cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggregability is NP-hard

Many dynamical systems are aggregable in the sense that we can divide their variables x1,...,xn into several (k) non-intersecting groups and find combinations y1,...,yk of variables from these groups (macrovariables) whose dynamics depend only on the initial values of the macrovariables. For very large systems, finding such an aggregation is often the only way to perform a meaningful analysis of such systems. Since aggregation is important, researchers have been trying to find a general efficient algorithm for detecting aggregability. In this paper, we show that in general, detecting aggregability is NP-hard even for linear systems, and thus (unless P=NP), we can only hope to find efficient detection algorithms for specific classes of systems.We also show that in the linear case, once the groups are known, it is possible to efficiently find appropriate combinations ya.
Model predictions of shear strain-induced ridge defects in graphene

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to investigate the origins of ridge defects that can form on graphene surfaces during the growth process. Tensile, compressive, and shear strains are applied to model graphene sheets to determine their mechanical response and the resulting surface features. We find that shear results in ridges diagonal to the graphene sheet that are qualitatively similar to experimentally observed defects and exhibit the associated striations and 1D and 2D Moire superlattices indicating that shear strain plays a significant role in the formation of ridge defects. Lastly, we use the model to characterize the effects of size, orientation, and number of graphene sheets on the height of shear-induced ridges.
Impact of DNA typing on standards and practice in the forensic community.

Abstract This article reviews the history of DNA-based human identification from its inception in 1985. Since the development of the technology, experts called for setting of standards and use of proficiency tests for quality assurance measures. The response of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to DNA forensic standards needs was catalyzed by the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods, sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with funding provided by the National Institute of Justice. Standard reference materials were developed for the original technologies used in DNA identification and for the newer polymerase chain reaction–based technologies. Adoption of recommended standards developed through the Federal Bureau of Investigation–commissioned DNA Advisory Board show the acceptance of National Institute of Standards and Technology standards for calibration of laboratory protocols. New technologies will require a process of validation and continued testing through the us...
Topiramate (Topamax) reduces conditioned abstinence behaviours and handling-induced convulsions (HIC) after chronic administration of alcohol in Swiss-Webster mice.

Topiramate has emerged as one of the promising drugs for the treatment of alcoholism and alcohol addiction. Recent studies have shown that topiramate reduces harmful drinking and initiates abstinence in humans, but little is known as to why this drug is effective. Aims: In the present study, we examined the effects of topiramate in reducing convulsions during alcohol withdrawal using a procedure called the handling-induced convulsion (HIC) test in male Swiss-Webster mice. In addition, we examined the ability of topiramate to reduce alcohol conditioned and anxiety related behaviours during conditioned abstinence using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Methods: HICs were examined 10 h after the 3rd daily alcohol (2.5 g/kg; 20% w/v) + 4 methylpyrazole (4MP) (9 mg/kg) intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection with topiramate (0, 10 or 20 mg/kg ip) administered 30 min before testing. In the EPM, alcohol (1.75 g/kg; 20%, i.p.) or saline was administered daily for 9 days and subjects were immediately placed on the maze. Anxiety related behaviours included the amount of time spent and number of entries in the open or closed arms and grooming bouts, and conditioned behaviours including the stretched-attend posture were examined 24 h after the last day of alcohol injection. Results: Topiramate (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced HIC scores ( P< 0.05) compared to the alcohol/saline group. In the EPM, topiramate (20 mg/kg) reduced the stretched-attend postures ( P< 0.001) compared to the alcohol/saline group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that topiramate reduces HICs during alcohol withdrawal and alcohol-conditioned behaviours during conditioned abstinence in Swiss-Webster mice.
‘Radical Bilingualism’: Language Borders and the Case of Puerto Rican Children’s Literature

Puerto Rican children’s literature reflects the complex history of Puerto Rico, an island that has been perpetually under colonial rule. Island and US Puerto Ricans represent a cultural identity with indefinite geographical, national and linguistic borders. Although both groups have created distinct communities, both remain loyal to Spanish as a marker for identity, making the inclusion of Spanish necessary in literary representations. Children’s writers such as Pura Belpre, Nicholasa Mohr, Judith Ortiz-Cofer and Carmen Bernier-Grand underline the tension involved when depicting this group of US citizens in two languages: the language of the conqueror and the conquered. Yet, even while acknowledging foreign languages, US children’s literature as an institution often upholds monolingual discourse. In this essay, I present the case of Puerto Rican children’s literature to argue that children’s literature has yet to adopt a bilingual perspective.
Factors affecting orthodontists' management of the retention phase

