cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Graphene Nanoribbon Aggregation and Its Mediation by Edge Decoration

Large polyaromatic molecules, including synthetic graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), are the subject of considerable interest for a variety of electronic applications. For GNRs in particular, functional groups can be bonded along the ribbon edges to modify their dispersibility, self-assembly behavior, and electronic properties. However, these side chains are usually chosen in a “trial and error” fashion, without an underlying molecular-scale picture of the conformations they will adopt in solution and the resulting influence of such structures on macroscopically observable phenomena, particularly aggregation. In this study, we use molecular dynamics (MD) to predict the behavior of various side chains in different solvents as a means to understand how this influences aggregate morphologies and binding energies. Specifically, oligomeric PEG and n-alkoxy chains of varying lengths and grafting densities are examined in vacuum, water, and N-methylpyrrolidone. Examining the binding energies and side chain disposition...
Improved Technique for Field Use of Female Japanese Beetles as Lures

Live virgin female Popillia japonica Newman were exposed in bait wells of standard traps and provided laboratory diet plus water, apple pieces plus water, water only, and no food or water. The mean survival was 15.1, 11.9, 9.2, and 7.9 days, respectively. More males and fewer females were caught in traps containing females fed the laboratory diet than in traps containing females fed the other diets.
Improving Performance in Imperfect-Information Games with Large State and Action Spaces by Solving Endgames

Sequential games of perfect information can be solved by backward induction, where solutions to endgames are propagated up the game tree. However, this does not work in imperfect-information games because different endgames can contain states that belong to the same information set and cannot be treated independently. In fact, we show that this approach can fail even in a simple game with a unique equilibrium and a single endgame. Nonetheless, we show that endgame solving can have significant benefits in imperfectinformation games with large state and action spaces: computation of exact (rather than approximate) equilibrium strategies, computation of relevant equilibrium refinements, significantly finer-grained action and information abstraction, new information abstraction algorithms that take into account the relevant distribution of players’ types entering the endgame, being able to select the coarseness of the action abstraction dynamically, additional abstraction techniques for speeding up endgame solving, a solution to the “off-tree” problem, and using different degrees of probability thresholding in modeling versus playing. We discuss each of these topics in detail, and introduce techniques that enable one to conduct endgame solving in a scalable way even when the number of states and actions in the game is large. Our experiments on two-player no-limit Texas Hold’em poker show that our approach leads to significant performance improvements in practice.
Glia Get Neurons in Shape

Glial cells are essential components of the nervous system. In this issue, Singhvi et al. uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms through which C. elegans glia shape sensory neuron terminals and thus control animal thermosensing behaviors.
A software-defined receiver architecture for cellular CDMA-based navigation

A detailed software-defined receiver (SDR) architecture for navigation using cellular code division multiple access (CDMA) signals is presented. The cellular forward-link signal structure is described and models for the transmitted and received signals are developed. Particular attention is paid to relevant information that could be extracted and subsequently exploited for navigation and timing purposes. The differences between a typical GPS receiver and the proposed cellular CDMA receiver are highlighted. Moreover, a framework that is based on a mapping/navigating receiver scheme for navigation in a cellular CDMA environment is studied. The position and timing errors arising due to estimating the base transceiver station clock biases in different cell sectors are also analyzed. Experimental results utilizing the proposed SDR are presented demonstrating a mean distance difference of 5.51 m from a GPS navigation solution.
Brucella orchitis: a rare cause of testicular enlargement.

Abstract The differential diagnosis of the acutely enlarged testis includes numerous benign and malignant disease processes. Most are treated with radical orchiectomy due to difficulty in differentiating between these disorders preoperatively. Saving the involved testis, prevention of recurrent infectious disease in the opposite testis and prevention of systemic manifestations of testicular disease are but a few of the reasons for accurate diagnosis of the acute scrotum. We report a rare case of brucellosis presenting as an acute scrotal mass and stress the importance of accurately identifying the specific etiology of testicular pathology to prevent long-term morbidity. ( J. Urol, 143: 821–822, 1990 )
Near Equilibrium Calculus of Stem Cells in Application to the Airway Epithelium Lineage

