cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A computer-based design assistant for induction motors

A computer-based design assistant for the synthesis of three-phase squirrel-cage induction motors is discussed. The distinguishing feature of the design assistant is its incorporation of a database of past designs, and its ability to synthesize and to cost new designs. Design synthesis is accomplished via a Monte Carlo procedure that allows the design assistant to transcend the limitations of preprogrammed, heuristic expert knowledge. Costing is achieved by the use of a manufacturing simulator. The design assistant discards all inferior designs, and presents to the customer a feasibility frontier of superior designs. >
On the effect of channel estimation error upon the performance of distributed detection systems

In this paper we consider fusion of decisions in a distributed detection system when the decisions are transmitted over Rayleigh fading channels. We assume noncoherent reception at the fusion center (FC) with a training based channel estimator which estimates amplitude of the channels between the sensors and the FC. We derive the likelihood-ratio-test (LRT) fusion rule that incorporates the channel amplitude estimates when the sensors use OOK or orthogonal modulations (e.g., binary FSK, binary PPM) to modulate their binary local decisions. We also derive a suboptimal fusion rule that approximates the LRT at low SNR. We study the effect of channel amplitude estimation error on the system performance with noncoherent reception using optimal and suboptimal fusion rules in the fusion center. As a benchmark we compare it with a fusion rule that assumes perfect channel amplitude information is available in the FC. Performance evaluation shows that as SNR increases the channel estimation error decreases and the performance of the rules converges to the performance of the corresponding rules with perfect channel amplitude at the FC.
Molecular biological xxxmethods in diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases

Molecular biology is making a tremendous impact on the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. Methods such as the polymerase chain reaction are changing the way physicians diagnose and monitor patients with viral hepatitis. Assays based on recombinant protein antigens allow for detection of specific autoantibodies in diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis. The diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson disease, is being revolutionized by discovery of the defective genes involved and the development of methods to rapidly sequence DNA and identify mutations. Treatments and preventive measures are now possible with use of drugs and vaccines produced by recombinant DNA technology. Gene therapy and nucleic acid-based therapeutics are also realistic future treatment options for individuals with liver diseases.
Impact of acute malaria on pre-existing antibodies to viral and vaccine antigens in mice and humans.

Vaccine-induced immunity depends on long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) that maintain antibody levels. A recent mouse study showed that Plasmodium chaubaudi infection reduced pre-existing influenza-specific antibodies—raising concerns that malaria may compromise pre-existing vaccine responses. We extended these findings to P. yoelii infection, observing decreases in antibodies to model antigens in inbred mice and to influenza in outbred mice, associated with LLPC depletion and increased susceptibility to influenza rechallenge. We investigated the implications of these findings in Malian children by measuring vaccine-specific IgG (tetanus, measles, hepatitis B) before and after the malaria-free 6-month dry season, 10 days after the first malaria episode of the malaria season, and after the subsequent dry season. On average, vaccine-specific IgG did not decrease following acute malaria. However, in some children malaria was associated with an accelerated decline in vaccine-specific IgG, underscoring the need to further investigate the impact of malaria on pre-existing vaccine-specific antibodies.
Frequency characterization of a thin linear antenna using diakoptic antenna theory

A frequency-dependent analytical expression for the input impedance of a thin wire antenna is obtained using diakoptic theory. The linear antenna is diakopted into electrically short segments, where each is treated as a component with two terminals (except for end pieces, which have only one terminal). An impedance matrix is found which characterizes coupling between all segments. By expanding the free-space Green's function in a power series in wavenumber k, each entry in the resultant impedance matrix is obtained as an explicit function of frequency. The input admittance is found as a ratio of two polynomials in wavenumber k. A more systematic approach for the solution of the input admittance is achieved by expanding both the unknown current vector and the Green's function in power series in k. Equating coefficients of like powers in k leads to a numerically efficient algorithm which is used to determine the input admittance as a function of frequency. Numerical results compare well with the input impedance obtained from a conventional integral equation solution. >
Preparing Tomorrow's English Language Arts Teachers Today: Principles and Practices for Infusing Technology

A teacher in Orlando, Florida has her students read Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and they discuss the book chapter by chapter. Sounds like standard operating procedure...except that her students also post their responses to each chapter on a listserv where other students in a classroom in Russia can add their own thoughts. Both classrooms—in Florida and in Russia—are reading through the novel at the same time and at the same rate so the students can share thoughts and negotiate meanings among one another. ●
Identifying and Intervening with Students Exhibiting Signs of Gaming Addiction and other Addictive Behaviors: Implications for Professional School Counselors:

This article discusses strategies professional school counselors can use to recognize and intervene with students who are presenting with signs of addictive behaviors. First, the authors present a definition of addictive behaviors. The authors then define and discuss the most common addictive behaviors impacting adolescents, with a special emphasis on gaming addiction. Finally, the article offers screening and intervention strategies that professional school counselors can use in the school setting.
Oxidative aliphatic carbon–carbon bond cleavage reactions