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that orthodontist characteristics and factors related to retainer choice do not influence the management of the retention phase with regard to frequency and duration of follow-up care provided. Materials and Methods: Orthodontists (n 5 1000) were randomly selected to participate in an online survey divided into three categories: background, retainer choice, and time management. Results: Of the 1000 selected participants, 894 responded. When deciding the type of retainer to use, the following were considered most frequently: pretreatment malocclusion (91%), patient compliance (87%), patient oral hygiene (84%), and patients’ desires (81%). Orthodontists who considered the presence of third molars (P 5 .03) or ‘‘special needs’’ patients (P 5 .02) had significantly more follow-up visits than those who did not. When vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) were prescribed, there were significantly fewer visits (P 5 .02) compared to when other types of retainers were used. As practitioner experience increased, so did the number of visits (P , .0001). Orthodontists who considered the primary responsibility of retention to fall on the patient had significantly fewer follow-up visits (P , .0001) than those who considered it either a joint or orthodontist-only responsibility. Conclusions: The null hypothesis was rejected because the number of follow-up visits during the retention phase was affected by practitioner experience, whether VFRs were used, whether the orthodontist considered the presence of third molars or special-needs patients when choosing the type of retainer, and to whom the orthodontist attributed responsibility during the retention phase. (Angle Orthod. 2014;84:225–230.)
Evolutionary divergence of duplicate copies of the growth hormone gene in suckers (Actinopterygii: catostomidae).

Catostomid fishes (suckers) have duplicate copies of the growth hormone gene and other nuclear genes, due to a genome duplication event early in the group’s history. Yet, paralogs of GH in suckers are more than 90% conserved in nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) sequence. Within paralogs across species, variation in nt and aa sequence averages 3.33% and 4.46% for GHI, and 3.22% and 2.43% for GHII, respectively. Selection tests suggest that the two GH paralogs are under strong purifying selection. Consensus trees from phylogenetic analysis of GH coding region data for 23 species of suckers, other cypriniform fishes and outgroups resolved cypriniform relationships and relationships among GHI sequences of suckers more or less consistently with analyses based on other molecular data. However, the analysis failed to resolve all sucker GHI and GHII sequences as monophyletic sister groups. This unexpected topology did not differ significantly from topologies constrained to make all GH sequences monophyletic. We attribute this result either to limitations in our GHII data set or convergent adaptive changes in GHII of tribe Catostomini.
Levonantradol: A Role for Central Prostanoid Mechanisms?

Although delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) possesses many pharmacologic activities, attempts to define sites of biochemical action for the natural cannabinoids have been hampered by their low solubility, their low potency, and their relative lack of biologic selectivity. We have recently described a potent, cannabinoid-related analgetic, levonantradol, which acts stereospecifically in animals to produce analgesia qualitatively similar to morphine but at 1/9 to 1/34 the dose. While levonantradol does not act at or through the opiate receptor, the finding of one-way cross tolerance in animals suggests that morphine and levonantradol influence common nociceptive pathways. This report describes a striking structural homology between PGE1 and levonantradol as elucidated by x-ray and conformational studies. This observation is consistent with the generally recognized involvement of prostaglandins in pain and emesis and may have relevance to the site of levonantradol's analgetic actions. More importantly, it provides an ongoing, heuristic basis for exploring, in depth, the role of prostaglandins in the action of levonantradol and cannabinoids.
Noninvasive Ventilation Pressure Adjustments in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons. Patients with ALS develop diffuse skeletal muscle weakness in addition to respiratory muscle weakness, and respiratory failure is the most common cause of death. Tolerance to intermittent use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for 4 h or more a day is associated with improved survival and quality of life in patients with ALS [1, 5].
A Toroidal Ecr System For Thin Film Deposition

A low pressure, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system has been built, utilizing a plasma created by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ionization of source gases. The magnetic mirror on the usual, cylindrical geometry ECR system has been replaced by a racetrack, or toroidal, geometry. The toroidal design is employed to yield the high electron temperatures necessary to dissociated large molecules completely and produce the necessary precursors for deposition. The toroidal design allows for greater flexibility in control of the plasma, and the use of current knowledge of toroidal plasmas. This system is designed to maintain a stable plasma at low pressure and low plasma density. The system is being characterized by magnetic field density measurements, and other plasma diagnostic techniques, including langmuir probe measurements made on Argon plasmas. The film quality will be compared to that of films deposited in a conventional linear system under similar conditions. The system is flexible enough to run with virtually any source gas, and is presently set to run with methane for carbon films and with a proprietary liquid source for silicon carbide films.
Synthesis of a holographic image velocity filter using the nonlinear photorefractive effect

We demonstrate a technique by which components of an image moving with a given speed and direction may be selectively enhanced. By using the strong grating velocity sensitivity of the nonlinear photorefractive response, we show that a BSO crystal used in a schlieren imaging system may be used as a real-time velocity filter. The velocity selectivity, tunability and resolution constraints of this system are discussed in detail.
Venn Diagrams and Independent Families of Sets.

