cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community College Occupational Degrees: Are They Worth It?

While more than 60% of associate degrees and 98% of higher education certificates are classified as “career education,” the value of these programs has been repeatedly questioned. In this paper, we review and develop the evidence base on occupational higher education in the community college sector. We begin by describing the extent and recent growth of occupational credentials, including diplomas and certificates, both in the community college system and the for-profit sector. We then review the evidence on the labor market returns to occupational programs, focusing particularly on whether patterns vary between metropolitan and non-metropolitan residents and by gender. Using SIPP data from 2008, we observe the returns across vocational certificates and associate degrees by field of study. Finally, we draw policy lessons and consider the implications of the Great Recession on changes in the labor market.
Computer Competencies for Marketing: Are Universities Doing their Job?

This article presents a study of marketing professionals' perceptions of requisite computer skills for marketing students and makes various suggestions for delivering these competencies in a marketing curriculum.
Speaking Up for Vocabulary Reading Skill Differences in Young Adults

This study is part of a broader project aimed at developing cognitive and neurocognitive profiles of adolescent and young adult readers whose educational and occupational prospects are constrained by their limited literacy skills. We explore the relationships among reading-related abilities in participants ages 16 to 24 years spanning a wide range of reading ability. Two specific questions are addressed: (a) Does the simple view of reading capture all nonrandom variation in reading comprehension? (b) Does orally assessed vocabulary knowledge account for variance in reading comprehension, as predicted by the lexical quality hypothesis? A comprehensive battery of cognitive and educational tests was employed to assess phonological awareness, decoding, verbal working memory, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, word knowledge, and experience with print. In this heterogeneous sample, decoding ability clearly played an important role in reading comprehension. The simple view of reading gave a reasonable fit to the data, although it did not capture all of the reliable variance in reading comprehension as predicted. Orally assessed vocabulary knowledge captured unique variance in reading comprehension even after listening comprehension and decoding skill were accounted for. We explore how a specific connectionist model of lexical representation and lexical access can account for these findings.
Feasibility of Real-Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Catheter Guidance in Electrophysiology Studies

Background— Compared with fluoroscopy, the current imaging standard of care for guidance of electrophysiology procedures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides improved soft-tissue resolution and eliminates radiation exposure. However, because of inherent magnetic forces and electromagnetic interference, the MRI environment poses challenges for electrophysiology procedures. In this study, we sought to test the feasibility of performing electrophysiology studies with real-time MRI guidance. Methods and Results— An MRI-compatible electrophysiology system was developed. Catheters were targeted to the right atrium, His bundle, and right ventricle of 10 mongrel dogs (23 to 32 kg) via a 1.5-T MRI system using rapidly acquired fast gradient-echo images (≈5 frames per second). Catheters were successfully positioned at the right atrial, His bundle, and right ventricular target sites of all animals. Comprehensive electrophysiology studies with recording of intracardiac electrograms and atrial and ventricular pa...
A 6-Gb/s Wireless Inter-Chip Data Link Using 43-GHz Transceivers and Bond-Wire Antennas

A 43-GHz wireless inter-chip data link including antennas, transmitters, and receivers is presented. The industry standard bonding wires are exploited to provide high efficiency and low-cost antennas. This type of antennas can provide an efficient horizontal communication which is hard to achieve using conventional on-chip antennas. The system uses binary amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation to keep the design compact and power efficient. The transmitter includes a differential to single-ended modulator and a two-stage power amplifier (PA). The receiver includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA), pre-amplifiers, envelope detectors (ED), a variable gain amplifier (VGA), and a comparator. The chip is fabricated in 180-nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. With power-efficient transceivers and low-cost high-performance antennas, the implemented inter-chip link achieves bit-error rate (BER) around 10-8 for 6 Gb/s over a distance of 2 cm. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the recovered signal is about 24 dB with 18 ps of rms jitter. The transmitter and receiver consume 57 mW and 60 mW, respectively, including buffers. The bit energy efficiency excluding test buffers is 17 pJ/bit. The presented work shows the feasibility of a low power high data rate wireless inter-chip data link and wireless heterogeneous multi-chip networks.
Space motion sickness

Motion sickness remains a persistent problem in spaceflight. The present review summarizes available knowledge concerning the incidence and onset of space motion sickness and aspects of the physiology of motion sickness. Proposed etiological factors in the elicitation of space motion sickness are evaluated including fluid shifts, head movements, visual orientation illusions, Coriolis cross-coupling stimulation, and otolith asymmetries. Current modes of treating space motion sickness are described. Theoretical models and proposed ground-based paradigms for understanding and studying space motion sickness are critically analyzed. Prediction tests and questionnaires for assessing susceptibility to space motion sickness and their limitations are discussed. We conclude that space motion sickness does represent a form of motion sickness and that it does not represent a unique diagnostic entity. Motion sickness arises when movements are made during exposure to unusual force backgrounds both higher and lower in magnitude than 1 g earth gravity.
Transparency Strategy in Internet-Based Selling

