cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of extreme obesity on outcomes in laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Abstract Study Objective To estimate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on several outcomes in laparoscopic hysterectomy, in particular in the extremes of obesity. Design Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Setting Tertiary-care university-based teaching hospital. Patients Eight hundred thirty-four patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy from January 2007 to October 2011. Intervention Laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications. Measurements and Main Results Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were abstracted from medical records. The primary outcome was a composite index score that took into account operative time, nonsurgical operating room time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, number of complications, and severity of complications according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. We individually examined elements of the composite index as a secondary outcome. Models were developed to assess the association of BMI with the composite index score and the components of the index, controlling for age, presence of diabetes, tobacco use, surgeon, type of hysterectomy (total vs supracervical), use of robotics, uterine weight, number of additional procedures performed, presence of adhesions requiring lysis, and deeply infiltrating endometriosis as potential confounders. Mean (SD) BMI was 31.4 (8.1). Mean (SD) uterine weight was 345 (388) g. Mean operative time was 150 (61) minutes. Increasing BMI was associated with a worse composite score (p Conclusion These data suggest that there is a significant association of BMI with surgical outcomes in laparoscopic hysterectomy, and the effect is most pronounced in the morbidly obese. These patients may stand to gain the greatest differential benefit from a laparoscopic approach to surgery. However, they should be properly counseled about the challenge that obesity poses to the operation.
The Effect of the 2001 Tax Cut on Low- and Middle-Income Families and Children

The 2001 tax cut has been roundly criticized because so much of the benefit goes to the rich, but the bill also did much to help low- and middle-income families. Most notably, it increased the child tax credit and made it refundable?that is, available to families with incomes too low to owe income tax. The legislation also simplified the EITC and increased it for some married couples. It increased the maximum child care tax credit, created a new 10 percent tax bracket, and raised the standard deduction for married couples, all of which will provide substantial benefit to middle-income families. Like the rest of the tax bill, many of these provisions phase in very slowly, and inflation erodes away much of the value of the advertised increases. Nonetheless, when fully phased in, the tax cuts will be worth over $1,700 per year in tax savings for a family of four at or near the poverty line, and over $1,000 for a family at twice the poverty level. Families with children do better than those without at almost every income level. The exception is upper-middle income families whose benefits are curtailed or eliminated by the alternative minimum tax. And, not surprisingly, the largest overall tax cuts by far will accrue to those with incomes over $200,000. [View the press release ]
Doppler tissue imaging for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function: a systematic approach for the sonographer.

Therefore, this article will: (1)discuss the potential role for DTI in the assessmentof diastolic function combined with standard trans-mitral Doppler recordings; (2) review prior studiesof DTI in the estimation of LV filling pressures; (3)highlight technical issues associated with DTI; and(4) propose a systematic approach for the sonogra-pher to obtain accurate and reproducible Dopplertissue tracings.
A perspective-based convex relaxation for switched-affine optimal control

Abstract We consider the switched-affine optimal control problem, i.e., the problem of selecting a sequence of affine dynamics from a finite set in order to minimize a sum of convex functions of the system state. We develop a new reduction of this problem to a mixed-integer convex program (MICP), based on perspective functions. Relaxing the integer constraints of this MICP results in a convex optimization problem, whose optimal value is a lower bound on the original problem value. We show that this bound is at least as tight as similar bounds obtained from two other well-known MICP reductions (via conversion to a mixed logical dynamical system, and by generalized disjunctive programming), and our numerical study indicates it is often substantially tighter. Using simple integer-rounding techniques, we can also use our formulation to obtain an upper bound (and corresponding sequence of control inputs). In our numerical study, this bound was typically within a few percent of the optimal value, making it attractive as a stand-alone heuristic, or as a subroutine in a global algorithm such as branch and bound. We conclude with some extensions of our formulation to problems with switching costs and piecewise affine dynamics.
Site-directed spectroscopy of cardiac myosin-binding protein C reveals effects of phosphorylation on protein structural dynamics

We have used the site-directed spectroscopies of time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) and double electron-electron resonance (DEER), combined with complementary molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, to resolve the structure and dynamics of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), focusing on the N-terminal region. The results have implications for the role of this protein in myocardial contraction, with particular relevance to β-adrenergic signaling, heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N-terminal cMyBP-C domains C0-C2 (C0C2) contain binding regions for potential interactions with both thick and thin filaments. Phosphorylation by PKA in the MyBP-C motif regulates these binding interactions. Our spectroscopic assays detect distances between pairs of site-directed probes on cMyBP-C. We engineered intramolecular pairs of labeling sites within cMyBP-C to measure, with high resolution, the distance and disorder in the protein's flexible regions using TR-FRET and DEER. Phosphorylation reduced the level of molecular disorder and the distribution of C0C2 intramolecular distances became more compact, with probes flanking either the motif between C1 and C2 or the Pro/Ala-rich linker (PAL) between C0 and C1. Further insight was obtained from microsecond MD simulations, which revealed a large structural change in the disordered motif region in which phosphorylation unmasks the surface of a series of residues on a stable α-helix within the motif with high potential as a protein-protein interaction site. These experimental and computational findings elucidate structural transitions in the flexible and dynamic portions of cMyBP-C, providing previously unidentified molecular insight into the modulatory role of this protein in cardiac muscle contractility.
Psychosocial development and corrective shoewear use in childhood

