cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Perinatal Depression Among the Hard to Serve

Perinatal depression is a prevalent condition that can adversely affect maternal health and functioning, family dynamics and infant development. However, in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) women suffering from perinatal depression rarely have their condition diagnosed and treated. This paper analyzes the problem of perinatal depression in LMICs, including risk factors and potential outcomes, then critically examines one intervention—The Thinking Healthy Programme (THP)—as a model from which to draw recommendations for future programs and studies. The THP is a cognitive behavior therapy-based intervention that was incorporated into the maternal and child health services provided by community health workers in rural Pakistan to reduce perinatal depression and improve infant health. Analysis shows that strengths of the THP include its use of a strong supervision model and application of a psychosocial approach to ensure cultural appropriateness and participant engagement. However, weaknesses in sample selection, limitations of evaluation methods, the extensiveness of formative research and concerns about sustainability and large-scale feasibility illustrate opportunities for improvement. Future interventions to address perinatal depression in low-resource settings should target the most vulnerable women, incorporate more rapid assessment procedures, utilize multiple methods for evaluating child health and development and ensure program sustainability through refined supervision processes and mechanisms for maintaining morale and motivation of CHWs.
Loneliness among young adults during covid-19 pandemic: The mediational roles of social media use and social support seeking

Introduction: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and shelter-at-home have become necessary for public health and safety in the United States This period of social isolation may be a risk factor for mental health problems, particularly among young adults for whom rates of loneliness are already high Young adults also engage in more social media use than other age groups, a form of socialization associated with adverse effects on mental health, including loneliness and depression Methods: The current study examined potential mediating roles of social media use and social support seeking on the relationship between age and loneliness symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic Participants included 1,674 adults who completed an online survey regarding depressive symptoms, loneliness, coping strategies, and changes to their daily lives as a result of the pandemic Results: Results indicated that young adults were lonelier than older adults during the pandemic, showed a greater increase in social media use, and lower social support seeking Higher increases in social media use and lower social support seeking mediated the relationship between age group and loneliness Discussion: Findings are discussed in context of prior research and potential effects of stress and isolation during the pandemic Clinical implications and suggestions for intervention are elaborated © 2020 Guilford Publications All rights reserved
Left atrio-oesophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation.

We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who presented with atypical chest pain and fluctuating neurological symptoms 4 weeks after cryoballoon ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. Brain imaging showed multiple embolic infarcts, while the chest imaging revealed an abnormal connection between the posterior wall of the left atrium and the oesophagus. Based on her clinical presentation and the imaging findings, a diagnosis of left atrio-oesophageal fistula (AOF) was established. AOF carries a high mortality rate unless an urgent surgical repair is performed. Oesophageal instrumentation for an echocardiogram or endoscopy should be avoided as it can result in massive air embolus, causing stroke or death.
A Practical Tutorial Discussion the Evaluating ITArtifacts Using Controlled Experiments using the Design Science Framework

This tutorial teaches how to conduct evaluations that fit within the design science paradigm, i.e., evaluations of algorithms and entire systems. Design science is of increasing importance in IS with many of the main and top journals recognizing it as an important research approach in our field. However, many business schools and i-schools focus on behavioral or econometrics when teaching evaluation. This tutorial brings the complement to this: ANOVA and t-test for evaluation of artifacts under different conditions.
Cultural Effects: Consumption Choice and Subjective Well-Being of Consumers in Emerging Markets: An Abstract

Behavioral economists established the paradoxical relationships between an individual’s objective facts of life and subjective satisfaction with these. A large-size fish caught during vacation may make an accomplished scholar happier than yet another book publication. A wealthy farmer may be more satisfied with life while riding in a subway for the first time than with abundant harvest.
Bridging the Gap: How Families Use the Online Platform Economy to Manage their Cash Flow

When a family experiences a cash-flow interruption, they can adjust by spending down savings, borrowing, cutting expenditures, or generating supplementary income. With the rise of the Online Platform Economy, this last option has likely become more available. In this report, we leverage the JPMorgan Chase Institute Online Platform Economy data set, which tracks payments from 128 online platforms to 2.3 million families participating on platforms between October 2012 and March 2018, to investigate whether and how families use the Online Platform Economy as a cash-flow management tool to smooth their income. We take two converse perspectives to examine this question. First, we track the evolution of income and cash balances in the weeks leading up to and immediately following a family’s entry into the Online Platform Economy. Second, we track how Online Platform Economy participation rates and average weekly platform revenues evolve around discrete cash flow events. In total, we analyze five specific events: a family’s first entry to the Online Platform Economy, a job loss, a job gain, a tax refund receipt, and a tax payment. We find that in the ten weeks leading up to a family joining the Online Platform Economy, income and cash balances decline by 10 percent, suggesting that families turn to the Online Platform Economy when their payroll incomes are interrupted. Additionally, we find evidence that employment events catalyze changes in platform participation, especially in the transportation sector, and especially for families with male primary account holders. In contrast, tax-related cash flows—the arrival of a tax refund or a tax payment—have no effect on platform participation rates. Altogether, our results indicate that families use the Online Platform Economy as a cash-flow management tool to bridge an income gap between jobs but not during tax time. Our insights add an important dimension to discussions regarding both appropriate policy design for and regulation of these labor markets.
Racial Differences in the Effect of HIV Status on Motor and Pulmonary Function and Mobility Disability in Older Adults.

