cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MR Elastography Demonstrates Increased Brain Stiffness in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a reversible neurologic disorder characterized by a triad of cognitive impairment, gait abnormality, and urinary incontinence that is commonly treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. However, multiple overlapping symptoms often make it difficult to differentiate normal pressure hydrocephalus from other types of dementia, and improved diagnostic techniques would help patient management. MR elastography is a novel diagnostic tool that could potentially identify patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. The purpose of this study was to assess brain stiffness changes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus compared with age- and sex-matched cognitively healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR elastography was performed on 10 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and 21 age- and sex-matched volunteers with no known neurologic disorders. Image acquisition was conducted on a 3T MR imaging scanner. Shear waves with 60-Hz vibration frequency were transmitted into the brain by a pillowlike passive driver. A novel postprocessing technique resistant to noise and edge artifacts was implemented to determine regional brain stiffness. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant increase in stiffness was observed in the cerebrum (P = .001), occipital lobe (P CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates increased brain stiffness in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls; these findings should motivate future studies investigating the use of MR elastography for this condition and the efficacy of shunt therapy.
Development of Electro-Optic Phase Modulator for 94 GHz Imaging System

This paper presents the latest improvements in design and fabrication of ridged LiNbO3 optical phase modulators operating in the W-band for millimeter-wave imaging applications at 94 GHz. It describes the design conditions for effective index matching between optical carrier at 1550 nm and millimeter-wave signal, as well as impedance matching and propagation losses reduction. The impacts of different geometric parameters on the device performance are discussed. In addition, the paper reports the diverse material processing techniques for device fabrication. Characterization of the fabricated devices shows conversion efficiency as high as 1.045 W- 1 at 94 GHz with a 7 V dc half-wave voltage and a 3.7 dB optical insertion loss.
Impact of virtual reality on young adults' physiological arousal and aggressive thoughts: Interaction versus observation

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of playing versus observing a violent virtual reality game on young adults' arousal levels, feelings of hostility, and aggressive thoughts. Physiological arousal and aggressive thoughts, but not hostile feelings, were higher for participants than for observers of the virtual reality game. Results suggest that technologies varying from observational to participatory modes of interaction can have differing physiological and cognitive consequences.
The future of school feeding programs.

To forecast the future of school feeding programs especially programs aimed at the underprivileged we must closely examine the past and observe which processes have succeeded and which have failed. We have amassed a significant amount of information derived from well-controlled brilliantly designed experimental studies almost all demonstrating the fact that poorly nourished children benefit cognitively from school feeding programs. Accumulating a large amount of replicable results in this difficult area of human behavior research particularly with children should constitute a source of great pride and accomplishment. However many of us are left with a tremendous sense of frustration and maybe even despair. Why havent governments used this information to initiate more school feeding programs for the poor? Instead governments are either maintaining the status quo or even worse retrenching. The answer lies in the fact that our research agenda has been primarily aimed at our fellow researchers and not at political and government administrators. The importance of re-orienting our research direction is plainly evident in the history of the re-authorization of the federal WIC (Women Infants and Children) program. This program provides food and nutrition counseling to low-income mothers and their children. The law was created as one of the Great Society programs of Lyndon Johnson but was considered for renewal during the presidency of Ronald Reagan no friend to programs designed to help the poor and the less fortunate. Although Reagan and other conservative politicians wanted the program destroyed they were persuaded by some brilliant research of David Rush and other epidemiologic scientists. (excerpt)
Functional Testing of a Multicomponent Diode Laser Spectrometer (DIOLA) in Comparison with the Conventional Technology

A new “System for Emission Sampling and Measurement” (SESAM) containing a Multicomponent Diode Laser Spectrometer (DIOLA) as the analyzer was tested at a chassis dynamometer to determine the respective modal and integral automobile exhaust gas emission concentrations during a prescribed driving schedule. The spectrometer is equipped with six laser stations for the measurement of the regulated exhaust gas components CO, CO2, NO and NO2 and for the unregulated components formaldehyde and methanol. SESAM also contains a device to determine the exhaust gas flow for the calculation of the mass emissions. The investigations demonstrated that the DIOLA can yield equivalent results compared to conventional analyzers. However, further improvements are necessary to make this exhaust gas analyzer concept ready for daily use in a emission test laboratory.
Organizing in the White Community

■ Victimized by the inequities of the corporate state, working-class whites have turned on the ethnic poor as the cause of their woes rather than viewing them as the fellow victims they actually are. Therefore, if categorical social welfare reform is to be instituted, the organizer in the white community must take local politics and attitudes into account. In this way, he not only will obtain the community's sanction for his efforts, but will have the opportunity to change local trends and stretch the parameters of local consensus and community flexibility. ■
Can resuscitation run like a fine Swiss timepiece