Internet-based selling offers firms many new opportunities to strategize about the mechanism designs they use to support transaction making with consumers. This article examines the use of transparency strategy for Internet-based selling as a means for the firm to maximize the value of its selling activities on the World Wide Web. We define transparency and three of its most often observed forms in this article: product transparency, price transparency and supplier transparency. In each case, transparency refers to the extent to the extent to which a seller reveals private information to the consumer. We use these three forms of transparency to evaluate consumers’ responses to firm strategy with the selection of different levels of each kind of transparency in terms of willingness-to-pay. The perspective that we offer is especially relevant to the formation of strategy in the online travel agency (OTA) context. We position the theory in this illustrative context to showcase its applicability and the power of its theoretical insights in an appropriate real world context. We also generalize our findings to suggest some managerial guidelines that will help senior managers who must make transparency strategy choices in other Internet-related business contexts.
Group Work in Social Work Education: What Is Being Taught?

ABSTRACT This study of 51 syllabi from group work courses in 32 graduate social work programs across the United States found that a variety of teaching methods are being utilized, including small-group experiential exercises, group analysis, and group journals, as well as the more traditional methods of lectures and discussion. More than half of the courses included content on different kinds of groups (e.g., open versus closed, task versus therapeutic), leadership issues, and developmental stages of groups. It is of concern that relatively few syllabi reported major discussions of Ethics/ Values or Oppression.
Oxide- and Zeolite-Supported Isostructural Ir(C2H4)2 Complexes: Molecular-Level Observations of Electronic Effects of Supports as Ligands

Zeolite Hβ- and γ-Al2O3-supported mononuclear iridium complexes were synthesized by the reaction of Ir(C2H4)2(acac) (acac is acetylacetonate) with each of the supports. The characterization of the surface species by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies demonstrated the removal of acac ligands during chemisorption, leading to the formation of essentially isostructural Ir(C2H4)2 complexes anchored to each support by two Ir–Osupport bonds. Atomic-resolution aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images confirm the spectra, showing only isolated Ir atoms on the supports with no evidence of iridium clusters. These samples, together with previously reported Ir(C2H4)2 complexes on zeolite HY, zeolite HSSZ-53, and MgO supports, constitute a family of isostructural supported iridium complexes. Treatment with CO led to the replacement of the ethylene ligands on iridium with CO ligands, and the νCO frequencies of these complexes and white li...
Fault Analyses of Oil Condenser Bushing for Transformer

Bushing is the important component of transformer, and it is most important for guaranteeing safe operation and the reliable power supply of transformer. In statistics of fault and obstacle of transformer, the faults and obstacles related to bushing also take considerable proportion, and along with the raising of voltage grade, the proportion taken increases continuously. Because the reasons of faults and obstacles caused by bushing are varied, it is needed to carry out statistical analysis as far as possible for the similar faults in certain scope. This paper briefly analyzes the fault examples of oil condenser bushing for transformer, and presents some suggestions, which can be the reference of improving measures for related sectors and departments.
Effect of non-axisymmetric contouring on performance and film cooling of a rotating turbine endwall subjected to the secondary air purge: A combined numerical and experimental study

Applying a new non-axisymmetric endwall contouring technology introduced by Turbomachinery Performance and Flow Research Laboratory (TPFL) at Texas A&M University to the second rotor row of a three...
Segregation of Mobile Nuclear Proteins Away from Chromatin when the Nucleus is Constricted

As a cancer cell or adult stem cell squeezes through adjacent tissue or penetrates a basement membrane, its nucleus can exhibit very large deformations, but the effects of such constricted migration on chromatin organization and nuclear factors is poorly understood. Here, in micropipette aspiration and cell migration through rigid micropores, local densification and extension of chromatin is visualized together with a surprising squeeze-out of mobile factors. Hetero/eu-chromatin has been estimated to occupy f ∼ 70 ± 10% of the nucleus, but based on relative intensity of DNA and GFP-histones in a human osteosarcoma cell line drawn into a narrow constriction, f can easily increase locally to f∗ ∼ 85%. A fluorescent locus within Chromosome-1 is also seen to re-orient into the constriction, consistent with chromosomal alignment and tighter packing upon lateral squeezing when compared to the usual fractal globule state of chromosomes. In contrast, any mobile protein in the nucleus, including a ∼dozen proteins that function as either DNA repair proteins (e.g. BRCA1), transcription factors (e.g. RelA), or Cas9 nuclease, is seen to exhibit a reduced density within the constriction. A local change in free volume from (1 - f) ∼ 30% to (1 - f∗) ∼ 15% within the constriction is consistent with a ∼2-fold decrease in the relative intensity for all of these mobile protein within the constriction. Such a large decrease in mobile nuclear factors away from the constriction where DNA concentration is highest has important implications for regulating DNA repair, transcription, and nuclease-breakage, especially when combined with an increased tendency for rupture of the lamina and loss of the nuclear factors.
The role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 channel in cardiac aging