Older Black adults face a disproportionate burden of HIV prevalence, but less is known about racial disparities in age-related outcomes in HIV. We assessed the effect of HIV status and race on motor and pulmonary function, as well as how they contribute to mobility disability. Community-based study; Chicago, IL Participants were 363 community-dwelling adults age ≥ 50 years, 48% living with HIV, and 68% Black. Participants with HIV were recruited from a specialty HIV clinic, and participants without HIV (comparable on key demographic, lifestyle, and behavioral characteristics) were recruited from the community. Measures included motor function summarized by 10 motor performance measures, pulmonary function summarized by 3 measures assessed using handheld spirometry, and self-reported mobility disability. In fully adjusted linear models, HIV was associated with better motor (β = 9.35, p < 0.001) and pulmonary function (β = 16.34, p < 0.001). For pulmonary function, the effect of HIV status was moderated by race (interaction between Black race and HIV status: β = − 11.66, p = 0.02), indicating that better pulmonary function among participants with HIV was less evident among Black participants. In fully adjusted models, odds of mobility disability did not differ by race, HIV status, or pulmonary function; better motor function was associated with lower odds of mobility disability (OR = 0.91 per 1-point higher, 95% CI 0.88–0.93). Better motor and pulmonary function exhibited by participants with HIV could reflect access to medical care. Racial differences in lung function among participants with HIV indicate potential disparities in prevention or treatment of pulmonary disease or underlying risk factors.
Analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and emerging halogenated and organophosphate flame retardants in human hair and nails

A method for the digestion, extraction, fractionation, and analysis of three classes of flame retardants, including 36 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 9 halogenated alternative flame retardants (AFRs), and 12 organophosphate esters (OPEs) in human hair and nail samples was developed. The method employed HNO3/H2O2 digestion, liquid-liquid extraction with (4:1 vol) hexane:dichloromethane, fractionation on a 6g column of 2.5% water deactivated Florisil, and analysis by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry. The accuracy and precision of the method was validated using spiked samples of 6 replicates for both hair and nail samples. The method validation results showed good accuracy and precision for all PBDEs except BDE-209, all AFRs except hexabromobenzene (HBB), and all of the 12 OPEs, with average recovery efficiencies>90% and relative standard deviations (RSDs)<10%. The average recovery efficiencies for HBB were between 60% and 86%, with RSDs<10%. BDE-209 had recovery efficiencies of 64% (RSD, 13%) for hair and 71% (RSD, 10%) for nail. This method was applied to analyze 5 human hair and 5 fingernail samples from the general student population at Indiana University Bloomington campus. BDE-47 and BDE-99 were the predominant PBDEs detected in both hair and nail samples, with a concentration range of 11-620 and 4.6-780ng/g (dry weight) in hair and 7.3-43 and 2.1-11ng/g in nails, respectively. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) and 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) were detected in all the samples, with concentrations of 20-240 and 11-350ng/g in hair and <17-80 and <9.2-71ng/g in nails, respectively. Among the 12 OPEs analyzed, tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TCIPP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) were most often detected. The concentrations of these OPEs (summed together) were 1100-3900 and 380-18,000ng/g in hair and nails, respectively. These levels exceed those of both the PBDEs and the AFRs.
Enhancement of antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus by exposure to hyperbaric oxygen.

Growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P was studied in stationary broth cultures (11 mm deep) exposed to hyperbaric oxygen (100% O2 at 3 atm absolute). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the following antibiotics was determined after exposure to high-pressure oxygen (HPO) for 3, 6, and 12 hr: penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, kanamycin, and cephalothin. Logarithmic growth during exposure to HPO was retarded 60%. Air at 3 atm absolute did not retard growth. The longer the exposure of tube dilution tests to HPO, the lower the MIC. Regardless of the antibiotic used, MIC values relative to 100% for unexposed controls were similar for given exposures, and averaged 73% after 3 hr of exposure to HPO, 53% after 6 hr, and 34% after 12 hr. Similar enhancement with HPO and an iodophor suggests occurrence of a general phenomenon with antibacterial agents. Although HPO alone is primarily bacteriostatic, combined therapy with antibiotics and HPO may be useful against bacterial infections because the therapeutic effectiveness of a maximal dosage of antibiotic could be increased.
Local income related to Marcellus shale activity in Pennsylvania