Homeostatic maintenance of tissues is orchestrated by well tuned networks of cellular signaling. Such networks regulate, in a stochastic manner, fates of all cells within the respective lineages. Processes such as symmetric and asymmetric divisions, differentiation, de-differentiation, and death have to be controlled in a dynamic fashion, such that the cell population is maintained at a stable equilibrium, has a sufficiently low level of stochastic variation, and is capable of responding efficiently to external damage. Cellular lineages in real tissues may consist of a number of different cell types, connected by hierarchical relationships, albeit not necessarily linear, and engaged in a number of different processes. Here we develop a general mathematical methodology for near equilibrium studies of arbitrarily complex hierarchical cell populations, under regulation by a control network. This methodology allows us to (1) determine stability properties of the network, (2) calculate the stochastic variance, and (3) predict how different control mechanisms affect stability and robustness of the system. We demonstrate the versatility of this tool by using the example of the airway epithelium lineage. Recent research shows that airway epithelium stem cells divide mostly asymmetrically, while the so-called secretory cells divide predominantly symmetrically. It further provides quantitative data on the recovery dynamics of the airway epithelium, which can include secretory cell de-differentiation. Using our new methodology, we demonstrate that while a number of regulatory networks can be compatible with the observed recovery behavior, the observed division patterns of cells are the most optimal from the viewpoint of homeostatic lineage stability and minimizing the variation of the cell population size. This not only explains the observed yet poorly understood features of airway tissue architecture, but also helps to deduce the information on the still largely hypothetical regulatory mechanisms governing tissue turnover, and lends insight into how different control loops influence the stability and variance properties of cell populations.
Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins

The purpose of this chapter is to attempt to compile a list of the amino acid derivatives known to exist in proteins in a manner that may be of use to protein chemists concerned with protein sequencing and with the prediction and elucidation of the complete covalent structure of proteins. With the many reviews of the area of post-translational modifications of proteins written in the course of the last 15 years (Alix and Hays, 1983; Krishna and Wold, 1992; 1993; Uy and Wold, 1977; Whitaker, 1977; Wold, 1981; 1983), there is little justification for just another review; however, with the rapidly increasing use of mass spectrometry in the elucidation of protein structure (Biemann, 1992), and with mass spectrometry as the most obvious tool toward recognizing and identifying unusual amino acids in proteins, it has been suggested that a list of most of the known derivatives along with their molecular masses might be of some use, especially to the individuals at this meeting.
Saturated Ghosts and Social Change in Taiwan

The Eighteen Lords (Shiba Wanggong) temple innovates, but only as bricolage — a creative recombination of elements already at hand. A trip to the temple offers a disorienting reformulation of old ideas, but no new worlds. Even though every ritual offering and every architectural detail can conjure up a wealth of old associations for people, the combination is fresh and complexly evocative, a view of the world through a kaleidoscope. I begin by tracing out some of the lines of evocation to suggest plausible potentials for explicit interpretation, while illustrating the rich surplus of meaning at the temple. The chapter concludes with an examination of the intimate ties between these cultural changes and Taiwan’s economic growth. The Eighteen Lords delineate a world of individualistic, utilitarian and amoral competition, easily adapting to changing social relations of interpretation. The rich evocations of the temple stir up a host of possible interpretations, but as we shall see, none has come to dominate thinking about the temple. Certainly the implied critique of Taiwen’s economy and polity, comparable to what other authors have seen in some ritual elsewhere in the world, has never been brought to the surface.
Are Leucine and Isoleucine Equivalent in Binding of Amphipathic Peptides to Membranes

Lysette is a 22 amino acid peptide derived from staphylococcal δ-lysin that forms an amphipathic α-helix when bound at membrane-water interfaces. We previously found that the experimentally determined ΔG° of binding for lysette is more favorable than that predicted by the Wimley-White interfacial hydrophobicity scale by about 4 kcal/mol. Closer investigation of the amino acid composition of other peptides that are well described by the Wimley-White interfacial scale, such as melittin, led us to hypothesize that a preponderance of isoleucine (Ile) over leucine residues (Leu), as found in lysette, may be responsible for the deviation from the Wimley-White prediction. To test our hypothesis, we designed lysette variants lysette-I and lysette-L. In lysette-I, all Leu residues were replaced by Ile, and in lysette-L, all Ile were replaced by Leu. We also designed a melittin variant, iso-melittin, in which all Leu residues were replace by Ile. Peptide-lipid equilibrium dissociation constants and helicities of peptides bound to zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (POPC) vesicles were determined by stopped-flow fluorescence and circular dichroism. If the hypothesis were correct, Lysette-I and iso-melittin should bind significantly better to zwitterionic bilayers than their Leu-rich counterparts, if the helicities of the lipid-bound peptides were not influenced by the Leu-Ile substitution. We found that the lysette-I bound significantly better to POPC vesicles than the lysette-L variant, as predicted. In the case of melittin, however, iso-melittin bound with roughly the same affinity to POPC bilayers as the original Leu-rich melittin. The results are discussed in terms of peptide structures in solution and when bound at the water-lipid interface, and the location of the lipid-bound states in the membrane.This work was supported in part by NIH grants AI088567 and GM072507.
A review of the timing and filtering technologies in smartphones

The explosive growth of the smartphone market especially in supporting LTE (Long Term Evolution) to meet continuous demand for more and faster data transfer has drawn interest from many who want to know how timing and filtering components are used in smartphones to support the crowded spectrum and their future market opportunities. Known to many, the timing and filtering functions in smartphones have been diligently supported for many years by some “physically moving” electromechanical components based on piezoelectric materials-quartz-based crystal, lithium tantalate- and lithium niobate-based surface acoustic wave (SAW) RF filter, and aluminum nitride-based bulk acoustic wave (BAW) RF filter. This paper reviews the current timing and filtering technologies in smartphones and discusses the possible trends.
Effects of Harvesting Waters and Storage Conditions on Yeast Populations in Shellfish.