The aging heart is characterized by cellular and molecular changes leading to a decline in physiologic function and cardiac remodeling, specifically the development of myocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2), a stretch-mediated channel and regulator of calcium homeostasis, plays a key role in the function and structure of the heart. TRPV2 also plays an important role in the adaptive and maladaptive compensatory mechanisms of the heart in response to pathologic and exercise-induced stress. Our current study seeks to elucidate the potential role of TRPV2 channels in the regulation of cardiac function in aging. Wild-type (WT) and TRPV2 functional knockout (FKO) mice were aged out to various time points, and their cardiac function was measured using advanced echocardiography. Furthermore, we histologically analyzed the heart morphology to determine myocyte hypertrophy, the development of fibrosis and the relative expression of TRPV2. Our results demonstrate that even though TRPV2-FKO mice have impaired function at baseline, their cardiac function as measured via standard and advanced echocardiographic parameters (ejection fraction, cardiac output and circumferential strain) decreased less with aging in comparison with the WT group. Furthermore, there was less fibrosis and hypertrophy in the TRPV2-FKO group with aging in comparison with the WT. The expression of TRPV2 in the WT group did not significantly change with aging. TRPV2 functional deletion is compatible with aging and associated with a decreased development of myocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. It may be an important target for prevention of age-induced cardiac remodeling.
The upside‐down roots of a transnational advocacy network: applying an ‘organizational ecology’ approach to the anti‐GMO network

In this article, I examine a transnational advocacy network opposed to the introduction of genetically modified crops and supportive of organic agriculture in India. I argue that this network illustrates some of the consequences of ‘upward oriented linkages', in which professional NGO brokers focus on constructing relationships with other professional or elite partner bodies such as donor organizations, global retailers and the English language media. The ‘upside-down’ tree that results has roots pointing upwards to global partners and to domestic elite actors but is less responsive, and less tightly bound, to mass organizations and to its purported non-elite constituency of marginal farmers. I make this case through a methodological approach I term ‘organizational ecology’ in which I explore the idea of NGO based advocacy organizations as filling ‘niches’ in the larger political ecology of rural India and within this ‘ecology’ forming symbiotic connections to other organizations.
Fast SLMs from semiconductor quantum nanostructures

One of the principal goals of research on optical materials is to be able to control light with light in a nonlinear medium, using laser intensities no brighter than a dimly lit room. Such "photonic switches" would rapidly find many applications, ranging from fibre-optic telecommunication systems to image processors.
On the denesting of nested square roots

We present the basic theory of denesting nested square roots, from an elementary point of view, suitable for lower level coursework. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for direct denesting, where the nested expression is rewritten as a sum of square roots of rational numbers, and for indirect denesting, where the nested expression is rewritten as a sum of fourth-order roots of rational numbers. The theory is illustrated with several solved examples.
Understanding the GTPase Activity of LRRK2: Regulation, Function, and Neurotoxicity.

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most frequent cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with late-onset and autosomal-dominant inheritance. LRRK2 belongs to the ROCO superfamily of proteins, characterized by a Ras-of-complex (Roc) GTPase domain in tandem with a C-terminal-of-Roc (COR) domain. LRRK2 also contains a protein kinase domain adjacent to the Roc-COR tandem domain in addition to multiple repeat domains. Disease-causing familial mutations cluster within the Roc-COR tandem and kinase domains of LRRK2, where they act to either impair GTPase activity or enhance kinase activity. Familial LRRK2 mutations share in common the capacity to induce neuronal toxicity in cultured cells. While the contribution of the frequent G2019S mutation, located within the kinase domain, to kinase activity and neurotoxicity has been extensively investigated, the contribution of GTPase activity has received less attention. The GTPase domain has been shown to play an important role in regulating kinase activity, in dimerization, and in mediating the neurotoxic effects of LRRK2. Accordingly, the GTPase domain has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting the pathogenic effects of LRRK2 mutations. Many important mechanisms remain to be elucidated, including how the GTPase cycle of LRRK2 is regulated, whether GTPase effectors exist for LRRK2, and how GTPase activity contributes to the overall functional output of LRRK2. In this review, we discuss the importance of the GTPase domain for LRRK2-linked PD focusing in particular on its regulation, function, and contribution to neurotoxic mechanisms.
Reinforcing cementitious structures by pH activated in-situ shrinking microfiber

