cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial/Ethnic Pay Disparities among Registered Nurses (RNs) in U.S. Hospitals: An Econometric Regression Decomposition.

Objective To detect the presence of racial and ethnic pay disparities between minority and white hospital RNs using a national sample. Data Sources/Study Setting The National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, 2008, which is representative at both the state and national level. Study Design Cross-sectional data were analyzed using multivariate regression and regression decomposition. Differences between groups were decomposed into differences in the possession of characteristics and differences in the value of the same characteristic between different groups, the latter being a commonly used measure of wage discrimination. Data Collection/Extraction Methods As the majority of minority hospital RNs are employed within the most densely populated (central) counties of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), only hospital RNs employed in the central counties of MSAs were selected. Principal Findings Regression decomposition found that black and Hispanic RNs earned less than whites and Asians, while Asian RNs earned more than white RNs. The majority of pay variation between white RNs, versus Asian, black, or Hispanic RNs was due to unexplained differences in the value of the same characteristic between groups. Conclusions Differences in earnings between underrepresented and overrepresented hospital RNs is suggestive of discrimination.
Anormal Systems of Numeration

(1936). Anormal Systems of Numeration. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 43, No. 10, pp. 610-617.
Invasive species triggers a massive loss of ecosystem services through a trophic cascade.

Despite growing recognition of the importance of ecosystem services and the economic and ecological harm caused by invasive species, linkages between invasions, changes in ecosystem functioning, and in turn, provisioning of ecosystem services remain poorly documented and poorly understood. We evaluate the economic impacts of an invasion that cascaded through a food web to cause substantial declines in water clarity, a valued ecosystem service. The predatory zooplankton, the spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus), invaded the Laurentian Great Lakes in the 1980s and has subsequently undergone secondary spread to inland lakes, including Lake Mendota (Wisconsin), in 2009. In Lake Mendota, Bythotrephes has reached unparalleled densities compared with in other lakes, decreasing biomass of the grazer Daphnia pulicaria and causing a decline in water clarity of nearly 1 m. Time series modeling revealed that the loss in water clarity, valued at US$140 million (US$640 per household), could be reversed by a 71% reduction in phosphorus loading. A phosphorus reduction of this magnitude is estimated to cost between US$86.5 million and US$163 million (US$430–US$810 per household). Estimates of the economic effects of Great Lakes invasive species may increase considerably if cases of secondary invasions into inland lakes, such as Lake Mendota, are included. Furthermore, such extreme cases of economic damages call for increased investment in the prevention and control of invasive species to better maximize the economic benefits of such programs. Our results highlight the need to more fully incorporate ecosystem services into our analysis of invasive species impacts, management, and public policy.
C’est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron? Assessing legislative productivity in Fifth Republic France

This exploratory research note theorises about and tests the factors that have affected legislative productivity in France from 1960 to 2007. The empirical model accounts for intra-parliamentary dynamics such as the parties’ ideological placement on a left-right scale, the government's seat strength, coalition governments and intensity of opposition to the majority in the National Assembly. The model also considers features unique to the Fifth Republic, such as judicial review of bills by the Constitutional Council and presidents’ ‘sacking’ of prime ministers. External factors include strikes and social movements, as well as prime ministers’ and presidents’ job approval that are posited to impact lawmaking. The results of the analysis suggest how the model developed in this research may be extended to future analyses of parliamentary activity in the Fifth Republic.
Relationship Between Hair Cell Loss and Hearing Loss in Fishes

Exposure to intense sound or ototoxic chemicals can damage the auditory hair cells of vertebrates, resulting in hearing loss. Although the relationship between such hair cell damage and auditory function is fairly established for terrestrial vertebrates, there are limited data available to understand this relationship in fishes. Although investigators have measured either the morphological damage of the inner ear or the functional deficits in the hearing of fishes, very few have directly measured both in an attempt to find a relationship between the two. Those studies that have examined both auditory hair cell damage in the inner ear and the resulting hearing loss in fishes are reviewed here. In general, there is a significant linear relationship between the number of hair cells lost and the severity of hearing threshold shifts, although this varies between species and different hair cell-damaging stimuli. After trauma to the fish ear, auditory hair cells are able to regenerate to control level densities. With this regeneration also comes a restoration of hearing. Thus there is also a significant relationship between hair cell recovery and hearing recovery in fishes.
A 3He++ radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator for positron emission tomography

AbstractThe feasibility of using a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator to accelerate 3He++for use in positron emission tomography (PET) is shown. The 3He++ RFQ is extremely lightweight in comparison to a cyclotron, but can nevertheless produce all four radioisotopes of interest (18F, 13N, 15O, and 11C) in more than adequate quantities. Due to the neutron-poor nature of 3He++, the desired positron emitters can be produced from naturally abundant target isotopes. In addition, target reactions and collisions with the accelerating structure produce relatively small numbers of neutrons compared to proton and deuteron systems. This yields two economic advantages. Enriched 13C, 15N, and 18O target materials are not required. Also, the shielding requirements are reduced considerably, and there is no need for radiation shielding around the accelerator. This reduced shielding results in a factor of 8 reduction in total facility shielding weight compared to a proton/deuteron cyclotron facility. The order of...
American Heart Association--Scientific Sessions 2009. Part 2.