The yeast population in freshly harvested oysters. Crassostrea virginica , and clams, Mercenaria campechiensis , was limited to a small number of species. The yeast most commonly occurring was Rhodotorula rubra and the second was a Trichosporon sp. Concentrations of R. rubra increased in oysters stored as both shellstock and shucked at 7, 14 and 21 d at 2, 8 and 20°C. Oysters processed using a method similar to that used by most Florida processing houses and stored were found to contain higher levels of R. rubra than shellstock or shucked unprocessed oysters. Levels of R. rubra also increased in clams stored as shellstock. Correlation analysis of concentrations of R. rubra and selected physical/chemical parameters of the waters from which the shellfish were harvested showed a significant interaction between R. rubra and salinity. Fresh oysters harvested from high saline waters contained significantly higher levels of R. rubra than oysters harvested from low saline waters. Oysters collected from waters whose salinities were above 20‰ and stored as shellstock developed significantly higher levels of R. rubra than oysters from lower salinity waters. Processed oysters showed a similar response. The results suggest that R. rubra is part of the "normal biota" of Florida oysters and that the major factors influencing the development of this yeast in oysters are time and temperature of storage and the salinity of the waters which the oysters are harvested.
Capsule design for the National Ignition Facility

Several choices exist in the design and production of capsules intended to ignite and propagate fusion burn of the deuterium–tritium (D–T) fuel when imploded by indirect drive at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). These choices include ablator material, ablator dopant concentration and distribution, capsule dimensions, and X-ray drive profile (shock timings and strengths). The choice of ablator material must also include fabrication and material characteristics, such as attainable surface finishes, permeability, strength, transparency to radio frequency and infrared radiation, thermal conductivity, and material homogeneity. Understanding the advantages and/or limitations of these choices is an ongoing effort for LLNL and LANL designers. At this time, simulations in one-, two-, and three-dimensions show that capsules with either a copper-doped beryllium or a polyimide (C22H10N2O4) ablator material have both the least sensitivity to initial surface roughnesses and favorable fabrication qualities. Simulations also indicate the existence of capsule designs based on these ablator materials which ignite and burn when imploded by less than nominal laser performance (900-kJ energy, 250-TW power, producing 250-eV peak radiation temperature). We will describe and compare these reduced-scale capsules, in addition to several designs which use the expected 300-eV peak X-ray drive obtained from operating the NIF laser at 1.3 MJ and 500 TW.
Extended Traditional Holding (TH) and Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC) for Newborn Infants ≤1500 grams. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Results of an Interim Analysis † 1115

Extended Traditional Holding (TH) and Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC) for Newborn Infants ≤1500 grams. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Results of an Interim Analysis † 1115
Game design and development course taught with Alice

In this paper we describe our very positive experience in teaching a game design and development course with Alice as a 3D game development platform. We describe why Alice was chosen as our 3D game development platform, what material was covered, how the course was conducted, the quality of the students' game projects, features of Alice that students liked for game development, problems that students had when using Alice, and the evaluation of the course.
A Monte Carlo Background Covariance Localization Method for an Ensemble–Variational Assimilation System

AbstractSpurious long-distance correlations in estimates of the background error covariance can deteriorate the performance of ensemble-based data assimilation methods. In this study, a localization method, called Monte Carlo (MC) localization, is presented to remove these correlations. It is particularly useful for use in high-dimensional ensemble–variational data assimilation systems. In this method, raw ensemble members are truncated by multiplying them with functions having compact support. This creates a larger ensemble, in which points spaced farther apart than the size of the compact support have zero correlation. The localized background error covariance is then estimated as the sample covariance of this larger ensemble. It is hypothesized that this localized background error covariance can be approximated by the MC approximation method using a limited set of the truncated ensemble members. This hypothesis is tested here on a grid with 1001 grid points and assuming a Gaussian true background error...
Temporal experience in anxiety: embodiment, selfhood, and the collapse of meaning

This essay explores the unique temporal experience in anxiety. Drawing on first-person accounts as well as examples from literature, I attempt to show how anxiety not only disrupts our physiological and cognitive timing but also disturbs the embodied rhythms of everyday social life. The primary goal, however, is to articulate the extent to which human existence itself is a temporally structured event and to identity the ways that anxiety disrupts this structure. Using Martin Heidegger’s account of human existence (or Dasein) as a point of departure, I show how the mood of anxiety has the power to alter our self-interpretations by closing down or constricting our experience of the future. I argue that a constricted future impedes our ability ‘to be’ because it closes off the range of projective meanings that we would ordinarily draw on to create or fashion our identities.
Language Design: Some Notes

Master Kong Fu (Confucius’ real name) might have thought that in this book I have “explained that which has already been done,” “criticized that which has gone,” and perhaps even “blamed that which is past.” But, like most great ones, Kong contradicted himself, for even he was concerned with transmitting the past and scorned originality for its own sake. I do believe that as so much knowledge is increasingly encapsulated in products, we forget how much work the basics represent.
Evaluating Completeness of a Radiology Glossary Using Iterative Refinement.

