cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective Evaluation of a Single Incision Sling for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Purpose: We report 12-month outcomes of the MiniArc™ single incision sling for stress urinary incontinence in women.Materials and Methods: We performed a multicenter, prospective, single arm institutional review board/ethics committee approved study evaluating the effectiveness of the MiniArc sling after implantation via qualitative (Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form) and quantitative (1-hour pad weight test and cough stress test) measurements. Secondary outcome measures included procedural variables (procedure time and estimated blood loss), length of stay, perioperative complications, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale and adverse events.Results: A total of 188 women with a mean age of 51.1 ± 10.6 years (median 50.4, range 25.9 to 79.6) were enrolled in the study. At 1 year 157 patients were available for analysis. Mean procedure time, estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were 11.0 ± 6.7 minutes (median 10, range 2 to 55), 41.7 ± 47.0 ml (medi...
Responses of Children, Parents, and Nurses to Tympanic Thermometry in the Pediatric Office

This study was designed to assess children's behavioral responses to tympanic thermometry. In addition, parents' and nurses' impressions of this new technology were evaluated. 224 patients were enrolled from three private pediatric practices. Patients were alternately assigned to have their temperature taken with either a tympanic thermometer or with a rectal or oral thermometer. Parents and nurses were then asked to fill out a short questionnaire to describe their observations of the child's behavior during temperature taking and to describe their own feelings about the temperature taking method used. Parents were also asked to assess their usual method of temperature taking at home and their child's usual behavioral response.Tympanic thermometry was rated higher by both parents and nurses for speed, ease, cleanliness, and safety. Parents and nurses were more confident in the accuracy of traditional temperature taking methods. Children whose temperatures were taken rectally were more likely to be observe...
Throughput optimization for multipath unicast routing under probabilistic jamming

We present a framework for throughput optimization for multipath unicast routing in wireless networks in the presence of probabilistic jamming. The framework introduces a statistical characterization into the maximum network flow problem to compensate for the reduction in network flow due to the loss of jammed packets. We map the problem of throughput optimization under probabilistic jamming to that of optimal investment portfolio selection, treating the network throughput as the return on financial investments and using a common portfolio selection framework from financial statistics. Based on the portfolio selection framework, we present approaches to maximize expected throughput and to minimize throughput variance. We include both a detailed example and a simulation study to illustrate the application of the throughput optimization framework.
NEUTROPHILIC POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUCOCYTES IN OBESE CHILDREN

In 378 obese and 35 control children, a patho-histometric study was performed regarding the relation of the morphology of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leucocytes(PMNL) to obesity. Sudan Black B staining studies were undertaken to compare the change in PMNL in obese and nonobese childhood groups. The size and density of the cytoplasm of the PMNL were greater in the obese group. The average diameter of PMNL was 14.2 +/- 0.1 micra in the obese group and 13.6 +/- 0.2 in the control group. The electron microscopic feature of PMNL in the obese group included an increase in the number of the specific granules with diameter of 0.1 to 0.2 micron. These PMNL in obesity may be correlated with changes in the serum or hepatic lipid levels. An elevation of cholesterol, triglyceride, and beta-lipoprotein in the serum was found in obese children. The hepatic function was abnormal only in advanced degree of obesity.
Mars in Transition: Latest Results from the Red Planet

Summary form only given. An impressive armada of spacecraft is operating in orbit and on the surface of Mars today. This paper reviews some of the latest findings from the ongoing missions and the prospects for future progress.
Communication skills instruction: An analysis of self, peer-group, student instructors and faculty assessment

Abstract Objective To explore the correlation of student and faculty assessments of, second-year dental students’ (D2s) communicative skills during simulated patient interviews. Methods Eighty-two D2s, 14 student instructors and 8 faculty used a 5-point scale, (1 = poor–5 = excellent) to assess 12 specific communicative skills of D2s generating assessment sources of self, peer-group, student instructor, and faculty. Mean scores and comparisons between assessment sources were calculated. Spearman correlations evaluated relationships between specific skills and assessment sources. Results Mean assessment score and standard error for peer-group (4.14 ± 0.04), was higher than self (3.86 ± 0.06, p ρ = 0.46, p ρ = 0.35, p ρ = 0.28, p Conclusion Student assessments were different from faculty by mean score and correlation index. Future studies are needed to determine the nature of the differences found between student and faculty assessments. Practice implications Peer, student instructor and faculty assessments of dental students’ communicative skills are not necessarily interchangeable but may offer uniquely different and valuable feedback to students.
Low abundance of sweat duct Cl− channel CFTR in both healthy and cystic fibrosis athletes with exceptionally salty sweat during exercise

