cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Costs, Readmissions and Days out of Hospital at One Year between Heart Transplantation and Continuous Flow LVAD

Purpose With healthcare cost reform firmly on the horizon, it is critical to understand costs associated with new technologies like continuous flow LVAD (CFLVAD) vis-s-vis well established treatments for advanced heart failure like heart transplantation (HT). Scarce data exists describing costs of these two therapies after 1 year of support. Methods and Materials 20 consecutive pts who underwent implantation of a CFLVAD and 20 consecutive pts who underwent HT who were discharged following index surgery and survived at least 1 year represent the study populations. All medical costs incl organ acquisition and device costs, and all direct and indirect costs from day of operation through 365 days were calculated. Hospital charges were converted to costs using hospital specific cost-to-charge ratios. Results Total costs for 1 yr are shown in Figure 1 . Median index LOS was 14 and 23 days for HT and LVAD groups respectively(p Conclusions Costs for 1 yr of care are modestly higher for LVAD than for HT patients. Difference attributable to more hospital days and higher surgical costs unrelated to device cost. Reducing index LOS and readmissions for LVAD pts would render these 2 therapies cost equivalent.
Implementation of a low-power driver in 65 nanometer CMOS technology

The objective of this paper is to investigate the design and implementation of driver circuits and find out the best fit driver for controlling power transistors. We implemented three drivers in 65 nanometer CMOS technology, and the design criteria for these drivers were mainly focused on reducing the power consumption, which is one of the most important specifications when designing portable consumer electronics. National Instruments Multisim design tool was used to simulate and verify the correct functionality of the designed drivers. While controlling the same power transistors, each of the three drivers ran at 100 MHz clock frequency with an input square wave that had a range between 0 to 1.2 Volts. To obtain the most accurate comparison, we computed the total power consumption of each driver and the same power transistors. The total power consumed by the tapered split-path driver circuit and the tapered driver circuit were 0.30 and 0.22 milliwatts, respectively. The total power consumption of the proposed low-power driver circuit was only 0.12 milliwatts, and the use of this power efficient driver in portable electronics will result in an increased operating time of batteries when compared with the other drivers.
Recovered Medical Error Inventory

Purpose: To describe the development and psychometric testing of the Recovered Medical Error Inventory (RMEI). Design and Methods: Content analysis of structured interviews with expert critical care registered nurses (CCRNs) was used to empirically derive a 25-item RMEI. The RMEI was pilot tested with 345 CCRNs. The data set was randomly divided to use the first half for reliability testing and the second half for validation. A principal components analysis with Varimax rotation was conducted. Cronbach's alpha values were examined. A t test and Pearson correlation were used to compare scores of the two samples. Findings: The RMEI consists of 25 items and two subscales. Evidence for initial reliability includes a total scale alpha of .9 and subscale alpha coefficients of .88 (mistake) and .75 (poor judgment). Conclusions: The RMEI subscales have satisfactory internal consistency reliability and evidence for construct validity. Additional testing is warranted. Clinical Relevance: A tool to measure CCRNs’ experiences with recovering medical errors allows quantification of nurse surveillance in promoting safe care and preventing unreimbursed hospital costs for treating nosocomial events.
Estimation of road grade and vehicle mass via model predictive control

The paper develops an active on-line estimation scheme for road grade and vehicle mass of an automotive vehicle. The scheme combines an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to generate on-line parameter estimates and a model predictive controller (MPC) to control vehicle speed trajectory so that to enhance parameter identifiability. For the latter purpose a receding horizon optimization of a cost function which penalizes a predicted variance of the parameter estimates as well as the deviation of the vehicle speed from the desired value. Uncertainties in engine torque delivery can be accounted for with this approach and probabilistic constraints on vehicle speed to maintain vehicle operation within traffic limits can be enforced. A simulation example for a typical mid-size vehicle is reported
Effects of strenuous exercise on stallion sperm quality

Some stallions are expected to perform athletically and breed contemporarily. Athletic activity has the potential, especially during the summer months, to induce thermal stress to the testes, resulting in reduced reproductive capability due to decreased sperm quality and libido. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of strenuous exercise on stallion sperm quality in hot, humid conditions (thermal heat index 38.08 ± 3.77 to 42.88 ± 3.33). Miniature Horse stallions (n = 7) were assigned to treatment group based on age and semen quality. Treatment stallions (n = 3) were exercised 4 d/wk for 90 min for 12 wk, whereas control stallions (n = 4) were tied in the shade. Semen was collected from stallions for 5 consecutive days every 4 wk to evaluate sperm quality. Scrotal and neck temperatures were recorded using implanted subdermal thermosensory devices. In addition, rectal temperature and heart rate were recorded. Exercised stallions had higher mean rectal (39.27 vs. 37.07 °C; P 0.05). Results suggest that previous reports of reduced sperm quality in stallions in training may have causes other than transiently elevated scrotal and body temperature. Strenuously exercising stallions for up to 90 min under hot and humid ambient conditions may not be harmful to spermatogenesis.
Lagrangian Study of Cloud Properties and Their Relationships to Meteorological Parameters over the U.S. Southern Great Plains