This paper describes an innovational fiber reinforcement technology for cementitious composite structures by using shrinking microfibers. Unlike incumbent passive reinforcing microfiber technology, in-situ shrinking microfibers that respond to an external stimulus such as heat, pH, or moisture variations can induce pre-compression to matrix and create additional resistance from external loads. In this paper, pH-activated shrinking (pHAS) microfibers and pH passive (pHP) microfibers made from chitosan powder were used to investigate the reinforcing effect of shrinking mechanism. The specimens reinforced by the range of 0 to 2 wt% of pHAS microfibers, pHP microfibers as well as control samples were prepared, and mechanical properties were compared with three-point bending tests and compression tests. For the three-point bending tests, the reinforcing effect from pHAS microfibers were shown in the specimens with 0.5 wt%, 133 % increase in maximum bending strength compared to the control specimens. However, in compression tests, significant strength increases were not shown, for several possible reasons: (i) weak bonding between fibers and matrix, (ii) small % elongation to break of chitosan microfibers, (iii) abrupt moisture content change in cementitious matrix due to chitosan microfibers, and (iv) micro-cracks due to shrinking related de-bonding which caused more damaging in compression tests than in three-point bending tests. To solve the problems, application of microfibers made from blending Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and chitosan has been also studied.
AP1G2b, an isoform of clathrin-coated adaptor protein, localizes in the nucleus and transactivates target gene estrogen receptor α

944 Adaptins are important components of clathrin-coated vesicles transporting ligand-receptor complexes from the plasma membrane or from the trans-Golgi network to lysosomes. The adaptin family of proteins is composed of four classes of molecules named alpha, beta-, beta prime- and gamma- adaptins. Adaptins, together with small and medium subunits, form a hetero-tetrameric complex called an adaptor, whose role is to promote the formation of clathrin-coated pits and vesicles. One of the proteins encoded by this gene is a gamma-adaptin which is thought to function during trafficking between the trans-Golgi network and the cell surface. There are two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding the same protein. By yeast two hybrid assay, we identified that the short transcript isoform of this gene, which we named AP1G2b, as an estrogen receptor-alpha (ER) binding protein. Interestingly, AP1G2b is localized inside the nucleus instead of the cytoplasm. By analyzing the protein sequence, we found that AP1G2b contains three consensus LXXLL nuclear receptor binding motif which are common to both the long and short AP1G2, and a nuclear localization signal which is localized in amino acid region unique to AP1G2b. RT-PCR assay showed that AP1G2b is expressed in a variety of breast cancer cell lines including both ER-positive and ER-negative, but the expression appears to be differentially regulated from the longer form AP1G2a. The binding of AP1G2b and ER was confirmed by both immunoprecipitation and GST-pull down assay, and the binding region was found to be predominantly localized to the E fragment of AF2 domain of ER. Cotransfection assay show that AP1G2b stimulates ERE transactivation and strongly transactivates the Gal4-Luc activity when cotransfected with Gal4-AF2, indicating the interaction between AP1G2b and the AF2 domain is critical for the regulation of ER function. Considering the abundance existence of AP1G2 proteins, these findings points to a potential role of AP1G2b in the regulation of ER function, presumably by affecting the nuclear internalization or modulating the chromatin of target genes in mammalian cells. (Supported by NIH grant CA90970 and CA65746).
A Workaround Model for Competent Project Managers using Agile Development in a Traditional Organization

Agile adoption is gaining popularity in organizations, even those steeped in traditional software development because it has been shown to offer significant benefits. Project managers are often unable to implement agile to its full potential given stakeholder resistance. Project managers find workarounds as a compromise to resistance in certain situations, whether the actions are harmless or essential to resistance. This paper unfolds a case study to examine how project managers’ social intelligence competencies that include working with, persuading, and influencing people plays a pivotal role in working around resistance to agile adoption emanating from stakeholders within and outside the team. Limitations and future research are discussed.
A new species of Aulacigaster from Zurquí de Moravia, a Costa Rican cloud forest (Diptera: Aulacigastridae)

ABSTRACT A new species of Aulacigaster Macquart, 1835 A. zurqui sp. nov., is described from Costa Rica. The new species, which is classified in the plesiomorphica species group following a cladistics analysis, can be separated from all congeners by having a triangular 1st flagellomere and stout body that is uniformly dark-brown to black. An expanded diagnosis of the plesiomorphica group and a modified key to the Neotropical Aulacigaster are provided to accommodate the new species.
Compact gain-saturated x-ray lasers down to 6.85 nm and amplification down to 5.85 nm