To understand potential mechanisms explaining interindividual variability observed in human sweat sodium concentration ([Na+]), we investigated the relationship among [Na+] of thermoregulatory sweat, plasma membrane expression of Na+ and Cl− transport proteins in biopsied human eccrine sweat ducts, and basal levels of vasopressin (AVP) and aldosterone. Lower ductal luminal membrane expression of the Cl− channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was observed in immunofluorescent staining of sweat glands from healthy young adults identified as exceptionally “salty sweaters” (SS) (n = 6, P < 0.05) and from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) (n = 6, P < 0.005) compared with ducts from healthy young adults with “typical” sweat [Na+] (control, n = 6). Genetic testing of healthy subjects did not reveal any heterozygotes (“carriers”) for any of the 39 most common disease-causing CFTR mutations in the United States. SS had higher baseline plasma [AVP] compared with control (P = 0.029). Imm...
Predicted wavelengths and transition rates for magnetic-dipole transitions within 3S2 3pn ground configurations of ionized Cu to Mo

Scaled Hartree–Fock radial integrals for the electrostatic parameter (F2) and the spin–orbit parameter (ζp) and empirical values for the effective far configuration interaction parameter α were used in calculating the energy levels of the 3s23pn configurations of ions of copper through molybdenum in the Al, Si, P, S, and Cl isoelectronic sequences. The scale factors were obtained from the trend of fitted values derived from known energy levels of potassium through nickel and known magnetic-dipole lines from copper to molybdenum. The estimated uncertainty for the transition energies varies from ±200 cm−1 for Cu to ±1000 cm−1 for Mo. Wave functions generated with the scaled integrals were used to calculate magnetic-dipole transition rates between the calculated energy levels.
40 nm broadband SOA-Raman hybrid amplifier

A hybrid SOA-Raman amplifier scheme with over 40 nm operational bandwidth has been demonstrated. This novel and simple configuration can significantly increase span length and optical signal-to-noise ratio. Q-factors are measured to optimize the operating condition for the two schemes. The performance is related to crosstalk in SOA and overall OSNR.
Effects of Supplement Type on Growth and Pregnancy Rate of Yearling Brahman-Crossbred Heifers1

The effects of winter supplement type on growth and pregnancy rate of fallborn, yearling heifers was investigated over 2 consecutive yr. During both years, heifers were stratified by breed (Braford and Brangus-crossbred) and BW and randomly assigned to one of two treatments consisting of 1) wheat middling-based range cube or 2) molasses-cottonseed meal slurry (n = 34 and 24 heifers per treatment for yr 1 and 2, respectively). Supplements were fed at rates to achieve a target of 1.47 and 0.34 kg of supplemental TDN and CP daily, respectively. Four limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) pastures were utilized each year (n = 2 pastures per treatment; 0.71 and 0.51 ha per heifer for yr 1 and 2, respectively). All heifers were allowed freechoice access to stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) hay during periods of limited pasture forage availability. During a 70d breeding season, heifers were combined by group and exposed to mature Angus bulls. Bulls were rotated among pastures
Cortical Actin Dynamics Facilitate Early-Stage Centrosome Separation

Summary Proper centrosome separation is a prerequisite for positioning the bipolar spindle. Although studies demonstrate that microtubules (MTs) and their associated motors drive centrosome separation [1], the role of actin in centrosome separation remains less clear. Studies in tissue culture cells indicate that actin- and myosin-based cortical flow is primarily responsible for driving late centrosome separation [2], whereas other studies suggest that actin plays a more passive role by serving as an attachment site for astral MTs to pull centrosomes apart [3–6]. Here we demonstrate that prior to nuclear envelope breakdown (NEB) in Drosophila embryos, proper centrosome separation does not require myosin II but requires dynamic actin rearrangements at the growing edge of the interphase cap. Both Arp2/3- and Formin-mediated actin remodeling are required for separating the centrosome pairs before NEB. The Apc2-Armadillo complex appears to link cap expansion to centrosome separation. In contrast, the mechanisms driving centrosome separation after NEB are independent of the actin cytoskeleton and compensate for earlier separation defects. Our studies show that the dynamics of actin polymerization drive centrosome separation, and this has important implications for centrosome positioning during processes such as cell migration [7, 8], cell polarity maintenance [9, 10], and asymmetric cell division [11, 12].
Coblation tonsillectomy: a double blind randomized controlled study

Tonsillectomy has been performed by a number of techniques. This double blind randomized controlled study compares the technique of tissue coblation with bipolar dissection for the removal of tonsils in 10 adult patients with a history of chronic tonsillitis. A significant reduction in post-operative pain and more rapid healing of the tonsillar fossae were found in the side removed by tissue coblation. There were no episodes of primary or secondary haemorrhage on either side. This new technique for tonsil removal warrants further study.
A new method for bulk passivation in multicrystalline-Si by sulfur

