cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION OF METAL BORIDES: 7. THE RELATIVELY LOW TEMPERATURE FORMATION OF CRYSTALLINE LANTHANUM HEXABORIDE THIN FILMS FROM BORON HYDRIDE CLUSTER COMPOUNDS BY CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION

Abstract The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of high quality polycrystalline thin films of lanthanum hexaboride, LaB 6 , was achieved through the vacuum copyrolysis of the boron hydride clusters, nido -pentaborane(9) [B 5 H 9 ] and nido -decaborane(14) [B 10 H 14 ], with lanthanum(III) chloride at 800–900°C. The reddish purple films adhered well to the deposition substrates explored (copper, quartz, Pyrex and ceramic materials). Deposition rates of approximately 1–2 μm/h were typically observed. The films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), wavelength dispersive X-ray emission spectrometry (WDXES), and glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). WDXES and GDMS data showed that the LaB 6 films were relatively uniform in composition in the bulk material. SEM data showed that the as-deposited materials were very highly crystalline. Films which consisted either partly or entirely of square rods of LaB 6 with either square or finely tapered tips could also be grown. Reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) experiments confirmed the identity of the square rods as crystalline cubic LaB 6 .
Sizing Rings: A Simple Technique for Measuring Intracranial Lesions

Summary: This simple technique for the measurement of intracranial structures and lesions from radiographs makes use of rings of known size placed on the outside of the head before radiography.
Smoking and Interstitial Lung Disease

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 compounds, contributes to over 400,000 deaths annually and causes or exacerbates a large number of diseases. Recently, a variety of less common interstitial lung diseases have been associated with tobacco exposure. Respiratory bronchiolitis (RB) is a clinically silent histologic finding in the lungs of smokers consisting of pigmented macrophages in the bronchiolar duct and alveolar space. Respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD) is the pathologic finding of RB in the presence of clinicoradiographic evidence of interstitial lung disease. Computed tomography (CT) shows bronchial wall thickening with centrilobular nodularity and smoking cessation leads to resolution in most patients with a good prognosis. Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is associated with tobacco exposure in 80–90% of patients, is characterized by computed tomography evidence of ground glass opacities in the mid and lower lung zones and has the major histologic feature of a uniform cellular infiltrate of pigmented macrophages within the alveolar spaces. Corticosteroids and tobacco cessation lead to improvement in most patients and relapse is common. Pulmonary Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is associated with tobacco smoke in 90–100% of cases. It has the CT findings of diffuse nodules and cysts with upper lone zone predominance and histopathology shows nodules with Langerhans’ cells, pigmented macrophages and occasional necrosis and cavitation. Pneumothorax is common during the course of illness and prognosis is variable with mortality rates greater than 30% at 10 years. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease seen more commonly in smokers. When IPF is seen concomitantly with emphysema, the syndrome is called combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP), a syndrome of diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and pulmonary eosinophilia, is strongly associated with smoking and a significant number of cases are seen in new-onset smokers. Finally, anti-glomerular basement disease (anti-GBM) is a pulmonary renal disease that shows an increased risk of alveolar hemorrhage in active smokers.
Abstract 2745: Genetic determinants of telomere length – a genome wide association study

Telomere plays a critical role in maintaining genome integrity. Telomere shortening is associated with the risk of many age-related diseases. Classical twin studies have shown that genetic components may contribute up to 80% of the heritability of telomere length. Previous association studies have reported several genetic loci in regulating telomere length, but the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we adopted a three-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) design to identify the genetic determinants of telomere length. The mean telomere length was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Genotyping were done by illumin9s whole-genome SNP array in stage I and II, and by TaqMan assay in stage III. Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to assess the association between genetic variants and telomere length adjusting for age and gender. In stage I, we analyzed 300K SNPs in 459 healthy controls and found 15,351 SNPs that were associated with telomere length at P −4 . Among them, two loci located at chromosome 20q11.22 and 14q21 were associated with telomere length with a significant P value −7 . We are in the process of genotyping these 18 SNPs and measuring telomere lengths in approximately 1,200 independent control subjects for stage III validation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2745. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2745
Computer Software Quality Assurance

The lack of standardization of testing and record keeping in blood banking has lead to a myriad of approaches to computerizing the blood bank. Regulatory agency concern has been heightened by computer system errors that have resulted in the inappropriate release of some blood components. Just as instruments and reagents are tested prior to use and evaluated during their use, computer systems must be tested prior to implementation as well as whenever modifications are made. The key elements are planning, training, and documentation of each step in the process. In order to meet the demands of regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, a new specialist is emerging—the blood bank computer expert.
Survival and Emergence of Citrus Blackfly Parasitoids After Exposure to Insecticides