Abstract Hourly satellite cloud data from 18 June to 18 July 1997 over the U.S. southern Great Plains are analyzed to study the scale-dependent cloud properties and their relationships to atmospheric conditions. The observed clouds are classified into high, midlevel, and low clouds according to their top heights. For each cloud type, contribution to the total cloud amount from clouds of different sizes is determined using a Lagrangian cloud classification scheme. It is found that in this continental, convectively active environment, more than half of the total cloud amount is from high clouds, of which 80% comes from clouds with area >4 × 104 km2. For midlevel clouds, more than 50% of the contribution to cloud amount is from small clouds (e.g., cloud area <4 × 104 km2). Almost all of the low clouds with significant contribution to cloud amount have spatial scales <4 × 104 km2. This suggests that most of the midlevel and low clouds are of subgrid scale to a typical GCM resolution (T42 or T63). It is furthe...
Counseling the Mates and Families of Rape Victims

Male mates and family members may find it difficult to respond to the female rape victim in an empathic and supportive manner for a variety of cognitive and emotional reasons. The purpose of this chapter is to describe common patterns of reaction among the husbands, boyfriends, and family members of rape victims; to outline the dynamics of such responses and their effects on the relationships involved; and to offer technical suggestions to the counselor, who must deal not only with the intense feelings of mates and family members but also with his or her own emotional responses to the affectively laden topic of rape victimization.
Maximisation and Optimisation of the Total Solar Radiation Reaching the Solar Collector Surfaces

The performance of solar conversion systems is affected by its orientation and tilt angle with the horizontal plane. This is because both of these parameters change the amount of solar energy received by the collector surfaces.
Association of sentinel lymph node diameter with melanoma metastasis

Abstract Background Lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system and the size of the lymph node reflects local immunologic activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between sentinel lymph node (SLN) size and the presence of nodal metastasis in patients with melanoma. Methods Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing SLN biopsy for cutaneous melanoma between February 1995 and January 2013. The maximum pathologic diameter and the volume of the largest node was used. A nodal diameter of 1.5 cm, included in 2 interquartile ranges of both positive and negative SLNs, was used as the cutoff for multivariate regression. Results Of 1,017 SLN biopsies, 826 (81%) had complete size measurements and were included in the analysis. Patients with a positive SLN were younger (median 50 vs 53 years, P = .032), had deeper primary lesions (2 vs 1.4 mm, P P = .009) or maximum diameter (1.9 vs. 1.6 cm, P = .03). Sex, pathologic ulceration, mitosis, and the type or location of the primary was not statistically different. On multivariate analysis; age, depth of primary, and both SLN volume and maximum diameter remained significant. An SLN greater than 1.5 cm in maximum diameter has a 60% increased odds ratio of being positive after adjusting for age, sex, and depth of primary lesion ( P = .046). Conclusions Larger SLN maximum diameter is associated with nodal positivity independent of age, sex, depth of primary lesion, and location of SLN biopsy. The etiology and significance of larger SLNs warrant further analysis.
Warning: Software May be Hazardous to your Privacy!

Spyware poses a serious threat of privacy infringement to unassuming internet users across the globe. Existing European legislation attempts to protect end-users from unethical processing of their personal data. Spyware technologies, however, are skirting these laws and often times breaking them entirely. Outlawing the technology used in spyware and strengthening the legal consent requirement to mine data are statutory solutions that can prevent spyware users from skirting the law. An internationally standardized technology education system for the judiciaries in Europe and the U.S. can help ensure that when spyware users do break the law, they cannot hide by escaping from one nation to another without being held accountable. Transnational improvements are necessary to remedy the global spyware epidemic.
The Biology of Peristenus stygicus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Newly Imported Parasite of Lygus Bugs

The fecundity, longevity and diapause of Peristenus stygicus Loan was studied. P. stygicus parasitizes the 1st to 4th instars of Lygus hesperus Knight. The number of parasite offspring decreased with an increase in host instar. However, the percent female parasite offspring increased with an increase in host instar. The fecundity of P. stygicus did not show a continuous increase as the host density increased. The number of offspring increased from a host density of 25–50 second instar Lygus and then leveled off at higher host densities. There was an inverse relationship between adult parasite longevity and temperature. Adult parasite longevity was greatly influenced by a carbohydrate source within its diet. Nearly all individuals entered a diapausing stage at a photoperiod of 12.75 h light. An intermediate incidence of diapause was observed at 13.5 h light, and a very low incidence of diapause was observed at 14 h light.
Hyperbole and Its Pragmatic Functions in The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye is a controversial novel because of its indelicate language and the protagonist Holden Caulfield's rebellious characteristics.This paper analyzes the language feature of hyperbole from the choice of words,syntax structures and points out the pragmatic functions of hyperbole in the novel.
A Research on Countermeasures of Lack of Credit of College Students