Abstract The American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2009 meeting held in Orlando, FL, USA included topics covering new treatments for cardiovascular disease. This conference report highlights selected presentations on stem cell treatments for ischemia, treatments for hypertension and atherosclerosis, and LDL-lowering compounds.
Third-Order Nonlinear Guided-Wave Devices

The strong beam confinement provided by integrated optics waveguides, combined with the nonresonant third-order nonlinearities available in nonlinear polymeric films, makes them ideal for all-optical switching devices. The operating characteristics of such devices are discussed, and the material requirements are compared with those available from polymeric materials. Recent advances in grating devices are summarized.
Why every renal mass is not always a surgical lesion, the need for an orderly, logical, diagnostic approach.

AbstractThe fact that approximately 95 per cent of asymptomatic renal masses are benign is a compelling reason for the streamlined diagnostic approach which is described herein. Within the confines of these guidelines for the study of renal masses, when proceeding from simple to complex methods of evaluation, one should always consider the age of the patient, the status of the cardiovascular system, the radiological appearance of the mass on drip infusion nephrotomography and the results of renal echography as qualifying determinants and then propose the logical sequence of individualized studies under the best possible circumstances.
Software to Stress Test Image Quality Estimators

An image quality estimator (QE) can be used to improve the performance of a system, but only if its scores are easily interpretable. In this paper, we present software, entitled “Stress Testing Image Quality Estimators (STIQE)” that systematically explores the performance of a QE, with the goal of enabling users to interpret the QE's scores. Our software allows consistent and reproducible benchmarks of new QEs as they are developed, so the most effective QE for an application can be chosen. We demonstrate that results produced by the software provide new insights into hidden aspects of existing QEs.
Raw oyster-associated Vibrio infections: linking epidemiologic data with laboratory testing of oysters obtained from a retail outlet

Raw oysters harvested from Apalachicola Bay, FL, and purchased from a retail outlet in Tallahassee, FL, were tested monthly from March 1989 through March 1990 for the presence of Vibrio species. We studied the temporal relationship between Vibrio levels found in these oysters and the incidence of raw oyster-associated Vibrio illnesses with onset dates in 1989-1990 among persons living in counties located adjacent to or near Apalachicola Bay. Five of the six Vibrio species implicated in raw oyster-associated gastroenteritis or septicemia in the study area during 1989-1990 were recovered from the retail raw oysters. With the exception of Vibrio vulnificus , which was recovered during the warmest months, recovery of other Vibrio species from oysters was distributed widely throughout the year. Thirty-seven patients in the study area with 39 Vibrio infections with onset of illness from January 1989 through December 1990 were reported to the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Thirty-three (89%) of these patients reported eating raw oysters during the week before onset of illness and experienced gastroenteritis (32 patients) or septicemia (1 patient).
Cultural patterns of collaboration and communication while working together among U.S. Mexican heritage children

Abstract To examine the cultural organization of collaboration, 50 U.S. Mexican-heritage sibling pairs (ages 6–11) were videotaped as they participated in a puzzle construction activity. Half were from families with more recent connection with rural practices, and limited schooling (“pueblo families”) and half from “high schooling families” (more connection with middle-class practices, higher schooling). Children were given a previously constructed model, parts to construct another, and left alone. Every 10 s coders noted how the siblings coordinated either: jointly engaged, checking-in, solo, or off-task and if collaboration was organized either verbally, nonverbally, or with multiple means. Children from “Pueblo” families engaged jointly and used nonverbal and multiple means of communication more than children from “high schooling” families who more often worked solo, were off-task, and used talk to communicate. Results are linked to practices in Indigenous American communities where children's Learning by Observing and Pitching In is common.
Transparent virtual network embedding in elastic optical networks