The effects of 14 insecticides on survival and subsequent emergence of Amitus hesperidum and Prospaltella opulenta from 4th-instar Aleurocanthus woglumi were assessed in a series of laboratory experiments. There was no discernable relationship between any compound's acute mammalian toxicity or acute toxicity to the host and the compound's acute effect on survival of either parasitoid. There was a relationship, however, between a compound's solubility in water and its acute effect on parasitoid survival. Compounds with high (> 2,000 ppm) water solubility tended to spare both parasitoid species.
The Structural Simplification of Symmetric Nonlinear Systems

Simplified structural decompositions of nonlinear control systems possessing symmetries have been given in the reference[1].Based on this,the paper provides further simplified structural decompositions for nonlinear systems with general symmetric Lie groups in terms of the semi-direct sum decomposition of Lie algebras and the concept of Cartan subalgebras of Lic algebras.The result here is better than that in [1].
Searching for ‘Mulan'( 木兰) in China:Scientific Significance of Discovery of Redflower Magnolia(Magnolia wufengensis) Groups

The question of which plant is‘Mulan'( 木兰) in Magnoliaceae in Chinese history on earth has not been solved in science actually. Through field investigation and relative references analysis,we find that‘Mulan'is the Redflower Magnolia( Magnolia wufengensis) Groups,including a new species named ‘Magnolia wufengensis L. Y. Ma et L. R. Wang'and a new variety named ‘Magnolia wufengensis var. multitepala L. Y. Ma et L. R. Wang',which were found and named in 2006 by MA Lu-yi,professor of Beijing Forestry University,and WANG Luo-rong,from Hubei Provincial Forest Tree Seed and Seedling Administration Station. Wudang Mulan( 武当木兰)( Magnolia sprengeri Pampan,) is a type of M. wufengensis var. multitepala and can be regard as a type below species. Therefore,the discovery of the Redflower Magnolia can help us to identify ‘Mulan ' in the ancient literature. The Redflower Magnolia is one of the most important groups in research,protection and development due to its specific area distribution,variety of types,genetic diversity,wide scope of usage and huge values.
Analysis on Epidemiological Characteristics and Control Measures of Measles in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2009

Objective To know the Epidemiological Characteristics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2009 and provide evidence for strategies and measures of measles prevention and control.Methods According to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region information system for disease surveillance and reporting of measles surveillance information systems professionals,information on the 2009 measles epidemic to describe epidemiological analysis.Results The reported measles incidence rate were reduce since 2009 of Inner Mongolia,that was 6.03/100000 in 2009,over the age of 15 accounted incidence of 48.21 /%,confirmed cases in the history of measles vaccination accounted for 25.34%.Conclusion Maintain the high quality of routine immunization for measles vaccine,the region carried out timely immunization activities to enhance the sensitivity of the monitoring system is key to measles control and elimination strategies.
Oxygen--Sensitive Elements in the Book Gills of Limulus Polyphemus

1. The unit responses of oxygen-sensitive elements in the book-gill lamellae of Limulus polyphemus were examined by recording their unit activities in the gill nerve while varying the oxygen tension in the sea water bathing the lamellae. 2. Three types of oxygen-sensitive units were detected. Some units (class I) were excited by oxygen introduced into anaerobic sea water; others (class II) were inhibited by high oxygen levels. Some units responded to tactile stimulation only in the presence of oxygen. 3. It is suggested that the oxygen-dependent ventilatory reflexes result from interaction in the central ventilatory neural system of the excitatory effects of class I units and of touch-sensitive oxygen-dependent units with the inhibitory effects of class II units.
Tuning Cationic Block Copolymer Micelle Size by pH and Ionic Strength

The formation, morphology, and pH and ionic strength responses of cationic block copolymer micelles in aqueous solutions have been examined in detail to provide insight into the future development of cationic micelles for complexation with polyanions such as DNA. Diblock polymers composed of a hydrophilic/cationic block of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and a hydrophobic/nonionic block of n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) were synthesized [denoted as DMAEMA-b-BMA (X-Y), where X = DMAEMA molecular weight and Y = molecular weight of BMA in kDa]. Four variants were created with block molecular weights of 14–13, 14–23, 27–14, 27–29 kDa and low dispersities less than 1.10. The amphiphilic polymers self-assembled in aqueous conditions into core–shell micelles that ranged in size from 25–80 nm. These cationic micelles were extensively characterized in terms of size and net charge in different buffers over a wide range of ionic strength (0.02−1 M) and pH (5−10) conditions. The micelle core is kinetically t...
Measurement-Driven Methodology for Evaluating Processor Heterogeneity Options for Power-Performance Efficiency

