cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The rand 36-item health survey 1.0

Recently, Ware and Sherbourne published a new short-form health survey, the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), consisting of 36 items included in long-form measures developed for the Medical Outcomes Study. The SF-36 taps eight health concepts: physical functioning, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health problems, role limitations due to personal or emotional problems, general mental health, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and general health perceptions. It also includes a single item that provides an indication of perceived change in health. The SF-36 items and scoring rules are distributed by MOS Trust, Inc. Strict adherence to item wording and scoring recommendations is required in order to use the SF-36 trademark. The RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 (distributed by RAND) includes the same items as those in the SF-36, but the recommended scoring algorithm is somewhat different from that of the SF-36. Scoring differences are discussed here and new T-scores are presented for the 8 multi-item scales and two factor analytically-derived physical and mental health composite scores.
A high-precision gravity intravenous infusion rate meter using CMUT arrays

This paper describes the development of a compact, high-precision infusion rate meter, which makes use of ultrasound for finding polymer tube diameter and flow rate measurement with a pair of face-to-face CMUT (capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer) arrays. The CMUT arrays are embedded inside a chamber on a plastic clip. This CMUT flow meter is designed to be clipped on a polymer flow tube as a potable device. Ultrasound with a center frequency at 4.0 MHz is transmitted from one of the two linear CMUT arrays, traveling through the polymer flow tube, then being received by the other array. The flow tube diameter is measured through the time flight echo delays between near and far wall reflections. The infusion velocity is detected from the difference in time flight between the upstream and downstream using cross-correlation method. Combining the measurement of tube diameter and the fluid's velocity, an accurate volumetric flow rate can be calculated. A flow rate resolution of 0.05 ml/min and a tube diameter resolution of 0.4 mm have been achieved.
Feedback control of machine startup for energy-efficient manufacturing in Bernoulli serial lines

Effective control of production operations is considered as one of the most economical methods to improve energy efficiency in manufacturing systems. This paper investigates energy consumption reduction in Bernoulli serial lines with buffer stripping, i.e., with the buffers that must be depleted at the end of each shift. This buffer depletion activity is widely used in automotive paint shops and other production systems with perishable products to avoid quality deterioration. Clearly, to reduce energy consumption in such systems, the startup schedule of the machines downstream of the depleted buffers should be controlled properly at the beginning of each shift. In this paper, using transient analysis of the systems at hand, performance evaluation formulas are derived and system-theoretic properties are analyzed. In addition, effective controllers for machine startup schedule are proposed. The efficacy and practical implications of these controllers are demonstrated using numerical investigation. Finally, insights for obtaining the optimal controllers are provided.
A Tight-Binding Study of the Ballistic Injection Velocity for Ultrathin-Body SOI MOSFETs

This paper examines the validity of the widely used parabolic effective mass approximation by computing the ballistic injection velocity of a double-gate, ultrathin-body (UTB) n-MOSFET. The energy dispersion relations for a Si UTB are first computed by using a 20-band sp3d5s* -SO semiempirical atomistic tight-binding (TB) model coupled with a self-consistent Poisson solver. A semiclassical ballistic FET model is then used to evaluate the ballistic injection velocity of the n-type UTB MOSFET based on both an TB dispersion relation and parabolic energy bands. In comparison with the TB approach, the parabolic band model with bulk effective masses is found to be reasonably accurate as a first-order approximation until down to about 3 nm, where the ballistic injection velocity is significantly overestimated. Such significant nonparabolicity effects on ballistic injection velocity are observed for various surface/transport orientations. Meanwhile, the injection velocity shows strong dependence on the device structure as the thickness of the UTB changes. Finally, the injection velocity is found to have the same trend as mobility for different surface/transport orientations, indicating a correlation between them.
Economic Institutions as Social Constructions: A Framework for Analysis:

Institutional economics has moved from a position, earlier in the twentieth century, of drawing eclectically on several other disciplines, to a stance of building its arguments almost entirely out of neoclassical materials This paper argues that such a stance cannot provide a persuasive account of economic institutions, and suggests a broader toundation based on classical sociological arguments about the embeddedness of economic goals and activities in socially oriented goals and structures Emphasis is placed on how economic activity comes to be coordinated by groups of people rather than carried out by isolated individuals Firms in developing countries, busmess groups, and the origins of the electrical utility industry in the United States are posed as cases of the 'social construction of economic institutions' It is argued that, although proper analysis of such cases involves a high level of contingency. these contingencies can be taken into account in a systematic theoretical argument, and that histori...
The synthesis of cyclic combinational circuits