Network visualization in Elastic Optical Networks (EONs) utilizes the flexible spectral resources to map Virtual Networks (VN) requests onto the physical substrate network. The process of mapping the VN requests onto the physical substrate network is called Virtual Network Embedding (VNE) problem. The use of EONs in network virtualization brings in an additional requirement of satisfying the spectrum-continuity and sub-carrier consecutiveness constraints. In transparent VNE (t-VNE), all the virtual links from a VN request must be mapped to the substrate links with the same set of sub-carriers. This makes t-VNE even more challenging. In this paper, we propose a novel t-VNE algorithm called Alignment and Consecutiveness-aware Transparent Virtual Network Embedding (ACT-VNE), which takes into account the spectrum alignment and consecutiveness between adjacent fiber links when mapping virtual nodes onto the physical substrate nodes. We also introduce an extended scheme, namely, Importance, Alignment and Consecutiveness-aware Transparent Virtual Network Embedding (iACTs-VNE) that assigns virtual nodes to substrate nodes within close proximity to establish connections with less bandwidth utilization. Simulation results show that ACT-VNE and iACT-VNE yield a lower blocking probability than existing schemes. When comparing iACT-VNE with ACT-VNE, the former requires less average substrate path length and yields lower link utilization ratio but offers better blocking performance than the latter.
Parent-based diagnosis of ADHD is as accurate as a teacher-based diagnosis of ADHD.

ABSTRACTObjective: To review the literature evaluating the psychometric properties of parent and teacher informants relative to a gold-standard ADHD diagnosis in pediatric populations.Method: We included studies that included both a parent and teacher informant, a gold-standard diagnosis, and diagnostic accuracy metrics. Potential confounds were evaluated. We also assessed the ‘OR’ and the ‘AND’ rules for combining informant reports.Results: Eight articles met inclusion criteria. The diagnostic accuracy for predicting gold standard ADHD diagnoses did not differ between parents and teachers. Sample size, sample type, participant drop-out, participant age, participant gender, geographic area of the study, and date of study publication were assessed as potential confounds.Conclusion: Parent and teachers both yielded moderate to good diagnostic accuracy for ADHD diagnoses. Parent reports were statistically indistinguishable from those of teachers. The predictive features of the ‘OR’ and ‘AND’ rules are useful...
Fiber Bragg grating sensors in harsh environments: considerations and industrial monitoring applications

Over the last few years, fiber optic sensors (FOS) have seen an increased acceptance and widespread use in industrial sensing and in structural monitoring in civil, aerospace, marine, oil & gas, composites and other applications. One of the most prevalent types in use today are fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. Historically, FOS have been an attractive solution because of their EM immunity and suitability for use in harsh environments and rugged applications with extreme temperatures, radiation exposure, EM fields, high voltages, water contact, flammable atmospheres, or other hazards. FBG sensors have demonstrated that can operate reliably in many different harsh environment applications but proper type and fabrication process are needed, along with suitable packaging and installation procedure. In this paper, we review the impact that external factors and environmental conditions play on FBG’s performance and reliability, and describe the appropriate sensor types and protection requirements suitable for a variety of harsh environment applications in industrial furnaces, cryogenic coolers, nuclear plants, maritime vessels, oil & gas wells, aerospace crafts, automobiles, and others.
Unbiased RACE-Based Massive Parallel Surveys of Human IgA Antibody Repertoires

For investigations of human B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoires, we have developed a protocol for large-scale surveys of human antibody heavy chain (VH) rearrangements. Here we study IgA repertoires, as more IgA antibodies are synthesized in the human body on a daily level than all other isotypes combined. In fact, IgA is secreted at all mucosal surfaces, and it is also secreted in the perspiration that coats our cutaneous surfaces. In these studies we can characterize the IgA clonal diversity of B-cell populations obtained from any donor. To recover representative repertoire libraries, we make our libraries from antibody gene transcript templates (i.e., cDNA), as these are closer reflections of the immune repertoire expressed at the antibody protein level. To avoid biases potentially introduced by upstream oligonucleotide primers that hybridize to variable region framework regions, our approach also uses rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) of antibody transcripts. For exploration of human IgA responses, we have designed a duplexing antisense constant region primer that efficiently amplifies, side-by-side, heavy chain transcripts of both the IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses. By these methods we have begun to define the molecular differences in the IgA1 and IgA2 responses occurring simultaneously in different donors. These methods will be used to investigate the effects of microbial virulence factors on host defenses, during autoimmune responses, and in B-cell malignancies.
Laser and fourier transform spectroscopy of the Ã2II-X̃2Σ+ transition of SrOH

Abstract The combination of laser-induced fluorescence with Fourier transform spectroscopy has been used to analyze the 000-000 band of the A 2 II - X 2 Σ + transition of SrOH. The rotational constants of both states have been determined. Relative intensities from the Fourier transform spectra provide information on rotational energy redistribution by collisions, and on the mixing of parallel character into the transition dipole moment.
The impact of jury experience on perception of the criminal prosecution system

Abstract The present study tested the impact of jury experience on citizens' perceptions of the criminal prosecution system. Based on deliberative democratic theory which predicts the beneficial impact of jury experience on citizen-jurors’ confidence and knowledge in law and the justice system, it was hypothesized that jury experience would be associated with favorable impression of the criminal prosecution system and that jury experience would have a positive impact on citizens' perceived knowledge of the criminal prosecution system. The present study through analyzing data collected by the American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI), examined the effect of jury experience (versus no jury experience) on perceptions of the criminal prosecution system. Results show that jury experience positively influences citizen-jurors’ impression and perceived knowledge of the criminal prosecution, supporting an attitudinal and educational impact of jury experience. Potential limitations of the study and policy implications are discussed.
Corporate Policies and Procedures for Evaluating Unsolicited Product Ideas