Abstract Over the past decade, several metalloenzymes have been characterized which catalyze dioxygenase-type aliphatic carbon–carbon bond cleavage reactions. The substrates for these enzymes vary from species that are stable with respect to O2 under ambient conditions, to examples that in anionic form exhibit O2 reactivity in the absence of enzyme. Described herein are advances from studies of the enzymes themselves and model systems. These combined investigations provide insight into novel mechanistic pathways leading to aliphatic carbon–carbon bond cleavage and/or the factors that influence regioselectivity in the oxidative carbon–carbon bond cleavage reactions.
Breast cancer disparities and decision-making among U.S. women

Abstract Objective The impact of breast cancer is immense for all women, but the literature reveals an even greater impact on women of color and among socially and economically disadvantaged populations. Persistent differences in incidence and outcome are undoubtedly due to multiple factors, but one element in poor outcome may be treatment choice. Those treatments shown to be related to best outcomes are less likely to be chosen by certain groups of women. The effects of economic and cultural factors on breast cancer treatment choice have not been thoroughly explored; these factors must be understood if health care professionals are to intervene effectively to address disparities and improve breast cancer outcomes for all women. Methods A review of the breast cancer literature was conducted in order to: (1) describe breast cancer disparities in the United States; (2) delineate factors that might contribute to those disparities; (3) assess possible mitigating factors for predominant causes; (4) begin to decide how health care interventions might allay the factors that contribute to disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality. Results Breast cancer incidence and outcome disparities in the United States are due to multiple interacting factors. These include information about treatment, different types of treatment, the emotional context of decision-making, and patient preference for level of involvement. Treatment decision-making is complex. Conclusion Health literacy and level of decision-making involvement, both embedded in social and economic reality, are key components in breast cancer treatment decision-making and may contribute to breast cancer disparities in the United States. Current models of shared decision-making may not be generalizable to all breast cancer patients. Practice implications Optimal breast cancer outcomes for all women depend on culturally and ethnically appropriate professional support.
Thermal equilibration behind an ionizing shock

The physical mechanisms underlying the relaxation process leading to thermal equilibrium behind ionizing shock waves in argon have been studied through use of optical techniques. The non-equilibrium condition in the relaxation region was investigated experimentally by measuring the shift in the fringes due to a change in the refractive index of the medium with a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. Both electron- and mass-density profiles from the shock front to the equilibrium region were determined. The experimental work has been supplemented by a theoretical analysis of the ionization mechanism to explain the measured profiles and relaxation times.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterization of the Type III Secretion System Tip Chaperone Protein PcrG of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of death among cystic fibrosis patients. To initiate infection, P. aeruginosa assembles a protein nanomachine, the type III secretion system (T3SS), to inject bacterial proteins directly into target host cells. An important regulator of the P. aeruginosa T3SS is the chaperone protein PcrG, which forms a complex with the tip protein, PcrV. In addition to its role as a chaperone to the tip protein, PcrG also regulates protein secretion. PcrG homologues are also important in the T3SS of other pathogens such as Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague. The atomic structure of PcrG or any member of the family of tip protein chaperones is currently unknown. Here, we show by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy that PcrG lacks a tertiary structure. However, it is not completely disordered but contains secondary structures dominated by two long α-helices from residue 16 to 41 and from residue 55 to 76. Th...
Differential disc electrophoresis of serum proteins.

SummaryA polyacrylamide electro-phoretic procedure, in which a complex ionic mixture migrates, through both a large pore and a small pore size gel on a single column is described. The procedure is simple, flexible and results in better separation and resolution of serum proteins. Human serum separated into 44-50 components; and bovine serum into over 30 bands. An economical apparatus for the rapid staining and destaining of disc gels is described which eliminates handling of the gels during the staining and destaining processes.
Accelerating Online Convex Optimization via Adaptive Prediction

We present a powerful general framework for designing data-dependent online convex optimization algorithms, building upon and unifying recent techniques in adaptive regularization, optimistic gradient predictions, and problem-dependent randomization. We first present a series of new regret guarantees that hold at any time and under very minimal assumptions, and then show how different relaxations recover existing algorithms, both basic as well as more recent sophisticated ones. Finally, we show how combining adaptivity, optimism, and problemdependent randomization can guide the design of algorithms that benefit from more favorable guarantees than recent state-of-theart methods.
Analysis on Epidemic Characteristics of Japanese B Encephalitis in Xiangxi Prefecture of Hunan Province