Plasma-based x-ray lasers allow single-shot nano-scale imaging and other experiments requiring a large number of photons per pulse to be conducted in compact facilities. However, compact repetitively fired gain-saturated x-ray lasers have been limited to wavelengths above λ=8.85 nm. Here we extend their range to λ=6.85 nm by transient traveling wave excitation of Ni-like Gd ions in a plasma created with an optimized pre-pulse followed by rapid heating with an intense sub-picosecond pump pulse. Isoelectronic scaling also produced strong lasing at 6.67 nm and 6.11 nm in Ni-like Tb and amplification at 6.41 nm and 5.85 nm in Ni-like Dy. This scaling to shorter wavelengths was obtained by progressively increasing the pump pulse grazing incidence angle to access increased plasma densities. We experimentally demonstrate that the optimum grazing incidence angle increases linearly with atomic number from 17 deg for Z=42 (Mo) to 43 deg for Z=66 (Dy). The results will enable applications of sub-7 nm lasers at compact facilities.
The Impact of an Electronic Expensive Test Notification.

Objectives The impact of clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) that display test cost information has been variable. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the 3-year impact of a passive CDST that notified providers when the test order cost was $1,000 or more. We determined the most common expensive tests ordered, the frequency with which providers abandoned the order after notification, and the costs saved through this intervention. Results The average monthly abandonment rate was 12.5% (2014), 12.9% (2015), and 14.3% (2016). The cost savings from tests not performed for this 3-year period was $696,007. Molecular hematopathology assays were the most frequently ordered tests, with variable abandonment rates. Conclusions Although this CDST was passive (ie, could be overridden at the point of order entry) and was associated with a relatively low abandonment rate, it achieved a considerable cost savings each year since each abandoned test saved the institution $1,000 or more.
Continuous Beam Modeling

In Chaps. 1 through 5 we discussed the solution of discrete, lumped-parameter models. For multiple degree of freedom systems, we employed modal analysis to enable us to transform the coupled equations of motion in local (model) coordinates into modal coordinates. In this coordinate frame, the equations of motion were uncoupled and we could apply single degree of freedom solution techniques. In Chap. 6 we shifted our attention to the “backwards problem,” which is representative of a common task for vibration engineers. In this problem, we begin with measurements of an existing structure and use this information to develop a model. We again used discrete models to describe the system behavior.
Do Cosmopolitan Ethics and Cosmopolitan Democracy Imply Each Other

This paper addresses the interrelations between cosmopolitanism in ethics and in politics, and suggests that the way in which cosmopolitan ethics and cosmopolitan democracy imply each other is a function of the way both cosmopolitan ethics and democracy are interpreted. However, lest this seem to involve a mere semantic appeal to the definition of terms, there are in fact several interesting ways in which the two philosophical enterprises of cosmopolitan ethics and cosmopolitan democracy will be seen to mutually implicate each other, and some arguments for thinking that these two projects should move in tandem. Central to the argument will be the claim that there are two senses of universality that need to be incorporated within a cosmopolitan ethics: the abstract universality of human rights and the concrete universality of transnational solidarities that are the ground of democratic forms of governance.
Diversity improves performance and outcomes.

Abstract Background Research on the effects of increasing workplace diversity has grown substantially. Unfortunately, little is focused on the healthcare industry, leaving organizations to make decisions based on conflicting findings regarding the association of diversity with quality and financial outcomes. To help improve the evidence-based research, this umbrella review summarizes diversity research specific to healthcare. We also look at studies focused on professional skills relevant to healthcare. The goal is to assess the association between diversity, innovation, patient health outcomes, and financial performance. Methods Medical and business research indices were searched for diversity studies published since 1999. Only meta-analyses and large-scale studies relating diversity to a financial or quality outcome were included. The research also had to include the healthcare industry or involve a related skill, such as innovation, communication and risk assessment. Results Most of the sixteen reviews matching inclusion criteria demonstrated positive associations between diversity, quality and financial performance. Healthcare studies showed patients generally fare better when care was provided by more diverse teams. Professional skills-focused studies generally find improvements to innovation, team communications and improved risk assessment. Financial performance also improved with increased diversity. A diversity-friendly environment was often identified as a key to avoiding frictions that come with change. Conclusions Diversity can help organizations improve both patient care quality and financial results. Return on investments in diversity can be maximized when guided deliberately by existing evidence. Future studies set in the healthcare industry, will help leaders better estimate diversity-related benefits in the context of improved health outcomes, productivity and revenue streams, as well as the most efficient paths to achieve these goals.
Predictors of Bloodstream Infection in Patients Presenting With Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Pocket Infection.