To assess the short- and long-term psychosocial effects of wearing modified shoes during childhood, we compared measures of self-esteem and self-image of 46 adults who wore shoe modifications during childhood with 92 adult controls. The treated cases characterized their remembrance of the experience through a subjective report questionnaire. Those who wore shoe modifications during childhood showed lower self-esteem than controls (p < 0.05). In addition, the treated recalled a decrease in their self-image (41%), the experience as negative (57%), being teased about their footwear (47%), and having their activities limited (41%). These findings show that wearing shoe modifications during childhood, in addition to being ineffective and unnecessary as demonstrated in prior studies, is a negative experience in childhood and is associated with lower self-esteem in adult life. Such data suggest that children who wore modified footwear may fall into the spectrum of the vulnerable child syndrome.
On computing the range of values

A simple algorithm is given for computing the range of values of a differentiable function over ann-dimensional rectangle.
Preliminary Case Series of Artemisinin for Prostate Cancer in a Naturopathic Practice.

Objective: To determine if oral artemisinin is safe and has a short-term effect on prostate specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in patients with prostate cancer (CaP). Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: A private naturopathic urology clinic in Seattle, WA. Patients: All artemisinin-treated CaP patients were identified retrospectively between 2005 and 2008. A total of 15 patients were identified who had taken artemisinin and included in the study, comprising 5 patients who had previously undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) and were having biochemical recurrences as well as 10 patients with no prior conventional therapy for CaP. Interventions: High-dose, pulsed oral artemisinin 300–400 mg three times a day every other week for 3–24 months (median 9.5 months, IQR 5–12 months). All patients were treated with an array of other naturopathic therapies. Outcome measures: The primary outcomes were the PSA doubling time and velocity; secondary outcome measures were signs and symptoms of metastasis and survival. Results: Of those patients who have previously undergone RP, 2/5 (40%) had improved PSA kinetics after artemisinin therapy. Of those with no prior RP, 5/10 (50%) had improved PSA kinetics. No patient developed signs of metastasis and no patients died. There were no reported adverse effects. Conclusions: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that high-dose, pulsed oral artemisinin therapy may have activity in patients with CaP. A larger controlled trial is warranted to confirm these preliminary beneficial effects.
Training of Anti-attack Skill for Guard

The anti-attack skill has been the implementation of security guards for the mission of our army and essential skills.Based on the sentinel analysis of the characteristics of anti-attack skills,the training content of the security guards should be strengthen,targeted training measures proposed for troops training in the practice of reference for.
The use of a mobile laboratory cart in a successful university-based human in vitro fertilization program

The use of a mobile laboratory unit for a successful university-based IVF program is described. The construction of the cart is described in detail. The laboratory cart can be pushed to any site where ovum aspiration is carried out (either operating theater or ultrasound facilities). Aspirated oocytes can be transferred immediately to culture media and transported back to the gamete handling laboratory for embryo culture. Developing embryos can also be transported to any location in the hospital for transfer. This system is inexpensive and has eliminated the need to duplicate specialized equipment for a gamete handling laboratory adjacent to the operating room. New construction charges have been eliminated; and as new egg retrieval methodologies are developed, the use of the mobile laboratory cart will provide our IVF program with maximum flexibility in changing sites within the hospital. Used in conjunction with an extensive quality control program, this modification has not interfered with oocyte fertilizability or with the overall pregnancy rate in the University of Wisconsin IVF program.
Modeling the Chronic Loss of Optic Nerve Axons and the Effects on the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Structure in Primary Disorder of Myelin.