This editorial refers to ‘Better management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increases survival rate and improves neurological outcome in the Swiss Canton Ticino’ by R. Mauri et al., on page 398–404. Resuscitation of cardiac arrest involves a number of time-dependent steps including early activation of the emergency response system, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, advanced care, and post-cardiac arrest care, widely known as the chain of survival.1 Each link in this chain plays a critical role in determining the ultimate outcome of the patient. More recently, a sixth component in this sequence has emerged, described as early community activation.2 This occurs when the public itself participates in the organized response to a cardiac arrest thru use of social media technologies that summon volunteer lay rescuers who are in close proximity to the arrest scene.3 Taken together with a comprehensive cardiac arrest surveillance system, high-performance CPR by professional providers and an emphasis on continuous quality improvement, these measures offer the hope of improving survival outcome from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in any community where they …
Effects of orally disintegrating vs regular olanzapine tablets on body weight, eating behavior, glycemic and lipid indices, and gastrointestinal hormones: a randomized, open comparison in outpatients with bipolar depression.

Background This randomized, open-label trial aimed to compare the metabolic effects of olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) and solid oral tablets (SOT) in bipolar depressed and mixed outpatients. Methods Participants were openly randomized to receive olanzapine ODT (n = 13) or SOT (n = 10), 10 to 20 mg, once daily. Weight, body mass index (BMI), Food Craving Inventory (FCI), and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (3-FEQ) scores were assessed at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Fasting glucose and lipid levels were assessed at baseline and at week 8. Insulin and leptin concentrations were measured just prior to olanzapine baseline dosing, 1 and 2 hours following administration of baseline dose, and at weeks 4 and 8. Results Patients showed significant increases in weight, BMI, and leptin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), but not in FCI or 3-FEQ scores, over 8 weeks of treatment with olanzapine ODT and SOT. However, no significant differences between olanzapine formulations (ODT vs SOT) were observed in any of the measures assessed, except for a significantly lower triglyceride concentration in the ODT group at week 8. Conclusions There was no consistent difference in metabolic profile between olanzapine ODT and SOT formulations during short-term treatment of bipolar depressed patients. Potential differences related to effects on triglyceride concentration warrant further confirmation.
Three TNFR-binding domains of PGRN act independently in inhibition of TNF-alpha binding and activity.

PGRN was previously reported to bind to TNF receptors (TNFR) and is therapeutic against inflammatory arthritis. Here we present further evidences demonstrating the PGRN inhibition of TNFα binding and activity, and clarifying the distinct mechanisms underlying TNFα inhibition between PGRN and classic TNFα-binding inhibitors. In addition, we present evidences indicating that three TNFR binding domains of PGRN act independently in binding to TNFR. Furthermore, changing the order of three TNFR-binding domains in Atsttrin, an PGRN-derived molecule composed of these TNFR-binding domains, does not affect its anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF activities in both collagen-induced inflammatory arthritis and human TNF-α transgenic mouse model. Taken together, these findings provide the additional molecular basis underlying PGRN/TNFR interaction and PGRN-mediated anti-inflammatory activity in various inflammatory diseases and conditions.
Keys to the Subgenera, Complexes, and Species of the Genus Pogonomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in North America, for Identification of the Workers

Keys are presented to workers of the North American subgenera Pogonomyrmex s. s. and Ephebomyrmex , the 4 complexes ( badius, barbatus, occidentalis, and maricopa ), and 21 taxa (17 named and 4 unnamed species).
Exact Finite-Range Distorted-Wave Born-Approximation Calculation for the Reactions Pb 208 ( O 16 , N 15 ) Bi 209 and Sr 88 ( O 16 , N 15 ) Y 89

We develop a straightforward, fast approach to exact finite-range distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations, and apply it to the analyses of the reactions $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$($^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{15}\mathrm{N}$)$^{209}\mathrm{Bi}$ and $^{88}\mathrm{Sr}$($^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{15}\mathrm{N}$)$^{89}\mathrm{Y}$.
Effects of forested floodplain soil properties on phosphorous concentrations in two Chesapeake Bay sub-watersheds, Virginia, USA