The principle of credit is the most nuclear and the most essential principle in civil activities.It is also the most basic ethic in China's traditional morality.Consequently,the principle of credit takes on a double character of ethic and law and it is a kind of virtue,liability and duty.However,the phenomenon of college students' lack of credit has frequently occurred.This paper mainly summarizes several phenomena of college students' lack of credit in the activities of communication with others,science research,employment and job-hunting and student loan and finally analyzes its reasons.Besides,it puts forward that the improvement of the college students' credit quality should not only depend on families and higher schools to develop and complete their citizen personality and consciousness,but also establish a credit system to restrict them.
"What will happen if my Zurichers desert me?" The favorable reception of psychoanalysis in Switzerland.

Psychoanalysis has developed in a unique way in every country where it exists. This article discusses historical reasons for the favorable reception of psychoanalysis in Switzerland. Information is provided on the roles of psychiatrists, educators, and pastors in early twentieth century Swiss psychoanalysis. The factor of nationalism in the reception of psychoanalysis is emphasized. It is suggested that, in some countries, religion has played a positive role in the development of psychoanalysis.
Ultrahigh-frequency modulation of laser diodes

Higher-frequency semiconductor lasers are needed for future digital opical communications systems that may operate at bit rates of 20 Gbit/s or more, for analog broadcast applications utilizing many subcarriers for video distribution or satellite transmission, and for short-pulse generation for time division multiplexing and physics experiments.
Depression and Doctor-Patient Communication in the Emergency Department

Abstract Objective Depression may adversely affect health outcomes by influencing doctor–patient communication. We aimed to determine the association between depressive symptoms and doctor–patient communication among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Method We enrolled a consecutive sample of 500 patients evaluated for ACS symptoms from the ED of an urban medical center. Depressive symptoms (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-8) and doctor–patient communication in the ED (Interpersonal Processes of Care) were assessed during hospitalization. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between depressive symptoms and doctor–patient communication, adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, language, health insurance status and comorbidities. Results Compared to nondepressed patients, depressed patients (PHQ-8≥10) were more likely ( P P P Conclusions Depressed patients with ACS symptoms reported less optimal doctor–patient communication in the ED than nondepressed patients. Research is needed to determine whether subjectively rated differences in communication are accompanied by observable differences.
Immediate Postoperative Reversal of Disc Herniation Following Facetal Distraction-Fixation Surgery: Report of 4 Cases.

Background We report cases of 4 patients where Goel facet distraction surgery resulted in restoration of herniated disc back into the intervertebral disc space in the immediate postoperative period. Such a fate of herniated disc has not been recorded earlier. Methods During the period 2010 to 2011, 4 patients with single level ‘contained' herniated disc that extended to the posterior surface of adjoining vertebral bodies and resulted in severe cord and root compression were surgically treated. The posterior longitudinal ligament was essentially intact in all 4 cases. Surgery involved facetal distraction technique using Goel facet spacers as a standalone method of treatment. Results Immediate postoperative imaging showed nearly complete disappearance of the disc bulge, restoration of the cervical cord girth and distraction-fixation arthrodesis of the spinal segment. All patients had remarkable and sustained clinical improvement. At a 5-year follow-up, all 4 patients were well and showed no evidence of recurrent symptoms or recurrence of herniated disc-related imaging findings. Conclusions The indications for facetal distraction surgery, its mechanisms of action and its suitability in the presented cases are discussed.
Novel immunotherapeutic approaches for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The immune system plays a key role in preventing tumor formation by recognizing and destroying malignant cells. For over a century, researchers have attempted to harness the immune response as a cancer treatment, although this approach has only recently achieved clinical success. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and is associated with cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, betel nut use, and human papillomavirus infection. Unfortunately, worldwide mortality from HNSCC remains high, partially due to limits on therapy secondary to the significant morbidity associated with current treatments. Therefore, immunotherapeutic approaches to HNSCC treatment are attractive for their potential to reduce morbidity while improving survival. However, the application of immunotherapies to this disease has been challenging because HNSCC is profoundly immunosuppressive, resulting in decreased absolute lymphocyte counts, impaired natural killer cell function, reduced antigen-presenting cell function, and a tumor-permissive cytokine profile. Despite these challenges, numerous clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches to HNSCC treatment are currently underway, many of which have produced promising results. This review will summarize immunotherapeutic approaches to HNSCC that are currently undergoing clinical trials.
α-β transformation and disorder in β-cristobalite silica