This study examines the impact of Marcellus shale development on Pennsylvania (USA) residents’ income, as reported on state tax returns between 2007 and 2010, and pays special attention to the distribution of these economic impacts across residents within Pennsylvania counties. The analysis shows that Marcellus development has had a positive effect on taxable income of local residents and that the increases in lease and royalty income going to mineral right owners exceed local employment and compensation impacts in high drilling activity counties. This suggests that focusing on employment effects from such activity, as has been done in much recent economic research, misses an important potential impact on resident income. In addition, because land ownership is highly concentrated, it means local economic benefits of unconventional drilling are heavily concentrated among a small percentage of the population, potentially raising equity issues about the distribution of costs and benefits from such activity.
LISREL modeling of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels in male twins.

Based on the LISREL modeling approach for data from monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins [Heath et al., 1989; Neale and Cardon, 1992], the hypothesized variance of the logarithm of high density lipoprotein cholesterol due to additive genetic factors was estimated to equal 19% for males. Unobserved common environment accounted for 32% of the variance of log HDL. Both estimates controlled for body mass, alcohol consumption, and smoking. The model had very strong goodness-of-fit indices
Recognizing the Individual: The Muhtasibs of Early Mamluk Cairo and Fustat

This Article studies the biographies of several key muhtasibs in Mamluk Cairo and Fustat to understand the types of individuals who held the position and how the individual background, education, status among the populace, relationship to the ruling elite, and the means of obtaining the position of each contributed to how the particular muhtasib functioned in office.
Strain-induced structural modifications and size-effects in silica nanowires

This study investigates the structural transformations and properties of silica glass nanowires under tensile loading via molecular dynamics simulations using the BKS (Beest-Kramer-Santen) interatomic potential. Surface states of the elongated nanowires were quantified using radial density distributions, while structural transformations were evaluated via ring size distribution analysis. The radial density distributions indicate that the surface states of these silica nanowires are significantly different than those of their interior. Ring size analysis shows that the ring size distributions remain mainly unchanged within the elastic region during tensile deformation, however they vary drastically beyond the onset of plastic behavior and reach plateaus when the nanowires break. The silica nanowires undergo structural changes which correlate with strain energy and ring size distribution variations. It is also found that the ring size distribution (and strain energy) variations are dependent on the diameter...
Detection and Assessment of MicroRNA Expression in Human Disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally suppress gene expression through sequence-specific interaction with the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of target mRNAs. By modulating gene networks, miRNAs have been shown to regulate many aspects of cellular homeostasis and physiology, including differentiation, growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. The discovery of extracellular miRNA in blood and other body fluids has prompted investigation into their ability to serve as biomarkers for human disease. Further, many miRNAs have been implicated in the underlying pathophysiology of human disease, and there is substantial opportunity to develop novel molecular therapeutics through manipulation of these miRNAs. Here, we review the evidence for the use of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in human disease. We also describe the advantages and limitations for current miRNA profiling strategies.
Examination of hominid evolution by DNA sequence homology

Abstract Hominoid phylogeny was investigated in terms of unique DNA sequence homologies. In comparisons from the human standpoint the ΔTe 50 DNA values were Man 0, chimpanzee 0·7, gorilla 1·4, gibbon 2·7, orangutan 2·9, and African green monkey 5·7. In comparisons from the orangutan standpoint the ΔTe 50 DNA values were orangutan 0, chimpanzee 1·8, Man 1·9, gorilla 2·3, gibbon 2·4 and African green monkey 4·3. These results indicate that chimpanzee and gorilla are cladistically closer to Man than to orangutan and other primates, and that gorilla DNA may have diverged slightly more from the ancestral state than chimpanzee or human DNA. Comparisons from chimpanzee and gorilla DNA standpoints are needed to achieve a more definitive picture of hominoid phylogeny.
An authorization model for a shared data base