(1978). Corporate Policies and Procedures for Evaluating Unsolicited Product Ideas. Research Management: Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 24-28.
Academic development in support of mentored undergraduate research and inquiry

Integrating research and inquiry into the undergraduate student experience has become a central theme of higher education agendas in many countries (Brew, 2013; Dekker & Wolff, 2016; Fung, 2017; Ha...
Integrating Course Material and Application: A Progressive Writing Assignment Applied to an Astrochemistry Tutorial

A major challenge in teaching is helping students integrate course concepts to understand the big picture of a field and apply those concepts in new situations. To address this challenge in a tutorial course about astrochemistry (taught by graduate students to chemistry undergraduates), we implemented a progressive writing assignment that culminated in a final presentation. In the progressive writing assignment, students chose an astrochemistry topic they found interesting to be the subject of three sequential papers, which became the basis for their presentations. The purpose of this assignment was to gradually introduce chemistry students to research areas in astronomy, which is by nature outside the general chemistry curriculum, while also providing students with regular feedback. Over the course of the assignment, students applied key themes in the course—significance of astrochemistry research, research methods, and chemistry in astronomical environments—separately to their chosen topics before explaining in the final presentation how these different aspects of astrochemistry work together. By incorporating stories and anaologies, rather than just facts, students gave presentations that were accessible to a novice audience. As a result, students explained broader impacts of astrochemistry research, rather than just focusing on results, and they entertained questions with answers that went beyond clarification of the material discussed.
Chemical Modification of Tryptophans and Lysines in The B880 Light-Harvesting Protein of Rhodospirillum Rubrum

In purple non-sulfur bacteria such as Rhodospirillum rubrum, the first reactions of photosynthesis occur in a photochemical reaction center. Most of the bacteriochlorophyll (Behl) in the organism serves a light-harvesting or antenna function and is bound by light-harvesting proteins which surround the reaction center. The reaction center contains three protein subunits (designated H, M, and L) which provide a specialized environment that promotes redox chemistry between bound Behl and electron acceptors. The polypeptide chains of light-harvesting proteins provide a specialized environment for Behl such that the capture of light energy and its transfer to the reaction center is an efficient process. (1)
Skeletal muscle targets for the action of anesthetic agents.

Prior to its meeting in Augusta, Georgia in 1988, this group decided to focus on anesthetic action on skeletal muscle at sites distal to the myoneural junction. Therefore, in this summary chapter, targets for anesthetic action will be described beginning at the sarcolemma (excluding the motor endplate) and ending with the intracellular contractile elements. This section is not intended as a review, but rather as an overview and preview to some of the interesting investigations on skeletal muscle presented at this conference.
Incorporating Companion Dogs into Cancer Rehab: Benefits from Physical Exercise for Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society recommends ≥150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Recommended exercise targets are met by only one in three cancer survivors and half of young adult cancer survivors. Meeting exercise targets has been linked to reduced cancer risk, improved survival, and enhanced quality of life in cancer survivors. Walking is generally the preferred form of exercise for most people, and dog walking often improves compliance with a walking program.
Survey of clinician and student impressions of a synthetic canine model for gastrointestinal surgery training.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the perceived efficacy of a high-fidelity synthetic canine model for simulating common gastrointestinal surgical procedures. STUDY DESIGN Survey of students and experienced clinicians. SAMPLE POPULATION Twelve clinicians with >2 years of postgraduate experience in the field of small animal surgery and 102 senior year veterinary students. METHODS The model was subjectively evaluated by 12 clinicians with >2 years of postgraduate experience in the field of small animal surgery. Senior year veterinary students (n = 102) were asked to complete questionnaires before and after a laboratory on common gastrointestinal surgical procedures that included rating of perceived proficiency, anatomical knowledge, and the use of synthetic models compared with live animals. RESULTS Clinicians assessed most aspects of the model as moderately realistic and unanimously agreed that it would be helpful for students to train on this model prior to live surgery. Student survey response rates were 91% and 99% before and after the laboratory, respectively. The proportion of students that felt moderately-to-highly proficient with the procedures increased from 8% prior to the laboratories to 59% after the laboratories (P < .001). The proportion of students that felt that they had superior-to-excellent knowledge of abdominal surgical anatomy increased from 16% prior to the laboratories to 44% after the laboratories (P < .001). The proportion of students that were satisfied with synthetic models instead of live animals increased from 52% prior to the laboratories to 74% after the laboratories (P = .014). CONCLUSION Experienced clinicians considered the model to have moderate realism. A positive shift in the students' self-perceived proficiency with gastrointestinal surgery was evident after the use of the model. CLINICAL IMPACT This synthetic model should be considered for training of veterinary gastrointestinal surgery. However, comparison studies are recommended to ascertain the relative educational value of this model.
Inception: Virtual Space in Memory Space in Real Space — Memory Forensics of Immersive Virtual Reality with the HTC Vive