It is generally perceived that heterogeneous multicore processors will provide better performance and power efficiency over conventional homogeneous cores. However, heterogeneity can also be achieved within a homogeneous core design, instantiated under different voltage-frequency settings or per-core simultaneous multi-treading (SMT) modes. In this paper, we pursue an architectural study motivated by the question, "Can we get by with a single, complex SMT-equipped core design that can operate at different voltage-frequency points? Or, is it mandatory to invest into two different core types, one complex and the other simple?" We propose a systematic, measurement-driven methodology to evaluate processor heterogeneity options. Our analysis particularly focuses on the domain of real-time constrained embedded processors. The study is based on a direct measurement of two real processors; one that uses simple in-order cores, and another that uses complex out-of-order cores. The effect of heterogeneous core composition (consisting of complex and simple cores in the same chip) is analytically projected from measurements gleaned from the two different systems. Our analysis yields new interesting insights. When dealing with two core types without SMT enabled, true core heterogeneity does not necessarily provide better performance or power efficiency under area and power constraints. If the complex-core homogeneous processor invokes SMT, it outperforms true heterogeneity by offering 28% better power efficiency, assuming that simple cores in the heterogeneous system operate only in single-threaded mode without SMT capability. If the small cores employ SMT, true heterogeneity yields 32% better power efficiency than the homogeneous processor with SMT.
The palliative care information act and access to palliative care in terminally ill patients: A retrospective study

Background: Studies have shown that over 50% of end-of-life discussions take place for the first time in the hospital and that terminally ill patients often have unrealistic views regarding the possible scope of treatment. The Palliative Care information Act (PCIA) was passed in an attempt to address the lack of access for terminally ill patients to palliative care services. A multi-database systematic review was performed on published studies from 2010 to present, and there were none found measuring the effectiveness of the PCIA. Objectives: We aimed to study the effect of the PCIA on access to palliative care services. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all terminally ill patients who died at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center from January 2010 to August 2013 in relation to passing of the PCIA. Results: Prelaw (prior to the law passing), 12.3% of the terminal patients received palliative care consults, 25% during the transition period (time between passing of law and when it came into effect) and 37.7% postlaw (after coming into effect) (P Conclusions: Legislation can have a significant effect on terminally ill patient's access to palliative care services and can change the culture of a hospital to be more pro-palliative for the appropriate populations.
The Organization of the Energy Landscape

The experimental data and the computational arguments given in Chapter 11 prove the existence of substates: Proteins can exist in a large number of different conformations. How are the substates organized? Here the present understanding will be described. It is clear, however, that we are at a beginning and not at the end, and many of the “facts” and arguments given here may be proven to be incomplete or even wrong in the future.
Medication self-management skills and cognitive impairment in older adults hospitalized for heart failure: A cross-sectional study.

Background:Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among older adults (aged ≥65 years) hospitalized for heart failure and has been associated with poor outcomes. Poor medication self-management sk...
Tryptophan Fluorescence Yields and Lifetimes as a Probe of Conformational Changes in Human Glucokinase

Five variants of glucokinase (ATP-D-hexose-6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1) including wild type and single Trp mutants with the Trp residue at positions 65, 99, 167 and 257 were prepared. The fluorescence of Trp in all locations studied showed intensity changes when glucose bound, indicating that conformational change occurs globally over the entire protein. While the fluorescence quantum yield changes upon glucose binding, the enzyme’s absorption spectra, emission spectra and fluorescence lifetimes change very little. These results are consistent with the existence of a dark complex for excited state Trp. Addition of glycerol, L-glucose, sucrose, or trehalose increases the binding affinity of glucose to the enzyme and increases fluorescence intensity. The effect of these osmolytes is thought to shift the protein conformation to a condensed, high affinity form. Based upon these results, we consider the nature of quenching of the Trp excited state. Amide groups are known to quench indole fluorescence and amides of the polypeptide chain make interact with excited state Trp in the relatively unstructured, glucose-free enzyme. Also, removal of water around the aromatic ring by addition of glucose substrate or osmolyte may reduce the quenching.
Comparison of Levetiracetam Dosing Regimens in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Intermittent Hemodialysis

Background: Levetiracetam (LEV) is primarily renally eliminated. In end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD), pharmacokinetic studies recommend daily dosing with 50% supplemental doses after 4-hour HD sessions. However, poor medication adherence after HD could result in fluctuating plasma drug levels. Objective: To compare two LEV dosing regimens, daily versus twice-daily (BID), in ESRD patients undergoing HD. Methods: Consecutive ESRD patients (April 2013 to May 2014) receiving maintenance inpatient HD and prescribed LEV prior to admission to our academic tertiary hospital were prospectively analyzed. Demographics, initial lab values, adverse reactions, seizures, and LEV regimens were recorded. LEV levels were obtained pre-HD and post-HD along with levels after receiving post-HD doses. Recovery of plasma levels after HD was assessed by comparison of levels predialysis versus postdialysis and post-HD doses. Results: We identified 22 patients who met inclusion criteria; 14 BID and 8 dai...
Validating neural-network refinements of nuclear mass models