Background Generator pocket infection is the most frequent presentation of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. We aim to identify predictors of underlying bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients presenting with CIED pocket infection. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all adults with CIED pocket infection cared for at our institution from January 2005 through January 2016. The CIED pocket infection cases were then subclassified as with or without associated BSI. Variables with P values <.05 at univariate analysis were included in a multivariable model to identify independent predictors of underlying BSI. Results We screened 429 cases of CIED infection, and 95 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 68 cases (71.6%) were categorized as non-BSI and 27 (28.4%) as BSI. There were no statistically significant differences in patient comorbid conditions or device characteristics between the 2 groups. In multivariable analysis, the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (tachycardia, tachypnea, fever or hypothermia, and leukocytosis or leukopenia) and hypotension were independent predictors of underlying BSI in patients presenting with CIED pocket infection. Overall, patients in the non-BSI group who did not receive pre-extraction antibiotics had a higher frequency of positive intraoperative pocket/device cultures than those with pre-extraction antibiotic exposure (79.4% vs 58.6%; P = .06). Conclusions Patients with CIED pocket infection who meet systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and/or are hypotensive at admission are more likely to have underlying BSI and should be started on empiric antibiotics after blood cultures are obtained. If these features are absent, it may be reasonable to withhold empiric antibiotics to optimize yield of pocket/device cultures during extraction.
Physical activity as measured by accelerometer in NHANES 2005-2006 is associated with better bone density and trabecular bone score in older adults.

In an analysis of NHANES 2005–2006, older, but not younger, women and men with higher levels of physical activity had higher TBS, total hip T-score, and femoral neck T-score. Even modest levels of physical activity may be a crucial component of bone health maintenance. Physical activity is associated with improved bone parameters in adolescence, but it is not clear if this persists into adulthood. Further, it is unclear how low levels of physical activity as measured by accelerometer may impact bone parameters. We analyzed data from subjects from NHANES 2005–2006 over the age of 20 who had accelerometry and bone mineral density (BMD) testing. We analyzed women and men separately and grouped by over or under 50 years of age: 484 younger women, 486 older women, 604 younger men, and 609 older men. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was categorized as low (less than 5 min daily), intermediate (5–20 min daily), or high (at least 20 min daily). Among younger women and men, there was no significant relationship between MVPA and BMD or trabecular bone score (TBS). Conversely, older women with intermediate and high MVPA had higher TBS (1.360 ± 0.008 and 1.377 ± 0.009 vs 1.298 ± 0.010, p < 0.001), total hip T-score (− 1.02 ± 0.13 and − 0.90 ± 0.09 vs. − 1.51 ± 0.08, p < 0.01), and femoral neck T-score than women with low MVPA, respectively. Similarly, older men with high MVPA had higher TBS, total hip T-score, and femoral neck T-score than men with intermediate and low MVPA. Older, but not younger, women and men with higher levels of activity had higher BMD and TBS. Benefits were noted with as little as 5–20 min of daily physical activity. Our results suggest that physical activity is a crucial component of bone health maintenance.
Voltage Waveform Transient Identification for Autonomous Load Coordination

Significant electrical loads such as HVAC systems can be made “aware” of the operation of other loads nearby in the electric grid. Local examination of the utility voltage waveform can provide this awareness without the need for a dedicated communication network. This is particularly true in low-inertia microgrids and “soft” sections of a utility network. This paper presents techniques for extracting frequency and voltage harmonic transients corresponding to individual load events. With data collected from a microgrid energized by diesel generators, we demonstrate the ability to identify the operation of HVAC units and generator dispatch events from their transient effects on the voltage using a cross-correlation based scoring algorithm. Ultimately, incorporating such awareness into load controllers allows loads to autonomously meet system-level objectives in addition to their individual requirements. For example, HVAC units could maintain occupant comfort while also reducing the utility’s peak aggregate electrical demand by consuming electricity on a schedule interleaved with the operation of other nearby HVAC units.
P015 : EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRE-TRANSPLANT EVALUATION OF DSA BY VARIOUS METHODS AND INCIDENCE OF AMR IN KIDNEY ALLOGRAFT RECIPIENTS

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the C1q-SPA assay in recipients of kidney from deceased donors. Methods The study population consisted of 123 recipients transplanted at Columbia University Medical Center between January 1 and December 31, 2012. None of the patients showed DSA that could be detected by complement dependent lymphocytotoxicity. Sera obtained from each patient prior to transplantation were evaluated for donor-specific anti-HLA IgG antibody (DSA) by Luminex single-antigen bead (SAB) testing (SAB-IgG). SAB-IgG positive sera were further tested by Luminex SAB-based assay detecting C1q-binding HLA antibodies (SAB-C1q). Results The one year kidney allograft survival was 96.6% in this patient population. Four recipients had an episode of AMR although 27 showed DSA detectable by SAB-IgG. C1q testing shows DSA in 7 sera among the SAB-IgG positive results (7/27, 26%), 3 of which were in patients with AMR and 4 in patients without AMR. Conclusions There was a positive correlation between the presence of C1q detectable DSA in pre-transplantation sera and development of AMR. However, the correlation between SAB-IgG, SAB-C1q and rejection was weaker, suggesting the need of further evaluation of methods that can predict the risk of AMR, without affecting the patients’ chances of receiving a transplant.
Association of Diastolic Dysfunction with Reduced Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adults Living with HIV.

