cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Guide to Taxation and Management Decisions

This guide provides an overview of tax planning, the tax system, and tax laws. It can be used as a supplement to "Taxes and Business Strategy: A Planning Approach," by Myron Scholes, Mark Wolfson, Merle Erickson, Ed Maydew and Terry Shevlin. It focuses on some central concepts for class discussion.
Value Deficiencies that Drive Enterprise Transformation: Characterizing Value In Terms of Realized and Potential Performance

Enterprise transformation is usually motivated by experienced or anticipated value deficiencies. A common surrogate for value is a company’s market capitalization, or market performance. It is crucial for an enterprise in a dynamic market to understand value deficiencies in terms of both current and potential performance. Our multidimensional model of superior performance identifies the dimensions of Realized and Potential from among others so as to characterize future performance in a more comprehensive manner than one-dimensional approaches can allow. Experienced performance, whether superior or inferior (an experienced deficit) in relation to rivals, is measured as the dimension of Realized, whereas anticipated performance, whether superior or inferior (an anticipated deficit), is projected as the dimension of Potential. We validate our approach by applying functional data analysis methodology to our data set of 397 firms. Our findings confirm that performance cannot be fully explained with reference to just one dimension, confirming the importance of accurately estimating potential performance in dynamic markets.
Decision Making in Ruminant Orthopedics

Decision making in ruminant orthopedics is determined by many factors, the most of important of which is age, size, and value of the patient, the nature of the injury, the prognosis for effective treatment and satisfactory healing, the intentions of the client, and the experiences of the veterinarian. Ruminant orthopedics currently is expanding to include the treatment of llamas and small ruminants as companion animals in addition to the treatment of valuable livestock. The future promises increasing sophistication in treatments and an ever higher quality of patient care.
Autoimmune hepatitis in a child presenting with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS)

HPS has been described in 9-20% of children with end-stage liver disease. We present a case of a previously, asymptomatic nine-yr-old incidentally found to have low oxygen saturation. Physical exam was remarkable for digital clubbing, splenomegaly and orthodeoxia. Laboratory evaluation revealed a low platelet count, hyperammonemia, and prolonged coagulation studies. Sonography showed evidence of splenomegaly and portal venous hypertension. High resolution CT thorax and CTA were normal. HPS was confirmed by agitated saline contrast enhanced echocardiography and Tc-99m MAA scan with evidence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. Liver biopsy was performed and consistent with autoimmune hepatitis. A high clinical index of suspicion should be maintained for HPS in pediatric patients who have unexplained hypoxemia as typical signs and symptoms of severe liver disease are often absent. In this report, we discuss a case of HPS complicated AIH in a pediatric patient and review the relevant literature.
Pseudosublimation in chemical microscopy and pre-inoculation (pre-seeding) of supercooled melts

A general method is described for solid phase pre-inoculation below the melting point of a supercooled liquid deposited in droplets on a condensing surface. It is suggested that pseudosublimation has been confused with true sublimation because of the subtle intervention of a transient liquid phase, from which, instead of from the vapor phase, a solid phase subsequently develops.
Adequacy Study on a Regional Airport to Achieve Energy Efficiency in a Renewable Form

Environmental sustainability is the use of the environment, giving it opportunity to regenerate, or finding ways to replace the environmental occupation by renewable means. In this context, the Caxias do Sul Regional Airport, which is a transport service provider to the Serra Gaucha region, can act as the concept of sustainable development, provided that there is the integration of environmental criteria in economic practice. In this context, photogeneration presents itself as an alternative to meet its energy demand making it sustainable from the point of view of this resource. In this paper, the airport demand for this type of energy, the PV plant design and analysis of economic viability are determined. The implementation of this system can save the airport 420,248.73 R$/year and it can generate the equivalent of R$ 235,653.74 / year in energy credits, being economically viable. This development, besides sustaining an image of green airport, can generate jobs for specialists in the field and can encourage and propagate the idea of using renewable energy. http://dx.doi.org/10.18226/23185279.v4iss1p21
ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF MOLT IN COWBIRDS

THAT avian metabolic rates increase during molt has long been known (Koch and deBont, 1944; Perek and Sulman, 1945). Sturkie (1954) has suggested that the increase in heat production during the molt is a compensation for increased heat loss during this period of reduced insulation. Another hypothesis is that the increased metabolism during molt is due to the increased energy requirements for feather formation. After noting a seasonal modification of metabolism associated with molt in the Brownheaded Cowbird (Molotkrus ater obscurus), I undertook a more thorough investigation of this phenomenon. Where previous studies have considered the metabolism of molting and nonmolting birds at only one ambient temperature, the present study compares molting and nonmolting cowbirds over a temperature range of 5-40?C, thus allowing one to distinguish between the energy required for feather formation and the energy required for thermal regulation in thermal neutrality (35-40'C).
Clinical developments in the treatment of relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: impact of panobinostat, the first-in-class histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Background Panobinostat is a new agent for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) as part of a combination regimen. This article presents an overview of the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety, efficacy, patient care strategies, and role of the agent in treating rrMM patients.
Clinical Features of 41 Children with Refractory Epilepsy