Purpose We determined whether the chronic lack of optic nerve myelination and subsequent axon loss is associated with optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and whether this models what occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and confers its use as a surrogate marker for axon degeneration.
A hybrid approach to estimating electric vehicle energy consumption for ecodriving applications

Estimation of the energy consumption rate for electric vehicles (EVs) plays a critical role in a variety of EV eco-driving applications and systems. As a result, quite a few studies have been dedicated to the development of estimation models. To improve the predictive and real-time performance of EV energy consumption rate estimation for eco-driving applications, we proposed herein a hybrid modeling approach which features knowledge-driven variable selection and data-driven statistical synthesis. Real-world driving data from a 2013 NISSAN LEAF were used to calibrate the models and evaluate their effectiveness in comparison to some existing models. Results from statistical analyses indicate that the proposed hybrid models outperform the knowledge-driven model or the data-driven model in terms of forecast accuracy.
Outcomes after sport-related concussion: does socioeconomic status matter?

Objective To determine the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes after sport-related concussion (SRC) in a regional sports concussion centre. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Comprehensive sports concussion centre. Participants 282 youth, high school, and collegiate student-athletes. Intervention All patients seen at a comprehensive sports concussion centre were contacted after their injury for in-depth telephone interviews. Subsequent demographic data was also collected. Outcome measures SES was defined based on six variables: cost of living percentile, median income percentile, % college graduates, % homeowners, county type, and insurance. Outcomes after SRC were defined as the following three variables: days of symptom duration, days of missed school, and days of missed practice. Main results A total of 282 student-athletes were studied. The median age was 15.8 years (range 11.6–22.2). American football was the most common sport (32.2%). After multivariate cox-regression analysis, no relationship between SES and symptom duration or missed practice was seen. For the outcome of missed school, insurance status had a significant relationship, where those with private insurance had fewer missed days of school than those with public insurance (HR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26–0.83, p=0.009). Conclusions In a regional cohort of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, SES had largely no impact on the outcomes of symptom duration, missed school, and missed practice. The only significant relationship was that those with private insurance returned to school quicker than those with public insurance, which may represent increased access to rehabilitation resources after SRC. Competing interests None. GS Solomon receives consulting fees from the Tennessee Titans (NFL), the Nashville Predators (NHL), and the athletic departments of several universities, all fees paid to institution. In addition he is a member of the ImPACT Scientific Advisory Board and receives reimbursement for expenses to board meetings. AK Sills is a consulting physician to the Nashville Predators (uncompensated) and also serves as an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant for the NFL.
Theory of long binding events in single-molecule-controlled rotation experiments on F1-ATPase.

The theory of elastic group transfer for the binding and release rate constants for nucleotides in F_1-ATPase as a function of the rotor angle is further extended in several respects. (i) A method is described for predicting the experimentally observed lifetime distribution of long binding events in the controlled rotation experiments by taking into account the hydrolysis and synthesis reactions occurring during these events. (ii) A method is also given for treating the long binding events in the experiments and obtaining the rate constants for the hydrolysis and synthesis reactions occurring during these events. (iii) The theory in the previous paper is given in a symmetric form, an extension that simplifies the application of the theory to experiments. It also includes a theory-based correction of the reported “on” and “off” rates by calculating the missed events. A near symmetry of the data about the angle of −40° and a “turnover” in the binding rate data vs. rotor angle for angles greater than ∼∼40° is also discussed.
Paternalism, reasonableness, and neutrality: a response to commentators

I thank the commentators for their consideration of my views and for their insightful suggestions. Robert Truog thinks that doctors can first emphasise patients’ preferences but end by advocating what they think are objective goods because when patients’ views are not knowledgeable, doctors see a conflict between respect for autonomy and beneficence. Some concerns about Truog’s views are: (1) He describes autonomy as a ‘sociological trend’ characteristic of our culture, but there may be a normative justification for emphasising individual autonomy. Often it is normatively justified for persons to decide on matters about which they know little and others much (eg, checking out of a hospital against doctors’ advice). (2) What sometimes alters matters may be what Truog calls doctors’ ‘moral agency,’ when they would have do what they conclude is objectively wrong. In his example, parents want their dying child who will soon be removed from a ventilator to also be taken off sedation so they can have meaningful time together. Doctors know that because the child will panic at his inability to breathe, the parents will not get what they want and will get something they do not want (ie, the child’s panic). I think this case is like one involving ‘soft paternalism’: there is no disagreement between parents and doctors about whether an end is valuable but only about whether stopping sedation is a means to achieving it. It is like Mill's case of someone who wants to get to the other side of a river but does not know that the bridge is broken. We may interfere with his using the bridge because it would not achieve what he wants and achieves what he does not want. By contrast, the cases I discussed involved different opinions about ends rather than means. For example, I argued that the view that …
Using species distribution models to describe essential fish habitat in Alaska

Describing essential habitat is an important step toward understanding and conserving harvested species in ecosystem-based fishery management. Using data from fishery-independent ichthyoplankton, g...
Mortuary Custom in the Bronze Age of Southeastern Hungary