A lay-language glossary of radiology, built to help patients better understand the content of their radiology reports, has been analyzed for its coverage and readability, but not for its completeness. We present an iterative method to sample radiology reports, identify “missing” terms, and measure the glossary’s completeness. We hypothesized that the refinement process would reduce the number of missing terms to fewer than 1 per report. A random sample of 1000 radiology reports from a large US academic health system was divided into 10 cohorts of 100 reports each. Each cohort was reviewed in sequence by two investigators to identify terms (single words and multi-word phrases) absent from the glossary. Terms marked as new were added to the glossary and hence was shown as matched in subsequent cohorts. This HIPAA-compliant study was IRB-approved; informed consent was waived. The refinement process added a mean of 288.0 new terms per 100 reports in the first 5 cohorts vs. a mean of 66.0 new terms per 100 reports in the last 5 cohorts; the difference was statistically significant (p < .01). After reviewing 500 reports, the review process found fewer than 1 new term per report in each of 500 subsequent reports. The findings suggest that 500 to 1000 reports is adequate to test the completeness of a glossary, and that the glossary after iterative refinement achieved a high level of completeness to cover the vocabulary of radiology reports.
Propagation of input parameter uncertainties in transport models

The many sources of uncertainty in validation studies of plasma turbulence in magnetically confined fusion devices are well-known. In this paper, we investigate how to efficiently transform uncertainties in experimentally derived transport model inputs into model prediction uncertainties, using the quasilinear trapped-gyro-Landau-fluid (TGLF) turbulent transport model [Staebler et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 055909 (2007)]. We use the rapidly converging and computationally inexpensive non-intrusive probabilistic collocation method (PCM) to propagate input parameter uncertainty probability distribution functions (PDFs) through TGLF, yielding PDFs of predicted transport fluxes. We observe in many cases that the flux PDFs exhibit significant non-normal features such as strong skewness, even when the input distributions were normal. To illustrate the utility of the PCM approach, we apply this methodology to transport predictions for a DIII-D ITER baseline plasma [Grierson et al., Phys. Plasmas 25, 022509 (2018)] in which the mix of neutral beam injection (NBI) and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) was varied. The model predictions show clear changes in the parametric dependencies and sensitivities of the turbulence between the two heating mixes. Specifically, when only NBI heating was used, the transport fluxes responded significantly only to the ion temperature gradient scale length. However, when both NBI and ECH were applied, the electron transport channels demonstrate a strong sensitivity to the electron temperature and density gradients not observed in the NBI-only case. Additional context for the PCM approach is provided by comparing its predictions with those obtained via a local flux-matching approach. A new set of validation metrics based on the Wasserstein distance is proposed for PDF-based comparisons.
Disparities in gynecologic cancer genetics evaluation

An estimated 2-5% of endometrial cancers and 15-20% of high-grade, non-mucinous epithelial ovarian cancers have an underlying hereditary cause. Appropriate risk assessment, genetic counseling, and germline genetic testing for cancer predisposition genes in both gynecologic cancer patients and their at-risk relatives is essential for effective delivery of tailored cancer treatment and cancer prevention. However, significant disparities exist within medically underserved and minority populations in the United States regarding awareness of, access to, and use of genetic services. The objectives of this review are to summarize the literature on genetic counseling and genetic testing of gynecologic cancer patients, the cascade genetic testing of their families following the identification of a germline mutation associated with susceptibility to cancer, to highlight disparities between populations, and to present some potential remedies.
Update on HINTS Plus, With Discussion of Pitfalls and Pearls.