[Objective]To understand the dynamic variation and epidemiologic features of Japanese B encephalitis(JE)in Xiangxi Prefecture of Hunan Province,and provide scientific evidence for developing control measures.[Methods]Report data of JE disease in Xiangxi Prefecture from 1950—2008 were collected.Descriptive epidemiological method was adopted to analyze the epidemiologic features of JE.[Results]The annual incidence of JE was 0～30.2/100 000 in Xiangxi Prefecture from 1950—2008;the average incidence,average annual mortality rate,and average fatality rate was 6.05/100 000,0.86/100 000 and 11.2%,respectively.78.3% of the cases were scattered children,the children aged 5 years accounted for 68.32%,5 to 9 years accounted for 26.53%.Cases occurred from July to August accounted for 84.82% of the total cases.77.86% of the cases had unclear or no history of immunization since 2005.[Conclusion]Most JE cases are scattered children.The comprehensive control measures are based mainly on vaccination,which can effectively reduce the incidence of JE,is the key to control JE epidemic among scattered children in rural and remote mountainous areas.The anti-mosquito measures should also be implemented.
Contemporary Series of Robotic-Assisted Distal Ureteral Reconstruction Utilizing Side Docking Position.

Purpose: The robot-assisted approach to distal ureteral reconstruction is increasingly utilized. Traditionally, the robot is docked between the legs in lithotomy position resulting in limited bladder access for stent placement. We examined the use of side docking of the daVinci robot® to perform distal ureteral reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of distal ureteral reconstruction (ureteral reimplantation and uretero-ureterostomy) executed robotically was performed at a single institution by a single surgeon. The daVinci robotic® Si surgical platform was positioned at the right side of the patient facing towards the head of the patient, i.e. side docking. Results: A total of 14 cases were identified from 2011–2013. Nine patients underwent ureteral reimplantation for ureteral injury, two for vesicoureteral reflux, one for ureteral stricture, and one for megaureter. One patient had an uretero-ureterostomy for a distal stricture. Three patients required a Boari flap due to extensive ureteral injury. Mean operative time was 286 minutes (189–364), mean estimated blood loss was 40cc (10–200), and mean length of stay was 2.3 days (1–4). Follow-up renal ultrasound was available for review in 10/14 patients and revealed no long-term complications in any patient. Mean follow-up was 20.7 months (0.1–59.3). Conclusion: Robot-assisted laparoscopic distal ureteral reconstruction is safe and effective. Side docking of the robot allows ready access to the perineum and acceptable placement of the robot to successfully complete ureteral repair.
Resturant Revenue Management: An Investigation into Changing Standard Operating Proceduresto Maximize Revenue

Changing the standard operating procedures that are used for serving customers during periods of high versus low demand is a method of revenue management employed in restaurants. This study examined the extent to which this practice is used in restaurants that are primarily small businesses and examined its effects on revenue generation. The results of a survey of 85 restaurants provide the first known evidence that changing standard operating procedures is common among these small businesses. Findings support the hypothesis that greater changes in standard operating procedures between periods of high and low demand are significantly and positively associated with revenue generation.
Motor-Coordinative and Cognitive Dysfunction Caused by Mutant TDP-43 Could Be Reversed by Inhibiting Its Mitochondrial Localization

Dominant missense mutations in TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43 represents a pathological hallmark in ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD). Behavioral investigation of the transgenic mouse model expressing the disease-causing human TDP-43 M337V mutant (TDP-43M337V mice) is encumbered by premature death in homozygous transgenic mice and a reported lack of phenotype assessed by tail elevation and footprint in hemizygous transgenic mice. Here, using a battery of motor-coordinative and cognitive tests, we report robust motor-coordinative and cognitive deficits in hemizygous TDP-43M337V mice by 8 months of age. After 12 months of age, cortical neurons are significantly affected by the mild expression of mutant TDP-43, characterized by cytoplasmic TDP-43 mislocalization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal loss. Compared with age-matched non-transgenic mice, TDP-43M337V mice demonstrate a similar expression of total TDP-43 but higher levels of TDP-43 in mitochondria. Interestingly, a TDP-43 mitochondrial localization inhibitory peptide abolishes cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation, restores mitochondrial function, prevents neuronal loss, and alleviates motor-coordinative and cognitive deficits in adult hemizygous TDP-43M337V mice. Thus, this study suggests hemizygous TDP-43M337V mice as a useful animal model to study TDP-43 toxicity and further consolidates mitochondrial TDP-43 as a novel therapeutic target for TDP-43-linked neurodegenerative diseases.
Common mode voltage cancellation in PWM motor drives with balanced inverter topology

This paper proposes a novel inverter topology for canceling the common mode voltage of motor drives, and thus reducing or eliminating the ground leakage current, bearing current, and common mode electromagnetic interference. The proposed topology splits one of the switches on each phase-leg of a conventional inverter into two half-voltage rated switches, and creates two complementary sets of balanced three phase output voltages, whose common mode voltages cancel each other in the driven motor, and is named as “balanced inverter”. The balanced inverter topology does not involve additional passive components, modification of the modulation strategy, or increase of the total device rating. Theoretical analysis, simulation, and testing results are presented to verify this concept.
Association of Transoral Robotic Surgery With Short-term and Long-term Outcomes and Costs of Care in Oropharyngeal Cancer Surgery