There can be little question that the publication of SAA Memoir number 25, Approaches to the Social Dimensions of Mortuary Practices (Brown 1971), represented a major turning point in the way archaeologists view funerary remains. Prior to this time, the analysis of cemeteries tended to be the domain of the “sensitive” (those who sought a transcendental “nearness” to past societies through their dead) and the taxonomist, who sought to build chronologies through the seriation of grave lots. The promise of that (now far off) symposium was not just the potential to “dig up a kinship system” (Binford 1972:8), but the possibility that the unique kinds of evidence present in funerary contexts could provide the basis for a truly anthropological archaeology.
Extending low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry from paste to mortar and concrete to quantify the potential for calcium oxychloride formation

Calcium chloride–based deicing salts can react with calcium hydroxide in concrete pavements, resulting in the formation of calcium oxychloride. The formation of calcium oxychloride can cause damage in the pavements, especially at the joints. Recently, it has been shown that low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry can be used to measure calcium oxychloride contents in cement pastes exposed to calcium chloride. This article explores the extension of the low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry test method from applications on ground paste to ground mortar and concrete. Specifically, the influence of dilution due to the aggregate volume causes the measured amount of calcium oxychloride to be smaller in mortar and concrete than the pastes. To successfully measure the amount of calcium oxychloride, a higher powder-liquid ratio is used in concretes as compared to pastes. Low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry can successfully be used to measure the amount of calcium oxychloride in ground mortars and concrete; however, there is an increase in the variation of the measurement, and, as such, it is recommended that the average of three tests should be considered as a test specimen.
Accounting for soil inorganic carbon in the ecosystem services framework for United Nations sustainable development goals

Abstract Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) is currently not included in the list of key soil properties related to ecosystem services (e.g., provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services). Soil inorganic carbon is a dynamic key soil property used in soil classification, taxonomy and fertility, therefore its inclusion in the framework of ecosystem services is important. With soils rapidly changing due to human use and climate change, the ecosystem services framework should include not only soil organic carbon (SOC), but SIC as well since it is of global importance to soil fertility and the long-term carbon (C) cycle, especially in semiarid and arid climates where SIC comprises the largest C pool. The objective of this study is to assess the value of SIC in the 12 soil orders of Soil Taxonomy at the country scale (continental United States (U.S.)) and at the farm scale (the Cornell University Research Farm) within the context of ecosystem services, specifically provisioning and supporting services. At the country scale, the total estimated midpoint value of SIC storage within the upper two meters of soil is $5.17 T (i.e., 5.17 trillion U.S. dollars). The soil orders having the highest total value of SIC storage (based on an average 2014 price of $10.42 per U.S. ton of CaCO3 lime in the U.S.) are: 1) Mollisols ($2.22 T), 2) Aridisols ($1.23 T), 3) Alfisols ($523B, i.e., 523 billion U.S. dollars), and 4) Entisols ($489B). In terms of SIC content (i.e., value per square meter), the soil orders are ranked: 1) Vertisols ($2.22 m−2), 2) Aridisols ($1.52 m−2), 3) Mollisols ($1.10 m−2), and 4) Inceptisols ($0.49 m−2). At the farm scale, based on variable measured and reported soil sample depths, the soil orders having the highest total value of SIC (based on an average 2014 price of $10.88 price per U.S. ton of CaCO3 for the State of New York (NY)) were: 1) Alfisols, 2) Inceptisols, and 3) Entisols. However, the farm-scale estimates varied greatly depending on whether the values were based on field-derived vs. SSURGO-derived data. The results of this study begin to provide an estimated value of the importance of SIC when assessing ecosystem services. The potential impacts on society from this research include adding SIC into the ecosystem services framework for the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should identify and quantify other important ecosystem services that SIC may provide on a variety of spatial and temporal scales, as well as the potential need of including total C (TC) and interactions between SIC and SOC pools.
HYPERBOLIC FUNCTIONS FOR PRESTRESS LOSS AND CAMBER

PRESTRESS LOSS AND CAMBER OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS WERE FOUND TO GROW WITH TIME AT A DECREASING RATE PROVIDED NO DEAD OR LIVE LOAD WAS APPLIED TO RELIEVE THE BEAM FROM THE ECCENTRIC PRESTRESSING FORCE. NINETEEN FULL-SIZE BRIDGE BEAMS MADE OF NORMAL WEIGHT AND LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE WERE STUDIED. SIMPLE HYPERBOLIC FUNCTIONS TO PREDICT THE TIME-DEPENDENT PRESTRESS LOSS AND CAMBER WERE DEVELOPED. PREDICTED RESULTS BY THIS METHOD AND THE RATE OF CREEP METHOD WERE COMPARED WITH MEASURED VALUES. COMPARISONS BETWEEN PREDICTED AND MEASURED RESULTS OF TESTS REPORTED BY OTHERS WERE ALSO MADE. IT WAS FOUND THAT: (1) THE PRESTRESS LOSS AND CAMBER OF THE BRIDGE BEAMS, STORED IN THE OPEN AIR IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, ATTAINED THEIR ULTIMATE VALUES WITHIN 100 DAYS TO 150 DAYS AFTER PRESTRESSING, AND (2) PREDICTED VALUES BY BOTH METHODS WERE IN CLOSE OVERALL AGREEMENT WITH MEASURED VALUES. /ASCE/
Decline in relative plasma cell-free mitochondrial DNA levels in response to prolonged moderate aerobic and eccentric exercise (HUM1P.306)