Disorder in $\ensuremath{\beta}$-cristobalite is shown to arise from the conformational changes between $\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rings (energy barriers of 10--30 meV/SiO${}_{2}$). $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-rings, remnants from the $\ensuremath{\alpha}--\ensuremath{\beta}$ transformation, constitute $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-cristobalite. $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rings are local structures of a new ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-cristobalite of symmetry $I\overline{4}2d,$confirmed herein by both molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles calculations. The ring conformation in $\ensuremath{\beta}$-cristobalite features a short correlation time ($l50$ fs) and short correlation length ($l1$ nm), giving the underlying topology framework the ability to support the dynamic disorder.
Impact of mild traumatic brain injury on auditory brain stem dysfunction in mouse model

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is an electrophysiological test that examines the functionality of the auditory nerve and brainstem. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be detected if prolonged peak latency is observed in ABR measurements, since latency measures the neural conduction time in the brainstem, and an increase in latency can be a sign of pathological lesion at the auditory brainstem level. The ABR is elicited by brief sounds that can be used to measure hearing sensitivity as well as temporal processing. Reduction in peak amplitudes and increases in latency are indicative of dysfunction in the auditory nerve and/or central auditory pathways. In this study we used sixteen young adult mice that were divided into two groups: sham and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with ABR measurements obtained prior to, and at 2, 6, and 14 weeks after injury. Abnormal ABRs were observed for the nine TBI cases as early as two weeks after injury and the deficits lasted for fourteen weeks after injury. Results indicated a significant reduction in the Peak 1 (P1) and Peak 4 (P4) amplitudes to the first noise burst, as well as an increase in latency response for P1 and P4 following mTBI. These results are the first to demonstrate auditory sound processing deficits in a rodent model of mild TBI.
White Matter Volume Predicts Language Development in Congenital Heart Disease.

Objective To determine whether brain volume is reduced at 1 year of age and whether these volumes are associated with neurodevelopment in biventricular congenital heart disease (CHD) repaired in infancy. Study design Infants with biventricular CHD (n = 48) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurodevelopmental testing with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories at 1 year of age. A multitemplate based probabilistic segmentation algorithm was applied to volumetric MRI data. We compared volumes with those of 13 healthy control infants of comparable ages. In the group with CHD, we measured Spearman correlations between neurodevelopmental outcomes and the residuals from linear regression of the volumes on corrected chronological age at MRI and sex. Results Compared with controls, infants with CHD had reductions of 54 mL in total brain ( P = .009), 40 mL in cerebral white matter ( P .001), and 1.2 mL in brainstem ( P = .003) volumes. Within the group with CHD, brain volumes were not correlated with Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II scores but did correlate positively with MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory language development. Conclusions Infants with biventricular CHD show total brain volume reductions at 1 year of age, driven by differences in cerebral white matter. White matter volume correlates with language development, but not broader developmental indices. These findings suggest that abnormalities in white matter development detected months after corrective heart surgery may contribute to language impairment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00006183.
Third Autotransplant for the Management of 98 Patients among 1358 Who Had Received Prior Tandem Autotransplants: Benefit Apparent When 2nd to 3rd Transplant Interval Exceeds 3 Years.

Tandem autotransplants have recently been reported in the IFM 94 randomized trial to confer more durable event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) than a single transplant. In the Arkansas program, scheduled tandem transplants have been part of Total Therapy 1 (TT 1) and Total Therapy 2 (TT 2) protocols since 1989 for newly diagnosed patients; this strategy was also applied for the management of previously treated patients. Among a total of 1358 patients receiving two prior autologous transplants at our institution (median interval from 1st to 2nd transplant, 4 mos), 98 received a further autologous transplant. In a search for features associated with favorable post 3rd autotransplant survival, pre-transplant 1, 2 and 3 features, especially the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) and standard laboratory features such as, B2M, CRP, LDH, albumin, hemoglobin and creatinine were examined along with the time interval from 2nd to 3rd transplant and whether a 3rd transplant was applied to rescue TT 1 or TT 2 front line or other patients receiving tandem transplants as salvage therapy. Remarkably, the presence of CA at any of the indicated time points had no impact on survival after a 3rd autotransplant usually with melphalan 200mg/m2. According to multivariate analysis, the 2nd to 3rd transplant interval (time-dependent covariate analysis) (HR 8.8, p=.002) and hypoalbuminemia 3 yr and albumin ≥ 3.0g/dL (median, 21 mos; 5 yr OS 20%), with an intermediate outcome noted for the 34 patients with one of these favorable features present (median, 10 mos; 3 yr 20%) while the worst outcome was noted in the 13 patients who were both hypoalbuminemic and had received their 3rd transplant within 3 yrs of the 2nd transplant (median, 3 mos, no survival beyond 12 mos). Our data indicate that meaningful survival can be obtained with a 3rd autotransplant maneuver in approximately 50% of patients who have derived meaningful survival from a 2nd transplant of at least 3 years and have a preserved albumin concentration as an indication of their overall performance status. ![Figure][1] Figure [1]: pending:yes
Chapter 7 – Complex Vector Spaces and General Inner Products