Digital circuits are called combinational if they are memoryless: they have outputs that depend only on the current values of the inputs. Combinational circuits are generally thought of as acyclic (i.e., feed-forward) structures. And yet, cyclic circuits can be combinational. Cycles sometimes occur in designs synthesized from high-level descriptions. Feedback in such cases is carefully contrived, typically occurring when functional units are connected in a cyclic topology. Although the premise of cycles in combinational circuits has been accepted, and analysis techniques have been proposed, no one has attempted the synthesis of circuits with feedback at the logic level.We propose a general methodology for the synthesis of multilevel combinational circuits with cyclic topologies. Our approach is to introduce feedback in the substitution / minimization phase, optimizing a multilevel network description for area. In trials with benchmark circuits, many were optimized significantly, with improvements of up to 30% in the area. superior to acyclic.We argue the case for radically rethinking the concept of "combinational" in circuit design: we should no longer think of combinational logic as acyclic in theory or in practice, since nearly all combinational circuits are best designed with cycles.
Prediction of brain tumor progression using multiple histogram matched MRI scans

In a recent study [1], we investigated the feasibility of predicting brain tumor progression based on multiple MRI series and we tested our methods on seven patients' MRI images scanned at three consecutive visits A, B and C. Experimental results showed that it is feasible to predict tumor progression from visit A to visit C using a model trained by the information from visit A to visit B. However, the trained model failed when we tried to predict tumor progression from visit B to visit C, though it is clinically more important. Upon a closer look at the MRI scans revealed that histograms of MRI scans such as T1, T2, FLAIR etc taken at different times have slight shifts or different shapes. This is because those MRI scans are qualitative instead of quantitative so MRI scans taken at different times or by different scanners might have slightly different scales or have different homogeneities in the scanning region. In this paper, we proposed a method to overcome this difficulty. The overall goal of this study is to assess brain tumor progression by exploring seven patients' complete MRI records scanned during their visits in the past two years. There are ten MRI series in each visit, including FLAIR, T1-weighted, post-contrast T1-weighted, T2-weighted and five DTI derived MRI volumes: ADC, FA, Max, Min and Middle Eigen Values. After registering all series to the corresponding DTI scan at the first visit, we applied a histogram matching algorithm to non-DTI MRI scans to match their histograms to those of the corresponding MRI scans at the first visit. DTI derived series are quantitative and do not require the histogram matching procedure. A machine learning algorithm was then trained using the data containing information from visit A to visit B, and the trained model was used to predict tumor progression from visit B to visit C. An average of 72% pixel-wise accuracy was achieved for tumor progression prediction from visit B to visit C.
A randomized trial of video self-instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for lay persons

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves outcomes after cardiac arrest. Much of the lay public is untrained in CPR skills. We evaluated the effectiveness of a compression-only CPR video self-instruction (VSI) with a personal manikin in the lay public. Adults without prior CPR training in the past year or responsibility to provide medical care were randomized into one of three groups: 1) Untrained before testing, 2) 10-minute VSI in compressions-only CPR (CPR Anytime, American Heart Association, Dallas, TX), or 3) 22-minute VSI in compressions and ventilations (CPR Anytime). CPR proficiency was assessed using a sensored manikin. The primary outcome was composite skill competence of 90% during five minutes of skill demonstration. Evaluated were alternative cut-points for skill competence and individual components of CPR. 488 subjects (143 in untrained group, 202 in compressions-only group and 143 in compressions and ventilation group) were required to detect 21% competency with compressions-only versus 7% with untrained and 34% with compressions and ventilations. Analyzable data were available for the untrained group (n = 135), compressions-only group (n = 185) and the compressions and ventilation group (n = 119). Four (3%) achieved competency in the untrained group (p-value = 0.57 versus compressions-only), nine (4.9%) in the compressions-only group, and 12 (10.1%) in the compressions and ventilations group (p-value 0.13 vs. compressions-only). The compressions-only group had a greater proportion of correct compressions (p-value = 0.028) and compressions with correct hand placement (p-value = 0.0004) compared to the untrained group. VSI in compressions-only CPR did not achieve greater overall competency but did achieve some CPR skills better than without training.
Failure of ventral body wall closure in mouse embryos lacking a procollagen C-proteinase encoded by Bmp1, a mammalian gene related to Drosophila tolloid