Abstract : Motivated by the well known notions from probability and logic, the author says that a family of n simple closed curves (A sub 1),...,(A sub n) in the Euclidean plane is independent provided the intersection (*) (X sub 1)(X sub 2)...(X sub n) is non-empty whenever each set (X sub j) is either the interior or else the exterior of (A sub j). An independent family is a Venn diagram if each intersection (*) is connected. These notions are examined from the point of view of combinatorial geometry and several results are obtained; some of them correct erroneous assertion found in the literature. (Modified author abstract)
Impact of age-associated increase in 2′-O-methylation of miRNAs on aging and neurodegeneration in Drosophila

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20- to ∼24-nucleotide (nt) small RNAs that impact a variety of biological processes, from development to age-associated events. To study the role of miRNAs in aging, studies have profiled the levels of miRNAs with time. However, evidence suggests that miRNAs show heterogeneity in length and sequence in different biological contexts. Here, by examining the expression pattern of miRNAs by Northern blot analysis, we found that Drosophila miRNAs show distinct isoform pattern changes with age. Surprisingly, an increase of some miRNAs reflects increased 2'-O-methylation of select isoforms. Small RNA deep sequencing revealed a global increase of miRNAs loaded into Ago2, but not into Ago1, with age. Our data suggest increased loading of miRNAs into Ago2, but not Ago1, with age, indicating a mechanism for differential loading of miRNAs with age between Ago1 and Ago2. Mutations in Hen1 and Ago2, which lack 2'-O-methylation of miRNAs, result in accelerated neurodegeneration and shorter life span, suggesting a potential impact of the age-associated increase of 2'-O-methylation of small RNAs on age-associated processes. Our study highlights that miRNA 2'-O-methylation at the 3' end is modulated by differential partitioning of miRNAs between Ago1 and Ago2 with age and that this process, along with other functions of Ago2, might impact age-associated events in Drosophila.
Mapping Social Work Students' Perceptions of the Research Process: A Qualitative Follow-Up Study

The purpose of this qualitative follow-up study was to gain a better understanding of how social work research students' thoughts, feelings, and actions evolve during the course of a 15-week research course. Using a sample of 111 BSW and MSW social work research students and qualitative data collected at two time points concerning their current research experiences, the findings revealed a variation in the temporal process of students' thoughts, feelings, and actions about research. For many students their experience in research culminated in greater confidence, increased knowledge and skills, and appreciation of the value of research for social work practice. Internal and external obstacles and supports affected how well social work students navigated the research process. These findings have important implications for social work education and practice. Effectively engaging students in research can have long-term positive effects on achieving CSWE and NASW initiatives for the integration of research int...
Area Array Leverages: Why and How to Choose a Package

Performance is an attribute that defines how well a given requirement is satisfied and is predicated on priority so may depend upon one or a multiplicity of factors. Among those most often considered in microelectronic packaging are thermal and electrical characteristics, size, cost and reliability. The details of array technology at the die, module and board levels have been discussed in the preceding chapters. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide comparative data and some guidance in how to select a technology in consideration of the various options and strategies available based upon the application.
Error Bounds for Quasi-Monte Carlo Methods in Option Pricing

The classic error bounds for quasi-Monte Carlo approximation follow the Koksma-Hlawka inequality based on the assumption that the integrand has finite variation. Unfortunately, not all functions have this property. In particular, integrands for common applications in finance, such as option pricing, do not typically have bounded variation. In contrast to this lack of theoretical precision, quasi-Monte Carlo methods perform quite well empirically. This paper provides some theoretical justification for these observations. We present new error bounds for a broad class of option pricing problems using quasi-Monte Carlo approximation in one and multiple dimensions. The method for proving these error bounds uses a recent result of Niederreiter (2003) and does not require bounded variation or other smoothness properties.
Free Radical Reactions Catalyzed by Peroxidases from White Rot Fungi

The ability of white rot fungi to degrade a wide variety of environmental pollutants and the possibility of use of this technology for bioremediation has led to considerable research effort in academic, industrial and governmental agencies. This review discusses the advantages that these fungi possess over other bioremediation agents from a mechanistic standpoint.
Responses of sympathetic preganglionic neurons to rostral ventrolateral medullary stimulation