In Section 7.1, we study CnCn, the set of complex n -vectors, and consider its similarities to and differences from RnRn. In Section 7.2, we examine properties of the eigenspaces of matrices with complex entries. Section 7.3 compares the properties of general complex vector spaces and linear transformations with their real counterparts. In Section 7.4, we study the complex analogs of the Gram-Schmidt Process and orthogonal matrices. Finally, in Section 7.5, we discuss inner product spaces, which possess an additional operation analogous to the dot product on RnRn.
Burden of human metapneumovirus infections in patients with cancer: Risk factors and outcomes

BACKGROUND Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections (URIs and LRIs, respectively) in healthy and immunocompromised patients; however, its clinical burden in patients with cancer remains unknown. METHODS In a retrospective study of all laboratory-confirmed hMPV infections treated at the authors’ institution between April 2012 and May 2015, clinical characteristics, risk factors for progression to an LRI, treatment, and outcomes in patients with cancer were determined. RESULTS In total, 181 hMPV infections were identified in 90 patients (50%) with hematologic malignancies (HMs), in 57 (31%) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients, and in 34 patients (19%) with solid tumors. Most patients (92%) had a community-acquired infection and presented with URIs (67%), and 43% developed LRIs (59 presented with LRIs and 19 progressed from a URI to an LRI). On multivariable analysis, an underlying HM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-8.64; P = .029), nosocomial infection (aOR, 26.9; 95% CI, 2.79-259.75; P = .004), and hypoxia (oxygen saturation [SpO2], ≤ 92%) at presentation (aOR, 9.61; 95% CI, 1.98-46.57; P = .005) were identified as independent factors associated with LRI. All-cause mortality at 30 days from hMPV diagnosis was low (4%), and patients with LRIs had a 10% mortality rate at day 30 from diagnosis; whereas patients with URIs had a 0% mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS hMPV infections in patients with cancer may cause significant morbidity, especially for those with underlying HM who may develop an LRI. Despite high morbidity and the lack of directed antiviral therapy for hMPV infections, mortality at day 30 from this infection remained low in this studied population. Cancer 2017;123:2329–2337. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Multistep Flow of Communication: Online Media and Social Navigation

The process of message dissemination has been a rich area of mass media scholarship since the early twentieth century, but the popularity of social media and rise in participatory communication have brought renewed interest to the topic. This entry explores the study of information flow and social navigation in online spaces. It describes the ways that information flow theory has been used to conceptualize the transmission of information in Web-based communication, considers the emergence of social navigation research, and looks at emerging scholarship in the field. Keywords: digital culture; models of communication; new media; social media
Maternal choline supplementation during murine pregnancy modulates placental markers of inflammation, apoptosis and vascularization in a fetal sex-dependent manner

Abstract Introduction Normal placental vascular development is influenced by inflammatory, angiogenic and apoptotic processes, which may be modulated by choline through its role in membrane biosynthesis, cellular signaling and gene expression regulation. The current study examined the effect of maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on placental inflammatory, angiogenic and apoptotic processes during murine pregnancy. Method Pregnant dams were randomized to receive 1, 2 or 4 times (X) the normal choline content of rodent diets, and tissues were harvested on embryonic day (E) 10.5, 12.5, 15.5 or 18.5 for gene expression, protein abundance and immunohistochemical analyses. Results The choline-induced changes in the inflammatory and angiogenic markers were a function of fetal sex. Specifically, 4X (versus 1X) choline reduced the transcript ( P ≤ 0.05) and protein ( P ≤ 0.06) expression of TNF-a and IL-1β in the male placentas at E10.5 and E18.5, respectively. In the female placentas, 4X (versus 1X) choline modulated the transcript expression of Il1b in a biphasic pattern with reduced Il1b at E12.5 ( P = 0.045) and E18.5 ( P = 0.067) but increased Il1b at E15.5 ( P = 0.031). MCS also induced an upregulation of Vegfa expression in the female placentas at E15.5 ( P = 0.034; 4X versus 2X) and E18.5 ( P = 0.026; 4X versus 1X). MCS decreased ( P = 0.011; 4X versus 1X) placental apoptosis at E10.5. Additionally, the luminal area of the maternal spiral arteries was larger ( P ≤ 0.05; 4X versus 1X) in response to extra choline throughout gestation. Discussion MCS during murine pregnancy has fetal sex-specific effects on placental inflammation and angiogenesis, with possible consequences on placental vascular development.
Violence and beyond: Life-course features of handgun carrying in the urban United States and the associated long-term life consequences