Importance The treatment of oropharyngeal cancer has undergone a paradigm shift in the past 2 decades, with an increase in the use of nonoperative treatment owing to poor functional outcomes associated with traditional surgical approaches. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) allows surgical resection of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) with less morbidity through a minimally invasive approach. Objective To investigate the relationship among TORS and short- and long-term outcomes and costs in surgically treated patients with OPC. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 3573 patients who underwent an ablative procedure for OPC in 2010 to 2012 using the MarketScan Commercial Claim and Encounters database. Main Outcomes and Measures The association between TORS and short- and long-term outcomes, length of hospitalization, and treatment-related costs was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression modeling. Results Transoral robotic surgery was performed in 304 surgical cases (8.5%); 94.7% of patients were 40 to 64 years old, and 70.7% were male. The use of TORS increased from 4.1% of surgical cases in 2010 to 13.2% of surgical cases in 2012. Patients who underwent TORS had a lower rate of tracheotomy during treatment (3.9% vs 11.4%), and posttreatment gastrostomy tube use (21.9% vs 34.2%), compared with patients undergoing non-TORS procedures. On multivariate analysis, TORS was not associated with significant differences in postoperative complications or length of hospitalization. There was no significant difference in the odds of receiving postoperative radiation therapy between patients who underwent TORS and those who did not; however, among patients receiving radiation therapy, chemoradiation was significantly less likely following TORS (odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90). TORS was associated with significantly decreased odds of posttreatment gastrostomy (OR, 0.54; 95% CI. 0.30-0.95) and tracheostomy during treatment (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.55) at 1 year, and was associated with significantly decreased overall treatment-related costs of care (mean incremental cost, −$22 724). Conclusions and Relevance The use of TORS for surgical resection of OPC is increasing in the United States and is associated with significantly lower use of adjuvant chemoradiation, late gastrostomy and tracheostomy dependence, and lower overall treatment-related costs of care. These data have implications for discussions of value in OPC care at a time of health care reform.
Preoperative evaluation for epilepsy surgery: Process improvement

Abstract Background: Epilepsy surgery (ES) can improve seizure outcome. A prolonged duration of presurgical evaluation contributes to epilepsy-related morbidity and mortality. We introduced process changes to decrease evaluation time (ET) and increase ES numbers (excluding vagus nerve stimulation). Methods: The University of Colorado Hospital patient database was searched for ESs between January 2009 and May 2016. Measures to reduce ET included (1) increasing patient care conference (PCC) frequency; (2) faster intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) scheduling; (3) dedicated ES clinic; and (4) adding a nurse navigator. ET from noninvasive video-EEG monitoring (P1) to IAT, PCC, and ES, and ES volume were determined and compared for a baseline group (P1 January 2009–March 2013) and a group exposed to process changes (P1 after March 2013), the postchanges group, to assess the effect of these measures. Results: ES number was 61 for the baseline group and 77 for the postchanges group, increasing the annual rate at 3 years after changes from 14.4 to 36.8 ( p = 0.0008; 37% yearly increase postchanges). Interventions lowered average ET by 96 days ( p ≤ 0.0001), P1 to IAT by 39 days ( p = 0.0011), and P1 to PCC by 58 days ( p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Simple process changes, including more frequent patient care conferences, faster scheduling, a dedicated ES clinic, and a nurse navigator significantly decreased evaluation times and increased ES numbers. Centers could utilize similar strategies to improve process and surgical volume and thereby increase patient seizure control and safety.
An Euler solver based on the method of space-time conservation element and solution element

A new numerical algorithm for solving Euler equations based on the method of space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) is introduced in this paper. A representative numerical example on an unsteady implosion/explosion process of a polygonal shock wave in a box is presented here to demonstrate the simplicity, generality, and accuracy of the CE/SE method. Numerical solution is compared with that obtained using a traditional TVD scheme.
When does store consolidation lead to higher emissions

Abstract The design of retail networks has potentially significant impact on their emissions. While having fewer “big-box” stores is usually more emission-efficient for a retailer, it leads to longer shopping trips for consumers and thus higher consumer travel related emissions. This interaction is further complicated by consumers' price sensitivity and aversion to travel. In the last decade, retailers are increasingly exerting efforts to reduce their emissions either voluntarily or motivated by policies such as penalties on emissions. In this paper, we explore the impact of a retailer's emission reduction initiatives on the emissions of the consumers and its supply chain. Scenarios under which the retailer either acts as a price taker or a price setter are investigated. In both scenarios, we show that increased retailer effort to reduce its own emissions can lead to higher consumer emissions and in turn higher total supply chain emissions. This phenomenon is most likely to occur and most significant when consumers' fuel efficiency is low, and when consumers' perceived travel cost and/or cost sensitivity is low. Furthermore, we show that supply chain emissions may increase with an emission penalty under practical penalty values.
Semi-global Output Feedback Stabilization of a Class of Non-uniformly Observable and Non-smoothly Stabilizable Systems