Sympathoexcitatory pathways from the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL) play a significant role in maintaining the tonic discharge of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) and, in turn, resting arterial pressure. We examined the responses of antidromically identified, splanchnic SPNs to single stimuli applied to the RVL. Four characteristic response patterns were observed. Forty-five percent (group 1) of responsive SPNs were excited with latencies between 15 and 41 ms (mean 27 ms). The spontaneous activity of these SPNs (mean 3.3 Hz) was strongly modulated by the baroreceptor reflex. Twenty-three percent (group 2) of SPNs were excited with a significantly longer latency (mean 108 ms) and frequently exhibited little spontaneous discharge. Twenty-one percent (group 3) were excited at both short (mean 29 ms) and long (mean 117 ms) latencies. Eleven percent (group 4) of responsive splanchnic SPNs had a biphasic response to RVL stimulation consisting of an early inhibition followed by a late, longer lasting increase in discharge probability. Spontaneous discharge of group 4 SPNs (mean 6.2 Hz) was significantly higher than other groups and was not related to the cardiac cycle (mean arterial pressure 105 mmHg). Microinjection of kainic acid into the RVL greatly reduced the short- and long-latency splanchnic nerve excitations evoked by RVL stimulation. The heterogeneity of the RVL stimulus-evoked responses in splanchnic SPNs may reflect specificity in the descending regulation of functionally distinct subsets of SPNs regulating the various tissues in the splanchnic distribution.
The significance of effective partitions

Der lebende Organismus stellt einen bestimmten, individuellen Teil des Universums dar, indem er seine Selbstandigkeit abgetrennt von dem ubrigen Universum erhalt, durch den Teilungseffekt, welcher durch die Anordnung seiner Teile bestimmt wird. Es ist anerkannt, dass die Teilung nicht vollstandig ist, jedoch eine beschrankte gegenseitige Beziehung zulasst. Es ist auch anerkannt, dass der Grad der Organisation in einer verwandten Reihe sich andert von den tiefen Verwickelungen der einfachen Zelle zu den mannigfachen Abwandlungen wie sie beim Menschen auftreten. Die Auffassung von effektiver Teilung ist ausserdem auch fest und substantiell auf der Tatsache begrundet, die durch das Vorhandensein der Plasmamembran und Grenzflachen kolloidaler Aggregaten gegeben ist. Betont ist die dynamische Natur der charakteristischen Gleichgewichtszustande und es wird aufmerksam gemacht auf die kontinuierliche Bildung von effektiven Teilungen bei verschiedenen Gleichgewichtszustanden.
A Collecting Chamber Suitable for Recovery of Insects from Large Quantities of Host Plant Material

The description and plan are given for a large, temporary, cloth collecting chamber originally designed for the recovery of large numbers of the pteromalid egg predator, Peridesmia discus , from egg masses of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica . This chamber could be readily adapted for the recovery of other insects from large quantities of plant material.
Human Resources Assets That Should Be Capitalized

This article proposes that human resource costs incurred by organizations be capitalized. The authors analyze the current accounting treatment of such costs under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting...
Schools, Justice, and Immigrant Students: Segmented Assimilation, Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Perceptions of Fairness and Order.

Background/ContextStudents’ perceptions of justice, fairness, and order within their schools are arguably key building blocks of socialization to participation within a democratic society. The idea...
Predicting Alternative Splicing

Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA is a complex process whose outcome depends on elements reviewed in the previous chapters such as the core spliceosome units, how the core spliceosome units interact between themselves and with other splicing enhancers and repressors, primary sequence motifs, and local RNA secondary structure. Connections between RNA splicing, transcription, and other processes have also been reviewed in the previous chapters. Splicing is inherently a stochastic process: Some defective transcripts are produced and handled by mechanisms such as nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), and studies report high variability at the transcript level between cells supposedly in similar states. Nonetheless, splicing is obviously not a random process: Many determinants of splicing regulation have been identified, and experimental measurements detect highly robust and conserved splicing changes between developmental stages and tissues. These observations naturally lead to the following questions: Can we devise a method that predicts given a cellular context and the primary transcript what would be the splicing outcome? What can such a method tell us about the underlying mechanisms that govern alternative splicing?This chapter describes how these questions can be framed and addressed using machine-learning methodology. We describe how to extract putative RNA regulatory features from genomic sequence of exons and proximal introns, how to define target values based on experimental measurements of exon inclusion, how to learn a simple splicing model that optimizes the prediction the observed exon inclusion levels from the identified RNA features, and how to subsequently evaluate the learned model accuracy.
Bladder and urethral responses to isolated sacral motor root stimulation

After complete intradural lumbosacral rhizotomy and cord transection in 40 cats, parasympathetic discharge was induced by electrical stimulation of the second and third sacral roots. Isolation of the stimulus to the preganglionic motor fiber resulted in bladder contraction and reciprocal urethral pressure loss. The threshold for the urethral response was lower than that of the bladder and the urethral response findings strongly suggest that urethral adrenoreceptor activity can be modified peripherally by a primary parasympathetic stimulus.
Characterization of model automotive exhaust catalysts: Pd on Zr‐rich ceria–zirconia supports