The mouse bone morphogenetic protein1 (Bmp1) gene encodes a secreted astacin metalloprotease that cleaves the COOH-propeptide of procollagen I, II and III. BMP-1 is also related to the product of the Drosophila patterning gene, tolloid (tld), which enhances the activity of the TGFbeta-related growth factor Decapentaplegic and promotes development of the dorsalmost amnioserosa. We have disrupted the mouse Bmp1 gene by deleting DNA sequences encoding the active site of the astacin-like protease domain common to all splice variants. Homozygous mutant embryos appear to have a normal skeleton, apart from reduced ossification of certain skull bones. However, they have a persistent herniation of the gut in the umbilical region and do not survive beyond birth. Analysis of the amnion of homozygous mutant embryos reveals the absence of the fold that normally tightly encloses the physiological hernia of the gut. At the electron microscopic level, the extracellular matrix of the amnion contains collagen fibrils with an abnormal morphology, consistent with the incorporation of partially processed procollagen molecules. Metabolical labelling and immunofluorescence studies also reveal abnormal processing and deposition of procollagen by homozygous mutant fibroblasts in culture.
Metallic Hydrogen: Recent Theoretical Progress

A summary is given of recent theoretical progress in determining the insulator-to-metal transition pressure in condensed hydrogen, and in understanding the nature of each of these phases. Some of the problems involved in retaining the metallic phase metastability at low pressures are reviewed.
Training medical providers in evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention:

Suicide is a significant issue in the United States and worldwide, and its prevention is a public health imperative. Primary care practices are an important setting for suicide prevention, as primary care providers have more frequent contact with patients at risk for suicide than any other type of health-care provider. The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, has developed a Suicide Prevention Toolkit and an associated training curriculum. These resources support the education of primary care providers in evidence-based strategies for identifying and treating patients at risk for suicide. The application of this curriculum to post-graduate medical training is presented here.
The application of social media in social work community practice

AbstractAdvocacy is a core part of social work practice. While social media platforms have grown in popularity in online campaigns, there is little evidence of how social workers can use social media when working with community groups. In this article, we provide an exemplar of an innovative advocacy practice with social media involving community members who created participatory videos as part of a research study, and subsequently integrated the videos into a larger human rights advocacy campaign. The case highlights three forms of social media engagement: platform integration, call-to-action, and blending offline and online advocacy efforts in real time. Included in this article is also a YouTube link to one of the participatory videos. We begin by considering the benefits and concerns of social media in social work education, followed by the implications in the field, with particular attention paid to advocacy. In the second section, we present the case study to demonstrate the application of social me...
The Dispersion of Carbon Black in Rubber Part IV. The Kinetics of Carbon Black Dispersion in Various Polymers

Abstract A rapid technique for evaluating the rate and state of dispersion of carbon black in natural rubber has been extended to study the dispersion of carbon black in various polymers. The technique measures the extent and rate of dispersion of the black in the rubber. The kinetics of dispersion was characterized for a variety of polymers (e.g. SBR, EPDM, IR, IIR, BR and NR). Kinetic parameters were correlated with molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.
Constitutional Development: Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education : Title IX's Implied Private Right of Action for Retaliation

The Supreme Court's opinion in Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education provides clear and specific notice to institutions receiving Title IX funds that they may not retaliate against anyone who tries to enforce the statute. The decision also posts notice that contextual interpretation of statutory intent has not been entirely eclipsed, and that the Court will bolster private rights of action it has previously implied.
My E-Semester: New Uses for Technology in the Legal Research and Writing Classroom

Law schools have been grappling with the topic of technology in the classroom for more than ten years. In this article, Professor Kristen Murray reports the results of a project she calls her "e-semester," during which she increased and intensified her use of technology in and in support of her courses. She focused on six technology-based enhancements: using a course website to eliminate paper from class distributions; designing Powerpoint-based lectures with student note-taking in mind; encouraging class discussion through a threaded discussion forum; grading electronically; integrating audio and video technology in class lectures; and implementing advanced in-class writing exercises.
Flow Around 180° Bends in Open Rectangular Channels

A theoretical analysis of the head losses occurring in 180○ open channel bends is developed based on the moment of momentum and continuity principles. Experimental data with various flow conditions and several bend geometries are presented to check the theory. Circular arc guide vanes are used as a means of minimizing the total head losses and, on the average, these reduced the losses by 67%. Conditions causing a hydraulic jump immediately downstream from the bend and the means for its elimination are also considered.
Implications of the WTP–WTA Disparity for Benefit–Cost Analysis

Differences between estimated willingness to accept compensation (WTA) and willingness to pay (WTP) that are larger than can be explained by standard economic theory raise questions about which measures should be used for benefit–cost analysis (BCA). These differences do not create a new problem but accentuate an existing one: the fact that the Kaldor–Hicks compensation test is ambiguous when its two components conflict. This conflict is more likely when the difference between WTA and WTP measures of a change is large. In many cases, the same individuals receive benefits and incur costs from a policy change and their preferences for the policy cannot depend on whether they ask whether their WTP for the benefit exceeds the cost they will incur or their WTA to forgo the benefit exceeds the cost they will save. In cases where benefits and costs are incurred by different people, it seems more useful to evaluate the fundamental question – whether the benefits to some justify the harms to others – than to obscure this question through a technical debate about valuation measures.
Assessing causal inference problems with Bayesian process tracing: the economic effects of proportional representation and the problem of endogeneity