An authorization model is presented, applicable to a shared data base with well defined data structures. Access to this data base is made through a high level language, which is extended to permit data manipulation and to provide data views for different applications. The authorization model includes: 1) the explicit introduction of the concept of application into the definition of user rights; and 2) the use of predicates that can depend on any data in the system to control access at the data field level. Enforcement of authorization is distributed along time (mostly at compile time), and uses the view mechanism to make evident the application program data requests, which are checked by a centralized procedure that consults the access matrix. The system is shown to provide comprehensive authorization, including implementation of levels and compartments, special access restrictions, content-dependent, context-dependent and functional access.
Combining Nerve Fiber Layer Parameters to Optimize Glaucoma Diagnosis with Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose To identify the best combination of Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness parameters for the detection of glaucoma. Design Observational cross-sectional study. Participants Eighty-nine age-matched normal and perimetric glaucoma participants enrolled in the Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study. Methods The Zeiss Stratus OCT system was used to obtain the circumpapillary RNFL thickness in both eyes of each participant. Right and left eye clock-hour data are analyzed together, assuming mirror-image symmetry. The RNFL diagnostic parameters were combined using either or-logic or and-logic approaches. Main Outcome Measures Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC), sensitivity, and specificity are used to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results Overall average RNFL thickness has the highest AROC value (0.89) of all single parameters evaluated, followed by the inferior and superior quadrants (0.88 and 0.86, respectively). The clock hours with the best AROC values are in the inferior and superior quadrants. The highest AROC (0.92) was achieved by the or-logic combination of overall, inferior, and superior quadrant RNFL thicknesses. The 3-parameter combination was significantly better than the overall average alone ( P = 0.01). The addition of more quadrants or clock hours to the combination reduced diagnostic performance. Conclusions The best stand-alone diagnostic strategy for Stratus OCT RNFL data is to classify an eye as glaucomatous if the overall, inferior quadrant, or superior quadrant RNFL thickness average is below normal.
Chronic expanding hematoma of the thigh simulating neoplasm on gadolinium-enhanced MRI

Patients who present with slowly growing extremity masses are often imaged with MRI to be examined for possible tumors. In addition to cysts and neoplasms, chronic expanding hematomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis if the patient has a history of remote trauma. The presence or absence of internal contrast enhancement is often used to distinguish between hematomas and hemorrhagic neoplasms on MRI and CT. We present the unusual case of a patient who had a chronic expanding hematoma of the calf that demonstrated nodular internal enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced MRI, simulating a neoplasm.
Quantification of BK1-5, the Stable Bradykinin Plasma Metabolite in Humans, by a Highly Accurate Liquid-Chromatographic Tandem Mass Spectrometric Assay

Abstract Bradykinin is a vasoactive nonapeptide involved in cardiorenal physiology and inflammatory states. It has been linked to the pathophysiology of hypertension and diabetes. Correlating levels of bradykinin with disease states has been hampered by its rapid degradation, artifactual production during blood sampling, and nonspecific radioimmunoassay techniques. We previously identified BK1-5 as the stable in vivo plasma metabolite of systemic bradykinin in humans. We now report a sensitive and specific assay method for BK1-5 in human blood utilizingliquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry(MS) with electrospray ionization. [ 13 C 2 , 15 N]Glycine was incorporated into chemically synthesized BK1-5 for use as an internal standard. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected into 15-ml chilled ethanol to prevent artifactual kinin production and degradation. BK1-5 in ethanolic plasma supernatant was purified on a polymeric solid phase extraction cartridge. MS analysis was in the selective reaction monitoring mode. Precision of the assay is ±7.5% and accuracy is 99%. Recovery of BK1-5 through sample preparation was 43% and the lower limit of detection is 4 fmol/ml blood. Concentrations of BK1-5 in 12 normal volunteers were 44.2 ± 7.1 fmol/ml blood (mean ± SE). During blood sampling, no artifactual production of BK1-5 was detected for up to 60 s prior to denaturing the sample. This assay provides the first accurate and precise method using MS to quantify BK1-5 in human blood as a marker for the production of systemic bradykinin in humans.
Hardening mechanisms of spray formed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys with scandium and other elemental additions

Abstract The hardening mechanisms in spray formed Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys with additions of chromium, zinc and scandium were studied. The microstructure of the spray formed alloys was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. A range of tensile strengths were achieved, and varied based on elemental additions, and second phase particle strengthening. To explain the significantly higher strength in one alloy with scandium, theoretical results due to the yield stress of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys as a function of volume fraction and precipitate particle size, were compared to experimental data. Both the possibilities of coherency and order strengthening are examined. The significant additional hardening achieved in the alloy with scandium is attributed to small ordered particles of Al3Sc, which precipitated during aging.
Transient Circulation Event near the Deep Ocean Floor.

On 24 January 1968, a transient deep-circulation event was recorded by a triangular array of autonomous current recorders installed 3 meters above the bottom at two of the three positions and at intervals of 3 to 1000 meters above the bottom at the third position in a depth of 3950 meters above the relatively smooth floor of the eastern North Pacific. The event interrupted a 24-hour record of relatively steady but peculiar conditions, lasted for about 1½ hours, and was followed by current directions and speeds that greatly differed from those of the initial period. The event occurred over a volume of the sea of at least 2 kilometers in horizontal dimensions and 1 kilometer thick. Associated with the event were many small clockwise-rotating features extending from 3 to at least 1000 meters above the bottom and a rapidly increasing current velocity at 1000 meters. The event was probably local and may have involved convective motion, internal waves, and the passage of front. Some of the changes in horizontal velocity may have resulted from the combined effects of upwelling and the earth's rotation.
Dose and timing effect of etomidate on motor evoked potentials elicited by transcranial electric or magnetic stimulation in the monkey and baboon