The problem of semi-global stabilization by output feedback is investigated for nonlinear systems which are non-uniformly observable and non-smoothly stabilizable. Previously, it was shown that under certain restrictive conditions, global stabilization of such nonlinear systems was achievable by nonsmooth output feedback. The main contribution of this paper is to prove that in the context of semi-global control, most of the restrictive growth conditions required in the previous work can be relaxed or removed. In particular, we show that without imposing any growth condition, it is possible to achieve semi-global stabilization by nonsmooth output feedback for a chain of odd power integrators perturbed by a triangular vector field — a significant class of nonlinear systems that are known difficult to be controlled via output feedback, due to the lack of smooth stabilizability and uniform observability. Extensions to non-strictly triangular systems are also discussed in the two-dimensional case. Examples are given to demonstrate the key features of the new semi-global output feedback control schemes.
Hardware-Enhanced Security for Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has ushered in an era where cloud customers are able to rapidly access on-demand computing resources made available by third party cloud providers. The cloud providers who maintain these computing resources and lease them out to customers leverage economies of scale and sharing of resources to be able to provide these resources to customers at favorable prices. Cloud computing and this sharing of resources, however, introduces a number of security concerns. These concerns include other, potentially malicious, customers who are co-located on the same system as the customer; or even untrusted system software running on the remote systems where a customer’s code and data execute or reside. To tackle these security concerns, we explore how secure hardware architectures can provide more protections to a customer’s code and data in a cloud computing setting. In particular, we want to show that with hardware enhancements we can make computing in the cloud as secure as in your own dedicated facilities.
Image acquisition devices and their application to diagnostic medicine

This part of the NATO Institute Proceedings will be devoted to a broad review of photoelectronic image acquisition devices used in diagnostic medicine. To the extent that space permits, material covered will include their identity and mechanisms of operation coupled to a discussion of applications. It will not include for example, CT, MRI and ultrasonic imagers which will be covered in other parts of the Proceedings.
Combinatorial cassettes to systematically evaluate tissue-engineered constructs in recipient mice.

Abstract Ectopic bone formation in mice is the gold standard for evaluation of osteogenic constructs. By regular procedures, usually only 4 constructs can be accommodated per mouse, limiting screening power. Combinatorial cassettes (combi-cassettes) hold up to 19 small, uniform constructs from the time of surgery, through time in vivo, and subsequent evaluation. Two types of bone tissue engineering constructs were tested in the combi-cassettes: i) a cell-scaffold construct containing primary human bone marrow stromal cells with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate particles (hBMSCs + HA/TCP) and ii) a growth factor-scaffold construct containing bone morphogenetic protein 2 in a gelatin sponge (BMP2+GS). Measurements of bone formation by histology, bone formation by X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) and gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that constructs in combi-cassettes were similar to those created by regular procedures. Combi-cassettes afford placement of multiple replicates of multiple formulations into the same animal, which enables, for the first time, rigorous statistical assessment of: 1) the variability for a given formulation within an animal (intra-animal variability), 2) differences between different tissue-engineered formulations within the same animal and 3) the variability for a given formulation in different animals (inter-animal variability). Combi-cassettes enable a more high-throughput, systematic approach to in vivo studies of tissue engineering constructs.
From Acetoin to (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol: The Diversity of Volatile Organic Compounds that Induce Plant Responses

Evidence that plants can respond to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was first presented 35 years ago. Since then, over 40 VOCs have been found to induce plant responses. These include VOCs that are produced not only by plants but also by microbes and insects. Here, we summarize what is known about how these VOCs are produced and how plants detect and respond to them. In doing so, we highlight notable observations we believe are worth greater consideration. For example, the VOCs that induce plant responses appear to have little in common. They are derived from many different biosynthetic pathways and have few distinguishing chemical or structural features. Likewise, plants appear to use several mechanisms to detect VOCs rather than a single dedicated "olfactory" system. Considering these observations, we advocate for more discovery-oriented experiments and propose that future research take a fresh look at the ways plants detect and respond to VOCs.
Association of Immunoglobulin Levels, Infectious Risk, and Mortality With Rituximab and Hypogammaglobulinemia.