Background and Purpose:The team that manages acute vertigo in patients requires multispecialty skills. This special interest article offers a simplified list of common pitfalls to be avoided when applying the HINTS (Head-Impulse, Nystagmus, Test-of-Skew) Plus examination protocol in patients with ac
After Emily: Two Remarkable Women and the Legacy of America’s Greatest Poet, by Julie Dobrow

The road to publishing Emily Dickinson poems was controversial from start to finish. Julie Dobrow’s After Emily (2018) explores the lives of two women – Mabel Loomis Todd and her daughter, Millicen...
Synthesis and stability of bastnaesites in a part of the system (Ce,La)-F-H-C-O

Bastnaesites of Ce and La and their OH-analogs were synthesized and their stability relations were determined atPf = 1 kbar andT = 400 to 900°C in a part of the system (Ce,La)-F-H-C-0. The initial fluid compositions were such that\(P_{CO_2 } \approx \frac{1}{2}P_f \) and HF/(HF + H2O) ratios were 0 to 0.172. XRD and IR studies indicate that bastnaesites equilibrated in initial fluids low in HF are all F-enriched. The hydroxylbastnaesite-(La) is stable up to 810°C and the fluorbastnaesite-(La) is stable up to 860°C. Their condensed breakdown products are La2O2CO3 and LaOF, respectively. The stability of Ce bastnaesites is slightly\(f_{0_2 } \) dependent. The hydroxylbastnaesite-(Ce) is stable up to 660°C at the\(f_{0_2 } \) defined by the IQF buffer and up to 640°C by the MH buffer. The fluorbastnaesite-(Ce) is stable up to 800°C at the\(f_{0_2 } \) defined by the IQF and up to 760°C by the MH buffer. The condensed breakdown product for the hydroxyl end-member is simply CeO2 but for the fluorine one is a combination of CeO2, CeF3, and CeOF. Factors, such as OH vs F,\(f_{0_2 } \), and bulk composition, that affect the stability of individual species are discussed. Petrogenic implications resulting from the present study include that bastnaesites can be stable from hydrothermal to magmatic conditions, that F-enriched species can form in an environment relatively low in F content, and that OH-species are rare and occur only in low-temperature environments essentially devoid of F.
Spatiotemporal neocartilage growth in matrix-metalloproteinase-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels under dynamic compressive loading: an experimental and computational approach

Enzyme-sensitive hydrogels containing encapsulated chondrocytes are a promising platform for cartilage tissue engineering. However, the growth of neotissue is closely coupled to the degradation of the hydrogel and is further complicated due to the encapsulated cells serving as the enzyme source for hydrogel degradation. To better understand these coupled processes, this study combined experimental and computational methods to analyze the transition from hydrogel to neotissue in a biomimetic MMP-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel with encapsulated chondrocytes. A physics-based computational model that describes spatial heterogeneities in cell distribution was used. Experimentally, cell-laden hydrogels were cultured for six weeks under free swelling or subjected daily to one-hour of dynamic compressive loading. Extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis rates were used as model inputs, and the model was fit to the experimentally determined construct modulus over time for the free swelling condition. Experimentally, ECM accumulation comprising collagen II and aggrecan increased over time concomitant with hydrogel degradation observed by a loss in PEG. Simulations demonstrated rapid degradation in regions of high cell density (i.e., cell clusters) reaching complete degradation by day 13, which facilitated localized ECM growth. Regions of low cell density degraded more slowly, had limited ECM, and led to the decrease in construct modulus during the first two weeks. The primary difference between the two culture environments was greater ECM accumulation in the clusters under free swelling, which facilitated a faster recovery in construct modulus. By 6 weeks the compressive modulus increased 2.5-fold to 107 kPa under free swelling, but dropped 1.6-fold to 26 kPa under loading. In summary, this biomimetic MMP-sensitive hydrogel supports neocartilage growth by facilitating rapid ECM growth within cell clusters, which was followed by slower growth in the rest of the hydrogel. Subtle temporal differences in hydrogel degradation and ECM accumulation, however, had a significant impact on the evolving mechanical properties.
Effect of Confinement on Solvent-Driven Infiltration of the Polymer into Nanoparticle Packings

Nanocomposite films containing a high volume fraction (>50 vol %) of nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer matrix are promising for their functionality and use as structural coatings and also provide a ...
Intraneural ultramicroelectrode arrays for function-specific interfacing to the vagus nerve.

Abstract Selective interfacing to small multifunctional nerves such as the vagus nerve (VN) which is the main multimodal autonomic nerve that provides a major communication pathway from vital peripheral organs to the brain, can have significant potential in treating and diagnosing diseases as well as enhancing our understanding of peripheral nerve circuits. Here we describe the fabrication of a 16-channel intraneural electrode array with ultramicro-dimensioned electrodes to achieve improved functionally selective recording. We demonstrate that the amorphous silicon carbide ultramicroelectrode arrays (a-SiC UMEAs) provide selectivity in the detection of neural activity in the cVN related to changes in systemic oxygenation and blood pressure. We will also demonstrate spatially selective recording of micro-compound action potentials (μCAPs) by electrical stimulation of the subdiaphragmatic branches of the VN. Distinct neural activity was recorded on electrodes separated by less than about 100 μm. This is the first time that this level of spatially selectivity recording has been demonstrated in the cVN with an intraneural multielectrode array.
The Effects of Inattention/Impulsivity and Aggression on the Development of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co-occurs with additional symptoms of psychopathology and challenging behaviors. While aggressive behaviors are often associated with attention deficits and hyperactivity in children with ASD, there is limited research on the impact that inattention/impulsivity and aggressive behaviors have on the developmental functioning of toddlers with ASD. However, identifying comorbidities is necessary for proper intervention. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of inattention/impulsivity and aggressive behaviors on several domains of developmental functioning in infants and toddlers with ASD as measured by the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2). This study compared four groups consisting of 29 toddlers each: without inattention/impulsivity or aggressive behaviors (i.e., -I/-A), with inattention/impulsivity but without aggressive behaviors (i.e., + I/-A), without inattention/impulsivity but with aggressive behaviors (i.e., –I/ + A), and with both inattention/impulsivity and aggressive behaviors (i.e., + I/ + A). The results of the current study revealed significant group differences in Personal-Social, Communication, Motor, and Cognitive domains of the BDI-2. The significance and implications of the present study are discussed.
The Milnor degree of a 3-manifold