Objective To explore the clinical features of childhood refractory epilepsy so as to identify the children with refractory epilepsy earlier.Methods The clinical data on 41 children in refractory epilepsy group and 43 children in drug-respond epilepsy group,which were investigated by the combination of retrospective and field survey,were analysed and compared between two groups.Results Onset one years of age,a high seizure frequency at onset,varieties of seizure types,abnormal CT,a severe general abnormalities of EEG were significantly more common in refractory epilepsy group than in drug-respond epilepsy group.Conclusion Several factors were strongly associated with refractory epilepsy: early onset,a high seizure frequency at onset,varieties of seizure types,abnormal CT and EEG.
Outline of Investigation on Plague Natural Focus of Rhombomys opimus in Junggar Basin,Xinjiang

Plague natural foci of Rhombomys opimus and the principal host in the world were reviewed in this paper.Since plague natural foci of Rhombomys opimus were investigated in the desert of Junggar Basin in Xinjiang in 1956,8 139 of Rhombomys opimus and 50 054 of their ectoparasitic fleas had been inspected.All of the result was negative.In 2005, 14 strains of Yersinia pestis were first isolated from Rhombomys opimus and their ectoparasitic Xenopsylla minax and Echidnophaga oschanini in the desert of Junggar Basin.The biochemistry and virulence detection of Yersinia pestis were positive in the reaction to glucosylglucose,Arabinose and glycerine,negative to rhamnegin and denitrify.The virulence was various with LD50 from 10 to 108.The major characteristic was the same as the biochemistry character of Yersinia pestis from the desert in central Asia,and also as that from Meriones unguiculatus in Inner Mongolia.The desert in Junggar Basin of Xinjiang could be assessed plague natural focus of Rhombomys opimus according to the bionomics,epidemiological characteristic,ectoparasitic fleas of Rhombomys opimus,the number of detected Yersinia pestis and its biochemistry virulence.
Impact of Donor Arterial Partial Pressure of Oxygen on Outcomes After Lung Transplantation in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Recipients

Introduction Donor PaO2 levels are used for assessing organs for lung transplantation (LTx), but survival implications of PaO2 levels in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients receiving LTx are unclear.
A 74-YEAR-OLD MAN WITH PERSISTENT FEVERS

An elderly man with a history of extensive world travel presents with a chronic illness and fevers. The febrile illness has been present for eight years, and no diagnosis has been made despite extensive evaluation and testing. The differential diagnosis of this unusual case of fever of unknown origin is discussed.
Immature Stages of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from India. VII. Taxonomy and Biology of Fifteen Species of Liriomyza Mik

Descriptions of immature stages of fifteen species of genus Liriomyza Mik are included and notes on their biology are also given. A dichotomous key for the identification of larvae is added.
Why Arguments from Expert Opinion are still Weak: A Reply to Seidel

In this paper, I reply to Seidel’s (2014) objections against my argument from expert performance to the effect that arguments from expert opinion are weak arguments. I clarify what Seidel takes to be unclear points in my argument and show that it withstands Seidel’s objections.
Primary osteosarcoma of the parotid gland: A case report and literature review

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare soft tissue, high grade malignant mesenchymal neoplasm. It accounts for 1%-2% of all soft tissue sarcomas and 2%-4% of all osteosarcomas. While conventional osteosarcoma of the bone usually occurs in children and adolescents, extraskeletal osteosarcoma is more often seen in mid to late adulthood. The most common sites of this tumor are thigh and buttock. The tumor has a very poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of less than 25%. Only 5 cases of primary osteosarcoma have been reported in the parotid gland. We report a case of primary osteosarcoma of the parotid gland in a 68-year-old man. The clinical, radiographic and pathologic features of the tumor are discussed. Despite the very low survival rate of the tumor, our patient was disease free 41 months post surgery.
Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic carcinogenesis - several small steps or one giant leap?