Aquatic ecosystems are known to undergo fluctuations in nutrient levels as a result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Changes in both extrinsic and intrinsic fluvial dynamics necessitate constant monitoring as anthropogenic alterations exert new pressures to previously stable river basins. In this study, we analyzed stream water and riparian zone soil phosphorous (P) dynamics in two third-order sub-watersheds of the lower Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, USA. The Ni River is predominantly forested (70 % forested), and Sugarland Run is a more human impacted (>45 % impervious surfaces) sub-watershed located in the suburbs of Washington D.C. Total stream P concentrations were measured during both high and low flows and Mehlich-3 methods were used to evaluate potential P fluxes in riparian soils. The results show total stream P concentrations in Sugarland Run ranged from 0.002 to 0.20 ppm, with an average of 0.054 ppm. In contrast, the forested Ni River had typical stream P concentrations <0.01 ppm. Total soil P was significantly higher in the more urbanized Sugarland Run basin (23.8 ± 2.1 ppm) compared to the Ni River basin (16 ± 3.7 ppm). Average stream bank erosion rates and corresponding cut-bank P flux rates were estimated to be 7.98 cm year(-1) and 361 kg P year(-1) for Ni River and 9.84 cm year(-1) and 11,600 kg P year(-1) for Sugarland Run, respectively. The significantly higher values of total P in the stream water and floodplain cut-banks of Sugarland Run suggests erosion and resuspension of previously deposited legacy sediments is an important processes in this human-impacted basin.
Research and Application of Generator Excitation Real-time Monitoring System

A technical solution on real-time monitoring of generator excitation system is introduced.In the solution,optical transducer measuring field current and voltage is used in complex electromagnetic environments in order to enhance the safety,accuracy and real-time of data collection.Through the simulation software for excitation system,recorded wave forms on unit excitation tests are analyzed and the excitation parameters of the static self-excitation unit are identified.The analysis of recorded wave data from the laboratory and field indicates the validity of the solution approach.
Ray Effect Mitigation Through Reference Frame Rotation

The discrete ordinates method is a popular and versatile technique for solving the radiative transport equation, a major drawback of which is the presence of ray effects. Mitigation of ray effects can yield significantly more accurate results and enhanced numerical stability for combined mode codes. Moreover, when ray effects are present, the solution is seen to be highly dependent upon the relative orientation of the geometry and the global reference frame. It is an undesirable property. A novel ray effect mitigation technique of averaging the computed solution for various reference frame orientations is proposed.
The Spirit in Mind, Body and Spirit

The discourse of wellbeing emphasizes not only the mind and the body. The spirit also features in the holistic health domain and in the stories of some wellbeing seekers.1 Even though most holistic health practices make reference to the mind, the body and the spirit, the practical importance of spirituality varies between practices, but also between individual clients and practitioners. While a sense of something higher permeates practices like healing, the importance of spirituality can be less central, and more implicit, in practices focusing, for example, primarily on the body.
Predicting pharmacy students’ intention to apply for a residency: A systematic theory of planned behavior approach

Abstract Objective The current literature has identified many motivating factors and barriers influencing pharmacy students' decision to apply for residency training. Despite a growing need for residency trained pharmacists to advance the profession, it is not clear why only about one in four pharmacy students decide to pursue a residency, and which of these factors have the most influence on student decision-making. The study examines the factors associated with pharmacy students' intention to apply for a postgraduate residency using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework. Methods Second and third-year students from four Texas pharmacy schools were surveyed using an online questionnaire based on the TPB. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were utilized to assess the study objectives. Results A total of 251 completed responses were received. Attitude, subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significant predictors of intention to apply for a pharmacy residency ( β = 0.32, 0.58, and 0.36, respectively, p β = 0.71, p = 0.006). Additional significant predictors of intention include believing a residency would increase confidence in practicing pharmacy ( β = 0.36, p β = 0.16, p β = 0.10, p = 0.003) and family ( β = 0.08, p = 0.02); believing financial obligations ( β = 0.20, p = 0.006), feeling afraid of the competition and/or not matching ( β = 0.24, p β = 0.09, p = 0.04), and the lengthy application and/or interview process ( β = 0.12, p = 0.04) would make it more difficult to apply for a residency. Conclusions The TPB model was useful in predicting pharmacy students' intention to apply for a residency, and all TPB constructs were significant predictors. Therefore, interventions that target students' attitude, SN, and PBC may be valuable to increase their intention, especially the specific beliefs identified to significantly predict intention. Future research into methods in which these motivating factors can be encouraged and perceived barriers can be addressed by pharmacy stakeholders will increase interest and participation in residency training.
Can reduced field-of-view diffusion sequence help assess microsatellite instability in FIGO stage 1 endometrial cancer?