Background: Nuclear astrophysics centers on the role of nuclear physics in the cosmos. In particular, nuclear masses at the limits of stability are critical in the development of stellar structure and the origin of the elements.Purpose: We aim to test and validate the predictions of recently refined nuclear mass models against the newly published AME2016 compilation.Methods: The basic paradigm underlining the recently refined nuclear mass models is based on existing state-of-the-art models that are subsequently refined through the training of an artificial neural network. Bayesian inference is used to determine the parameters of the neural network so that statistical uncertainties are provided for all model predictions.Results: We observe a significant improvement in the Bayesian neural network (BNN) predictions relative to the corresponding ``bare'' models when compared to the nearly 50 new masses reported in the AME2016 compilation. Further, AME2016 estimates for the handful of impactful isotopes in the determination of $r$-process abundances are found to be in fairly good agreement with our theoretical predictions. Indeed, the BNN-improved Duflo-Zuker model predicts a root-mean-square deviation relative to experiment of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{rms}}\ensuremath{\simeq}400$ keV.Conclusions: Given the excellent performance of the BNN refinement in confronting the recently published AME2016 compilation, we are confident of its critical role in our quest for mass models of the highest quality. Moreover, as uncertainty quantification is at the core of the BNN approach, the improved mass models are in a unique position to identify those nuclei that will have the strongest impact in resolving some of the outstanding questions in nuclear astrophysics.
Predicting Identity Status: The Role of Attachment, Differentiation, and Meaning Making

Although identity is an important aspect of overall wellness, it is not yet understood how identity develops or how to accurately predict identity status. In this study of 192 emerging adult college students, the authors found that attachment, differentiation, and meaning-making subprocesses significantly predicted 3 of 4 identity statuses. Implications for counselors and counselor educators are discussed.
The asymmetric cell division machinery in the spiral-cleaving egg and embryo of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii.

Over one third of all animal phyla utilize a mode of early embryogenesis called ‘spiral cleavage’ to divide the fertilized egg into embryonic cells with different cell fates. This mode is characterized by a series of invariant, stereotypic, asymmetric cell divisions (ACDs) that generates cells of different size and defined position within the early embryo. Astonishingly, very little is known about the underlying molecular machinery to orchestrate these ACDs in spiral-cleaving embryos. Here we identify, for the first time, cohorts of factors that may contribute to early embryonic ACDs in a spiralian embryo. To do so we analyzed stage-specific transcriptome data in eggs and early embryos of the spiralian annelid Platynereis dumerilii for the expression of over 50 candidate genes that are involved in (1) establishing cortical domains such as the partitioning defective (par) genes, (2) directing spindle orientation, (3) conveying polarity cues including crumbs and scribble, and (4) maintaining cell-cell adhesion between embryonic cells. In general, each of these cohorts of genes are co-expressed exhibiting high levels of transcripts in the oocyte and fertilized single-celled embryo, with progressively lower levels at later stages. Interestingly, a small number of key factors within each ACD module show different expression profiles with increased early zygotic expression suggesting distinct regulatory functions. In addition, our analysis discovered several highly co-expressed genes that have been associated with specialized neural cell-cell recognition functions in the nervous system. The high maternal contribution of these ‘neural’ adhesion complexes indicates novel general adhesion functions during early embryogenesis. Spiralian embryos are champions of ACD generating embryonic cells of different size with astonishing accuracy. Our results suggest that the molecular machinery for ACD is already stored as maternal transcripts in the oocyte. Thus, the spiralian egg can be viewed as a totipotent yet highly specialized cell that evolved to execute fast and precise ACDs during spiral cleaving stages. Our survey identifies cohorts of factors in P. dumerilii that are candidates for these molecular mechanisms and their regulation, and sets the stage for a functional dissection of ACD in a spiral-cleaving embryo.
I like that you feel my pain, but I love that you feel my joy: Empathy for a partner’s negative versus positive emotions independently affect relationship quality:

Given the myriad ways in which close relationships impact human well-being, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to healthy relationship functioning. One such factor is the ext...
Comparative Middle Ear Structure and Function in Vertebrates

This chapter reviews and summarizes the literature on the function of the vertebrate middle ear from fish to mammals. The different issues associated with stimulating the inner ear of aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates are discussed, as are the different structural adaptations developed to improve the transmission of sound from the external environment to the inner ear. Differences in the middle ear structure of the different classes of terrestrial vertebrates are discussed, as are differences in the function of the different ears. Areas of current research are also summarized.
Reversal of the road death trend in the U.S. in 2015–2016: An examination of the climate and economic hypotheses