Abstract Virtual Reality (VR) has become a reality. With the technology's increased use cases, comes its misuse. Malware affecting the Virtual Environment (VE) may prevent an investigator from ascertaining virtual information from a physical scene, or from traditional “dead” analysis. Following the trend of anti-forensics, evidence of an attack may only be found in memory, along with many other volatile data points. Our work provides the primary account for the memory forensics of Immersive VR systems, and in specific the HTC Vive. Our approach is capable of reconstituting artifacts from memory that are relevant to the VE, and is also capable of reconstructing a visualization of the room setup a VR player was immersed into. In specific, we demonstrate that the VE, location, state and class of VR devices can be extracted from memory. Our work resulted in the first open source VR memory forensics plugin for the Volatility Framework. We discuss our findings, and our replicable approach that may be used in future memory forensics research.
A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay Targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae penA-60.001.

Ceftriaxone (CRO) is widely used as the first-line treatment for gonococcal infections. However, CRO-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains carrying mosaic penA-60.001 have emerged recently and disseminated worldwide. To meet the urgent need to detect these strains, we report here a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay system that targets N. gonorrhoeae penA-60.001. This assay system can differentiate N. gonorrhoeae strains carrying mosaic penA-60.001 from strains carrying other penA alleles.
Insurance status effects on stage of diagnosis and surgical options used in the treatment of breast cancer

Objectives Insurance status has the potential to play a significant role in an individual's health care by affecting the time of diagnosis and the treatment options used. Our study reviewed insurance status as a determinant of the time of a breast cancer diagnosis as well as the surgical treatment options offered. Methods The American College of Surgeons' National Cancer Database benchmark reports were used to examine first-course surgery stratified by the stage of breast cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. The data were stratified according to insurance status with a focus on insured patients versus underinsured patients. The relations among insurance status, breast cancer stage at the time of presentation, and initial treatment offered were then evaluated. Results There was a statistically significant relation between breast cancer stage at the time of diagnosis and insurance status. There also was a relation between insurance status and the treatment offered. Adequately insured patients presented at an earlier stage than did underinsured patients. In addition, in patients who present with early-stage disease, insured patients had a higher rate of breast-conserving surgery than did underinsured patients, 62.4% and 55.5%, respectively. This trend continued in late-stage breast cancer, in which mastectomy was the predominant treatment option overall. Despite this, insured patients underwent breast-conserving therapy more frequently than did underinsured patients, 24.2% and 21.2%, respectively. Conclusions The discrepancy of the stage of diagnosis between insured patients and underinsured patients can be attributed to a host of factors, among which are access to regular office visits and screening tests for breast cancer. In addition, the surgical treatment options used may depend on the cost of treatment and accessibility to and compliance with follow-up care.
Phase II Clinical Trial Evaluating the Standardization of CD3+ T-Cell Dose for Patients Receiving Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplants (PBSCT) from Matched Related Donors

Introduction Seminal studies of peripheral blood versus bone marrow grafts have elucidated the crucial role of CD3+ T-cells in mediating engraftment, immune reconstitution, disease control, and graft versus host disease (GVHD). An optimal dose-response relationship between the T-cell dose in the graft and outcomes is yet to be defined. Therefore, we performed a phase II clinical trial to evaluate whether T-cell dose standardization would adequately support engraftment and immune reconstitution while mitigating the risk of GVHD. Methods We conducted a clinical trial of dose standardization of T-cells between December 2014 and May 2018. Eligible adult patients (pts) with hematologic malignancies undergoing peripheral blood matched sibling allogeneic stem cell transplant were enrolled. Standardized T-cell dose was targeted 15-20 × 10e7. Tacrolimus and methotrexate were utilized for GVHD prophylaxis. The primary endpoint was to determine the incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and time to engraftment. Chronic GVHD was captured using conventional criteria. Results 17 pts were included in the study. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSCT) graft from matched sibling donors was used in all pts. The mean age was 52 years (20-68 years). 53% pts were female and 82% were Caucasian. The median T-cell dose was 19.1 × 10e7 (range 9.1-21.8 × 10e7). Indications for PBSCT included AML/MDS (70.6%), ALL (17.6%), NHL and MPN (11.8 %). 35% pts received myeloablative and 65% received reduced-intensity conditioning. 59% had age-adjusted HCT-CI scores ≥3. 16 pts received tacrolimus and methotrexate for GVHD prophylaxis, with 1 patient receiving tacrolimus and mycophenolate. All pts successfully engrafted. The median time to engraftment was 15 days for neutrophils (range 10-20), and 12 days for platelets (range 9-22). The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV and grade III-IV acute GVHD at 1 year was 27% (95%-CI: 7-52) and 22.5 (95%-CI: 4.7-48.4) (no grade IV) and that of chronic GVHD was 47% (22-69) (N=8, all extensive by conventional criteria). 18% pts reactivated CMV (median - 40 days, range 33-50). 47% pts were alive in remission after a median follow-up of 18.1 months (3.3-52.2). The cumulative incidence of relapse at 1 year was 23.5% (95% CI: 7-46) (Figure 1). The 1 year PFS was 53% (95% CI: 28-73), and the OS was 65% (95% CI: 37-82). Conclusion Administration of a lower standardized T-cell dose is feasible, and when used in combination with standard immune suppression did not negatively affect outcomes. This study paves the way for a larger trial to evaluate the optimal T-cell dose and immune suppressive therapy to strike a favorable GVHD/GVL balance. Such a strategy could be used as a platform for additional interventions aimed towards improving the outcome of PBSCT for hematologic malignancies.
Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and the Role of Human Papilloma Virus