Despite the high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in adults living with HIV, the impact on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is understudied. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to inv...
The Role of the General Nephrologist in Evaluating Patients for Kidney Transplantation: Core Curriculum 2020

Transplantation is the preferred modality of replacement therapy for most patients with kidney failure. In the United States, more than 3,000 new patients are registered each month on the kidney transplant waiting list for this life-saving therapy. A potential kidney transplant recipient's evaluation typically begins with a referral by the general nephrologist to a transplantation center. In this installment in the Core Curriculum in Nephrology, we endeavor to achieve a shared understanding of the patient factors that contribute to optimal patient and allograft outcomes following kidney transplantation. In addition, we provide a primer on the routine listing, evaluation, testing, and candidate selection process in an effort to demystify the current criteria commonly used by transplantation centers. Issues common to a majority of candidates, including cardiovascular health, frailty as a measure of biological age, history of prior malignancy, and high body mass index are reviewed in detail. With this knowledge, we hope to facilitate improved communication between general and transplantation nephrologists.
Traces, symmetric functions, and a raising operator

The polynomial relationship between elementary symmetric functions (Cauchy enumeration formula) is formulated via a ``raising operator" and Fock space construction. A simple graphical proof of this relation is proposed. The new operator extends the Heisenberg algebra so that the number operator becomes a Lie product. This study is motivated by natural appearance of these polynomials in the theory of invariants for Lax equations and in classical and topological field theories.
Recession-Induced Stress and the Prediction of Corporate Failure

In this paper we examine whether the occurrence of recession-induced stress is an incrementally informative factor that contributes to the predictive and explanatory power of accounting-based failure prediction models. We show that accounting-based statistical models used to predict corporate failure are sensitive to the occurrence of a recession. Moreover, after controlling for the intertemporally unconditioned "stressed" and "unstressed" types of corporate failure, we find that models conditioned on the occurrence of a recession still add incremental explanatory power in predicting the likelihood of corporate failure. This source-related characterization of stress appears distinct from other types of corporate failure that have been identified.
The Strength of a Weak Institution: Clearing House, Federal Reserve, and the Survival of Commercial Banks in Manhattan, 1840-1980.

This paper compares the function of public vs. private institutions and studies conditions that influence their effectiveness. We use the population of commercial banks in Manhattan from 1840 to 19...
Comparison of Survival Outcomes With/Without Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Desmoplastic Melanoma.

Background Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare variant of cutaneous melanoma with a high rate of local recurrence. Recent studies have indicated a potential benefit in local control with the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Objective This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of adjuvant RT for patients with DM. Materials and methods The National Cancer Database was queried (2004-2015) for patients with newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic DM. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the adjuvant therapy they received: RT or observation. Statistics included multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of receiving adjuvant RT, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS. Results There was no difference in median OS between patients treated with RT when compared with patients observed (111.4 months vs 133.9 months, p = .1312). On multivariable analysis, older age, T stage ≥2, N stage ≥1, and no receipt of immunotherapy were associated with worse OS. Conclusion In this large study evaluating efficacy of adjuvant RT in DM, no overall survival benefit was observed among patients receiving adjuvant RT.
Enzastaurin safety review: Data from phase I and phase II trials

13077 Background: Enzastaurin, an oral inhibitor of PKC and PI3K/AKT pathways, blocks tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation and induces tumor cell death. Enzastaurin has demonstrated promise...
Neuroanatomy of the Female Pelvis

The neuroanatomy of the pelvis is a complex system with many interactive pathways that is not completely understood yet. The advancement of technology in the basic sciences and imaging continues to allow improved understanding in this area. This chapter serves as an overview of basic neurology as well as a look into the innervation of the musculature related to pelvic floor support and continence mechanisms.
At Least One-Third of Zeros of Riemann's Zeta-Function are on σ = ½

Abstract Starting from the derivative of the functional equation of the zeta-function, it is shown that at least one-third of the zeros of the zeta-function are on the line σ = ½.
Sterol synthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii137+: Cell-cycle variations

Abstract Biosynthesis of cellular sterol during the 12 h light/12 h dark vegetative cycle of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii 137 + (wild-type) has been investigated in highly synchronous, axenic cultures. Pulse exposure of algae to saturating concentrations of radioactive acetate and to 3 H 2 O demonstrate that sterol is synthesized continuously, but differentially, with respect to cell-cycle time. High rates of sterol synthesis are confined to the light period (mid-to-late G 1 ), a maximal rate attained by 4.5 h in the cell cycle. With the onset of the dark period, sterol synthesis drops sharply by about one order of magnitude. Sterol synthesis in the dark (S, M, and early-to-mid G 1 ) does not rise above negligible levels until the dark-to-light transition, which is accompanied by a 30-fold rate increase. The kinetics indicate that sterol synthesis is modulated through the cell cycle both by acute photocontrols operative at the light/dark transitions and by long-term controls active over the course of the light and the dark periods.
The use of a multimedia lesson to increase novice programmers' understanding of programming array concepts