The Milnor degree of a 3-manifold is an invariant that records the maximum simplicity, in terms of higher-order linking, of any link in the 3-sphere that can be surgered to give the manifold. This invariant is investigated in the context of torsion linking forms, nilpotent quotients of the fundamental group, Massey products and quantum invariants, and the existence of 3-manifolds with any prescribed Milnor degree and first Betti number is established. Along the way, it is shown that the number M r k of linearly independent Milnor invariants of degree k ,f orr-component links in the 3-sphere whose lower degree invariants vanish, is positive except in the classically known cases (when r =1 , and whenr =2w ithk = 2, 4 or 6).
Lenny makes some-thing: "turn me on (feat.ARCX)" MV

Musician Lenny escapes from his boring routine through his music. Singing his new song "Turn Me On," he meets his muse Tinkerbell, travels together in the fantasy world, and fascinates various fairy tale characters.The entire music video is produced in 3D animation, featuring a low frame rate reminding of a stop motion animation and a unique expression of material that varies from sequence to sequence.
Robotic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis – Natural orifice extraction with stapleless hand-sewn intracorporeal anastomosis

AIM A sigmoidectomy is the most definitive surgical treatment for recurrent diverticulitis. While it is usually accomplished via transabdominal specimen extraction and stapled anastomosis, the robotic platform can facilitate novel approaches and techniques. This is the first report of the initial experience using robotic sigmoidectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction and hand-sewn anastomosis (NOSHA). METHOD A prospectively maintained database of NOSHA procedures performed between 2018 and 2020 was retrospectively examined. The technique was described and variables across preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative timeframes were presented. The Clavien-Dindo classification system was used to describe postoperative complications. RESULTS Sixteen patients with recurrent diverticulitis treated with NOSHA were included in this study. Transanal specimen extraction and an intracorporeal hand-sewn anastomosis were achieved in all patients. However, two (12.8%) patients required specimen debulking prior to extraction. The mean operating time was 171.7 min, and patients had a return of bowel function within an average period of 35.2 h. The mean hospital length of stay was 2.9 days. In total, two (12.8%) complications were seen: one postoperative ileus managed conservatively and one readmission for abdominal pain which resolved without intervention. No anastomotic leaks or reoperations were observed. CONCLUSION Robotic NOSHA appears to be a viable technique for the surgical management of diverticulitis. Further studies are needed to establish its utility for various diseases and its reproducibility across clinical practices.
Aspirin versus anticoagulation for stroke prophylaxis in blunt cerebrovascular injury: a propensity-matched retrospective cohort study

Objective The goal of this study was to compare the odds of stroke 24 hours or more after hospital arrival among patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) who were treated with therapeutic anticoagulation versus aspirin. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study at a regional level I trauma center including all patients with BCVI who were treated over a span of 10 years. Individuals with stroke on arrival or within the first 24 hours were excluded, as were those receiving alternative antithrombotic drugs or procedural treatment. Exact logistic regression was used to examine the association between treatment and stroke, adjusting for injury grade. To account for the possibility of residual confounding, propensity scores for the likelihood of receiving anticoagulation were determined and used to match patients from each treatment group; the difference in the probability of stroke between the two groups was then calculated. Results A total of 677 patients with BCVI receiving aspirin or anticoagulation were identified. A total of 3.8% (n = 23) of 600 patients treated with aspirin sustained a stroke, compared to 11.7% (n = 9) of 77 receiving anticoagulation. After adjusting for injury grade with exact regression, anticoagulation was associated with higher likelihood of stroke (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.00-8.21). In the propensity-matched analysis, patients who received anticoagulation had a 15.0% (95% CI 3.7%-26.3%) higher probability of sustaining a stroke compared to those receiving aspirin. Conclusions Therapeutic anticoagulation may be inferior to aspirin for stroke prevention in BCVI. Prospective research is warranted to definitively compare these treatment strategies.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review of the Literature