Importance Rituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric antibody used in a wide variety of clinical indications. There has not been widespread adoption of consistent immune monitoring before and after rituximab therapy. However, there is a subset of patients who develop prolonged, symptomatic hypogammaglobulinemia following rituximab, and monitoring before and after rituximab therapy could help to identify these patients and initiate measures to prevent excess morbidity and mortality. Objective To determine the current levels of screening for hypogammaglobulinemia (specifically, low immunoglobulin G), infectious risks associated with hypogammaglobulinemia, and variables associated with an increased risk of mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants A cohort study was conducted of 8633 patients receiving rituximab from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2017, at a large, tertiary referral center (Partners HealthCare System). Exposures Rituximab administration. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measures were immunoglobulin measurements, infectious complications, and mortality. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the results of infectious complications on survival, adjusted for age, sex, and indication for rituximab use. Results Of the 8633 patients who received rituximab in the large, academic, health care system, 4479 satisfied inclusion criteria, with a mean (SD) age of 59.8 (16.2) years; 2280 patients (50.9%) were women. Most patients (3824 [85.4%]) did not have immunoglobulin levels checked before rituximab therapy. Of those who had levels determined, hypogammaglobulinemia was noted in 313 (47.8%) patients before initiation of rituximab. Following rituximab administration, worsening hypogammaglobulinemia was noted. There was an increase in severe infections after rituximab use in the study cohort (from 17.2% to 21.7%;P Conclusions and Relevance Many patients are not being screened or properly identified as having hypogammaglobulinemia both before and after rituximab administration. Monitoring of immunoglobulin levels both before and after rituximab therapy may allow for earlier identification of risk for developing significant infection and identify patients who may benefit from immunoglobulin replacement, which may in turn help to avoid excess morbidity and mortality.
A Validated Screening Instrument for Identifying Intimate Partner Violence in South Asian Immigrant Women

Intimate partner violence (IPV) for South Asian immigrants is prevalent and has many unique sociodemographic and cultural factors associated with it. Current screening instruments do not address the unique cultural factors associated with IPV in this population. The South Asian Violence Screen (SAVS) is a 14-item screening tool for IPV designed based on the specific demographic and cultural issues affecting South Asian immigrant women in the United States. The tool was validated using the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), a well-established survey instrument for detecting IPV. The participants in the study included 116 South Asian immigrant women, who were recruited from a medical clinic and two community centers in Chicago, IL. With a prevalence of 23.3% of women reporting physical abuse and 28.4% reporting nonphysical abuse, the negative predictive value of the SAVS compared with the ISA was 0.99 and 0.97 for physical abuse and nonphysical abuse, respectively. When compared with the ISA-physical, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 and 0.87, respectively, and when compared with the ISA-nonphysical, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.92, respectively. This study demonstrates that the SAVS is an effective and efficient screening tool in the South Asian immigrant population in Chicago.
Comparing Ketorolac With Ibuprofen for Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives The objective of this study was to identify differences in pain perception and satisfaction with pain control in women receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs postoperatively. Methods This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial including urogynecology surgical patients. After surgery, all patients were randomized to receive either intravenous (IV) ketorolac or ibuprofen. The patients completed 3 visual analog scales (VAS) assessing pain at rest, pain with ambulation, and satisfaction with pain control. Postoperative opioid use was also measured. Results A total of 224 patients (112 in each arm) were included. Pain scores (SD) at rest in all patients who received ketorolac versus those who received ibuprofen was 2.30 (2.1) versus 2.68 (2.34) (P = 0.20). Pain scores (SD) with ambulation was 3.94 (2.57) versus 4.16 (2.73) (P = 0.57) in patients who received ketorolac and ibuprofen, respectively. Patients who received ketorolac rated their satisfaction with their pain regimen similarly to those who received ibuprofen (P = 0.50). The average amount (SD) of hydromorphone used in the ketorolac and ibuprofen arm was 3.68 (4.58) mg and 4.04 (4.97) mg, respectively (P = 0.58). A subgroup analysis based on type of surgery showed decreased pain at rest (VAS, 2.77 vs 4.88; P = 0.04) and increased satisfaction (VAS, 1.69 vs 4.67; P = 0.003) in patients who had laparotomy and received ketorolac. Conclusions There was no difference in pain and satisfaction with IV ketorolac compared with IV ibuprofen in patients who underwent all modalities of urogynecologic surgery. A subgroup of patients who underwent laparotomy had less pain with ketorolac.
Strengthening geriatric content in an associate degree nursing program: A pilot study