A new bulk passivation method for multicrystalline-Si using H2S is proposed. It has the added benefit of both hydrogen and sulfur for bulk passivation. Minority carrier lifetime of the samples is measured to monitor the effect of passivation. It is found that sulfur passivation takes place at higher temperatures, ∼100°C higher, than hydrogen passivation, and sulfur passivation results in much higher lifetime gains than hydrogen passivation (2750% vs. 359%). Post-annealing in ambient further improves the lifetime of the samples, which is attributed to improved surface passivation on the p-type samples by Al2O3. The highest lifetime gain achieved is 6750% for H2S passivated samples vs. ∼2400% for forming gas passivated samples. Post-annealing also improves the stability of the increased lifetime.
Factors to concentrate on to prevent periparturient disease in the dairy cow with special emphasis on milk fever

Efficient milk production continues to require the dairy cow to experience gestation and parturition each year. The transition from pregnant, non-lactating to non-pregnant, lactating is too often a disastrous experience for the cow. Most of the metabolic diseases of dairy cows - milk fever, ketosis, retained placenta, and displacement of the abomasum - occur within the first 2 weeks (wk) of lactation. The etiology of many of those metabolic diseases that are not clinically apparent during the first 2 wk of lactation, such as laminitis, can be traced back to insults that occurred in early lactation. In addition to metabolic disease, the overwhelming majority of infectious diseases, especially mastitis, but also diseases such as Johne's disease and Salmonellosis, become clinically apparent during the first 2 wk of lactation. The well-being of the cow and her profitability could be greatly enhanced by understanding those factors that account for the high disease incidence in periparturient cows. Three basic physiologic functions must be maintained during the periparturient period if disease is to be avoided. These are: 1. adaptation of the rumen to high energy density lactation diets to reduce the degree of negative energy balance experienced by the cow; 2. maintenance of normocalcemia; and 3. reducing the degree of immunosuppression that occurs around parturition. Both metabolic disease and infectious disease incidence are greatly increased whenever one or more of these physiological functions is impaired. The etiological role of each of these three physiological factors on the development of each of the common diseases encountered during the periparturient period is discussed more fully in reference.17 A brief discussion of the etiology of several important periparturient diseases is presented below.
Investment Treaties and Arbitration

This article provides information on the documentation related to investment treaties and investment arbitration and examines current activity by the European Union and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) related to the publication of documents and legal transparency in this field.
Latinas in the Workplace: An Emerging Leadership Force by Esther Elena Lopez-Mulnix, Mimi Wolverton, and Salwa A. Zaki

In response to observations that there is a need for leadership narratives about women, and in particular Latinas, the authors of Latinas in the Workplace: An Emerging Leadership Force set out to t...
What Works for Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction? Evidence from the Corn Belt in the United States

This paper joins the non-point source pollution regulation discussion and examines whether economic incentives provided by crop insurance subsidies alter fertilizer application decisions in the direction with environmental benefits. The model predicts that farmers regularly apply more fertilizer than optimal in a given year to take advantage of yield gains in the few years with favorable weather conditions, and that the long-term optimal fertilizer application level reduces with crop insurance, thus creating environmental externalities. Intuitively, farmers use “insurance application” of fertilizer at their own full expenses to achieve exceptional good yields and profits to make up for losses in bad years to sustain long-term profitability. With insurance covering the loss in very bad years, such incentive is reduced, resulting in a reduced the long-term optimal fertilizer level. Empirically, this study finds that a reduction in fertilizer use was achieved in the search of reducing systemic production risk in agriculture via crop insurance. An Instrumental variable (IV) approach was used taking advantage of the exogenous shocks on crop insurance enrollment induced by Federal Crop Insurance Reform Act (FCIRA) of 1994 and the differential response to the policy due to past extreme heat shocks. The study finds that counties in the Corn Belt where cropland is dominated by corn and soybean production showed an 18.5% decrease in commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizer use. No significant change in phosphorus (P) fertilizer application was found. The difference in behavior responses between N and P is expected and can be explained by the natural process of N and P in the soil and history of nutrients management in the Corn Belt. These findings suggest that public programs that alters economic incentives can have significant knock-on effects on agricultural non-point source pollution. Further, effective design of economic incentive programs in regulating agricultural NPS pollution should be rooted in understanding natural process of the pollutants in the ecosystem. More broadly, policy targeting the same population, regardless of the designed purpose of the programs, should be considered when predicting policy outcomes.
Construction and Management of Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness System

Objective To study the training of medical multi-disciplinary or interdisciplinary nurses in public emergency rescue. Methods Twelve backbones from nursing staff were selected and trained respectively in Emergency Department, ICU, operating room, obstetrics, blood purification center in and out of the hospital to master first-aid knowledge and skills. Results Disaster nursing and emergency preparedness system, in which nurses' role in public emergency rescue was highlighted, played an important role in the research and teaching of the whole hospital. Disaster preparedness nurses ' average scores of medical theory tests increased from 78.50 to 90.60 after training and their scores of first-aid skills increased from 84.35 to 94.56. The nursing service quality increased significantly and was unanimously approved by doctors, peer nurses and society. Conclusion It is important to set up the disaster nursing and emergency preparedness system to improve nursing disaster rescue ability comprehensively.
Memory and Monarchy: A Seventeenth-Century Painting from Bijapur and its Afterlives