ABSTRACTIn recent years, causal process tracing is becoming increasingly formalised as scholars have begun to follow Bayesian logic and thereby manage to combine the interpretative and contextual nuance of older forms of process tracing with the inferential rigours of Bayesian analysis. This paper illustrates the basic logic of Bayesian process tracing by drawing on the political economy literature that studies the social policy and economic effects of electoral systems. It compares and contrasts how each approach deals with the problem of endogeneity.
Constructing Causal Diagrams for Common Perinatal Outcomes: Benefits, Limitations and Motivating Examples with Maternal Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy.

Background Covariate selection to reduce bias in observational data analysis has primarily relied upon statistical criteria to guide researchers. This approach may lead researchers to condition on variables that ultimately increase bias in the effect estimates. The use of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) aids researchers in constructing thoughtful models based on hypothesised biologic mechanisms to produce the least biased effect estimates possible. Methods After providing an overview of different relations in DAGs and the prevailing mechanisms by which conditioning on variables increases or reduces bias in a model, we illustrate examples of DAGs for maternal antidepressants in pregnancy and four separate perinatal outcomes. Results By comparing and contrasting the diagrams for maternal antidepressant use in pregnancy and spontaneous abortion, major malformations, preterm birth, and postnatal growth, we illustrate the different conditioning sets required for each model. Moreover, we illustrate why it is not appropriate to condition on the same set of covariates for the same exposure and different perinatal outcomes. We further discuss potential selection biases, overadjustment of mediators on the causal path, and sufficient sets of conditioning variables. Conclusion In our efforts to construct parsimonious models that minimise confounding and selection biases, we must rely upon our scientific knowledge of the causal mechanism. By structuring data collection and analysis around hypothesised DAGs, we ultimately aim to validly estimate the causal effect of interest.
Trends of Thyroid Cancer in Israel: 1980-2012.

Objectives Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing worldwide, while mortality from thyroid cancer is stable or decreasing. Consequently, survival rates are rising. We describe time trends in the incidence, mortality, and 5-year survival of thyroid cancer in Israel in 1980-2012, in light of the global trends. Methods Israel National Cancer Registry database provided information regarding thyroid cancer incidence and vital status, which enabled computation of survival rates. The Central Bureau of Statistics database provided information on thyroid cancer mortality. Incidence and mortality rates were age-adjusted and presented by population group (Jews/Arabs) and gender. Relative 5-year survival rates which account for the general population survival in the corresponding time period were presented by population group and gender. Joinpoint analyses were used to assess incidence trends over time. Results In 1980-2012 significant increases in the incidence of thyroid cancer were observed, with an annual percent change (APC) range of 3.98-6.93, driven almost entirely by papillary carcinoma (APCs 5.75-8.86), while rates of other types of thyroid cancer remained stable or decreased. Furthermore, higher rates of early detection were noted. In 1980-2012, a modest reduction in thyroid cancer mortality was observed in Jewish women (APC -1.07) with no substantial change in Jewish men. The 5-year relative survival after thyroid cancer diagnosis has increased to ≥90% in both population groups and both genders. Conclusions The Israeli secular trends of thyroid cancer incidence (increasing), mortality (mostly stable), and survival (modestly increasing) closely follow reported global trends.
Effect of the Secondary Structure of Long RNAs on their Packaging by Viral Capsid Protein

A large class of viruses use (1000s-of-nucleotides) long single-stranded (ss)RNA molecules as their genomic material, and protect them in self-assembled nucleocapsids. These ssRNAs form large amounts of secondary structure (typically half of the nucleotides are base-paired in duplexes), making them more compact than they would be otherwise. We are interested in the consequences of these secondary structures on the packaging of long ssRNAs by cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) capsid protein (CP), which has been shown to package, in vitro, a wide range of lengths and sequences of RNA. In particular, we compare viral-length polyU RNA molecules – which are largely free of secondary structure – with RNAs of normal nucleotide (nt) composition, i.e., comparable numbers of A, U, G, and C. We find that polyU RNAs ranging in size from 1000-10000 nts can be completely packaged by CCMV CP. But in every case they are packaged into virus-like particles (VLPs) with a diameter of about 21nm, despite the fact that the diameter of the VLPs formed from long normal-composition RNA molecules is 28nm. We have also compared the relative packaging efficiencies of polyU and normal-composition RNA the same length, by mixing equal masses of them with an amount of capsid protein sufficient to package either all of one or all of the other, but not all of both. In particular, we compete RNA molecules that are 3000 nts long, the length of the viral genes packaged by this protein. We find that comparable numbers of each molecule are packaged, but the assembly products involve a mix of 21nm and 28nm particles containing polyU RNA and the normal-composition RNA.
SU-F-T-206: Proton Treatment Techniques for Posterior Fossa Tumors: Consequences for LET and Dose/Volume Parameters for the Brainstem and Organs at Risk