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is thought to develop through the stepwise accumulation of cancer gene mutations. A new study suggests that 16% of PDACs exhibit genetic rearrangements that simultaneously altered two or more cancer driver genes. These findings challenge the current models of PDAC development, but arguably remain compatible with a stepwise tumour progression.
Wound Care in the Management of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) affects a substantial proportion of long-term survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). cGVHD of the skin has a varied presentation, ranging from mild, local sclerosis to extensive complex wounds and/or ulcerations. Treatment of cGVHD affecting the skin requires knowledge of local and systemic immunosuppressive therapy, along with basic wound care knowledge Multiple modalities of therapy are often needed.
Testicular Phantom Use in Sonography Education: Bridging the Classroom and Clinical Experience:

Simulation allows educators to teach important skills outside the clinical environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate advantages of a testicular phantom scanning workshop in a sonogra...
A quaternary Laves-type phase in Ag-Cu-In-Ga thin films

Abstract Formation of a new quaternary Laves-type phase in sputter-deposited and evaporated thin films of Ag-Cu-In-Ga (ACIG) is reported. Films with different compositions are analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction to determine composition and structure based on Rietveld whole pattern refinement. Annealing and partial reaction with H2Se are used to study the phase. The quaternary phase corresponds to (Cu1-xGax)2(AgyIn1-y) with x ≈ 0.2 and ≈ 0.3. It has a Cu2Mg-type crystal structure with space group of F d 3 ¯ m and lattice parameter of 7.090. Finally, formation of this phase is reported in the composition range (Ag + Cu)/(In + Ga) ≈ 0.8–0.9 suitable for precursors to the formation of chalcopyrite thin films for photovoltaic application.
Obscure functions: the location–function relationship of obscurins

The obscurin family of polypeptides is essential for normal striated muscle function and contributes to the pathogenesis of fatal diseases, including cardiomyopathies and cancers. The single mammalian obscurin gene, OBSCN, gives rise to giant (∼800 kDa) and smaller (∼40–500 kDa) proteins that are composed of tandem adhesion and signaling motifs. Mammalian obscurin proteins are expressed in a variety of cell types, including striated muscles, and localize to distinct subcellular compartments where they contribute to diverse cellular processes. Obscurin homologs in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila possess a similar domain architecture and are also expressed in striated muscles. The long sought after question, “what does obscurin do?” is complex and cannot be addressed without taking into consideration the subcellular distribution of these proteins and local isoform concentration. Herein, we present an overview of the functions of obscurins and begin to define the intricate relationship between their subcellular distributions and functions in striated muscles.
Performance optimization of echo state networks through principal neuron reinforcement

The nature of Echo State Networks (ESN) allows this class of recurrent neural network to model dynamic systems with relatively low training requirements. However, the randomly initialized reservoir of the ESN brings about complications with choosing starting parameters. A neuroplasticity-inspired algorithm was proposed in this study to alter the strength of internal synapses within the reservoir towards the goal of optimizing the neuronal dynamics of the ESN pertaining to the specific problem to be solved. It was found that the algorithm was able to modify the reservoir connections so that after retraining, the performance of different reservoir sizes was comparable despite being vastly different before. It was also found that by applying the proposed algorithm, the difficulty in the choice of initialization connectivity and reservoir size can be greatly reduced.
Evolution of Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Over 20 Years: Have Outcomes Improved?

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of a prospective adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) registry. OBJECTIVE To study the evolution of the operative approach, outcomes, and complication rates in AIS surgery over the past 20 years. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Surgical techniques in AIS surgery have evolved considerably over the past 20 years. We study the trends in the operative management of AIS over this period and their impact on perioperative outcomes. METHODS A total of 1819 AIS patients (1995-2013) with 2-year F/U were studied. Operative approach, perioperative parameters, major complication rates, and SRS outcomes were assessed. Linear regression was used to assess the trend of changes over 5-year quartiles. RESULTS Mean age at surgery was 14.6 ± 2.1 years, 80.2% were females, and this remained consistent throughout. Operative time, EBL/level, and LOS decreased over the 20 years (P < 0.0001). The use of antifibrinolytic (AF) increased from 6.7% to 68.8% in the past 10 years (P < 0.0001). Number of levels fused increased and LIV was more distal (in relation to stable vertebrae) over time in Lenke 1 and 2 curves (levels fused 7.97-9.94, P < 0.0001 and 9.8-11.0, P=0.0134, respectively). Anterior spinal fusion (ASF) in Lenke 1 curves decreased from 81% in the first quartile to 0% in the last (P = 0.0429). ASF for Lenke 5 curves evolved from 78% in the second quartile to 0 in the last. Thoracoplasty performance decreased from 76% to 20.3% (P = 0.1632). All screw constructs in PSF cases increased from 0% to 98.4% (P = 0.0095). Two-year major complication rates decreased over time (18.7%-5.1%; P = 0.0173). Increased improvement in SRS scores were observed in pain, image, function, and total domains. CONCLUSION Evolution of surgical technique in AIS over the past 20 years has resulted in a cessation of anterior only surgery, increasing use of all screw constructs, less blood loss, greater use of AF, shorter operative times and LOS, lower major complications rates, and greater improvements in SRS scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.
Abstract 2571: DBC1, a novel CBP-interacting protein, promotes p53 stability by regulating CBP-dependent p53 polyubiquitination