The well-known Deccan painting, The House of Bijapur, completed c. 1680 by the artists Kamāl Muḥammad and Chand Muḥammad, depicts eight of the ʿAdil Shahi rulers of Bijapur seated together in an imaginary dynastic meeting. This article closely analyses the painting, as well as later iterations of its imagery, to examine how historical memory of Bijapur and its Muslim rulers developed. The first half of the article focuses on the House of Bijapur itself, looking at the artists’ use of composition, visual motifs, styles, and modes of dress in order to explore how court artists working in the late seventeenth century visually defined the sultanate’s identity and that of each of its rulers, moving backwards in time almost two hundred years. The second half of the paper traces the imagery’s later iterations: within a few years of the painting’s creation, its distinctive imagery was being copied, collected, and circulated in environments quite different from that of its origin. These later versions and the ways...
An Introduction to Catholicism

The Vatican. The Inquisition. Contraception. Celibacy. Apparitions and miracles. Plots and scandals. The Catholic Church is seldom out of the news. But what do its one billion adherents really believe, and how do they put their beliefs into practice in worship, the family, and society? This down-to-earth account goes back to the early Christian creeds to uncover the roots of modern Catholic thinking. It avoids getting bogged down in theological technicalities, and throws light on aspects of the Church's institutional structure and liturgical practice that even Catholics can find baffling: why go to confession? How are people made saints? What is 'infallible' about the Pope? Topics addressed include:scripture and traditionsacraments and prayerpopular piety personal and social moralityreform, mission, and interreligious dialogueLawrence Cunningham, a theologian, prize-winning writer and university teacher, provides an overview of Catholicism today which will be indispensable for undergraduates and lay study groups.
New to the Scene: The Emerging Paradigm of Geographic Hypermedia and its Application in St. Louis Film Tourism

Endless media images permeate today's cultural environment. Tourism marketers have learned to compete by creating flashier representations of destinations. Through the use of geographic hypermedia, maps have become more dynamic and interactive. This paper explores the evolution of Geographic Hypermedia Systems and its growing relationship with the tourism industry. By establishing a case study of film tourism in St. Louis, Missouri, I describe the steps needed to create a basic hypermedia movie map using readily available resources.
Quantifying breakeven price distributions in stochastic techno-economic analysis

Abstract Techno-economic analysis (TEA) is a well-established modeling process for evaluating the economic feasibility of emerging technologies. Most previous TEA studies focused on creating reliable cost estimates but returned deterministic net present values (NPV) and deterministic breakeven prices which cannot convey the considerable uncertainties embedded in important techno-economic variables. This study employs stochastic techno-economic analysis in which Monte Carlo simulation is incorporated into traditional TEA. The distributions of NPV and breakeven price are obtained. A case of cellulosic biofuel production from fast pyrolysis and hydroprocessing pathway is used to illustrate the method of modeling stochastic TEA and quantifying the breakeven price distribution. The input uncertainties are translated to outputs so that the probability density distribution of both NPV and breakeven price are derived. Two methods, a mathematical method and a programming method, are developed to quantify breakeven price distribution in a way that can consider future price trend and uncertainty. Two scenarios are analyzed, one assuming constant real future output prices, and the other assuming that future prices follow an increasing trend with stochastic disturbances. It is demonstrated that the breakeven price distributions derived using the developed methods are consistent with the corresponding NPV distributions regarding the percentile value and the probability of gain/loss. The results demonstrate how breakeven price distributions communicate risks and uncertainties more effectively than NPV distributions. The stochastic TEA and the methods of creating breakeven price distribution can be applied to evaluating other technologies.
Electrodes and Montages

Many issues related to electrodes and montages are the same with for cEEG as for routine EEG and long-term video EEG monitoring. Electrodes must be applied in a safe, reliable/reproducible, and standardized way to provide adequate spatial and temporal representation of cerebral activity. The montages used should allow for adequate visualization of activities of interest. However, there are several unique considerations for cEEG with respect to both.
A Double Disturbance Observer Design for Compensation of Unknown Time Delay in a Wireless Motion Control System

Unknown time delay poses a significant challenge to the design of networked motion control systems. Moreover, modeling uncertainties, mechanical disturbance, and sensor noise coexist with time delay in such systems, which makes the controller synthesis even more challenging. It has been proven effective to model the time delay as fictitious disturbance so that a disturbance observer (DOB) can be employed to cancel the negative effect of time delay. In this brief, a new double DOB (DDOB) design is proposed by adding one more DOB into the control system to handle actual external disturbance and enable satisfactory tracking performance. Design considerations of the baseline controller and the two DOBs are illustrated, and robust stability analysis is provided to handle modeling uncertainties. A real-time wireless communication protocol, RT-WiFi, is integrated with a DC motor to examine the performance of the proposed DDOB by simulations and experiments.
Swamp rabbits as indicators of wildlife habitat quality in bottomland hardwood forest ecosystems