There is evidence that diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is able to detect tissue alterations following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that may not be observed on conventional neuroimaging; however, findings are often inconsistent between studies. This systematic review assesses patterns of differences in DWI metrics between those with and without a history of mTBI. A PubMed literature search was performed using relevant indexing terms for articles published prior to May 14, 2020. Findings were limited to human studies using DWI in mTBI. Articles were excluded if they were not full-length, did not contain original data, if they were case studies, pertained to military populations, had inadequate injury severity classification, or did not report post-injury interval. Findings were reported independently for four subgroups: acute/subacute pediatric mTBI, acute/subacute adult mTBI, chronic adult mTBI, and sport-related concussion, and all DWI acquisition and analysis methods used were included. Patterns of findings between studies were reported, along with strengths and weaknesses of the current state of the literature. Although heterogeneity of sample characteristics and study methods limited the consistency of findings, alterations in DWI metrics were most commonly reported in the corpus callosum, corona radiata, internal capsule, and long association pathways. Many acute/subacute pediatric studies reported higher FA and lower ADC or MD in various regions. In contrast, acute/subacute adult studies most commonly indicate lower FA within the context of higher MD and RD. In the chronic phase of recovery, FA may remain low, possibly indicating overall demyelination or Wallerian degeneration over time. Longitudinal studies, though limited, generally indicate at least a partial normalization of DWI metrics over time, which is often associated with functional improvement. We conclude that DWI is able to detect structural mTBI-related abnormalities that may persist over time, although future DWI research will benefit from larger samples, improved data analysis methods, standardized reporting, and increasing transparency.
FGFR Inhibitors in Oncology: Insight on the Management of Toxicities in Clinical Practice

Fibroblast Growth Factor receptor (FGFR) pathway aberrations have been implicated in approximately 7% of the malignancies. As our knowledge of FGFR aberrations in cancer continues to evolve, FGFR inhibitors emerged as potential targeted therapeutic agents. The promising results of pemigatinib and infigratinib in advanced unresectable cholangiocarcinoma harboring FGFR2 fusions or rearrangement, and erdafitinib in metastatic urothelial carcinoma with FGFR2 and FGFR3 genetic aberrations, lead to their accelerated approval by the United States (USA) FDA. Along with these agents, many phase II/III clinical trials are currently evaluating the use of derazantinib, infigratinib, and futibatinib either alone or in combination with immunotherapy. Despite the encouraging results seen with FGFR inhibitors, resistance mechanisms and side effect profile may limit their clinical utility. A better understanding of the unique FGFR-inhibitor-related toxicities would invariably help us in the prevention and effective management of FGFR-inhibitor-induced adverse events thereby enhancing their clinical benefit. Herein, we summarized the physiology of FGF/FGFR signaling and briefly discussed the possible mechanisms that could lead to FGFR inhibitor resistance and side effects. In addition, we proposed treatment guidelines for the management of FGFR-inhibitor-associated toxicities. This work would invariably help practicing oncologists to effectively manage the unique toxicities of FGFR inhibitors.
Lower respiratory tract infections in early life are associated with obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis during childhood in a large birth cohort.

Study objectives Several birth cohorts have defined the pivotal role of early lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in the inception of pediatric respiratory conditions. However, the association between early LRTI and the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children has not been established. Methods To investigate whether early LRTIs increase the risk of pediatric OSA, we analyzed clinical data in children followed during the first 5 years in the Boston Birth Cohort (n = 3114). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted by pertinent covariates were used to evaluate the risk of OSA by the age of 5 years between children with LRTI during the first 2 years of life in comparison to those without LRTI during this period. Results Early life LRTI increased the risk of pediatric OSA independently of other pertinent covariates and risk factors (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.05). Importantly, the association between LRTI and pediatric OSA was limited to LRTIs occurring during the first 2 years of life. Complementarily to this finding, we observed that children who had severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis during infancy had two times higher odds of OSA at 5 years in comparison with children without this exposure (odds ratio, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.88). Conclusions Children with severe LRTIs in early life have significantly increased risk of developing OSA during the first 5 years of life. Our results offer a new paradigm for investigating novel mechanisms and interventions targeting the early pathogenesis of OSA in the pediatric population.
Techniques and Technologies to Improve Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Outcomes in Pediatric Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE Insertion and function of pediatric peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) present challenges. We systematically reviewed techniques and technologies to improve PIVC outcomes (first-time insertion success, overall insertion success, time to insertion, dwell time, failure, and complications). DATA SOURCES Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CONTROL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), US National Library of Medicine, and Embase. STUDY SELECTION English-language pediatric trials published post 2010 reporting PIVC outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION Following Cochrane standards, two authors screened, extracted, and critiqued study quality (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach) data, random effects analysis, results expressed as risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD) and 95% CIs. RESULTS Twenty-one studies (3237 children; 3098 PIVCs) were included. First-time insertion success significantly increased with ultrasound guidance (compared with landmark insertion; RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.02-2.50). Use of ultrasound guidance (compared with landmark insertion) did not improve overall PIVC insertion success (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94-1.28). There was no evidence of an effect of near-infrared (compared with landmark) on first-time insertion success (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.91-1.59) or number of attempts (MD, -0.65; 95% CI, -1.59 to 0.29); however, it significantly reduced PIVC insertion time (MD, -132.47; 95% CI, -166.68 to -98.26) and increased first-time insertion success in subgroup analysis of patients with difficult intravenous access (RR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.02-7.24). LIMITATIONS Few studies per intervention, small sample sizes, and inconsistent outcome measures precluded definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound and near-infrared appear to improve pediatric PIVC insertion. High-quality studies examining the full extent of techniques and technologies are needed. Registration: CRD42020175314.
Andy Warhol's Pantry Tokens