Abstract Purpose Although previous research has made progress in identifying correlates of risky gun-related behavior and its impact on violence and injury, particularly during adolescence, it is not clear how individuals differ in their gun carrying behavior over time or how developmental features of carrying affect experiences and accomplishments later in the life. Methods Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97), we delineated age-specific patterns of handgun carrying in the urban United States and investigated how onset age, duration, and timing of handgun carrying affected criminal offending, substance use, police arrest, and educational and economic achievements in established adulthood. Results There is important heterogeneity in individuals' handgun carrying behavior over time in the urban United States. Developmental features of handgun carrying are significant predictors of negative life outcomes in a variety of domains. Conclusions Individuals who carry firearms should not be assumed as of one general type. Efforts to prevent risky gun-related behavior and associated negative long-term consequences can be better targeted if we take into account developmental heterogeneity in such behavior.
Role of Nitrogen Moieties in N-Doped 3D-Graphene Nanosheets for Oxygen Electroreduction in Acidic and Alkaline Media

This study elucidates the synthesis–structure–property correlations of nitrogen moieties present in nitrogen-functionalized graphene nanomaterials toward oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) and their electrochemical pathways in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. Porous three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets (N/3D-GNSs) were fabricated using the sacrificial support method and doped with nitrogen using 10 atom % NH3 under thermal pyrolysis at T = 650, 850, and 1050 °C for evaluating the nitrogen species formed under different temperatures. The abundances of the various nitrogen species formed under pyrolytic conditions were evaluated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using rotating ring-disk electrode, we analyzed the role played by the nitrogen moieties influencing the electrochemical activity of the N/3D-GNS supports for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in both acidic and alkaline media. It was demonstrated that the concentrations of the nitrogen moieties: graphitic-N, quaternary, hydroge...
Charge Carrier Activity on Single-Particle Photo(electro)catalysts: Toward Function in Solar Energy Conversion

Understanding the fundamental properties of charge carriers on the surface of semiconductor photo(electro)catalysts is key to the rational design of efficient photo(electro)catalytic devices for sunlight-driven energy conversion. Here high spatial resolution information is always desirable because of the ubiquitous heterogeneity in semiconductor particles. In this Perspective, we review the latest advances in nanoscale imaging and quantitative analysis of charge carrier activities on individual semiconductor particles down to subparticle resolution, covering the approaches of single-molecule super-resolution fluorescence imaging, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence microscopy. We further highlight direct, operando functional assessments of their performances toward the targeted photo(electro)catalytic processes through single- and subparticle photocurrent measurements. We also discuss the significance of establishing quantitative relations between the desired functions of photo(electro)catalysts and their surface charge carrier activities. These fundamental relations can provide guiding principles for rationally engineering photo(electro)catalytic systems, for example with cocatalysts, for a broad range of applications.
Introduction to the Symposium

(2006). Introduction to the Symposium. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 33-35.
Scale-Dependent Porous Dispersion Resulting from the Cumulative Effects of Velocity Fluctuations

The central proposition of this work is that microscopic scattering induced by pore walls on fluid flow transforms the fundamental equation of motion into a stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE), in which the driving coefficient, the velocity, has a stochastic component. Flow velocity variation on the macroscopic scale, as in an inhomogeneous aquifer, causes non-diffusive dispersion which is the root cause of the observed dependence of dispersivity on the length scale of the flow. For the case of a 1D constant velocity gradient, exact analytical solution shows that non-kinematic contributions do not cancel over the course of a triangular velocity fluctuation.
The Logistic Function Part IV: Symbolic Dynamics

We begin this chapter with a discussion of metric spaces and symbolic dynamics. As we proceed through the discussion, it may seem that the dynamics of the shift map on symbol space is an odd place to look for a deeper understanding of the logistic map, but we shall see that it is precisely the tool we need. In particular, we culminate the chapter by using symbolic dynamics to show that when \( r > 2 + \sqrt 5 \), then there is a point in the set Λ whose orbit under iteration of h r (x) = rx(1 − x) is dense in Λ.
Do Internal Management Controls Mitigate Employee Theft in Chain Organizations