Abstract Reforestation of bottomland hardwood (BLH) forests has occurred within the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), USA, to support a wide range of ecosystem services, but especially wildlife habitat enhancement. As ecosystem restoration efforts proceed in BLH ecosystems, managers and policymakers are seeking criteria to evaluate wildlife habitat enhancement goals. Specialist wildlife that evolved within forest ecosystems can be sensitive to the composition, structure, and function of an ecosystem in relation to the system's natural or historical range of variation and thereby serve as indicators of habitat quality. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is a specialist species of BLH forests throughout the LMAV and therefore may be an appropriate indicator species for this ecosystem. To address this, we reviewed peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the utility of swamp rabbits as an indicator species according to three commonly-used criteria: habitat factors defining swamp rabbit relationships to BLH forests, the importance of swamp rabbit habitat to other wildlife, and the efficiency of swamp rabbit monitoring. We conclude that the swamp rabbit is a suitable indicator of wildlife habitat quality in BLH ecosystems in the LMAV because they evolved and remain endemic to the ecosystem, use habitat that integrates desirable characteristics that positively influence wildlife biodiversity, and are easy to monitor routinely.
Labor Unions and the Great Recession

This article examines the impact of the Great Recession on the U.S. labor movement. After reviewing the classic industrial relations literature on the relationship between unionization rates and business cycles, we analyze historical union density trends. After documenting the relentless downward trend in the private sector from the early 1980s, with no apparent relationship to the business cycle, we analyze the negative impact of the political dynamic that unfolded in the wake of the Great Recession on public-sector unionism in sharp contrast to what took place during the Great Depression. We also explore the new forms of labor organizing that have emerged in the private sector, which have capitalized on the growing public concern about rising inequality sparked by Occupy Wall Street.
Neural Network Techniques and Its Applications in Ladle Furnace Burden

Abstract In this paper, a new kind of optimal burden technique of ladle furnace is presented. Based on the single pure form method of linear programming, the optimal calculation of the addition quantity of each kind of alloy in the minimum cost is carried out, the percentage of alloy may be decided by means of neural network technique under the different liquid steed and slag conditions. So the small scale control in composition of liquid steel can be realized . At the same time, the cost of the steel making will be lower than ever before, the method presented in this paper is effective on concrete practice of steelmaking in ladle furnace.
Editor's Highlight: Pulmonary Vascular Thrombosis in Rats Exposed to Inhaled Sulfur Mustard.

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent. When inhaled, SM causes significant injury to the respiratory tract. Although the mechanism involved in acute airway injury after SM inhalation has been well described previously, the mechanism of SM’s contribution to distal lung vascular injury is not well understood. We hypothesized that acute inhalation of vaporized SM causes activated systemic coagulation with subsequent pulmonary vascular thrombi formation after SM inhalation exposure. Sprague Dawley rats inhaled SM ethanolic vapor (3.8 mg/kg). Barium/gelatin CT pulmonary angiograms were performed to assess for pulmonary vascular thrombi burden. Lung immunohistochemistry was performed for common procoagulant markers including fibrin(ogen), von Willebrand factor, and CD42d in control and SM-exposed lungs. Additionally, systemic levels of d-dimer and platelet aggregometry after adenosine diphosphate- and thrombin-stimulation were measured in plasma after SM exposure. In SM-exposed lungs, chest CT angiography demonstrated a significant decrease in the distal pulmonary vessel density assessed at 6 h postexposure. Immunohistochemistry also demonstrated increased intravascular fibrin(ogen), vascular von Willebrand factor, and platelet CD42d in the distal pulmonary vessels (<200 µm diameter). Circulating d-dimer levels were significantly increased (p < .001) at 6, 9, and 12 h after SM inhalation versus controls. Platelet aggregation was also increased in both adenosine diphosphate - (p < .01) and thrombin- (p < .001) stimulated platelet-rich plasma after SM inhalation. Significant pulmonary vascular thrombi formation was evident in distal pulmonary arterioles following SM inhalation in rats assessed by CT angiography and immunohistochemistry. Enhanced systemic platelet aggregation and activated systemic coagulation with subsequent thrombi formation likely contributed to pulmonary vessel occlusion.
Molecular Genetic Techniques for Prenatal Diagnosis

Molecular genetic techniques have clarified the DNA abnormalities that cause a variety of genetic disorders. Use of restriction endonucleases, Southern blots, and DNA hybridization has made it possible to detect several types of hemoglobinopathies routinely as early as 8–10 weeks after conception. These types of studies are now being applied to the prenatal diagnosis of a growing number of other genetic disorders. Further developments will bring wider applicability and increased sensitivity, and the number and variety of disorders that will be detectable make knowledge of these tools pertinent to almost every medical subspeciality.
Shared and Distinct Rupture Discriminants of Small and Large Intracranial Aneurysms