Objective Etomidate has been shown to both enhance and depress the cortical amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) depending on the dose used. Similar amplitude increases with etomidate and motor evoked potentials resulting from cortical magnetic (tcMMEP) and electric (tcEMEP) stimulation have not been consistent. We used a primate model to elucidate the time and dose characteristics of the effect.
Nanomechanical characterization of polymer beam structures for BioMEMS applications

Polymer microstructures are incorporated in biomicroelectromechanical system (BioMEMS) devices with applications ranging from drug screening to defense applications. Nanomechanical characterization of the polymer components must be carried out in order to design reliable devices. This paper presents the nanoindentation characterization of polymer beams fabricated through soft lithography-based techniques for BioMEMS applications. Poly(propyl methacrylate) (PPMA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and a nanocomposite of polystyrene and clay (PS/Clay) were investigated in this study. The hardness, elastic modulus and creep behavior of microbeams made from these materials were measured using continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) nanoindentation, and the scratch resistance of thin films was measured using a nanoscratch technique. Yield and breaking strengths were determined by normal beam bending at elevated loads, in which the presence of the nanoclay filler in the composite modified the deformation behavior relative to the unfilled polystyrene. Lateral bending of PS and PS/Clay cantilever beams is demonstrated for the first time. The mechanical response of beams after soaking in deionized water or heating to human body temperature was examined.
Lighting the path: photopatternable substrates for biological applications

Photolithographic patterning methods provide a versatile way of functionalizing substrates for biological and biosensing applications. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in photopatterning for biological applications. This review emphasizes photopatterned self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) since they have distinguished themselves as a facile means to functionalize a variety of substrates from oxides to noble metals, while also providing precise control over the surface chemistry. These patterning techniques have been divided into four categories depending on the type of surface modification; complete monomer removal, backbone cleavage, tail group degradation, and functional group modification. Additionally, insights are provided into the next generation of patterned substrates for biological applications.
NPY/AgRP Neurons Are Essential for Feeding in Adult Mice but Can Be Ablated in Neonates

Hypothalamic neurons that express neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) are thought to be critical regulators of feeding behavior and body weight. To determine whether NPY/AgRP neurons are essential in mice, we targeted the human diphtheria toxin receptor to the Agrp locus, which allows temporally controlled ablation of NPY/AgRP neurons to occur after an injection of diphtheria toxin. Neonatal ablation of NPY/AgRP neurons had minimal effects on feeding, whereas their ablation in adults caused rapid starvation. These results suggest that network-based compensatory mechanisms can develop after the ablation of NPY/AgRP neurons in neonates but do not readily occur when these neurons become essential in adults.
Development of Large-Area Switchable Plasma Device for X-Band Applications

This paper demonstrates a large-area, lightweight, conformal plasma device that interacts with propagating X-band microwave energy. The active elements are rugged plasma-shells - hollow ceramic shells encapsulating a controlled-pressure gas that can be ionized to controlled plasma parameters. Plasma-shells are electrically excited by frequency selective surfaces that are transparent to the frequency band of interest. The result is equivalent to large-area free-space plasma confined in a discrete plasma slab. A novel structure is designed with the aid of full-wave simulation and fabricated as a 76.2-mm square array, and transmission performance is tested across different drive voltages and angles of incidence. Switchable attenuation of 7 dB is measured across the passband when driven with 1400 Vpp at 1 MHz. Plasma parameters are estimated from theory and full-wave simulation, with electron density estimated to be 3.6×1012 cm-3. The proposed structure has potential for use on mobile platforms.
Homo Viator : Luther and Late Medieval Theology

DESPITE the persistence of significant differences over the interpretation of humilitas in Luther's early works,' an apparent consensus is afoot on both the nature of the problem which drove him to his Reformation theology and the nature of the discovery which forms the heart of this theology. As the picture now comes into focus in the secondary literature, the problem Luther apparently confronted so despairingly might be summarized as the viatorstatus of Christian life within the traditional medieval ordo salutis.
Optimization of Decision Support Tool using Medication Regimens to Assess Rehospitalization Risks