Elevated plasma levels of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mDNA), a cell damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), contribute to neutrophil activation and inflammation in trauma patients, and may occur in cancer and autoimmunity. To further understand relationships between cf-mDNA released by tissue injury, inflammation, and health benefits of exercise, we conducted trial by time experiments for plasma cf-mDNA response to prolonged moderate aerobic exercise, and to eccentric exercise. Seven healthy moderately-trained young men (n=7) completed treadmill exercise trials for 90 min at 60% VO 2 max, and resting control trials, and blood was sampled immediately prior to (Pre), during (at +18, +54, and +90 min), and after (R40) trials. A significant difference in cf-mDNA response was observed between exercise and control trials. Specifically, cf-mDNA levels differed at +54 and +90 (with or without plasma volume (PV) shift correction). A significant time effect was observed, with relative cf-mDNA levels declining at +54 and +90 during exercise. These results suggest increased clearance or reduced release of plasma cf-mDNA with exercise. Declines in cf-mDNA were also seen after eccentric exercise. Our finding of cf-mDNA decline with prolonged moderate treadmill and eccentric exercise contrasts with studies by others involving exhaustive short-term treadmill exercise, where cf-mDNA levels were unchanged, and highlights differences between exercise- and trauma-induced inflammation.
Clusterin Impairs Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity and Adipocyte Clusterin Associates With Cardiometabolic Risk

OBJECTIVE Components of the adipose tissue (AT) extracellular matrix (ECM) are recently discovered contributors to obesity-related cardiometabolic disease. We identified increased adipocyte expression of ECM-related clusterin (apolipoprotein J) in obese versus lean women by microarray. Our objective was to determine 1) whether subcutaneous AT adipocyte (SAd) clusterin and serum clusterin are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and known markers of cardiometabolic risk and 2) how clusterin may contribute to increased risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We validated increased clusterin expression in adipocytes from a separate group of 18 lean and 54 obese individuals. The relationship of clusterin gene expression and plasma clusterin with IR, cardiovascular biomarkers, and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was then determined. Further investigations in human cultured cells and in aged LDLR−/− mice prone to development of obesity-associated complications were performed. RESULTS SAd clusterin correlated with IR, multiple CVD biomarkers, and CVD risk, independent of traditional risk factors. Circulating human clusterin exhibited similar associations. In human adipocytes, palmitate enhanced clusterin secretion, and in human hepatocytes, clusterin attenuated insulin signaling and APOA1 expression and stimulated hepatic gluconeogenesis. LRP2 (megalin), a clusterin receptor, highly expressed in liver, mediated these effects, which were inhibited by LRP2 siRNA. In response to Western diet feeding, an increase in adipocyte clusterin expression was associated with a progressive increase in liver fat, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in aged LDLR−/− mice. CONCLUSIONS Adipocyte-derived clusterin is a novel ECM-related protein linking cardiometabolic disease and obesity through its actions in the liver.
Command Preprocessor for Radiotelescopes and Microwave Antennas

The LQG controllers, designed for the NASA Deep Space Network antennas have small tracking errors and are resistant to wind disturbances. However, during antenna slewing, they induce limit cycling caused by the violation of the antenna rate and acceleration limits. This problem can be avoided by introduction of a command that does not exceed the limits. The command preprocessor presented in this paper generates a command that is equal to the original command if the latter does not exceed the limits, and varies with the maximal (or minimal) allowable rate and acceleration if the limits are met or exceeded. It is comparatively simple since it requires only knowledge of the command at the current and the previous time instants, while other known preprocessors require knowledge of the terminal state and the acquisition time. Thus, the presented preprocessor is more suitable for implementation. In this article analysis of the preprocessor is presented. Also the performances of the preprocessor itself, and of the antenna with the preprocessor is illustrated with typical antenna commands.
Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissistic States in Interpersonal Situations