Model Pd automotive three‐way catalysts were prepared with high‐surface‐area Zr‐rich ceria–zirconia powders as support materials, aged for 12 h at 1050°C under redox conditions simulating automotive exhaust gases, and characterized by a combination of techniques including oxygen storage capacity (OSC) measurements. Differences in OSC amongst aged catalysts made with materials of similar ceria–zirconia compositions, but produced by different processes, were weakly correlated with differences in support surface area. Evidence of encapsulation of Pd particles was found in most of the aged catalysts. The promotional effect of zirconia on ceria reducibility, well known from previous temperature‐programmed H2 reduction studies, was apparent in Ce 3d core‐level spectra from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, which showed that both X‐ray‐induced and H2 reduction become increasingly facile with increasing zirconia content. A slight Ce enrichment at the surface of the fresh catalysts made with the more Zr‐rich powders was found to increase upon aging.
Deadly impasse: Indo-Pakistani relations at the dawn of a new century

Deadly Impasse examines India–Pakistan relations during the first decade of the 21st century. In this period, the two states were involved in major military crises in 1999 and 2001–2002. They under...
Governing through the Media

Once candidates get into office, they must continue to use the new tools of political communication to build community among constituents. The chapter will trace presidential approval ratings over time, with particular attention to the changes since shifting online. The chapter will discuss whether voters are more informed and active or less engaged and superficially connected through Web 2.0 and direct communication tools.
A polycomb-mediated epigenetic field defect precedes invasive cervical carcinoma.

// Neil Ari Wijetunga 1 , Miriam Ben-Dayan 1 , Jessica Tozour 1 , Robert D. Burk 2 , Nicolas F. Schlecht 3, 4 , Mark H. Einstein 3, 5 , John M. Greally 1, 2 1 Department of Genetics and Center for Epigenomics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA 2 Department of Pediatrics (Genetics), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA 3 Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA 4 Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA 5 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Correspondence to: Nicolas F. Schlecht, email: nicolas.schlecht@einstein.yu.edu Mark H. Einstein, email: mark.einstein@einstein.yu.edu John M. Greally, email: john.greally@einstein.yu.edu Keywords: cervical carcinoma, polycomb, DNA methylation, field defect, epigenetic Received: May 12, 2016 Accepted: July 28, 2016 Published: August 19, 2016 ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical carcinoma is preceded by stages of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) that can variably progress to malignancy. Understanding the different molecular processes involved in the progression of pre-malignant CIN is critical to the development of improved predictive and interventional capabilities. We tested the role of regulators of transcription in both the development and the progression of HPV-associated CIN, performing the most comprehensive genomic survey to date of DNA methylation in HPV-associated cervical neoplasia, testing ~2 million loci throughout the human genome in biopsies from 78 HPV+ women, identifying changes starting in early CIN and maintained through carcinogenesis. We identified loci at which DNA methylation is consistently altered, beginning early in the course of neoplastic disease and progressing with disease advancement. While the loss of DNA methylation occurs mostly at intergenic regions, acquisition of DNA methylation is at sites involved in transcriptional regulation, with strong enrichment for targets of polycomb repression. Using an independent cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we validated the loci with increased DNA methylation and found that these regulatory changes were associated with locally decreased gene expression. Secondary validation using immunohistochemistry showed that the progression of neoplasia was associated with increasing polycomb protein expression specifically in the cervical epithelium. We find that perturbations of genomic regulatory processes occur early and persist in cervical carcinoma. The results indicate a polycomb-mediated epigenetic field defect in cervical neoplasia that may represent a target for early, topical interventions using polycomb inhibitors.
Are You Smarter Than a Teenager? Maybe Not When It Comes to Reinforcement Learning.

Adolescence is a time of tumultuous behavior that may result, in part, from brain circuitry that enhances reward seeking. In this issue of Neuron, Davidow et al. (2016) present a convincing argument that adolescent brain functionality can be adaptive in certain contexts, particularly probabilistic learning environments.
New Roles for Medical Assistants in Innovative Primary Care Practices

Objective To identify and describe new roles for medical assistants (MAs) in innovative care models that improve care while providing training and career advancement opportunities for MAs. Data Sources/Study Setting Primary data collected at 15 case study sites; 173 key informant interviews and de-identified secondary data on staffing, wages, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes. Study Design Researchers used snowball sampling and screening calls to identify 15 organizations using MAs in new roles. Conducted site visits from 2010 to 2012 and updated information in 2014. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Thematic analysis explored key topics: factors driving MA role innovation, role description, training required, and wage gains. Categorized outcome data in patient and staff satisfaction, quality of care, and efficiency. Principal Findings New MA roles included health coach, medical scribe, dual role translator, health navigator, panel manager, cross-trained flexible role, and supervisor. Implementation of new roles required extensive training. MA incentives and enhanced compensation varied by role type. Conclusions New MA roles are part of a larger attempt to reform workflow and relieve primary care providers. Despite some evidence of success, spread has been limited. Key challenges to adoption included leadership and provider resistance to change, cost of additional MA training, and lack of reimbursement for nonbillable services.
Development and validation of a structured query language implementation of the Elixhauser comorbidity index.