Abstract Previous research attributed the reversal in the trend of road death rates in the U.S. during 2015 primarily to increase in road use related to higher temperature but another study said it was due to reduced unemployment. Road deaths increased again during 2016 extending the reversal. This study examines the association of road deaths per population among the 48 contiguous U.S. states to average annual temperature, precipitation, unemployment, insurance cost, gasoline prices, registered vehicles per population, mix of types of vehicles and median age of the population using logistic regression. Least squares regression is used to examine the association of miles traveled per vehicle to average annual temperatures, unemployment, insurance costs and gasoline prices. The association of national unemployment trend and road death trend is examined using least squares regression. Per population, road deaths are more frequent where average monthly temperatures are higher consistently from year to year. Predictions of road deaths using only national trends in unemployment and vehicle miles traveled are unreliable. The association of unemployment with road deaths per population among U.S. states is different in recessions than when the economy has largely recovered. When unemployment is declining, road deaths are reduced, other thing being equal, likely due in part to increased sales of new vehicles with improved safety technology as prosperity increases. Miles driven per vehicle among U.S. states are higher in warmer states but are unrelated to unemployment, insurance costs, and gasoline prices. Teenaged licensure declines as insurance costs, gasoline prices and unemployment increases in selected years. The increase in deaths during 2015–2016 was mainly related to warming temperatures, lower gasoline prices and increased use of trucks as a percent of registered vehicles, not reduced unemployment.
The impact of preoperative opioid use on outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Background Preoperative opioid use has been correlated to suboptimal outcomes in orthopedic surgery. This study evaluated the effect of preoperative opioid use on outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Methods A retrospective review was performed of 79 patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR; of these, 31 with a history of preoperative opioid use were compared with a control group of 48 patients without a history of preoperative opioid use. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes and functional scores were compared. Results Both cohorts significantly improved on all patient-reported shoulder scores; however, the nonopioid group demonstrated significantly better postoperative patient-reported outcome scores (P = .015) and external rotation measurement (P = .008). Functional outcomes also significantly improved from preoperatively to postoperatively for forward flexion, but no differences were seen between groups. Conclusions Patients with a history of preoperative opioid use can still achieve significant improvements in outcomes after arthroscopic RCR, although not to the same extent as opioid-naive patients. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons must consider a patient's preoperative opioid use and temper expectations with regard to outcomes so that they are able to set realistic postoperative goals for patients undergoing RCR.
Combid® (Smith Kline & French)

Combid is broadly classified as a parasympatholytic agent. The prochlorperazine is so prepared that an initial dose is released promptly and the remaining medication is released gradually. The isopropamide iodide component is not in sustained-release form because it can provide 10–12 hours of antisecretory and antispasmodic action. The actions include the reduction of gastric secretion, inhibition of spasm and motility, relief of anxiety and tension, and the control of nausea and vomiting.
Asymmetry of Facial Expressions of Emotion

The purpose of this chapter is to review the various theories of facial emotion lateralization and to provide an examination of the research conducted to date that addresses these theories, drawing upon evidence primarily from behavioral and lesion studies. The chapter focuses on human research, but studies from primates are also considered. The lateralization of facial emotion is discussed in terms of demographic factors (e.g., age and gender), valence (i.e., positive or negative emotions), and elicitation procedure (i.e., posed vs. spontaneous). The chapter evaluates theories pertaining to hemispheric specialization (e.g., the valence hypothesis) and location-specific differences (e.g., upper vs. lower face) during facial emotional expression. Finally, the chapter concludes with suggestions about directions for future research.
Opioid dependency is independently associated with inferior clinical outcomes after trauma.

Abstract Introduction Increased use of opioids has led to higher rates of overdose and hospital admissions. Studies in trauma populations have focused on outcomes associated with acute intoxications rather than addiction. We hypothesize that clinical outcomes after injury would be inferior for opioid-dependent patients compared to opioid-naive patients. Methods We identified all opioid-dependent adult patients admitted to an academic level I trauma center in 2016 with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 5. Patients were further categorized by their pattern of opioid dependency into prescription abuse, illicit abuse, or chronic pain subgroups. Outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), major complications, mortality, non-home discharge, ventilator days, and readmissions. Regression models were adjusted for patient demographics, insurance, ISS, and comorbidities. Results Of the 1450 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 18% were opioid-dependent. Among opioid-dependent patients, 30%, 27%, and 43% were prescription abuse, illicit abuse, and chronic pain patients, respectively. Compared to opioid-naive (non-users) patients, opioid-dependent patients had longer LOS, more ventilator days, more non-home discharges, and higher readmission rates. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences among all cohorts when compared to non-users in LOS, non-home discharge, readmissions, and major complications. Opioid dependency was not associated with mortality. Conclusion Opioid dependency was detected in 18% of trauma patients and was independently associated with inferior outcomes. The impact of opioid dependency affects each opioid subgroup differently with all cohorts demonstrating increased 30-day readmissions. Opioid dependent patients may be targeted for risk interventions to reduce LOS, non-home discharge, complications and readmissions.
Repeat CT Performed Within One Month of CT Conducted in the Emergency Department for Abdominal Pain: A Secondary Analysis of Data From a Prospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine both the frequency of repeat CT performed within 1 month after a patient visits the emergency department (ED) and undergoes CT evaluation for ab...
Micro-Resonator-on-Membrane for Real-Time Biosensing