Background and Purpose— Many ruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are small. Clinical presentations suggest that small and large IAs could have different phenotypes. It is unknown if small and large IAs have different characteristics that discriminate rupture. Methods— We analyzed morphological, hemodynamic, and clinical parameters of 413 retrospectively collected IAs (training cohort; 102 ruptured IAs). Hierarchal cluster analysis was performed to determine a size cutoff to dichotomize the IA population into small and large IAs. We applied multivariate logistic regression to build rupture discrimination models for small IAs, large IAs, and an aggregation of all IAs. We validated the ability of these 3 models to predict rupture status in a second, independently collected cohort of 129 IAs (testing cohort; 14 ruptured IAs). Results— Hierarchal cluster analysis in the training cohort confirmed that small and large IAs are best separated at 5 mm based on morphological and hemodynamic features (area under the curve=0.81). For small IAs ( Conclusions— Small (
Anesthesia for Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures have shown a great deal of technological innovation that has dramatically changed thoracic surgery. VATs has shown to be less invasive painful and equally efficacious compared to traditional open surgery for specific diseases. The preoperative evaluation involves a comprehensive approach to address not only the underlying lung condition that warrants VATs but the patient’s other comorbid conditions. This chapter discusses the utility of pulmonary function test (PFTs) that may be needed to establish candidate suitability along with intraoperative positioning considerations. The methods for lung isolation will be discussed along with treatment strategies for problems encountered with one lung ventilation. A thorough consideration of multimodal perioperative pain control will help the anesthesia team to work towards best patient outcomes.
Fronteiras da diferenga: raça e mulher no Brasil

Neste artigo a autora analisa a invisibilidade da raca e da experiencia das mulheres negras no campo dos estudos da mulher brasileiros. A partir de um olhar comparativo sobre estudos da mulher no Inglaterra, nos Estados Unidos e no Canada a autora explora como questoes sobre diferenca racial entre as mulheres nao foram tratadas nos diferentes contextos nacionais. A analise enfatiza a ausencia da raca na maior parte dos estudos da mulher no Brasil e sugere que, para um melhor entendimento da diversidade das experiencias das mulheres brasileiras, e preciso dar um maior enfoque para “diferenca” racial e para a relacao entre raca e genero.
Geriatric and Primary Care Workforce Development

Reviewing the historical development of physician specialties within the context of market needs, the author explores the possible reasons for the shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals trained to care for the growing older population. The formation and development of pediatrics provides an interesting backdrop to the development of geriatric medicine. The public funding of Graduate Medical Education (GME), which was meant to assure an adequate workforce, may have been responsible for the opposite result. The GME funding structure has discouraged primary care physicians in relation to more procedure oriented specialties. Geriatricians recognize that older individuals may require a different approach to care than younger patients. There are numerous clinical examples in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, prostate cancer, subclinical hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The number of board certified geriatricians is declining annually, compounded by an increasing income gap between primary care physicians and procedurally based specialists. This discrepancy has been growing since the Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1989 with the process for determining physician reimbursement put under the direct purview of the American Medical Association (AMA). There are a variety of possible solutions, all of which include the need for more geriatrician leaders and educators. One possible solution is for GME funds to be focused on developing more primary care geriatricians. No matter what is done from a educational perspective, the financial incentives for physicians must be aligned with the needs of the aging population.
Emerging areas in undergraduate computer science education

Computer Science is a discipline in a state of continual change. As a discipline that borders on many other disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, physics, and psychology, and more recently, as a science that can be applied to many fields such as biology, entertainment, commerce, and communication, Computer Science continues to reinvent itself every 5--7 years. In this context, it is only prudent for Computer Science educators to scan the horizon for emerging areas of the discipline that might affect their curriculum and the way they teach. Emerging areas today include computer and network security, information assurance, robotics, bioinformatics, animation, game programming, web application development, embedded computing, and wireless computing, to name just a few. The value that offering courses in these emerging areas will add to a student's education may make all the difference in an increasingly global job market.
Direct Observation of Massive Arterial Hemorrhage From a Diverticulum of the Hepatic Flexure

Summary A case is reported in which massive colonic bleeding was observed at laparotomy to arise from an artery at the ostium of a diverticulum of the hepatic flexure. The site of hemorrhage was localized by applying clamps segmentally on the bowel, and the bleeding was controlled.
Nontraditional Applications of Damping Measurements