Employee theft is a major problem affecting most U.S. businesses every year. This problem is particularly severe for the retail industry, as it results in $26 billion in losses every year. In this study, we examine the extent to which internal management controls mitigate employee theft. Specifically, we investigate the effectiveness of two types of internal control systems: technology-based monitoring and mutual (peer) monitoring. We analyze store-level and chain-level data from the convenience store industry and find that: 1) Employee turnover is positively associated with employee theft; 2) Mutual monitoring alleviates employee theft directly; and 3) Both internal control systems, technology-based and mutual monitoring, mitigate employee theft indirectly by reducing the strength of the relationship between employee turnover and employee theft. The results suggest that internal management controls alleviate the agency problem of theft in chain organizations. Our study adds to a stream of empirical studies that examines the effects of different control mechanisms in alleviating agency problems. Our study also contributes to this stream of literature by documenting the role of mutual monitoring in reducing employee theft.
A single case design to examine short-term intracranial EEG patterns during focused meditation

Abstract Purpose This study used a multiple crossover ABAB single case design to examine intracranial EEG data during a breath awareness meditation and an active control task. Results Visual analyses suggest that a brief breath awareness mediation was consistently associated with increased alpha power when compared to the active control. Less consistent effects were found with theta, beta, and high gamma activity. Nonparametric tests provided additional support for this finding. Conclusions Acquiring intracranial EEG patterns during a meditative state may provide more insight into the physiology of meditation with less contamination of high-frequency muscle activity. While access to intracranial EEG during meditation is rarely available, single case design studies are considered adaptations of interrupted time-series designs and can provide an experimental evaluation of intervention effects
Phase evolution, structure, and magnetic characterization of mechanosynthesized Co40Fe30Ni30 medium-entropy alloy

Abstract We demonstrate Co40Fe30Ni30 medium-entropy alloy is a suitable Co-rich ternary CoxFeyNiz (x ≥ y ≥ z) alloy precursor for designing high-entropy magnetic alloys having superior semi-hard magnetic properties. Mechanical alloying of the constituent metal powders 40 at.% Co, 30 at.% Fe, and 30 at.% Ni for 12 h resulted in a nanocrystalline Co40Fe30Ni30 alloy comprised of the γ phase. The alloy exhibited semi-hard magnetic behavior at ambient temperature; the intrinsic coercivity (HCI) and saturation magnetization (MS) was ~4.35 kA/m and ~141 Am2/kg, respectively. At sub-ambient temperatures, the alloy maintained semi-hard magnetic behavior; both HCI and MS increased by ~1.4 times and ~4%, respectively, from 300 K to 60 K. The estimated μH (the maximum magnetic moment per atom) was ~1.51 μB. At elevated temperatures, up to T ≤ ~570 K, the as-prepared alloy powder maintained the γ phase, and after that α phase precipitated out. Thermal-treatment increased MS by ~13% and decreased HCI by ~31%, yet the alloy retained semi-hard magnetic behavior. At cryogenic temperatures, the thermally-treated alloy powders exhibited magnetic behavior similar to that of as-prepared alloy powder, i.e., both HCI and MS increased with the decrease in T. Grey relational analysis proposed Co40Fe30Ni30 as a suitable medium-entropy alloy precursor for designing novel high-entropy magnetic alloys having superior semi-hard magnetic properties.
Designing iridate-based superlattice with large magnetoelectric coupling

The coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic order provides a powerful means to control magnetic properties with electric fields. In this study, we have investigated the magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in iridate-oxide based superlattices employing first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In particular, we have investigated several oxide superlattices, including (SrIrO3)1–(CaTiO3)1 (SIO–CTO) and (SrIrO3)1–(BaTiO3)1 (SIO–BTO), with an alternating single layer of SIO and CTO/BTO. We identify a very large ME coupling in SIO–BTO mediated by both lattice and electronic contributions. In comparison, moderate ME coupling constants are found in SIO–CTO. Further electronic and structural analyses reveal that the large ME coupling of SIO–BTO is caused by the large spin–orbit coupling of 5d iridium as well as the significant polarization induced in the SIO–BTO. Interestingly, we find that the ME coupling in SIO–BTO can further be enhanced by modulating epitaxial strain. These results suggest a route to significantly enhance the ME coupling effects, which might be applicable for other materials and practical applications.
Studying the Relationship between Stock Prices of Publicly Traded US Construction Companies and Gross Domestic Product: Preliminary Step toward Construction–Economy Nexus

AbstractMany scholars from multiple professional and academic disciplines have investigated the various links between the construction industry and economic output. Nevertheless, there remains a no...
The Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p57KIP2 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor Gene in Human Leukemia.