This work presents Micro-Resonator-on-Membrane (MRoM) as an effective approach to harness high mass sensitivity of MEMS resonators for real-time label-free biosensing. MRoMs are formed on SOI substrates and are comprised of a Thin-film Piezoelectric-on-Si (TPoS) micro-resonator separated by a thin oxide membrane from the backside cavity in which biological solutions are hosted. The isolating membrane reduces the liquid-resonator interaction and minimizes viscous losses to maintain relatively high resonator quality factor $(Q)$ in contact with liquid. The membrane also insulates the resonator electrical connections from the conductive biological solution eliminating undesirable interferences. In order to minimize the added anchor loss from the membrane connecting the resonator to the substrate, in-plane acoustic reflectors are carved into the device layer around the resonator. Membrane surface modification with antibody and detection of target analyte has been successfully demonstrated for MRoMs. Frequency shift of 90 kHz (805 ppm) has been measured for a 111 MHz 3rd length extensional (LE) mode of an MRoM due to adsorption of anti-mouse-IgG molecules tagged with 10 nm diameter gold nanoparticles with surface density of 1011/cm2. This translates to measured mass sensitivity of −88.9 Hz.cm2/ng
Spatial-temporal variability of in situ cyanobacteria vertical structure in Western Lake Erie: Implications for remote sensing observations

Abstract Remote sensing has provided expanded temporal and spatial range to the study of harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in western Lake Erie, allowing for a greater understanding of bloom dynamics than is possible through in situ sampling. However, satellites are limited in their ability to specifically target cyanobacteria and can only observe the water within the first optical depth. This limits the ability of remote sensing to make conclusions about full water column cyanoHAB biomass if cyanobacteria are vertically stratified. FluoroProbe data were collected at nine stations across western Lake Erie in 2015 and 2016 and analyzed to characterize spatio-temporal variability in cyanobacteria vertical structure. Cyanobacteria were generally homogenously distributed during the growing season except under certain conditions. As water depth increased and high surface layer concentrations were observed, cyanobacteria were found to be more vertically stratified and the assumption of homogeneity was less supported. Cyanobacteria vertical distribution was related to wind speed and wave height, with increased stratification at low wind speeds (
Time dependence of the muon polarization vector and the ΔS = ΔQ rule in Kμ3o decay☆

Abstract The time dependence of the muon polarization vector in K μ3 o decay is calculated under the assumption that the ΔS = ΔQ rule is violated. The initial beam is taken to be an arbitrary superposition of K L o and K S o states. Four form factors. f ± for the ΔS = ΔQ amplitude and g ± for the ΔS = − ΔQ amplitude, enter into the description of the decay. It is shown that when f ± and g ± not proportional, all three orthogonal components of the polarization vector are non-vanishing and time dependent, even when there is no T violation in the decay. The possibility of experimentally observing this time dependence of the polarization vector is examined for the case where the initial beam is a pure K o beam. It is found that the present experimental limits on f ± and g ± allow a time variation of all components of the polarization vector of the order of 10–20%. If such a time dependence of the components of the polarization vector can be measured experimentally, it would provide an alternative test for the ΔS = ΔQ rule in K μ3 o decay.
Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy of Cancer