Purpose: In proton radiation therapy of posterior fossa tumors, to spare other sensitive structures, the preferred beam geometry results in placing the treatment field distal edge within or just beyond the brainstem, including in at least partially in the treatment volume. Concerns for brainstem toxicity are increased and a controversy exists as to weather the beam's distal edge should be placed within the brainstem or beyond it, to avoid elevated linear energy transfer (LET) and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) within the brainstem. The dosimetric efficacy of these techniques was examined, accounting for LET- and dose-dependent variable RBE distributions. Methods: Three treatment planning techniques were applied in six ependymoma cases: (a) three-field dose-sparing, with beams’ distal edge within the brainstem; (b) three-field LET-sparing, using same beam directions as (a) but extended field ranges beyond the brainstem; (c) two-posterior-oblique LET-sparing, with extended ranges as (b). Monte Carlo calculated dose, LET and RBE-weighted dose distributions were compared. Results: Lower LET values in the brainstem were accompanied by higher median dose: 53.7 Gy[RBE] and 54.3 Gy[RBE] for techniques (b) and (c) versus 52.1 Gy[RBE] for (a). Accounting for variable RBE, a 15% increase of the brainstem volume receiving at least 60 Gy[RBE] was observed for technique (c) versus (a). Maximum variable-RBE-weighted brainstem dose was comparable for all techniques. Conclusion: Extending the treatment beam range beyond the brainstem, significantly increased its volume receiving high dose radiation, even when accounting for the decreased LET values. The dosimetric benefits of techniques limiting the brainstem dose may outweigh the impact of LET reduction achieved through this technique, especially since clinical consequences of increased LET at the end of range have not been proven yet.
A Novel Technique for Immediate Loading Single Root Form Implants With an Interim CAD/CAM Milled Screw-Retained Crown

A technique is described where an interim abutment and crown are fabricated in the laboratory by utilizing computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and placed the day of dental implant surgery. The design and contours of the interim crown are designed by the computer software to be identical to the contours of the tentatively designed definitive prosthesis. The interim crown satisfies esthetics immediately after dental implant surgery while allowing the tissue to heal and obtain contours similar to the contours of the definitive prosthesis. The interim crown can be either cement retained or screw retained. The presented technique describes fabrication of a screw-retentive interim crown. After osseointegration is confirmed, a definitive impression is made with a CAD/CAM impression coping. The definitive prosthesis is then fabricated.
Social Provision and Regulation: Theories of States, Social Policies, and Modernity

Research in international relations has identified a variety of actors who appear to influence U.S. foreign policy, including experts and “epistemic communities,” organized interests (especially business and labor), and ordinary citizens or “public opinion.” This research, however, has often focused on a single factor at a time, rather than systematically testing the relative importance of alternative possible influences. Using three decades of extensive survey data, Jacobs and Page conduct a comparative test, attempting to account for the expressed foreign policy preferences of policymakers by means of the preferences of the general public and those of several distinct sets of elites. The results of cross-sectional and time-lagged analyses suggest that U.S. foreign policy is most heavily and consistently influenced by internationally oriented business leaders, followed by experts (who, however, might themselves be influenced by business). Labor appears to have significant but smaller impacts. The general public seems to have considerably less effect, except under particular conditions. These results generally hold over several different analytical models (including two-observation time series) and different clusters of issues (economic, military, and diplomatic), with some variations across different institutional settings (the U.S. House, Senate, and executive branch). 1 A revised version of this essay will appear in Remaking Modernity: Politics, History and Sociology, edited by Julia Adams, Elisabeth Clemens, and Ann Shola Orloff (forthcoming 2004 from Duke University Press). Many thanks to colleagues who have read and commented on earlier versions of this essay, including those at the initial “Remaking Modernity” conference held at Northwestern University in spring of 2001. Lis Clemens, Lynne Haney, and Rianne Mahon offered especially useful critiques and suggestions. Julia Adams was more than a co-editor: she read countless versions of the draft (and of particularly difficult paragraphs, relayed back and forth over email), made insightful comments and offered helpful rewordings, citations, arguments, all the while convincing me that this essay could indeed be written under unusual circumstances. (The curious may ask me in person about the roast pig, the printer that is “just like a woman,” and how I worked under the sign of “torno subito.”) I am grateful to the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University for support of a sabbatical leave, during which I wrote this essay.
Additional Bioinformatic Analyses Involving Nucleic-Acid Sequences