The acetyltransferase CBP, in conjunction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme, Mdm2, maintains physiologic levels of the tumor suppressor protein p53 in the absence of cellular stress, via a cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, p53-directed E4 polyubiquitin activity. CBP also possesses cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, E3 ubiquitin ligase, autoubiquitination activity. To understand the mechanism by which the ubiquitin ligase activities of CBP are compartmentalized in the cell, we have employed Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT) to identify cytoplasmic and nuclear CBP interacting proteins. MudPIT analysis revealed that Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Regulator protein (CCAR2), also known as Deleted in Breast Cancer 1 protein (DBC1), is a novel CBP- interacting protein in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. The N-terminus of DBC1 bound to multiple CBP domains, including the putative E3/E4 domain of CBP located at the N-terminus. Interaction between DBC1 and CBP suppressed the in vitro E3 autoubiquitination activity of CBP. Functional studies demonstrated that DBC1 directly regulates the cellular compartmentalization of CBP E3 and p53-directed E4 ubiquitin ligase activities. Knockdown of DBC1 in U2OS cells stimulated normally absent nuclear p53 polyubiquitination, and also caused a decrease in p53-dependent and p53-independent apoptosis, rescued by CBP/DBC1 double knockdown. Further, over-expression of DBC1 rescued the increase in nuclear p53 polyubiquitination and decrease in p53 half-life observed in DBC1 depleted cells. Together, these results identify DBC1 as a novel binding partner of CBP and a critical regulator of CBP ubiquitin ligase activities. Based on our data that DBC1 loss inactivates p53 function through destabilization, we queried the TCGA database for co-occurrence of DBC1 loss with maintenance of wild-type p53 status which showed that 33% of breast, 40% of lung, and 96% of prostate cancer cases with DBC1 alterations maintained wild-type p53 status. Therefore, by restoring DBC1 function, this work could lead to reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor activity in tumors with DBC1 alterations maintaining wild-type p53 status. Citation Format: Oluwatoyin E. Akande, Priyadarshan K. Damle, Nicholas E. Sherman, Steven R. Grossman. DBC1, a novel CBP-interacting protein, promotes p53 stability by regulating CBP-dependent p53 polyubiquitination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2571. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2571
Electrothermal behavior of lithium-ion batteries with different levels of power fade

During the cycling of lithium-ion batteries, the internal resistance increases due to the deposition of Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI), which causes the power fade of batteries. In this paper, lithium ion batteries with different levels of power fade are compared, their internal resistance is measured and used to predict their thermal behavior. Based on numerical methods, temperature rise and heat generation of lithium ion batteries are presented under constant C-rate discharge and power pulse. Furthermore, the calculated results are validated through measurement. Finally, it can be concluded that higher level of power fade leads to higher heat loss and lower output power and an optimal DOD range is advised for the purpose of reducing temperature rise.
Drivers’ Lane-Keeping Ability in Heavy Rain: Preliminary Investigation Using SHRP 2 Naturalistic Driving Study Data:

There is a lack of studies that have examined the impact of weather conditions on drivers’ lane-keeping performance. Many driver behavior studies have been conducted in simulated environments. However, no studies have examined the impact of heavy rain on lane-keeping ability in naturalistic settings. A study used data from the SHRP 2 Naturalistic Driving Study to provide better insights into driver behavior and performance in clear and rainy weather conditions. In particular, a lane-keeping model was developed using logistic regression to better understand factors affecting drivers’ lane-keeping ability in different weather conditions. One interesting finding of this research is that heavy rain can significantly increase the standard deviation of lane position, which is a widely used method for analyzing lane-keeping ability. More specifically, drivers in heavy rain are 3.8 times more likely to show a higher standard deviation of lane position than in clear weather condition. An additional interesting fin...
Lineage-independent retrotransposition of UTP14 associated with male fertility has occurred multiple times throughout mammalian evolution

In mammals, gamete production is essential for reproductive success. This is particularly true for males where large quantities of sperm are produced to fertilize a limited number of eggs released by the female. Because of this, new genes associated with increased spermatogenic efficiency have been accumulating throughout the evolution of therian mammals. Many of these new genes are testis-specific retrotransposed copies of housekeeping genes located on the X chromosome. Of particular interest are retrotransposed copies of UTP14 that are present in many distantly related eutherian mammals. Analysis of genomic data available in ENSEMBL indicates that these UTP14 retrogenes have arisen independently in the various eutherian clades. They represent an interesting aspect of evolution whereby new homologues of UTP14 have become independently fixed in multiple mammalian lineages due to the reproductive advantage that may be conferred to males. Surprisingly, these genes may also be lost, even after being present within a lineage for millions of years. This phenomenon may potentially be used to delineate evolutionary trees in closely related groups of mammals, particularly in the case of South American primates. Studying these retrogenes will yield new insights into the evolutionary history of male gamete production and the phylogeny of eutherian mammals.
Core Concepts in Real Analysis

In real analysis, a facility for working with the supremum of a bounded set, the limit of a sequence, and the e-δ definitions of continuity is essential for a student to be successful. Many students stumble when first asked to compose proofs using these core definitions. This chapter is designed to better prepare students and allow them to overcome these initial hurdles. We present proof strategies that explicitly show students how to deal with the fundamental definitions that they will encounter in real analysis; followed by numerous examples of proofs that use these strategies.
Controversies in neonatal nutrition.