Abstract p57KIP2 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor with a role in the regulation of cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, and development. Disruption any of these biological processes could result in malignant transformation. We have previously reported that epigenetic inactivation of p57KIP2 by aberrant DNA methylation is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with adult acute lymphocytic leukemia (Blood 2003; 101:4131–6 and JCO 2005; 23:3932–9). To further study the role of p57KIP2 in human leukemia we have developed several knock-in and knock-down cellular models of p57KIP2 in human leukemia cell lines. First, we established the methylation/expression patterns of p57KIP2 in 21 leukemia cell lines of both myeloid and lymphoid origin and of different phenotypes. We found that p57KIP2 was methylated and silenced in all except 6 (28%) cell lines. Methylation of the p57KIP2 promoter region correlated with gene silencing, and lack of protein expression, and treatment of methylated/silenced cell lines with a 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC), a demethylating agent, resulted in p57KIP2 gene and protein re-expression. In unmethylated p57KIP2 cell lines, p57KIP2 mRNA was rapidly up-regulated by stimulation by growth-inhibitory signals such as TNF alpha, LPS and TGF beta, and when cell-cycle progression was arrested. In contrast, treatment with dexamethasone, DAC or the histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA did not have such an effect. The reverse was observed in methylated cell lines. Transient transfection of p57KIP2 in silenced cell lines resulted in cell-cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Stable transfection of p57KIP2 using a lentivirus system in Raji cells, in which p57kip2 is methylated and silenced, resulted in the induction of apoptosis and the suppression of cell growth in soft agar. Stable transfection of p57KIP2 in Jurkat cells, in which p57KIP2 is unmethylated and expressed, resulted in partial inhibition of cell growth, and increased susceptibility to the induction of apoptosis by staurosporine. Knock-down of p57KIP2 using an shRNA lentivirus in K562 cells, in which p57kip2 is not methylated and is expressed, promoted cell growth and proliferation in soft agar. These studies provide evidence that p57KIP2 has the properties of a bona fide tumor suppressor gene in human leukemia and provide further weight to the notion that p57KIP2 has an important role in human leukomogenesis.
Vibration of Shear Buildings by Flexibility Method

Modified matrix iteration method using inverse of stiffness matrix is described for determination of dynamic response of tall buildings caused by earthquake or blast loadings; as first result method obtains fundamental frequency and normal mode; calculations are based on usual shear building assumption; exact inverse of stiffness matrix of any shear building is given by formula; example.
Development of an Instrument for Preoperative Prediction of Adverse Discharge in Patients Scheduled for Cardiac Surgery.

Objective Inability of home discharge occurs in nearly a third of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality. The authors aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for adverse discharge disposition (ADD) after cardiac surgery and develop a prediction tool for preoperative risk assessment. Design This retrospective cohort study included adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2010 and 2018. The primary outcome was ADD, defined as in-hospital mortality, discharge to a skilled nursing facility, or transfer to a long-term care hospital. The authors created a prediction tool using stepwise backward logistic regression and used 5-fold and leave-one-out cross-validation. Setting University hospital network. Participants Adult patients living at home prior to surgery, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve procedures at the authors’ institution. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results A total of 3,760 patients were included in the final study cohort. The observed rate of ADD was 33.3%. The prediction model showed good discrimination and accuracy, with C-statistic of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.79) and unmodified Brier score of 0.177 (reliability 0.001). The final model comprised 14 predictors. Patients who experienced ADD were more likely to be older, of female sex, to have had higher length of hospital stay prior to surgery, and to have undergone emergency surgery. Conclusions The authors present an instrument for prediction of loss of the ability to live independently in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The authors’ score may be useful in identifying high-risk patients such that earlier coordination of care can be initiated in this vulnerable patient population.
Effect of delays in initiation of adjuvant endocrine therapy on survival among women with breast cancer.

Delays in initiating adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) are a cause for concern among women with breast cancer and clinicians, but the impact of delayed AET on overall survival (OS) is unclear. This study seeks to describe the relationship between delayed AET and OS. Retrospective cohort study of women with stage II and III hormone receptor positive, human epidermal receptor 2 negative, invasive breast cancer, identified from the National Cancer Database. The primary exposure delayed AET, was defined as initiation of AET more than 12 months after breast cancer diagnosis. Using logistic regression, we examined predictors of delayed AET. The survival analysis with Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Among the 391,594 included women, 12,162 (3.1%) had delayed AET. Predictors of delayed AET included Black race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–1.70) or Hispanic ethnicity (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.16–1.35) vs white race, Medicare (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.20) or Medicaid (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.32–1.50) versus private insurance, and cancer stage III (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.19–1.30) vs stage II. With median follow-up of 67.4 months, 67,335 (17.2%) patients died. Delayed AET had no statistically significant effect on the hazard of death (adjusted hazards ratio = 1.01; 95% CI 0.96–1.06) compared to initiation within 12 months of diagnosis. This study suggests that there may be no adverse impact on survival if initiation of AET occurs 12 to 24 months after initial diagnosis compared to within 12 months of diagnosis as currently recommended.