Purpose To determine if a reduced-field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) sequence can differentiate the imaging characteristics of tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI) from those that are microsatellite stable (MSS) in patients with clinical FIGO stage IA endometrial cancer and if MRI can be used to determine MSI status. Materials and Methods Sagittal rFOV diffusion-weighted images were obtained in 12 patients on a 3T scanner using six b-values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 600). These images were used to derive apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (Dt), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f). Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence on an Advantage Windows workstation and were copied to the same location on IVIM-derived images. The ROI mean of these images was recorded and compared with the microsatellite status. The depth of myometrial invasion and IVIM-derived parameters were tabulated by microsatellite status. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare T1 postcontrast images and IVIM-derived images and microsatellite status. Results Six patients had MSS tumors and six had MSI tumors. MSS tumors had a significantly higher ADC value (P = 0.03) and Dt (P = 0.045) than the MSI tumors. There was no association between 0.99. Conclusion IVIM, ADC and Dt may be able to determine microsatellite status noninvasively in patients with clinical FIGO stage I endometrial cancer. Level of Evidence: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1216–1224
Modern-Day Monitorships

When a sexual abuse scandal rocked Penn State, when Apple was found to have engaged in anticompetitive behavior, and when servicers like Bank of America improperly foreclosed upon hundreds of thousands of homeowners, each organization entered into a “Modern-Day Monitorship.” Modern-day monitorships are utilized in an array of contexts to assist in widely varying remediation efforts. This is because they provide outsiders with a unique source of information about the efficacy of the tarnished organization’s efforts to resolve misconduct. Yet, despite their use in high profile and serious matters of organizational wrongdoing, they are not an outgrowth of careful study and deliberate planning. Instead, modern-day monitorships have been employed in an ad-hoc and reactionary manner, which has resulted in repeated instances of controversy and calls for reform. Underlying these calls for reform has been an implicit assumption that broad-based rules can effectively regulate all monitorships.Yet, when tested, this assumption is found lacking. This Article traces the rise of the modern-day monitorship and, for the first time, analyzes the use of monitorships in five different contexts. The analysis demonstrates that modern-day monitorships have experienced a rapid evolution with important consequences. First, as the Apple monitorship demonstrates, this evolution has changed the manner in which courts and lawyers conceive of the appropriate boundaries and norms for court-ordered monitorships. Second, as the Penn State scandal reveals, private organizations are co-opting the use of monitorships, which may transform the nature of monitorships from a quasi-governmental enforcement mechanism to a privatized reputation remediation tool. Third, monitorships fall into different categories based on the type of remediation effort the monitorship is meant to achieve. Because these different categories necessitate different monitorship structures to achieve the goals of each monitorship, attempts to adopt universal rules governing monitorships may be misguided. In short, differences matter when evaluating monitorships.
Exploring Emergent Curriculum Through Pop-Up Books

In this article, I challenge the recurrent theory—practice divide in art teacher preparation (Hochtritt, Thulson, Delaney, Dornbush, & Shay, 2014; Walker, 2014) and its splintering implications for...
Dietary sodium intake among US adults with hypertension, 1999-2012.

Objective Excess sodium consumption has strong links with hypertension and cardiovascular disease with Food and Drug Association calling to limit sodium intake. However, little is known regarding the trends of sodium intake among hypertensive patients in the United States. Methods Data from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2012) were used to identify adults older than 20 years with self-reported hypertension. Sodium intake was measured through 24-h dietary recall. Linear regression was used to assess the time trends of sodium intake. Results Between the years of 1999 and 2012, sodium consumption increased 14.2% among all adults with hypertension (P = 0.012). The increase was seen in both sexes (by 13.3%, P = 0.023 for male, and by 12.1%, P = 0.015 for female). A significant increase was seen in the amount of sodium consumption among Hispanic (by 26.2%, P = 0.021) and African-American (by 20%, P = 0.031) participants, but not among non-Hispanic whites (by 2%, P = 0.096) during the study period. Participants with higher level of education (3487 ± 1678 vs. 3230 ± 1785 mg, P = 0.002) and household income (3527 ± 1770 vs. 3301 ± 1726 mg, P = 0.009) were found to consume more sodium, which remained significant after adjustment for age. Conclusion Sodium intake has increased over the last two decades among individuals with hypertension. The increase was especially marked for Hispanics and African-Americans. Improved population-based interventions, including more effective strategies and aggressive approaches to reduce the sodium consumption among hypertensive adults, are needed.
Impact of Race on the Surgical Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction

Background Small bowel obstruction (SBO) represents roughly 15% of admissions by general surgeons. Management of SBO relies heavily on provider judgment, including decisions on how long to try nonsurgical management and whether to use a laparoscopic or open approach when surgery is needed. Given the subjective nature of these decisions, it is unknown if patient race influences management of SBO. Study Design The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients who underwent adhesiolysis or small bowel resection for adhesive SBO between 2010 and 2015 (n = 13,896). Adjusted logistic regression models incorporating patient comorbidity, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and emergency status were used to analyze odds of receiving surgery after 5 days from hospital admission (Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma guidelines) and of undergoing an open operation. Results Patients who waited more than 5 days for a procedure had greater adjusted odds of postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.56 95% CI 1.37 to 1.79) compared with those waiting 5 days or less. Similarly, open procedures had higher odds of complication compared with laparoscopic (OR 2.31 95% CI 2.00 to 2.68). Regression analysis demonstrated that black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to wait more than 5 days for surgery (OR 1.31 95% CI [1.13–1.53]) and undergo open surgery (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.79). There was no statistical difference for Hispanics patients waiting more than 5 days (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.31) or receiving open surgery (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.01) compared with white patients. Conclusions Clinical decisions regarding SBO management differ based on patient race. Future studies focusing on the surgical decision-making process and the influence of bias are needed.
Preferentially Oriented Ag Nanocrystals with Extremely High Activity and Faradaic Efficiency for CO2 Electrochemical Reduction to CO

Selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 is one of the most important processes to study because of its promise to convert this greenhouse gas to value-added chemicals at low cost. In this work, a simple anodization treatment was devised that first oxidizes Ag to Ag2CO3, then uses rapid electrochemical reduction to create preferentially oriented nanoparticles (PONs) of metallic Ag (PON-Ag) with high surface area as well as high activity and very high selectivity for the reduction of CO2 to CO. The PON-Ag catalyst was dominated by (110) and (100) orientation, which allowed PON-Ag to achieve a CO Faradaic efficiency of 96.7% at an operating potential of -0.69 V vs RHE. This performance is not only significantly higher than that of polycrystalline Ag (60% at -0.87 V vs RHE) but also represents one of the best combinations of activity and selectivity achieved to date - all with a very simple, scalable approach to electrode fabrication.
Cooling energy saving associated with exterior greenery systems for three US Department of Energy (DOE) standard reference buildings

Exterior greenery systems such as green walls and green roof can provide energy saving and environmental benefits. Several previous studies examined thermal impacts of green roof/walls on a test envelope or simplified buildings in local climates. However, few studies examined the effects of exterior greenery systems considering building types, air conditioning operating conditions, and wall orientations in varied climates. The objective of this study is to investigate cooling energy savings associated with exterior greenery systems for the US Department of Energy (DOE) standard reference buildings, depending on building type, wall orientation, and local climate. Hourly energy consumption was examined for three types of reference buildings: (1) medium office, (2) hospital, and (3) primary school. For the three reference buildings, hourly solar radiation and latent heat transfer rates were calculated for four representative local climates (i.e., hot-dry, hot-humid, cold-humid, and warm-dry). Results show that latent heat transfer due to plant transpiration can dominate heat transfer through the exterior greenery systems. Among the four climates studied herein, heat removal due to evaporation by green walls and roof over the summer months (June to August) is the largest (up to 680 kWh/m2) in Phoenix, while it is in similar range (300–350 kWh/m2) for green walls and roof in other cities. Building type also has notable impacts on the energy performance of the exterior greenery system. Primary school achieves the most significant cooling energy saving in all climates because of high envelope heat gains compared to medium office and hospital. For the primary school in Phoenix, annual cooling energy saving can be maximized up to 27,000 kWh/y with green walls and up to 69,000 kWh/y with a green roof. Latent heat transfer due to evaporation is similar (< 6%) between south and west green walls, implying that utilizing a west green wall could be a good alternative or complement to using a south green wall for cooling energy saving.
3D Spatial Gaming Interaction to Broad CS Participation

We propose a 3D environment in the form of a video game where the main idea is to increase Computer Science (CS) interest. We believe that by providing software that can be used by everyone, we can spark more interest in CS. We created a simple prototype emulating an Escape Room with the idea to attract individuals of any age range with a fun learning activity, but our primary focus is on teenagers and young adults. The puzzles in the game engage the player by giving them challenges that can be completed optimally by using computer science concepts. However, the game is presented as a typical puzzle game to avoid scaring away players who may have preconceived notions of computer science. The aim is to engage players through the puzzles to promote further interest in CS concepts.
Neural network based design of metagratings