Clinicians have noted that narcissistic individuals fluctuate over time in their levels of grandiosity and vulnerability. However, these fluctuations remain poorly understood. Interpersonal theory asserts that interpersonal situations are central to the expression of personality and psychopathology, and therefore are a key context in which to understand the dynamic processes underlying narcissistic states. The present study is the first to examine narcissistic states assessed during interpersonal situations. Specifically, perceptions of others' warmth and dominance, momentary grandiosity and vulnerability, and one's own warm and dominant behavior were assessed across situations in daily life in a large sample (person N=286; occasion N=6,837). Results revealed that more grandiose individuals perceived others as colder and behaved in a more dominant and cold fashion, on average. But in the moment, relatively higher grandiosity was associated with perceiving others as warmer and more submissive and resulted in more dominant and warm behavior. On the other hand, trait vulnerability was associated with perceptions of coldness and cold behavior, and these effects were only amplified in momentary spikes of vulnerability. This study provides much-needed insight into the contexts that contribute to fluctuations in grandiosity and vulnerability.
Epidemic situation of malaria in Qingdao City from 2012 to 2017

OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemic situation and its epidemic characteristics of malaria in Qingdao City from 2012 to 2017, so as to provide the evidence for the prevention and control of malaria in this city. METHODS The data of cases and epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Qingdao City, 2012-2017 were collected from the China's disease prevention and control system infectious disease report information management system and parasitic disease prevention and control information management system, and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 103 cases of malaria were reported in Qingdao City from 2012 to 2017, and all of them were imported. Among them, 98 (95.15%) were imported from Africa and 5 (4.85%) from Asia. There were 92 laboratory confirmed cases (89.32%) and 11 (10.68%) clinically diagnosed cases. The highest incidence occurred in 2016 (0.28/105) . According to the classification of cases, there were 87 falciparum malaria cases (84.47%), 13 vivax malaria cases (12.62%), and 3 ovale malaria cases (2.91%) . These patients were mainly young men, and the male to female ratio was 19.6∶1. There were malaria case reports in each month, and the peak onset season was not obvious. Newly diagnosed and confirmed units were mainly municipal medical institutions; the median of onset-definite diagnosis was 4 days. There was one death case, but there were no recurrence, reburning, and imported secondary cases. CONCLUSIONS There were no local malaria cases in Qingdao City from 2012 to 2017. The prevention and control of imported malaria is the focus of the future work.
Computer-Aided Identification of Symmetry Relating Groups of Molecules

Molecular symmetry plays an important role in many areas of chemistry, and students are generally taught to identify intramolecular symmetries at the undergraduate level. Intermolecular symmetry, the symmetry among groups of molecules, is of great importance in topics such as X-ray crystallography, but it receives substantially less attention. Even when familiar with such symmetries as translations, screw rotations, and glide reflections, students rarely obtain the same level of proficiency in identifying these symmetries via inspection as they do with the proper and improper rotations involved in point group symmetry. We describe a tool designed to scaffold the student’s ability to mentally manipulate molecules and identify the presence and nature of intermolecular symmetry. The tool consists of an algorithm that the student follows to generate centroids between atoms in putatively symmetry-related molecules. The easily recognized patterns formed by the centroids provide key information about the presence and nature of any intermolecular symmetry relating the molecules. The theoretical basis for the patterns formed by the centroids is provided along with worked examples, an example problem set, and a prescription for generating new exercises.
Safety and Outcomes of Combined Liver Transplantation and Cardiac Surgery in Cirrhosis.

Background Decompensation of liver function after cardiac surgery in patients with cirrhosis has resulted in high morbidity and mortality. A treatment strategy, for which there is a scarcity of data in the literature, encompasses combined liver transplantation and cardiac surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 15 patients who underwent combined liver transplantation and cardiac surgery between 2005 to 2017 at our institution. Results Between 2005 and 2017, 15 patients with cirrhosis and coronary artery disease or valve disease were identified who underwent combined liver transplantation and cardiac surgery. The cardiac disease was considered severe enough to preclude liver transplantation alone. Likewise, the advanced cirrhosis precluded cardiac surgery alone. Eighty percent of the patients were male and average age was 60 years. Six patients had coronary artery disease, 2 patients had severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease, 1 patient had severe mitral regurgitation and coronary artery disease, 2 patients had severe aortic stenosis, 1 patient had mitral valve prolapse, and 3 patients had severe aortic insufficiency. The mean model for end-stage liver disease score was 24. Four subjects were Child-Pugh class B, and 11 were class C. One-year survival was 73.3%. Conclusions Combined liver transplant and cardiac surgery is feasible in this selected, otherwise inoperable, patient population with an acceptable early and midterm survival when performed in high volume centers with a cohesive multidisciplinary team.
The Micro and the Individual Innovator