This chapter introduces the reader to two crucial and complex technical aspects of genomics: sequence assembly and genome annotation. The chapter discusses various freely available web-based resources of genome annotation and gene prediction. The hidden Markov Model, which is frequently used for gene prediction, is briefly discussed. The chapter also introduces the reader to a number of web-based resources for the prediction of the promoter, various transcription-factor-binding sites, the translation start site, and the open reading frame (ORF). The use of the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) ORF Finder is demonstrated. Links to web-based resources are provided that can be used to map the restriction sites in an input sequence. Various types of RNA secondary structures are discussed and links to a number of web-based tools are provided for the reader to check the potential of a specific input sequence to form secondary structure. The principles of microarray data analysis are discussed and a number of relevant links for freely available web-based tools for microarray data analysis are provided. Finally, searching of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database (dbSNP) and retrieval of sequence information are also discussed.
A Filter Approach for Predicting Sunspot Cycles

We study the filter in Ma and Tang (2012) and show that the filter has predictive power for sunspot cycles. The filter is a 12-month simple moving average of the sum of one month, three month and six month differences of the logarithm monthly sunspot number series. We show that this filter leads the underlying series in reaching its maximum and minimum and becomes a valuable tool to predict the amplitude of a coming cycle at the short horizon of about one to two years, using linear and nonlinear regression models.
Faith-Based Institutions, Institutional Mission, and the Public Good

Rooted in historical foundations and demonstrated by continued government financial support, one purpose of higher education is to contribute to the “public good,” or support and further social causes and human flourishing. This notion has received renewed attention in both the literature as well as in professional practice. Given the variety of institutional structures (e.g., public, private, religiously affiliated, nonprofit, and proprietary), the influence of institutional mission varies. Yet, aside from institutional leadership, an institution’s mission is potentially most significant in influencing public good. Faith-based higher education institutions often have missions that are inextricably interconnected with service and community engagement. With these missions, faith-based colleges and universities are distinctively positioned to address social issues, engage in service to the local and global community, and to involve students, faculty, and administrators in this shared purpose. These institutions are uniquely accountable and have the greatest potential in this outcome precisely because of their faith commitment that both informs and motivates their policy and practice. In this essay, the role of faith-based institutions of higher education in promoting public good is explored. In addition, an analysis of both opportunities to enhance public good, as well as obstacles and challenges faced are provided.
Should Only the Highest-Volume Surgeons and Centers Be Doing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? Commentary on an article by Sean Wilson, BA, et al.: "Meaningful Thresholds for the Volume-Outcome Relationship in Total Knee Arthroplasty".

Every year, approximately 1 million new patients undergo a total knee arthroplasty in the United States1. A great majority experience pain relief, improved function, and improved quality of life, but complications occur in a fraction of patients. A complication following total knee arthroplasty can be devastating and life-changing for the patient. Furthermore, complications are extremely costly to the health-care system. Maintaining access to the surgical benefits while minimizing the number of complications is a paramount challenge. Various studies looking at post-surgical morbidity and mortality have found that “busier is better.” In their article, Wilson et al. went beyond what had been done in prior studies by using a novel statistical approach to specify surgical-volume thresholds that correlate with increments in outcomes (complications, early reoperations, and death). Thus, the thresholds are based on actual data from the administrative database that they studied, rather than arbitrary values. As is noted in their excellent article, they answered the question of how …
3T hippocampal glutamate-glutamine complex reflects verbal memory decline in aging

The hippocampus is a critical site for alterations that are responsible for age-related changes in memory. Here, we present a relatively novel approach of examining the relationship between memory performance and glutamate-glutamine levels using short echo time magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between Glx (a composite of glutamate and glutamine) levels in the hippocampus, performance on a word-recall task, and resting-state functional connectivity. While there was no overall difference in Glx intensity between young and aging adults, we identified a positive correlation between delayed word-list recall and Glx, bilaterally in older adults, but not in young adults. Collapsed across age, we also discovered a negative relationship between Glx intensity and resting-state functional connectivity between the anterior hippocampus and regions in the subcallosal gyrus. These findings demonstrate the possible utility of Glx in identifying age-related changes in the brain and behavior and provide encouragement that magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be useful in predicting age-related decline before any physical abnormalities are present.
Renal Organogenesis: Growing a Replacement Kidney In Situ from Transplanted Renal Primordia