Metagratings are flat and thin surfaces that rely on unique, periodically repeating (non-gradient), arbitrary shaped light scattering units for wave manipulation. However, the absence of an empirical relationship between the structural and diffraction properties of the units enforces utilization of brute force numerical optimization techniques to determine the unit shape for a desired application. Here, we present an artificial neural network based methodology to develop a fast-paced numerical relationship between the two. We demonstrate the training and the performance of a numerical function, utilizing simulated diffraction efficiencies of a large set of units, that can instantaneously mimic the optical response of any other arbitrary shaped unit of the same class. We validate the performance of the trained neural network on a previously unseen set of test samples and discuss the statistical significance. We then utilize the virtually instantaneous network operations to inverse design the metagrating unit shapes for a desired diffraction efficiency distribution. The proposed inter-disciplinary combination of advanced information processing techniques with Maxwell's equation solvers opens a pathway for the fast-paced prediction of metagrating designs rather than full wave computation.
Second Language Pragmatics

In this chapter, I overview current research issues in L2 pragmatic learning, instruction, and assessment. The chapter begins by discussing how pragmatic competence has been conceptualized under various theoretical and analytical frameworks and then examines the recent development of data collection methods in pragmatics research focusing on how pragmatic competence has been operationalized. Two example studies are discussed to illustrate the distinct data collection and analytical approaches in L2 pragmatics research. Along with the conceptual and methodological issues, the chapter offers a survey of research issues in pragmatic learning, instruction, and assessment, in each case synthesizing the research findings available across diverse contexts focusing on current research.
Modulation of brain function by targeted delivery of GABA through the disrupted blood-brain barrier.

Abstract The technology of transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) enables a novel approach to neuromodulation, a tool for selective manipulation of brain function to be used in neurobiology research and with potential applications in clinical treatment. The method uses transcranial focused ultrasound to non-invasively open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a localized region such that a systemically injected neurotransmitter chemical can be delivered to the targeted brain site. The approach modulates the chemical signaling that occurs in and between neurons, making it complimentary to most other neuromodulation techniques that affect the electrical properties of neuronal activity. Here, we report delivering the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the right somatosensory cortex of the rat brain during bilateral hind paw electrical stimulation and measure the inhibition of activation using functional MRI (fMRI). In a 2 × 2 factorial design, we evaluated conditions of BBB Closed vs BBB Open and No GABA vs GABA. Results from fMRI measurements of the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal show: 1) intravenous GABA injection without FUS-mediated BBB opening does not have an effect on the BOLD response; 2) FUS-mediated BBB opening alone significantly alters the BOLD signal response to the stimulus, both in amplitude and shape of the time course; 3) the combination of FUS-mediated BBB opening and GABA injection further reduces the peak amplitude and spatial extent of the BOLD signal response to the stimulus. The data support the thesis that FUS-mediated opening of the BBB can be used to achieve non-invasive delivery of neuroactive substances for targeted manipulation of brain function.
An Absurd Consequence of Stanford’s New Induction Over the History of Science: A Reply to Sterpetti

In this paper, I respond to Sterpetti’s (Axiomathes, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10516-018-9392-4 ) attempt to defend Kyle P. Stanford’s Problem of Unconceived Alternatives and his New Induction over the History of Science (NIS) from my reductio argument outlined in Mizrahi (J Gen Philos Sci 47(1):59–68, 2016a). I discuss what I take to be the ways in which Sterpetti has misconstrued my argument against Stanford’s NIS, in particular, that it is a reductio, not a dilemma, as Sterpetti erroneously thinks. I argue that antirealists who endorse Stanford’s NIS still face an absurd consequence of this argument, namely, that they should not believe their own brand of scientific antirealism.
Full dimensional Franck-Condon factors for the acetylene Ã (1)Au-X̃ (1)Σ(g)(+) transition. II. Vibrational overlap factors for levels involving excitation in ungerade modes.

A full-dimensional Franck-Condon calculation has been applied to the A 1Au—X Σg+1 transition in acetylene in the harmonic normal mode basis. Details of the calculation are discussed in Part I of this series. To our knowledge, this is the first full-dimensional Franck-Condon calculation on a tetra-atomic molecule undergoing a linear-to-bent geometry change. In the current work, the vibrational intensity factors for levels involving excitation in ungerade vibrational modes are evaluated. Because the Franck-Condon integral accumulates away from the linear geometry, we have been able to treat the out-of-plane component of trans bend (ν4′′) in the linear X state in the rotational part of the problem, restoring the χ Euler angle and the a-axis Eckart conditions. A consequence of the Eckart conditions is that the out-of-plane component of ν4′′ does not participate in the vibrational overlap integral. This affects the structure of the coordinate transformation and the symmetry of the vibrational wavefunctions ...
A subset of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma is associated with transcriptionally active high-risk human papillomavirus by in situ hybridization: a clinical and pathologic analysis.