Background: Unnecessary hospital readmissions are costly for the U.S. health care system. An automated algorithm was developed to target this problem and proven to predict elderly patients at greater risk of rehospitalization based on their medication regimens. Objective: Improve the algorithm for predicting elderly patients’ risks for readmission by optimizing the sensitivity of its medication criteria. Methods: Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and medication data were reused from a study that defined and tested an algorithm for assessing rehospitalization risks of 911 patients from 15 Medicare-certified home health care agencies. Odds Ratio analyses, literature reviews and clinical judgments were used to adjust the scoring of patients’ High Risk Medication Regimens (HRMRs). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated whether these adjustments improved the predictive strength of the algorithm’s components. Results: HRMR scores are composed of polypharmacy (number of drugs), potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) (drugs risky to the elderly), and Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) (complex dose forms, dose frequency, instructions or administration). Strongest ROC results for the HRMR components were Areas Under the Curve (AUC) of .68 for polypharmacy when excluding supplements; and .60 for PIM and .69 for MRCI using the original HRMR criteria. The “cut point” identifying MRCI scores as indicative of medication-related readmission risk was increased from 20 to 33. Conclusion: The automated algorithm can predict elderly patients at risk of hospital readmissions and its underlying criteria is improved by a modification to its polypharmacy definition and MRCI cut point. Citation: Olson CH, Dierich M, Adam T, Westra BL. Optimization of decision support tool using medication regimens to assess rehospitalization risks. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 773–788 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-04-RA-0040
Particle deformation induced by AFM tapping under different setpoint voltages

The measured height of polystyrene nanoparticles varies with setpoint voltage during atomic force microscopy (AFM) tapping-mode imaging. Nanoparticle height was strongly influenced by the magnitude of the deformation caused by the AFM tapping forces, which was determined by the setpoint voltage. This influence quantity was studied by controlling the operational AFM setpoint voltage. A test sample consisting of well-dispersed 60-nm polystyrene and gold nanoparticles co-adsorbed on poly-l-lysine-coated mica was studied in this research. Gold nanoparticles have not only better mechanical property than polystyrene nanoparticles, but also obvious facets in AFM phase image. By using this sample of mixed nanoparticles, it allows us to confirm that the deformation resulted from the effect of setpoint voltage, not noise. In tapping mode, the deformation of polystyrene nanoparticles increased with decreasing setpoint voltage. Similar behavior was observed with both open loop and closed loop AFM instruments.
Alpha1-antitrypsin in amniotic fluid and cord blood of preterm infants with the respiratory distress syndrome

Total protein, alpha 1 -antitrypsin, and alpha 2 -macroglobulin were measured on amniotic fluid in 125 pregnancies between 11 and 42 weeks' gestation, and on the cord blood of 66 newborn infants. Amniotic fluid surface active material was assessed by the foam stability test. Amniotic fluid alpha 1 -antitrypsin is linearly and directly related to amniotic fluid total protein (r=0.703, p 1 -antitrypsin is also linearly related to cord total protein. Intrapartum complications are associated with a significant lowering of the cord alpha 1 -antitrypsin. Infants with a negative foam stability test had RDS regardless of the aminotic fluid alpha 1 -antitrypsin concentration. However, RDS occurred in several infants with an intermediate or positive foam stability test; and this combination was generally assocated with an increase of amniotic fluid alpha 1 -antitrypsin. The cord blood alpha 1 -antitrypsin value did not appear to be related to aminotic fluid surface active material. There were 23 infants with cord alpha 1 -antitrypsin of less than 0.2 gm/dl and with an intermediate or positive foam stability test; 19 of them had respiratory difficulties of varying severity. It is conceivable that infants, in spite of apparent adequate prenatal lung surfactant, develop respiratory disturbances on the basis of pulmonary fluid and protein transudation and/or reduction or inhibition of pulmonary surfactant incident to intrapartum complications.
The pathogenesis of bacterial endocarditis

Abstract The various clinical aspects of bacterial endocarditis are reviewed, and the pathogenesis of the disease as it occurs in man and animals is summarized.
A performance/cost approach to transistor design

The customer is interested in the overall performance and the cost of transistors and this requires a more sophisticated design approach aimed at high performance at low cost. For the high-frequency high-power market, the transistor designer is technically limited in his choice of junction formation methods, and the cost of products is high. For those markets where many techniques compete, the performance/cost design approach is essential; the low-frequency low-power market particularly warrants this approach at this time. For the low-frequency low-power market, where several techniques can yield the same performance, the designer must consider the various methods of forming junctions and making contacts, and the mechanical design, including the housing, in terms of the cost factors. The various design elements will be described and analysed with respect to the cost factors reflected by process complexity, product reproducibility and design flexibility. Particular emphasis is placed on a comparison of the three basic junction-formation techniques?alloy, grown and diffused. This analysis indicates, on a performance/cost basis, that alloy and grown types of transistors have, and will have for many years, an important share of the computer, audio and broadcast radio-frequency and intermediate-frequency markets. Consideration of the high-frequency high-power markets, and the inevitable simplification of the relatively new diffusion process, leads to the conclusion that all three basic techniques will be required to obtain the broadest market coverage in the expanding transistor market.
The Next Big Thing: Local Celebrity