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare disease with considerable histologic diversity. Currently, there is a poor understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of SNSCC. Here, we review recent literature to summarize what is known regarding (1) the etiology of SNSCC, (2) the role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in SNSCC, and (2) the molecular underpinnings of SNSCC. 1. High risk HPV appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of a subset of SNSCCs. SNSCCs with high risk HPV have improved survival compared with those without HPV and occur in patients who are younger, similar to HPV mediated oropharyngeal cancer. 2. A subset of inverted papillomas have transcriptionally active low-risk HPV and have a higher risk of transformation, while low risk HPV negative inverted papillomas frequently have EGFR mutations. SNSCC is a diverse disease with likely multiple etiologies including carcinogen, irritant exposure, and HPV. While not definitively proven, evidence supports a role for high-risk HPV in a subset of SNSCC, and low-risk HPV in a subset of inverted papillomas which transform to SNSCC. In-depth molecular and genomic studies are needed in SNSCC to better understand the genomic underpinnings and oncogenic drivers.
The Fragile Benefits of Endowment Destruction

The benefits of endowment destruction documented by Ljungqvist and Uhlig (2014), and the related possibility that consumption can lower habits, are fragile. Both issues result from a particular way of discretely approximating the underlying continuous-time model, or of adapting it to jumps. Other ways of calculating the discrete-time approximation or extending the model to jumps easily overturn the results, while making no difference to the model’s description of asset prices and quantities. This analysis shows how to extend models so that jumps give the same result as a jump limit of continuous movements.
Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention: Eliminating Disease and Disparity.

* Abbreviations: HBsAg — : hepatitis B surface antigen HBV — : hepatitis B virus PEP — : postexposure prophylaxis PHBPP — : Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program PVST — : postvaccination serological testing The role of the United States in global efforts to eliminate hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection cannot be overstated when HBV together with hepatitis C virus infection accounts for 96% of the 1.34 million viral hepatitis deaths annually.1 Most HBV infections occur perinatally and in early childhood and thus are preventable by early and widespread HBV vaccination.1,2 In this month’s issue of Pediatrics , Koneru et al3 describe programmatic outcomes among 103 825 infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)–positive women, case managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program (PHBPP). Starting in 1990, PHBPP has been instrumental in identifying and tracking infants exposed to HBV. Among the estimated number of infants born to HBsAg-positive women, PHBPP has increasingly succeeded in identifying exposed infants, with identified infant rates rising from 42.1% in 1994 to 52.6% in 2017.3,4 From 2014 to 2017, the infant hepatitis B postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) rose from 94.7% to 97%, vaccine completion from 83.1% to 84.7%, and postvaccination serological testing (PVST) significantly increased from 58.8% to 66.8%. … Address correspondence to Esther K. Chung, MD, MPH, 6200 NE 74th St, Box 354920, Seattle, WA 98115. E-mail: ekc16{at}uw.edu
Preparation and utility of asymmetric lipid vesicles for studies of perfringolysin O-lipid interactions.