The methods used to teach introductory computer programming to college students are becoming outdated. The use of a multimedia lesson, delivered prior to classroom lectures or following classroom instruction was investigated for its effectiveness in developing the mental models of students. This was a quantitative study of the effects of a multimedia lesson on the mental models and conceptual knowledge of novice computer programming students in an introductory programming course. One group received a multimedia lesson prior to lectures. The other group received instruction prior to using the lesson. The order of the treatment made a significant difference on their pretest or posttest scores. Both groups saw significant gains in their posttest scores. Students in both groups also experienced significant improvement in their mental models of programming arrays.
Evolution in Wood: An Ecological/Functional Synthesis

In the presentation of wood features of Chapters 2–9, comments are given on evolutionary status of wood features where appropriate. What cannot be evident in those chapters are: (1) How do wood features evolve with respect to each other? (2) What kinds of evidence exist for evolutionary status of wood features? (3) How polyphyletic are particular wood features? (4) How conservative are particular wood features? And (5) to what extent is evolution of particular features irreversible or reversible? Features of wood anatomy ought to obey the same neo-Darwinist principles as those operating in the evolution of other features in organisms.
Performance characteristics of a combination solar photovoltaic heat engine energy converter

A combination solar photovoltaic heat engine converter is proposed. Such a system is suitable for either terrestrial or space power applications. The combination system has a higher efficiency than either the photovoltaic array or the heat engine alone can attain. Advantages in concentrator and radiator area and receiver mass of the photovoltaic heat engine system over a heat-engine-only system are estimated. A mass and area comparison between the proposed space station organic Rankine power system and a combination PV-heat engine system is made. The critical problem for the proposed converter is the necessity for high temperature photovoltaic array operation. Estimates of the required photovoltaic temperature are presented.
Malignant carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract 1. 1. This is the report of a case of a carcinoid or argentaffine tumor growing from the stump of the appendix into the cecum with metastases to the regional lymph-nodes. 2. 2. This adds another case to the seventy-six previously reported malignant carcinoid tumors. 3. 3. All carcinoid tumors should be considered potentially malignant. 4. 4. It is interesting to note that the patient was entirely asymptomatic as far as any gastrointestinal disturbance was concerned even though the tumor had already metastasized to the regional nodes.
Studies on the dechlorination and oil-production technology of waste plastics

Recycle technology for waste plastics containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been developed in the Hokkaido National Industrial Research Institute for the production of solid and liquid fuel, and has established a recycling process which includes a dechlorination process for PVC plastics, and a two-stage catalytic pyrolysis process for plastics using zeolite catalysts. The dechlorination equipment consists of a two-axis screw extruder with a heating element, which can remove chlorine up to 99.9 wt. % from PVC containing plastics as hydrogen chloride. The product had about 44 000 kJ/kg calorific value and was fed into the next oil production process, although it could also be used as a solid fuel. Natural and synthetic zeolite were used as catalysts for the two-stage catalytic process, which produced a light oil with a boiling point which was between those of kerosene and gasoline. The yield of this oil reached 82 wt. %. The chemical type was analyzed using liquid chromatography, and was found to have many aromatic compounds. These technologies make it possible to produce a nonpolluting, high-calorie solid fuel and a liquid fuel very efficiently.
Solar Flares: An Extremum of Reconnection

Three points are emphasized: that the solar flare is that particular astrophysical phenomenon that is the extremum of reconnection, no other phenomenon demands as rapid magnetic flux annihilation as is seen in the solar flare; that plasma physics experiments can and should be performed in the laboratory that model reconnection as we observe it in astrophysics; and that stochastic field lines derived from something similar to Alfven wave turbulence are a necessary part of reconnection.
Developing a library of display effects on pilot performance: Methods, meta-analyses, and performance estimates

The design of NextGen and current-day cockpit displays are critical for efficient pilot performance and situation awareness on the flight deck. Before deployment of a design into the cockpit the costs and benefits that a display design imposes on performance and situation awareness should be considered. In this thesis, a design tool was developed to support the design of NextGen displays for situation awareness and performance. This design tool is a library of pilot performance estimates. Through literature reviews and meta-analyses of empirical data, the library was developed to provide display designers 1) qualitative distinctions of display properties that either support or limit full situation awareness, and 2) quantitative performance time estimates until situation awareness as a function of various display formats. A systematic method was also developed for future augmentation of the library.