Damping measurements have been traditionally of interest to those concerned with noise and vibration control or microstructural relaxations of metallic materials. This paper discusses some recent nontraditional applications of damping measurements that are not related to either of those topics. These results have important implications for nondestructive evaluation, quality control and alternative approaches to characterization of nonmetallic and composite structures and materials. Recent examples of nondestructive evaluation applications of damping measurements include studies of damage, defects, and degradation in composite materials and structures and the effects of environmental conditions on material behavior. Specific examples include the use of damping measurements in studies of cracks, interfacial debonds, delaminations, and environmentally-induced degradation in composite materials. It has also been shown that the time domain creep and relaxation properties of viscoelastic materials can be obtained from frequency domain measurements of damping and stiffness, and the feasibility of developing a rapid screening test for creep susceptibility based on such measurements is discussed.
Daily Dosing for Bedaquiline in Patients with Tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT The bedaquiline regimen for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in adults is a loading dose of 400 mg QD for 2 weeks followed by 200 mg thrice weekly (TIW) for 22 weeks. Most TB antibiotics administered with bedaquiline are given QD. Using pharmacokinetic simulations, we explored alternative QD bedaquiline regimens and determined that 200 mg QD for 8 weeks followed by 100 mg QD provides comparable exposures to the approved regimen. This simpler regimen is under clinical evaluation.
Costs, Cross-Subsidies, and College Savings: Evaluating Section 529 College Savings Plans

Americans collectively save hundreds of billions of dollars for their children’s education in Section 529 college savings plans. These plans are sponsored by states and largely exempt from regulations that typically apply to money management. This is the first academic study to comprehensively evaluate the quality of menus offered by these plans. While some plans are cost-efficient, there is considerable variation, and many plans are egregiously expensive. While large 401(k) plans have average fees of 0.3%, college savings plans average 0.4% in administrative fees alone, with investment expenses adding another 0.3%. Plans distributed through brokers are particularly costly. Controlling for size, broker-sold plans are 0.83% more expensive than plans sold direct to consumers, even before accounting for brokerage sales charges that may exceed 4% of invested assets. Drawing on a careful examination of plan documents, I show that states generate revenue from plan fees and use that revenue to support activities that don’t directly benefit plan investors, including subsidizing defined-benefit style plans. This cross-subsidization may undermine incentives for state administrators to negotiate lower-costs. These results raise questions about whose interests are served by 529 plans and whether investors are adequately protected.
E-092 Bringing the treatment to the patient: a single center mobile stroke unit experience

Every minute saved in treatment saves a patient one day of disability (Meretoja et al., 2014). In January 2017, a community hospital implemented a mobile stroke unit to decrease time to treatment and improve outcomes for the surrounding community. The goal of the mobile stroke unit is to treat patients as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible. In comparison to conventional EMS treatment the mobile stroke unit has demonstrated a 31 minute improvement in time to thrombolytic therapy (N=50). Time is measured from alarm to thrombolytic start. An analysis of data from last known well to treatment the mobile stroke unit demonstrates a 42 minute improvement. Treatment in the ‘Golden Hour’ is especially important as patients treated within 60 minutes of symptom onset have better outcomes. However, less than 1% of patients are treated within the 60 minute timeframe (Ebinger et al., 2015). In the mobile stroke unit, 29% of patients are treated within 60 minutes of symptom onset compared to 7% in the Emergency Department. The goal of improving time to treatment is improving functional outcomes. Sixty-nine percent of mobile stroke unit patients achieve a good or excellent outcome (modified Rankin scale of 0–2). Additionally, 44% of stroke patients treated in the mobile stroke unit return to a pre-stroke baseline compared to 36% in the Emergency Department. There is no increase in mortality rates in the mobile stroke unit group compared to Emergency Department treatment. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation rate is 0% compared to 5% in the Emergency Department. In conclusion, the mobile stroke unit has demonstrated a time to treatment benefit. Additionally, there has been an increase in treatment within the ‘Golden Hour’. There has been no increase in mortality or complication rates. Disclosures H. Shownkeen: None. A. Lindstrom: None. H. Crumlett: None. M. Mohajer-Esfahani: None. D. Lumb: None. S. Graham: None.
ROX Index Predicts Intubation in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia and Moderate to Severe Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Receiving High Flow Nasal Therapy

Abstract Use of high flow nasal therapy (HFNT) to treat COVID-19 pneumonia has been greatly debated around the world due to concern for increased healthcare worker transmission and delays in invasive mechanical Ventilation (IMV). Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from March 10, 2020, to May 17, 2020 with moderate to severe respiratory failure treated with High Flow nasal therapy (HFNT). HFNT patients were divided into two groups: HFNT only and HFNT progressed to IMV. The primary outcome was the ability of the ROX index to predict the need of IMV. Results Of the 837 patients with COVID-19, 129 met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 60.8 (±13.6) years, BMI 32.6 (±8), 58 (45 %) were female, 72 (55.8%) were African American, 40 (31%) Hispanic. 48 (37.2%) were smokers. Mean time to intubation was 2.5 days (± 3.3). ROX index of less than 5 at HFNT initiation was predictive of progression to IMV (OR = 2.137, p = 0,052). Any decrease in ROX index after HFNT initiation was predictive of intubation (OR= 14.67, p 0), peak D-dimer >4000 and admission GFR Conclusion ROX index is a valuable, noninvasive tool to evaluate patients with moderate to severe hypoxemic respiratory failure in COVID-19 treated with HFNT. ROX helps predicts need for IMV and thus limiting morbidity and mortality associated with IMV.
The Meaning of Guns to Gun Owners in the U.S.: The 2019 National Lawful Use of Guns Survey.