Objective Comorbidity adjustment is often performed during outcomes and health care resource utilization research. Our goal was to develop an efficient algorithm in structured query language (SQL) to determine the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Materials and methods We wrote an SQL algorithm to calculate the Elixhauser comorbidities from Diagnosis Related Group and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Validation was by comparison to expected comorbidities from combinations of these codes and to the 2013 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Results The SQL algorithm matched perfectly with expected comorbidities for all combinations of ICD-9 or ICD-10, and Diagnosis Related Groups. Of 13 585 859 evaluable NRD records, the algorithm matched 100% of the listed comorbidities. Processing time was ∼0.05 ms/record. Discussion The SQL Elixhauser code was efficient and computationally identical to the SAS algorithm used for the NRD. Conclusions This algorithm may be useful where preprocessing of large datasets in a relational database environment and comorbidity determination is desired before statistical analysis. A validated SQL procedure to calculate Elixhauser comorbidities and the van Walraven index from ICD-9 or ICD-10 discharge diagnosis codes has been published.
An endoscopic mucosal grading system is predictive of leak in stapled rectal anastomoses.

Anastomotic leak is a devastating postoperative complication following rectal anastomoses associated with significant clinical and oncological implications. As a result, there is a need for novel intraoperative methods that will help predict anastomotic leak. From 2011 to 2014, patient undergoing rectal anastomoses by colorectal surgeons at our institution underwent prospective application of intraoperative flexible endoscopy with mucosal grading. Retrospective review of patient medical records was performed. After creation of the colorectal anastomosis, application of a three-tier endoscopic mucosal grading system occurred. Grade 1 was defined as circumferentially normal appearing peri-anastomotic mucosa. Grade 2 was defined as ischemia or congestion involving 30% of the colon or rectal mucosa or ischemia/congestion involving both sides of the staple line. From 2011 to 2014, a total of 106 patients were reviewed. Grade 1 anastomoses were created in 92 (86.7%) patients and Grade 2 anastomoses were created in 10 (9.4%) patients. All 4 (3.8%) Grade 3 patients underwent immediate intraoperative anastomosis takedown and re-creation, with subsequent re-classification as Grade 1. Demographic and comorbidity data were similar between Grade 1 and Grade 2 patients. Anastomotic leak rate for the entire cohort was 12.2%. Grade 1 patients demonstrated a leak rate of 9.4% (9/96) and Grade 2 patients demonstrated a leak rate of 40% (4/10). Multivariate logistic regression associated Grade 2 classification with an increased risk of anastomotic leak (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.21–13.63, P = 0.023). Endoscopic mucosal grading is a feasible intraoperative technique that has a role following creation of a rectal anastomosis. Identification of a Grade 2 or Grade 3 anastomosis should provoke strong consideration for immediate intraoperative revision.
Kelvin Wave Instability: Critical Latitudes and Exponentially Small Effects

The Kelvin wave has a critical latitude instability in a linear shear, \(U(y) = \varGamma y\). There is no neutral curve, but instead with viscosity neglected there is instability for all \(|\varGamma |\), however small. A power series in \(\varGamma \) is useless because \(\mathfrak {I}(c) \approx \frac{0.14}{\varGamma ^{3}} \, \exp \left( - \frac{1}{\varGamma ^{2} } \right) \) which goes to zero faster than any finite power of \(\varGamma \) as \(\varGamma \rightarrow \infty \). To capture “beyond-all-orders” effects, Hermite-Pade approximants, exponential asymptotics and numerical methods that loop off the real axis are applied to a hierarchy of models to illuminate this peculiar instability of this most important mode.
A Theory of general causes of violent crime: Homicides, income inequality and deficiencies of the heat hypothesis and of the model of CLASH