Summary Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, and pathologically, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Rendering this diagnosis can be challenging in practice because of the large number of diverse entities in the differential diagnosis. We encountered an index case of a sinonasal carcinoma otherwise diagnosable as SNUC which, on further investigation, demonstrated strong and diffuse P16 expression, as well as diffuse expression of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) RNA by in situ hybridization (ISH). We therefore hypothesized that a subset of cases previously diagnosed as SNUC may in fact harbor transcriptionally active hrHPV. We further investigated a cohort of 25 SNUC cases in our pathology archives and performed ISH for hrHPV RNA on cases that demonstrated >70% nuclear and cytoplasmic P16 expression, criteria which, in other anatomic sites, correlates strongly with the presence of hrHPV. Twelve of 25 SNUC cases were P16 positive, and of these, 5 were positive for hrHPV by ISH. Thus, 20% of all SNUC cases in this cohort harbored transcriptionally active hrHPV. Herein, we report a clinical and pathologic analysis of these cases, including differential diagnostic considerations and comparison of their clinical behavior with SNUC cases that are negative for hrHPV by ISH.
Description of a new Tegenaria Latreille, 1804 from southern Turkey with remarks on the Tegenaria ariadnae species-complex (Arachnida, Araneae).

A new cave-dwelling species of Tegenaria, T. lazarovisp. nov., is described from southern Turkey, based on both sexes. The new species belongs to the T. ariadnae species-complex which is distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean (Crete, northern Libya). The new species is compared to its morphologically closest congeners. New taxonomically relevant pictures are given for two of them. The distribution of the Tegenaria ariadnae species-complex is summarized and discussed.
Epigenetics of allergies: From birth to childhood

Abstract In an effort to gain insights into the inception and course of allergic diseases, the role of epigenetic processes, primarily DNA methylation, is actively being explored. Indeed, epigenetic mechanisms guide developmental programs, regulate gene expression independently of changes to the DNA sequence, and offer the plasticity to respond to environmental stimuli, factors known to influence allergic disease pathogenesis. To date, most studies have characterized relationships between DNA methylation and concurrent disease, but whether disease-associated methylation profiles are a cause or consequence of the disease is difficult to decipher. A growing body of work is now exploring whether DNA methylation profiles at birth influence subsequent disease trajectories. These studies are the primary, albeit not the only, focus of this review.
Strategies for Testing Intervention Matching Schemes in Cancer

Personalized medicine, or the tailoring of health interventions to an individual's nuanced and often unique genetic, biochemical, physiological, behavioral, and/or exposure profile, is seen by many as a biological necessity given the great heterogeneity of pathogenic processes underlying most diseases. However, testing and ultimately proving the benefit of strategies or algorithms connecting the mechanisms of action of specific interventions to patient pathophysiological profiles (referred to here as "intervention matching schemes" (IMS)) is complex for many reasons. We argue that IMS are likely to be pervasive, if not ubiquitous, in future health care, but raise important questions about their broad deployment and the contexts within which their utility can be proven. For example, one could question the need to, the efficiency associated with, and the reliability of, strategies for comparing competing or perhaps complementary IMS. We briefly summarize some of the more salient issues surrounding the vetting of IMS in cancer contexts and argue that IMS are at the foundation of many modern clinical trials and intervention strategies, such as basket, umbrella, and adaptive trials. In addition, IMS are at the heart of proposed "rapid learning systems" in hospitals, and implicit in cell replacement strategies, such as cytotoxic T-cell therapies targeting patient-specific neo-antigen profiles. We also consider the need for sensitivity to issues surrounding the deployment of IMS and comment on directions for future research.
Equivalence of relativistic three-particle quantization conditions

We show that a recently derived alternative form of the relativistic three-particle quantization condition for identical particles can be rewritten in terms of the R matrix introduced to give a unitary representation of the infinite-volume three-particle scattering amplitude. Combined with earlier work, this shows the equivalence of the relativistic effective field theory approach of Refs. [M. T. Hansen and S. R. Sharpe, Phys. Rev. D 90, 116003 (2014); M. T. Hansen and S. R. Sharpe, Phys. Rev. D 92, 114509 (2015)] and the ``finite-volume unitarity'' approach of Refs. [M. Mai and M. D\"oring, Eur. Phys. J. A 53, 240 (2017); M. Mai and M. D\"oring, Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 062503 (2019)]. It also provides a generalization of the latter approach to arbitrary angular momenta of two-particle subsystems.
Volumetric changes at implant sites: A systematic appraisal of traditional methods and optical scanning-based digital technologies.