In this essay I observe that, as the field of celebrity studies established itself in the academy, there is a need for a distinctly sociological and interactional approach to celebrity. In particular, I argue for a focus on the experiential and relational dynamics of celebrity from the point of view of celebrities themselves, something which has so far been difficult for researchers to achieve. One way to accomplish this goal is to move in the direction celebrity itself seems to be headed: toward local or subcultural celebrities and their smaller, more segmented audiences. Empirical research on the lived experiences of local celebrities provides a practical way to generate celebrity-level data and makes an important sociological contribution to broader theorizing about the cultural phenomenon of celebrity.
Two star-operations and their induced lattices

Let D be an integral domain with quotient field K, let (F(D) (f(D)) be the set of nonzero (finitely generated) fractional ideals of D, and let ★ be a star-operation on F(D).For A ∊ F(D) and there exists J∊f(D) such that J★=D, and xJ ⊆ A}.Then A ★w = {x ∊ K | exists J ∊ f(D) such that J ★ = D, and xJ ⊆ A}. Then and ★w are star-operations on F(D) that satisfy . Moreover, is the greatest (finite character) star-operation Δ ≤ ★ with (A ∩B)Δ=A Δ∩ B Δ.We also show that ★ w -Max(D)= ★ s -Max(D) and A ★w =∩{AP | P ∊★ s -Max(D)}.Let L ★w (D) = {A | A is an integral ★ w -ideal}∪{0}. Then L ★w (D) forms an r-lattice. If D satisfies ACC on integral ★ w -ideals,L ∗w (D) is a Noether lattice and hence primary decomposition, the Krull intersection theorem, and the principal ideal theorem hold for ∗ w -ideals of D. For the case of ★=υ,★ w is the w-operation introduced by Wang Fanggui and R.L. McCasland.
Kinetics of the Attack of High-Temperature Molybdenum and Tungsten by Atomic Oxygen

Using microwave discharge, fast‐flow system techniques coupled with resistance heating and monitoring of the reacting specimens, the true kinetics of metal atom removal for polycrystalline molybdenum and tungsten filaments attacked by atomic oxygen have been obtained in the nominal temperature range 1000°–2200°K at oxygen atom pressures in the range 10−3 to Torr. Under these conditions the oxides of molybdenum and tungsten essentially volatilize as rapidly as they are formed, leaving the metal surface vulnerable to direct oxygen atom attack at constant (time independent) rates. Reaction probabilities are found to be up to 140 times those for O2 attacking the same surface, are independent of O‐atom partial pressure, and exhibit a much weaker temperature dependence than those for O2. These observations are in accord with a Rideal‐type mechanism in which O atoms from the gas phase strike chemisorbed oxygen, leading either to product formation and desorption, or surface‐catalyzed oxygen atom recombination.
Can city QOL indicators be objective and relevant? Towards a participatory tool for sustaining urban development

Abstract The paper concludes its first section by answering the title question: no, QOL indicators cannot be purely objective but yes, they can be relevant while being subjective. The second section develops a framework for making measures of urban QOL more relevant. The objective is that such indicators can be a useful tool for sustaining urban development into the next millennium. The framework consists of three elements: (a) a process—QOL indicators should be locally developed through an approach that combines expertise with stakeholder consultation; (b) an output—developing, collecting and evaluating QOL measurements should be linked to implementation of policies, programmes and/or projects; and (c) a method—a series of tested guidelines should be applied to ensure that QOL indicators are realistic, both logistically (they can be collected) and analytically (they are appropriate measures). Real‐world examples are used to illustrate points made in the paper.
Structural instability in new magnetic heusler compounds

Abstract The crystal structure and magnetic properties have been determined for a new series of compounds of the form Rh2TSn. For T = Mn, Ni, or Cu, the room temperature structure is the fully ordered cubic Heusler structure. For T = V, Cr, Fe, or Co, a new structure is observed which is an exceptionally large tetragonal distortion of the Heusler structure (c/a = 1.18−1.27). The appearance of this tetragonal distortion is attributed to an electronic instability of the band Jahn-Teller type.
Drug and sexual HIV risk behaviours related to knowledge of HIV serostatus among injection drug users in Houston, Texas

This study examines the association between drug and sexual HIV risk behaviours and knowledge of HIV serostatus among a sample of injection drug users, recruited into the 2009 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance project. We calculated prevalence ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals of reporting a given risk behaviour comparing injection drug users unaware of their serostatus and HIV-negative to HIV-positive injection drug users. Of 523 participants, 21% were unaware of their HIV serostatus. The three groups were not different from each other in terms of drug-use behaviours; however, injection drug users unaware of their HIV serostatus were 33% more likely to report having more than three sexual partners in the past 12 months and 45% more likely to report having unprotected sex compared to HIV-positive injection drug users. We observed markedly higher prevalence of sexual risk behaviours among injection drug users unaware of their serostatus, but drug-use risk behaviours were similar across the groups.
The effects of size, reproductive condition, and parasitism on foraging behaviour in a freshwater snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum

Abstract Predation risk is expected to affect the foraging behaviour of individual prey according to their size, sex and reproductive condition. Parasites may also affect the foraging behaviour of their hosts, due to increased energetic demands imposed by the parasite, or due to a parasite strategy to increase the likelihood of its transmission to the next host. Field studies were conducted to determine the effects of size, reproductive condition and trematode infection on foraging behaviour in a freshwater snail,Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Among uninfected snails, small individuals (
Glutamate signaling to Ras-MAPK in striatal neurons: mechanisms for inducible gene expression and plasticity.