Abstract This paper has two goals. The first is to show that the heat hypothesis provides a partial explanation of violent crime in society. The second is to suggest an alternative hypothesis that intentional homicides can be explained by the level of income inequality, even when controlling thermal climate and other factors. The vast literature in these research fields has suggested several approaches to explain aggression and violent behavior in society, such as the heat hypothesis and the model of Climate, Aggression, and Self-control in Humans (CLASH). However, there are at least some factors about aggression and violent behavior that current theories have trouble explaining. This study proposes income inequality, latitude and their interaction as predictors of intentional homicides. Statistical evidence based on country-level analyses (N = 191 countries) reveals that controlling thermal climate and other factors, socioeconomic inequality is positively associated with violent crime. In particular, the findings here seem in general to support the hypothesis that differences between countries in intentional homicides (per 100,000 people) can be explained by the level of income inequality alone, and not thermal climate as a second predictor or the interaction of income inequality and thermal climate. These results suggest that income inequality may overpower the role of hot weather and seasonal variation of temperature to explain the level of violent crime in human society. A prediction of this theory here is that societies with low socioeconomic inequality, independently of thermal climate, are not likely to produce high levels of intentional homicides and violent crime. This finding can be useful for bringing a new perspective to explain and generalize one of the determinants that generates violent crime in human society. Some policy implications are suggested to reduce these social issues.
Pilot scale flat panel photobioreactor system for mass production of Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta)

Conventional open-sea cultivation constrained by environmental factors is singly incompetent to sustain the rising seaweed demand. This necessitates a complementary strategy to reinforce the existing cultivation system and expand the global seaweed industry. Present study proposes cultivation of Ulva lactuca in temperature controlled flat panel photobioreactors under natural illumination. Adaptability of U. lactuca to the flat panel system is apparent through growth studies and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) across individual panels. Evident effect of annual variation in irradiance on daily growth rates, biomass productivity and composition is portrayed. Significance of initial stocking density and harvesting frequency is highlighted. Poultry litter extract was used as an alternative N-source for sustainable cultivation. The maximum achievable productivity was 303gm-2d-1 (fresh weight) expanding to 910tonsha-1yr-1 including biomass composition consistent with the control media. The present pilot scale study delivers valuable information for commercial scale photobioreactors for seaweed cultivation.
Dark side of climate change: species-specific responses and first indications of disruption in spring altitudinal migration in myotis bats

In the Rocky Mountain region of North America, climate change is occurring at an accelerated rate and its effects are already changing population and community organization. Although some data have been gathered on changes in latitudinal migration patterns of animals, almost nothing is known about altitudinal migrations and climate change. Myotis bats of the Rocky Mountains provide a good model for understanding these patterns because they undergo significant seasonal altitudinal movements between high- and low-elevation. In order to test if climate change is affecting spring down-slope migrations of myotis species, I compared May and June capture data gathered over the last 21 years from 31 survey sites located between 1650 m a.s.l. and 2250 m a.s.l. on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Although three of the Myotis species maintained stable or slightly increasing capture numbers, indicating typical down-slope spring migrations, two species showed significant declines in spring captures at lower elevations. When climate data for May and June were tested against capture data, the apparent causative factors for these declines differed between species. Declines in the capture of fringed myotis did not closely track annual patterns of mean June temperatures across years. Instead a steady decline occurred regardless of yearly variation in temperatures. However, declining captures of long-legged myotis showed clear synchrony with variations in mean June temperatures wherein more captures occurred in years having cooler temperatures, and notably fewer captures in years having warmer June temperatures. In addition, zero captures of long-legged myotis occurred in five of the last six years when mean June temperatures have shown an average increase in 1.8°C over previous years. These data indicate species-specific responses to climate warming for bats in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and that loss of spring down-slope migrations from hibernacula may be how some species mitigate climate warming effects.
Strain Effects in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

Since stress is a major factor in the operation, performance, and reliability in AlGaN/GaN HEMT devices, a thorough understanding of the impact of stress on performance and reliability can lead to improvements in device design. Mechanical wafer bending is a cost-effective method to investigate the effects of stress on semiconductor devices which has been extensively used to isolate and study the effect of stress in strain-engineered Si MOSFETs. In this chapter, a systematic study of the effects of externally applied mechanical stress on the AlGaN/GaN HEMT channel resistance and gate current is presented to provide insights into the physical mechanisms responsible for stress-related performance and reliability issues.
Equilibrium Small Systems with Explicit Interactions

The intent of this chapter is to discuss a sufficient number of simple but important models to illustrate the utility of the grand partition function for equilibrium small systems with explicit intermolecular interactions. This subject was introduced in Ref. 1. The treatment is meant to be of pedagogical value, primarily; it is not a comprehensive survey of systems of this type that have been discussed in the literature. In particular, cooperativity in hemoglobin is not treated explicitly because the application of the grand partition function method to hemoglobin has already been thoroughly covered in the literature.2–4
IHI ID 09 A quality improvement (QI) initiative to decrease diagnostic errors