This essay announces the creation of the "Andy Warhol's Pantry Tokens" collection of NFTs. This collection of 60 NFTs corresponds to 60 works of art I created. Ownership of one of the NFTs in this collection constitutes ownership of the unique copy of the work to which it corresponds. The unique copies are stored in the Brian L. Frye Shoebox Art Freehold at an undisclosed location. The owner of an NFT can redeem the NFT for the copy at any time, by burning the NFT and sending me their mailing address. Each work consists of an image drawn by Andy Warhol and printed in Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Cookbook (1961), which I cut out of a copy of the cookbook and glued to a card. I created a PDF scan of each work for the purpose of illustrating the sale of the NFT to which it corresponds. Ownership of an NFT from this collection does not constitute ownership of copyright in the drawing represented in the work corresponding to the NFT. This essay reflects on the copyright problems presented by the creation and sale of these NFTs. For better or worse, I believe no infringement has occurred. Do you agree?
Suspension kinematic structure for passive control of vehicle attitude

The motion geometry of an independent suspension linkage have significant influence on vehicle behaviour. We state the geometric requirements for optimal vehicle performance as two sets of specifications, one on wheel–road kinematics and the other on sprung mass–road kinematics. As most current passenger cars are equipped with passive single–degree–of–freedom independent suspensions, we evaluate such linkages in terms of their potential to meet these requirements. We show that: (1) for cars which roll, camber and track width control are not achievable; (2) many current suspensions display undesirable for ride feature known as bump steer; (3) cars which maintain constant track width during straight–line motion cannot achieve zero roll during turns; (4) zero pitch during straight–line acceleration is not achievable if the accelerating inputs are provided at only one end of the vehicle. We propose novel multi–degrees–of–freedom suspensions which are capable of passive control of vehicle roll and ditch, our solutions rely on the inclusion of joints in the suspension linkage in such a way that they are always reciprocal to the external forces exerted by the environment on the automobile. As a rule, these external forces produce no undesirable motions of the suspension linkage and our designs are therefore passive. The design methodology used herein may also be extended to camber control arrangements in which the jounce–rebound motions of the wheel are decoupled from the camber degree–of–freedom. However, the camber, roll, and pitch control capabilities are achieved at the cost of increased mechanical complexity in the suspension linkage.
Models of Neuron Pools

In this chapter we consider efforts directed toward understanding the dynamic properties of neuron pools of intermediate size, containing some hundreds to thousands of neurons. The motivation behind this work is the possibility of understanding the overall dynamics of large masses of neural tissue in terms of such pools, on the one hand, and to understand the properties of such pools in terms of their individual constituent neurons, on the other. Thus, such pools might serve as an intermediate conceptual device in linking the dynamic properties of single neurons to the behavior of extensive masses of neural tissue—a gap that has not been successfully bridged by other means at least thus far.
Time-varying volume geometry compression with 4d lifting wavelet transform

Geometry compression is an effective way to distribute high-volume geometry data within limited bandwidth and storage capacity. In this paper, a new time-varying 3D geometry compression method based on 4D lifted wavelet transform is presented. In this hybrid approach, geometric information and animation are compressed based volume grid values. Isosurfaces are reconst-ructed from decompressed grid values. With rescaling and integer-to-integer lifting, compression ratio is significantly increased without compromising quality of surfaces.
South Asia: From Political Economy to Intellectual and Cultural Life

From the 1970s the received wisdom of eighteenth-century South Asian decline was replaced with a new vision of dynamism and change. Much of this work focused on issues of political economy, but more recently the study of the eighteenth century has broadened to include intellectual life, the arts and literature, in which there were lively indigenous traditions that were enriched from interaction with Europeans. Although political economy is less prominent in recent writings on eighteenth-century South Asia, it cannot be omitted from the picture altogether, given that states and rulers were important patrons of many intellectual and artistic pursuits.