Abstract The purpose of this pilot study was to strengthen geriatric content in an associate degree nursing 1st semester freshman fundamentals course and evaluate changes in the scores related to students’ knowledge and attitudes toward older adults. A quasi-experimental within-subject pretest–posttest design was utilized. The Facts on Aging Quiz and Multifactorial Attitude Survey were used to assess knowledge and attitudes of 22 nursing students at the beginning and end of the semester. Although there was no significant statistical increase in knowledge, there was an overall increase in knowledge. Three of the 20 statements showed a statistically significant increase in attitude. The results of this study may be helpful for education and practice in providing appropriate education to associate degree nursing students in the care of older adults.
High-Throughput Protein Production of Membrane Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This chapter outlines a protocol to assess viability for large-scale protein production and purification for selected targets from an initial medium-throughput cloning strategy. Thus, one can assess a broad number of potential candidate proteins, mutants, or expression variants using an empirically minimalistic approach. In addition, a key output from this protocol is utilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a means for the efficient screening and production of purified proteins. The primary focus in this protocol is overexpression of polytopic integral membrane proteins though methods can be equally applied to soluble proteins. The protocol starts with outlining high-throughput (sans robotics) cloning of expression proteins into a dual-tag yeast expression plasmid. These membrane proteins are then screened for expression level, detergent solubilization, initial purity, and chromatography characteristics. Both small- and large-scale expression methods are discussed along with fermentation.
Iterate: Ten Lessons in Design and Failure

How to confront, embrace, and learn from the unavoidable failures of creative practice; with case studies that range from winemaking to animation.Failure is an inevitable part of any creative practice. As game designers, John Sharp and Colleen Macklin have grappled with crises of creativity, false starts, and bad outcomes. Their tool for coping with the many varieties of failure: iteration, the cyclical process of conceptualizing, prototyping, testing, and evaluating. Sharp and Macklin have found that failure?often hidden, covered up, a source of embarrassment?is the secret ingredient of iterative creative process. In Iterate, they explain how to fail better.After laying out the four components of creative practice?intention, outcome, process, and evaluation?Sharp and Macklin describe iterative methods from a wide variety of fields. They show, for example, how Radiolab cohosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich experiment with radio as a storytelling medium; how professional skateboarder Amelia Brodka develops skateboarding tricks through trial and error; and how artistic polymath Miranda July explores human frailty through a variety of media and techniques. Whimsical illustrations tell parallel stories of iteration, as hard-working cartoon figures bake cupcakes, experiment with levitating office chairs, and think outside the box in toothbrush design (?let's add propellers!?). All, in their various ways, use iteration to transform failure into creative outcomes. With Iterate, Sharp and Macklin offer useful lessons for anyone interested in the creative process.Case Studies:Allison Tauziet, winemaker; Matthew Maloney, animator; Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, Radiolab cohosts; Wylie Dufresne, chef; Nathalie Pozzi, architect, and Eric Zimmerman, game designer; Andy Milne, jazz musician; Amelia Brodka, skateboarder; Baratunde Thurston, comedian; Cas Holman, toy designer; Miranda July, writer and filmmaker
Utility of the Nasoseptal “Rescue” Flap Approach: Analysis of 125 Consecutive Patients and Implications for Routine Transsphenoidal Surgery:

IntroductionThe nasoseptal flap (NSF) is the reconstructive workhorse for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). However, there is morbidity associated with its use and it is not always required for...
On Martyrdom, Suicide, and Christian Bioethics.

Christ has fashioned a remedy for the human condition out of mortality, making death the paradoxical means of salvation. Thus, the early Church saw martyrdom as the best kind of death, epitomized i...
Gross morphologic appearance of chorionic villi and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities

Chromosomal abnormalities are associated with changes in complex aspects of chorionic villi histomorphology. This study used a simple scoring system to evaluate the association between atypical gross morphology and abnormal chromosomal testing on chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This retrospective cohort study included singleton pregnancies that underwent CVS at a single institution from 2006-2017. The degree of budding, branching, and vascularity (BBV) was scored from 0 to 3 for each CVS specimen, and individual scores were summed to calculate a composite BBV score. Scores were categorized into typical or atypical based on the cohort's distribution. The primary predictor was atypical BBV score, and the primary outcome was chromosomal abnormality. Fisher's exact test compared proportions, and logistic regression generated odds ratios. Among 1171 CVS specimens, 28% had chromosomal abnormalities. The chromosomally abnormal group had a higher rate of atypical BBV score than the normal group (7.3% vs 3.7%, P=0.009), a finding that remained statistically significant after controlling for maternal age, gestational age, and mode of CVS (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.24-3.82). Atypical chorionic villus morphology is associated with chromosomal abnormalities. This scoring system is simple, rapid, and easy to perform at the time of routine diagnosis.
Longitudinal effects of antibiotics and fecal transplant on lemur gut microbiota structure, associations, and resistomes