Aim To evaluate techniques for assessing soft tissue alterations at implant sites and compare the traditionally utilized methods to the newer three-dimensional technologies emerging in the literature. Materials and methods A comprehensive search was performed to identify interventional studies reporting on volumetric changes at implant sites following different treatments. Results Seventy-five articles were included the following: 30 used transgingival piercing alone, one utilized calliper, six with ultrasonography, six on cone-beam computed tomography, and 32 utilized optical scanning and digital technologies. Optical scanning-based digital technologies were the only approach that provided 'volumetric changes,' reported as volumetric variation in mm3 , or the mean distance between the surfaces/mean thickness of the reconstructed volume. High variability in the digital analysis and definition of the region of interest was observed. All the other methods reported volume variation as linear dimensional changes at different apico-coronal levels. No studies compared volumetric changes with different approaches. Conclusions Despite the emergence of optical scanning-based digital technologies for evaluating volumetric changes, a high degree of variation exists in the executed workflow, which renders the comparison of study results not feasible. Establishment of universal guidelines could allow for volumetric comparisons among different studies and treatments.
ATP utilization by a DEAD-box protein during refolding of a misfolded group I intron ribozyme.

DEAD-box helicase proteins perform ATP-dependent rearrangements of structured RNAs throughout RNA biology. Short RNA helices are unwound in a single ATPase cycle, but the ATP requirement for more complex RNA structural rearrangements is unknown. Here we measure the amount of ATP used for native refolding of a misfolded group I intron ribozyme by CYT-19, a Neurospora crassa DEAD-box protein that functions as a general chaperone for mitochondrial group I introns. By comparing the rates of ATP hydrolysis and ribozyme refolding, we find that several hundred ATP molecules are hydrolyzed during refolding of each ribozyme molecule. After subtracting nonproductive ATP hydrolysis that occurs in the absence of ribozyme refolding, we find that approximately 100 ATPs are hydrolyzed per refolded RNA as a consequence of interactions specific to the misfolded ribozyme. This value is insensitive to changes in ATP and CYT-19 concentration and decreases with decreasing ribozyme stability. Because of earlier findings that ∼90% of global ribozyme unfolding cycles lead back to the kinetically preferred misfolded conformation and are not observed, we estimate that each global unfolding cycle consumes ∼10 ATPs. Our results indicate that CYT-19 functions as a general RNA chaperone by using a stochastic, energy-intensive mechanism to promote RNA unfolding and refolding, suggesting an evolutionary convergence with protein chaperones.
Sociality and migration predict hybridization across birds.

Hybridization represents a natural experiment that can provide insight into processes of speciation and diversification. Though considerable research has focused on hybrid zone dynamics, macroevolu...
Reaction of Singlet Oxygen with the Ethylene Group: Implications for Electrolyte Stability in Li-Ion and Li-O2 Batteries.

Recent experimental and computational evidence indicates that singlet oxygen (1O2) attacks the ethylene group (-CH2-CH2-) in ethylene carbonate (EC) leading to degradation in Li-ion batteries employing EC as the electrolyte solvent [J. Phys. Chem. A2018, 122, 8828-8839]. Here, we employ computational quantum chemistry to explore this mechanism in detail for a large set of organic molecules. Benchmark calculations comparing density functional theory to the complete active space second-order perturbation theory and internally contracted multireference configuration interaction indicate that the M11 functional adequately captures trends in the transition-state energies for this mechanism. Based on our results, we recommend that solvents which include the ethylene group should be avoided in Li-ion and Li-O2 batteries where 1O2 is generated unless neighboring functional groups raise the reaction barrier to avoid this decomposition pathway.
Management of Patients With Venous Thromboembolism After the Initial Treatment Period.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common medical problem seen in primary care settings. The most common long-term adverse sequelae are recurrent thromboembolism and incomplete resolution of the embolic material, which may result in pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic changes in the leg after deep vein thrombosis. Although there are detailed guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute VTE, there are few focused articles that provide recommendations for primary care physicians (PCPs) about how to manage VTE patients after completion of the initial period of anticoagulation treatment. Observations: In this article, we highlight several important clinical decisions that must be addressed after the first 3 months of anticoagulation treatment is complete, with a focus on particular management issues for PCPs. Conclusions: The 2 most important decisions the PCP must make are to determine, first, if symptoms of acute VTE have indeed resolved, and second, if they have resolved, to assess the long-term risk of recurrent VTE versus the risk of potential bleeding and decide if anticoagulation should be stopped, or if indefinite anticoagulation treatment is indicated. Among higher-risk patients who may benefit from indefinite anticoagulation, the PCP should discuss both the risks and benefits of anticoagulation treatment, empowering the patient to actively participate in this important shared decision-making process.