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the development of methodology for kidney organogenesis and then focuses on its application for renal replacement. It describes alternatives to the use of embryonic kidney primordia as starting material to achieve organogenesis. It also outlines current challenges in the use of renal organogenesis technology and provides a list of a body of experimentally derived general principles. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are mature technologies. They were developed during the first half of the twentieth century and came into wide use during the latter decades of the century. Dialysis is life-preserving, but replaces only a small fraction of normal kidney function and has a considerable morbidity. Transplantation is limited by the number of human organs available. While it is certain that dialysis and transplantation will continue to be employed during the foreseeable future, it is likely that one or more alternatives currently under development will eventually supplant their use. The use of individual cells including stem cells or differentiated cells to regenerate or repair damaged kidney tissue (cell therapies) offers an alternative to whole organ replacement. Since cells are non-vascularized, these approaches can circumvent humoral rejection of xenogeneic tissue mediated by preformed antibodies directed against donor endothelial antigens. Furthermore, cellular rejection can be ameliorated if embryonic cells are transplanted. However, cell transplantation to replace the function of structurally complex organs such as the kidney has limitations.
Different portrayals of masculinity in gay bareback pornographic videos: comparing Sean Cody with Treasure Island Media

Previous research on the content of gay bareback pornography has focused on one studio, Treasure Island Media (TIM), and argued that the materials produced by this studio provide a portrayal of gay...
The Effect of Continued Low Dose Aspirin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Purpose: Aspirin is often stopped prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy due to concern about the surgical bleeding risk. There is evidence that discontinuing aspirin perioperatively increases thromboembolic events and continuing it may be safe. We assessed the effect of continuing low dose aspirin through percutaneous nephrolithotomy and its effect on surgical and safety outcomes.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 285 consecutive percutaneous nephrolithotomies performed between 2012 and 2015 at our institution. We compared outcomes and complications in patients who continued 81 mg aspirin daily to those in patients not receiving aspirin.Results: A total of 67 patients (24.5%) were maintained on low dose aspirin and 207 (75.5%) were not on aspirin. The aspirin group was older (66 vs 52 years), included more tobacco users (58.2% vs 31.4%) and had a higher ASA® (American Society of Anesthesiologists®) score (2.9 vs 2.5, all p <0.001). There was no difference in mean S.T.O.N.E. ...
Slippage estimation and compensation for planetary exploration rovers. State of the art and future challenges

Future lunar/planetary exploration missions will demand mobile robots with the capability of reaching more challenging science targets and driving farther per day than the current Mars rovers. Among other improvements, reliable slippage estimation and compensation strategies will play a key role in enabling a safer and more efficient navigation. This paper reviews and discusses this body of research in the context of planetary exploration rovers. Previously published state-of-the-art methods that have been validated through field testing are included as exemplary results. Limitations of the current techniques and recommendations for future developments and planetary missions close the survey.
High Modulus Polymers from Flexible Chain Thermoplastics

A review is provided for the field of high modulus fibers. Emphasis is placed on research for the development of high tensile moduli from flexible chain polymers, with polyethylene used as an example. Advances in drawing techniques and in the characterization of draw are also reviewed. These developments with flexible chain polymers are compared to the recent U.S. advances in the achievement of high modulus fibers from the rigid rod polymers. Recent Developments in High Modulus Polymers Preparation and Characterization of Drawn Thermoplastics Deformation of Low Density Polyethylenes Deformation of High Density Polyethylene Gas Permeation with CO2 as a Probe for Amorphous Orientation
Transcatheter Embolization of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma with Radioactive Seeds

Abstract Advanced renal cell carcinoma was treated by transcatheter embolization with radioactive seeds. There were 14 patients with nonresectable or metastatic disease (stage IV) and 8 with stage III tumors treated. In 8 patients the tumor was implanted with radon seeds, complemented by 2,500 rad of external beam therapy, and 10 were treated by embolization with 125 iodine seeds. The total dose delivered ranged from 1,600 to 14,000 rad. Several patients also had intra-arterial chemotherapy. Survival was improved over previously reported studies: 13 of 22 (59 per cent) at risk for 2 years and 5 of 15 (33 per cent) for 5 years. Distant metastases did not resolve but significant local palliation was achieved. Tumor size decreased in all patients, 8 of whom subsequently underwent nephrectomy. Other local effects included pain control (80 per cent), weight gain (75 per cent) and control of hemorrhage (88 per cent). Toxicity was minimal and consisted of mild nausea or pain. This approach, using a low energy emitter, allows selective high dose radiation of the tumor, while sparing the adjacent normal tissues. In contrast to renal artery occlusion with inert embolic material, subsequent nephrectomy in patients with disseminated disease is not necessary. Transcatheter embolization with radioactive seeds should be considered a reasonable palliative procedure in patients with nonresectable primary renal cell carcinoma.
Meat and Meat Products