The authors discuss a number of controversial issues in neonatal nutrition: growth assessment; estimation of energy requirement; methods of feedings; adequacy of human milk for full term and premature infants; and additional supplementation of vitamins and minerals to infant feedings.
INPP5a expression as a prognostic marker in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

e21567Background: Inositol Phosphate 5-Phosphatase (INPP5A) is a membrane-associated type I inositol phosphatase that has been shown to play a role in development and progression of cutaneous squam...
Getting Parent–Child Interaction Therapy to Scale

The implementation of any evidence-based treatment (EBT) into community settings, especially at a broad scale, is a complex, dynamic process. Large-scale implementation requires consideration of factors at a variety of levels, including those related to the broader system, provider agencies, clinical and professional staff, as well as families. This chapter will explore the implementation of one EBT, parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT), across one state, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The spread and implementation of the intervention will be discussed in light of the current literature related to dissemination and implementation. Specific examples and case discussions from the state will also be highlighted, including a review of specific facilitating factors and barriers, as well as strategies used to promote implementation with fidelity and ongoing sustainability of the model.
Feasibility of a Low-Intensity, Technology-Based Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity in Adults at Risk for a Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Background:Among adults with diabetes, 19-34% will develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), which increases amputation risk and health care costs, and worsens quality of life. Regular physical activity...
Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis, Keratotic Form

Terra firma-forme dermatosis (TFFD) is a condition that presents as hyperpigmented patches or plaques that have a dirt-like resemblance. A keratotic form of TFFD that has not been previously reported is described in this case. The diagnosis and treatment for this condition, the alcohol swab test, did not lead to resolution of the patch in our patient. The keratotic papules had to be removed by using the edge of a microscope slide. This case report serves to provide awareness of this unique, keratotic variant that cannot be removed by wiping with isopropyl alcohol.
Equity Achieved? A Longitudinal Examination of Biological Sex Representation in the NBC Olympic Telecast (2000–2018):

This report focuses on (a) how National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC) primetime Olympic telecasts have presented athletes competing as male and female, specifically in relation to the 2018 Pyeonchan...
Preferences for notification of imaging results in patients with metastatic cancer.

Abstract Objective This study examines the preferences of patients with metastatic cancer regarding notification of imaging results, as well as distress surrounding the process. Methods On imaging day, preferences for notification, expectations of results, health literacy, and social support were measured. After receiving results, patients reported on actual delivery methods. At both times, patients were screened for overall distress, anxiety, and depression. Results The majority of patients preferred notification within 2 days and during a face-to-face visit with their oncologist. Although levels of distress, anxiety, and depression were low, patients with higher anxiety, depression, and social isolation had higher distress. There was no correlation between absolute distress levels and agreement between notification preferences and actual delivery methods. Receiving results from a preferred provider was associated with a decrease in distress from imaging day to follow-up. Face-to-face delivery of results was more important to people with lower health literacy. Conclusions While distress regarding the receipt of results was low, it was higher for some groups of patients. Attending to the preferences of these subgroups may help to minimize distress. Practice implications Receiving results from preferred personnel and diminishing patients' sense of social isolation might provide psychological benefit during the period surrounding imaging.
Vaginal cuff perforation during robotic-assisted mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy.

Introduction We report on the management of intraoperative vaginal cuff perforation during robotic-assisted mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse with defecatory dysfunction. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman with vaginal bulge and constipation was to undergo a joint robotic mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy. Intraoperatively, mesh was secured to the left posterior vaginal wall following dissection. Prior to contralateral suture placement, the vaginal cuff split open and exposed an end-to-end anastomotic sizer previously inserted in the vagina. Due to subsequent mesh erosion risk, we proceeded with vaginotomy closure with running and interrupted absorbable sutures, removal of mesh, direct suture rectopexy to the promontory, and enterocele defect correction by reapproximating the right and left wings of the peritoneum flaps over the rectum with running sutures. Patient reported satisfactory outcomes after 2 years. Conclusion We reviewed our experience with vaginal cuff perforation during robotic-assisted mesh recto-sacrocolpopexy prompting enterocele repair and rectopexy without mesh.
Real-time monitoring of deadwood moisture in forests: lessons learned from an intensive case study