Extracellular signals can regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades through a receptor-mediated mechanism in postmitotic neurons of adult mammalian brain. Both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are found to possess such an ability in striatal neurons. NMDA and AMPA receptor signals seem to share a largely common route to MAPK phosphorylation which involves first activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) via Ca2+ influx, followed by subsequent induction of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). Through its lipid and protein kinase activity, active PI3-kinase may transduce signals to Ras-MAPK cascades via at least two distinct pathways. A novel, Ca2+-independent pathway is believed to mediate mGluR signals to Ras-MAPK activation. As an information superhighway between the surface membrane and the nucleus, Ras-MAPK cascades, through activating their specific nuclear transcription factor targets, are actively involved in the regulation of gene expression. Emerging evidence shows that MAPK-mediated genomic responses in striatal neurons to drug exposure contribute to the development of neuroplasticity related to addictive properties of drugs of abuse.
Deducing Hard Thermal Loops From Ward Identities

Abstract In hot gauge theories, hard thermal loops are the dominant loop corrections at soft momenta. We show that the hard thermal loops in arbitrary amplitudes are determined, up to an angular integral, by their Ward identities.
Lagrangian dispersion in sheared flow

Abstract Two-dimensional Lagrangian trajectories are studied near an idealized ocean front with shear and convergence plus an uncorrelated random walk. Applications include fixed-depth drifters and plankton patches with perfect depth regulation. In the drifter case, observed trajectories need to be interpreted in terms of the ensemble of possibilities. In the plankton case, surveys of abundance and distribution need to be interpreted similarly if vital rates are to be deduced, often involving an individual-based model incorporating both biotic rates and motion. In both cases, forecasting requires such an ensemble description; and both model skill assessment and data assimilation requires knowledge of the ensemble statistical properties. Closed-form expressions are presented for mean and covariance of positions, and for the important case of model-data misfit. The analysis is extended to include plankton parcels – mass and position – for parcels moving within a spatially variable growth rate, originating for example in a temperature gradient. The solutions support the interpretation of Lagrangian displacement data in the presence of shear; evaluating Lagrangian misfit with simulation results; and the use of individual-based models in spatially explicit applications.
CEACAM6 Cross-linking Induces Caveolin-1-dependent, Src-mediated Focal Adhesion Kinase Phosphorylation in BxPC3 Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells *

Despite lacking transmembrane or intracellular domains, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins can modulate intracellular signaling events, in many cases through aggregation within membrane "lipid raft" microdomains. CEACAM6 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface protein of importance in the anchorage-independent survival and metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. We examined the effects of antibody-mediated cross-linking of CEACAM6 on intracellular signaling events and anchorage-independent survival of the CEACAM6-overexpressing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line, BxPC3. CEACAM6 cross-linking increased c-Src activation and induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(FAK) focal adhesion kinase. Focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation was dependent on c-Src kinase activation, for which caveolin-1 was required. CEACAM6 cross-linking induced a significant increase in cellular resistance to anoikis. These observations represent the first characterization of the mechanism through which this important cell surface oncoprotein influences intracellular signaling events and hence malignant cellular behavior.
A note on class one graphs with maximum degree six

It is known that there are class two graphs with @D=6 which can be embedded in a surface @S with Euler characteristic @g(@S)=<0. However, it is unknown whether there are class two graphs on the projective plane or on the plane with @D=6. In this paper, we prove that every graph with @D=6 is class one if it can be embedded in a surface with Euler characteristic at least -3 and is C"3-free, or C"4-free or if it can be embedded in a surface with Euler characteristic at least -1 and is C"5-free. This generalizes Zhou's results in [G. Zhou, A note on graphs of class I, Discrete Math. 263 (2003) 339-345] on planar graphs.
Tube Rupture Study of a 300 Bar Heat Exchanger

From a safety study a concern was raised about the probability of instant tube rupture in 300 bar heat exchangers in LDPE plants. A study has been performed in a multidisciplinary team to determine the potential failure mechanisms. Among the possible potential failure mechanisms those which can cause instant tube rupture were identified. Based on these potential failure mechanisms, non-destructive examinations were performed to investigate if these failure mechanisms were present and online acoustic emission measurements were performed to investigate during which process conditions the damage occurred. Eventually a cooler was dismantled to investigate the root cause of the damage. This paper describes the entire study.Copyright © 2014 by ASME