What are the traits of innovators? How can one be more innovative? How does shared language contribute to innovation? Given the complexity of innovation, there is a growing and urgent need for “T” professionals who can speak and operate across disciplinary boundaries by drawing on skills and knowledge from various streams of research in order to develop their own depth in a particular area. They are system thinkers and adaptive innovators. Instead of searching for “random” innovators, managers need to pursue service science and “T” professionals that are trained and nested in innovation. Why are “T” professionals so fundamental to firm performance and organizational effectiveness?
Laparoscopic Management of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy: A Step-By-Step Approach

Study Objective The objective of this video is to present an overview of diagnosis and management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy and demonstrate a step-by-step approach for laparoscopic management. Design N/A Setting University teaching hospital. Patients or Participants N/A Interventions Laparoscopic resection of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. Measurements and Main Results N/A Conclusion Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is associated with risks including life threatening hemorrhage, uterine rupture, hysterectomy, and complications in future pregnancies. Minimally Invasive Surgery is a safe and feasible management option for this serious condition.
Multi-antenna Non-coherent Detection of Ambient Backscatter under Time-Selective Fading

Due to their inherent ability to operate without the channel state information (CSI), non-coherent receivers are highly suitable for ambient backscatter devices, allowing them to co-exist alongside the non-cooperative primary users. In this work, we analyze the performance of an ambient backscatter system employing non-coherent detection in a time-selective fading channel (modeled using the first order autoregressive (AR) process). We characterize the bit error rate (BER) of a multiantenna (MA) receiver by deriving the expression for antenna gain achievable after the direct link (DL) cancellation. In addition, the analysis also captures the additional angular resolution in a MA receiver with more than two antennas, which allows us to ensure reasonable performance even when the angles of arrival (AoAs) of the DL and backscatter link (BL) are almost similar.
Detrimental Effects of Internet-Promoted “Healthy” Homemade Formula In Two Infants

Introduction: Rickets and nutrient deficiencies in infants are rare occurrences in affluent societies due to the wide availability of infant formulas to ensure proper nutrition for newborns and infants. We present two cases of infants fed with homemade formula promoted on the internet. Cases: A two-month-old, ex-36-week male presented to the emergency department (ED) dead on arrival and in rigor mortis. He looked severely malnourished and weighed less than the second percentile for age. Per parents, he was followed by a primary care physician (PCP) and gastroenterologist for inability to gain weight. He …
Philosophers on film from Bergson to Badiou: Christopher Kul-want, 2019 New York, NY, Columbia University Press pp. 353, bibliography, index, $35.00 (paper)

Philosophers on Film from Bergson to Badiou is a recent collection of essays from leading Continental Philosophers of the past century. This anthology, edited by Christopher Kul-Want, centers on di...
Novel DNA Bis-Intercalator XR5944 as a Potent Anticancer Drug-Design and Mechanism of Action.

This review is dedicated to Professor William A. Denny’s discovery of XR5944 (also known as MLN944). XR5944 is a DNA-targeted agent with exceptionally potent antitumor activity and a novel DNA binding mode, bis-intercalation and major groove binding, as well as a novel mechanism of action, transcription inhibition. This novel anticancer compound represents a remarkable accomplishment resulting from two decades of drug discovery by Professor Denny and coworkers. Here, we review our work on the structural study of the DNA binding mode of XR5944 and mechanistic study of XR5944 action.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Modern Approach in Greek Enterprises

The purpose of this study was the identification of the interconnectedness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with human resource management. This is an issue that was studied, through literature review and through primary quantitative research. Through literature review, secondary data were collected. They are information that were presented by other researchers, scholars or academics. The primary quantitative research was based on a structured questionnaire which was distributed to Greek companies. The research sample consists of 200 Greek people that are occupied in a variety of job positions, of Greek companies. Through the questionnaire, the researcher collected data about four dimensions of CSR, of employees’ organizational commitment and of their job satisfaction. Research results showed that CSR is moderately implemented by Greek companies and also moderate are the levels of employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment. All the dimensions of CSR showed significant correlation with organizational commitment. In general, CSR is related with job satisfaction, but its two dimensions that were statistically significant correlated with all the dimensions of job satisfaction were CSR to social and non-social stakeholders and to employees. These two dimensions were the less implemented ones by Greek companies. The most implemented dimension of CSR was the one to government, which means that Greek companies are typical according to their obligations to the Greek state. Thus, they have to further emphasize on increasing the implementation of the other three dimensions of CSR, i.e., the CSR to social and non-social stakeholders, to customers and to employees. Received: 16 June 2021 / Accepted: 19 August 2021 / Published: 5 September 2021
The surgical resident experience in serious illness communication: A qualitative needs assessment with proposed solutions