Attributes of dead wood in forests, such as quantity, landscape position, and state of decay influence numerous ecosystem processes such as wildfire behavior, tree regeneration, and nutrient cyclin...
Chapter 4 – Cetacean Evolution and Systematics

Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), which include the majority of marine mammals, are defined using anatomical characters. The affinities, origin, and diversification of both stem and crown cetaceans (odontocetes or toothed whales and mysticetes or baleen whales) are reviewed. New discoveries of fossil whales provide compelling evidence for both their evolutionary connections as well as the evolutionary transformation from a terrestrial to a fully aquatic existence.
A yearlong, professional development model on genre-based strategy instruction on writing

The purpose of the study was to (a) design and examine the effects of a yearlong professional development model on the writing quality of 3rd to 5th graders across genres and on their teachers’ con...
Disrupting Dual Systems: A Dynamic Decision-Making Framework for Human Behavior

Human decision making is often characterized as a competition between a deliberative, “cognitive” system and an irrational, impulsive, “emotional” system, a view conventionally aligned with dual process theories. We challenge this prevailing dual systems narrative using evidence from a growing body of behavioral and neuroscience studies and propose a new dynamic decision-making framework for understanding human behavior. Rather than follow the intuitive conventional wisdom that processing is binary, our framework argues that decisions are the outcome of a cascade of processes that range a continuum or gradient of cognitive effort from fast/automatic to slow/deliberative and unfold as decisions are constructed. Critically, there is a regulatory or adaptive control process that modulates or guides this cascade of processes to select a response that is suitable for the current context. Finally, these processes are deeply influenced by the goals, prior associations and experiences stored in memory, and bodily sensations that combine with those associations to create emotions. We discuss the implications of this framework for managerial insights and strategies.
The roles of the IGT gene family in plant architecture: past, present, and future

Genetic improvement of architectural traits offers tremendous opportunities to dramatically improve crop densities, productivity, and ultimately sustainability. Among these, the orientation, or gravitropic set point angle (GSA), of plant organs is critical to optimize crop profiles, light capture, and nutrient acquisition. Mutant GSA phenotypes have been studied in plants since the 1930's but only recently have the underlying genes been identified. Many of these genes have turned out to fall within the IGT (LAZY1/DRO1/TAC1) family, which initially was not previously recognized due to the lack of sequence conservation of homologous genes across species. Here we discuss recent progress on IGT family genes in various plant species over the past century, review possible functional mechanisms, and provide further analysis of their evolution in land plants and their past and future roles in crop domestication.
Systematic Review of Cultural Aspects of Stigma and Mental Illness among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups in the United States: Implications for Interventions

Stigma is integral to understanding mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. We conducted a systematic review to identify empirical studies on cultural aspects of mental illness stigma (public, structural, affiliative, self) among three racial and ethnic minority groups (Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latinx Americans) from 1990 to 2019, yielding 97 articles. In comparison studies (N = 25), racial and ethnic minority groups often expressed greater public and/or self-stigma than White American groups. In within-group studies (N = 65; Asian American, n = 21; Black American, n = 18; Latinx American; n = 26), which were primarily qualitative (73%), four major cultural themes emerged: 1) service barriers including access and quality (structural stigma); 2) family experiences including concealment for family's sake, fear of being a burden, and stigma extending to family (affiliative stigma); 3) lack of knowledge about mental illness and specific cultural beliefs (public stigma); and 4) negative emotional responses and coping (self-stigma). These findings confirmed stigma has both similar and unique cultural aspects across groups. Despite this, few studies tested stigma reduction interventions (N = 7). These cultural insights can inform contextual change at the health systems and community levels to reduce stigma, and empowerment at the interpersonal and individual levels to resist stigma.
The development of a centralized recruitment process for covid-19 research: Hopkins opportunity for participant engagement registry

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has required urgent scientific response to investigate the disease, its prevention and treatment and interactions with cardiovascular conditions. Consequently, a...
Local perturbation responses and checkerboard tests: Characterization tools for nonlinear MRI methods

Purpose Modern methods for MR image reconstruction, denoising, and parameter mapping are becoming increasingly nonlinear, black-box, and at risk of "hallucination." These trends mean that traditional tools for judging confidence in an image (visual quality assessment, point-spread functions (PSFs), g-factor maps, etc.) are less helpful than before. This paper describes and evaluates an approach that can help with assessing confidence in images produced by arbitrary nonlinear methods. Theory and methods We propose to characterize nonlinear methods by examining the images they produce before and after applying controlled perturbations to the measured data. This results in functions known as local perturbation responses (LPRs) that can provide useful insight into sensitivity, spatial resolution, and aliasing characteristics. LPRs can be viewed as generalizations of classical PSFs, and are are very flexible-they can be applied to arbitary nonlinear methods and arbitrary datasets across a range of different reconstruction, denoising, and parameter mapping applications. Importantly, LPRs do not require a ground truth image. Results Impulse-based and checkerboard-pattern LPRs are demonstrated in image reconstruction and denoising scenarios. We observe that these LPRs provide insights into spatial resolution, signal leakage, and aliasing that are not available with other methods. We also observe that popular reference-based image quality metrics (eg, mean-squared error and structural similarity) do not always correlate with good LPR characteristics. Conclusions LPRs are a useful tool that can be used to characterize and assess confidence in nonlinear MR methods, and provide insights that are distinct from and complementary to existing quality assessments.
Family Caregivers' Psychosocial Well-being in the Context of the Great Recession.