Background Diagnostic errors (DE) in healthcare are a widespread, but underappreciated, problem. Investigators report that everyone will experience at least one DE in their lifetime. Objectives After the occurrence of six serious adverse events related to DE in the first six months of 2015, we chartered a QI team in 2016 to decrease DE. Methods The team used QI methodology, established a specific aim and key driver diagram (figure 1), and developed the diagnostic error index (DEI 1.0) to measure the impact of interventions to decrease DE. The DEI 1.0 consists of 5 sources of DE: class I autopsy findings, RCA with DE as a failure mode, medical record triggers, Morbidity & Mortality reports, and other adverse event reports of DE. We aimed to reduce the DEI from 7/month to 3/month by December 31, 2018. We evaluated several interventions to decrease DE including the diagnostic time out, open notes, differential diagnosis (DDx) software, EMR advisory board, pan-ophthalmoscopy, admission DDx audits, and participation in a pilot SIDM-IHI DE collaborative. Results In January 2018, we reduced the DEI to 3.25/month and have sustained this rate for 8 months (figure 2). Conclusions The most impactful intervention appears to be the diagnostic time out and emphasis on DDx. During the time out, the patient care team addresses 2 questions during rounds: What 2–3 other conditions could this be? What 1–2 diagnoses can we not afford to miss? The next steps include the development of the DEI 2.0 and an expanded trial of DDx software.
Improved Procedure for Bleach-Based Alcohol Oxidation in Undergraduate Laboratories

A reliable method for bleach-based alcohol oxidation has been developed. Use of sodium bisulfate as the acid additive in the reaction mixture eliminates the various problems associated with acetic acid, which has commonly been used for this type of oxidation. By conducting the reaction in an ethyl acetate/water two-phase reaction mixture, efficient reaction occurs at room temperature, and the workup is straightforward. This more reliable version of the well-known transformation has been successfully performed by thousands of second-year undergraduate organic chemistry students over the last several years.
Effect of the Solvent on the Size of Clay Nanoparticles in Solution as Determined Using an Ultraviolet–Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy Methodology

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy methodology was developed and utilized for the in situ nanoscale measurement of the size of mineral clay agglomerates in various liquid suspensions. The clays studied were organomodified and unmodified montmorillonite clays (I.44p, Cloisite 93a, and PGN). The methodology was compared and validated against dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The method was able to measure clay agglomerates in solvents in situations where DLS analysis was unsuccessful due to the shapes, polydispersity, and high aspect ratios of the clay particles and the complexity of the aggregates, or dispersion medium. The measured clay agglomerates in suspension were found to be in the nanometer range in the more compatible solvents, and their sizes correlated with the Hansen solubility parameter space distance between the clay modifiers and the solvents. Mass detection limits for size determination were in the range from 1 to 9 mg/L. The methodology thus provides simple, rapid, and inexpensive characterization of clays or particles in the nano- or microsize range in low concentrations in various liquid media, including complex mixtures or highly viscous fluids that are difficult to analyze with DLS. In addition, by combining UV-VIS spectroscopy with DLS it was possible to discern flocculation behavior in liquids, which otherwise could result in false size measurements by DLS alone.
Lars von Trier: Traversing the Fantasy of the Child

In his chapter, William Koch argues that many of the central themes of Lars von Trier’s films can be understood in light of the psychoanalysis of Jacques Lacan and Lee Edelman’s extension of those ideas. Specifically, the theme of the death or sacrifice of the child can be interpreted in light of the contrast between fantasy and the Death Drive. This allows for a reading of the Depression Trilogy and most of the Golden Heart Trilogy that hinges on the response of the main characters to the death or life of the child who forms the hidden central spoke of the plot.
Are high-capacity wells mitigating or intensifying climate change effects on stream baseflow in the state of Wisconsin (USA)? A case study 1984–2014

Baseflow is generally cooler in temperature and of better quality than storm flow, and it maintains stream flow during dry periods. Decreases in baseflow levels and increases in stream temperatures lead to decreases in the diversity of aquatic species. Agricultural irrigation was once almost exclusively practiced in the arid western portion of the United States, but in the past few decades, the use of irrigation has accelerated in the humid Great Lakes region of the United States. In Wisconsin, the number of high-capacity wells increased substantially from less than 4000 in 1983 to over 16,000 in 2014. With precipitation generally increasing in the second half of the twentieth century and projected to increase through the twenty-first century in Wisconsin, baseflow would be expected to increase as well. However, there are areas in Wisconsin where baseflow has declined. This study found that as the number of wells withdrawing from the confined aquifer increased, the baseflow tread increased from a declining trend of approximately 15% to an increasing trend of almost 67%. This increase illustrates a mitigating effect to the decreasing trend related to climate variables alone. As the number of wells withdrawing from an unconfined aquifer increases, the already declining baseflow trend intensified from 18% to over 28%, illustrating the contribution high-capacity wells have in basin baseflow decline in areas where aquifers are connected to surface water. This study highlights that environmental stresses are related to baseflow declines across the state of Wisconsin and that the decreases are being mitigated or completely reversed by the addition of groundwater to the surface from below the confining layer.