Microbial contamination of meat and meat products is unavoidable as microorganisms are present on animals and in their environment. Thus, raw and not fully heated (commercially processed) or otherwise processed/preserved (e.g. frozen, fermented/dried, high hydrostatic pressure processed, irradiated) meat and meat products are prone to spoilage and compromised safety due to microbial presence and growth. Raw meat products (although few consumers eat certain meat products raw or undercooked, intentionally or accidentally; a practice not recommended) need further processing and/or cooking before consumption. This makes them shelf-stable or semi-perishable, and safe for consumption or ready-to-eat. In general, the shelf-life, quality and safety of meat and meat products are extended and improved through adequate processing, appropriate marketing, storage and preparation for consumption, under properly clean, sanitary and hygienic conditions, following an integrated approach throughout all sectors of the food supply web, including producers, processors, distributors, retailers, as well as consumers. The strategy for hazard control should include: (1) good animal production practices on the farm; (2) slaughtering of animals that are disease-free; (3) processing of carcasses and meat in properly designed and maintained facilities and under sanitary and hygienic conditions; (4) use of decontamination intervention strategies, if approved, to reduce microbial levels when needed; (5) thermal processing, freezing, drying, fermentation, acidification, use of approved antimicrobials in certain products, and packaging; (6) maintenance of proper cold chain conditions during distribution; (7) proper storage and preparation procedures by food service and consumers; and (8) management of every segment of this common sense but complex system, with well-validated, verified and documented programs such as the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system.
Testosterone therapy and medical hysteria

A recent study has shown a decline in testosterone prescriptions since media reports of potential increased cardiovascular risk in 2014. The phenomenon of medical hysteria accounts for this reduced prescribing, as numerous subsequent studies provide substantial evidence of reduced cardiovascular risk and other important benefits with testosterone therapy for men with testosterone deficiency.
ELECTRONIC MEDIA AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: METHODS AND A GERIATRIC CASE STUDY

Introduction A growing body of literature indicates that clinically significant behavior markers can be extracted from mobile and communication data. However, it remains less clear whether and how such data can be incorporated into the care process, and whether they may actually have an impact in psychotherapy. Here, we describe the methodology of a novel study that assesses the feasibility and impact of incorporating data from patients’ electronic media (e.g. email, text messaging, social media) into therapy. We describe this study design, as well as our protocol for an adaptive approach anchored around privacy and patient control of data, as well as the technological infrastructure required for real-time signal extraction from passive data, and communication to clinicians. Methods We developed a protocol for initial study phase - an open trial designed to implement a process for accessing patient's electronic media, incorporating natural language processing and behavior measurement, as well as patient feedback. We also developed a process for identifying appropriate outcome measures and developing a clinician dashboard to incorporate these data into the patient's session in real time. We selected the geriatric clinic at McLean Hospital as the primary study site. Finally, we implemented the protocol as an N=1 study focused on how text messaging content impacts psychotherapy in a 77-year-old man with depression and anxiety. Results Preparatory surveys for study launch indicated that clinicians are already incorporating electronic media into psychotherapy, with text messaging and email content noted to be more valuable than social media. Among older adults, text messaging and actual phone calls may be primary markers for digital phenotyping. Relevant outcome measures include the working alliance (measured by the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised (WAI-SR) and the Ratings of Emotional Attitudes to Client by Therapist (REACT), and changes in subjects’ depression and anxiety symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Conclusions Our initial findings from the process of study launch indicate that behavior around electronic media (i.e. how frequently a person may use or interact with electronic media) may be a more accessible metric for psychiatric symptoms. The process of accessing content from electronic communications raises complex questions around privacy, including those around third parties that may be communicating with patients. However, patients increasingly recognized that data from their digital lives can enhance the quality of care. Our initial feasibility study with a 77-year-old man illustrated the importance of incorporating patient feedback into study design and procedure. Our feasibility study also indicates that patients may be more willing to share private electronic media directly with physicians, rather than unrelated third parties. This research was funded by This work is supported by the Once Upon a Time Foundation
Atlantic bonds: a nineteenth-century odyssey from America to Africa

In Atlantic Bonds: A Nineteenth-Century Odyssey from America to Africa, Lisa A. Lindsay explores global ties of oppression and opportunity through an unconventional biography of an extraordinary ma...