Abstract Studying the interaction of pore-forming toxins, including perfringolysin O (PFO), with lipid is crucial to understanding how they insert into membranes, assemble, and associate with membrane domains. In almost all past studies, symmetric lipid bilayers, i.e., bilayers having the same lipid composition in each monolayer (leaflet), have been used to study this process. However, practical methods to make asymmetric lipid vesicles have now been developed. These involve a cyclodextrin-catalyzed lipid exchange process in which the outer leaflet lipids are switched between two lipid vesicle populations with different lipid compositions. By use of alpha class cyclodextrins, it is practical to include a wide range of sterol concentrations in asymmetric vesicles. In this article, protocols for preparing asymmetric lipid vesicles are described, and to illustrate how they may be applied to studies of pore-forming toxin behavior, we summarize what has been learned about PFO conformation and its lipid interaction in symmetric and in asymmetric artificial lipid vesicles.
Identification of protein quality control regulators using a Drosophila model of TPI deficiency

Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) deficiency (Df) is a rare recessive metabolic disorder that manifests as hemolytic anemia, locomotor impairment, and progressive neurodegeneration. Research suggests that TPI Df mutations, including the "common" TPIE105Dmutation, result in reduced TPI protein stability that appears to underlie disease pathogenesis. Drosophila with the recessive TPIsugarkill allele (a.k.a. sgk or M81T) exhibit progressive locomotor impairment, neuromuscular impairment and reduced longevity, modeling the human disorder. TPIsugarkill produces a functional protein that is degraded by the proteasome. Molecular chaperones, such as Hsp70 and Hsp90, have been shown to contribute to the regulation of TPIsugarkill degradation. In addition, stabilizing the mutant protein through chaperone modulation results in improved TPI deficiency phenotypes. To identify additional regulators of TPIsugarkill degradation, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen that targeted known and predicted quality control proteins in the cell to identify novel factors that modulate TPIsugarkill turnover. Of the 430 proteins screened, 25 regulators of TPIsugarkill were identified. Interestingly, 10 proteins identified were novel, previously undescribed Drosophila proteins. Proteins involved in co-translational protein quality control and ribosome function were also isolated in the screen, suggesting that TPIsugarkill may undergo co-translational selection for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation as a nascent polypeptide. The proteins identified in this study may reveal novel pathways for the degradation of a functional, cytosolic protein by the ubiquitin proteasome system and define therapeutic pathways for TPI Df and other biomedically important diseases.
“Why Are You Playing Games? You Are a Girl!”: Exploring Gender Biases in Esports

Esports are rapidly growing within academia. In HCI, earlier work explored how problematic behaviors emerging from gender biases (e.g., toxicity) negatively impact female participation in esports. Here, we further explore gender biases in esports by interviewing 19 self-identified female and male professional gamers and event organizers. We inquire our interviewees about personal experiences with gender biases in esports and their perspective on how these biases impact participation, inclusivity, and career prospects. Our interviewees see gender biases in esports as a consequence of stereotypical gender roles in gaming tout-court (e.g., girls do not like violence, boys are competitive by nature). The rationale for separating male and female in esports, however, seems rooted in the need for female gamers to create role-models and grow in self-confidence. We scrutinize the considerations emerging from our interviews under a Feminist HCI lens and discuss how HCI research can help design equitable environments in esports.
Supervisors’ Perceptions of Their Integration of Strength-Based and Multicultural Approaches to Supervision:

This study explored how, and to what degree, clinical supervisors utilize and integrate strength-based and multicultural approaches. We conducted a qualitative investigation using a grounded theory...
Insights on an automated fall detection device designed for older adult wheelchair and scooter users: A qualitative study.

Abstract Background Falls are a concern for older adults who use wheelchairs and scooters. Many wheelchair and scooter users require assistance to recover from a fall and often lie on the ground waiting for assistance for 10 min or more. An automated fall detection device may facilitate communication with care partners and expedite recovery; however, there is limited research on the specifications and features of an automated fall detection device preferred by older adults who use wheelchair and scooter. Objective To examine the desired specifications, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of an automated fall detection device desired by older adults who use a wheelchair or scooter through semi-structured interviews. Methods Fifteen full-time wheelchair and scooter users (9 females; age: 68 ± 5 years) were interviewed from July to November 2020. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Results Preferred features include wireless charging, a watch form, ability to change the individual who is contacted in the event of a fall, and the ability to disable a notification in the event of a false alarm. Participants felt that an automated fall detection device would be useful and easy to use. Conclusions Older adults who use a wheelchair or scooter indicated the need for an automated fall detection device to facilitate recovery from a fall. Participants reported challenges with previous fall detection devices and the need for specific design requirements to facilitate ongoing use. Participants’ insights inform the design of a fall detection device to maximize usability and prevent technology abandonment.
A Prospective Trial of Clinical Intuition to Predict Survival in Patients With Metastatic Cancer Referred to Radiation Oncology