Abstract Background Serious illness communication skills are important tools for surgeons, but training in residency is limited. Methods Thirteen senior surgical residents at an academic center were interviewed about their experiences with serious illness communication. Conventional content analysis was performed using established communication frameworks and inductive development of themes. Results Residents had frequent conversations and employed known communication strategies. Three themes highlighted challenges they face. Illness severity included factors attributed to the illness that made serious illness communication more challenging: symptoms, poor prognosis, and urgency. Knowledge and feelings included the factual understanding and emotional experience of residents, patients, and families. Academic structure included hierarchy and the residents’ dual role as learners and teachers. On reflection, residents identified needing greater experiential practice, analogous to learning procedural skills. Conclusions Surgical residents regularly face serious illness conversations with little training beyond observation of role models. Dedicated training may help meet this need.
The Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm Type IV Secretion System

This chapter focuses on one major class of virulence factors, the dot/icm genes. The initial set of dot/icm genes was independently identified via a plate selection and an enrichment strategy in the Shuman and Isberg laboratories, respectively. Type IV secretion systems consist of both plasmid transfer systems and adapted conjugation systems used by pathogens to export substrates. Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, also contains a type IVB secretion system that strongly resembles the Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm T4SS. It was initially believed, based on the homology to a plasmid transfer system, that the L. pneumophila T4SS might transfer a DNA substrate into the host cell similar to the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The L. pneumophila Dot/Icm T4SS has the ability to transfer plasmids between bacterial cells and can export a variety of protein substrates into eukaryotic host cells.
Digital and Analog Computer Equipment and Its Application to In-House Testing

Analog, digital, and hybrid computers in structural static and fatigue testing under simulated real-life environmental conditions are described. The primary emphasis is on the use of minicomputers for cyclic load control which is still in the experimental stage. The primary mission of the authors' laboratory is full scale fatigue testing using flight-by-flight load sequences. The size of the structures and the large number of loading channels require the use of digital computer equipment. Work to combine both the function generation and load control functions is described, together with current progress, which is based on a full size variable sweep wing fatigue test and the testing of a large air vehicle's wing carry-through box structure.
ASSESSING IMPACT OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION

Research studies on the impact of the Philadelphia-Lindenwold Rapid Transit Line, now in progress, are described. Principles and objectives of these impact studies are analyzed as a guide to future studies. The role of this research as a prototype study for larger impact studies is examined together with questions of model building, statistical hypothesis testing and data availability. Following a brief description of the High-Speed Line itself, two areas of research are described as illustrations of the principles and objectives of impact study research design. The first concerns a simple model of transit station choice and its empirical testing. The second describes several studies of land value and land use impact. The paper concludes with a review of the research designs in terms of the principles of such impact studies.
A study of mitosis in mouse ear epidermis in vitro. III. Effects of glucolytic and Krebs cycle intermediates.

Abstract 1. 1. The present study examines the significance of using glucolytic and Krebs cycle intermediates as evidence for the theory that glucose is transformed to a source of energy for mitosis and that the glucokinase reaction is rate-limiting in its control of energy production and mitosis in mouse ear epidermis cultured in vitro. 2. 2. Our results show that fructose, pyruvate or lactate are not superior to glucose, as they had been presumed to be (thus implicating the normally rate-limiting glucokinase reaction) when their effects on mitotic activity are compared with those using optimum glucose concentrations and conditions. The present report therefore questions the view that the glucokinase reaction is indeed rate-limiting in its control of energy production and epidermal mitosis. 3. 3. All of our attempts to confirm reports that Krebs cycle intermediates can support epidermal mitosis proved negative. In view of our results, and the questionable nature of previous reports, it becomes inadvisable to use the effects of Krebs cycle intermediates as evidence concerning the oxidative metabolism of glucose to a source of energy for mitosis. 4. 4. The present study confirms the observation that fructose, pyruvate or lactate can support epidermal mitotic activity. However, we do not believe that successful substitution by glucolytic intermediates necessarily reflects the glycolytic disposition of glucose, nor that these substitutes are necessarily functioning in vitro as alternative carbohydrate sources of energy for mitosis.
A high resolution electron beam profile monitor

A new beam diagnostic to measure transverse profiles of electron beams is described. This profile monitor uses a Yttrium:Aluminum:Garnet (YAG) crystal doped with a visible-light scintillator to produce an image of the transverse beam distribution. The advantage of this material over traditional fluorescent screens is that it is formed from a single crystal, and therefore has improved spatial resolution. The current system is limited to a resolution of about 10 microns. Improvements in the optical transport will enable measurements of RMS beam sizes of less than 1 micron. The total cost of the system is modest.