Introduction A better understanding of the lawful use of guns and the symbolic meaning of guns to gun owners is essential to bridge the divide in public opinion regarding policies to reduce gun violence in the U.S. Methods A national, prerecruited Internet panel of U.S. adults in 2019 was used to survey gun owners (n=2,086) to ascertain their gun-related attitudes and practices. Data were analyzed in 2020. Results The primary reason given for owning a gun was defense (59.4%), followed by recreation (26.8%). A minority of the gun owners in the sample (22.9%) reported taking part in any gun-related activity more than rarely. The proportion of respondents who agreed that guns are an important part of their identity was just 10.0%. The majority of the gun owners viewed gun control advocates as wanting to take away all guns (58.5%). Nearly 70% of gun owners reported that a reason for their reluctance to engage in gun violence prevention was that they feel alienated because they perceive gun control advocates as blaming them for the gun violence problem, not understanding gun ownership, and not understanding much about guns. Conclusions For most of the gun owners, gun ownership plays a practical role as a method of self-protection and has a symbolic association with freedom. Public health practitioners must develop novel communication strategies that avoid alienating gun owners by creating a perception that the ultimate aim is to take their guns away.
Mitigating Fading in Cislunar Communications: Application to the Human Landing System

NASA's human exploration program is currently working towards landing astronauts on the surface of the Moon by 2024, close the lunar South Pole. To guarantee astronaut safety and maximize science data return, NASA is in the process of defining the communication architecture that will support all astronaut activities from launch to surface operations. Of particular interest to this paper are links from the lunar surface back to Earth without any intermediate relays. We show that the system geometry is such that antennas on the landing system will need to be pointed at low elevation angles, thus potentially causing multi-path fading effects not typically encountered in space communications. This paper is organized in three parts. First, we characterize the multi-path fading effects expected in links between the lunar South Pole and Earth and show that for moderate data rates (less than 1 Mbps) the links suffer from slow fading. We then show that for this operations regime the performance of forward error correction schemes is significantly worse for traditional Additive White Gaussian Noise channels. Finally, we investigate multi-copy mechanisms to mitigate the effects of fading, most notably repetition schemes and Automatic Repeat Request.
LSU Law Center Journal of Civil Law Studies, Vol. 2, 2009 (Complete)

Volume 2 of the Journal of Civil Law Studies (2 JCLS 2009) contains articles on the origins of French legal culture in North America (Vanderlinden), the future of civil codes in France and North American (Moreteau), the role of caveat emptor in Louisiana and Islamic law (Borroni & Tabor), a cultural analysis of class actions (Piche), and a comparative economic analysis of the law of mergers and acquisitions in France and the U.S. (Cavalier & Straub). The volume also includes a book review of the reprint of Schmidt’s Civil Law of Spain and Mexico and a note on the bicentennial of the Louisiana Civil Code. For more information on the JCLS visit www.law.lsu.edu/jcls
SARCOCYSTOSIS IN A CAPTIVE FLOCK OF THICK-BILLED PARROTS (RHYNCHOPSITTA PACHYRHYNCHA) FROM 2005 TO 2016: MORBIDITY, MORTALITY, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Sarcocystosis was diagnosed in a captive flock of thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Queens Zoo. Since the index case in 2005, 45% of mortalities in birds over 30 days of age were due to sarcocystosis. Sarcocystis falcatula was repeatedly identified as the causative agent. The disease predominantly affected younger adult parrots. Administration of antiparasitic medications prior to development of respiratory signs prolonged life in infected birds, but disease was fatal until utilization of a three-drug combination (pyrimethamine, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ponazuril). This protocol may require in excess of 6 mo of therapy to achieve clinical resolution of active disease. Plasma creatine kinase activity was found to be the most useful test in diagnosing infection and monitoring response to therapy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for apicomplexan organisms on antemortem whole blood, blood smears, or dried blood spots helped confirm suspected cases, but due to the poor sensitivity was sometimes misleading when assessing response to therapy or resolution of clinical disease. Preventive measures, focusing on exclusion and removal of Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) from zoo grounds failed to curtail the occurrence of sarcocystosis in the flock. Other preventative steps, such as modification of feeding stations to exclude potential arthropod paratenic hosts and prophylaxis trials with diclazuril, appeared to successfully mitigate new infections. Given the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, prevention of exposure to S. falcatula is essential to ex-situ conservation efforts for thick-billed parrots.