Antibiotics alter the diversity, structure, and dynamics of host-associated microbial consortia, including via development of antibiotic resistance; however, patterns of recovery from dysbiosis and methods to mitigate negative effects, remain poorly understood. We applied an ecological framework via long-term, integrated study of community structure, across scales, to improve understanding of host-microbe symbiosis during dysbiosis and recovery. We experimentally administered a broad-spectrum antibiotic alone or with subsequent fecal transfaunation to healthy, male ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and longitudinally tracked the diversity, composition, associations, and resistomes of their gut microbiota. Whereas microbial diversity recovered rapidly in lemurs, antibiotics caused long-term instability in community composition - effects that were attenuated by fecal transfaunation. Antibiotic resistance genes, which were universally present, including in treatment-naive subjects, increased during and persisted after antibiotic treatment. Long-term, integrated study post antibiotic-induced dysbiosis revealed differential, metric-dependent evidence of recovery, beneficial effects of fecal transfaunation, and negative consequences to lemur resistomes.
Catholicism and Evolution: Polygenism and Original Sin Part II

As documented in Part I, monogenism, the descent of all human beings from Adam and Eve, was closely linked to the Catholic doctrine of original sin throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Theological reservations about polygenism, the more scientifically supported account of human origins through a transitional population, was brought to a head by Pius XII’s 1950 encyclical Humani generis. Although the encyclical allowed discussion of human evolution, polygenism was prohibited because “It does not appear how such a view can be reconciled with the doctrine of original sin.” Nevertheless, during and after Vatican II de facto theological acceptance of polygenism became commonplace even though the prohibition was not withdrawn. While some modern conceptions of original sin make a reliance upon monogenism unnecessary, another school of thought emphasizes a spiritual rather than a biological understanding of the concept. It remains to be seen whether polygenism can be unanimously accepted as a scientific phenomenon that is not theologically threatening. Reflection on the Vatican’s long period of ambivalence about the motion of the earth suggests that a similar prospect can be foreseen for polygenism even though it is subject to development in a manner that geostasis was not.
Association of right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension with adverse 30-day outcomes in COVID-19 patients

BackgroundCardiac manifestations in COVID-19 are multifactorial and are associated with increased mortality. The clinical utility and prognostic value of echocardiography in COVID-19 inpatients is ...
Does Spirituality Moderate the Relationship between Child Maltreatment and Adult Men and Women’s Social Anxiety, Depression and Loneliness

Adults who were maltreated in childhood are at increased risk for depression, social anxiety, and loneliness in adulthood and spirituality may be a protective factor. The current study will extend ...
Black Americans' racial socialization experiences and beliefs about White people's interracial motives.

OBJECTIVES Suspect motives, conceptualized as beliefs that Whites' interracial motives are primarily driven by desires to avoid appearing prejudiced have been found to shape a number of intergroup outcomes for People of Color (POC). However, it is unclear what factors lead individuals to become suspicious of Whites' motives. Two correlational studies tested whether childhood racial socialization experiences relate to suspect motives. METHODS 223 Black participants (94.2% female; M age = 42.01, SD age = 16.62) recalled childhood racial socialization experiences and completed the Suspicion of Motives Index (SOMI; Study 1). 226 Black parents (80.8% female; M age = 37.39, SD age = 9.17) reported racial socialization strategies and goals for their children to be cognizant of Whites' potentially suspect motives (Study 2). RESULTS Driven by cultural socialization, racial socialization was significantly related to suspicion (Study 1). Racial socialization predicted parental desires that children recognize Whites' suspect motives and a combined measure of cultural socialization and preparation for bias was most strongly related to parental hopes (Study 2). CONCLUSIONS These studies link racial socialization and suspicion of Whites' motives. These results suggest that among POC, racial socialization may shape beliefs about Whites' interracial motives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
An Integrated Model of Factors Affecting Sales Forecasting Management

Forecasting has consistently been recognized as an important capability for business planning and management and for marketing specifically. The marketing organization is frequently responsible for the development of forecasts which are subsequently used throughout the organization. Even when forecasting resides elsewhere in the company, marketing can play an important role by providing information which is used to create and modify forecasts. In a similar manner, marketing operations and performance can be affected by the accuracy and effectiveness of forecasts which are used to prepare sales and promotional plans, conduct market analyses, and perform other related planning and management tasks.
Response to Steven Weisenburger's Response

To be taken to task for a turn of phrase by someone whose work I've long admired leaves me feeling a little bit like the kitten who's lost her mitten and so shall have no pie. I regret that the opening of my essay left Steven Weisenburger facing both barrels of a volley I meant to fire more broadly. As the most ambitious and visible of the industry's indices, annotations and cross-references, the Companion no doubt catches it oftener than it merits. In my defense, though, there are other types of terrorism than the Taliban variety–and these often more insidious–as anyone who for one reason or another lives outside one or more consumer loops in the United States might readily attest. I had thought that exposing the rich variety of pressures exerted on the average poor bastard to limit his/her behavior and options–and the APB's complicity in this maneuver (as I suggested in my essay)–was a thread that ran throughout Pynchon's novels and other writings.