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) We hypothesized that experienced clinicians could predict survival of patients with metastatic cancer better than validated models alone thereby demonstrating the value of clinician intuition. MATERIALS/METHODS This prospective, single institution, cohort study conducted at a community hospital recruited 73 patients with metastatic cancer referred to radiation oncology between October 2016 and December 2017. Survival estimates were prospectively calculated using the validated Chow, TEACHH and NEAT models. The consulting nurse and physician were prospectively surveyed on whether the patient would survive a longer or shorter duration than the NEAT estimate. Associations between clinical characteristics and survival from the time of initial consultation to death or last follow-up were assessed using the log rank test with a P-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Multivariable analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards method. The accuracy of predictions between groups was assessed using the McNemar's chi-squared test for marginal frequencies of two binary outcomes. C-index was calculated as a measure of predictive discrimination. RESULTS The median survival for enrolled patients was 9.2 months. On Cox multivariate analysis, the NEAT model predicted overall survival (P = 0.001) while the Chow (P = 0.98) and TEACHH models (P = 0.38) were not statistically significant. The accuracy of nursing and physician predictions was similarly accurate (61.6% vs. 60.3%, P = 0.85). Compared to the NEAT model alone, physician predictions were independently predictive of overall survival (P = 0.02) on multivariable analysis while nursing predictions did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.20). The C-index for the NEAT model alone was 0.707 compared to 0.726 when physician predictions were combined with the NEAT model. Since radiation dose intensity was informed by predicted survival, a hypothesis generating analysis demonstrated a median survival for patients receiving an EQD2 dose of ≥40 Gy was 17.3 months vs. 2.0 months for an EQD2 dose of < 40 Gy (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study provides proof of principle that clinical intuition can modestly supplement the accuracy the NEAT model to more accurately predict survival in patients with advanced cancer.
Poverty, Crime and Economic Polarization in America

Every day I read about the increasing income inequality in the United States. This very morning I saw an article written by Hope Yen [1] of the Associated Press, which stated, “worker’s wages and salaries are growing at the lowest rate relative to corporate profits in U.S. history.” Yen’s article helped to shed light on a statistic released just last week by the U.S. department of agricultural, which reported that 20% of all American households made use of food stamps. Yen asserts that a significant number of food stamp recip ients are low-wage workers with some college. Though her article focuses on young working people, I can’t help but draw a link to the large majority of poor women in America’s prison system. I caught a glimpse into the lives of some of these women while reading Piper Kerman’s bestselling memoir, Orange is the New Black. Because so many of my university students are watching the Netflix television series that Ker man’s book is based on, and because I have a particu lar interest in women and crime, I p icked up the Sp iegel and Grau paperback edition of Orange is the New Black several months ago. At the beginning of Kerman’s account of life in p rison, I learned that she served time after being convicted of a non-violent crime she had committed ten years before. She spent most of her 13 -month period of incarceration at a low-level security Federal Correct ional Institution known as Danbury as it is located in Danbury, Connecticut. Throughout this memoir, Kerman relays many of her fellow inmate’s dramat ic and heart wrenching stories. In this regard she continually reminds the reader that the majority of Danbury inmates were “poor, poorly educated, and came from neighborhoods where the mainstream econom was barely present and the narcotics trades provided the most opportunity for employment".
Nuclear Pumped O 2 (1▵)-I 2 Laser

Neutrons from a pulsed Training Research Isotope Products General Atomics (TRIGA) research reactor are used to create nuclear reactions in a boron coating on the wall of an irradia-tiJn chamber that surrounds flowing oxygen. This generates high-energy ions that interact with the oxygen, producing the long-lived metastable, 02(1▵). Current experiments use 1 to 5 Torr of 02 in 100 to 200 Torr of Ar carrier gas. The 1.27-μm emission from 02(1▵) is monitored 8 meters from the excitation region and nearly 1 second after the reactor pulse (-10 msec wide). Results to date indicate 02;1M/02(3E) fractions obtained are well above the 17% required to invert iodine in a flowing transfer laser. The 02(1▵)-12 laser is of particular interest as a candidate driver for an inertial confinement fusion reactor. Since energy coupling between the pellet and driver occurs directly through neutrons, rela-tively high system efficiencies appear possible. Further, the long-lived 02(1▵) state provides the energy storage time (fractions of a second) needed between pellet implosions.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the radiative forcing of contrail cirrus contaminated by black carbon

[1] The effects of internal and external mixings of black carbon (BC) (soot) in ice particles on the radiative properties of contrail cirrus are investigated using a simple ice plate model. The internal mixing state absorbs substantially more radiation as compared with its external mixing counterpart due to light absorption enhancement from all directions. The soot absorption effect is largely confined to wavelengths shorter than about 1.4 µm, beyond which ice absorption predominates. For an ice crystal size of 5 µm internally mixed with a soot particle of 0.1 µm radius in contrail cirrus with an optical depth of 0.5, the instantaneous radiative forcings at the top of and within the atmosphere are approximately 0.2 and 0.8 W/m2, respectively. In view of the likelihood of multiple inclusions of soot particles in contrail cirrus, these values are lower limits. Thus, a realistic assessment of the global and regional radiative forcings of contrail cirrus for climate studies must account for the radiative effect induced by soot mixing states associated with the microscopic formation of ice particles.