The economic instability of the Great Recession contributed to a rise in multigenerational households as more individuals took on unanticipated care responsibilities for older family members while ...
WKB and the Periodic Table

In this article, I’d like to motivate some work that Luis Seco and I have done on the ground-state energy of an atom of atomic number Z ≫ 1. If one ignores relativistic effects, then the mathematical problem is as follows. Fix a nucleus of charge +Z at the origin. If N electrons are located at x 1, x 2,…, x N ∈ ℝ3, then their potential energy is given by $$ V_{Coulomb}^{NZ} (x_{1,...,} x_N ) = - \sum\limits_{k = 1}^N {\frac{z} {{|x_k |}}} + \sum\limits_{1 \leqslant j < k \leqslant N} {\frac{1} {{|x_j - x_k |}}.} $$ (1) We regard the electrons as quantized, so that the state of the system is given by a wave function $$ \psi \left( {{x_1}, \ldots, {x_N}} \right) \in {L^2}\left( {{\mathbb{R}^{{3N}}}} \right) $$ For simplicity, we neglect spin here. (If we had taken spin into account, then ψ would take values in the ψ-fold tensor power of ℂ2. This changes no ideas, but introduces factors of 2 into some key formulas).
Immunogenetic analysis of proteins of paramecium

Several stocks of Paramecium aurelia synthesize closely related ciliary antigens. A new application of gel diffusion methods is described for determining the immunological relationships among those proteins. Apparently a minimum of twelve antigenic determinants are represented by the five cross-reacting proteins studied. Partly because the determinants cannot be linearly ordered, it is suggested that at least some of the differences in specificity may represent differences in protein folding. The method has also permitted a prediction of the kinds of cross-reacting antibodies that can and cannot be evoked by immunization with an antigen.
Dynamic Style Analysis of Hedge Funds

Dynamic Style Analysis is a returns-based style analysis using quantitative techniques to determine allocations that could have been made historically to one or more passive investment indices in order to replicate as close as possible the return stream of a fund over a selected time interval. This paper describes how these techniques can be applied to hedge funds and to understand how risks change through time. Our proprietary tools use the patented technology in DynaPorte to combine both macroeconomic factors with market risk factors to determine not only what factors influence returns at a given time, but also what may be influencing a manager's behavior during varying macroeconomic periods.
A Square Peg in a Round Hole? The 2000 Limitation on the Scope of Federal Civil Discovery

This article briefly surveys the history of and issues concerning the December 2000 amendment to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(b)(1), which narrowed the scope of party-controlled discovery from unprivileged matter "relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending action" to matter "relevant to the claim or defense of any party." It then reviews early decisions under the revised rule through late January 2002 and offers observations on patterns that may be emerging in the limited number of reported cases. First, in nearly all instances it appears that the outcomes would have been the same under either version of the rule. Second, so far plaintiffs--despite the support from the defense bar for the amendment and opposition to it from the plaintiffs' bar--have not been doing at all badly, both when they have sought discovery and when they have resisted it. Third, courts are paying considerable attention to the Committee Note that accompanied the rule revision, generally relying on it to support positions that favor discovery and, in particular, citing examples given in the Note of what might have seemed to be borderline situations that could nonetheless come within "claim-or-defense" discovery. Fourth, the decisions often have seemed to rely on additional factors, such as the apparent burdensomeness of the discovery sought, instead of focusing narrowly on the definition of "claim or defense." Fifth, the decisions so far on what can constitute "good cause" for court-ordered subject-matter discovery are very small in number, reveal no pattern of tending to find good cause to have been shown or not shown, and seem to permit little more than the unsurprising observation that rank speculation about what discovery might turn up just won't do. Party efforts to show "good cause" do not yet, though, appear to be used as a way to try to move from attorney-managed to court-supervised discovery as the amendment-drafters contemplated. Rather, the few judicial findings on good cause seem to come as incidental rulings when the court is already involved. The article concludes that the scope narrowing seems likely to have at most a modest impact, and that the main provisions and techniques to deal with discovery problems will probably remain those already available to federal courts before, and still at hand after, the scope limitation.
The interferon-stimulated response element and a kappa B site mediate synergistic induction of murine IP-10 gene transcription by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha

The present study investigates mechanisms involved in cooperation between IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha to promote transcription from the IP-10 gene in NIH 3T3 cells. IFN-gamma synergistically enhanced TNF-alpha-induced levels of IP-10 mRNA, whereas levels of JE (MCP-1) or KC (GRO/MGSA) mRNA induced by TNF-alpha were unaffected by IFN-gamma. The cooperation between IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha for induction of IP-10 mRNA was independent of de novo protein synthesis and mediated at least in part by increased transcription. Transient transfection analysis with a 243-bp fragment flanking the transcription start site of the murine IP-10 gene indicated that synergy between the two stimuli was dependent upon occupancy of at least two of three critical regulatory sequence elements: an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) and one of two kappa B sites. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha independently activated nuclear factors capable of specific interaction with the ISRE and kappa B sites, respectively. IFN-gamma induced two ISRE binding complexes, one of which was protein synthesis independent, appeared within 15 min of stimulation, and contained p91 or signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1. TNF-alpha induced only one ISRE binding activity, which was dependent upon protein synthesis. TNF-alpha also induced kappa B binding activity that was composed of NF-kappa B1 (p50) and RelA (p65) whereas IFN-gamma had no detectable effect on kappa B binding activity. Together these results indicate that the highly synergistic transcriptional activation of the IP-10 gene by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha involves the cooperation between factors that are independently activated by the two stimuli and that bind to independent sites.
Reactive compensation of overhead AC transmission lines using underground power cables

Overhead (OH) transmission lines when loaded always consume reactive power. An underground (UG) power cable on the other hand is in itself a huge capacitor and therefore a source of reactive power. This paper highlights the use of UG power cables in conjunction with overhead lines, where the reactive power requirement of overhead line is compensated by UG power cables. To realize this compensation, an overhead line is divided into n equal sections and UG power cables are inserted in between each section. The resulting compensation leads to three advantages: 1) Unity power factor at both sending and receiving ends; 2) Increase in overall power transfer; 3) Improvement in transient stability. In addition, it partially solves the land acquisition “not in my backyard” problems associated with construction of new or already existing lines. Key equations to determine the exact cable length are formulated and validated through simulation.
Separation and Properties of a Red Cell Sensitizing Substance from Streptococci

Moskowitz, Merwin (Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.). Separation and properties of a red cell sensitizing substance from streptococci. J. Bacteriol. 91:2200–2204. 1966.—An antigen that binds onto red cells and causes them to be agglutinated by antiserum was separated from streptococci. Various procedures to extract the antigen from streptococci were investigated, and the greatest amount of antigen was obtained by extraction of cells with a phenol-water mixture. The reaction of the antigen with red cells was shown to be reversible by use of the Ashby mixed agglutination technique. The antigen also combines with a number of different tissues, and it was demonstrated that the antigen could be transferred from red cells to tissues and vice versa. An hypothesis is presented on the basis of these findings which suggests a possible role for this antigen in the etiology of rheumatic fever.
Operation routeing with lot sizing consideration in a manufacturing system

SUMMARY Process planning and inventory control are important manufacturing functions; proper execution of these functions can result in large cost savings. Process planning is typically responsible for identification and sequencing of required manufacturing processes. Inventory control then uses the result of process planning activities to determine economic production quantities. Today, this sequential decision process is commonly used in industry. However, although easy to implement, it cannot guarantee that an overall minimum cost plan will be generated. An integrated approach to process planning and inventory control functions should presumably yield better results. Such an integrated approach is presented in this paper. The problem is formulated as a constrained optimization model with sequence-dependent set-up and processing costs. Dynamic programming is used to solve the model.
Effects of metformin and leuprolide acetate on insulin resistance and testosterone levels in nondiabetic postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective To determine whether insulin sensitizers lower androgen levels and whether androgen suppression improves insulin resistance in nondiabetic postmenopausal women. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Setting Clinical and Translational Research Center of a university hospital. Patient(s) Thirty-five postmenopausal women aged 50–79 years with insulin resistance and higher T levels. Intervention(s) Subjects were randomized to metformin plus leuprolide acetate (LA) placebo, LA plus metformin placebo, or LA placebo plus metformin placebo in a 1:1:1 fashion during a 12-week period. Main Outcome Measure(s) Insulin sensitivity (M) assessed by euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp and free T by equilibrium dialysis. Result(s) In those randomized to metformin, free T decreased by 19% compared with placebo, along with an expected improvement in M. Total T also decreased significantly, whereas sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) did not change. In those randomized to LA, the percent change in M was not different from placebo, despite a 48% relative decrease in free T levels. Conclusion(s) These data are the first to establish a causal link between insulin resistance and T in postmenopausal women. They confirm that treatment of insulin resistance decreases T production in this population and demonstrate that pharmacologic lowering of T does not affect insulin resistance.