This Account is the first comprehensive review article on the newly developed, photochemistry-based cancer therapy near-infrared (NIR) photoimmunotherapy (PIT). NIR-PIT is a molecularly targeted phototherapy for cancer that is based on injecting a conjugate of a near-infrared, water-soluble, silicon-phthalocyanine derivative, IRdye700DX (IR700), and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets an expressed antigen on the cancer cell surface. Subsequent local exposure to NIR light turns on this photochemical "death" switch, resulting in the rapid and highly selective immunogenic cell death (ICD) of targeted cancer cells. ICD occurs as early as 1 min after exposure to NIR light and results in irreversible morphologic changes only in target-expressing cells based on the newly discovered photoinduced ligand release reaction that induces physical changes on conjugated antibody/antigen complex resulting in functional damage on cell membrane. Meanwhile, immediately adjacent receptor-negative cells are totally unharmed. Because of its highly targeted nature, NIR-PIT carries few side effects and healing is rapid. Evaluation of the tumor microenvironment reveals that ICD induced by NIR-PIT results in rapid maturation of immature dendritic cells adjacent to dying cancer cells initiating a host anticancer immune response, resulting in repriming of polyclonal CD8+T cells against various released cancer antigens, which amplifies the therapeutic effect of NIR-PIT. NIR-PIT can target and treat virtually any cell surface antigens including cancer stem cell markers, that is, CD44 and CD133. A first-in-human phase 1/2 clinical trial of NIR-PIT using cetuximab-IR700 (RM1929) targeting EGFR in inoperable recurrent head and neck cancer patients successfully concluded in 2017 and led to "fast tracking" by the FDA and a phase 3 trial ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03769506 ) that is currently underway in 3 countries in Asia, US/Canada, and 4 countries in EU. The next step for NIR-PIT is to further exploit the immune response. Preclinical research in animals with intact immune systems has shown that NIT-PIT targeting of immunosuppressor cells within the tumor, such as regulatory T-cells, can further enhance tumor-cell-selective systemic host-immunity leading to significant responses in distant metastatic tumors, which are not treated with light. By combining cancer-targeting NIR-PIT and immune-activating NIR-PIT or other cancer immunotherapies, NIR-PIT of a local tumor, could lead to responses in distant metastases and may also inhibit recurrences due to activation of systemic anticancer immunity and long-term immune memory without the systemic autoimmune adverse effects often associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, NIR-PIT also enhances nanodrug delivery into tumors up to 24-fold superior to untreated tumors with conventional EPR effects by intensively damaging cancer cells behind tumor vessels. We conclude by describing future advances in this novel photochemical cancer therapy that are likely to further enhance the efficacy of NIR-PIT.
Opening the OPK Assay Gatekeeper: Harnessing Multi-Modal Protection by Pneumococcal Vaccines

Pneumococcal vaccine development is driven by the achievement of high activity in a single gatekeeper assay: the bacterial opsonophagocytic killing (OPK) assay. New evidence challenges the dogma that anti-capsular antibodies have only a single function that predicts success. The emerging concept of multi-modal protection presents an array of questions that are fundamental to adopting a new vaccine design process. If antibodies have hidden non-opsonic functions that are protective, should these be optimized for better vaccines? What would protein antigens add to protective activity? Are cellular immune functions additive to antibodies for success? Do different organs benefit from different modes of protection? Can vaccine activities beyond OPK protect the immunocompromised host? This commentary raises these issues at a time when capsule-only OPK assay-based vaccines are increasingly seen as a limiting strategy.
The role of listening effort during degraded speech recognition: A comparison of the dual-task and pupillometry paradigms

Listening effort is an increasingly important factor in understanding how people recognize speech in adverse conditions, especially for listeners with hearing impairment (Ohlenforst et al., 2017). However, the link between this basic construct and commonly used measures of listening effort is unclear. We compare two measures: dual-task performance and pupillometry, to investigate the relationship between different techniques for measuring effort and performance recognizing vocoded speech. In the dual-task experiment, participants (n = 26) completed a non-linguistic task (pattern matching) either with or without a concurrent speech task. The same participants completed a pupil task, which tracked changes in pupil size while participants recognized words. Both tasks used natural and noise-vocoded speech at two levels of degradation to vary participants’ ability to perform accurately. We found no relationship between dual-task performance and task-evoked changes in pupil size. However, the level of degradation uniquely predicted effort in the dual task, while accuracy uniquely predicted effort in the pupil task. This suggests that different measures of listening effort are sensitive to different underlying factors, including listening conditions and individual ability. Researchers should thus be aware of the sensitivities of a given task when measuring listening effort.
Introducing Privacy in Screen Event Frequency Analysis for Android Apps

Mobile apps often use analytics infrastructures provided by companies such as Google and Facebook to gather extensive fine-grained data about app performance and user behaviors. It is important to understand and enforce suitable trade-offs between the benefits of such data gathering (for app developers) and the corresponding privacy loss (for app users). Our work focuses on screen event frequency analysis, which is one of the most popular forms of data gathering in mobile app analytics. We propose a privacy-preserving version of such analysis using differential privacy (DP), a popular principled approach for creating privacy-preserving analyses. We describe how DP can be introduced in screen event frequency analysis for mobile apps, and demonstrate an instance of this approach for Android apps and the Google Analytics framework. Our work develops the automated app code analysis, code rewriting, and run-time processing needed to deploy the proposed DP solution. Experimental evaluation demonstrates that high accuracy and practical cost can be achieved by the developed privacy-preserving screen event frequency analysis.
Worlding Hong Kong Film

Hong Kong, a meeting place and a melting pot of different cultures, and a hub and anchor of what nowadays academia called Sinophone culture.
Sex differences in the impact of Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on colorectal cancer screening.

