans and animals of economic and environmental importance. Achieving an understanding of the ecology of symbiotic microorganisms is a key challenge for the discipline of environmental microbiology in the coming years.
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY OF PARTICLES WITH BOTH ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC CHARGES.

The quantum field theory of particles with both electric and magnetic charges is developed as an obvious extension of Schwinger's quantum field theory of particles with either electric or magnetic charge. Two new results immediately follow. The first is the chiral equivalence theorem which states the unitary equivalence of the Hamiltonians describing the system of particles with electric and magnetic charges ${e}_{n}$, ${g}_{n}$ and the system with charges ${{e}_{n}}^{\ensuremath{'}}=cos\ensuremath{\theta}$, ${e}_{n}+sin\ensuremath{\theta}{g}_{n}$, ${{g}_{n}}^{\ensuremath{'}}=\ensuremath{-}sin\ensuremath{\theta}{e}_{n}+cos\ensuremath{\theta}{g}_{n}$. This result holds in particular in the absence of physical magnetic charges. The second result is that if physical magnetic charges do occur, then, in consequence of chiral equivalence, the charge quantization condition applies, not to the separate products ${e}_{m}{g}_{n}$, but to the combinations ${e}_{m}{g}_{n}\ensuremath{-}{g}_{m}{e}_{n}$, which must be integral multiples of $4\ensuremath{\pi}$. The general solution of this condition leads to the introduction of a second elementary quantum of electric charge ${e}_{2}$, the electric charge on the Dirac monopole, besides the first elementary charge ${e}_{1}$, the charge on the electron. There are no other free parameters.
Social media sentiment and market behavior

This paper examines the impact of investor sentiment and geography on stock returns. We measure investor sentiment and location using direct measures derived from Twitter posts. We find Twitter sentiment is among important factors that can have an impact on stock returns. Negative tweets have a larger impact than positive tweets. The direct effect of sentiment on daily returns is an economically significant 0.036 and 0.078% for positive and negative sentiment, respectively. Our results support the Hirshleifer (J Finance 56(4):1533–1597, 2001) premise that both risk and misvaluation are important to asset pricing.
Vancomycin elution, activity and impact on mechanical properties when added to orthopedic bone cement.

Abstract Infection incidence for total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA, respectively) is between 0.2% and 5% and results in approximately 100,000 device failures per year in the United States. Treatment requires prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy with additional surgical revisions. As a prophylactic measure against infection, antibiotics can be incorporated into bone cement during THA and TKA to provide drug administration at the implant site. Antibiotics in bone cement are only effective if they can elute out of the cement at a concentration that is active against common organisms. There is evidence that added antibiotics may affect the cement's mechanical properties, especially at higher dosages. The purposes of this investigation were to (i) determine the mechanical properties of a commercially available bone cement with the addition of vancomycin, (ii) determine the release characteristics of vancomycin added to bone cement, and (iii) evaluate eluted vancomycin efficacy at eliminating some of the most common causative orthopedic implant pathogens. Palacos bone cement was impregnated with incrementally larger clinically relevant weight percentages of vancomycin. Vancomycin is a treatment standard for invasive gram-positive infections, and Palacos cement is one of the most commonly used bone cements. After 21 days of curing in PBS, added masses of vancomycin greater than 0.5 g per 40.0 g cement packet decreased the cement's compressive yield strength to below ISO standard. The addition of vancomycin reduced the bone cement's mechanical properties in compression more than in bending. Vancomycin eluted from Palacos with a steady rise in eluted volume up to 8 days, after which non-therapeutic elution concentrations were observed up to a 60-day end point. The eluted concentration from samples with greater than 0.25 g vancomycin per Palacos packet was sufficient to eliminate a 103 colony forming unit per mL (CFU/mL) initial inoculum of S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). However, none of the tested dosages were able to fully clear a 103 CFU/mL initial inoculum of a known high biofilm producing strain of S. epidermidis. When used for infection prophylaxis at the time of THA and TKA, the findings of this study do not support the addition of more than 0.5 g vancomycin to a 40 g packet of Palacos cement due to a reduction in compression yield strength below ISO standards. Vancomycin doses up to 0.5 g were shown to elute from the bone cement matrix and are effective at treating bacterial infections of 103 CFU/mL in bacterial strains of S. aureus, but may have limited effect against high-biofilm producing strains including S. epidermidis.
Calculated High Pressure Properties of Solids Composed of Non-Centrosymmetric Molecules

The study of structural phase transitions and other thermodynamic properties of solids is an active area of experimental and theoretical research. Essential to this progress are techniques that now make measurements at 100 GPa and at relatively high temperatures routinely available. Advances in calculational skills have also been important. In this report we discuss recent progress in understanding solid N2O and CO, which are particularly interesting because the molecules have no center of symmetry.
Low temperature spectra of the cytochromes of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Low temperature spectra of the cytochromes of Drosophila melanogaster were conducted on intact mitochondria isolated from whole larvae and on 0.85 % NaCl-washed particles obtained from these mitochondria. Sarcosomes of adult flight muscle were also studied. The strains of Drosophila used included Canton S wild type and three members of the Minute series of mutants, i.e. M(2)z, M(2)1, and M(2)12, and their control. The cytochrome spectra of all strains revealed the presence of cytochromes a + a3, b, and c. Although cytochrome c1, as defined in mammalian systems, was absent from these preparations, two cytochromes with absorption maxima at 551 and 555 mµ, corresponding to those found in housefly sarcosomes, are described. It is postulated that the 551 and 555 mµ components are located between cytochromes b and c of the electron transport chain, the 551 mµ component in a position analogous to cytochrome c1 of mammals and the 555 mµ component on a bifurcation of the main pathway. No qualitative differences were present among the spectra of the mutants, their controls, or homozygous wild type, implying that at least the heme portions of the cytochromes are normal in these mutants. In addition, no differences between larval mitochondria and adult flight muscle sarcosomes were found, indicating that the electron transport chain is qualitatively similar in both stages of the life cycle.
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC): A 40 year experience at a comprehensive cancer center.

e20044Background: PSC is rare and standard therapy is not well defined. We evaluated experience at our center to identify factors influencing the outcome. Methods: Retrospective review of PSC patie...
Optimal Sizing of Behind-the-Meter Energy Storage with Stochastic Load and PV Generation for Islanded Operation

Energy storage systems are flexible resources that accommodate and mitigate variability and uncertainty in the load and generation of modern power systems. We present a stochastic optimization approach for sizing and scheduling an energy storage system (ESS) for behind-the-meter use. Specifi-cally, we investigate the use of an ESS with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and a generator in islanded operation tasked with balancing a critical load. The load and PV generation are uncertain and variable, so forecasts of these variables are used to determine the required energy capacity of the ESS as well as the schedule for operating the ESS and the generator. When the forecasting uncertainties can be fit to normal distributions, the probabilistic load balancing constraint can be reformulated as a linear inequality constraint, and the resulting optimization problem can be solved as a linear program. Finally, we present results from a case study considering the balancing of the critical load of a water treatment plant in islanded operation.