Abstract Access to care varies by sex such that interactions with insurance status result in mixed patterns of preventive services utilization. We examined sex-specific effects of ACA Medicaid expansions on receipt of CRC screening. We used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (2008–2016) for adults aged 50–64 years with household income ≤138% of federal poverty level to examine self-reported lifetime use of guideline-recommended CRC screening services overall and by screening modality. We employed difference-in-difference models comparing changes in CRC screening in 20 Medicaid expansion states before and after the ACA to changes in 18 states that did not expand Medicaid during our study period. We divided the expansion period into implementation (2014) and post-expansion (2016) periods to account for possible lagged effects. We observed time-varying effects of Medicaid expansion that revealed relative increases in CRC screening occurring during the post-expansion period. Heterogeneous effects by sex and by screening modality were also observed: there was a significant relative increase of 16.2 percentage points (95% CI [2.2, 30.2]; p-value = 0.023) in lifetime colonoscopy use among women in expansion states relative to non-expansion states in the post-expansion period. There were no significant effects of Medicaid expansion among men. Health insurance expansion had a lagged but significant effect on CRC screening among low-income non-elderly women in Medicaid expansion states, but no effect for men. The observed increase in CRC screening among women suggests that barriers to CRC screening may differ by sex, and tailored interventions to increase CRC screening improve outcomes.
Bewusstsein bei Tieren

Der Kontrast hatte nicht groser sein konnen – auf der einen Seite eine der angesehensten Personlichkeiten der Welt, Seine Heiligkeit der 14. Dalai Lama, der seinem Glauben Ausdruck verlieh, dass jedes Leben ein Empfinden habe; auf der anderen Seite ich als Neurowissenschaftler, der den gegenwartigen westlichen Konsens daruber vertrat, dass einige Tiere vielleicht, moglicherweise, das kostbare Geschenk des Empfindens, des bewussten Erlebens, mit dem Menschen gemein haben.
A physics-based model to predict the impact of horizontal lamination on CO2 plume migration

Abstract We investigate the impact of sub-grid scale horizontal lamination on the migration of the CO 2 plume during geologic sequestration. A new physics-based model that includes the effects of capillary and viscous forces is used to obtain effective flow-rate dependent capillary pressure and relative permeability functions. For this purpose a macroscopic capillary number is derived that accurately describes the viscous-capillary force balance. The model is based on the fractional flow approach and is implemented in an extended radial Buckley-Leverett solution. This provides an easy way to investigate the impact of mm to m scale laminae on the frontal advance of the plume. Our work shows that at injection rates and volumes commonly used at geologic sequestration sites, capillary number dependency is important during the initial phase of the injection period. At later stages, the use of a capillary limit solution will be a valid approximation, even close to the injection well.
Abstract P348: Perfusion Collateral Index vs. Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio in Assessment of Angiographic Collateral Scores in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: In acute ischemic stroke (AIS), perfusion imaging, while not directly visualizing collateral vessels, can provide important insight into collateral robustness, indexed by pe...
The Role of Social Support and Ego Network Characteristics on Quality of Life: Implications for Persons Involved with Mental Health Courts

Mental health courts offer alternatives to incarceration for persons with severe mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. These courts have the dual function of ensuring treatment for persons involved in the court as well as ensuring the safety of the public. Persons with severe mental illness who are involved in mental health courts rely on others for support, such as family members. Others may buttress the participant from engaging in criminal activities and provide for needs of the participant. The supportiveness as well as the composition of one’s network members may play a role in the success of mental health court participants, such as successfully completing the mental health court program and avoiding incarceration. Little research has explored how social support impacts mental health court participants. We explored how the composition and sense of support of network members were associated with mental health court participants’ quality of life. We regressed quality of life on social support and network characteristics of 80 participants in two mental health courts. Findings suggest that perceived support is positively associated with quality of life, and the proportion of family in one’s network was negatively related to quality of life. Findings suggest that persons involved in mental health courts need supportive others in their social networks in addition to family. More research is needed to explore the reasons having a higher proportion of family members in one’s network is associated with lower quality of life. Practitioners need to pay attention to and leverage mental health court participants’ social networks to help improve their quality of life.
Commentary on pathology

The epidemiologic comparison of Japanese and English osteosarcoma patients by Machinami and Wikremaratschi attempts to elucidate the true incidence and the manifold clinicopathologic aspects of this relatively rare disease. Whether or not the analysis of these two disparate groups of patients from two countries and from only partially overlapping periods of time is epidemiologically fair remains an open question. Nevertheless, the current study reemphasizes the fact that Paget’s disease of bone is practically unknown in Japan and consequently Paget’s sarcomas do not occur in that country.